buckle up, it's crazy out there!

The past few weeks, I've focused a lot of newsletters on Representative Robin Vos's threat to impeach Justice Janet Protasiewicz and his sudden introduction of a bill (AD 415) to implement a so-called nonpartisan process for developing and adopting maps of electoral districts, a proposal that only looks nonpartisan until we examine the actual bill. And it turns out that the version adopted as amended allows the legislature to revise the proposed maps any way they choose — as long as the Republicans with their near veto-proof majority can persuade at least one Democrat to vote for it — and gives the partisan legislature the final say. The Assembly is currently on hiatus and will not return until next week. And the Senate has so far not taken up the redistricting bill the Assembly passed a couple of weeks ago. So all is quiet on the threat to impeach Justice Protasiewicz and the attempt to fool everyone into thinking the GOP has seen the light now and is in favor of nonpartisan redistricting, two parts of the three-part effort to keep legislative power out of the hands of the voting public: "fire" Meagan Wolfe, the current state administrator of elections; impeach the possible fourth vote on the Wisconsin Supreme Court to redraw the election maps; adopt a bogus version of the Iowa Model for nonpartisan redistricting. We're keeping an eye on all three.

Since last week's newsletter, The Big Lie-bowski has taken center stage again. This time the Big Lie isn't about "rigged elections." It's about the value of real estate. New York Judge Engoron has already issued a partial summary judgment declaring that "Donald J. Trump persistently committed fraud by inflating the value of his assets" (gift article: NYTimes, September 26, 2023).The trial on this civil matter is simply to assess how much the penalties (disgorgement) should be. In the ruling Judge Engoron has already issued, the business certificates (i.e. licenses) of all New York entities The Cowardly Lyin' owns and all business that are"controlled or beneficially owned by the individual defendants" have been cancelled and a receiver will be appointed to oversee all matters pertaining to those entities.

And this just in: Judge Engoron has issued a gag order against Donald Trump. If he violates the order, he will go to jail for 30 days, apparently. See the Washington Post's account here. Or this much longer and more detailed account in The Messenger. Now taken down, the post on Truth Social that prompted the gag order attacked Judge Engoron's staff. It apparently read "Schumer’s girlfriend, Alison R. Greenfield, is running this case against me. How disgraceful! This case should be dismissed immediately!!" In the election denial case, prosecutor Jack Smith requested a limited gag order and followed up with a reply to Trump's filing with an even more urgent argument. You can see Glenn Kirschner's take on the latest on YouTube. Judge Chutkin scheduled a hearing on the gag order motion for October 16.

Also, in Congress, Kevin McCarthy has just been booted from his speakership. In the Washington Post, Phillip Bump headlines his analysis of the Republican party's trajectory over the past decade The future of the GOP is now its past. Even Newt Gingrich, the original Congressional bomb thrower, is arguing that "Republicans must expel Matt Gaetz," calling Gaetz "an anti-Republican who has become actively destructive to the conservative movement." So now there's a pro-tem speaker, Representative Patrick McHenry, until a new speaker is elected. What a day! But the government is still up and running. Justice Thomas actually recused himself from the Supreme Court decision not to hear John Eastman's appeal to keep his evidence of crime (by which I mean his emails) from prosecutors. And Ukraine continues to receive robust support from other nations, including the United States. Some of the more hopeful signs that democracy may yet survive.

So much drama for the media to qvell* over. In the real world, there are still meaningful ways to help realize the policies we desire. If you act quickly, you can participate in Vote Forward's letter-writing campaign for elections this November in Ohio and Virginia. As you might recall, Ohio voters have a chance to pass a constitutional amendment to guarantee access to abortion in that state. Sign up for the Ohio Ballot Initiative. In Virginia, the November election provides a chance to flip the lower house from red to blue. You can participate in several issue-oriented letter-writing campaigns. For example, Climate Change or Reproductive Freedom.

*a yiddish term meaning a kind of celebratory exclaiming, a joyous outburst

In other news, North Shore Fair Maps is holding a vital zoom you really don't want to miss on Monday, October 11, at 7 pm — Math, Science, and Maps — with guest speaker Attorney Sam Hirsch (from the law firm Jenner & Block) providing insights into the second gerrymandering lawsuit filed in August with the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Robert Yablon (from the Democracy Research Initiative) will bring us up to speed on the Legislature's "recusal / impeachment" power play. It really is the maps, stupid, that have turned Wisconsin into a perpetually bitter political battleground. If it's true that Democrats would need a huge majority of the votes in any given election to eke out a tiny majority in the Assembly, then MAGA Republicans can clearly ignore constituents and their policy preferences. Under the 2011 maps and strengthened by the 2021 maps, Wisconsin voters are trapped. North Shore Fair Maps and a coalition of advocacy groups are both calling attention to the matter and fighting it with every tool at their disposal. Join in and sign up

EVENTS

Tuesday, October 3, - Sunday, October 8

National Car-Free Week, 24/7
Everywhere in MKE
Milwaukee's Climate and Equity Plan promotes transportation infrastructure that will enhance our quality of life while slashing greenhouse gas emissions. Thirty-one percent of Wisconsinites are non-drivers. This includes people with disabilities, young people, seniors, and people who can’t afford cars or gas. The Washington Disability Mobility Initiative and America Walks challenge drivers to go car-free for a week and to support investment in public transportation. More information.

Thursday, October 5

2023 Cultures & Communities Festival, daily through October 12
See information online
Guided by principles of cultural inclusivity, The 2023 Cultures & Communities Festival, held in Milwaukee from October 5th - 12th, is an eight-day convergence of groundbreaking films, distinguished speakers, and public forums designed to amplify diverse cultural expressions and celebrate community, convening multicultural, intergenerational audiences across southeastern Wisconsin through engaging events and compelling public conversations. Offering a wide range of artistic and cultural experiences that promote collective expressions of joy, Cultures & Communities provides access to curated social spaces and platforms that support inclusive artistic and cultural creativity. See the program guide.

Freedom to Read, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Whitefish Bay Public Library, 5420 N Marlborough Dr., Whitefish Bay
Nyama Reed, Whitefish Bay Public Library Director & past-president of the Wisconsin Library Association will focus on the background of the Freedom to Read movement, plus historical & current trends in book challenges. Tomas Lipinski, Ph.D. and J.D., professor at the UWM School of Information Studies will cover the legal foundations that support library work, including a review of the extant case law involving public school READ and public library book challenges and collections that demonstrate support for library decision-making in building collections. 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. socializing and light refreshments; 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. program. Register here. Co-hosted by the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County and the Whitefish Bay Library.

Saturday, October 7

Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
92nd and Burleigh
Stand with the Nuns! The School Sisters of Notre Dame will lead us. Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.

Monday, October 9

Math, Science, and Maps, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Online
Why have a group of mathematicians and computer scientists taken Wisconsin's voting maps to court? Because they can proved those maps violate Wisconsin's Constitution! Their lawyer, Sam Hirsch (Jenner & Block) will zoom in from Washington, D.C., to explain it to the North Shore Fair Maps group. We will also hear from Rob Yablon who will talk us through the issues around recusal and impeachment. Sign up.

Tuesday, October 10

What is Happening with DEI in Our Schools, 5:00- 6:30pm
Turner Hall, 1040 Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee and online
For students, teachers, families, and folks who care about equity in our community. DEI efforts are under attack in our schools. Long-term systemic racism must be countered by long-term systemic anti-racism that lifts up and collaborates with marginalized people. Societies are stronger, richer and more resilient when they respect, value and learn from diverse cultures, knowledge, experiences, and ideas. Panelists: + Elisabeth Lambert, Wisconsin Education Law & Policy Hub + Diannia Merriett, Parents Advocating for Greendale Equity + Lashawnda Holland, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility - Wauwatosa School District + Alyson Weiss, Superintendent, Glendale River Hills + Nathan Russell, Founder, Suburbs for Equality. Moderator: Emilio De Torre, Milwaukee Turners. Doors open at 4:30 PM. Broadcast begins at 5 PM in the Palm Garden, on the first floor of Turner Hall. For in-person or for virtual attendance, please sign up.

Saturday, October 14

Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
King and North Streets
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.

Monday, October 16

Milwaukee PD District Seven: 2023 Crime & Safety Meeting, 5:00- 6:30pm
Wellpoint, 8901 Capitol Dr, Milwaukee
District 7's Crime & Safety Meetings are always held on the 3^rd Monday of every month. More information.

Dem Party of Milwaukee County Monthly Meeting, 6:00pm
J&B's Bar and Grill, 5230 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee
Join us for our regularly scheduled monthly meeting, where we discuss party business and hear from Democratic candidates. Food will be provided! Sign up.

SAVE THE DATE

Tuesday, October 17

League of Women Voters Lunch & Learn, 12:00pm
Zoom
Invite Your Friends and LWV Members to Join Our Lunch and Learn. We listen, reflect, and follow the lead of community changemakers on important issues impacting our lives. We meet virtually at noon on the third Tuesday of every month. We encourage you to sign up and save this monthly link. Passcode: league. Text Pat McFarland with your suggestions and questions at 414-630-1978.

Wednesday, October 18

October Dem Party of Oz County Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm
130 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Join us at our Grafton Office as we gather to hear speakers and catch up on the local and state politics influencing Ozaukee County – while spending time with like-minded people. All interested people are encouraged to attend.

Thursday, October 19

Out of Sight: The Black Middle-Class in Milwaukee, 4:00pm9:30am
4th Floor Conference Center, Golda Meir Library, 2311 E. Hartford Ave., Milwaukee,
Ermitte Saint Jacques, Assistant Professor, UWM Department of African and African Diaspora Studies and Robert Smith, Harry G. John Professor, Marquette University Department of History will discuss middle-class African American experience in Milwaukee. This collaborative project challenges and complicates existing narratives about Black Milwaukee that are mired in narrow assertions primarily focused on poverty, residential segregation, criminalization, and educational achievement gaps. In-person and virtual. Register here.

Friday, October 20

Redistricting, Elections, & Litigation, 9:30am
Knickerbocker Hotel, 1028 E Juneau St, Milwaukee
A meeting to discuss and update Wisconsin politics sponsored by the League of Progressive Seniors. Panel Members: Deborah Patel (Co-lead, North Shore Fair Maps); Deb Andraca (23^rd Assembly District Representative); and an Attorney from Law Forward. We look forward to meeting with you to enjoy the company and refreshments as we learn about this important topic. For questions, contact Attorney Jackie Boynton at 414-378-4224. Let LPS know you plan to attend. OR let them know you're interested but cannot attend.

The Women's Convention 2023, 3:00pm - October 22 at 1:00pm
Baird Center, 400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
We’re at an inflection point in our country. What we do in the next five years will impact the next five decades. If we are going to protect our personal rights, our communities, and democracy itself, we need to build the biggest movement possible. We need to consolidate women and allies around shared values, experience, and culture to build a nation that works for all of us. The 2023 Women’s Convention will provide a space for you to rejuvenate and find connection and support. Whether you are brand new to social change work or a veteran activist, this space is built for you. You will gain tools, make connections, and experience the feminist future we want to live in. See more information and purchase tickets. (The posting is long, but well worth the scrolling to find ticket prices for seniors.)

Saturday, October 21

Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Capitol and Oakland
Special Stand for Peace in solidarity with the Nov 1, 2023, UN Vote to End Blockade on Cuba. Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.

Grassroots Glendale Defend Justice Canvass, 12:00 - 3:00 & 3:00 - 6:00pm
6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale
WE NEED YOUR HELP! There is a Republican threat to impeach newly-elected Janet Protasiewicz. This is a desperate, unconstitutional, unprecedented, and obscene power grab to erase the votes of a million Wisconsinites and lock in their gerrymandered maps, the near-total abortion ban, and the plot to overturn the 2024 presidential election. We must make absolutely clear to Robin Vos and Republicans in the Wisconsin State Legislature that this attempt to nullify the last election is absolutely unacceptable. Join us to mobilize voters to call their Representatives! Sign up.

Thursday, November 2

Day of the Deeds Fundraiser for Issy Ramón, TBD
1407 S 1st Street, Milwaukee
Fundraiser for Issy Ramón, Milwaukee County's Register of Deeds since he was appointed to the position in May 2019. In his time in office, he has implemented a number of reforms, both to systems for accounting and to staff interactions with customers. Now he's running for office and seeks your support. Please donate.

Saturday, November 4

Fox Point/Bayside Dems One Year to Win Canvass, 9:00am - 12:00pm & 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for details
Come join us as we talk to voters in Fox Point one year ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election! Sign up.

Sunday, November 5

Grassroots Glendale Defend Justice Canvass, 3:00 - 6:00pm
6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale
WE NEED YOUR HELP! There is a Republican threat to impeach newly-elected Janet Protasiewicz. This is a desperate, unconstitutional, unprecedented, and obscene power grab to erase the votes of a million Wisconsinites and lock in their gerrymandered maps, the near-total abortion ban, and the plot to overturn the 2024 presidential election. We must make absolutely clear to Robin Vos and Republicans in the Wisconsin State Legislature that this attempt to nullify the last election is absolutely unacceptable. Join us to mobilize voters to call their Representatives! Sign up.

Whitefish Bay/Shorewood Deep Canvassing, 4:00 - 6:00pm
4845 Newhall Street, Whitefish Bay
Come join us in Whitefish Bay as we knock doors and talk to voters about the issues that matter most to them! Sign up.