Emancipation Day at last

Before I sat down to write today's newsletter, I was running a few errands in the course of which I saw a bus displaying, not its destination, but an exhortation. "Juneteenth today: Celebrate Freedom." It's an uplifting message in the city our Trumpelthinskin calls "miserable."

But it's also sobering when we realize that our imperfect but beloved country practices slavery by another name. An essay by Andrew Ross, Tommaso Bardelli and Aiyuba Thomas in today's New York Times — End Legal Slavery in the United States (a gift to you) — explains "that Emancipation did not legally end slavery in the United States. The 13th Amendment — the culmination of centuries of resistance by enslaved people, a lifetime of abolitionist campaigning and a bloody civil war — prohibited involuntary servitude 'except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.'" Thus our prison systems use forced, and largely uncompensated, labor. "Today, a majority of the 1.2 million Americans locked up in state and federal prisons work under duress in jobs that cover the entire spectrum, from cellblock cleaning to skilled manufacturing, for wages as low as a few cents per hour or, in several states, for nothing at all."

Of course we face a multitude of crises both at home and abroad, including the presidential election racing towards us. And we may perforce have to attend to them first. But on this joyous holiday, spare a thought for those who, while incarcerated, are also compelled to involuntary labor. And that's just slavery by another name.

Meanwhile, it's June 19th and the US Supreme Court has still failed to issue a ruling on the ludicrous arguments that Don the Con offered to claim that presidents, after they are no longer in office, are immune from prosecution for any and all acts they committed while in office. Noting the delay this dilatory opinion causes, Laura Litman's opinion piece at the New York Times (a gift to you) titled Something’s Rotten About the Justices Taking So Long on Trump’s Immunity Case, begins "For those looking for the hidden hand of politics in what the Supreme Court does, there’s plenty of reason for suspicion on Donald Trump’s as-yet-undecided immunity case given its urgency. There are, of course, explanations that have nothing to do with politics for why a ruling still hasn’t been issued. But the reasons to think something is rotten at the court are impossible to ignore." She notes that "some two dozen [cases] remain undecided that were argued even before the April 25 oral argument over Mr. Trump’s immunity."

Still, she goes on to note that "seemingly mundane, process explanations overlook some of the particulars in the immunity case. Mr. Trump’s lawyers put together a set of arguments that are so outlandish they shouldn’t take much time to dispatch. Among them is the upside-down claim that, because the Constitution specifies that an officer who is convicted in an impeachment proceeding may subsequently face a criminal trial, the Constitution actually requires an impeachment conviction before there is any criminal punishment." Read the piece and see what you make of it.

Also notable in the presidential campaign is President Biden's latest ad: "Character Matters." TPM notes that initially the New York Times story about the ad "takes on the kind of weird distancing that political reporting sometimes offers up as objectivity. The headline — 'Biden Campaign Ad Paints Trump as a Felon' — suggests maybe it’s an open question whether Trump is a felon. Sure, the Biden campaign is painting him that way, but who is to say, really?" The Times story continues in the same vein: "President Biden’s campaign on Monday began its most aggressive effort to brand former President Donald J. Trump a felon." The point, of course, is that Agent Orange IS A FELON, having been convicted on 34 counts.

A few hours after TPM published its critique of the Times story, a new headline appeared: "Biden Campaign Ad Calls Attention to Trump’s Felon Status." The story's text remained unchanged, still asserting that the president's campaign is trying "to brand former President Donald J. Trump a felon." So I repeat: FELON TRUMP is awaiting sentencing in this New York City case and faces another three criminal cases charging him with an additional 54 criminal counts. We need to call Dirty Don what he is: A CRIMINAL who will be sentenced on July 11. And we need to confront the claims of a "rigged" or partisan trial, passionately and without waffling. So here is what North Shore Fair Maps, working off messaging research by the Research Collaborative, recommends.

How to Talk About Trump's Guilty Verdict
— From North Shore Fair Maps —

Below is a four-sentence statement on Trump’s verdict. It’s worth memorizing, and repeating to everyone and anyone you can:

A JURY OF EVERYDAY AMERICANS bravely convicted Donald Trump of deceiving voters and interfering in our elections, despite facing intimidation and threats.
This unanimous decision is a crucial step toward accountability for the American people.
Just as we refused to let MAGA Republicans silence us in 2020, we are holding them accountable in 2024 — first through the courts and soon at the ballot box.
It’s clear: when the MAGA movement denies us the justice we deserve, Americans act to protect OUR FREEDOMS, OUR FAMILIES, AND OUR FUTURES.

Do more, worry less.

Those of you who participate in social media might post the four statements as a retort for those who scoff at TRE45ON's verdict.

We're steaming into summer, literally. It's pretty hot for mid-June by Wisconsin standards. The whole east half of the country is broiling. Because of the abnormal heat in the Atlantic ocean, on May 23, NOAA predicted that the hurricane season, which began June 1 and lasts to November 30, has an 85% chance of becoming an above normal season. "NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 8 to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher)" (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, May 23, 2024).

Hurricane activity is not the only dire threat. Already this year, the world has experienced widespread coral bleaching: "Along coastlines from Australia to Kenya to Mexico, many of the world's colorful coral reefs have turned a ghostly white in what scientists said on Monday amounted to the fourth global bleaching event in the last three decades. At least 54 countries and territories have experienced mass bleaching among their reefs since February 2023 as climate change warms the ocean's surface waters, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Coral Reef Watch, the world's top coral reef monitoring body" (Reuters, April 16, 2024).

Of course, we're immune to hurricanes here and there are no coral reefs in the Great Lakes. But we have our own serious threats, albeit not related to the outdoor temperatures. We're facing a different kind of heat from our soon-to-be-transformed legislature: the MAGA Republicans are racing to alter the political landscape before their grip on legislative power wanes. They're trying to enact pernicious ballot questions that, if passed by voters on August 13, will amend the Wisconsin constitution to seriously alter the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches. In short, these two measures will BURN us. To address this danger, Grassroots North Shore is presenting "Hot Topics!" Sunday, July 14, from 4:00 to 6:00pm.

We're gathering in Doctors Park (1870 E Fox Ln, Fox Point) to unpack the consequences of these two ballot questions. We'll serve light refreshments but we do ask that people bring their own water bottles and lawn chairs. RSVP here. Come meet some of the candidates on the August 13 ballot and learn why everyone needs to vote NO on the ballot questions.

Next week, on Thursday, June 27, President Biden will debate a man with a gag order from a New York City court and who is out on bail in four jurisdictions. The Democratic Party of Milwaukee County is holding a Debate Watch Party. It's going to be at Broken Bat Brewing Co., 135 E Pittsburg Ave in Milwaukee from 7:00 to 10:00pm. If Benedict Donald deigns to engage — after all Sean Hannity is providing a range of rationales for skipping out of the event — I'm sure it will be fun and energizing. I'm just not sure what will happen if the The Cowardly Lyin’ doesn't show.

A final note for residents of Shorewood, Glendale, and everyone who lives in the 10th, 11th or 12th Assembly District. There is a special election taking place right this minute to fill the vacant seat in Senate District 4. To find out more about the candidates, visit our page for the special election. Absentee ballots are already being mailed. In-person early voting began yesterday, June 18, and continues through Friday, June 28. NOTE: In Shorewood, there is no early in-person voting today because of the Juneteenth holiday. See the full in-person early voting schedule for Glendale and Shorewood.

You should be aware that the primary for this seat is tantamount to the election itself. Only Democrats are competing for the seat. Find out more about them before you vote. One of the two women on the July 2 ballot will be the only candidate on the ballot for the general election on July 30. So the July 2 primary will determine who fills the remainder of the Senate District 4 term.

EVENTS

Wednesday, June 19

Waukesha Dems Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm
132 N Main St, West Bend
In Person & Virtual (if needed)
DPW Regional Organizer Brooke Berget will be with us to share a relational organizing method that each of us can use to actively help elect Democrats. In-person attendance is encouraged. But if you need it, here is the Zoom link.

Oz Dems Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Join us at our monthly general meeting, the 3rd Wed of each month at 7 pm at our Grafton Office. Get caught up on the latest local politics while helping us elect people to office. Thanks to Fair Maps, we have an opportunity to elect people to the 22, 23, and 59 Assembly Districts as well as the 8th and 20th Senate Districts. Zoom links for the meeting are sent to paid DPOC members.

Thursday, June 20

Meet and Greet with LaKeshia Myers, 10:00am
The Oaks, 3900 N Estabrook Parkway
LaKeshia is running in a special election for the vacant Senate District 4. Paul Geenen is hosting this opportunity for people in Shorewood and Glendale to meet the candidate and hear her vision. The primary for this special election is scheduled for Tuesday, July 2.

Discussion with Author Dominic Erdozain, 12:00pm
Online
Join WAVE Educational Fund for an author discussion with Dominic Erdozain about his new book, One Nation Under Guns. Erdozain is a writer and historian with a passion for bringing the past into dialogue with the present. Erdozain has written widely on the intellectual origins of democracy and has published opinion pieces for CNN, placing America’s gun problem in a broader philosophical context. A graduate of Oxford and Cambridge, he is currently a visiting professor at Emory University. Register for free in advance to receive a link the day of the event.

Meet and Greet with Dora Drake, 1:00pm
The Oaks, 3900 N Estabrook Parkway
Dora is running in a special election for the vacant Senate District 4. Paul Geenen is hosting this opportunity for people in Shorewood and Glendale to meet the candidate and hear her vision. The primary for this special election is scheduled for Tuesday, July 2.

Voter Assistance Hotline and Ballot Cure Training, 4:00 - 5:30pm
Online
Join our Hotline and Cure team! Dozens of volunteers just like YOU make a difference for tens of thousands of voters every cycle. On the Hotline, we answer voters’ questions and address their concerns, so every voter has access to accurate, helpful, and useful information on voting. On the Ballot Cure team, we help absentee voters make sure their votes are cast correct and counted. YOUR effort helps voters vote! Sign up.

A special event in support of Sara Rodriguez, 5:00 - 7:00pm
TBD
As the second largest and fastest-growing racial and ethnic group in Wisconsin’s electorate, Latino voters could be the difference between winning and losing – in national and statewide elections, and in competitive congressional and state legislative races under new fair maps. Join us in supporting Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez’s initiatives to ensure voters know Democrats are delivering on the issues important to Latino families and turnout Latino voters for Democratic candidates in November. Address available upon RSVP.

Saturday, June 22

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

Monday, June 24

Tuesday, June 25

Begin Your VoPro Journey at VoPro 101, 5:00 - 6:00pm
Online
VoPro 101 is our twice-monthly intro session to all things voter protection! Learn the basics of Wisconsin election law, the skills and strategies we use to help voters, and choose how YOU want to be involved. Sign up.

Social / Relational Organizing Glendale & Fox Point, 6:00 - 7:30pm
1065 W Fairy Chasm Rd, River Hills
Connect with your friends in an easy way and help democrats win! Sign up.

Wednesday, June 26

WAVE: Annual Peace Through Music Benefit, 7:00pm
Linneman's Riverwest Inn, 1001 E Locust St, Milwaukee
John Lennon songs performed live by Sigmund Snopek, John Sieger, Electric Blu and more. Plus, there will be an amazing silent auction with items donated by local businesses like Adventure Rock, Irish Fest, Wy'east Pizza, Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, Tosa Yoga Center, Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee Film, Float Milwaukee, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Rocket Baby Bakery, Milwaukee County Parks, and so many others! The $10 cover charge at the event is a donation to benefit WAVE Educational Fund and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. If you cannot attend you can still support our work at WAVE to prevent gun violence.

Thursday, June 27

Milwaukee County Presidential Debate Watch Party! 7:00 - 10:00pm
Broken Bat Brewing Co., 135 E Pittsburg Ave, Milwaukee
Join your fellow Democrats here in Milwaukee for our Presidential Debate watch party at Broken Bat Brewing! Be surrounded by friends and fellow Democrats as we cheer on President Biden and get motivated for our 2024 general election campaign. To join in on the fun RSVP to let us know you’re coming, and don’t forget to bring a friend or family member!

Saturday, June 29

Neighborhood Canvasses, 9:00am - 12:00pm, 12:00 - 3:00pm, 3:00 - 6:00pm

Fox Point, 7632 N Beach Dr, Fox Point.
Shorewood, 4516 N Newhall St.
Glendale, 6563 N Crestwood Dr.
Shorewood, 4516 N Newhall St.

Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Santa Monica & Silver Spring, Whitefish Bay
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.

League Cafe, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Milwaukee Public Library East Branch Community Room
2320 N Cramer St, Milwaukee
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.

March in the Fun Before the Fourth Parade, 10:00am - 12:00pm
TBD
If you would like to march in the Thiensville parade, please fill out the form. Then, watch your email for more details as we get closer to the event. Get that OzDems Tshirt ready - and practice that wave - it'll be here before you know it! ** We will have professionally printed signs to folks to carry!

Post-Parade Membership Picnic, 12:00 - 2:00pm
Village Park, Thiensville
Join the Ozaukee Dems after Thiensville's Fun-Before-the-4th Parade for a membership picnic at Village Park! We'll provide food and beverages. Learn more about becoming a member, volunteer opportunities, and other upcoming events in the area! Get involved!. Please RSVP. There's no cost — Donations accepted at the door.

Sunday, June 30

Neighborhood Canvasses, 9:00am - 12:00pm, 12:00 - 3:00pm, 3:00 - 6:00pm

Fox Point, 7632 N Beach Dr, Fox Point.
Glendale, 6563 N Crestwood Dr.
Lakefront, 3271 N Newhall St.
Recruit Volunteers, 3271 N Newhall St.

Thursday, July 4

March in the Cedarburg 4th of July Parade with Oz Dems, 9:30 - 11:30am
If you would like to march in the Thiensville and/or Cedarburg parades, please fill out this form: March With Oz Dems. Then, watch your email for more details as we get closer to the event. Get that OzDem T-shirt ready – and practice that wave – it’ll be here before you know it!

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, July 6

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

Tuesday, July 9

Social / Relational Organizing Glendale & Fox Point, 6:00 - 7:30pm
1065 W Fairy Chasm Rd, River Hills
Connect with your friends in an easy way and help democrats win! Sign up.

Wednesday, July 10

Glendale Party: Friend to Friend Outreach, 6:00 - 8:30pm
2535 W Wending Dr, Glendale
Come join for a summer party in Glendale. Glenna and Brad are opening their home to the community. Good food, great people, and democratic values! Learn what we are doing to make sure we win in November! Hope to see you there. Sign up.

Thursday, July 11

Saturday, July 13

Neighborhood Canvasses, 9:00am - 12:00pm, 12:00 - 3:00pm, 3:00 - 6:00pm

Fox Point, 7632 N Beach Dr, Fox Point.
Glendale, 6563 N Crestwood Dr.
Lakefront, 3271 N Newhall St.
Recruit Volunteers, 3271 N Newhall St.

Lunch and Learn, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Zoom
Keisha Robinson grew up on the north side of Milwaukee and like many people in her community, she experienced hardships like poverty and discrimination while job searching. She eventually worked her way up to her current role as Program Director at Black Leaders Organizing for Communities (BLOC) where she uses her personal experiences to help the people in her neighborhood get involved in the political process. The team at BLOC believes that change needs to happen from within the community because sharing experiences creates a deeper level of trust. Join the Zoom meeting.

Wednesday, July 17

Oz Dems Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 130, Grafton
Join us at our monthly general meeting, the 3rd Wed of each month at 7 pm at our Grafton Office. Get caught up on the latest local politics while helping us elect people to office. Thanks to Fair Maps, we have an opportunity to elect people to the 22, 23, and 59 Assembly Districts as well as the 8th and 20th Senate Districts. Zoom links for the meeting are sent to paid DPOC members.

Thursday, July 25