Is the Supreme Court out of control?

So last week there was no newsletter. It turned out to be a bad week to take a vacation! As I'm sure you're all aware, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled that presidents and former presidents enjoy absolute immunity for "official acts" that are within the "core powers" of the presidency and "presumptive immunity" for other, unspecified acts. Many gallons of ink, pixels, and oxygen were consumed with analysis, but the bottom line of all of it is this: it's a terrible ruling that gives The Former Guy a lot of shelter. Exactly how much remains to be seen, so I'm not going to spend a lot of the newsletter's pixels with summaries and links to those analyses.

Also national attention, in the media anyway, has been consumed with the meaning of President Biden's terrible debate outing: his age, whether he suffers from some neurological disorder, whether he's capable of doing the job — not just for the next four years but NOW. Again, I will not spend time and energy on this story. You can find it everywhere. And it just leads to despair. Let's face it: President Biden, as AOC said yesterday, is the Democratic nominee. (I'm not linking to any of the coverage because the media embed the AOC and Bernie Sanders's expressions of support in the narrative journalists prefer: 'these officials are supporting him, for now' they opine.)

We need to stop wringing our hands, what-iffing, worrying. We need to roll up our sleeves and get to work! President Biden has been one of the best presidents of my lifetime. When I told him so, he kissed me on the top of my head. We need to extoll him for the masterful way he has handled governing at home and rallying our allies abroad. So as far as I am concerned, I'm tuning out all the efforts to persuade him to release his delegates and step aside. He's not about to do that. End of story.

What I want to foreground here is one of the other egregious rulings from SCOTUS that was handed down in the last days of the term. The case for which this ruling was made — Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo — demolished the so-called "Chevron deference," a precedent decided in 1984 that required the federal judiciary to let experts in federal agencies interpret laws that broadly regulate various aspects of our lives but do not spell out every jot and tittle of the rules the laws are meant to engender. In short, Chevron deference meant that people deeply versed in, say, the science of air pollution or food-borne pathogens could make the specific rules that would govern in those areas.

Amy Howe, writing for SCOTUSblog explains: "In a major ruling, the Supreme Court on Friday cut back sharply on the power of federal agencies to interpret the laws they administer and ruled that courts should rely on their own interpretion of ambiguous laws. The decision will likely have far-reaching effects across the country, from environmental regulation to healthcare costs."

In an article titled "Here’s What the Court’s Chevron Ruling Could Mean in Everyday Terms," (link gifted) the New York Times article states that the decision "could lead to the elimination or weakening of thousands of rules on the environment, health care, worker protection, food and drug safety, telecommunications, the financial sector and more." It is likely also to prompt "a rush of new litigation, while also injecting uncertainty into businesses and industries."

The 6-3 ruling in this case not only overturns settled law — Chevron deference has been the law of the land for 40 years, after all — it also provides the blueprint for dismantling any and all regulations that have protected our lives, our liberties, and our sense of living in a just society. Rather than relying on experts to determine what rules in the public interest can "limit toxic smog, ensure that health plans cover basic medical services, ensure the safety of drugs and cosmetics and protect consumers from risky corporate financial behavior," judges will have to make the rules themselves. Or not. And of course they lack the requisite knowledge to do so. Also worth noting: the ruling transfers power from the executive branch of government to the judicial branch and to the tender mercies of people who are appointed to lifetime tenure!

On a brighter note, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled that drop boxes can be used for returning absentee ballots. But two words of caution about the ruling. One, what the court did was return the issue to the discretion of municipal clerks. So not all municipalities in the state will use them. And two, even where municipal clerks choose to use them, drop boxes will not be available for the August 13 election. The ruling will go into effect for the November 5 election. As WisPolitics explains, "This decision is a major win for Wisconsin voters and will make voting in Wisconsin easier, more reliable, and more secure in this year’s general election and beyond."

And speaking of elections, we have a vital one coming up SOON. On August 13, or in the weeks preceding that date, you will have an opportunity to vote in the partisan primary for a range of offices including for US Senator, Congressional Representative, State Senators, State Assembly Representatives, and some county offices. But the most important thing on your ballot comes at the very end, where you're least likely to see it. And that is the pernicious ballot questions that, if approved by the voters, will amend the Wisconsin constitution. Both ballot questions deal with who has the authority to appropriate or allocate federal moneys. You can see the text of the questions on our website. Grassroots North Shore urges you to vote in this election and to VOTE NO on both ballot questions.

Here's why:

The proposed changes would upset the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of government.
The proposed changes are not addressing any current problem: through the budget process, the legislators currently have a major say in how moneys from state taxes and moneys that flow from the federal government are spent.
Giving the legislature the "sole power" to appropriate and allocate funds will lead to governmental impasses, especially when we face emergencies like floods, tornados, or threats to public health.

Learn more about these proposed amendments and why YOU MUST VOTE in this election this Sunday, July 14, at Doctors Park (1870 E Fox Ln, Fox Point) from 4:00 - 6:00pm. Grassroots North Shore has three dynamic speakers on tap — Maggie Daun, the dynamo political radio talk show host of The Maggie Daun Show on the Civic Media Network; Sarah Godlewski, Wisconsin State Treasurer; Ian Schmitt-Ernst, Southeast Organizer for Wisconsin Conservation Voters — to explain exactly what these amendments will mean to us and to our government. Please don't miss this opportunity to get the information you need: Sign up.

By the way, you should soon be able to see what will be on your ballot at MyVote.WI.gov. You can also request an absentee ballot at that site, either for the August 13 primary or for both the August and November elections.

Finally, another must-attend event is coming on Thursday, July 18, at 3900 Estabrook Parkway at 4:00pm. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin will have what I'm told will be an "amazing speaker" to headline the event. And it will be a great occasion to meet fellow liberals from the area. Stay tuned for more details. And meanwhile, sign up for something, okay?

EVENTS

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

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.

Saturday, July 13

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

Fox Point, 7632 N Beach Dr.
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.

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

Sunday, July 14

MICAH We All Belong: Rally for Democracy, 2:00 - 6:00pm
Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts, 2419 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee
Coome to the Rally to hear national speakers like the Rev. Al Sharpton and Ms. Amanda Tyler and local religious leaders. There will also be music and entertainment. Doors open at 1:00pm. General Admission tickets are $5.

Hot Topics, 4:00 - 6:00pm
Doctors Park, 1870 E Fox Ln, Fox Point
The legislature again is trying to disturb the normal balance of power, this time by removing the Governor's control of federal funds and budget distributions. Three knowledgeable speakers — Maggie Daun, the dynamo political radio talk show host of The Maggie Daun Show on the Civic Media Network; Sarah Godlewski, Wisconsin State Treasurer; Ian Schmitt-Ernst, Southeast Organizer for Wisconsin Conservation Voters — lay out how this will affect the Governor's ability to react to emergencies and to protect our environment, schools, and health. The legislature is counting on a low-turnout election to pass these changes before the public understands their consequences! Find out how we can protect our water, schools, and health by protecting the power of the Governor. RSVP.

Tuesday, July 16

WisPolitics presents "Purple Wisconsin: Once again a top swing state," 11:15am - 1:15pm
Marquette Law School - 1215 West Michigan Street, Milwaukee
WisPolitics and host Marquette University Law School team up during Republican National Convention week. Sample the RNC hoopla by attending this event highlighting Wisconsin's swing state status. DEREK MOSLEY, director of the Lubar Center, will provide a welcome from the host, MU Law School, and introduce former Gov. SCOTT WALKER, who will deliver remarks. Then New York Times opinion editor KATHLEEN KINGSBURY will moderate a panel with MU Law School poll director CHARLES FRANKLIN, Dem strategist TANYA BJORK and GOP strategist KEITH GILKES. Lunch and parking included in the $40 per person price. Pre-registration required. Tables of 8 available at a discount; contact: [email protected].

League of Women Voters: Live and Learn, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Online
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. Link to the meeting. The meeting ID is 963 9818 8822.

Wednesday, July 17

The Dairyland Decides: The Pivotal Battleground of American Politics, 12:00 - 2:00pm
UWM Union Wisconsin Room
Join us for an enlightening discussion and luncheon during the Republican National Convention, featuring an all-star team of political commentators. Delve into the dynamic political landscapes of Wisconsin and across the United States as our experts dissect current trends, predict upcoming shifts, and analyze the impact of recent policy decisions on future elections. This session promises to offer a deep dive into the critical races and key battleground states that could determine the balance of power. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain unique perspectives and valuable insights into the evolving American political scene. Panelists: Charles Cook, Cook Political Report; Craig Gilbert, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; Charles Franklin, Marquette Law School Poll. Moderator: Gerron Jordan, WISN-TV. Doors Open 11:30 am, Program & Luncheon 12:00 pm–2:00 pm. The luncheon is free. Register.

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.

Saturday, July 20

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

Shorewood, 4516 N Newhall St.
Whitefish Bay, 4845 N Newhall St.
Glendale, 6563 N Crestwood Dr.
Fox Point/Bayside, 7632 N Beach Dr, Fox Point.

Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Chavez (16th) and Greenfield
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.

Sunday, July 21

Glendale Canvass 9:00am and 12:00pm
6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale
Every person counts in this election and we are looking to expand our volunteer base and identify newly registered Democrats so that we can win in November. We are going to be recruiting new volunteers at the doors by speaking with strong democrats. We will also have the chance to have some persuasion conversations with persuadable voters. We need you! Sign up.

Tuesday, July 23

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

Thursday, July 25

Friday, July 26

League Cefe, 10:00am - 6:00pm
6737 W Washington St, Suite 2212, West Allis
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, July 27

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

July 31 through August 4

Oz Dems at the Ozaukee County Fair, 10:00am - 10:00pm
Fireman's Park, Cedarburg
Be sure to stop by our booth to say hello! We enjoy connecting with fairgoers – and oh, those cheese curds and fireworks!

SAVE THE DATE

Tuesday, August 6

John Zarbano Listening Session, 6:00 - 7:00pm
Cedarburg Public Library, Community Room, W63 N589 Hanover Ave, Cedarburg
Please join John for a listening session in Cedarburg. he wants to know what your concerns are and how he can more effectively represent you in the 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Here's a little about John: He lives in Oshkosh. He's a husband, father, grandfather, and a retired lawyer. Born in Omaha, he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s from the UN at Omaha and my law degree from the University of Tulsa. He practiced law in Tulsa where he met his wife, Merlaine Angwall, a native of Marinette. They returned to Wisconsin in 1998 to be nearer her parents.