What a start to the week: on Monday we saw the last impeachment inquiry hearing and the Department of Justice Inspector General's report concluding that the investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 election was properly and legally founded on appropriate suspicions. And then this morning, two Articles of Impeachment — Abuse of Power and Obstruction of Congress — were announced by the House leadership and the chairs of the six committees overseeing the impeachment inquiry. Meanwhile on Sunday, our Cheeto-in-Chief tweeted or retweeted others 102 times! To be sure 75% of them were others' tweets. So he didn't have to write a thing. But even if each took only one minute to process, it's clear that he spent a considerable amount of time on this activity. Maybe a sign that he's stressed and angry?

To top off the news-filled week that has barely begun, the Washington Post has published the Afganistan Papers — or what might be called the Pentagon Papers, part two. It's a six-part series detailing the lies three successive administrations have told about the war in Afganistan. Based on 2000 pages of interview records obtained after three years of litigation, the investigation apparently began in 2016 with a tip about Michael Flynn.

Here at home, Grassroots North Shore's Annual Fundraiser featured a fascinating talk by nationally renowned Democratic pollster and strategist Celinda Lake. She had sobering information for us — which will be shared through a video recording and her Powerpoint presentation slides soon. (If you couldn't attend but still want to support our financial needs, you can make a contribution at Act Blue.) The upshot of her talk is that we have our work cut out for us as we head into the coming election year. Our plans are still fluid, but we already know that because Milwaukee weather is so treacherous in January, we will be conducting our campaigning for the February 18 nonpartisan primary through a postcard-writing blitz. We've set up six dates and times for gatherings to write and mail these cards:

We'll supply the postcards, stamps, names and addresses, and sample scripts for you to use. All you have to do is Sign Up and come!

Finally, a Save-the-Date announcement: our annual meeting will be held on Sunday, January 26, at the North Shore Presbyterian Church. Full details coming soon. So mark your calendars now.

EVENTS

Tue Dec 10, 2019

Sheldon Wasserman Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
3487 N. Lake Dr., Milwaukee
A fundraiser for Sheldon Wasserman's re-election as County Supervisor. Sponsorship levels: $1000, $500, $250, $100, or $50. All donations accepted.

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 need. Come share a pint with your fellow progressives! Drinking Liberally MKE meets on the second Tuesday of every month, hosted by Matt Filipowicz.

Drinking Liberally-Grafton End of Year Party, 6:30pm - 9pm
Water Street Brewery, 1251 Gateway Dr, Grafton
Agenda: None. It's a party.

Intelligence Committee Report Presentation, 6:30pm - 8pm
Wauwatosa Public Library, Firefly Room, 7635 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
Former U.S. Attorney James Santelle will present a non-partisan and a-political session that will focus on the substantive content, evidentiary findings, and procedural recommendations for next actions in the report of the House Intelligence Committee on impeachment. The program will include opportunities for questions by members of the audience, and modest refreshments will be served. Seating is limited to 60 guests. Arrive early to ensure admission.

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 11, 2019

Community Justice Council, 8am - 9:30am
Clinton Rose Senior Center, 3045 N. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee
Milwaukee Community Justice Council Meeting of the Whole. More information and on Facebook.

Barrett Holiday Party/Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7:30pm Tom
Zócalo Food Park, 636 S. 6th St., Milwaukee
Mayor Barrett's Holiday Party and Campaign Kick off for re-election.

Convention Delegate Info Meeting, 6pm - 6pm
Milwaukee County Democratic Party Office, 2999 S. Delaware Ave., Milwaukee
Interested in running to be a National Convention Delegate or just want more information on the process? This meeting is free to attend and open to the public. Please note that space is limited and preference will be given to those who RSVP.

Grass Roots South Shore, 6pm - 8pm
Cudahy Library, 3500 Library Dr., Cudahy
Grass Roots South Shore meets on the second Wednesday of each month. For more information call James Balk, 414-218-5944.

Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 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.

Thu Dec 12, 2019

Mental Health Board Meeting, 8am - 8am
Zoofari Center, 10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Mental Health Board Meeting. Public Comment: none. 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.

Sat Dec 14, 2019

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
76th Street & Layton Avenue, Milwaukee
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Laughing Liberally Milwaukee, 8pm - 10pm
Comedy Sportz Theater, 420 S. 1st St., Milwaukee
It's the War on Xmas Comedy Extravaganza. 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 Milwaukee writer and historian John Gurda. Advance tickets ($8).

Sun Dec 15, 2019

Dems Holiday/Volunteer Appreciation Party, 12pm - 4pm
Black Husky Brewing, 909 E. Locust St., Milwaukee
You are invited to our Milwaukee County Holiday/Volunteer Appreciation Party and we hope to see everyone there. We'll be celebrating the work we've done this year and looking forward to the year ahead! No RSVP required.

Tue Dec 17, 2019

Jill Karofsky Fundraiser, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N Water St, Milwaukee
Jill Karofsky is a judge, a former prosecutor and victims’ advocate, a single mom of two, and an ultra-marathoner who has completed the Ironman twice. She’s the strongest and best choice to replace Scott Walker-appointee Dan Kelly on the Wisconsin Supreme Court in this spring’s election. Jill shares our values and has the experience and energy to win this race. Sponsorship levels: $1000, $500, $250. Suggested contribution $100. Donate and RSVP.

Nikiya Dodd Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Thistle & Shamrock, 3430 N. 84th St., Milwaukee
Reception to kick off Nikiya Dodd's campaign for re-election in the 5th Aldermanic District. Contribution levels: Host $500, Sponsor $250, Friend $100, Suggested contribution $50; all contributions gratefully accepted. Donate. RSVP or questions.

Wed Dec 18, 2019

Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 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, 6:30pm - 9pm
Camp Bar, 6600 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION. Come join fellow Wauwatosa progressives for good conversation. More info.

Southwest Region Dems Meeting, 7pm - 7pm
Studz Pub Sports Bar & Grill, 6833 W. National Ave., West Allis
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 19, 2019

Dem Primary Debate, 8pm - 10pm
On TV and online
The sixth debate will be hosted by PBS Newshour and Politico. The debate will air live on PBS and will also be live streamed across PBSNewsHour digital platforms on the web, mobile and connected TVs and on POLITICO’s digital and social platforms. Exact time of debate TBA.

Grassroots North Shore Debate Watch Party, 7pm - 10pm
6330 N. Lake Dr., Whitefish Bay
Watch the Democratic Presidential Debate with other like-minded people. You can RSVP here.

Sat Dec 21, 2019

NAACP Monthly Meeting, 11:30am - 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, Milwaukee
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

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 guests are Karen Kirsch and Rafael Smith from Citizen Action Of Wisconsin, who will discuss the fight for health care for all. Advance tickets ($8).