How about starting with something really amusing? "Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has claimed beef prices are rising because of immigrants bringing diseased cattle across the border" according to a Nov. 17 Newsweek story. How such cattle smuggling with illegal border crossings might look:
Now for the serious stuff: for the busiest shopping week of the year, a range of groups are urging us to boycott big businesses. If possible, confine your shopping to local, especially minority owned, businesses. The most focused of these calls to action (or rather INACTION) is We Ain't Buying It: an economic boycott campaign to put pressure on Home Depot, Target, and Amazon. The boycott encompasses November 27 through December 2. If you must shop, use small, local companies or those who align with our values.
A more expansive boycott — Blackout the System — urges "NO SPENDING. NO WORK. NO SURRENDER." The event describes itself as a "national movement across all races, cultures & classes to strategically and peacefully withdraw our labor & spending. The 'system' will hear us - We The People." It runs from Tuesday, November 25 through Tuesday December 2 and encourages people to stop online or in-store shopping (except for small businesses), to stop work (if they can), and to pay only in cash. It may be a tall order for some of us, but I hope everyone will do what they can to support small business and especially minority community businesses.
The BIG news coming out of the courts yesterday is the dismissal of the cases against James Comey and Letitia James. It was all over the news on Monday, so of course everyone who encounters any news from any source will have known that already. But what you might not have learned is that Judge Currie's ruling cited Judge Aileen Cannon's reasoning when she dismissed the classified documents case against Trump. The AI responding to my inquiry about this — I asked the Google for help because I couldn't remember where I had seen this fascinating morsel — provided the following explanation:
Here's the state of play with mid-cycle redistricting: A 3-judge panel of the District Court ruled that the newly drawn maps in Texas were not legal. Then Texas immediately appealed to the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) and asked the justices "to issue a stay by Dec. 1, effectively ensuring the mid-decade 2025 map could be used in the midterms. The court asked for a response from the plaintiffs in the case [i.e., those who had brought the suit] by Monday at 5:00pm" (ABC News, November 21, 2025). Justice Alito immediately slapped an administrative hold on the lower court's orders pending review, by the full SCOTUS presumably.
In the SCOTUSblog account of the responses from plaintiffs, "Texas will now have an opportunity to reply to the challengers’ arguments." The timeline of the appeal to the Supreme Court, some plaintiffs argued, does really not interfere with the ordinary process for conducting the primary election because "the [general] election is a year away. The candidate filing deadline for the spring primary is open for weeks yet, and the State submitted declaration testimony—affirmed live at trial—that the filing period could be extended for at least an additional week without causing any disruption." For further developments, watch this space.
Resistance to ICE actions at a Home Depot in Monrovia in Los Angeles County has taken a creative (and a rather amusing) turn. Instead of standing outside ICE detention centers or mobilizing citizens once an ICE action is underway, "activists each purchased an ice scraper for just 17 cents at the store before getting back in line to return the item. The act clogged customer service lines, something they say is a political act urging Home Depot to keep federal agents out of their stores" (CBS News, November 24, 2025). The action effectively suspended normal operations at the store for the better part of an hour and then, with activists marching through the store's aisles, management closed the store completely. The reason I think the creativity is especially amusing: who in LA County NEEDS an ice scraper anyway? Except, as one activist put it, to "scrape ICE from our communities."
On the abortion wars, Wisconsin MAGAites opened a new front — on the last day the legislature will meet this year! — with SB 533. The bill "purportedly written to define abortion, is actually a covert attempt to exclude abortion from the broader scope of reproductive healthcare. Lawmakers are misleading people into thinking that this bill will further define the nuances of care that physicians provide and actually allow, rather than restrict, the provision of care.This could not be farther from the truth." See the full piece by Ashlyn Brown, an OB-GYN, in the Wisconsin Examiner, November 24, 2025.
Finally, let me leave you with this good news as I wish all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. Marquette Law School released a national poll last week, asking questions largely about the role of the courts, especially the Supreme Court, in our governance. There are too many interesting nuggets to cover them all, but a few stand out to me. On the question of whether it is "proper for courts to block executive orders," 71% of Independents and 89% if Democrats say yes. But so do 39% of Republicans!
In its poll released on November 18 — New Marquette Law School national survey finds more people favoring Democrats than Republicans in anticipated 2026 vote for Congress and also more Democrats saying they are certain to vote — Charles Franklin, the poll's director, summed up key points.
- Three-quarters disapprove of Trump’s handling of the shutdown
- 70% favor extending tax credits for health insurance
- 68% or more in each party oppose mid-decade redistricting
- Trump approval highest for Israel-Hamas cease-fire and border security; lowest for handling of Epstein documents, shutdown, and economic aid to Argentina
Some last minute reminders:
- It's time to begin a laser-like focus on the elections in 2026, beginning with the Supreme Court Race pitting Judge Chris Taylor against Judge Maria Lazar.
Nominating papers begin to circulate on December 1. I will provide an electronic copy of Judge Taylor's you can download, plus instructions, as soon as I receive it. The Milwaukee County Dems and the Ozaukee County Dems are holding several get-togethers in the North Shore to sign nomination papers and to collect winter clothing to give to those in need.- December 6 at Lakefront (1915 N Water St, Apt 208, Milwaukee) from 3:30 - 5:00pm;
- December 6 at Fox Point/Bayside (9293 N Waverly Dr, Bayside) from 4:00 - 5:30pm;
- December 6 at Glendale (6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale) from 4:30 - 6:00pm;
- December 9 at Shorewood (3900 Estabrook Pkwy) from 3:00 - 4:30;
- December 13at Ozaukee County Dems Office (1245 Cheyenne Ave, Suite 103) from 10:00am - 1:30pm.
- The trial for Judge Hannah Dugan has been scheduled to begin on December 15. According to interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, plea negotiations are taking place. The last hearing before the trial begins is scheduled for November 26. So we may know more about a plea deal at that hearing. If the trial still goes forward, there will undoubtedly be a vigil at the Federal Court House in Milwaukee. Please pencil this event in your calendars and stay tuned.
TAKE ACTION
League of Women Voters: Issues Briefing 2025: This year's Issues Briefing focused on the dysfunction occurring within each branch of our government. Over 3 different sessions, participants learned the powers actually belonging to each branch and how we've arrived at our current Constitutional Crisis. Most importantly, our presenters addressed questions and concerns from attendees and left us with hope that there are actions we can take as advocates, voters, and activists to preserve our democracy and right this ship.You can find the recordings for each session below.
- RECORDING: Session 1 (Executive Branch)
- RECORDING: Session 2 (Legislative Branch + Wellness First Aid)
- RECORDING: Session 3 (Judicial Branch)
EVENTS
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.
Thursday, December 4
Building a Brighter Tomorrow: A Case for Keeping Our Wisconsin Promise for Adequate and Equitable School Funding, 6:30 - 8:00pm
Webinar
Join the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin for an in-depth conversation about how Wisconsin’s school funding system became one of the most inequitable in the nation, and what we can do to fix it. This timely webinar will unpack the history, challenges, and future of education funding in our state, featuring insights from leading experts and local education leaders. Register.
Saturday, December 6
Ozaukee Indivisible Pt. Washington Protest, 10:00am
762 W Grand Ave, Port Washington
The Ozaukee Dems affirms the right to peacefully protest the wrongful actions and overreach of the Trump Administration. We invite members to join our friends from Ozaukee Indivisible in their various actions.
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 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.
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.
Wednesday, December 10
Navigating Civil Liberties, 6:30 - 8:00pm
Inventors Brewpub Edison Room, 305 East Washington Street, Pt Washington
Immigrant rights, Citizen rights, Private Property, 287(g), Red Card. Facilitated by Norma Duckworth from Voces de la Frontera. Use the "Check availability" button on the website to sign up.
Viewing of "History Has Its Eyes On Us", 6:30 - 8:00pm
Dem Party Office, 1245 Cheyenne Ave, Grafton
Join the Ozaukee Country Democrats for a viewing of "History Has Its Eyes On Us", a special conversation with Hillary Clinton, Heather Cox Richardson and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Sign up.
December Banned Book Club: The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende, 6:30 - 8:00pm
Virtual
The House of the Spirits is the first novel by world-renowned author, Isabel Allende. The novel is a family saga that spans three generations of a Chilean family living through a turbulent time. The book uses magical realism to explore political and social issues. Parents in North Carolina and California have attempted to have Allende’s book removed from school curriculum because they felt it was too graphic. Sign up.
Thursday, December 11
Flip the 21st Assembly District, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Bay View: Address with RSVP
Please join us for an event in support of Jessica Seawright for Assembly. Find out more about Jessica. Donate to her campaign: Host $1,000 | Sponsor $500 | Friend $250 | Attendee $100 | All contributions in any amount gratefully accepted and appreciated. To RSVP, email [email protected]. To join the Host Committee, please email [email protected]. Make checks payable to Friends of Jessica Seawright, P.O.Box 370462, Milwaukee, Wiscsonsin 53207.
Our Wisconsin Constitution: Milwaukee, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Black Historical Society, 2620 W Center St, Milwaukee
Wisconsin’s Constitution is being reshaped by harmful amendments that put politics over people and once they’re in, they’re nearly impossible to undo. Join us for Our Wisconsin, Our Constitution statewide tour, a free community event with dinner, interactive activities, and conversation about how amendments impact our democracy and what we can do to put power back in the hands of the people. Come curious, leave empowered - this is a nonpartisan event, all are welcome. Register.
Saturday, December 13
Voter Registration Training, 9:30 - 11:30am
Summit Place, Room Glass Patio
6737 W Washington St, West Allis
With spring elections for Supreme Court and municipal officials right around the corner and a fall election that will elect a new Governor and could change the majority of the state legislature, it is more important than ever to have enough volunteers trained to help people register to vote. To get ready for this big election year LWVMC is holding another in person training program. Learn how to register people to vote using MyVote.wi.gov. Learn what is acceptable photo ID for voting in WIsconsin and how to acquire it. join league members as we prepare to help our community get ready for this big election year. This program will include a special training session that focuses on unique issues related to the jail based voter registration system. Register here.
Ozaukee County Democrats Winter Clothing Driving and Judge Chris Taylor Nomination Signature Event! 10:00am - 1:30pm
1245 Cheyenne Avenue, Ste. 103, Grafton
Join us on Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Coffee, Tea, and Democracy, and again on Wednesday, December 17 from 5–7 p.m. (with our monthly membership meeting to follow). We’ll be collecting winter clothing donations and gathering signatures for Judge Chris Taylor’s nomination papers to help ensure she’s on the ballot this spring! Learn more and sign up.
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.
Save the Date
Monday, December 15
Astor Street Regulars: Craig Gilbert, 12:00pm
Wisconsin Club, 900 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
Craig Gilbert, a keen observer of national and Wisconsin politics, will analyze the political environment in Wisconsin and nationally ahead of the 2026 midterms, and explore how Donald Trump has managed to wield so much power despite spending almost his entire political career "under water" in the polls (more disliked than liked by the American public.) Please respond by Wednesday, December 10th by contacting Phyllis Bankier. Lunch will be $35. Cash preferred, pay at the door. We must hold you to your reservations as we are charged for all lunches not canceled 5 days before the event.
Tuesday, December 16
When the World's on Fire: Caring for Ourselves and Our Kids, 6:30 - 7:30pm
Virtual
Between headlines about political violence, ICE raids, gun violence, and constant uncertainty, it’s no wonder both kids and adults are feeling anxious and overwhelmed. How do we talk to children about what’s happening in the world without spreading our own fear? And how do we take care of ourselves so we can actually show up for them? Join psychologist Dr. Stephanie Citron and therapist Deborah Paris (also known as Red Wine & Blue founder Katie Paris' mother and mother-in-law) for an important conversation about parenting through chaos. They’ll share practical advice on talking to kids about tough issues, helping them manage anxiety, and ways for adults to stay grounded and resilient in challenging times. You’ll leave with tools to care for your kids and protect your own mental health when the world feels like it’s on fire. See you there! Sign up.
Wednesday, December 17
Ozaukee Democrats Monthly Meeting, 7:00pm
Oz Dems Office, 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. We’ll also wrap up our Winter Clothing Driving and Judge Chris Taylor Nomination Signature Event just before the Monthly Meeting, from 5-7. Learn more and sign up.
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