So yet again I'm overwhelmed by the national news from the last 10 days, as I am sure you are too. What with dissing NATO, pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord, and feuding with the Mayor of London, our "president" has outdone himself. And of course the tweets about his TRAVEL BAN and belittling his own Attorney General and Justice Department as well as the federal courts in general couldn't give us any clearer picture of what is wrong with this administration. My imagination simply is not up to the task of conjuring what could possibly be next. But the last four months have shown the events to come will continue to be flabbergasting and destructive.

While we await developments on a number of critical fronts — Will the Republicans running our state ever agree on transportation funding? Will the US Senate stumble as it tries to formulate a healthcare bill that can pass both the Senate and the House? Will the Supreme Court issue a stay in Gill v Whitford? Will James Comey's testimony on Thursday offer the bombshell the national press is hoping for? — you might want to have a look at an analysis of How And Where Trump Won Wisconsin in 2016. Malia Jones at the UW Applied Population Laboratory has run the numbers and concludes that "lower voter turnout and community size defined the presidential vote." As you may already know, Trump received only about 1,000 more votes than Romney got in 2012. Hillary Clinton won about 220,000 fewer votes than Obama in 2012. Third party votes increased from just under 40,000 in 2012 to about 183,000 in 2016. But the vote totals and turnout percentages don't tell the whole story in sufficient detail. Read the whole piece. The author teases out important details. It's analyses like this one that can help us thinking clearly and critically about strategies and tactics for the 2018 elections and beyond.

Grassroots North Shore Is Moving to New Digs!

How many of you remember your first apartment? Did you learn as much from that initial step into independence as I did? I learned that treating an efficiency apartment like one, big bedroom made it hard to entertain. I learned not to soak my wood cutting board along with the dishes. I learned that evolving to the rank of grown-up was harder than it looked. Here at GRNS we have similarly evolved. Our first office taught us a lot. A fire escape to the second floor proved to be difficult for some. We had to use a clipboard if we wanted to keep a window from slamming down. It felt horribly inconsiderate for us to use more than one or two parking spaces behind the building since we shared the lot with businesses that relied on their customers also having a place to park. And just like that first apartment, I will always have nostalgic fondness 325 W Silver Spring but it is time to move to a grown-up office.

More about our move next week.

DPW Update

In case you weren't following the DPW convention that took place last Friday and Saturday, you might want to know that Martha Laning was re-elected as Chair. Our own David Bowen was re-elected as First Vice Chair. And Mandela Barnes was elected as Second Vice Chair. In addition, Khary Penebaker was elected as Wisconsin's fourth delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

Grassroots North Shore had endorsed Laning and Bowen before the election. So their wins are gratifying. But we should congratulate all the candidates for a well-fought campaign. When a party can field many strong candidates, as it did in this last party election, it shows its strength.

Also noteworthy: party members formed a new caucus for Progressives. Once the adminstration committee approves the constitution its founding members passed at the convention, it will be open for business!

Wed Jun 7, 2017

Earnell Lucas / Press Club, 11:45am - 1:30pm 
Newsroom Pub, 137 E. Wells St., Milwaukee 
Earnell Lucas will be the featured speaker at this month's Milwaukee Press Club Newsmaker Luncheon. Lucas, a former captain with the Milwaukee Police Department and currently a vice president of security for Major League Baseball, is seeking to become Milwaukee County’s next sheriff. He will take questions from a panel of journalists and from the audience. The event is open to the public. Cost: $20 for MPC members, $25 for non-members and $15 for students. Lunch is included. Seating is limited. Advance registration and payment (required).

Political Climate Discussion, 3:30pm - 5:30pm 
Citizen Action, 221 S. 2nd St., Suite 300, Milwaukee 
The Citizen Action Organizing Cooperative will hold the first in a series of informal discussions among interested members and friends, on topics related to the current political situation and our role in shaping a path forward. The topic for the first discussion will be "The Current Political Climate -- Neoliberalism, the Far Right, the Resistance and the Next Elections." The goal of the discussions will be to come to a general agreement on an analysis of the political situation and its effect on our plans for the coming year's elections and beyond. The group will meet in two sections, beginning Wednesday June 7 at 3:30-5:30 PM and Wednesday June 14 at 6:00-8:00 PM. Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested, contact Al Nichols.

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 action 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. The guest bartender will be Rep. Jonathan Brostoff. More information.

Grass Roots South Shore Meeting – presenting a free screening of Life in Osborn, 6pm 
Milwaukee's Craft Beer Garden at Humboldt Park, 3000 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee 
Grass Roots South Shore will hold its monthly meeting at Humboldt Park Pavilion for a screening of Life in Osborn, a story of hope for one of Detroit’s most-blighted neighborhoods. It chronicles the efforts ofthe Detroit-based nonprofit Life Remodeled to make a sustainable difference in the northeast Detroit community that once was the most violent ZIP Code in the United States. Three-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Walter V. Marshall, who grew upin Detroit, directs and narrates the story. Grass Roots South Shore meets on the first Wednesday of each month. For more information call Jim Balk, 414-218-5944.

Thu Jun 8, 2017

Mental Health Board Meeting, 8:30am 
American Serb Hall, 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave., 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 (Contact Carl).

EXPO Panel on Secure Detention, 7pm - 8:30pm 
Non-Profit Center of Milwaukee, 2819 W. Highland Blvd., Milwaukee 
Members of EXPO (Ex-prisoners Organizing) will present a free panel discussion sponsored by Rid Racism Milwaukee. The EXPO panelists, who have all been incarcerated at the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility, will speak about what MSDF is and why it should be closed. Topics of discussion will include inhumane conditions, racial disparities in incarceration, and alternatives to incarcerating people at MSDF. More information and registration (required).

Fri Jun 9, 2017 - Sun Jun 11, 2017

The People's Summit / Chicago, All Day 
McCormick Place, Chicago 
A historic convening of organizations and individuals committed to social, racial and economic justice. The Summit will include plenary and workshop sessions devoted to key progressive issues. More information, including speaker list and application.

Sun Jun 11, 2017

Al Franken Book Signing, 1pm 
Boswell Book Co., 2559 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee 
Senator Al Franken will sign copies of his new book, Giant of the Senate. Tickets (required) are $30.00 and include a copy of his book and all taxes and fees. Senator Franken will personalize books on the signing line. There will be no posed photos at this event. Limited to 500 attendees. Other line restrictions may be in effect. Please note that there is no talk at this event and no early pick-up option. Purchase tickets.

Mon Jun 12, 2017

ADCC Fundraiser, 5pm - 8pm 
Central Standard Craft Distillery, 613 S. 2nd St., Milwaukee 
Please join the Assembly Democrats at an event supporting the Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee. Patron $1000 | Sponsor $500 | Host $250 | Supporter $100 All contributions gratefully accepted. Please send donations to ADCC, PO Box 814, Madison, WI 53701. RSVP: Doug Hyant, 608-258-9225.

Tue Jun 13, 2017

Sup. Lipscomb Town Hall, 6pm - 7pm 
Village Hall, 7650 N. Pheasant Ln., River Hills 
County Board Chairman Theodore Liscomb, Sr. invites you to a Chat with the Chairman listening session. More information, 414- 278-4280.

Drinking Liberally MKE, 6:30pm - 8:30pm 
Riverwest Public House Co-op, 815 E. Locust 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 Jun 14, 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 action 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.

Political Climate Discussion, 6pm - 8pm 
Citizen Action, 221 S. 2nd St., Suite 300, Milwaukee 
The Citizen Action Organizing Cooperative will hold the first in a series of informal discussions among interested members and friends, on topics related to the current political situation and our role in shaping a path forward. The topic for the first discussion will be "The Current Political Climate -- Neoliberalism, the Far Right, the Resistance and the Next Elections." The goal of the discussions will be to come to a general agreement on an analysis of the political situation and its effect on our plans for the coming year's elections and beyond. The group will meet in two sections. Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested, contact Al Nichols.

Southwest Region Dems Meeting, 6pm - 6pm 
Greendale Public Library, 5647 Broad St., Greendale 
Region 5 Democrats will hold their monthly meeting at the Greendale Public Library (enter through rear at 5600 Parking St.). Region 5 covers Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee (Southwest), West Allis, West Milwaukee. Email for more information.

Thu Jun 15, 2017

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

"Healthcare for All" Organizing Cooperative Kick-off Meeting, 6:30pm - 8:30pm 
Unity Church, 1717 N 73rd St, Wauwatosa 
If you, like so many, are wondering how to keep the hope and energy alive after months of the protest movement, then you will want to join us Thursday June 15th. Join us as we launch a membership drive that will allow us to permanently hire our new "Healthcare for All" organizer who will work for YOU and give a voice to overworked medical professionals, scared patients and upset citizens.

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

Fri Jun 16, 2017 - Sun Jun 18, 2017

Midwest Energy Fair, All Day 
Renew The Earth Institute, 7558 Deer Road, Custer, WI 
The 28th Annual Energy Fair, June 16-18, 2016 - Custer, WI (near Stevens Point). Each year the MREA Energy Fair transforms rural Central Wisconsin into the global hot spot for renewable energy education. The Energy Fair brings over 15,000 people from nearly every state in the U.S. and several countries around the world to learn, connect with others and ready them for action at home. The Energy Fair is the nation's longest running energy education event of its kind. The Energy Fair features: Over 200 exhibitors - sustainable living and clean energy products; Over 250 workshops - beginner to advanced hands-on education; Clean Transportation Show - featuring exhibitors, vehicles and demos; Inspirational keynotes, lively entertainment, great food, and local beer. For comprehensive information and advance ticket purchase. Discounted Energy Fair WI tickets available through May 17th! New this year – Reserved seating tickets for keynote speaker JB Straubel, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and co-founder of Tesla.

Sat Jun 17, 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" Demonstration and Rally, 12pm - 1pm 
St. Paul and Water Street by Milwaukee Public Market. 
Milwaukee “Stand for Peace” in solidarity with New York’s “Women’s March for Peace” to raise awareness of the treaty to prohibit nuclear weapons being negotiated in June and July at the United Nations. Sidewalk Demonstration noon to 12:30 pm followed by brief statements by Pam Richard, Julie Enslow, Mary Laan, and others.

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 will feature a guest from the grassroots activist organization Voces De La Frontera. Advance tickets ($8).

Mon Jun 19, 2017

Camp Union, 8am - 3pm 
MALC, 633 S. Hawley Rd., Milwaukee 
Camp Union for high school students: Join the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Milwaukee Chapter and Milwaukee Area Labor Council Community Services for a five-day look at the history, purpose, and relevance of labor unions in America. This free program runs from June 19 to 23, lunch and snacks provided. A limited number of places are available. Enrollment and more information: Jay Reinke, 414-771-7070x16.

Milwaukee Dems Meeting, 6pm 
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee 
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. (Note: the Issues Committee meeting will remain at this location but has been changed to the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm.)

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

Tue Jun 20, 2017

Drinking Liberally Shorewood, 6pm - 8pm 
Camp Bar, 4044 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood 
Progressives meet monthly in Shorewood to socialize, talk about politics, and hear invited speakers. All are welcome.