It's been a week, hasn't it: the highs of last week's election and the lows of some seven Democratic senators and one Independent voting with all GOP senators to end the shutdown last Sunday night. (Plus the Packers lost in a close and hard-fought defensive battle on Monday Night Football.) Our own Senator Baldwin did NOT vote for the Continuing Resolution that would fund the government through the end of January 2026, when we could face a reprise of this fall's government closure. Now the package heads to the House of Representatives for a vote as early as Wednesday.
The good news is that Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva will be sworn in, finally, this afternoon after seven weeks of waiting. If none of the four Republicans who signed the discard petition don't bail out, Grijalva's will be the 218th signature. So we can expect a vote on the petition to release the complete Epstein files within a few weeks. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's involvement in the pedophilia going on in Epstein's establishments has been seemingly confirmed by a couple of emails: see Jeffrey Epstein said in bombshell emails that Trump 'knew about the girls' in Daily Kos.
Many, many progressives and Democrats are gnashing their teeth over the eight senators who voted for the Continuing Resolution that will, if it passes the House and is signed into law, end the government shutdown. Now is not the time to withdraw, to mourn, or to rage, however. Now is the time to get engaged, more than ever. So this week's newsletter is really focused on ways to TAKE ACTION in the next few weeks. Once 2026 begins, we'll be neck deep in elections!
The first and most important action you can take this week is the anti-ICE protest scheduled for this Saturday. ICE is picking up its activities in the Milwaukee area. There will be a BIG PICKET and RALLY — ICE Out of Milwaukee — on Saturday, November 15, from 9:00 - 11:00am, at 11900 W Lake Park Drive (map), a large detention center for those detained by ICE in the area. Please come if you can. We need to start pushing back on ICE in our area before the real invasion, like the one in Chicago, arrives!
If an ICE emergency or sighting is happening to you or in your neighborhood, you can call a hotline at 800-427-2013. The service is accessible in half a dozen languages. Feel free to give others the number too.
Grassroots North Shore is holding a poster-making party — you know, to make signs for rallies and protests of every sort. — on Saturday, November 22, from 10:30am - 12:00pm at the Shorewood Village Center, 3920 N Murray Ave. Join us to express yourself: make a rally sign that you can use over and over again. As long as our Democracy is in danger, we will show up! We will provide the materials; you provide the energy. RSVP.
And when you finish your sign, head to the intersection of Port Washington Road and Silver Spring Drive (at the Bay Shore Mall). Brian Neu is spearheading a weekly protest there on Saturdays, from 12:00 - 1:00pm, beginning on November 15. His group has signs to use. They just need more bodies to use them. As Robert Reich, former labor secretary in the Clinton administration, wrote the other day, "here’s what’s clear to me: Donald Trump's grip on power is slipping. The sleeping giant of America is up and roaring." Be part of the roar! And for inspiration, watch this beautiful spot to promote the participation of ordinary people like ourselves.
Here's another mitzvah (a good thing) you can do: the Democratic Party is holding a Winter Clothes Drive on Thursday, November 13, at the party's office (8405 W. Lisbon Ave, Milwaukee) from 6:00 - 7:30pm. It's a party to appreciate people who have volunteered this year. Even if you haven't knocked doors or made phone calls, you can drop off clothing then. But you don't have to go that far to participate. Take new or lightly-used winter clothing to Cheryl Maranto's house: 6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale. Call ahead to alert her that you're coming: 414-429-1583. Mittens and gloves, hats and scarves, and of course coats. But also sweaters. If you're like me, you have a closet full of winter garb and such you're no longer wearing. Give them to those who need them more than you do.
During the hype around shopping during the Thanksgiving holiday, JUST DON'T. Blackout the System: A nationwide boycott is set for November 25 to December 2, with organizers urging Americans to "shut down" the economy by avoiding work insofar as possible and suspending your penchant to spend, especially on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The protest, organized by Blackout The System, seeks to highlight economic inequality, government dysfunction, and corporate influence during that time. “Day one, no work. No shopping. We vanish from their system,” a promotional video on Instagram declares. Organizers say the blackout is a peaceful, strategic withdrawal of labor and consumer spending to demonstrate “that real power belongs to the people.”
A somewhat more targeted boycott — called The November Business Blackout — over essentially the same period is being sponsored by ThePeoplesUnionUSA.com. This organization focuses on Amazon, Target, Home Depot, and Kellogg's. It asks people not to buy from those national outlets from November 28 through December 5. And instead of not shopping at all, it urges people who must shop to support "local, independent, and ethical businesses instead."
And while we're thinking about shopping for the holidays, make use of the app Goods Unite Us to find the politics of the companies whose brands you buy. For example, searching on the brand "Band-Aid" yields a bar graph showing that 53% of the donation distribution from senior employees and/or the company have been directed to Democrats while 47% has gone to the GOP.
The Milwaukee Voter Project (MVP) has resumed its work of registering people to vote at Milwaukee DMVs. All registrations are now completed ONLINE using MyVote. MVP recommends that everyone take a refresher training course, even if you’ve volunteered with them in the past. If you have registered voters with the MVP in the past please review the instructional video on using MyVote posted on MVP's new Youtube channel. Please go to the website and click on the SignUp Genius link for DMVs: Choose a location, day, and time that works for you.
SNAP benefits for November are likely to be restored once the shutdown is really over. But meantime, here are two avenues to help support people in need of food support: 1) Grocery Buddy is a national effort that provides a service to connect your donation(s) with people in need, but anonymously on both ends; 2) MKE Grocery Buddy connects donors with local people who need nutrition support in the Milwaukee area. The local service is NOT anonymous. When a donor connects to a donee, the donor is asked to contact the donee to build trust and to negotiate things like a grocery list and delivery times.
Beginning December 1, candidates for the spring, nonpartisan elections will begin to circulate their nomination papers. I will electronically send the papers for Judge Chris Taylor through the newsletter for you to download, sign, circulate to your friends and neighbors, and return to the candidate's campaign. The Dems will be holding holiday and nomination signature drives on several days and locations and around the North Shore. So you can turn in signed nomination papers or drop by to sign papers on Saturday, December 6, at Lakefront (1915 N Water St, Apt 208, Milwaukee) from 3:30 - 5:00pm; Fox Point/Bayside (9293 N Waverly Dr, Bayside) from 4:00 - 5:30pm; or Glendale (6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale) from 4:30 - 6:00pm. In Shorewood, the signature drive (and party) will take place on Tuesday, December 9, 7:00 - 8:00pm at 3900 Estabrook Pkwy in Shorewood.
My motto for the next six weeks or so: DON'T RAGE; ENGAGE.
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EVENTS
Thursday, November 13
Virtual
Confused about how elections actually work? Ever just nod along when people start talking about primaries, caucuses, and conventions? You’re not alone — especially with elections dominating the news lately, bringing even more confusion and disinformation. Join us to learn how Americans pick their leaders. We’ll break down the difference between primaries and general elections, explain what’s actually happening at those national conventions, and talk about how ballot initiatives and referendums let voters make big decisions directly. You’ll leave confident, informed, and ready to impress your friends with your newfound civic smarts. See you there! Sign up.
Saturday, November 15
ICE Out of Milwaukee! 9:00 - 11:00am
11900 W Lake Park Drive, Milwaukee
Rally and picket at the new ICE facility in Milwaukee.
Monday, November 17
Election Meeting 2025/ November General Membership Meeting for Milwaukee County Dems, 5:30pm
Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W Vilet St, Milwaukee
Registration will take place from 5:30 - 6:15pm. The meeting will begin at 6:00. You must be a member of the party to vote. The deadline for becoming a member in order to vote in this election is November 12, 2025. The bylaws governing the election can be found here.
Tuesday, November 18
Shorewood Resists Weekly Overpass Protest, 3:00 - 4:30pm
Capitol Dr I43 Overpass, Shorewood
Stand up to authoritarianism! We are protesting every Tuesday. Everyone is welcome! Bring a sign or use one of ours. Find updates and more events on Facebook at Shorewood Resists.
Wednesday, November 19
Banned Book Club: The Best We Could Do, 6:30pm
Virtual
The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui is an illustrated memoir describing the experience of the author’s parents living in Vietnam before and during the VietnamWar, and then their escape to the United States as refugees when Bui was just a child. It was targeted for banning in a California public library system with the reason given that it was not suitable for people under 18. Sign up.
Ozaukee Democrats Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm
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.
Thursday, November 20
Fund the Flip event for Robyn Vining, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Location provided upon registration
Representative Robyn Vining is running for WI State Senate District 5 in what has been deemed the most “flippable” seat in the entire state legislature. No one knows how to “flip" better than Robyn! She was the first Democrat to flip a legislative seat on the most gerrymandered map in the country in 2018, and she's defeated all of her Republican opponents since then. Her most recent flip was in 2024, when she soundly defeated the incumbent after she was redistricted into the 13th District, winning 57% of the vote. Another flip! Robyn is a great candidate and an even better legislator. And she’s our best chance to break long-held Republican control of our state legislature in order to begin governing again for all Wisconsinites. Learn more about Robyn. RSVP for Fund the Flip.
Surviving the Big Ugly Bill: Small Businesses & Non-Profits & NGOS, Oh my! 6:00 - 7:30pm
Location provided upon registration
Join us IN MILWAUKEE for our LAST SESSION in our informational series about Trump's "Big Ugly Bill"! This week we address the bill's impact on small businesses and non-profits, especially those in Wisconsin. Republicans have voted to cut tax credits for millions of Americans, and the cons of this bill far outweigh any positives. Have you heard conflicting information about how this bill will impact you? Join us IN PERSON to get the facts and submit your own questions! Sign up.
Waukesha Dems Monthly Meeting: Supreme Court Candidate Chris Taylor, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Southminster Presbyterian Church, 200 Richard St., Waukesha
Join us as we welcome Judge Chris Taylor to talk about her campaign for the WI Supreme Court. We will also be holding leadship elections at this meeting. Please come early to facilitate a smooth sign in and timely start to the meeting.
Friday, November 21
The Property Tax -School Funding Dilemma, 10:00am
Wauwatosa Library Firefly Room, 7635 W. North Ave, Wauwatosa
Can Wisconsin have good schools without taxing people out of their homes? Join the League of Progressive Seniors for a forum with WI State Representative Robyn Vining. For more information, contact David Weingrod.
Saturday, November 22
Coffee, Tea & Democracy, 10:00 - 11:00am
1245 Cheyenne Avenue, Ste 103, Grafton
Stop by the Dem office on the last Saturday of every month from 10 - 11am 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!
Local Actions to Fight Climate Change, 10:00am - 12:00pm
West Allis
The League of Women Voters of Milwaukee presents Local Actions to Fight Climate Change, featuring Erick Shambarger, City of Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office, and Grant Helle, Milwaukee County Sustainability Director. Learn about our local governments’ efforts to address climate change. Register.
Grassroots North Shore Poster Party, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Shorewood Recreation & Community Services, 1701 E Capitol Dr, Shorewood
Be ready for any rally! Express yourself and say what needs to be said! Make your own poster -- GRNS supplies the materials on Saturday, November 22nd, 10:30 - noon; Shorewood recreation center. RSVP to Shirley Horowitz.
Tosa Weekly Peaceful Protest, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Corners of 76th and Bluemound & 76th and North, Wauwatosa
East Castle Saturday Group Protest, 1:00 - 1:30pm
Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.
Meet on the east side of the street, Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.
Shorewood Hang with Hong, 4:00 - 6:00pm
4488 N Oakland Ave
Meet State Rep. Francesca Hong, Candidate for Governor! Fran is a mom, service worker, chef, and community organizer. She is running on policies to improve the lives of every Wisconsinite - universal childcare, guaranteed paid leave, fully-funding our public schools, and expanded Badgercare for all. Sign up.
Sunday, November 23
Packers vs. Vikings Watch Party Fundraiser, 12:00pm
Tulip Tavern, 509 6th St, Racine
A FUNdraiser for Trevor Jung, Democrat for State Senate District 21. Senate District 21 is the most competitive, winnable district in Wisconsin next year. Vice President Harris and Senator Baldwin received 50% and 51% of the vote here respectively. Winning this seat is essential to securing a Democratic majority in the Wisconsin State Senate—and together, we can make it happen. So let’s fire up the campaign, cheer on the Packers, and build the team it will take to win this race. All are welcome to attend. If you can pitch in, the suggested donation is $30 in honor of my 30th birthday — but if you can give even more, we're also seeking sponsors for this event. RSVP and/or donate.
Tuesday, November 25
Shorewood Resists Weekly Overpass Protest, 3:00 - 4:30pm
Capitol Dr I43 Overpass, Shorewood
Stand up to authoritarianism! We are protesting every Tuesday. Everyone is welcome! Bring a sign or use one of ours. Find updates and more events on Facebook at Shorewood Resists.
Save the Date
Tuesday, December 2
Shorewood Resists Weekly Overpass Protest, 3:00 - 4:30pm
Capitol Dr I43 Overpass, Shorewood
Stand up to authoritarianism! We are protesting every Tuesday. Everyone is welcome! Bring a sign or use one of ours. Find updates and more events on Facebook at Shorewood Resists.
Saturday, December 6
Dems Holiday and Nomination Signature Drive! various times
various locations
Join a North Shore group of Dems for our last event of 2025! We'll be collecting winter clothing and accessories and toys to give away to families in need ahead of the holiday season. Join us for a drink or two and sign nomination signatures for Judge Chris Taylor while you're at it! Events will be held on this date in
- Lakefront (1915 N Water St, Apt 208, Milwaukee) from 3:30 - 5:00pm;
- Fox Point/Bayside (9293 N Waverly Dr, Bayside) from 4:00 - 5:30pm;
- Glendale (6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale) from 4:30 - 6:00pm.
4th CD Holiday Party 6:00 - 9:00pm
Broken Bat Brewery (The Lumber Room), 135 Pittsburgh Ave, Milwaukee
Because the government shutdown caused considerable hardship for families in Milwaukee and our state, we're asking everyone who's able to bring one or more canned goods to help support our local food pantries and those who need it most. Tickets (donations) are $25 and up. Please JOIN US in celebrating this holiday season and our accomplishments from the past year.
Tuesday, December 9
Shorewood Dems Holiday and Nomination Signature Drive! 7:00 - 8:00pm
3900 Estabrook Pkwy, Shorewood
Join Shorewood Dems for our last event of 2025! We'll be collecting winter clothing and accessories and toys to give away to families in need ahead of the holiday season. Join us for a drink or two and sign nomination signatures for Judge Chris Taylor while you're at it! Sign up.
Saturday, December 13
Milwaukee County Winter Holiday Giveaway, 12:00 - 2:00pm
Wi Dems Field Office, 8405 W Lisbon Ave, Milwaukee
Wisconsin Democrats are Supporting Families in a Time of Rising Costs! Join us for our Winter Warmth Giveaway, a community event offering free coats and toys to children and families in need. New and gently used coats and winter clothing will be available in a variety of sizes for kids and adults. Toys for children of all ages—just in time for the holidays! Whether you're looking to keep your family warm or bring a smile to a child’s face, this event is here to help. PLEASE RSVP TO HELP ESTIMATE ATTENDANCE - This event is first come, first serve! Sign up.
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