The fight for the meaning of Wisconsin's last election on November 6 is not over yet. It's possible — though still not very likely — that our Lame Duck governor will hede our newly elected governor's request to veto the Lame Duck bill our (gerrymandered) Republican legislature just passed in the dead of night. You know, just like Governor Jim Doyle, who stopped the high speed rail project in light of the 2010 election results because the incoming governor was opposed to it and Doyle did not want to tie the new governor's hands. (You can read about Doyle's decision in the Wisconsin State Journal in an article dated November 5, 2010.)

So it is worth contacting Scott Walker's office to let him know how you feel. You can reach it by phone — (608) 266-1212 — or through on online form — walker.wi.gov/contact/contact-form. Tell him elections are supposed to have consequences and that signing the bill — if he chooses to do that — will too. Or tell him he'll be tarnishing his reputation and his legacy. Or just tell him NO. Whatever moves you the most.

Both the local and the national press have worth-the-read articles about the power grab going on in Wisconsin (and in Michigan). The first one covers territory no one else (that I know of) has covered — namely the role of corporate money in the legislature's actions. In the articles linked below, I've included a key quotation to give you a sense of how seriously even organs like USA Today are taking the broader issues involved.

• David Leonhardt: The Corporate Donors Behind a Republican Power Grab (NYTimes, Dec. 9, 2018). "Walgreens and other major companies are key supporters of the Wisconsin legislators now trying to undermine democracy."
  
  
• Jason Sattler" Republican 'democracy' means handcuff successors and deny people what they voted for (USAToday, Dec. 10, 2018). "Republicans have given up on voters. America's future depends on whether Democrats can expand voting rights faster than the GOP can restrict them."
  
  
• Zack Beauchamp: The Wisconsin power grab is part of a bigger Republican attack on democracy (Vox, Dec. 6, 2018). "The GOP’s turn against democracy may be a greater threat to the American experiment than President Trump."
  
  
• Matthew Rozsa: Election expert: Wisconsin GOP’s power grab is “a textbook example of how democracies die” (Salon, Dec. 5, 2018). "Wisconsin Republican lawmakers are changing the job descriptions of the governor and attorney general between Election Day and Inauguration Day simply because their side lost.... [W]hen norms about the peaceful transfer of power are violated, we are in trouble."

Meanwhile, come celebrate our election victories at the Camp Bar (4044 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood) from 6-8 pm tonight! Grassroots North Shore is hosting an Election Victory Party with free pizza and popcorn (the beer or other libations are on you). Lots of great North Shore progressives will be there. Be sure to RSVP though, so we make sure we have enough pizza and popcorn for everyone. I'll be there and so should you!

EVENTS

Tue Dec 11, 2018

Chris Larson Listening Session, 5:30pm - 7pm
Cudahy City Hall, 5050 S. Lake Dr., Cudahy
State Sen. Chris Larson invites the community to a listening session to receive input on concerns for the upcoming session. Senator Larson believes we can find common ground when it comes to changing the culture of drinking and driving in Wisconsin, providing more opportunities for disabled workers, finding solutions for public education funding, and finally fixing our local roads. With a new administration coming into office, there will be opportunities for bi-partisan initiatives to help strengthen our communities and move our state forward.

GRNS Victory Party, 6pm - 8pm
Camp Bar, 4044 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood
Grassroots North Shore hopes all the folks who worked tirelessly on the election (and in the rain!) and all GRNS supporters will come by for pizza and popcorn and great conversation with fellow supporters. Mandela Barnes, Lieutenant Governor-elect and good friend of Grassroots North Shore, may well drop by. RSVP.

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! This month's meeting is the annual Non-Denominational Holiday Shindig! 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 12, 2018

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 on the web or Facebook.

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.

Thu Dec 13, 2018

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

Chris Larson Listening Session, 5:30pm - 7pm
Bayview Community Center, 1320 E. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee
State Sen. Chris Larson invites the community to a listening session to receive input on concerns for the upcoming session. Senator Larson believes we can find common ground when it comes to changing the culture of drinking and driving in Wisconsin, providing more opportunities for disabled workers, finding solutions for public education funding, and finally fixing our local roads. With a new administration coming into office, there will be opportunities for bi-partisan initiatives to help strengthen our communities and move our state forward.

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.

Fri Dec 14, 2018

"We Got This" Reception, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum, 2620 W. Center St., Milwaukee
Opening reception for a photo exhibit on the "We Got This" program that mentors black teenage young men in the 53206 area through participation in gardening and community service. It will feature brief talks from photographer Angela Peterson and reporter James E. Causey, as well as the leader of the program, Andre Lee Ellis, and others. Admission is free. RSVP. More information on We Got This.

Sat Dec 15, 2018

Citizen Action Annual Meeting, 11am - 2pm
Unity Center, 1717 N. 73rd St., Milwaukee
Celebrate a year in action with Citizen Action of Wisconsin and join in preparing for the fight in 2019 around the Wisconsin state budget on issues like Medicaid expansion, tax fairness and strong democracy. Also important trainings on - Citizen lobbying in the state budget, what to know - How we can win Medicaid expansion, and why that is so important for Healthcare-for-All, education funding and a strong economy - How to work together as Citizen Action members statewide with our new Governor - How to build a transparent, democratic, inclusive movement and organization! RSVP.

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
Highway 100 (Mayfair Road) & North Avenue, Wauwatosa
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
War on X-mas 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 oractivist. This month’s guest is Wisconsin State Representative JoCasta Zamarripa. Advance tickets ($8).

Mon Dec 17, 2018

DPMC Issues Committee Meeting, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee
The Democratic Party's Issues Committee will hold its monthly meeting. All Democrats are welcome to participate.

Milwaukee Dems Meeting, 6pm - 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.

Wed Dec 19, 2018

Evers/Barnes Budget Tour, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
United Way Volunteer Center, 200 W. Pleasant St., Milwaukee
Governor-elect Evers and Lieutenant Governor-elect Barnes will hold a community budget brainstorming session. They will host a round-table discussion for members of the community to bring their ideas for shaping a budget that's made by the people of our state, for the people of our state. It's free to attend, but please RSVP!

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 - 9pm
Walter's, 6930 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
Come join fellow Wauwatosa progressives for good conversation. Drinking Liberally Tosa is at a different venue while repairs are made to the Red Dot. 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 contact [email protected].

Sat Dec 22, 2018

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.

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.