One quick word about Epstein and then the rest of the newsletter can focus on what's really going on, ok? So the story about the breakup in the Trump-Epstein bromance changes almost every day. And every time it gets creepier and more openly reveals Trump's knowledge of Epstein's pedophilia, and perhaps Trump's connivence. We've had the 2002 gush (New York, October 28, 2022): Jeffery is just a "terrific guy" who happens to really enjoy his social life with beautiful women "on the younger side." Several more bombshell stories later, we now have yesterday's account — belied by the actual timeline of events — that he banned Epstein because Jeffery "stole his people" (like Trump owned them) including Virginia Guiffre who was 16 at the time and who committed suicide three months ago!
The break between the two men did not happen in 2000 when Giuffre was "stolen," however, but four years later — in 2004 (listen to this PBS account). So that's where we are: lie piled on lie as usual. Will it make any difference to voters' views of the man, to their views of what he is doing to our country? Who knows. Because the Epstein files have such salience with the MAGA crowd in so many different ways, it could. And already it's having a measurable effect on independents (a mere 29% approve of him according to a new Gallup poll).
Nancy Pelosi has called the whole Epstein saga a distraction. While I disagree, it's true that there are lots of other consequential news we need to know. Beginning with understanding our right to protest and to keep ourselves safe while doing so. And that's what our One Million Rising Workshop is designed to address.
Worth Fighting For Wisconsin and Grassroots North Shore are holding a workshop on Sunday, August 3, from 5:00 - 6:30pm on Zoom. The One Million Rising Workshop: "Federal Security Forces" features Attorney James Santelle, a resident legal commentator for Civic Media's Amicus: A Law Review.
America is either in a “democratic backslide” or, worse yet, the regime now ruling our country is having an “autocratic breakthrough” moment. But we’ve heard that if we can activate 3.5% of the population (11.9M), we can change the tide. That’s a hefty number, so right now we are joining a national movement, flexing our muscles to get One Million Rising. And we need to think and act smart to get there.
So over 90 fast-paced minutes,
- we will learn how we grow to 1M (ultimately 3.5%), including the “quiet diplomacy” that can eat away at the “pillars of support” propping up an autocratic regime;
- then former US Attorney James Santelle will walk us through our legal rights, and give us very practical advice on how to protect ourselves and others.
Join us: Register.
So let's get to the heart of where we are as a country and where we seem to be going. In my amateur opinion, what we are witnessing is a full-scale assault on our cherished structure of three independent and co-equal branches of government: Congress, Judiciary, and Executive. And that's because the executive branch — helmed by the president and surprisingly aided by the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) — is gobbling up the other two branches of government, and indeed its own internal, quasi-independent structures designed to promote accountability or to exercise its professionals' best judgment with as little political pressure as possible. Here's what I see.
Congress and the power of the purse. In an interview with Steve Inskeep on PBS recently, Jonathan Martin, a journalist with Politico, notes that the Republicans in Congress are giving up their "most prized power, which is the ability to control federal spending. You know, lawmakers crave the ability to direct spending in their states and districts." He was directly addressing the so-called rescissions package that retroactively "approved" what amounted to the illegal impoundment of congressionally mandated funds to various agencies and grants. The Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 prohibits presidents from failing to spend "money that has been appropriated by the U.S. Congress" and SCOTUS found the law to be constitutional (Wikipedia). Even with the passage of the rescissions package, the Trump regime is still sitting on billions of dollars of legally appropriated funds. So illegal impoundment continues.
The US Senate's power to advise and consent to high-level appointees and judgeships nominated by the president. In at least two different districts, the president has brushed aside the legal obligation of that federal judicial district's judges to appoint a US attorney if there is no Senate-confirmed one after an interim US attorney has served for 120 days. The judges can choose to appoint the person who had been the interim US attorney in their district, but they are under no obligation to do so. In the two cases in question, the Northern District of New York and in New Jersey, the Trump regime is trying to circumvent the law by firing the attorney the judges elected and installing the previous interim attorney as the first assistant US attorney in that district, "triggering a separate law that elevates top deputies to lead the office in an acting capacity for up to 210 days." In the New Jersey case, the Department of Justice "argues that acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba was properly appointed because the administration fired the deputy selected by judges to replace Habba before their order could go into effect." The stratagem circumvents both the district judges' legal role AND the Senate's to advice and consent.
The Federal Judiciary. "Group Founded by Trump Ally Stephen Miller Sues John Roberts in Bid to Control Courts" shouts a headline at Democracy Docket from May 2, 2025. The suit, which Democracy Docket calls a "brazen but unlikely attempt to seize control of the federal court system," argues "that the Judicial Conference of the U.S. and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts — two key judicial branch bodies that frame policy and handle the basic functions of the federal courts — are executive branch agencies." Talking Points Memo's headline reads "John Roberts in Court Filing: I Manage the Judiciary, Not the President." The article notes a central irony: "Roberts and the Republican-appointed majority on the court have spent this year rejecting similar arguments when applied to independent executive branch agencies. As they’ve dismissed those arguments, granting more power to President Trump, they’ve carved out exceptions that make sense practically but which legal experts criticize as incoherent: the National Labor Relations Board may not be an independent agency, the court ruled in May, but the Federal Reserve is."
Just yesterday, Attorney General Bondi "filed a misconduct complaint against...Judge James E. Boasberg, the chief judge of the U.S. District Court in Washington, 'for making improper public comments' about the president and his administration" (shared from the New York Times, July 29, 2025). The NYTimes article cites several additional actions against federal judges: in February against the judge "overseeing a challenge to Mr. Trump’s ban on transgender people in the military," in June suing Maryland judges, "accusing them of intruding on the president’s inherent powers to 'enforce the nation’s immigration laws,'" and in July accusing "members of the federal bench in New Jersey of being 'rogue judges' during a fight over who would be the state’s next acting U.S. attorney."
Independent Agencies within the Executive Branch. These include such entities as the National Labor Relations Board and the Merits Systems Protection Board. But the court oddly carved out a tortured reason why the same principles would not apply to the Federal Reserve Board. The ruling granted the Trump regime's request to "pause orders by federal judges that required government officials to allow board members at two independent federal agencies to stay in office after President Donald Trump tried to fire them" (SCOTUSblog, May 22, 2025). In some cases, firing some members of these independent boards has rendered the boards unable to act because they lack a quorum!
This abbreviated account hardly touches on all the rot and corruption we are seeing. So let's face it: America as we have known it is in serious trouble. Rather than watch our entire system of government collapse in front of our eyes, though, we are planning to take power back from the MAGA hordes now running Congress into the ground. The 2026 elections will tell us a lot — probably all we will need to know — about our country and its potential for recovering from what currently ails us. But we're not waiting until a year from now to get busy. I hope you will join us. In particular, Grassroots North Shore will be organizing phone calls and texts to voters in Wisconsin Congressional District 1 (Bryan Steil's district). And the Wisconsin Democrats have organized virtual phone banks to call into Wisconsin Congressional District 3 (Derrick Van Orden's district). Please sign up to participate in one action or the other. The volunteer page will provide a more detailed explanation of each.
TAKE ACTION
The Comité sin Fronteras, an immigrant-led arm of Voces de la Frontera, needs volunteers to respond to raids in Milwaukee and Wisconsin. Involvement can range from taking "verifier" training to be able to identify and report ICE presence in your neighborhood, to actively participating in monthly planning and discussion meetings, to financial support.
Verifier training is every held every other Saturday from 1-3 (Aug 2, 16 and Sept 6, 20). A verifier travels quickly to reported nearby locations to confirm or deny ICE activity. This requires reliable transportation and some daytime flexibility. Please use this form to sign up.
Concerned Citizens at Eastcastle hold a protest every Saturday from 1:00 to 1:30pm on E Bradford Avenue between N Downer Avenue and N Prospect Avenue. Concerned Citizens are a group of Eastcastle residents but they would welcome some participation of other like-minded people, and especially supporters from Grassroots North Shore. We need to show as much support as we can for self-organizing groups like this one. So if you have an hour to give and a sign left over from the Hands Off or No Kings rallies, drop by to stand — or sit — with these good folks!
Forward Scholars, a specialized tutoring program for a select group of Milwaukee Public Schools, is gearing up for tutors for the 2025–2026 school year! We’re looking forward (pun absolutely intended!) to another incredible year together. As of July 10th, Forward Scholars has 133 amazing tutors signed up — but our goal is 315, and we need your help to get there!
We are expanding to 10 Milwaukee schools this year and send this recruitment message for friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Every new tutor means more students get the one-on-one support they deserve. If you're interested, please submit the 👉 Forward Scholars Interest Form '25-'26 School Year. Attend the next virtual session for volunteers on Aug. 7th at 1 PM. Register with friends or contacts who may be interested in tutoring.
EVENTS
Wednesday, July 30
One Million Rising: Strategic Non-Cooperation to Fight Authoritarianism, 7:00 - 8:00pm
Virtual
Across the country, authoritarian forces are getting bolder and more dangerous. Trump and his allies are not hiding their agenda: mass deportations, rollbacks of civil rights, weaponized courts, and full-scale attacks on our democracy. We don’t have to wait until it’s too late. We can stop this. But it’ll take all of us—not just on single days of mass action, but through sustained organizing in our communities.
That’s why this summer, we’re launching One Million Rising—a national effort to train one million people in the strategic logic and practice of non-cooperation, as well as the basics of community organizing and campaign design. This is how we build people power that can’t be ignored. You’re invited to join us—and lead.
**Session 2: How to Make it Happen - July 30** This train-the-trainer session is how we get to one million. Learn not just our strategy, but how you can train others and get them on board. You'll host your first community resistance gathering after this session. Sign up.
Oz Dems at the Ozaukee County Fair, 1:00pm
W67 N866 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg
Join us at the Ozaukee County Fair to support your Democratic Party or to just say hello! At the County Fairgrounds at W67 N866 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg. The Fair begins on Wednesday, July 30 and ends on Sunday, August 3. For complete information about the Fair and its events, visit the Fair's website.
Thursday, July 31
The Real Impact of Tariffs: Small Businesses Speak Out, 7:30 - 8:30pm
online
Tariffs are hitting small businesses hard! Many are struggling to stay afloat amid shifting trade policies and economic uncertainty. Join us for a candid conversation with small business owners as they share how tariffs are disrupting their companies, raising costs, and threatening their ability to survive. We will discuss everything from unpredictable price hikes to inventory delays and the tough decision they face on a daily basis. It’s time to spread the word about how these tariff policies are hurting the small businesses that keep our communities strong. See you there! Sign up.
Saturday, August 2
League of Women Voters Voter Registration, 9:30 - 11:30am
Cudahy Family Library, 3500 Library Drive, Cudahy
Registering new voters from 9:30 to 11:30am.
Voces de la Frontera: Milwaukee ICE Verifier Training Series, 1:00 - 3:00pm
733 W Historic Mitchell St, Milwaukee
Become a community defense network verifier! Verifiers are people who respond to ICE alerts by quickly traveling to the reported locations to confirm or deny ICE activity. The role requires reliable transportation and some daytime flexibility. Trainings are held at the Voces Milwaukee office (733 W Mitchell St) every first and third Saturday of the month from 1-3pm. Please sign up in advance.
Milwaukee Town Hall with Beto O'Rourke, 3:00 - 5:00pm CDT
Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W Vliet St, Milwaukee
Beto O’Rourke will return to Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Saturday, August 2, to hold a town hall meeting and continue listening to people throughout the country. This public event is an opportunity for members of the community to ask questions about local and federal issues while joining their neighbors in a conversation about America’s future.Anyone interested in attending this free community forum can RSVP.
Sunday, August 3
One Million Rising Workshop, 5:00 - 6:30pm
Zoom
At this Workshop sponsored by Grassroots North Shore and Worth Fighting For Wisconsin, we will summarize some of what we learned from attending a One Million Rising training session organized by the groups behind the No Kings rallies. The trainers described how Trump and his would-be authoritarian regime have worked to take over the “pillars of support” that support political leaders.
Focusing on the Military / Police pillar — what we're calling "The Feds" — former US Attorney James Santelle will explain our rights when we are protesting, accompanying immigrants to ICE/court hearings, or tracking ICE or other federal activities and what to do if the military, police, or ICE agents violate those rights. His guidance can help keep us safe in the months to come.
Register.
Tuesday, August 5
League of Women Voters Voter Registration, 9:30 - 11:30am
South Milwaukee Public Library, 1907 10th Ave, South Milwaukee
Voter registration in a library! Meet community members, support civic engagement.
Wednesday, August 6
Celebration of the Voting Rights Act, 9:00am - 4:30pm
Wisconsin State Capitol
LWVWI, with local leagues, is hosting a 60th Anniversary celebration commemorating the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and we hope you can join us! This is a powerful community gathering to honor landmark civil rights legislation and mobilize against decades of attacks on voting rights, with a call to restore and protect them through the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Diana Wynn, LWV president, is the keynote speaker. It's free and lunch will be provided. Sign up.
The League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County has chartered a motor coach to take 50 League members and friends of our League to Madison on that day. We will leave from the League Office in West Allis at 8 a.m. (sharp) and return at 5 p.m. (sharp). If you plan to go to the event and would like a ride to and from Madison on that day, RESERVE A RIDE HERE! The event in Madison is free and includes a free lunch but the ride to Madison has a fee of $34 per person.
Ozaukee County Dems New Volunteer Meeting, 5:00 - 6:00pm
1245 Cheyenne Ave, Suite 103, Grafton
Want to get involved with the Ozaukee County Dems? Attend our Volunteer Event! Join us at our headquarters at 1245 Cheyenne Ave Suite 103, in Grafton. Sign up!
Thursday, August 7
Talking Tough Topics: How to Handle Conversations Like a Pro, 7:30 - 8:30pm
Virtual
With so much happening in politics right now our voices matter more than ever. Misinformation is everywhere and it is important that we know how to share accurate information, stand up for our values, and engage in conversations that make an impact. Want a little help having effective and persuasive conversations? We got you! Join us to hear from communications expert Jess McIntosh who will give us practical strategies to navigate political talk like a pro. Let’s create change—one conversation at a time! See you there! Sign up!
Tuesday, August 12
WI Fair Maps Coalition Statewide Tour: Janesville, 5:30 - 7:30pm CDT
address in Janesville when you register
The Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition is on a STATEWIDE TOUR, and we want to hear from YOU!
We may have fair maps now, but they’re only temporary. Without lasting legislation, we risk going back to a system where politicians pick their voters — and ignore the will of the people. When maps are rigged, we don’t get what we want or need: clean air and water, strong public schools, affordable healthcare, and real accountability.
Activists and volunteers with the Fair Maps Coalition have been working on a draft proposal for an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) over the last several months. Now, we want feedback from the public — including YOU! We hope you will join a Fair Maps Community Hearing near you, but you can also view the proposal and give feedback on our website.
Wednesday, August 13
One Million Rising: Strategic Non-Cooperation to Fight Authoritarianism, 7:00 - 8:00pm
Virtual
Across the country, authoritarian forces are getting bolder and more dangerous. Trump and his allies are not hiding their agenda: mass deportations, rollbacks of civil rights, weaponized courts, and full-scale attacks on our democracy. We don’t have to wait until it’s too late. We can stop this. But it’ll take all of us—not just on single days of mass action, but through sustained organizing in our communities.
That’s why this summer, we’re launching One Million Rising—a national effort to train one million people in the strategic logic and practice of non-cooperation, as well as the basics of community organizing and campaign design. This is how we build people power that can’t be ignored. You’re invited to join us—and lead.
**Session 3: What Now? - August 13** You'll be onboarded to basic campaign design and learn how to implement it locally as well as get plugged into our next national campaign work. Your second community resistance gathering will move this action forward. Sign up.
Save the Date
Saturday, August 16
Glendale High Traffic Canvassing, 12:00 - 2:00pm and 3:00 - 5:00pm
Green Tree Road and North Port Washington Road
Join Grassroots Glendale as we high traffic canvass at the corner of Green Tree and Port Washington Road! We will be meeting at 6563 N Crestwood Drive prior to heading over. If you've never done this before, don't worry. An expert will be on hand to help you feel at ease and to get started.
We will be using an app called Reach to record the names of the people we talk to. So if you do not have that app, you can download it for free from Apple's App Store or from Google Play. While we are gathered at 6563 N Crestwood Drive, we will briefly show you how to use Reach as you canvass. So sign up!
Bay View Resists, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Stairs near Oklahoma St
At 9:00am, Beach clean up at Bay View Beach. Meet at the stairs near Oklahoma. Supplies provided.
At 11:00am, make + take lawn signs at South Shore Beach.
At 12:00pm, Drone photo shoot at South Shore Beach.
Knock on Doors in Mequon, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00 - 3:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Avenue, Grafton
Join us to knock on doors of fellow Democrats and invite them to volunteer with us! Sign up!
Knock on Doors in Menomonee Falls & Sussex, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for location
Join us to Knock on Doors in Menomonee Falls and Sussex! Sign up!
Knock on Doors in Waukesha City, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for location
Join us to Knock on Doors in Waukesha City! Sign up!
Knock on Doors in New Berlin, 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for location
Join us to Knock on Doors in New Berlin! Sign up!
Voces de la Frontera: Milwaukee ICE Verifier Training Series, 1:00 - 3:00pm
733 W Historic Mitchell St, Milwaukee
Become a community defense network verifier! Verifiers are people who respond to ICE alerts by quickly traveling to the reported locations to confirm or deny ICE activity. *The role requires reliable transportation and some daytime flexibility. Trainings are held at the Voces Milwaukee office (733 W Mitchell St) every first and third Saturday of the month from 1-3pm. Only one training is necessary. Please sign up in advance.
Sunday, August 17
Grassroots Glendale Bridge Building Canvass, 12:00 - 3:00pm and 3:00 - 6:00pm
Sign up for location
Join Grassroots Glendale as we build bridges with voters in our neighborhood! We'll be asking voters about the issues that matter most to them, how they feel about how the current administration is handling them, and how we can earn their votes in 2026. Sign up!
Knock on Doors in Menomonee Falls & Sussex, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for location
Join us to Knock on Doors in Menomonee Falls and Sussex! Sign up!
Knock on Doors in New Berlin, 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for location
Join us to Knock on Doors in New Berlin! Sign up!
Tuesday, August 19
How You Can Fight Climate Change, 7:30 - 8:30pm
Virtual
We are seeing the realities of climate change all around us. Are you wondering what you can do to make a difference? Join us to explore the everyday steps you can take to fight climate change and how to inspire others to join you. From the food we eat to how we travel, shop, and vote, climate action is woven into every part of our lives. This event will highlight everyday actions you can take and how small changes can add up to a big impact when we act together. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking for new ways to make a difference, you’ll leave ready to take action. See you there! Sign up!
Wednesday, August 20
Unite and Rise Trainings: Championing Issues that Matter Most to You, 12:30 - 1:30pm CDT
virtual
There is a direct and swift assault on the federal government being enacted by the current administration. The power of the pen via executive orders has been brutalized and it has left voters from Arizona to Pennsylvania in a frenzy. What is the scope of each branch of government and why does understanding these roles matter in the long run?
Join LWVUS staff attorney Thomas Tai, Chelsey R. Cartwright, Democracy Truth Project Manager, and Kaitlyn Dowling, Senior Analyst at the Algorithmic Transparency Institute and Rebecca Goldman, Justice Reform Legislative & Policy Manager (TBD) for a conversation that takes a deep dive into why it’s important that voters understand the purview of the executive branch, judicial branch, and legislative branch of government.
The conversation will hinge on why the distinction between branches of government matters, the history behind the separation of powers, and how expanding your knowledge base of this information can inform and influence your work in your state or local League. Registration required.
WI Fair Maps Coalition Statewide Tour: Waukesha, 6:00 - 8:00pm CDT
Waukesha address when you register
The Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition is on a STATEWIDE TOUR, and we want to hear from YOU!
We may have fair maps now, but they’re only temporary. Without lasting legislation, we risk going back to a system where politicians pick their voters — and ignore the will of the people. When maps are rigged, we don’t get what we want or need: clean air and water, strong public schools, affordable healthcare, and real accountability.
Activists and volunteers with the Fair Maps Coalition have been working on a draft proposal for an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) over the last several months. Now, we want feedback from the public — including YOU! We hope you will join a Fair Maps Community Hearing near you, but you can also view the proposal and give feedback on our website.
Ozaukee Dems Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm CDT
1245 Cheyenne Ave., #103, Grafton
Join us for our monthly meeting to get the latest updates on our fight to turn Ozaukee County blue and find out how you can help.
Saturday, August 30
Coffee, Tea & Democracy, 10:00 - 11:00am CDT
1245 Cheyenne Ave., #103, Grafton
Stop by the Dem office on the last Saturday of every month from 10am - 1pm for this new event!
Q: What is it?
A: A fun and safe space where ideas will percolate and tea is spilt.
We provide refreshments. You bring yourself, and a friend. See you there!
Thursday, August 31
Waukesha Dems August Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm CDT
200 Richard St, Waukesha
Join us for our August Monthly Meeting! More details to follow.
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