Politics, Dirty or Not... To be Decided

Matthew J. Flynn, a longtime Milwaukee litigation attorney wrote an interesting article that has been published in several major newspapers, via the Associated Press. His article has gone viral on Facebook. He speaks about the redistricting that recently took place in Wisconsin, and the effects it had in the most recent election on placing candidates in position of power, despite the natural vote numbers.

The current federal lawsuit claims that this redistricting is the most blatant case of gerrymandering in Wisconsin history. It will now go before 3 judges to determine. Maybe there is still some hope for Wisconsin?

http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/why-the-redistricting-lawsuit-will-win-b99742138z1-382598291.html

An Important Article on our City

Photo by Jeremy Slevin

A serious story about Racine. You may recognize this site on Memorial Drive. The linked story is long; it is political, but a necessary read about a town most of us love. It is tough for many of us to see, or believe the poverty that exists here, to see Racine through these eyes. 

It is very evident in the schools. On the last day of school, I personally walk around and collect left over notebooks, paper, pencils and pens from lockers. We sift through and collect backpacks, coats, gloves and shoes left behind by the more fortunate of our students. In the fall of next year, there will be kids with need... great need. They will be quietly thankful for the cast off items we share with them. 

Without proper change, and soon, we are the next Detroit. People need to pay attention to what is happening with our next generation. Change needs to happen at a high level. I believe our uneven trade laws are at the root of the problem. There is a want for quality, higher priced manufactured goods overseas. We aren't shipping enough quantity and getting proper return, which could spur growth of jobs. The story that people are lazy and lack something inside themselves only goes so far. Cutting the funds to schools and safety net programs will not solve the problems, only widen the gap.

https://talkpoverty.org/2016/06/10/paul-ryans-district-community-struggling/

"How do you take away half of our manufacturing jobs and then say poverty is some moral failing?"
--Kelly Gallaher