December Newsletter
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Outagamie Dems bounce back after tough election |
By Kelly Fenton The only way to escape the reality we are facing over the next four years is to tune out. And that only works if we are privileged enough to escape the draconian impact of Trump’s extreme policy.
This was the path I felt I'd be inclined to take if the unthinkable came to pass. Because, I thought, if America chose the most morally depraved public figure in our lifetimes again less than four years after he had tried to steal a presidential election and foment an insurrection, how could anything any further matter? Gaslighting, shamelessness, nihilism … these are powerful weapons in the MAGA arsenal. They are designed to elicit resignation.
And maybe that’s where you are right now. We understand but we hope your fighting spirit ultimately prevails. Based on our first monthly meeting a mere six days after the election and based on the turnout and attitudes we witnessed at our volunteer gratitude gathering on Nov. 24, that spirit seems strong in us!
Present-day civil rights leaders often talk about what keeps their spirits intact after suffering setbacks long considered settled. It is that they understand just how much those who went before them endured and what a betrayal of their sufferings it would be if they fell prey to despair and quit fighting. For us feeling the heart-hurt and soul-sickness over the monumental injustice of Trump’s victory it is important to remember that the real victims will suffer in a much more acute and tangible way. Lives will be disrupted, families split apart, people put in harm’s way and more rights removed.
Thus, our moral obligation to stand strong. Much of this will come on the micro level. We are so lucky to have a county party leader in Emily Tseffos who understands what grassroots and community organizing looks like and how to effectively use it. It will start with making sure we are supporting those suffering in our community.
This newsletter contains other ways to remain engaged, from the upcoming state budget listening session to the vital state supreme court race in April to the all-important local elections as well. Engagement is the only antidote to despair and resignation.
Finally, thank you all for the hard work you did. Now that the smoke has cleared we can say that Wisconsin – and Outagamie County – over-performed the rest of the country by a long shot (a slide presentation below provides the details). We re-elected Tammy Baldwin and made great gains in the state legislature and that will have a profound and positive impact on Wisconsinites all across the state.
You did that. We did that.
And now, up a steeper hill we march.
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State Budget listening session comes to Appleton Dec. 2 |
The most important and impactful bill passed by the Wisconsin Legislature is the
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Anatomy of an election and where we go from here |
Between in-person and zoom attendees, our first post-election monthly meeting drew nearly one hundred Outagamie Democrats. A couple of weeks later fifty volunteers showed up for our volunteer appreciation/community support gathering. If that shows anything it is that folks are ready to turn their anger and heartache into action.
We thought you’d be heartened to see the numbers behind the election in Wisconsin and in Outagamie County and Appleton, all remarkably good given the headwinds we faced and in comparison to the rest of the country. What those numbers show is that your work really made the difference and was responsible for Tammy Baldwin retaining her seat and the state legislature making a major turn toward the Democratic Party.
This presentation also reveals some of the ways we need to rethink electoral politics given the dramatic change in the way voters receive "news," as well as next steps and how we intend to keep fighting for our Democratic values.
Again, thank you all for your work and special thanks to all the candidates who put it all on the line and worked so hard. |
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Start learning about the upcoming state supreme court race |
It is not too early to learn what is at stake in the state supreme court race in April as we get ready to fight to elect Judge Susan Crawford. Bookmark this page and become familiar with the only progressive candidate in the race so far.
Her opponent, Brad Schimel, supported Trump's false election claims in 2020, was a disaster as state AG and would almost certainly reinstate those gerrymandered maps we fought so hard to get rid of. This is another must-win for democracy! |
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We need candidates for the spring election! |
So much of what we can do to counteract the results of last month's election is make sure we win the next election in April. Whether it be school board or city council in various municipalities across the county, we need progressive people bringing their progressive values to help us move forward in Outagamie County.
Are you ready to step up? Now is the time! We have great trainers, a great training guide and one of the best county party infrastructures to support your run. Contact Vanessa Sabee at 720 841 0492 or at vanmhouse@gmail.com or Trisha Kostelny at 920 840 8535 or at kostelny4@gmail.com.
Nomination signatures may be collected between Dec. 1 and Jan. 7.
If you'd like to join us in our quest to recruit candidates we'll be doing that on Monday, Dec. 2 and Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. at the office. Hope to see you there! |
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DPOC Holiday Party set for Dec. 10 at Holidays |
Come and celebrate the holidays with the Democratic Party of Outagamie County! The event, from 5:30 to 7:30 on Tue., Dec 10 at Holidays (3950 N. Richmond in Appleton), requires an RSVP. There is a suggested donation of $10 online or via cash at the door. Food will be provided and there will be a cash bar. See you there! |
LTE: We must break the cycle of disinformation |
By Carol Lenz Low wages, high prices, and income inequality have impacted us for decades. Recent progress has not been enough. People rightfully demand better. We live hectic lives. Many aren’t tuned into politics and may not know that Wisconsin’s Congressional Republicans voted against every bill that lowered costs and created good-paying jobs. Now they say they are ‘for you.’ What? Will their actions finally match their words? Watch what they do, not what they say. Which leads to the fundamental problem: disinformation. |
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Join the DPOC Book Club ... or just check one out |
This is not your normal book club. Join us at the DPOC Office to talk about your
Or visit the Blue Lending Library!
Stop in during office hours or before or after the monthly meeting and look through the |
New Office Hours and Special Holiday Hours |
The office is open on Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 11 to 5. The office will be closed for the holidays from December 21 through January 6. Inclement weather or volunteer availability may affect open hours. Call ahead to confirm. |
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The Democratic Party of Outagamie County |
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