In case you missed it, the royal flush Walker and cronies thought they'd dealt themselves with the Foxconn con looks like it's closer to a pair of twos! When the deal was announced, various right-wing pundits proclaimed it a "huge win" for Walker and for Trump. Here's how Brandon Scholz, former state GOP director, described the deal: "Walk-off grand slam home run," according to the AP's Scott Bauer on July 26. Scholz "called the Foxconn news the pinnacle of Walker's time as governor and a fulfillment of what he's been promising to do. 'It's going to be tough for any of his prospective opponents to criticize him for not doing the things he's supposed to do as governor, for not improving the Wisconsin economy,' Scholz said. 'The one word response will be: Foxconn'" (Yahoo News). Many other pundits — David Blaska, George Mitchell, and Christian Schneider, to name just a few — echoed the prediction.

But a week ago, when he announced his intention to run for a third term, Walker made no mention of the deal. So what happened? One Wisconsin Now explains:

Recent public opinion polling has found widespread opposition to the Foxconn deal and deep suspicion about Gov. Walker’s political motivations in concocting the corporate giveaway. A survey of 1,116 registered Wisconsin voters conducted by Public Policy Polling on October 16 and 17 found a 49 percent plurality agreed the deal was “mainly to help him win re-election next year.” 

Respondents also expressed trepidation about specific provisions of the deal. By a 55-24 percent margin Wisconsinites were concerned the billions going to Foxconn will require cuts to other priorities like public schools, health care and roads. Special exemptions from environmental protections and limits on the authority of judges in litigation involving Foxconn were also opposed by 57 and 54 percent of respondents respectively.

So a dead cert might be a dead horse after all. And we can ease the horse out of its misery sooner than you might think. There's a special election happening in Assembly District 58 in January 2018. It's a deep red swath of Wisconsin, covering West Bend, Slinger, Hartford, and a lot of rural areas in between. But the Dems are fielding a candidate! Stay tuned for news on how to help get Dennis Degenhardt elected.

The recent elections in Virginia should have taught us a much-needed lesson: Democrats can win when we seriously contest EVERY seat. And we lose when we just shrug and tell ourselves it's a lost cause anyway. This special election is an opportunity to try out some new strategies and to hone some new messages. So I hope that when Grassroots North Shore organizes some ways to support the candidate (shortly after Thanksgiving, I'm sure), we can count on every one of you to pitch in however you can.

Meanwhile, the beat goes on. I've included two full weeks of events in today's list. You'll notice that there's lots of action, right through the holiday week. I especially want to draw your attention to the November 20 meeting of the Milwaukee County Democratic Party (being held at J&B's Blue Ribbon Bar and Grill, 5230 W. Bluemound Rd.). The county party is electing new officers and I am humbly running to be Vice Chair. If you're a dues-paying member of the party, I humbly ask for your support.

And a final note: the newsletter will be taking a holiday break next week but will return on the Tuesday following the festivities. In the interim, you can find all the local events on our website.

EVENTS

Tue Nov 14, 2017

On the Issues: Craig Gilbert, 12:15pm - 1:15pm 
Marquette University, Eckstein Hall, 1215 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee 
Craig Gilbert, Washington Bureau Chief for the Milwaukee JournalSentinel, is spending six months as a Lubar Fellow for Public PolicyResearch at Marquette Law School. He will explore the voting groups,battleground regions, and electoral trends within the state of Wisconsin that shaped the 2016 election here—and that will determinethe outcome of the 2018 midterms. RSVP required.

School Suspension Rights, 5:30pm - 7:30pm 
2821 N. 4th St, Milwaukee 
Know your rights. Students, family, and concerned community members, please consider attending this session to get more information about alarming racial disparities and understanding the legal rights of students facing suspension and expulsion in Milwaukee schools. More info.

Conversations on Race, 6:30pm - 8:30pm 
Brown Deer United Methodist Church – BDUMC, 5736 W Brown Deer Rd, BrownDeer 
Sponsor: Brown Deer United Methodist Church - BDUMC Conversations on Race is a free monthly discussion for people who are ready to discuss how we are approaching racial issues both personally and systemically. It is a time to learn about the fears, angers, prejudices, systemic privileges and spiritual power that we each hold. This month we will be led by members of SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice) who will facilitate Bystander Intervention training. This event is open to the public and is handicapped accessible. More info.

Conversations on Race, 6:30pm - 9pm 
Brown Deer United Methodist, 5736 W. Brown Deer Rd., Brown Deer 
Conversations on Race is for people who are ready to discuss how we are approaching racial issues both personally and systemically. It is a time to learn about the fears, angers, prejudices, systemic privileges and spiritual power that we each hold. With the events in Charlottesville we will continue our discussion of White Supremacy and the impact everyday in American culture and life led by Lisa Jones and Joe Masterson. This event is open to the public and is handicap accessible.

Drinking Liberally MKE, 6:30pm - 8:30pm 
Art Bar, 722 E. Burleigh St., Milwaukee 
Now, more than ever, Drinking Liberally is a space to gather, support each other, and form the progressive community we're going to need to get through the next four years. Come share a pint with your fellow progressives! Drinking Liberally MKE meets on the second Tuesday of every month, hosted by Matt Filipowicz.

350 Milwaukee Meeting, 7pm - 8:30pm 
Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Pl., Milwaukee 
350.ORG is the global organization building a grassroots movement in 188 countries to address global warming and solve the climate crisis. 350 Milwaukee meets every month on the second Tuesday. More information.

Wed Nov 15, 2017

Protect Medicare Event, 10am - 12pm 
Oak Creek Community Center, 8580 S. Howell Ave., Oak Creek 
"Tax reform" advocates are aiming to cut Medicare by $500 billion. This call to action event will feature John Nichols, Washington correspondent for the Nation, and Dr. Michael Rosen, retired union president and economics professor.

Refuel the Resistance, 5pm - 8pm 
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee 
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Drinking Liberally Wauwatosa, 6pm - 8pm 
Cranky Al's, 6901 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa 
Come join fellow Wauwatosa progressives for good conversation and good beer at one of Tosa's most gemütlich establishments, Cranky Al's. This month's Drinking Liberally Wauwatosa features a special guest: Tom Palzewicz, who's running to defeat GOP stalwart Jim Sensenbrenner in the 5th Congressional District. Tom will be there early, so plan to come ahead of time to find parking and get in to meet him. DLW meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday at 6 pm.

Exiled Editor's View, 6:30pm - 7:30pm 
UWM Zelazo Center, Room 250, 2419 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee 
The UWM Alumni Association and the Institute of World Affairs invite you to a special presentation on press freedom and democracy with Abdulhamit Bilici, former editor-in- chief of Zaman, Turkey's largest daily newspaper. Mr. Bilici was forced to flee his country in the face of threats and a government crackdown on the media. Don't miss this timely discussion of the critical role a free press plays in a democracy, and our responsibility as citizens to protect it. The event is free and open to the public; due to limited seating, pre-registration is required.

Southwest Region Dems Meeting, 7pm - 7pm 
Studz Pub Sports Bar & Grill, 6833 W. National Ave., West Allis 
NOTE NEW DATE AND PERMANENT LOCATION. Southwest Dems will hold their monthly meeting. Region 5 covers Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee (Southwest), West Allis, West Milwaukee. For more information contact Southwest Dems.

Thu Nov 16, 2017

On the Issues: Voting Rights Law, 12:15pm - 1:15pm 
Marquette University, Eckstein Hall, 1215 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee 
This event is sold out. If you would like to be added to the waitlist,please email [email protected]. Molly McGrath, with the ACLU’sVoting Right Project, and Professor Atiba Ellis, a faculty member atthe West Virginia University College of Law, will discuss how votinglaws have changed in recent years, and what impact those changes mightbe having on our elections. RSVP required.

Green Drinks Milwaukee, 5:30pm - 7:30pm 
Good drinks, good conversation and a chance to network with other environmentally minded people. More information.

Waukesha County Democratic Party Meeting, 7pm - 9pm 
336 Wisconsin Avenue, Waukesha 
The Waukesha County Democratic Party meets the 3rd Thursday of every month.

Fri Nov 17, 2017

Civil Liberties On Tap: Gill v. Whitford, Oral Arguments Listening Party, 6pm - 8pm 
Riverwest Public House Cooperative, 815 E Locust St, Milwaukee 
Join the ACLU of Wisconsin, ACLU-Milwaukee Chapter, Fair Elections Project, and CURTO (Center for Urban Research, Teaching & Outreach) for a special Civil Liberties On Tap: Gil v. Whitford, Oral Arguments Listening Party. Attendees will be able to hear and then discuss arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court Case involving the constitutionality of partisan gerrymandering.

Sat Nov 18, 2017

Community Brainstorming, 8am - 11am 
St. Matthew CME Church, 2944 N. 9th St., Milwaukee 
Community Brainstorming Conference Breakfast Forum. Breakfast: 8 am, Program: 9 am. Topic: Implicit Racial Bias Panel: Judge Joseph Donald, Milwaukee Circuit Court; Dr. Pamela Malone, Department of Sociology, MATC; Dr. Harry Oden, retired MPS Principal, Educational Consultant, Motivational Speaker; Ms. Nichole Yunk-Todd, Division Supervisor, Milwaukee Youth Services. Moderator: Dr. Pamela Malone Chair: Hon. Russell Stamper Sr. All Are Invited, Come and Participate. More info.

NAACP Monthly Meeting, 11am - 1pm 
2745 N. Dr Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee 
Monthly membership meeting of NAACP Milwaukee Branch. The meeting is held in the basement conference room.

Lessons From the Long Black Freedom Struggle, 11am - 3pm 
Body and Soul Healing Arts Center, 3617 N 48th St, Milwaukee 
This half-day workshop invites families to experience inspiring moments throughout the struggle for Black equality. The event begins with an opening keynote by Milwaukee native Dr. Erica Metcalfe, author of two key pieces chronicling Milwaukee’s civil rights history: “Commanding a Movement: The Youth Council Commandos’ Quest for Quality Housing” and “Future Political Actors: The Milwaukee NAACP Youth Council’s Early Fight For Identity.” The morning session will highlight key moments in Milwaukee history. The afternoon session will expand the discussion into national and international developments. Child care will be available (Text Venice Williams at 414-687-0122if you will need childcare service)! This is a FREE event, that includes lunch, but you MUST pre-registe. Co-Sponsors: Body &Soul Healing Arts Center, Urban Underground, 50th March On Milwaukee Coordinating Committee, Milwaukee County Human Rights Commission,Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Center for Urban Research, Teaching &Outreach (CURTO at Marquette Univ.)

EDUCATORS AMPLIFIED TRUTHS & TESTIMONY, 12pm - 3pm 
Cactus Club - Bayview, WI 2496 S. Wentworth Ave. 
What's happening to our public schools? Be part of a live radio broadcast on the Earl Ingram Show that tells the REAL story of what's going on in the teaching profession and public education. WRRD, 1510 AM, Resistance Radio. RSVP. Contact: Ted Kraig.

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm 
Kinnikinnick Dirve & Russell Street, Milwaukee 
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by the United Nations Association of Milwaukee, Peace/Conflict Committee.

Laughing Liberally Milwaukee, 8pm - 10pm 
Comedy Sportz Theater, 420 S. 1st St., Milwaukee 
Laughing Liberally Milwaukee presents a night of progressive political comedy. In addition to some of the finest progressive comedians Milwaukee has to offer, each Laughing Liberally Milwaukee will feature a special interview with a local political figure, journalist or activist. This month’s guest is Santera Michels. Santera is a queer, mixed indigenous educator and organizer whose work focuses on supporting LGBTQ and HIV+ people who are incarcerated and abolishing white supremacy. Advance tickets ($8).

Sun Nov 19, 2017

Moms Demand Action meeting, 2pm - 3:30pm 
Cedarburg Public Library, W63 N589 Hanover Ave, Cedarburg 
We will discuss how to talk to your relatives about guns and reducing gun violence if the topic comes up during thanksgiving dinner. The meeting is free and you can bring kids if needed.

UBLAC Mass Potluck Meeting, 5pm - 7pm 
The Body & Soul Healing Arts Center, 3617 N 48th St, Milwaukee 
UBLAC (Uplifting Black Liberation and Black Community) welcomes you to attend, invite, and support our next Potluck and Mass Meeting. This will be a space to continue to develop and foster relationships, connections, ideas, movement and resources. We will send out a list of items needed for the potluck. Excited and ready to continuing building with each of you! Uplifting Black Liberation and Black Community will equip, connect, and educate Black communities with resources and opportunities that will help provide a sustainable environment free from oppressive systems. This begins by using education about potential impact on the community, and how to heal from post-traumatic slave syndrome. More info.

Mon Nov 20, 2017

DPMC Issues Committee Meeting, 4:30pm - 5:30pm 
J&B's Blue Ribbon, 5230 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee 
NOTE NEW LOCATION. The Democratic Party's Issues Committee will hold its monthly meeting. All Democrats are welcome to participate. The meeting will cover writing resolutions appropriately, writing to our representatives at all three levels, connecting with other organizations to bring their issues to our group, and a resolution should we have one. We'll also discuss parliamentary procedure.

Milwaukee Dems Meeting, 6pm - 6pm 
J&B's Blue Ribbon, 5230 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee 
NOTE NEW LOCATION. The meeting will include election of party officers, each for a two-year term: Chair, Vice Chair, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Membership Secretary, and Treasurer. More information. Milwaukee County Democrats meet monthly to discuss party business, hear speakers on current topics, pass resolutions, and network with other progressives. All interested Democrats are invited.

Grassroots Waukesha Member Meeting, 6:30pm - 8pm 
336 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha 
Monthly membership/planning meeting. Everyone Welcome.

Tue Nov 21, 2017

Milwaukee County Office on African American Affairs Visioning Sessions, 4:30pm - 6:30pm 
multiple locations 
The Milwaukee County Office on African American Affairs invites the public to the two remaining Fall 2017 Visioning Sessions. After an initial briefing on the session topic, participants will split into small groups to provide input and envision a more just Milwaukee. Each session will focus on a particular topic. Please join us for one or all of the following sessions:

• Social Justice – Tuesday November 21, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Dineen Park Pavilion 6601 W Vienna Ave.
• Youth (Re)Engagement – Tuesday December 12, 2017, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, McGovern Park Senior Center, 4500 W. Custer Ave.

Facilitated by the Zeidler Center for Public Discussion. Free & open to the public. Space Is limited. More info. Register.

Wed Nov 22, 2017

Refuel the Resistance, 5pm - 8pm 
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee 
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Drinking Liberally Glendale, 7pm - 7pm 
Bar Louie, 5750 N. Bayshore Dr., Glendale 
Drinking Liberally Glendale meets on the last Wednesday of the month. Come drink a beverage or two of your choice and talk about Liberal stuff. More information.

Thu Nov 23, 2017

Feed Our Vets Thanksgiving, 10am - 1pm 
Route 76 Diner, 7510 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield 
Believing that no one should go hungry, especially the brave men and women who defended our great country, Route 76 Diner is partnering with the Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative to feed every veteran on Thanksgiving Day. Food donated by Performance Foods and Collectivo and prepared by Route 76. Dinner is from 10 am to 1 pm.

Sat Nov 25, 2017

Community Brainstorming, 8am - 11am 
St. Matthew CME Church, 2944 N. 9th St., Milwaukee 
Community Brainstorming Conference Breakfast Forum Breakfast: 8 am, Program: 9 am. All Are Invited, Come and Participate Details.

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm 
Port Washington Road & Silver Spring Drive, Glendale 
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by the United Nations Association of Milwaukee, Peace/Conflict Committee.

Community Well: A Conversation, 1pm - 3pm 
Milwaukee Public Library Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W Locust St, Milwaukee 
Hosted by Citizen Action of Wisconsin.

Sun Nov 26, 2017

Sunday Demonstration, 12pm - 1pm 
Cutler Park, Wisconsin Avenue, Waukesha 
What are you most concerned about? Social justice, democracy, the environment? Join us for a silent demonstration. We meet at Cutler Park in Waukesha on the sidewalk along Wisconsin Avenue near the Public Library. Bring a sign or use one of ours. Sponsored by Grassroots Waukesha.

Tue Nov 28, 2017

Fred Kessler Fundraiser, 5pm - 7:30pm 
Major Goolsby's, 340 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee 
A fundraising event honoring Representative Fred Kessler, who organized the effort to bring the Whitford v. Gill gerrymandering lawsuit to the United States Supreme Court. Special guest Dean Strang is the attorney featured in the award-winning Netflix documentary, "Making a Murderer." More information. Donate online or send check to 9312 W. Clovernook St., Milwaukee 53244.