never ending crises, oh my!

There's tons of things to cover this week but I want to start with an invitation to the Annual Grassroots North Shore fundraiser, and not just because we need your financial support for our work! We're holding it online on Sunday, February 1, from 4:30 - 6:00pm. This year's fundraiser focuses on the role of the courts — both state and federal — in defending our freedoms. So please RSVP for Protecting This Wall of Democracy: Defending the Courts and Constitution in the State and the Nation. And support Grassroots North Shore with a donation. (If you've already signed up for the event but haven't yet donated, you can do so now.)

As our Supreme Court casts aside precedent and voter protections, as legislatures redraw electoral districts, and as unwelcome ICE and national guard deployments march into multiple states, the courts now define and protect the country’s norms and laws. We have a stellar lineup of speakers to address those issues:

Jeff Mandell, President and founder of Law Forward;
Mary B. McCord, Director of Georgetown Law's Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection;
Paul L. Kiessel, attorney and founder of Speak up for Justice, a nonpartisan initiative projecting the rule of law, our democracy, and our judges.

The money we raise makes all our work possible — election activities as well as events to keep us informed and engaged. So please be as generous as you can. You can donate online. If you'd rather send a check, make it out to Grassroots North Shore. Please put "fundraiser 2026" on the memo line. And mail it to PO Box 170684, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217-8056.

Before we get to this week's ghastly events, I want to talk a bit about voting in the elections this year and why we are urging everyone to check their registration NOW and to request absentee ballots for all the elections this year by visiting MyVote.WI.gov. If you don't want to use an absentee ballot — which can be put in the US mail or deposited in a drop box in your municipality — you can also plan to vote early in person at your municipal clerk's office. For the April 7 election, early in-person voting runs from March 24 - April 3. Times can vary by community, so contact your clerk for specific information.

Here's why: Republicans are doing all they can to rig the election to make sure our Orange Overlord Wannabe does not lose the majority in the House of Representatives or the Senate. One of their strategies, which they used in some areas in the 2022 elections, is to disrupt and slow down the process of voting at the polls. GOP poll "observers" have been known to challenge many in person voters. Even though "the vast majority of challenges are deemed invalid", they add significantly to the work of election administrators. Moreover, these challenges can intimidate voters. And the whole process at that polling place slows down, causing other voters to have to wait longer to cast their ballot.

So, if you can, vote absentee. If not, then vote early in person. The MyVote site has early in person voting information for at least some areas of Wisconsin. Or it directs you to contact your municipal clerk, with email address and phone number. The same site also provides an opportunity to become a poll worker in your area.

Now on with the carnage and threats du jour.

In December a US District judge had ruled that "federal agents deployed to the state under the operation are prohibited from arresting or detaining peaceful protesters." Yesterday "an appeals court has temporarily blocked a federal judge’s order that barred immigration agents from arresting protesters or using non-lethal weapons against them" (ABC News, January 21, 2026). Today Vice President JD Vance is going to Minneapolis for "a roundtable discussion with local leaders and members of the community, ... amid escalating political tensions over the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence there" (NBC News, January 20, 2026).

A few days ago, "the Pentagon has ordered about 1,500 active-duty soldiers in Alaska to prepare for a possible deployment to Minnesota" (Reuters, January 18, 2026). They have not yet deployed to Minnesota and there's some speculation that their real destination — since they are trained for arctic warfare — might secretly be Greenland! Meanwhile, Governor Walz mobilized the Minnesota National Guard, signing "an executive order authorizing Guard deployment to support civil authorities if protests threatened public safety, stating Minnesota must remain prepared to protect residents and infrastructure" (Military.com, January 19, 2026). Apparently the National Guard will wear reflective vests over their uniforms to distinguish them from ICE and other federal goons (Task & Purpose, January 20, 2026). In his executive order, Walz outlines the actions the National Guard can undertake at the behest of local law enforcement: to "support local law enforcement efforts to protect life and property, ensure public safety, and protect freedom of speech by allowing for peaceful demonstrations" (Executive Order 26-01, January 8, 2026).

Trump's saber rattling about possessing Greenland has been met with a massive backlash among European leaders. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, was especially forceful and clear-eyed about what Trump's threats mean. Watch his full speech in English on YouTube or read the transcript provided by the World Economic Forum at Davos. Yesterday Trump said he was dropping his threat to impose tariffs on European allies as part of a pressure campaign to gain control of Greenland, saying after a meeting with the NATO secretary general that there was an unspecified "framework" of an agreement. The framework might involve "a compromise in which Denmark would give the United States sovereignty over small pockets of Greenlandic land where the United States could build military bases" (gift article in the New York Times, January 21, 2026).

The Guardian's take on Trump's Davos speech blasts him: "Trump paints himself as great white hope in racism-drenched Davos speech." You just have to read a key paragraph to get the gist: "Trump’s speech had the fingerprints of Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff and architect of his draconian immigration policy, all over it. It chimed with an entire discourse of white identity politics festering on the US right." Along with his racist tirades, "Donald Trump turned up in Davos wielding an insult bazooka. He mocked Emmanuel Macron’s aviator sunglasses, chided Mark Carney ('Canada lives because of the United States'), asserted that the Swiss are 'only good because of us' and had a dig at Denmark for losing Greenland 'in six hours' during the second world war." Plus, during his rambling cringe of a speech, he confused Greenland for Iceland several times (Daily Kos, January 21, 2026). What an embarrassment our felonious leader is!

For a palate cleanser, here are a few great essays to read.

A grand unified strategy to uphold the Constitution: A wave of proposals to strengthen the tools, not the rules. By Ben Raderstorf.
A Prosecutor's Take on the Minnesota Shooting: I worked on the Rodney King case. Here’s how I see the Good Case. By Harry Litman.
MAGA Delusions of Economic Leverage by Paul Krugman.

TAKE ACTION

MILWAUKEE STANDS WITH MINNEAPOLIS, a mass march for all victims of ICE terror. Red Arrow (Dontre Hamilton) Park 920 N Water Street, Milwaukee. The event begins at 4:00pm on January 23. It will wrap up with a Resource Fair at Turner Hall. Dress super warmly but brave the weather!

Volunteer with the Voter Protection Team! Wisconsin is often referred to as the breaking point state—as goes Wisconsin, so goes the country. That means that Voter Protection is more important than ever. Every vote is critical, every voter should have their vote count, and every voter we can help make their voice heard brings us one step closer to taking our country back. Sign up.

EVENTS

Wednesday, January 21

Main Street Governor Candidate Forum, 6:00pm
The Cooperage, 822 S Water St, Milwaukee
The 2026 Governor’s race in Wisconsin will shape policies that directly affect small businesses across the state—on issues like healthcare, childcare, paid family & medical leave and access to capital. With the U.S. economy showing signs of slowing, proactive state leadership will be critical to support the growth of small businesses and family farmers. Join Main Street Action and partners for a forum with Democratic candidates for Governor, including Rep. Francesca Hong, Sen. Kelda Roys, former WEDC Director Missy Hughes, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Former DOA Secretary Joel Brennan and Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes. Hear directly from the candidates, ask your questions, and engage on the issues that matter most to Main Street. The Recombobulation Area’s Dan Shafer will be the moderator for this special event. The event is free to attend and you can register online here. There is a 200-person capacity at the venue, so if you want to attend, be sure to register ASAP. Don’t miss this opportunity—we’ll see you there!

Meet Jessica Seawright, 7:00 - 8:00pm
Virtual
Every Wednesday, meet Jessica Seawright, candidate for Wisconsin State Assembly, District 21. Questions: [email protected]. Google Meet link provided upon RSVP.

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. You can drop off donations for the OzDems food drive from 5:00 - 7:00pm. The meeting begins at 7:00pm

Thursday, January 22

Community Meet & Greet for Amy Zimmerman, 1:00 - 3:00pm
Wauwatosa Public Library Firefly Room, 7725 West North Avenue, Wauwatosa
Meet Amy Zimmerman, Democratic Candidate for state Assembly District 13. Come discuss the issues that matter to you! No RSVP is required. See more about the event on Facebook. Learn more about Amy and her campaign for a Wisconsin where everyone can thrive.

Saturday, January 24

Weekly: Stand for Democracy, 12:00 - 1:00pm
76th St and W North Ave, Wauwatosa
Gather with us at noon every Saturday to make our voices heard. Together, we stand for justice, equality, and change, reminding those in power that we will not be silent. Bring your energy, your signs, and your friends. Let’s raise our voices, week after week, until real change is won. Dress for the weather. Bring your cellphone, water, sunscreen, and a chair if you need one. Bring a sign (use bold, large lettering, so your sign can be read by moving traffic, 2-5 words) or borrow one from our community. Parking is available in the Wauwatosa City Hall parking lot. Sign up.

Eastcastle Concerned Citizens Protest, 1:00 - 1:30pm
Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive, Milwaukee
Meet on the east side of the street, Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.

Peaceful Nonpartisan Protest, 1:00 - 2:00pm
Hobby Lobby at S. Main and Paradise Dr, West Bend,
We're nearing the one-year anniversary of protesting this administration. Let's keep up the numbers by forging through the winter weather. Saving Democracy doesn't wait for fair weather. Those passersby who are 'with us' feel buoyed seeing us out there. The uninformed, ambivalent, and undecided face our resolve, prompting some to think. So many in political strategy know that protest pressure works, coupled with other techniques. See you on the line! Park away from customer shopping. Optional: Bring a non-perishable food item to donate.

Hang with Hong, 5:00 - 7:00pm
The Asylum, Milwaukee
Come talk to Fran at a special event at The Asylum! Fill out this form and you'll be sent to an RSVP page where you will receive the address. Sign up.

Tuesday, January 27

Understanding Extremism: The Psychology of Radicalization, 6:30 - 7:30pm
Virtual
Most of us feel that politics has gotten louder, angrier, and more extreme over the past few years and we wonder why authoritarians' ideas are gaining traction. What pulls people toward extremist movements? And why do fear, identity, and “us vs. them” thinking seem to have such a strong grip right now? Join us as the team at Mindbridge shares the psychology behind today’s populist and extremist movements. When we understand what’s fueling radicalization, we’re better equipped to resist it and interrupt it. And here’s the hopeful part: these same psychological forces can also be used to build connection, resilience, and community. Understanding what’s happening beneath the surface will help you make positive change. See you there! Sign up.

Wednesday, January 28

Thursday, January 29

Dana Glasstein Campaign Launch, 5:00 - 7:00pm
Inventor's Brewpub — Edison Room, 305 East Washington Street, Port Washington
Please join us for a campaign launch event to support Dana Glasstein for State Assembly! Dana is fighting for strong families, safe communities, and a brighter future for Wisconsin. With a Democratic majority, we can ensure that the voices and values of ALL residents in our district are heard. All donations graciously accepted! RSVP to [email protected] or 262-394-7020, or sign up here.

Saturday, January 31

65 Days to Victory Canvass, 9:00 - 3:00pm
Canvass headquarters to be announced, Oz County
Join the Ozaukee County Democrats for the 65 Days to Victory canvass. Sign up for slots at 9 or Noon:

Waukesha Dems: 65 Days to Victory Canvass, 9:00 - 3:00pm
See specific place for addresses
We are coming together for a big day of canvassing as we gear up for the Spring Elections, and we would love for you to be part of it. Whether you have knocked a hundred doors or zero, you belong here. We will provide training, materials, and support. Pick an area below to RSVP and join us on January 31st!

Brookfield & Elm Grove, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Menomonee Falls, 9:00am and 12:00pm
Lake Country, 9:00am and 12:00pm
Pewaukee, 9:00am and 12:00pm
City of Waukesha, 9:00am and 12:00pm
Muskego, 12:00 - 3:00pm
New Berlin, 12:00 - 3:00pm

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!

Launch of OzDems Food Drive, 11:00am - 1:00pm
1245 Cheyenne Avenue, Grafton
Ozaukee County Democrats put people over politics. Help us collect new, unused and unexpired condiments to support local families in need. Starting Jan. 10, donations can be dropped off every Saturday from 11 AM to 1 PM.

Eastcastle Concerned Citizens Protest, 1:00 - 1:30pm
Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive, Milwaukee
Meet on the east side of the street, Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.

Sunday, February 1

Protecting This Wall of Democracy, 4:30 - 6:00pm
Zoom
Our Courts in Chaos, Our Country in Crisis. We cannot look away now! At Grassroots North Shore annual fundraiser, our expert speakers examine the evolving roles of state and federal courts. As our Supreme Court casts aside precedent and voter protections, as legislatures redraw electoral districts, and as unwelcome national guard deployments march into multiple states, the courts now define and protect the country’s norms. Come hear our speakers:

Attorney Jeff Mandel, President and Founder of Law Forward;
Dr. Mary McCord, Executive Director of Georgetown Law's Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection;
Attorney Paul Kiesel, founder of Speak Up for Justice.

RSVP and DONATE.