we persist!

Grassroots North Shore is making great headway on informing voters about the importance of the upcoming April 2 election for Wisconsin Supreme Court. By the time the election rolls around, we will have sent out more than 1100 postcards and made hundreds of phone calls. We're gearing up to do some canvassing, too, both for this election (the weather will break sometime soon, won't it?) and to get a running start on the madness that will be the 2020 cycle of elections — when there will once again be FOUR elections! But we will need everyone's help to reach our lofty goals.

Here's what we have lined up right now:

Saturday, March 9, from 2-4, at our office (5600 W Brown Deer Rd, suite 116). Please RSVP.

Tuesday, March 12, from 6:30-8pm, at Martha Pincus's house (7045 N Belmont Ln, Fox Point, WI 53217). Please RSVP.


We wil provide additional opportunities soon. So stay tuned.

You can find some (still incomplete!) early voting info on our web page devoted to that topic and our endorsement of Chief Judge Lisa Neubauer for the Wisconsin Supreme Court on our Endorsements page. You can find some information about her and her approach to the job of judge there. But you'll find more information on her web page and from this wonderful video introduction to her. I hope you'll take the time to read about her and watch her intro.

We are also hosting a not-to-be-missed program — featuring Representatives David Bowen, Jonathan Brostoff, and Evan Goyke — "Beyond the Budget: Our Wisconsin Priorities" on Sunday, March 17 from 3-5pm (doors open at 2:30) at Ovation Sarah Chudnow (10995 Market St, Mequon, WI 53092). Chief Judge Lisa Neubauer will also be on hand to say a few words and take questions about her candidacy. We hope you will come. Please RSVP.

And in our weekly peek at some national news you may have missed with all the hoopla around the Michael Cohen bombshells and the failed summit with North Korea, Pat Slutske has written up an important US Supreme Court decision for us:

On Wednesday, February 20, 2019, the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Timbs v. Indiana, that considered whether state governments must comply with the Eighth Amendment: "Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted." This freedom dates back to the Magna Carta!

Historically, the 14th Amendment was ratified to ensure that the individual liberties in the Bill of Rights would be protected against state governments' infringement. SCOTUS had already held that most of the protections in the Bill of Rights do apply to the states, but it had not specifically ruled on the Excessive Fines Clause. Noting this exception, the Indiana Supreme Court announced that it would "decline" to impose "a federal test" on Indiana.

At the heart of this controversy is the process called "civil asset forfeiture," often derided as legalized theft. If an individual is simply accused of a crime, and not necessarily charged or convicted, their assets may be seized through a civil proceeding. It is not necessary to prove these assets have a direct connection to the crime in question: dubious allegations seem to suffice. And there is this: civil proceedings do not afford the accused the due process safeguards found in criminal law. For too many years, this process has been used by various governmental and law enforcement agencies to guarantee a profitable revenue stream.

But in a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court for the first time held that the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against "excessive fines" applied to all 50 states under the Due Process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. While the decision will no doubt generate a myriad of questions, and likely be the basis for other court filings, there is much to celebrate.

You can read the court's full opinion here.
You can find the sources for this article on the GRNS website.

EVENTS

Tue Mar 5, 2019

EXPO Monthly Meeting, 6pm - 8pm
Welford Sanders Enterprise Center, 2821 N. Vel Phillips Ave., Room 108, Milwaukee

The EXPO (EX-incarcerated People Organizing) monthly meeting will feature a presentation by Alan Schultz on the Columbia University Justice Lab's report on mass supervision in Wisconsin, with testimonies of people who have been directly impacted by Wisconsin's horrific, racist system of mass supervision. The presentation will be followed by a State Budget Advocacy Training led by EXPO organizers in preparation for the governor's budget to be released on March 3. More info.

Wed Mar 6, 2019

Brian Hagedorn Press Club Event, 11:45am - 1:30pm
Newsroom Pub, 137 E. Wells St., Milwaukee

Wisconsin Appeals Judge Brian Hagedorn, candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, will be the featured speaker at a Newsmaker Luncheon, hosted jointly by the Milwaukee Press Club and WisPolitics.com. Hagedorn was appointed to the Court of Appeals by former Gov. Scott Walker in 2015, and was re-elected in 2017. Prior to that, Hagedorn was Walker’s chief legal counsel. Hagedorn will take questions from a panel of journalists and from the audience at the luncheon. The cost to attend is $20 for MPC members, $25 for non-members, $15 for students. Lunch is included. RSVP, payment, and more information.

Refuel the Resistance, 5pm - 8pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee

Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Final School Board Forum, 6pm - 7:30pm
Zablocki Library, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee

Milwaukee students, staff, parents and community members are invited to meet ALL the candidates for the Milwaukee Public Schools Board of Directors. Doors open at 6pm, forum 6:30 - 7:30. Sponsored by Parents for Public School of Milwaukee/PPSMKE, the Hmong American Women's Association/HAWA, Schools and Communities United/SCU and Leaders Igniting Transformation/LIT. More info.

Grass Roots South Shore Meeting, 6 pm - 8 pm
Cudahy Library, 3500 Library Dr., Cudahy

Grass Roots South Shore meets on the first Wednesday of each month. For more information call Jim Balk, 414-218-5944.

Thu Mar 7, 2019

Power and Privilege in Public Discourse, 6:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Shorewood Public Library, 3920 N. Murray Ave., Shorewood

UW journalism professor Sue Robinson will talk about her book Networked News, Racial Divides: How Power and Privilege Shape Public Discourse in Progressive Communities. In it she examines obstacles to public dialogues about racial inequality.

Fri Mar 8, 2019

Say Her Name Film, 6 pm - 9 pm
King Drive Commons Gallery, 2775 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, Milwaukee

Viewing of the film Say Her Name, the Life and Death of Sandra Bland to celebrate International Women's Day and the Global Women's Strike. Doors open at 6 pm, film starts at 6:30 pm. Free Event! Followed by a panel discussion with Charmaine Lane, Dr. Pat McManus, Nataley Neuman, Pat Gowens, and others. Sponsored by Welfare Warriors, 342-6662, and UWM Women's Resource Center.

Sat Mar 9, 2019

Citizen Action Co-op Assembly, 11am - 11am
Candela's Banquet Hall, 2537 W. National Ave., Milwaukee

The Citizen Action Greater Wisconsin Organizing Co-op's Winter Assembly to launch a major push for progressive issues in 2019! One week after Tony Evers is set to announce his state budget, join co-op members and supporters to establish a plan to fight for a budget that works for all, and to support a fair State Supreme Court Justice! RSVP. Contact: Kevin Kane, 414-550-8280.

Stand for Peace, 12 pm - 1 pm
Cesar Chavez Drive (16th) & Greenfield Avenue, Milwaukee

Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Danielle Shelton Fundraiser, 2 pm - 4 pm
3233 S. Herman St., Milwaukee

Join Sen. Chris Larson and Dr. Jessica Brumm-Larson for a reception to support Danielle Shelton's campaign for Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge. Host: $1,000; Patron: $500; Sponsor: $250; Friend: $100; Suggested contribution: $50. All contributions gratefully accepted RSVP.

Postcard, Canvass, Call Party, 2 pm - 4 pm
Grassroots North Shore Office, Suite 116, 5600 W. Brown Deer Rd., Brown Deer

Grassroots North Shore is having a gathering to write postcards and make calls to state legislators and to remind voters about the election, and to canvass for Lisa Neubauer. Sign up and come by the office!

Laughing Liberally Milwaukee, 8 pm - 10 pm
Comedy Sportz Theater, 420 S. 1st St., Milwaukee

Laughing Liberally Milwaukee presents a night of progressive political-comedy. In addition to some of the finest progressive comedians Milwaukee has to offer, each Laughing Liberally Milwaukee will feature a special interview with a local political figure, journalist or activist. This month’s guest is Lisa Jones from Rid Racism Milwaukee. Advance tickets ($8).

Mon Mar 11, 2019

Grass Roots South Shore Meeting, 6 pm - 8 pm
Cudahy Library, 3500 Library Dr., Cudahy

Grass Roots South Shore holds its monthly meeting on the second Monday of each month. For more information call Jim Balk, 414-218-5944.

Tue Mar 12, 2019

Drinking Liberally MKE, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Art Bar, 722 E. Burleigh St., Milwaukee

Now, more than ever, Drinking Liberally is a space to gather, support each other, and form the progressive community we need. Come share a pint with your fellow progressives! Drinking Liberally MKE meets on the second Tuesday of every month, hosted by Matt Filipowicz.

350 Milwaukee Meeting, 7 pm - 8:30 pm
Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Pl., Milwaukee

350.ORG is the global organization building a grassroots movement in 188 countries to address global warming and solve the climate crisis. 350 Milwaukee meets every month on the second Tuesday. More information.

Wed Mar 13, 2019

Refuel the Resistance, 5pm - 8pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee

Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Drinking Liberally Mequon, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Libby Montana Bar and Grill, 5616 W. Donges Bay Road, Mequon, WI

DAN KOHL TALKS ABOUT LESSONS LEARNED from Wisconsin's 6th Congressional Race 2018. This past November Dan made a heroic attempt to flip a congressional district that has been in Republican hands since 1967. What did he learn? What went right and what went wrong? With experience gained, how should Democrats and Progressives go forward? We are honored to have Dan Kohl as our speaker at Drinking Liberally Mequon's inaugural meet. Please Join us March 13, 6:30 PM. Drinking Liberally Mequon is a destination to meet friends, stay up-to-date on local progressive politics and get inspired to action. We meet at 6:30 on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at Libby Montana Bar and Grill.

Love and Death in Chicago, 7 pm - 8 pm
Boswell Book Co., 2559 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee

Acclaimed journalist and author Alex Kotlowitz will talk about how gun violence affects individuals and the community as shown in his book An American Summer: Love and Death in Chicago. Cosponsored by Community Advocates Public Policy Institute and City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention. Registration requested.

Thu Mar 14, 2019

Girls' Day at City Hall, 8:30 am - 2 pm
City Hall, 200 E. Wells St., Milwaukee

A day designed to expose young women to potential careers in public service and strong leadership roles. Registration/check-in 8:30, Program 9:00 to 2:00. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Hosted by Alderwomen Milele A. Coggs, Chantia Lewis, and Nikia Dodd. More information or (414) 286-2994 or [email protected].

Jason Haas Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Farmhouse Paint Bar & Café, 4511 S. 6th St., Milwaukee

Milwaukee County Supervisor Jason Haas invites you to his 2019 Pi Day fundraiser. There will be pie: homemade sweet, savory, gluten-friendly, and vegan pies for you to enjoy. Custom pie requests available for contributions of $125 or more. More information and RSVP.

Drinking Liberally West Allis, 6:30 pm - 9pm
Studz Pub Sports Bar & Grill, 6833 W. Na tional Ave., West Allis

Drinking Liberally West Allis meets on the second Thursday of the month. Free discussions and fellowship. Good food and specials available.

Michelle Obama Book Tour, 8 pm - 8 pm
Miller High Life Theatre, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee

Michelle Obama is scheduled for an event in Milwaukee to discuss her current book, Becoming: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama. She will share her honest reflections on the experiences and events, both public and private, that have shaped her. Doors open at 6:30 pm. More information and tickets.

Sat Mar 16, 2019

Wauwatosa Shared Values, 10 am - 12 pm
Wauwatosa Library, 7635 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa

The Wauwatosa Shared Values Unity Gathering will feature several speakers: Sandy Zellmer: ballot & voting info; Representative for Judge Lisa Neubauer, Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate; Danielle Shelton, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Branch 40 candidate; Milwaukee County Supervisor Eddie Cullen; Wauwatosa School Board candidates, incumbents Shawn Rolland & Eric Jessup Anger; State Representative Robyn Vining; Alderpersons Heather Kuhl & Nancy Welch; SOS representative Stacy Lynch; Climate Lobby representative Mike Arney. RSVP: Sandy Zellmer, or LM at 414-315-0291.

NAACP Monthly Meeting, 11:30am - 1pm
2745 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee

Monthly membership meeting of NAACP Milwaukee Branch. The meeting is held in the basement conference room.

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
Water Street & Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee

Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Sun Mar 17, 2019

Beyond the Budget, 2:30 pm - 5 pm
Ovation Sarah Chudnow, 10995 Market St., Mequon

Grassroots North Shore presents "Beyond the Budget: Our Wisconsin Priorities." Hear from Representatives Jon Brostoff, David Bowen and Evan Goyke about the legislative priorities of the Evers administration for 2019 and beyond. Judge Lisa Neubauer, running for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, also will be featured. Doors open 2:30pm, event 3-5pm. Light refreshments supplied by Sarah Chudnow. RSVP.

Mon Mar 18, 2019

DPMC Issues Committee Meeting, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee

The Democratic Party's Issues Committee will hold its monthly meeting. All Democrats are welcome to participate.

Milwaukee Dems Meeting, 6 pm - 6 pm
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee

Milwaukee County Democrats meet monthly to discuss party business, hear speakers on current topics, pass resolutions, and network with other progressives. All interested Democrats are invited.


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