Thank goodness Wisconsin is so far away from D.C. Few from the Badger state will end up caught in the madness and chaos of tRump's "Salute to America." Here it is, July 2, and the plans for this grandiose "tribute" to the idiot-in-chief are not even finalized yet. The latest? He wants tanks on the Mall but the Arlington Memorial Bridge my not be able to hold the 60+ ton behemoths (Trump Says Tanks Will Be on Display in Washington for July 4, July 1, 2019)!

In more sobering news, Paul Waldman writes in the Washington Post that the "efforts to rig the census may already be working." The gist of his reasoning: "Unfortunately, even if they can’t manage to get a citizenship question added to the census, they may have already achieved their goal of frightening immigrants from participating to enhance the political power of white people and the GOP."

You may feel that there isn't much any one person can do about the awful policies the current administration has pursued in our names, but here are three activities that might help keep the doldrums, the sadness, and the depression at bay:

1. Elect a better president! Grassroots North Shore is already starting its efforts to engage voters for the upcoming elections in 2020. We're doing what's called "deep canvassing" with a focus on people who are likely to vote for Democratic candidates but who vote infrequently. We don't have a candidate for president yet, but there are a host of pressing issues we want to hear from voters about. Deep canvassing is a way to hear what infrequent voters think about the importance of key issues to their own lives. It's a way to engage people in real conversations rather than trying to persuade them to vote for a specific candidate or slate of candidates. We're setting up teams who will figure out for themselves when they want to try to meet with the voters on their list. We'd love to tell you more about what being a deep canvasser entails! Please sign up for one of our sessions on our "deep canvassing" calendar.
   
   
2. Show that you care about what's happening at the southern border! On Friday, July 12, Lights for Liberty is holding a "Vigil to End Human Detention Camps." The event is nationwide and will "bring thousands of Americans to detention camps across the country, into the streets and into their own front yards, to protest the inhumane conditions faced by refugees. Outraged people from around the country will shine a light on the horrific abuses of the Trump administration in human detention camps." You can learn more about the sponsoring group at their website. You don't have to travel far to participate. A vigil will take place at the Wauwatosa City Hall (7725 W North Ave, Wauwatosa). See more info on Facebook.
   
   
3. Show your support for the presidential candidate(s) of your choice! I'm sure they would all appreciate a little money. Many are accepting donations as small as $1, just to demonstrate that they have grassroots support. Of course you will then get a zillion fund-raising emails, if you aren't already. Just delete them! Or unsubscribe to their list. Be a part of the solution we coalesce around!

On a final note, think about attending one of the Debate Watch Parties that will take place throughout the region for the next Democratic presidential debates on July 30 and 31. Grassroots North Shore will again be sponsoring a number of them. I'll provide the specifics when all the details have been worked out and we are closer to the July 30 and 31 dates. The criteria for each candidate for the July debate remain the same as they were for June but the debates will still be limited to 10 candidates each night. If more than 20 candidates qualify, the DNC will use a tie-breaking strategy to eliminate some candidates. So the group is likely to be somewhat different for the 2nd round.

The 3rd debate has substantially different criteria. Candidates must raise funds from at least 130,000 unique donors with at least 400 donors per state in at least 20 states. In addition, candidates must reach 2% support in at least 4 polls (the polls may be national, or in one or more of the 4 earliest primary/caucus states, and must be sponsored by an approved organization). The debate date will take place in Detroit on September 12, with a potential second night on September 13.

EVENTS

Wed Jul 3, 2019

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.

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

League of Progressive Seniors, 6pm - 8pm
Jackie Boynton's house 3945 North Harcourt in Shorewood
Prep for 4th of July Parade. Decorate the convertible, wagons, bikes and wheelchairs.

Thu Jul 4, 2019

League of Progressive Seniors in WFB Parade, 11:30am - 1pm
Meet at 4849 N. Newhall at 10:00 AM
The 43rd annual Whitefish Bay 4th of July Parade route begins on Kent and Silver Spring, east to Lake Drive, north to Klode Park. The parade route is 1 mile long, and the festival at Klode Park begins immediately after the parade. The Parade features over 60 entries and lasts a little over an hour. Featured entrants include the Milwaukee Drum and Bugle Corps, the UW Marching Band, McMenamin Irish Dancers, Scottish Pipe Band, the Wacky Wheeler, the Red Hot Dixie Band, the Nicolet Band, Sen. Darling, Rep. Ott, Co. Sup. Wasserman, County Exec Abele. RSVP to Karen Royster.

Fri Jul 5, 2019

Stand for Livable Climate, 12pm - 1pm
Zeidler Park, 4th Street & Michigan Street, Milwaukee
Help make climate justice happen! Join 350.org Milwaukee and allies to Stand for a Livable Climate, a weekly rally across the street from WE Energies focusing on its policies of using fossil fuels, thwarting renewable energy, and giving inordinate returns to investors vs. a fair cost to consumers. More information.

Sat Jul 6, 2019

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
Lincoln Memorial Drive & East Michigan Street, 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 Leslie Fillingham and Chad Trepanier, who will discuss protecting abortion access and standing up to hate at Abortion Access Front's upcoming Garbage Fyre Festival. Advance tickets ($8).

Sun Jul 7, 2019

Deep Canvassing Event, 2pm - 4:30pm
GRNS office, 5600 W. Brown Deer Rd., Suite 116, Brown Deer
Deep canvassing does not seekto get votes for any particular candidate or party. Instead, its purpose is to listen to specific voters' concerns. The techniques canvassers use and the script require canvassers to work in pairs and to have a real discussion with voters. Help Grassroots North Shore get to know voters in the area. Training will be provided. RSVP.

Mon Jul 8, 2019

Grass Roots South Shore Meeting, 6pm - 8pm
Cudahy Library, 3500 Library Dr. , Cudahy
Grass Roots South Shore holds its monthly meeting on the second Monday of each month. For more information call Jim Balk, 414-218-5944.

Tue Jul 9, 2019

MPD History/City Budget, 6pm - 8pm
Progressive Baptist Church, 8324 W. Keefe Ave., Milwaukee
Come and learn about the #LiberateMKE campaign, the history of the Milwaukee Police Department, and ways your voice can be heard in the City of Milwaukee budget process. Presenters will be Deborah Blanks, PhD, Urban Studies, and Dennis Yaccarino, Director of Budget and Management for the City of Milwaukee. Food will be served. Hosted by African-American Civic Engagement Roundtable. 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! 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 Jul 10, 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 Mequon, 6:30pm - 8pm
Libby Montana, 5616 W Donges Bay Rd, Mequon
Drinking Liberally Mequon is proud to present a legal analysis of the principal findings of: "The Report on the Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election" by Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller, III, presented by James L. Santelle, former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (U.S. Department of Justice). Drinking Liberally Mequon is a destination to meet friends, stay up-to-date on local progressive politics and get inspired to action. We meet at 6:30 on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.

Thu Jul 11, 2019

ACLU's Work for Civil Liberties, 12pm - 1:15pm
Riverfront Pizzeria, 509 E. Erie St., Milwaukee
ACLU National Legal Director David Cole directs a program that includes approximately 1,400 state and federal lawsuits on a broad range of civil liberties issues. He'll be speaking at Wisconsin Justice Initiative's July salon about the ACLU's legal work. The cost of the salon is $14, including the buffet luncheon of main dish, pizza, and salad. Note: for this Thursday salon there will be no refunds after Tuesday, July 9. Register.

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 Jul 12, 2019

Stand for Livable Climate, 12pm - 1pm
Zeidler Park, 4th Street & Michigan Street, Milwaukee
Help make climate justice happen! Join 350.org Milwaukee and allies to Stand for a Livable Climate, a weekly rally across the street from WE Energies focusing on its policies of using fossil fuels, thwarting renewable energy, and giving inordinate returns to investors vs. a fair cost to consumers. More information.

Lights for Liberty: A Vigil To End Human Detention Camps, 7:45pm - 9:15pm
Wauwatosa City Hall , 7725 W North Ave, Wauwatosa
Lights for Liberty will bring thousands of Americans to detention camps across the country, into the streets and into their own front yards, to protest the inhumane conditions faced by refugees.

Sat Jul 13, 2019

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
National Avenue & West Greenfield Avenue, West Allis
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Mon Jul 15, 2019

Lessons from the 2016 Convention, 7:30am - 9:30am
Pfister Hotel, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee
Former Pennsylvania Gov. and Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell was the chairman of the host committee for the 2016 DNC in Philadelphia. He was also mayor of Philadelphia when the 2000 Republican National Convention was held in the city. Rendell, former chairman of the DNC, will talk about the economic impact of the convention, what it meant to Philadelphia, and the lessons learned from hosting the major political event. Event Agenda: 7:30am - Networking and breakfast 8:00am - Event begins 9:15 am - Event concludes. More info.

ACLU Teen Justice Camp, 10am - 4pm
Sensenbrenner Hall, Marquette University, 1103 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee
The ACLU of Wisconsin and partnering community groups and leaders will provide approximately 40 high school students a two-week intensive camp experience teaching essential leadership and social justice issues, skills and techniques for civic engagement. The program, weekdays from July 15 to July 26, is free and lunch will be provided each day. More information and link to application form.

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 top