So much news, so little time and attention to give. It's the season for holiday parties and a whole host of holiday greetings (Merry Christmas, among others). So it's painful to feel bombarded daily by unpleasant, distressing, and downright odious news. IQ45 (my new favorite sobriquet for that despicable man occupying the White House) is trying to tell the world that Senator Gillibrand offered sex — or something unsavory — for campaign contributions from him. Roy Moore may well become the next senator from the corrupt state of Alabama (seriously, the scandals pouring out of that state are eclipsing those from Illinois and New Jersey, if you can believe it). And the tax bill creeps forward with so many damaging provisions I've given up trying to name them all. (For an excellent piece on how the tax plan will lower living standards for most Americans, see Eduardo Porter's piece in the NYTimes.)

One urgent matter, though, ought to grab a few moments of your time and attention. Net neutrality is about to be destroyed. So today is the day that YOU need to register your opposition to that rule change. Net neutrality simply means that Comcast or Spectrum or ATT, your internest service provider (ISP), must treat information you seek — whether its a video you want to watch or a blog or news source you want to read or the Facebook page you want to visit — any differently than it treats any other source of data. So, no preferential speeds for some specific content providers and no blocking any legal content provider. An ISP can of course charge customers differential rates for different download speeds, but it must deliver all the information a customer chooses at the whatever speed that customer is paying for.

So what to do: write a comment to the FCC. And do it TODAY! Here's how.

1. Write a brief comment in your standard word processor and save it. The comment can be as simple as "we need to preserve a level playing field for the internet. I oppose changing the current net neutrality rules."
2. John Oliver has made getting to the right spot on the FCC's site dead simple. Go to GoFCCYourself.com and click on "New Filing." Fill in the form (ignore any fields that aren't relevant to you and use COMMENT for the "Type of Filing") and upload your saved comment.

The FCC will vote on this matter on Thursday, December 14. So there's not a moment to lose.

In some hopeful news, the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) has accepted a second case on partisan gerrymandering, this one from Maryland. It's hopeful because, as Richard Pildes (noted authority on constitutional law) observes:

Deciding to hear the Maryland case is a significant signal that a majority of the Court is not going to hold partisan gerrymandering claims to be non-justiciable (that is, inappropriate for judicial resolution). If the Court were moving in the Wisconsin case toward holding partisan gerrymandering to be non-justiciable, it would make little sense for the Court to do anything with the Maryland case except hold it, then send it back to the lower courts to dismiss on the grounds that the entire cause of action was non-justiciable. Hearing the Maryland case means the Court is quite unlikely to rule in WI that partisan gerrymandering claims should not be addressed by the courts.

Pildes's piece is written more for scholars of constitutional law than for the average person. For another, easier read on what the SCOTUS decision to hear the Maryland case means, consult Richard Hasan's op-ed in this morning's LATimes.com. One interesting interpretation of the SCOTUS decision has to do with Chief Justice Roberts's concern that the court will be accused of favoring Democrats if it decides for Whitford et al. in the Wisconsin case. The Maryland case, Benisek v Lamone, has been brought by Republicans and claims that the Democrats who control both the governorship and both houses of the state legislature used their power to draw congressional district lines so that Democrats would defeat a Republican in the MD 6th Congressional District. Hasan writes, "I could certainly see Roberts, who cares more than the average justice about the institutional legitimacy of the court, agreeing to vote with the majority [in striking down partisan gerrymandering in Gill v Whitford] only so long as he can also “prefer” Republicans at the same time, in Benisek. Deciding Gill and Benisek together would allow the court, in announcing a new partisan-gerrymandering rule, to say that sometimes the rule favors one party and sometimes it favors the other."

If you're at all interested in the argument over fair election maps, you should read the whole thing. Meanwhile, here is the menu of upcoming events you might want to know about. Oh, and Happy Hanukah!

Tue Dec 12, 2017

Visioning Session on Youth (Re)Engagement, 4:30pm - 6:30pm 
McGovern Park Senior Center 4500 W. Custer Ave., Milwaukee 
The Milwaukee County Office on African American Affairs invites the public to “Youth (Re)Engagement." After an initial briefing on the session topic, participants will split into small groups to provide input and envision a more just Milwaukee. Facilitated by theZeidler Center for Public Discussion. Free & open to the public. Space Is limited. Register.

Assembly Dems Fundraiser, 5pm - 7pm 
City Lights Brewing Co., 2210 W. Mt. Vernon Ave., Milwaukee 
New Year, New Wisconsin with the Assembly Democrats in Milwaukee. Sponsorships available: $1000 – Patron; $500 – Host; $250 – Sponsor; $150 – Supporter. All donations gratefully accepted. Please make checks out to “ADCC.” Email or call 608-258-9225.

Andy Gronik Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7:30pm 
Coquette Cafe, 316 N. Milwaukee St., Milwaukee 
Holiday party and fundraiser to support Andy Gronik, candidate for Governor of Wisconsin. Host & Sponsor Committees in Development. Hosts raise/give $5,000-$1,000. Sponsor Levels: $500, $250, $100 Suggested Donation: $50 Online donations or email questions. Facebook.

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 
It's Drinking Liberally MKE's Non Denominational Holiday Shindig! 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 Dec 13, 2017

Community Justice Council, 9:30am - 11am 
Clinton Rose Senior Center, 3045 N. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee 
Milwaukee Community Justice Council Meeting of the Whole. More information.

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.

Safely Training Announcement Party, 6pm - 8pm 
Candela's Banquet, 2537 W. National Ave., Milwaukee 
Citizen Action of Wisconsin has received funds from the federal government to train employers and employees of the Latino community in Milwaukee and in Wisconsin in general to make workplaces safer for everyone. Come to the party to learn more about this opportunity and how you can register for a training! RSVP.

Thu Dec 14, 2017

Mental Health Board Meeting, 8am - 8am 
Zoofari Conference Center, 9715 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee 
Milwaukee County Mental Health Board Meeting. More information.

Drinking Liberally West Allis, 6:30pm - 9pm 
Studz Pub Sports Bar & Grill, 6833 W. National Ave., West Allis 
Drinking Liberally West Allis meets on the second Thursday of the month. Free discussions and fellowship. Good food and specials available.

Waukesha Writers Club, 6:30pm - 8pm 
336 Wisconsin Ave., Waukesha 
The "Letter to the Editor" section is one of the most widely read parts of the newspaper, offering a chance to reach a broad audience. Letters to our legislators are also an effective way to let them know what we expect of them. Working together gives us the opportunity to discuss the current issues, improve writing skills, develop persuasive techniques that target intended readers, and help each other with ideas and suggestions. Sponsored by Grassroots Waukesha (email).

Fri Dec 15, 2017

4th CD Holiday Party, 6pm - 6pm 
Ambassador Hotel, 2308 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee 
Please join us for a holiday party to support the Democratic Party of Wisconsin 4th Congressional District and Milwaukee County Democratic Party. Tickets. Questions? Please email or call (414) 758-1261.

Sat Dec 16, 2017

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.

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.

Laughing Liberally Milwaukee, 8pm - 10pm 
Comedy Sportz Theater, 420 S. 1st St., Milwaukee 
December is a special time. A time where conservatives like Bill O'Reilly and Donald Trump pretend there is a war on Christmas. Laughing Liberally Milwaukee, a monthly progressive political comedy show featuring some of Milwaukee's top progressive comedians, decided to make that a reality with their War On Xmas Comedy Extravaganza. 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 Molly Collins, Associate Director of the ACLU of Wisconsin. Advance tickets ($8).

Mon Dec 18, 2017

Grassroots Waukesha Member Meeting, 6:30pm - 8pm 
855 Calico Court, Waukesha 
Monthly membership/planning meeting. Everyone Welcome.

Tue Dec 19, 2017

Marcelia Nicholson Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7:30pm 
Ambassador Hotel, 2308 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee 
Join Milwaukee County Supervisor Marcelia Nicholson and Host Gary Goyke to kick off her Re-Election Campaign for the Milwaukee Board of Supervisors. Marcelia has been a strong, progressive voice for Milwaukee residents and needs your support to continue the work. Host: $500, Supporter: $100, Advocate: $50. Suggested minimum: $29. RSVP and more information. Contribute online. Contribute by mail: Marcelia for Milwaukee, PO BOX 1879, Milwaukee, WI, 53201.

Beer, Bingo, and Ballots!, 6pm - 8pm 
AFSCME Milwaukee District Council, 3427 W St Paul Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208, USA 
Wisconsin’s future is up for grabs. In 2018, Wisconsin voters will decide who our leaders will be, including our state’s governor. Scott Walker and his crew have taken a wrecking ball to the pillars of this state -- we’re practically governed by corporations and their political toadies. Our new campaign -- Wisconsin’s Choice -- is bringing voters together to exercise our power by calling on candidates to apply to deliver on the issues that matter to every day Wisconsinites. It’s time to start getting to know the candidates. The Democratic field in the governor’s race is crowded and we need to know more before we select our Wisconsin’s Choice candidates. Come out on Tuesday, December 19 for Beer, Bingo, and Ballots! with candidates Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers, Matt Flynn, Andy Gronik, Mike McCabe, State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, and Ramona Whiteaker (all Democratic candidateshave been invited; list in formation). RSVP.

Wed Dec 20, 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 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. DLW meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday at 6 pm.

John Nichols: The Cap Times, 6pm - 6pm 
East Branch Library, 2320 N. Cramer St., Milwaukee 
John Nichols will speak about his new book, "The Capital Times: A Proudly Radical Newspaper’s Century-Long Fight for Justice and for Peace." As Madison's Capital Times marks its 100th anniversary in 2017, editors Dave Zweifel and John Nichols recall the remarkable history of the paper that served as the tribune of Robert M. La Follette and the progressive movement and stood with Russ Feingold when he cast the only US Senate vote against the Patriot Act.

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 email.

Thu Dec 21, 2017

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

Sat Dec 23, 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 
St. Paul Avenue & Water 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.

Sun Dec 24, 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.

Wed Dec 27, 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

Sat Dec 30, 2017

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm 
Oakland Avenue & Capitol Drive, Shorewood 
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by the United Nations Association of Milwaukee, Peace/Conflict Committee.