My quicky synopsis of the latest news. Although four Hamas hostages have now been released, the war in Gaza rages on. Jenna Ellis pleads guilty to one felony in the Georgia RICO case. Michael Cohen is testifying today in New York's civil case against the Orange Julius, two of his sons, assorted others and the Trump Organization. And lo and behold: we just got a new Speaker of the House nominee. Can Tom Emmer break the stalemate that has kept the House from doing any business at all, no matter how urgent? We shall see.
But seriously, the situation in the Middle East is precarious. I don't usually read Thomas Friedman's columns in the New York Times because he cheered so obnoxiously for the Iraq war. In fact, his predictions were so notorious that cheeky wags created a neologism for them: the Friedman Unit. It has garnered a Wikipedia page devoted to it. His op-ed in the Times (gifted so no paywall) on October 20 is not so sunny or sanguine about the outcome of Israel's stated plan to invade Gaza in the near future:
It could trigger a global conflagration and explode the entire pro-American alliance structure that the United States has built in the region since Henry Kissinger engineered the end of the Yom Kippur War in 1973.
I am talking about the Camp David peace treaty, the Oslo peace accords, the Abraham Accords and the possible normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The whole thing could go up in flames.
Jenna Ellis's statement of remorse to the Georgia Court seems heartfelt but essentially she blames others — presumably Rudy Giuliani and Sydney Powell — for leading her astray. I'm sure every media outlet in the U.S. is covering the story with plenty of detail and maybe even some sympathy for the poor dear. But if you just want a quick hit and a short video of her reading her statement to the court, visit this Daily Kos post: Watch Jenna Ellis’s teary-eyed court statement during her plea deal. What I don't really understand is why she merits such a sweet deal. Her sentence is the same as Ken Chesebro's but she seemed like such a bit player in the whole sorry saga. I'm left wondering how important any information she has on the ring leaders could be. I guess we will just have to wait until the Georgia trial to find out.
Michael Cohen is testifying today in the New York Attorney General's civil case accusing the Trump Organization and several of its top officers, including Dirty Don himself of fraud. He is of course sitting at the defense table today and of course is claiming to the press assembled outside that he's untroubled by Cohen's testimony because his one-time fixer is a convicted liar. What nerve, eh? He's at the trial to intimidate Cohen or something. He does not have to attend it so his presence is a choice. What he hopes to gain with his scowls and whispers to his lawyers is unclear, at least to me. And he's already been convicted of the fraud alleged in the indictment. What remains to be determined is whether he has to pay a penalty (and how much that might be) and whether he violated any other laws.
Meanwhile, almost buried in the rush of other news, the Cowardly Lyin' has filed FOUR NEW motions to have his case in Judge Chutkan's court dismissed. The first one filed a week or two ago argued that, as president, our Butternut Berlusconi had complete immunity from prosecution. Jack Smith's crew made that ridiculous claim, well, ridiculous. See the filing here. In this new one, Trump Throws Everything But The Kitchen Sink At Dismissing The Jan. 6 Case. Today's Washington Post article about this latest filing is well below the fold (as if online news publications had a fold), but the piece itself is thorough. Check out the (gifted) article: Trump files new challenges to federal election obstruction case in D.C.
And in stunningly good news for Wisconsin voters, in case you missed it, the GOP supermajority in the state Senate who voted to fire Wisconsin's Elections Administrator have now admitted in court that "a September vote to fire ... Megan Wolfe was 'symbolic,' and that Wolfe is 'lawfully holding over' in that position despite her appointment expiring July 1," according to Wisconsin Public Radio on October 16. This is a case of the MAGA Republicans being hoist on their own petard. Just last year, the Wisconsin Supreme Court "upheld a lower court ruling that an appointee of former Gov. Scott Walker to the state Natural Resources Board can remain in his role until his replacement is approved by the state Senate, despite the appointee’s term" having expired in 2021 (The Cap Times, June 29, 2022). Plus the Wisconsin Assembly MAGAites have blinked, as Ben Wikler eloquently states in his weekly newsletter from October 13. Speaker Vos is still threatening to impeach Justice Protasiewicz if the Court issues a ruling he and his gerrymandered buddies don't like, but it would clearly be an unpopular move. And maybe even unlawful.
The important thing now is to prepare the ground for next year's big, big, big elections. I have posted a page detailing the campaign contribution limits for local, state, and federal elections. By early December, we will know what offices will be up in the spring nonpartisan election on April 2. (This will also be the date of the presidential preference primary in Wisconsin.) In early Janiuary we will know and will post information on any primaries that will take place on February 20, 2024. And we will work to find online information about candidates that you can consult as you make your plans to vote.
But the most important thing to do is to participate in the Democratic Party's One Year to Win canvasses taking place on Saturday, November 4, and Sunday, November 5. You'll find the sign-up links in the Events listings but I'm providing them here too for the sake of convenience. By clicking on the sign-up link, you will see the shift days and times for each location.
Whitefish Bay Dems One Year to Win Canvassing: Sunday 11/5
Grassroots Glendale One Year to Win Canvassing: Saturday 11/4 & Sunday 11/5
Fox Point/Bayside Dems One Year to Win Canvassing: Saturday 11/4 & Sunday 11/5
EVENTS
Tuesday, October 24
Hear & Meet Liz Oliva of Belly of the Beast, 6:30 - 8:00pm
Milwaukee Liberation Center, 1029 W Mitchell St, Milwaukee
Milwaukeeans will have a rare opportunity to hear and meet the dynamic award-winning young Cuban journalist, Liz Oliva Fernandez, of the media outlet founded by Oliver Stone and Danny Glover, Belly Of The Beast. She will discuss her perspectives on Cuba developments and after previewing segments of two soon-to-be-released documentaries, addressing “What is behind Biden‘s Cuba policy?” Prior to his election in 2020, President Biden criticized the failed Cuba policies of the Trump administration, which reversed the Obama move towards reconciliation with Cuba. Once in office, Biden instead generally continued and even added to the numerous hostile measures taken against Cuba by Trump. This has contributed to a severe economic crisis in Cuba, and over 200,000 Cubans flooding the US borders in the last year alone. Register.
Wednesday, October 25
Hear & Meet Liz Oliva of Belly of the Beast, 1:30 - 3:00pm
Milwaukee Liberation Center, 1029 W Mitchell St, Milwaukee
Milwaukeeans will have a rare opportunity to hear and meet the dynamic award-winning young Cuban journalist, Liz Oliva Fernandez, of the media outlet founded by Oliver Stone and Danny Glover, Belly Of The Beast. She will discuss her perspectives on Cuba developments and after previewing segments of two soon-to-be-released documentaries, addressing “What is behind Biden‘s Cuba policy?” Prior to his election in 2020, President Biden criticized the failed Cuba policies of the Trump administration, which reversed the Obama move towards reconciliation with Cuba. Once in office, Biden instead generally continued and even added to the numerous hostile measures taken against Cuba by Trump. This has contributed to a severe economic crisis in Cuba, and over 200,000 Cubans flooding the US borders in the last year alone. Register.
Hear & Meet Liz Oliva of Belly of the Beast, 5:00 - 6:30pm
UWM Student Union, Rm E240, 2200 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee
Milwaukeeans will have a rare opportunity to hear and meet the dynamic award-winning young Cuban journalist, Liz Oliva Fernandez, of the media outlet founded by Oliver Stone and Danny Glover, Belly Of The Beast. She will discuss her perspectives on Cuba developments and after previewing segments of two soon-to-be-released documentaries, addressing “What is behind Biden‘s Cuba policy?” Prior to his election in 2020, President Biden criticized the failed Cuba policies of the Trump administration, which reversed the Obama move towards reconciliation with Cuba. Once in office, Biden instead generally continued and even added to the numerous hostile measures taken against Cuba by Trump. This has contributed to a severe economic crisis in Cuba, and over 200,000 Cubans flooding the US borders in the last year alone. See posting on Facebook.
Thursday, October 26
WAVE Letterwriting Session, 12:00 - 12:30pm
Brown Deer Public Library, 4301 W Brown Deer Rd, Brown Deer
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has proposed a new rule that could drastically reduce the number of gun sales that take place without a background check. This could be a massive step forward in keeping guns out of the hands of people who, by law, are prohibited from owning them. Now, the ATF is accepting comments on this proposed rule. Register.
WAVE Letterwriting Session, 6:00 - 6:30pm
Brown Deer Public Library, 4301 W Brown Deer Rd, Brown Deer
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has proposed a new rule that could drastically reduce the number of gun sales that take place without a background check. This could be a massive step forward in keeping guns out of the hands of people who, by law, are prohibited from owning them. Now, the ATF is accepting comments on this proposed rule. Register.
Friday, October 27
League of Women Voters Milwaukee County Cafe, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Milwaukee Public Library East Branch Community Room
League Cafe meets monthly and welcomes League members old and new, as well as community members. In a small group setting, we get to know each other better, share knowledge and have interesting conversations. In rotating months, we meet as a general discussion group, and in opposite months, convene as a book club to discuss noteworthy books on racial equity, immigration and/or voting.
Saturday, October 28
Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
27th and Oklahoma Streets
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.
Monday, October 30
MoveOn vs. No Labels Debate, 11:15am
Online
This Monday Ryan Clancy, chief strategist of No Labels, will be participating in a debate that poses a single question: How Would A No Labels Presidential Candidate Change the Outcome in 2024? Clancy will be debating with Rahna Epting, the executive director of MoveOn, which is one of several groups opposed to the No Labels effort to get on voting ballots in 2024. Emmy award-winner John Donvan will moderate to ensure a fair and sound discourse. Register.
Wednesday, November 1
Deb Andraca Fundraiser, 5:00 - 7:00pm
Three Lions Pub, 4515 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood
With special guest, David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive.The Wisconsin State Legislature is making big changes that will have long-term impacts on Milwaukee County, such as the new shared revenue proposal and the pending agreement for the Brewers' stadium. The County Executive and his team have successfully turned a new page on Milwaukee - Madison relations, and I hope you will join us as we talk about what's ahead. RSVP — or simply make a donation.
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.
Meet Jack Eckblad, 5:30 - 7:00pm
Address upon RSVP
The weather is getting colder, but the race for County Board District 4 is only heating up. Come meet Jack, join the campaign, and talk about the plan to deliver services with bold, responsible leadership for Milwaukee County. Join hosts Barbara Eckblad and Steven Petrie in Milwaukee for the reception. Donations of any amount are welcome! Donate and RSVP.
Milwaukee Fundraiser for Katrina Shankland, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Wheel and Sprocket, 187 E Becher St Suite A, Milwaukee
Katrina Shankland, a life-long Wisconsin resident, has stepped up to run in the 3rd Congressional District against incumbant Derrick Van Orden. (Ron Kind was the former incumbant.) Come meet her and support her. Donate and RSVP.
Saturday, November 4
Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Sherman Blvd and North Ave, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.
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.
Shorewood Dems One Year to Win Canvass, 9:00am - 12:00pm, 12:00 - 3:00pm & 3:00 - 6:00pm
4651 N Newhall St, Shorewood
Come join the Shorewood Dems ONE YEAR out from the presidential election to knock doors and talk to voters about the issues that matter most to them! Sign up.
Grassroots Glendale One Year to Win 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.
Sunday, November 5
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.
Whitefish Bay Deep Canvassing, 9:00am - 12:00pm & 3:00 - 6:00pm
4845 N Newhall St, 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.
Grassroots Glendale One Year to Win 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.
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, November 11
Waukesha Dems Drag Show, 6:00pm
Southminster Presbyterian Church, 200 Richard St, Waukesha
Join us for our first ever drag show and only fun-raiser of 2023! This will be a fun night of bingo, games, photo ops, and fun! All funds raised will go to support our 2024 plans to win local races before re-electing Tammy Baldwin and Joe Biden! Waukesha County will be #Crucial to winning Wisconsin, your donation sets us up for success. There will be prizes, fun, BBQ catering, and MORE! Buy tickets.
Armistice Day observance, 7:00 - 7:30pm
Milwaukee City Hall, 220 E Wells St, Milwaukee
Sponsored by Veterans for Peace and a coalition of peace and justice groups. Speakers: Medea Benjamin, co-founder of national women-led peace group CODEPINK, and Mark Denning, educator, lecturer and curriculum specialist in Native American history and culture. Music by Holly Haebig and Harvey Taylor. Free public event. All welcome.
Sunday, November 12
Can Democrats Win the Messaging War in 2024? 7:00 - 8:30pm
Virtual
Grassroots North Shore presents an online discussion of messaging tactics and challenges in the 2024 elections, both national and statewide. Featured speakers David Pepper (Saving Democracy), Melissa Agard (WI Senate Majority Leader), and Mandela Barnes (Power to the Polls), offer knowledgeable, insider views of how to win the all-important state and national elections in 2024.Sign up.
David Pepper will have pre-recorded his interview with Grassroots North Shore Co-Chair Debbie Patel. You can learn more about him here. Please send questions for him for Debbie to use when she interviews him.
Monday, November 13
Fact or Fiction: Dispelling Abortion Care Myths, 6:30 - 8:00pm
Zoom and Summit Place, 6737 W. Washington Street, West Allis,
Join us for a discussion with experts on the medical and legal aspects of reproductive health care. In this first in a series of forums, we will examine some of the facts and myths around this complicated, and often contentious, topic in order to work toward effective public policy. Free admission. Registration required for in-person and Zoom attendance. Register Here.
Wednesday, November 15
EMERGE Wisconsin Woman of the Year 2023, 6:00pm
Greenhouse 7, 524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee
Join us as we celebrate the acheievements of Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, as well as take the time to reconnect with our Emerge family at the return of Woman of the Year! Buy tickets.
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