Print Edition: Oct. 31, 2019 by Shepherd Express

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November 16, 2019 • Italian Community Center • 11am - 4pm TICKETS ON SALE NOW! WOMANUPMKE.COM

SHOW TIME! NEW AN EVENING WITH ERIC BENÉT JAN. 17 ON SALE 10/31

JOHN WAITE 11/1 FRANK CALIENDO 11/23

WINGER 11/7

THE MOODY BLUES’ JOHN LODGE 11/13

PHIL VASSAR CHRISTMAS SHOW 11/29 & 30

HILLBILLY CASINO PRESENTS A HOLIDAY HOOTENANNY AT THE CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL 12/19 & 20

MONTELL JORDAN 11/14

EVEN MORE HOLIDAY TALES WITH JOHN MCGIVERN 12/3-5 & 7

BODEANS 12/27

JEFFERSON STARSHIP 1/10

EXPOSÉ 11/15

PATTY SMYTH & SCANDAL 11/22

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY’S WILD & SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY PARTY 12/6 THE OHIO PLAYERS 1/24

SUPERTRAMP’S ROGER HODGSON WITH BAND 2/17 - 20

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FEATURES | POLLS | TAKING LIBERTIES | ISSUE OF THE WEEK

Wisconsin Falls Behind on Solar and Wind Energy

OUTDATED POLICIES RESTRAIN OUR CLEAN POWER OUTPUT ::BY MARY SUSSMAN innesota greatly outpaces Wisconsin in clean energy production. A new report from the Environmental Law & Policy Center, A Tale of Two States, finds that the Badger State is much more dependent on burning fossil fuels than its neighbor to the west. Since 2015, Minnesota’s solar power capacity grew by leaps and bounds, while Wisconsin’s remained relatively flat, and since 2007, Wisconsin’s installed wind power capacity has done likewise, while Minnesota’s has almost doubled. Minnesota currently has almost seven times Wisconsin’s wind power capacity. In 2018, Wisconsin produced half its energy from coal and 5% from non-hydroelectric renewables. Minnesota, by contrast, produced 37% of its energy from coal and 23% from non-hydroelectric renewables. Minnesota has five times the wind capacity and more than 16 times the solar capacity of Wisconsin. Nationally, Minnesota ranks 13th in solar power generation, while Wisconsin ranks 41st. In wind power generation, Minnesota is eight, while Wisconsin ranks 25th. Although Wisconsin has 76,383 clean energy jobs—leading Minnesota by about 15,000—our state’s clean energy companies thrive through out-of-state sales and miss out on the increased in-state sales that would result if renewable energy policies here were more robust, according to the report. The report cites several causes for Wisconsin’s low ranking. These include the following: A low renewable energy standard in Wisconsin. Antiquated interconnection standards, which allow utilities to obstruct or complicate solar users from connecting to the electrical grid. A lack of community solar policies. A lack of customer-friendly net-metering policies for solar users. A lack of policies that reflect the “true value” of solar, which considers both the environmental and economic value of solar energy. A lack of “pollinator-friendly” policies to encourage planting native pollinator plants underneath and around solar panels to provide a habitat for bees, reduce storm water runoff and improve water quality and soil health. A lack of an adoption of energy-efficient standards for utilities.

4 | OCTOBER 31, 2019

Though Wisconsin was an environmental leader in both the Tommy Thompson and Jim Doyle administrations, during Republican former Gov. Scott Walker’s two-terms, little was done to advance clean energy or to protect the environment. Previously, there was strong bipartisan support for conservation and renewable energy. But after redistricting in 2011, the Wisconsin legislature became far less bipartisan, and both Gov. Walker and the Republican-controlled legislature grew hostile to protecting the environment and supporting clean energy, according to Dale Schultz, former Republican state senator. “Redistricting made the incumbents insulated in a way they had never been before,” he says. “Suddenly the process was awash in sums of money that no one ever dreamed could be available. People only had to do one thing. If they followed the leader, they could keep a job for 10 years, and life was good. But they had to stop thinking. They had to do what the team wanted. When partisanship went from being a lens to view the issues to a straitjacket, where you were absolutely hemmed in and had to follow the leader, things begin to go awry.” Under these circumstances, “it is very hard for the ordinary citizen to get heard,” Schultz explains.

Winds of Change Are Blowing Elizabeth Ward, conservation programs coordinator for the Wisconsin Sierra Club, says during the past decade, fossil fuel interests really pushed and tested out ways to stifle clean energy, thwarting progress on getting to “the inevitable:100% clean energy.” “Unfortunately, fossil fuel interests were successful for a long time, but I do think that is changing,” Ward says. “We are seeing more and more demand for clean energy. I think the elected officials will have to come around.” Indeed, new winds of change that support clean energy are blowing in local communities around the state and now, as well, in Tony Evers’ administration. In August, Governor Evers signed an executive order with a goal of ensuring that, by 2050, all energy consumed in Wisconsin will be carbon free. He also established the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy. On Thursday, Oct.17, Gov. Evers and Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes both signed an executive order that established the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change, located at the Urban Ecology Center in Riverside Park on Milwaukee’s East Side. “Minnesota is the leader in clean energy policy,” says Andy Olson, co-author of the Tale of Two States report. “Wisconsin’s policies are ad hoc, patched together and not keeping up with the times.” He says in the previous 10 years, Republican legislators have been dedicated to having an energy economy with a high-carbon footprint and that a lot of climate change deniers made energy policy. In that decade, solar, wind and battery technology have become vastly more affordable and efficient, making them desirable choices for many consumers and utilities. “What we need from those who say, ‘let the market decide,’ is to allow Wisconsin to have a stronger, more robust, more open clean energy market,” Olson says. “We need to move away from a high-carbon footprint to a clean energy economy.” He adds that, for many years, Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission has been known to have a bias in favor of utilities. “They are supporting the monopoly utilities at the expense of the majority of Wisconsin citizens. Poll after poll shows that support for wind and solar power is off the charts across the spectrum. We need policies that reflect the will of the people.” Mark Redsten, president and CEO of Clean Wisconsin, is hopeful that our state will start moving in the right direction soon. In January, Gov. Evers appointed Rebecca Cameron Valcq as a public service commissioner. Redsten hopes that when Evers appoints a second commissioner in 2021, the Public Service Commission will give robust support to clean energy. “The Public Service Commission makes really important decisions about our energy future,” he says. “They haven’t been helpful in the past, but I have to hope that because of the economics of clean energy and because the arguments against it are by people who are fighting a battle that is a decade or more old, that will change,” he says. “We believe Gov. Evers is a strong leader on climate change,” Redsten adds, “and it is important for him that the agency responsible for climate change solutions has commissioners that support his agenda to get to 100% carbon free by 2050. Ultimately, you will start to see the policies and the decisions of the Public Service Commission reflect that.” Comment at shepherdexpress.com.

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MONEYSMARTS:: SPONSORED CONTENT / ASK KIM

HOLIDAY GIFTS AND YOUR WALLET Dear Kim,

How do I keep from spending too much at the holidays?

-Smart Holiday Shopper Dear Smart Holiday Shopper, Your future self, likely around January, will thank you for asking. It’s a good idea to decide what you want to spend for this season of entertaining, gifts and special donations ahead. What would “spending too much” look like? Put a dollar amount on it. It’s easy to spend too much if you don’t know what too much is. And it’s hard to celebrate your success without a goal. It’s a busy time of year, so I’d also suggest jotting your goal into Summit’s Climbr™ financial management tool, free with online banking (also free). With Climbr, see your progress any time, and use alerts to stay on track.

plenty. Check your supply and rearrange them for a new look. 9. For friend gifts, put a low, odd dollar limit on exchanges 2. Last minute stocking stuffers can, but do not need to, bust ($7, $11...). It forces you and others to be more creative and the budget. Consider wrapping $1 bills around candy or a few have some fun with it. Gift givers may even make something, and that’s even better! items rather than looking for more things to add. 3. Remember that all those $1 “deals” add up, and they are 10. Re-use and recycle-conscious people will really like white elephant gift giving. With the right resourceful group it can usually things you think are neat but really don’t need. Pass be fun, creative, and help everyone stay out of holiday debt. them up. 11. Babies and toddlers are cute, and they need very little. If 4. Before buying, think about things you are looking at as you are buying for them, buy something they need. We all ending up in a garage sale for 25 cents. want to get them their “first” holiday gifts but really, you 5. All the good deals can make you want to shop for yourself. can save money as the parent and help parents save money if If you do, just limit yourself to two or three gifts for you. No you buy their child something they need too. Even a pack of more. Now that you have a limit, you’ll need to be picky. diapers is fun to open with this group. It’s the paper they like. 6. If you send holiday cards, resist buying upgrades on photo Have fun thinking of this, too: What if I spend less than my cards. They start out at one price and quickly become 25- holiday budget? It may help to have a plan ahead for using 50% more. By the time you check out, you have so much time the savings for a reward, a donation or savings. It makes invested you may not want to go back and start over. If you saying no to things you don’t need a bit more fun! go ahead and buy, it can take a chunk out of your holiday -Kim budget. Each card and stamp could cost you $2.50-$3.00, so Kim Sponem is CEO & think about who you’re sending to and consider sending some President, since 2002, greetings through email or social media. of Summit Credit Union, a $3.6 billion, member-owned financial cooperative with more than 193,000 members. Kim has a passion for empowering people to improve their financial well-being for a richer life.

7. If you still overbuy for your kids because of all the deals, consider setting at least one gift aside for their birthday. It will save you money in your holiday budget, and you’ll have some birthday shopping done in advance.

8. For office gift giving, something small is really nice, or consider giving to a nonprofit in all your coworkers’ names. Announce the donation in a card with a treat attached and 1. Holiday decorations are appealing, but you probably don’t everyone’s happy, including the people benefiting from the need them. If you are drawn to decorations, you likely have donation. Now let’s get to those ideas:

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Ask Kim your money questions by emailing: moneysmarts@ summitcreditunion.com

O C T O B E R 3 1, 2 0 1 9 | 5

DAVE ZYLSTRA

NEWS&VIEWS::FEATURE

Indigenous Peoples’ Park

Indian Community School Students Succeed Beyond Their Dreams AFTER GETTING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY RECOGNIZED, THEY ALSO WITNESSED RENAMING OF A MILWAUKEE PARK ::BY VIRGINIA SMALL

TUDENTS AT THE INDIAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL (ICS) IN FRANKLIN, WIS., have learned firsthand that they can foster meaningful change. Starting in 2016, fourth-graders at the K-8 school in Franklin initiated a grassroots campaign to get Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognized in Milwaukee County on the second Monday in October, on what is federally designated as Columbus Day. After generating enthusiastic support within their school and beyond, that goal was achieved in December 2016, when the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to that effect. Then, ICS students turned their attention to gaining statewide recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Although that effort was stymied at numerous turns, ICS students did not give up. After Milwaukee County Supervisor Felesia A. Martin was elected in 2018, she was inspired to introduce a resolution to rename 10-acre Columbus Park, which is located in her district on Milwaukee’s northwest side (at 7301 W. Courtland Ave.). That initiative, approved by the County Board this year, culminated in last week’s dedication of Indigenous Peoples’ Park. Milwaukee’s Common Council also passed a resolution last week recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day within the City of Milwaukee. At a spirited, well-attended celebration on Monday, Oct. 14, members of the Indian School Community took center stage as they spoke, sang and drummed before the park’s new sign was unveiled. Jason Dropik, head of the school, emceed the celebration. Chief Clayton Winneshiek of the Ho-Chunk Nation, accompanied by numerous politicians involved in various phases of the many-pronged effort, also spoke. A repeated refrain was, “This is just the beginning” of recognizing contributions of indigenous people in the region and state.

6 | OCTOBER 31, 2019

Learning by Engaging

Around 2014, longtime fourth-grade teacher Allison Jornlin began annually teaching a segment at Indian Community School about how Indigenous Peoples’ Day was starting to be honored in many places. Such efforts sought to balance onesided and misleading narratives about Christopher Columbus and the “founding” of the United States of America. “That really ignited a spark in my class in 2016,” Jornlin said. “They wanted such a day recognized in Milwaukee. The whole class got fired up and wanted to learn more” about what it would take to make that happen. They believed, “We can do this,” even though they were only nine years old, she said. The students set out to learn together about how government works. They invited Milwaukee County Supervisor John F. Weishan Jr. to visit their class to explain the legislative process: how resolutions are written, introduced, reviewed and ultimately voted upon. Jornlin said that students then “studied a ton of resolutions about Indigenous Peoples’ Day” that had been approved in other communities. After analyzing those documents, they chose language they liked and also drafted original text relevant to their greater Milwaukee community. The final draft wove a detailed narrative about indigenous history locally and nationwide. Weishan agreed to introduce the resolution, and students attended the Personnel Committee hearing when it was reviewed and unanimously approved that November. Several students “were brave enough to testify at the hearing,” said Jornlin. Students wrote their own “heartfelt statements, which came together easily for the students, since it meant so much to them,” said Jornlin. They also wrote many letters urging support of the resolution.As they prepared for the meeting of the full county board, students took an innovative—and ambi-

Allison Jornlin

tious—approach. Since the public could not speak when the full board deliberates, students decided to create “support mosaics.” Each student carried a different poster with affirmative statements and photos enlisted from over 100 individuals from nearby and around the world. When the vote was called, the entire class stood and silently held their posters. The resolution passed 16-1. The meeting’s invocation had been read in both Ojibwe and English by Michael Zimmerman Jr., who teaches the Ojibwe language at ICS.

The Long Road to Statewide Recognition

In 2017, state Rep. David Bowen of Milwaukee introduced a bill in the state legislature, for the second time, to create Indigenous Peoples’ Day statewide. He was invited to ICS to engage with students about the issue. During that visit, he urged them to attend a “Lobby Day” for the bill at the state Capitol in November 2017. All students from third grade and higher traveled to Madison for the day. Dozens of students spoke before microphones on behalf of the proposed legislation. A YouTube video of the students’ testimony displays their poise, persuasiveness and thoughtful research. Many introduced themselves first in their native language. Students acknowledged that native peoples, their language and culture are not extinct. “We are still here,” declared one student. Jornlin said that even though that state bill was defeated, “students saw it all as a learning process.” That made it even sweeter early this month when Gov. Tony Evers used an executive order to create Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday in October throughout Wisconsin, which will coincide with the federal Columbus Day. He chose to visit ICS to make that announcement and “to meet the students who had worked long and hard to help make that happen,” said Jornlin. Although she left ICS after 13 years to pursue writing and history projects, Jornlin was delighted that the effort continued and that the park was also renamed. The Indian Community School has a long history of activism since its founding 50 years ago. “It’s an amazing testament to what can happen when you believe in kids because they don’t have to wait until they are adults to make a change,” Jornlin said. As for Indigenous Peoples’ Park, proposals have been floated to interpret tribal history there in some manner, including how the park came to be renamed and the Indian Community School students’ campaign to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. One idea is to plant trees honoring tribal ancestors and the fact that “native land in Southeastern Wisconsin was taken from the Ojibwe, Menominee and Potawatomi for the building of our current community.” Comment at shepherdexpress.com. n SHEPHERD EXPRESS

NEWS&VIEWS::TAKINGLIBERTIES

There’s Nothing Scary About Democrats Nominating a Democrat ::BY JOEL MCNALLY

T’S PROBABLY JUST AS WELL THE RACE FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION will fade into the background for several months with Donald Trump’s impeachment dominating politics. Without any dramatic changes among frontrunners to report, campaign commentary was drifting into the absurd. The most ridiculous suggestion was that with the largest and most diverse field of candidates of every flavor imaginable, the Democrats might need some new ones because they still don’t have anyone absolutely guaranteed to defeat one of the most divisive, corrupt Republican presidents in American history. That theory was mostly being spread by anti-Trump conservatives like George Will who want Democrats to nominate a conservative-enough candidate to attract Republicans. Guess what? Democrats are going to nominate a Democrat. If conservative Republicans repelled by Trump (and there are legions) can’t bring themselves to vote for a Democrat, they may want to stay home and begin cleansing their party of Trump and his elected enablers who are destroying the Republican Party. Besides, until primary voters start casting ballots in February, no one really knows which Democratic candidates will have the broadest national appeal. That’s when frontrunners frequently change, and the momentum behind the winning candidate begins to build.

Running on Real Issues

Here’s one thing we do know about all the Democratic candidates. They’re all running on real issues such as affordable health care, good-paying jobs and easing the tax burden on working Americans by requiring wealthier taxpayers to begin paying their fair share, all issues wildly popular with many Trump voters. How do we know that? Because those are the same issues Trump used to attract overwhelming support from Wisconsin’s small towns with boarded-up main streets and rural areas with family farms facing foreclosure. The big difference between the Democrats and Trump is Democrats have actual plans to reduce the problems facing working-class Americans, and Trump was simply lying to all those voters. As president, all Trump cares about is slashSHEPHERD EXPRESS

ing taxes for the wealthy, including himself and his family. He actually made life harder for his Wisconsin voters with a self-destructive U.S. trade war that halted most international exports of farm products and created a recession in manufacturing. Even a dog knows the difference between being stepped on and kicked. Economists Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman documented the true effect of the Republican tax cut Trump signed in December 2017. Their study, The Triumph of Injustice, reached a shocking conclusion about taxes paid by the ultrarich vs. the working class. In 2018, for the first time in American history, the average effective tax rate for all taxes paid by the 400 richest U.S. families was 23%, a full percentage point lower than the 24.2% tax rate paid by the bottom half of all American households. Trump’s family, and the families of America’s richest billionaires, intend to continue stuffing their pockets for the next 10 years by adding $1.5 trillion to the national debt. That enormous tax cut for the ultrarich was the last major act of former U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, and it violated everything he claimed to believe about the necessity of reducing federal deficits. On his way out, Ryan grabbed everything he could for his own wealthy family.

Trump’s Fake Tax Cut

Resentment over those who received that massive tax cut was a major factor behind Democrats winning control of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018. That, and continued attempts by Trump’s Republicans to destroy affordable health care for 20 million Americans, will continue to be election issues in 2020. Even before Republicans dropped all pretense of acting as responsible stewards of the national economy, the Democratic agenda of restoring economic fairness for working Americans had far broader public support than the Republican agenda of cutting taxes for multimillion-dollar corporations, millionaires and billionaires. For the past 15 years, Gallup has found nearly two-thirds of Americans believe the wealthy pay too little in taxes. The economic study by Saez and Zucman of Trump’s tax cut proves how right they are. That’s why a recent poll on Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s “wealth tax” on millionaires and billionaires showed support by 74% of Democrats, 56% of independents and even 50% of Republicans. All the leading Democrats still face challenges. Joe Biden needs to demonstrate sustained success in political debates. Warren has to show how she’ll fulfill her promise of Medicare for all without raising taxes on the middle class. Sen. Bernie Sanders needs good health. Mayor Pete Buttigieg has to demonstrate support among religiously conservative African Americans. Any Democrat who takes a lead will be challenged in other ways. But there’s nothing too scary or out of the mainstream about any of the plans of Democratic candidates to create a fair economy for working Americans. The American people have seen what scary looks like, and it’s a corrupt, self-centered billionaire manipulating government for his benefit to increase his fortune. Comment at shepherdexpress.com. n

SHANK

HALL

30TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR 1989-2019 1434 N FARWELL AVE • 276-7288 • www.SHANKHALL.COM • all shows 21+

All shows start at 8 pm unless otherwise indicated Tickets available at Shank Hall Box Office, 866-468-3401, or at ticketweb.com

Fri 11/1

Sat 11/2

Yipes! $20

Think Floyd USA $20

Wed 11/6

Fri 11/8

Savoy Brown featuring Kim Simmonds $25

Mike & Friends: Grateful Dead Tribute $10 adv/ $15 dr

Sat 11/9

Mon 11/11

California Honeydrops

Jesse Malin

$20

JAVIER MATOS

DIANE & THE GENTLEMEN

11/12 Corb Lund 11/14 Trigger Hippy 11/15 Kinky Friedman 11/16 Damaged Justice 11/17 Donna the Buffalo 11/21 Cody Canada & The Departed 11/22 Dead Letter Office, Without U2 11/23 Semi Twang and Loey Nelson

Prospect Avenue High Rise is looking for a Part-Time 2nd Shift Garage Attendant. What We Look For:

We are looking for flexible, hardworking and courteous individuals who enjoy working with people and excel in a fast-paced environment.

Job Description:

• Hours are 3:30 PM to 11:30 PM Saturday and Sunday. • Promptly and carefully park residents’ vehicles. • Greet and open garage lobby door for all residents. • If appropriate, assist residents with groceries, packages and luggage.

Requirements:

• Must be able to drive vehicles with manual transmission. • Must have a valid driver’s license and insurance. Please contact Lori Ferguson at 414-326-3575 or by email at lferguson436@gmail.com for more information. You may also fill out an application in person at 1610 N. Prospect Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202. OCTOBER 31, 2019 | 7

ERIN BLOODGGOD

::HEROOFTHEWEEK

::SAVINGOURDEMOCRACY ( OCT. 31 - NOV. 6, 2019 ) Shepherd Express serves as a clearinghouse for all activities in the greater Milwaukee area that peacefully push back against discriminatory, reactionary, racist, homophobic and authoritarian actions and policies of the Donald Trump administration, as well as those of others who likewise seek to thwart social justice. To submit to this column, please send a brief description of your action, including date and time, to savingourdemocracy@shepex.com.

Thursday, Oct. 31

Latinos Unidos por Fallone @ Fiesta Café (1407 S. First St.)

Joann Henriques

Joann Henriques’ Beacon of Hope to Single Mothers ::BY ERIN BLOODGOOD

t 20 years old, Joann L. Henriques’ life was just starting. On the verge of moving to New York for school, she got pregnant, and the father chose to leave her to raise the baby alone. Unprepared and terrified, she began calling organizations for assistance. “I remember swallowing my pride and asking for diapers,” she says. When she met with people working at the larger nonprofits in the city, she recalls their insensitivity, making her feel like just another number on a long list. She never wanted to feel that way again and wanted to prevent other single mothers from going through that same experience. Since she was a teenager, Henriques dreamt of a career in helping women, and after living through the hardships of being a single mother, that dream only grew stronger. She lost motivation in her 20s, but in her early 30s, she was finally back on her feet. One day while listening to a sermon in her church about finding one’s purpose, she decided it was time to pursue the dream she had put on hold.

‘All This Started With a Dream’

She didn’t waste time trying to figure out logistics or funding; instead, she went straight to the source to provide single mothers with what they need most: diapers. So, Henriques began walking the streets handing out free diapers, and before long, she was being called “the diaper lady.” When word got out, members of her church began bringing her diapers to distribute, and women in need began contacting her for help. “All this started with a dream,” says Henriques. She soon realized that these women needed more than diapers; they needed resources and someone who would show them compassion. She thought back to her horrible experiences at large nonprofits and knew she could do better. So in 2005, Henriques rented a small office space with her own money, and JLH Women’s Mentoring Services was born. Fourteen years later, Henriques is still in that space handing out diapers, connecting women to services in the city and crying with them when all they need is someone to listen. Determined to act and follow her dream, Henriques never felt the need to become a certified counselor, because to her, it didn’t matter: She knew that she could positively impact women’s lives simply by dedicating her time and energy. While working a full-time job, Henriques has showed up at her office space every Friday and Saturday for 14 years, helping more than 3,000 women so far. Humble and soft-spoken, Henriques puts her heart into her work. When she is with her clients, she is gracious, but when they need her to stand up for them, she is relentless. She has done everything from confronting pimps, to leading prayer sessions in brothels, to fighting for restraining orders in court. She is a beacon of hope for struggling mothers and will stop at nothing to support them. “I always tell people that babies are not going to stop coming, and girls are not going to stop finding love, so keep the diapers coming.” JLH Women’s Mentoring Services is located at 3846 W. Wisconsin Ave., Suite 109. For more information, call 414-934-0216, send an e-mail to jlhmentoring@live.com or visit rehobothnewlife.com/jlh-womens-mentoring-services. For more of Erin Bloodgood’s work, visit bloodgoodfoto.com. Comment at shepherdexpress.com. n 8 | OCTOBER 31, 2019

At Marquette University, Ed Fallone taught Wisconsin’s future Supreme Court judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys. Now, he is running for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court himself. He has been an advocate for organizations that support the legal needs of immigrants and organizations that support medical research to cure chronic diseases like juvenile diabetes.

Saturday, Nov. 2

Peace Action of Wisconsin: Stand for Peace @ the corner of Sherman Boulevard and North Avenue, noon-1 p.m. Every Saturday from noon-1 p.m., concerned citizens join with Peace Action of Wisconsin to protest war and literally “Stand for Peace.” Signs will be provided for those who need them. Protesters are encouraged to stick around for conversation and coffee after the protest.

Monday, Nov. 4

Public Hearing on the 2020 Milwaukee County Budget @ the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts (929 N. Water St.), 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend the annual hearing on the Milwaukee County Budget, hosted by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors.

Neal Plotkin for Senate Kick-Off @ Libby Montana (5616 W. Donges Bay Road), 5:30 p.m. Small business owner, teacher, family man and Glendale resident Neal Plotkin kicks off his Wisconsin state senate campaign at this event. Hear his take on the issues, including public education, the environment, the state transportation plan, property taxes, the Wisconsin economy and more.

Tuesday, Nov. 5

Coming to Milwaukee: Immigration Stories @ Nō Studios (1037 W. McKinley Ave.), 5:30 p.m.

In partnership with Ex Fabula and Nō Studios, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee’s “Community Stories Live” brings you a new perspective on immigration. Several Milwaukeeans will hereby share their experiences with immigration from their own varying perspectives.

Wednesday, Nov, 6 Election 2020: Spotlight on Wisconsin @ Birch (6610 W. North Ave.)

The 2020 elections are approaching, and Wisconsin is once again expected to play a crucial role. Next summer, of course, Milwaukee will host the Democratic National Convention for the first time in the city’s history. From the race for president to local elections, what can we expect over the next year? Join WUWM’s LaToya Dennis and Bonnie North as they moderate conversations about the role Wisconsin will play in 2020. Comment at shepherdexpress.com. n SHEPHERD EXPRESS

::OUTOFMYMIND

Bump in the Night or Bump in the Brain? ::BY PHILIP CHARD

n Halloween, we celebrate things that go bump in the night (and candy). Nonetheless, this macabre holiday evokes a longstanding debate in the world of psychology: Do things actually go bump in the night, or do they simply do so in our psyches? Are so-called paranormal phenomena like poltergeists, telepathy, clairvoyance, telekinesis and the like indications of real happenings occurring largely outside our scope of perception, or do they represent over-active imaginations, projected fears or outright delusions? Mainstream psychological scientists scoff at the notion that these experiences have any basis in fact. They point out that, despite many efforts to do so, no reputable study has provided scientific evidence in support of paranormal occurrences. It’s a powerful argument. While psychology is far from an exact science, it increasingly utilizes evidence-based methods to establish what it considers true and false in the workings of the mind. A counter-argument from proponents of the paranormal is that we currently lack the means to detect these mysterious happenings. After all, they assert, human history is replete with examples of how improved means of scientific inquiry upended our view of reality. For example, until 1895, the existence of X-rays, routinely used in healthcare today, was unknown. New technology (a cathode-ray tube) made detection possible. So, paranormal folks maintain that what we know is based on what is currently observable, and, as our means of detection improve, there is much more to be discovered “out there.” Their most popular ad-

age in this regard is, “The absence of proof is not the proof of absence.” Fair enough, but it’s not the proof of presence, either.

Puzzles of Precognition

As a psychotherapist, I hear many accounts from clients of things going bump in their nights. Often, these occurrences, whatever their true nature, include “visitations” from spirits or lost loved ones, precognitive dreams, telepathic communication, hauntings and the like. While some of these accounts seem too self-serving and nebulous to warrant much validity, others are, at the least, puzzling. A variety of surveys show most Americans believe they’ve experienced some form of paranormal phenomenon (70% in some instances). Most of those surveyed reported having premonitions that, they claim, later came true. Believing in psychics, spiritual healing, hauntings, demonic possession and ghosts was also common. Now, I am cognizant of the mind’s capacity for self-deception. Many studies show we can trick ourselves into seeing, hearing and feeling things that are not, in fact, physically present, and that our memories of paranormal events (as well as normal ones) are subject to confabulation. How so? Well, when we recount an event from memory, we often modify or embellish the nature and sequence of what took place, and then, subsequently, we believe these modifications are the real deal. I am also aware that we have a long, long way to go before closing the book on our understanding of the mind and consciousness, if ever that should prove possible. For example, we have yet to demonstrate exactly how consciousness arises in the brain. In terms of accurately discerning things in our external environment, we face a similar uphill climb. Astrophysicists tell us only about 7% of the matter and energy in the universe is detectable using current technology, meaning there is far more we don’t know than we do. Given that, I’d caution both sides of this debate, the “show me” empiricists and the woo-woo true believers, to keep an open mind. In addition to its primary purposes, perhaps Halloween should remind us how little we understand about so-called reality. Maybe our costumes, decorations and paranormal claims, while depicting the surreal or outrageous, are simply ways to remember that, despite all we profess to know for certain, existence remains, at its essential core, a mystery. For more, visit philipchard.com.

NEWS&VIEWS::POLL

You Say Columbus Has Had His Day Last week, we asked if you thought the recent renaming of Columbus Park as Indigenous Peoples’ Park and Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Wisconsin were appropriate measures. You said: Yes: 75% No: 25%

What Do You Say? Under what circumstances do you think the police should engage in high-speed chases in Milwaukee? For any violation of the law For (at least) a major property crime For (at least) a crime of violence posing a continued threat to the community High-speed chases should never be conducted Vote online at shepherdexpress.com. We’ll publish the results of this poll in next week’s issue. SHEPHERD EXPRESS

OCTOBER 31, 2019 | 9

::CANNABISCONNECTION THE GO-TO SITE FOR EVERYTHING CANNABIS IN WISCONSIN

We will keep you informed each week about the growing availability of legal cannabis products in Milwaukee and what’s happening at the state level with respect to Wisconsin’s movement towards legalization, what’s happening in other states and in the rest of the world.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Took Leading Role in Hemp Legislation ::BY SHEILA JULSON

ob Richard was the Senior Director of Governmental Relations at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation (WFBF) from 2014 through 2019 and a key player in WFBF’s hemp legislation efforts. Although he left WFBF to pursue another opportunity, he’s still active in industrial hemp issues; he volunteers as president of the Wisconsin Hemp Alliance and occasionally helps the WFBF team advocate for hemp. The WFBF was instrumental in supporting hemp on state and national levels. “The Farm Bureau was the driving lobbying force behind former state Rep. Jesse Kremer and state Sen. Patrick Testin’s effort to legalize hemp in the state under the hemp pilot provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill,” Richard states. He recalls how, in August 2016, he received a call from Kremer regarding WFBF’s position on hemp. “I told him we didn’t have one. He asked if I could do something about that.” In December 2016, the voting delegates of WFBF adopted policy to support hemp legalization at their annual meeting. That gave Richard the green light to start lobbying on hemp, but he dove into uncharted territory because there were few others to rely on for expertise. Throughout 2017, Richard worked with Kremer and Testin to write the bill and advocate for its passage. By mid-October of that year, the bill had unanimously passed in the Wisconsin legislature. Richard notes former Gov. Scott Walker had initially expressed hesitation but eventually signed the bill that November. The WFBF led other state Farm Bureaus across the country in supporting Kentucky congressman James Comer’s work to remove hemp from the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). WFBF president Jim Holte wrote a letter to the United States Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Purdue, co-signed by 26 other state Farm Bureau presidents, urging him and President Trump to take action to remove 10 | O C T O B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 9

hemp from the Controlled Substances Act. Those efforts helped demonstrate that hemp had finally gone mainstream, Richard observes. WFBF had secured the Wisconsin delegation’s support, with representatives Glenn Grothman, Ron Kind, Mark Pocan, Gwen Moore and Mike Gallagher, as well as senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson, sponsoring the legislation. Holte and Comer penned a column (published in February 2018 by USA Today Network), which Richard credits as signaling the country was ready to move forward on hemp. WFBF held the state’s first educational hemp seminar at Chippewa Valley Tech in January 2018, which drew more than 250 attendees and was covered by Wisconsin Eye. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) issued approximately 250 grower applications that spring. “No other state had blown the doors off of this thing like Wisconsin did in its inaugural year,” Richard notes. Further educational sessions hosted by WFBF drew standing room-only crowds. Wisconsin’s hemp program had some hiccups—Richard references how then-Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel’s office in April 2018 almost derailed the hemp program by issuing a statement that essentially declared any cannabidiol (CBD) products outside of Lydia’s Law illegal. Kremer, Testin, Richard and others met with the attorney general’s office and stated why they believed CBD production was legal under the 2014 Farm Bill. The attorney general’s office reversed their decision shortly after. “This pretty much saved the 2018 growing season for a couple hundred hemp farmers,” Richard says. Wisconsin’s 2018 inaugural hemp growing season was met with wet weather, and Richard says some farmers didn’t properly plant seed at appropriate depths or at the right time. The 2019 season saw a six-fold increase in growing applications filed with DATCP. Richard observes this year’s crop is better, but wet conditions and insects persist. He says there’s still a general lack of hemp agronomics and product and market development. Richard is optimistic about the future of hemp in Wisconsin but believes there’s still work ahead, whether it be educating policy makers, business leaders, law enforcement and the general public or upgrading infrastructure to process hemp grains and fiber. “Product and market development is in its infancy, but if this country and the younger generations truly believe in sustainability, then I think hemp can play a major role in making that happen,” he concludes. For more information, visit wfbf.com. Comment at shepherdexpress.com. n

Legal Recreational Marijuana in Mexico Is the Next Big Step ::BY JEAN-GABRIEL FERNANDEZ

exican lawmakers are on the verge of legalizing recreational marijuana nationally, and a legalization bill has just been unveiled. If it passes, it would make Mexico the third country in the world to have fully legal pot—after Canada and Uruguay. “The end of the prohibitionist policy is good for the country,” Sen. Ricardo Monreal, the leader the MORENA Party in the Mexican Senate, told Reuters. Monreal promised a swift victory for the bill, which seems likely as MORENA and its allies hold majorities in both chambers of Congress. Andrés Manuel López Obrador, president of Mexico, promised he would sign the bill into law if it passes the legislative process. According to a translation provided by Marijuana Moment, the bill includes provisions allowing anyone 18 or older to possess cannabis for personal use, cultivate up to four plants and purchase marijuana from licensed retailers. Low-income and indigenous people, rather than big corporations, would have priority when it comes to licensing, which would be overseen by an independent institute. The psychoactive potency of all legal marijuana would be tightly regulated, and edibles would be reserved to medical marijuana patients. The bill is, among other things, an attempt to smother organized crime. Last week, Deputy Mario Delgado Carrillo, leader of the MORENA majority in the Chamber of Deputies, called for the legalization of all drugs, starting with cannabis. “It would be necessary to start now to regulate the drug market to eliminate these markets that give so much power to organized crime,” he announced.

Mexican Supreme Court Weighs In

This decision does not come out of the blue. Starting in 2015, the Mexican Supreme Court has issued five rulings stating that marijuana prohibition is unconstitutional, in particular due to “the right to the free development of the personality,” as guaranteed by the country’s constitution. As per Mexican law, the fifth ruling, which was made in October 2018, possesses the force of law, binding all judges in the country to follow the Supreme Court’s decision. As such, cannabis benefited from a de facto decriminalization through the judicial branch. For the past year, anyone could get their charges thrown out for marijuana possession, use or cultivation thanks to the ruling. However, a formal change of the law—which would be the only way to properly legalize marijuana, making it possible to sell it out in the open, tax and regulate it—needs to come from the legislative branch. Following the decisive ruling, the Mexican Supreme Court gave lawmakers until Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, to establish the exact guidelines of recreational marijuana’s legalization. The Senate took the order seriously, going so far as dedicating an entire section of its website and activity to cannabis, studying its effects and leading an international forum on the topic. Numerous tentative bills were drafted, before the definitive project was revealed. As such, it seems inevitable that marijuana will be legalized by the end of the year in Mexico; the bill is designed to go into effect immediately after passing. Comment at shepherdexpress.com. n

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