We write letters to the editor of the Peninsula Pulse as well as other publications. We are sharing these with you to provide insight into how we think about things as we approach the November 2024 election. Check back often for updated letters.
Women: Protect Your Right to Vote
|
Everyone should know there is a massive voter suppression law passed by the United States House of Representatives: The SAVE Act, HR 8281. Unless rejected by the Senate, the SAVE Act would mean that everyone whose last name doesn’t match their birth certificate would be barred from registering to vote. The same applies to updating your registration when you move to a new address, even if you’ve always voted. |
|
Women, please note that the Save Act applies to the approximately 69 million women who took their husband’s name upon marriage. Unless you have a passport, or have changed your name in court, you may be caught in a ridiculous bind. Greg Palast, a forensic economist and recipient of the Global Editors Award for Data Journalism, points out that 31 million Americans update their voter registration each year.
Purging voter rolls by various means seems to be an electoral tactic by the Republican Party over the few past decades, even though electoral fraud is extremely rare in the United States and it is often accidental when it occurs. Palast calculates that voter suppression cost Kamala Harris at least 3,565,000 votes.
Three ways you can help to protect our right to vote: vote “no” on the Constitutional question in the April 1 Election. We already have a law that requires photo ID for voting, and anyone voting fraudulently is at risk of a felony conviction!
Second, vote for Judge Susan Crawford to the Wisconsin Supreme Court to safeguard the progress we have made against gerrymandering in Wisconsin.
Third – learn about the SAVE Act! Watch for it coming to the United States Senate. Spread the word. Be sure to let Senators Ron Johnson 202.224.5323 and Tammy Baldwin 202.224.5653 know how you feel.
Karen Wilson, published March 12, 2025 with permission from the Peninsula Pulse and the author
Another Wake Up Call
I am compelled to address a concerning issue that has recently emerged. The Carter Presidential Library and Museum has abruptly canceled three book events featuring authors on critical issues such as climate change, homelessness, and the civil rights movement. The justification for this action is that the library now requires approval from Washington for all programming.
This development raises serious concerns about the erosion of our democratic freedoms. Libraries, which have historically served as bastions of intellectual inquiry and intellectual exchange, should not be compelled to seek approval from the federal government for programming, including those that discuss fundamental principles such as democracy and climate change. This is a chilling precedent that echoes the actions of authoritarian regimes in the past.
We must remain vigilant and aware of these subtle threats to our democracy. It is imperative that we exercise our right to engage in open dialogue and critical thinking without fear of censorship or interference from external forces.
Carol Ann Osinski, published February 28, 2025 with permission from the Peninsula Pulse and the author
This development raises serious concerns about the erosion of our democratic freedoms. Libraries, which have historically served as bastions of intellectual inquiry and intellectual exchange, should not be compelled to seek approval from the federal government for programming, including those that discuss fundamental principles such as democracy and climate change. This is a chilling precedent that echoes the actions of authoritarian regimes in the past.
We must remain vigilant and aware of these subtle threats to our democracy. It is imperative that we exercise our right to engage in open dialogue and critical thinking without fear of censorship or interference from external forces.
Carol Ann Osinski, published February 28, 2025 with permission from the Peninsula Pulse and the author
Public Schools ProudAs a former teacher, school counselor and mother of two current educators, I am “Public Schools Proud” and celebrated Public Schools week Feb. 24-28. Public Schools week is sponsored by the Learning First Alliance, a coalition of 12 national education groups with a membership of more than 10 million. Ninety percent of America’s school children attend public schools.
|
|
In this “Year of the Kid,” Wisconsin’s public schools will be compromised by restrictive legislation, inadequate funding, an explosive growth in voucher schools, teacher workforce attrition and the attempt to eliminate the Department of Education. In the 2024-2025 school year, Wisconsin received over $1.1 billion in federal funding, including school meals. DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) is in the process of eliminating the federal Department of Education. How will school districts, fiscally struggling with state funding formulas, stay afloat? Referendums?
Since January, the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate are scrambling to pass scads of bills (93), and one-fifth are education-related and “unfunded mandates.” Yet, Governor Evers’ proposal for the 2025-26 education budget will be “dead on arrival” in the Republican legislature, focusing on tax relief instead. Tax relief for the “haves,” not for “have not” children.
While teacher vacancies in Wisconsin are estimated to be 2,500+, Wisconsin Republicans continue to expect schools and educators to do more with less. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction estimates that teacher compensation has “actually decreased by about 20% over the past 12 years, when measured in 2022 dollars,” – probably due to Act 10, which is scheduled to come before the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Tax-payer funding for education belongs in public schools, not voucher schools. Wisconsin has had explosive growth in voucher spending with 96% of funding for voucher schools directed toward religious schools. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, vouchers “harm student achievement, lack accountability, invite corruption and waste, fail to protect students with disabilities, promote discrimination and exacerbate segregation.”
For these reasons, vote for incumbent Jill Underly for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Judge Susan Crawford for State Supreme Court. Brad Schimel and Brittany Kinser are not friends of public schools.
Sherry Mutchler, published February 28, 2025 with permission from the Peninsula Pulse and the author
Since January, the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate are scrambling to pass scads of bills (93), and one-fifth are education-related and “unfunded mandates.” Yet, Governor Evers’ proposal for the 2025-26 education budget will be “dead on arrival” in the Republican legislature, focusing on tax relief instead. Tax relief for the “haves,” not for “have not” children.
While teacher vacancies in Wisconsin are estimated to be 2,500+, Wisconsin Republicans continue to expect schools and educators to do more with less. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction estimates that teacher compensation has “actually decreased by about 20% over the past 12 years, when measured in 2022 dollars,” – probably due to Act 10, which is scheduled to come before the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Tax-payer funding for education belongs in public schools, not voucher schools. Wisconsin has had explosive growth in voucher spending with 96% of funding for voucher schools directed toward religious schools. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, vouchers “harm student achievement, lack accountability, invite corruption and waste, fail to protect students with disabilities, promote discrimination and exacerbate segregation.”
For these reasons, vote for incumbent Jill Underly for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Judge Susan Crawford for State Supreme Court. Brad Schimel and Brittany Kinser are not friends of public schools.
Sherry Mutchler, published February 28, 2025 with permission from the Peninsula Pulse and the author
Can We End This Conversation?
Judge Susan Crawford for Wisconsin
Recent political ads for the office of Supreme Court Justice seem to focus on sex crimes in Wisconsin – as if the majority of cases heard before the court will be deciding sex crime cases. In the first place, sex crimes represent a small percentage of the total crime in Wisconsin. According to current FBI data (2022-23), rape is about 2.5% of all crime, 13% of violent crime. Rape, of course is not the only form of sex crime. If we add all forms of aggravated assault to the numbers, it’s still less than 15% of all crimes committed in Wisconsin. There is no number for aggravated assault cases that have a sexual component. And, although the numbers are meaningless to the victims, they reflect what a jurist might see coming across a docket.
But, secondly, and most importantly, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, does not try criminal cases. Their rulings have to do with judicial process, government process, and the appropriate application of Wisconsin law at trial. If they decide their docket to achieve outcomes they would like to see for a particular case, they are not doing their job. Currently, on the Supreme Court docket there are 25 cases, only two of which have to do with sex crimes (and those cases address judicial procedure.)
Can we stop with all the fear-mongering sex crime ads, please? If Mr. Schimel thinks he will protect Wisconsinites from sexual assault while sitting on the Supreme Court bench, he is fooling himself (or perhaps he is trying to fool us). It is the tactic of large money extremist groups from outside the state to finance such fear-mongering campaigns.
There are several more important issues for this Court to decide, including fair elections and abortion rights. Don’t be distracted by the “sexy” fear ads. Think about who will best serve the interests of Wisconsin justice. And join me in electing Susan Crawford to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Rev. Mark Richards, published February 28, 2025 with permission from the Peninsula Pulse and the author
But, secondly, and most importantly, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, does not try criminal cases. Their rulings have to do with judicial process, government process, and the appropriate application of Wisconsin law at trial. If they decide their docket to achieve outcomes they would like to see for a particular case, they are not doing their job. Currently, on the Supreme Court docket there are 25 cases, only two of which have to do with sex crimes (and those cases address judicial procedure.)
Can we stop with all the fear-mongering sex crime ads, please? If Mr. Schimel thinks he will protect Wisconsinites from sexual assault while sitting on the Supreme Court bench, he is fooling himself (or perhaps he is trying to fool us). It is the tactic of large money extremist groups from outside the state to finance such fear-mongering campaigns.
There are several more important issues for this Court to decide, including fair elections and abortion rights. Don’t be distracted by the “sexy” fear ads. Think about who will best serve the interests of Wisconsin justice. And join me in electing Susan Crawford to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Rev. Mark Richards, published February 28, 2025 with permission from the Peninsula Pulse and the author
Reflections on History and Accountability
photo from Wikipedia
|
Facts and reality cannot be ignored to support what we choose to believe.
In 1945, my father was a sergeant in General George S. Patton’s Third Army and was part of the liberation of a German concentration camp. He captured the horror with his own camera. In later years, my hometown newspaper was being confronted with people who said the holocaust |
had never happened. My father was so outraged he took his photographs to the paper and provided proof of the truth.
Each year on May 1 in the late 60s and early 70s, a “May Day” rally, protesting the Vietnam War, was held around the Ellipse at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. In the spring of 1972, I was an army officer stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, just down the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. My unit was assigned “riot” duty for May 1 as backup security.
While the unit was not activated that day, I was curious and went to the Capital lawn to watch thousands of people peacefully demonstrate their disapproval of the Vietnam War. The marchers were tear gassed by the Capitol Police and violently broken up. I still have pictures from that day.
Jan. 6, 2021, the nation awoke to the attack on the Capitol and watched with horror the attempt to overthrow the US government. I could not believe what we were experiencing. It brought back May Day 1972.
Like my father with his testament, I cannot accept Jan. 6 being portrayed as something other than an attempt to disrupt the peaceful transition of power and pretend it was a peaceful event. And then, to see 1,500 convicted felons being pardoned and returned to the streets, does not speak to accountability for our actions.
We cannot, as a free nation, look the other way and ignore the facts in front of us.
Keith Mutchler, Published Feb. 13th, 2025, with permission from the Peninsula Pulse and the author
Each year on May 1 in the late 60s and early 70s, a “May Day” rally, protesting the Vietnam War, was held around the Ellipse at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. In the spring of 1972, I was an army officer stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, just down the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. My unit was assigned “riot” duty for May 1 as backup security.
While the unit was not activated that day, I was curious and went to the Capital lawn to watch thousands of people peacefully demonstrate their disapproval of the Vietnam War. The marchers were tear gassed by the Capitol Police and violently broken up. I still have pictures from that day.
Jan. 6, 2021, the nation awoke to the attack on the Capitol and watched with horror the attempt to overthrow the US government. I could not believe what we were experiencing. It brought back May Day 1972.
Like my father with his testament, I cannot accept Jan. 6 being portrayed as something other than an attempt to disrupt the peaceful transition of power and pretend it was a peaceful event. And then, to see 1,500 convicted felons being pardoned and returned to the streets, does not speak to accountability for our actions.
We cannot, as a free nation, look the other way and ignore the facts in front of us.
Keith Mutchler, Published Feb. 13th, 2025, with permission from the Peninsula Pulse and the author
Fair Maps and the Supreme Court ElectionI am sure I am not alone in abhorring the divisiveness of our political lives. In my lifetime, there were periods when Democrats and Republicans would frequently work together in good will on behalf of their constituents. Now that seems a distant memory.
Nevertheless, we have achieved redistricting reform (Fair Maps) in Wisconsin, which already has resulted in a Legislature more evenly divided between the two major parties. This matters, because when voting districts are |
|
competitive, candidates actually have to earn their votes by persuading citizens they are the better choice. This tends to prevent extremism on both sides.
The process for Fair Maps must now be passed into law, to ensure a fair redistricting process going forward. The still-majority Republicans are not likely to prioritize putting Fair Maps into law or the Constitution. Thus, it may well come back to the Wisconsin Supreme Court to decide Wisconsin voting districts.
To safe-guard Fair Maps, elect Judge Susan Crawford in the upcoming April 1 election!
Karen Wilson, Published Feb. 6, 2025, with permission from the Peninsula Pulse and the author
The process for Fair Maps must now be passed into law, to ensure a fair redistricting process going forward. The still-majority Republicans are not likely to prioritize putting Fair Maps into law or the Constitution. Thus, it may well come back to the Wisconsin Supreme Court to decide Wisconsin voting districts.
To safe-guard Fair Maps, elect Judge Susan Crawford in the upcoming April 1 election!
Karen Wilson, Published Feb. 6, 2025, with permission from the Peninsula Pulse and the author
Vote "NO" on April 1 Constitutional Amendment
In 2024, Wisconsin voters were asked to ratify five Constitutional amendments – two for the Spring election, one for the August primary, and two for the Nov. 6 election. Now there will be a sixth amendment out for a vote, scheduled for the April 1 election.
To put an amendment on the ballot in Wisconsin, both houses of the Legislature must approve it in two consecutive legislative sessions. The governor cannot veto it.
Two separate legislative sessions allow time for bipartisan debate, and public hearings to bring the pros and cons to the voters. The five amendments in 2024, however, were a surprise to many voters, and the language of the amendments was vague or confusing.
Why the rush? Between Jan. 6 and Jan. 8 of this year, this new amendment had a “first reading, referral to committee, report adopted, placed on the legislative calendar, read a second time, ordered to a third reading, rules suspended to give joint resolution its third reading, read a third time, and adopted. Ayes 17, Noes 15,” according to the official legislative record. It passed without a single Democratic vote. In the long-standing partisan gerrymander we experience in Wisconsin, Republicans advanced all six amendments without any Democratic votes. Now we have new voting districts, creating an actual two-party landscape. The Republican party still has a majority, but it’s no longer a sure thing.
This appears to be the reason for hurrying through this amendment. What is this proposed amendment? It is the requirement to provide an identification to vote. That’s already the law. There’s no need to reiterate it in the Constitution. If voters vote ‘no’ on the amendment, it’s still the state law to require voter ID. If an amendment can’t bear the scrutiny of both parties and the public, we should be suspicious of its content and intent. Vote ‘no.’
Becky Van Houten, published Feb. 6, 2025, with permission from the Peninsula Pulse and author
To put an amendment on the ballot in Wisconsin, both houses of the Legislature must approve it in two consecutive legislative sessions. The governor cannot veto it.
Two separate legislative sessions allow time for bipartisan debate, and public hearings to bring the pros and cons to the voters. The five amendments in 2024, however, were a surprise to many voters, and the language of the amendments was vague or confusing.
Why the rush? Between Jan. 6 and Jan. 8 of this year, this new amendment had a “first reading, referral to committee, report adopted, placed on the legislative calendar, read a second time, ordered to a third reading, rules suspended to give joint resolution its third reading, read a third time, and adopted. Ayes 17, Noes 15,” according to the official legislative record. It passed without a single Democratic vote. In the long-standing partisan gerrymander we experience in Wisconsin, Republicans advanced all six amendments without any Democratic votes. Now we have new voting districts, creating an actual two-party landscape. The Republican party still has a majority, but it’s no longer a sure thing.
This appears to be the reason for hurrying through this amendment. What is this proposed amendment? It is the requirement to provide an identification to vote. That’s already the law. There’s no need to reiterate it in the Constitution. If voters vote ‘no’ on the amendment, it’s still the state law to require voter ID. If an amendment can’t bear the scrutiny of both parties and the public, we should be suspicious of its content and intent. Vote ‘no.’
Becky Van Houten, published Feb. 6, 2025, with permission from the Peninsula Pulse and author
Set Your Clocks Back
|
On Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, a convicted felon will be sworn in to the temporary job as the 47th President of the United States. We are now on the road back to our past. Women, don’t forget to set your clocks back 100 years before you go to bed on Sunday night. Parents and grandparents, be prepared for reductions in support of Special Needs Students programs, and all of us get ready for reductions in Social Security and Medicare support. But remember, as long as we have a democracy, our voices can’t be silenced and our clocks can keep ticking forward toward a better tomorrow and together we can make a difference.
|
Mike Brodd, published January 15, 2025, with permission from the Peninsula Pulse and author
