GOP Primary Pick-Em's

  It is election season once again.  The primaries are a chance for party members to chose who will represent them in the general election.  In Wisconsin, there is no party registration, so anybody can vote in any primary, regardless of party affiliation.  Because the primaries are the major stepping stone to a general election faceoff, they can be heated, especially in a midterm year with a low expected turnout.  Primaries can often be confusing for a voter, and often voters who go to vote for one candidate in particular (governor, for example) simply rush through the rest of the list picking the names they simply recognize.  Not only is this uninformed voting, but can have a huge impact in the general election.  Recognition is not electability, and this is how important seats are won or lost by a party.

 It is important for voters to conduct research prior to heading to the polls.  On occasion, people take a shortcut and simply ask their more informed friends.  Word of mouth is huge, more important in getting out the vote for a candidate than one probably realizes.  I took a look into several metro Milwaukee races, researched primary candidates, and have organized a list with bits of information and my own personal primary picks.  Because I will personally be voting in the Republican primary races, I am focusing on those races. 

These are not necessarily endorsements of any kind, rather my own personal picks for the most interesting and contested primary elections.  I list the elected position, those running, my feeling about the race in general, and end each with my pick of who I believe would be the best primary victor.  Feel free to reference as you may my personal take about each race as you conduct your own research into the candidates.

 For a quick glance at my primary picks, scroll down to see the summary list. 

Governor: Scott Walker

Lieutenant Governor: Rebecca Kleefisch

Attorney General: Brad Schimel
 There is only one Republican on the primary ballot for Republicans, and that is Waukesha District Attorney Brad Schimel.  While Mr. Schimel may breeze through the primary, he will have a tough Democratic competitor.  I would not be surprised if his Democrat opponent after the primaries will be Susan Happ, Jefferson County District Attorney.  She however faces tough competition from Jon Richards, the frontrunner attorney, and Ismael Ozanne, Dane County District Attorney.  While Happ is not the 'frontrunner,' she is a liberal in a red county, she is a woman, and the only one I have personally seen commercials for here in Waukesha County.  She obviously is pushing her campaign statewide, while others may only be focusing on GOTV efforts more locally.  This may be a huge upset in the Democrat primary.  Her commercials portray her making statements assumingly against Brad Schimel and Scott Walker, as if she is already the Democrat pick (much like Mary Burke is doing).  This gives the perception of her being the front-runner, thus garnering the progressive vote who, as low information as they already are, may go with name recognition.  Very smart campaign tactic, but I think if she were to tone down the partisanship, she might actually have a chance in her primary, appealing to the moderate Democrats.  Either way, Brad Schimel is likely to be elected, assuming he doesn't let up on his GOVT efforts in the suburban Milwaukee areas.  But if Democrats choose Susan Happ, the race will be much more of an uncomfortable margin of victory for Brad Schimel.  However, Brad Schimel must focus on the law.  Act 10 is the law.  Voter ID is the law.  And he should focus his efforts on making sure voters know he will follow the letter of the law, not politicize the law as his potential Democrat opponents already have. 
     My Pick: Brad Schimel

Brad Schimel

Secretary of State: Julian Bradley, Garey Bies
 Of all the lesser known candidates of the lesser publicized races, this was probably the easiest choice I could make.  Garey Bies is a Republican state representative from Sister Bay.  He is a Navy veteran, and had a huge role in shaping criminal justice legislation during his time at the capitol.  Julian Bradley is a self-described 'reformed Democrat.'  Conversations with his liberal mother led him to conduct research until he had an epiphany; he was a black Republican.  Bradley is a rising star within the party, and conduct grassroots efforts to break stereotypes about the GOP.  At the convention, the Wisconsin GOP overwhelmingly supported him, with 65% of the convention delegates voting to endorse his campaign for Wisconsin Secretary of State.  While Bies is an honorable man who accomplished a lot, Bradley represents the future of the party.  A simple google search brings up much more information on Bradley than Bies, leading me to believe Bies may not have a large social media/online presence.  Online presence in politics today is a huge factor, especially for the youth vote.  The recent struggle the GOP has seen has been with forward movement; how do we take the party forward, the country forward.  I think Julian Bradley, as a young black Republican and grassroots activist, may just be the key the Republican Party has been searching for. 
     My Pick: Julian Bradley

M. Julian Bradley

State Treasurer: Matt Adamczyk, Randall Melchert
 Matt Adamczyk is a man with private sector experience who has worked in government under some of Leah Vukmir and Tyler August.  Melchert is an attorney, former radio station owner, and has huge media connections.  Melchert is running to work with other states' treasurers in getting hundreds of millions of Wisconsin dollars back from the federal government, to make how taxpayer money is spent more transparent, and to promote Governor Scott Walker's 'Wisconsin is open for business' campaign.  Adamczyk, however, is running so he can work with the legislature to...drum roll please...eliminate the State Treasurer position.  Ok.  I'm not kidding.  He's running so he can fire himself.  Adamczyk believes the position is antiquated and the state can save taxpayer money by eliminating the position.  While this may or may not be true (and I do believe many of the state's conservatives believe it is unnecessary), and while the fight to end wasteful spending is admirable, he proposes no good ideas to modernize the position.  Melchert, on the other hand, seems to want to streamline the job, support Gov. Walker's efforts to grow businesses, and bring the state treasurer position into the 21st century.  So ask yourselves, do you want to vote for someone who will be paid by the taxpayer dollars he calls wasteful to do nothing but eliminate the position, or someone who brings ideas to the table to modernize the department? 
     My Pick: Randall Melchert

Randy Melchert

US Congress District 1: Paul Ryan, Jeremy Ryan
 Ok.  Seriously?  Jeremy Ryan is a progressive socialist, borderline communist, who according to a 2011 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article, was arrested 9 times and fined 15 times for a total of about $3605, which he had not paid a cent of at the date of the article's printing.  He is only running to confuse GOP voters, hoping Paul Ryan supporters will mistakenly vote for the wrong Ryan.  Newsflash: Jeremy Ryan is a joke.  If you are reading this and even have to question who will be my political pick for this one, you should probably just vote in the Democrat primary. 
     My Pick: Paul Ryan

Paul Ryan

US Congress District 4: David King, Dan Sebring
 This is an interesting Republican primary because the district mostly encompasses the city of Milwaukee.  Additionally, depending on who wins the primary, if a tough enough fight is put up, one of these men could actually unseat Gwen Moore.  David King is not only a staunch black conservative, but serves his call to God as a pastor.  King, growing up in Milwaukee, served as a neighborhood security aid.  He is also a businessman, as he managed multiple restaurants.  King also is the founder of the Milwaukee God Squad which seeks to help improve the community with the interests of volunteers.  Dan Sebring is a Navy veteran, worked at the Pentagon under the Reagan administration, and is the current Milwaukee County Republican Party Chairman.  These two men both bring something unique to the table.  King is a community activist, and as a man serving God, could do wonders for the community as a Congressman.  He has the right ideas of how to stem violence in the city, and his ideas closely match those of Milwaukee Sheriff David Clarke.  Sebring has a multitude of experience in both the private and public sector, and may really know how to get something done in Congress for Milwaukee constituents.
 
 On his site, Sebring states, "I have a better chance of unseating Gwen Moore than I ever had in the past….and I have a better chance of unseating Gwen Moore than anyone else has today."  Yet he has run against Gwen Moore in the primaries before, receiving 25% of the vote in 2012, and 29% of the vote in 2010 (a year where Republicans saw a landslide of victories or improvements in polling numbers in blue districts).  Not to mention, Gwen Moore faces a tough primary against Gary George, a felon recently released from prison, yet wildly popular within the district.  Moore may not even win the primary, thus this district needs someone who can beat any Democrat opponent in November.  While I think Sebring may be a more qualified candidate, as the Milwaukee County GOP Chairman, he has failed time and time again to flip the city itself, even when he is on the ballot himself.  One must wonder about his electability.  I think the main problem may stem from the GOP's recent inability to put up candidates that closely match the demographics of constituents, and no where is this problem more prevalent than in the inner city.  I would suggest Dan Sebring gracefully bow out, allow David King the nomination, and work tirelessly to convert minority voters in the city.  Not only would this benefit the minority standing within the GOP, but start to build a Republican voter base within a heavily blue district. 

 The reason Republicans lose inner city areas is simple.  We don't campaign as heavily there.  While the suburban areas are fantastic for the GOP, to have a black GOP candidate running to represent a demographic Republicans fail to even engage would be a huge success.  Lyndon B. Johnson once said after the progressive liberal Great Society speech that he would "have those n*****s voting Democratic for the next 200 years."  So far, as bigoted and ignorant as LBJ was, he has succeeded.  Republicans simply need to recruit better candidates who can open up the GOP to the minority community in the inner city.  While Dan Sebring is an outstanding and highly qualified individual, my pick would be David King.  King can better relate to the minority community, engage inner city voters, and still fit the more conservative beliefs of the outlying areas of the 4th Congressional District.  I think that with David King as the candidate, and Dan Sebring campaigning tirelessly behind him with the full force of the Milwaukee County Republican Party, the GOP may actually have a chance to flip this urban district. 
     My Pick: David King

David King

Assembly District 97: Scott Allen, Joe Banske, Kathleen Cummings, Aaron Perry, Brandon Rosner, Vince Trovato
  Due to the large field, it's interesting dynamics, and, well, because it's my district so I find it most interesting, I have written out a completely separate opinion post on each candidate.  For the full explanation of my opinions, please see that post. 
     My Pick: Aaron Perry -OR- Vince Trovato

Trovato (left), Perry (right)

Waukesha County Sheriff: Tom Alioto, Eric Severson
 Tom Alioto is a self-described businessman, who has owned various businesses throughout the years in addition to serving the police force of the Town of Lisbon.  He was a sergeant as well as an interim police chief while there.  He plugs transparency, accountability, and a tough stance on drug crime.  Eric Severson is a long-time Waukesha resident, enforcer of the law, and has specialized training with various departments.  He has spent many years with the Waukesha County Sheriff's department and is familiar with the faces and culture.  He, like Alioto, also wants transparency, accountability, and takes a hard stance on drug crime.  However, unlike Alioto, he actually demonstrates the leadership and genuine concern for Waukesha County law enforcement.  Severson has actually received the Republican Party's endorsement.  Tom Alioto, however, claims he is a whistle-blower for Town of Lisbon wrongdoing, when in fact, he filed a complaint on a colleague's pay.  After his claim was dismissed, he appealed, allowing him to restate his frivolous claim.  Not only did this cost taxpayers over $100,000, but Alioto also felt it necessary to sue for $5 million in lost wages for a 'hostile work environment,' contributing to the dissolution of the small police force in favor of contracting with the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department for law enforcement.  If Alioto can't handle a hostile work environment, why is he in the law enforcement industry.  This is a no brainer.  If you want someone who has demonstrated ability, someone who already has respect amongst the men and women who protect and serve, and someone who uses good judgment to enforce the law with transparency and accountability, chose Severson.  If you want a cry-baby cop who essentially sues the taxpayers he is supposed to protect and serve, choose 'I'll Sue You' Alioto.
     My Pick: Eric Severson  

Eric Severson

State Senate District 21: Jonathan Steitz, Van Wanggaard
 This is an interesting race as well.  Van Wanggaard is a former state senator of the same district wants his old job back.  There's just one problem.  He was recalled.  And lost.  To the Democrat.  The Racine/Kenosha area is a blue-trending district, but with a proper and engaging conservative, can easily sway it red.  While Van Wanggaard was a swing vote much of the time for Republicans, having a lone swing vote meant an uneasy opposition for Governor Walker's agenda.  Time and time again he went up against Republicans, seemingly as often as he was with them.  I don't use this term very much, nor do I like it in any way shape or form, but if there ever was a RINO, Van Wanggaard is it.  He's iffy, at best.  Unreliability in this volatile political environment is simply something that is unwelcomed among a victorious but vulnerable GOP held state senate.  The 21st district is a newly drawn one, going from less than half conservative to almost 60% conservative.  Moderate, wishy-washy candidates no longer represent these constituents best.  Jonathan Steitz is a family man and has private industry experience in finance and law.  He fully understands the need for a united GOP state senate to ensure passage of crucial bills from the governor's desk.  This is an easy one.  Jonathan Steitz.
     My Pick: Jonathan Steitz

Jonathan Steitz & Supporters

Overview: Political Primary Picks:

• Governor - Scott Walker
• Lieutenant Governor - Rebecca Kleefisch
• Attorney General - Brad Schimel
• Secretary of State - Julian Bradley
• State Treasurer - Randall Melchert
• Congressional District 1 - Paul Ryan
• Congressional District 4 - David King
• Congressional District 5 - James Sensenbrenner
• Assembly District 97 - Aaron Perry -OR- Vince Trovato
• Waukesha County Sheriff - Eric Severson
• State Senate District 21 - Jonathan Steitz

As stated, these are my own personal opinions of a few of the many primaries to be held Tuesday, August 12, 2014.  Feel free to reference this list when voting, but be sure to do your own research and vote for the candidate that best fits your beliefs!  Happy voting!

Check your voting registration, poll location, and more at My Vote Wisconsin!

Violent Crime: Chicago-ification Of Milwaukee

  Over the past few months, the number violent crimes in the city of Milwaukee have dramatically increased.  While robberies, aggravated assaults, stabbings, and shootings are on the rise, seemingly little has actually been done to relieve the city of crime.  While it is easy to lay the blame on one contributing factor, a torrent of problems such as poverty, lack of education, and general failure of city leaders all play a part in the South Chicago-ification of crime in Milwaukee.

  The city’s north side is plagued with a high poverty level.  In fact, Milwaukee’s middle class fell to 25% of the population, as those living in poverty have risen to around 30%.  While much of the blame lays on a 40% decline in manufacturing jobs since the 1970’s, the city has trouble even acknowledging the employment issue.  In a recent radio interview covered by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Mayor Tom Barrett stated, “There's a lot of poverty here and we're trying to do everything we can to create jobs. But bear in mind, there are still places on this planet where there's more poverty than there is here, and we don't have the level of violence.”  In the interview, he explained that poverty is not the sole reason for increases in violent crimes.  While he is correct that poverty isn’t the only cause, stating his administration is attempting to stimulate job growth is incorrect.  In fact, it is Governor Scott Walker’s administration that pledged $100 million to stimulate the Milwaukee economy.  Meanwhile, Barrett brushes off the notion that poverty is a large contributing factor to crime.
 

Crime Stats Courtesy of TMJ4

  Along with high poverty levels, Milwaukee contends with a deplorable public education system.  The school district recently earned a grade of D- by the state of Wisconsin.  The number of failing schools is on the rise with a top 5 national dropout rate and a graduation rate of only 62%.  With an uneducated and unskilled potential workforce, education is a direct contributing factor to the high poverty level in the city.  It comes as no surprise that in cities with high poverty and poor education, violent crime rates are high. 

Fortunately, Scott Walker’s Act 10 will begin to break down union grip on the city’s education system; along with an expanded school voucher system that will ultimately help the city’s failing schools.

  Despite Governor Walker’s best efforts, the city of Milwaukee continues to allow progressive ideology to lead.  Mayor Tom Barrett pointed out potential factors in crime, yet sweeps them under the rug.  Barrett offers no real solutions, and allows himself credit for the achievements of the Republican governor.  Pointing out an increasing problem with crime, yet not acting on it is not leadership.  Another failure of leadership is seen with Police Chief Ed Flynn.  Violent crime is the highest since Flynn became chief, which may be misleading.  Despite being exonerated, evidence shows that Flynn failed to accurately report assaults as violent crime, and in some cases, may have not reported them at all.  Chief Flynn is also an anti-gun advocate; the opposite opinion of his counterpart Sherriff David Clarke Jr.  Sheriff Clarke issued a statement urging law abiding citizens to legally carry weapons for defense.  Flynn wants guns off the streets altogether.  However, we all should be aware that criminals break laws, including gun laws. 

  Recently, Flynn announced the police department will initiate a crime prevention initiative that was seemingly successful in the past.  The basic concept of the program is to have more officers visible in high crime areas.  This method saw a decrease in crime by nearly 67% in high crime areas.  However, Flynn stopped the crime prevention initiative when the crime rate seemed more manageable.  If this initiative worked in the past, one must question why Flynn and other city leaders decided to halt the program at all.  The blatant disregard for the safety of Milwaukee’s law abiding citizens by city leaders such as Chief Flynn and Mayor Barrett is astounding. 

  Poverty, appalling public education, and poor liberal leadership are a few of the many dynamics triggering the increase in violent crime in Milwaukee.  The city’s north side is no longer a safe place to live or work.  Ignoring the problems at hand will only cause further increases in violent crimes.  Perhaps Milwaukee could take a page from neighboring cities, such as Waukesha; where economic policies encourage job growth, public education is one of the best in the nation, and where city leaders like Waukesha Mayor Jeff Scrima actually identify issues, offer solutions and act on problems.  Until then, Milwaukee’s crime problem may only become worse.


Published: Freedom Weekly, August 17, 2013, Vol. 003 Issue 017

See Also:

• Violent Crime In Milwaukee This Year Is Highest Since 2008; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• Milwaukee Police Unveil Detailed Response To Recent Gun Violence; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• Free Falling in Milwaukee: A Close-Up on One City's Middle Class Decline; The Atlantic

 

Terrorism And The Threat To Milwaukee

 

Photo Credit: Dan Lampariello

  On April 15, the United States of America suffered the first successful terrorist attack on innocent civilians in the homeland since 9/11. The gruesome images from the Boston Marathon bombing will be forever engrained in the minds of Americans. As the investigation into the suspected terrorists moves forward, one thing is clear; the bombers were radicalized Muslims who blended into American society. FBI sources say that the bombers’ methods, techniques, and training are sophisticated enough to suggest they may be part of a larger sleeper cell organization, with possible ties to Al-Qaeda. Sleeper cells can go undetected or overlooked in any American city, including right here in Milwaukee. If terrorist sleeper cells that have blended into society become active, is Milwaukee safe? 

  To answer that question, one must look at factors of metropolitan preparedness, risk analysis, and Milwaukee’s methods of risk mitigation. Emergency preparedness for a terrorist event, accident, or natural hazard is the first line of defense in minimizing potential for loss of life and property. Emergency management officials say that every citizen should have basic items on hand in the event of an emergency, such as water, food, and first aid kits. In extreme emergencies, Milwaukee metropolitan counties would operate under an incident command system to coordinate efforts. Mutual aid agreements, protocols, and standardized operations exist to mobilize local, state, and federal resources as needed. First responders of every county have training in responding to any emergency event, including a terrorist attack, and participate in drills to recreate the chaos following a terrorist event. 

  Most wouldn’t think of Wisconsin as a potential Al-Qaeda target; however the marathon bombings show us that any event in any city is a potential target for people who are indiscriminant in killing. Wisconsin Homeland Security has dealt with droughts, floods, and hazardous accidents in the past, and recognizes the risk of terrorism in Wisconsin. Wisconsin has a reputation as an agricultural center, and proximity to Chicago and Minneapolis add additional risk to Wisconsin population centers. Because 5 of the 10 largest cities in Wisconsin are in the Milwaukee metro area, these population centers put Southeast Wisconsin at a greater risk for a terrorist attack. Risks include Wisconsin’s critical infrastructure, public gathering sites, large water systems, utilities, agriculture industry, and critical manufacturing sites. A Wisconsin Hazards Vulnerability Report uses factors such as probability, preparedness, and impact to create a relative threat risk. The relative threat risk to Milwaukee metro for a radiological attack is 63%, which is lower than the multiple vehicle highway accident relative threat of 52%. An influenza pandemic received the highest relative threat score of 81%. Officials maintain that the largest threats to the Milwaukee metro are influenza pandemics, rail accidents, and extreme weather. 

  Terrorism and sleeper cell potential has prompted authorities to take a proactive stance on risk mitigation. Waukesha County Emergency Management Coordinator William Stolte explains that Waukesha County trains first responders to maintain situational awareness in a terrorist event, including awareness on secondary devices and hazards. Sheboygan County conducts frequent drills and exercises under county Director of Emergency Management Steven Steinhardt. One exercise included the annual NASCAR Nationwide event hosted in the county. 

  Event planning is key in minimizing security risks at public gatherings. Steve Fronk, Milwaukee Director of Emergency Management helps event organizers with security. Fronk also leads a group called Urban Area Security Initiative, a federal grant program for 5 metro counties to assess security risks and potential regional impacts. Any response to a terrorist attack would be event dependent. Specifics of response plans were not given to protect first responders. However, the Milwaukee Sheriff’s Department doesn’t believe security and event planning were the issues in Boston. The Sheriff’s Department is concerned with the lack of intelligence coming out of local fusion centers, which relay information to authorities. Sheriff David Clarke believes there are mounting counterterror intelligence issues. This comes after the grant program designated to Milwaukee for terrorism response was cut due to federal risk analysis. With decreased federal funding for local intelligence gathering, authorities must rely on a vigilant and aware public. WI Watch is a local program where citizens are urged to report any suspicious activity to counter terrorist threats. WI Watch, in conjunction with federal programs like the ‘If You See Something, Say Something’ campaign urges the public to report suspicious activities and behavior to authorities. An aware public is the best way to minimize terror related risks. 

  The Milwaukee metropolitan area uses preparedness, risk assessments, and first responder training to prepare for emergency situations. The cooperation between metro counties ensures Milwaukee is a generally safe city. However, after the terrorist attack in Boston and ensuing manhunt which shut the city down, officials are not willing to downplay terrorist risks to the Milwaukee area. Increased security measures in neighboring Chicago may make the Milwaukee area a more attractive target for terrorist sleeper cells. A vigilant and aware public may just be the deterrent needed to avoid terrorism in Milwaukee. If you see any suspicious activities or behavior, report it to 1-877-WIWATCH. Together, we can minimize the risk of terrorism and keep the Milwaukee metro area safe.

Freedom Weekly, April 2013 Vol. 003 Issue 009

Should US Take North Korea Seriously?

             Shame on North Korea.  The North Korean leadership continues to escalate bellicose rhetoric and actions.  Yet, most Americans believe if the talk turns to action, America will turn North Korea into a parking lot.  Most analysts don’t believe North Korea is anywhere near having the technological capabilities to build a nuclear missile, much less deliver one to the American homeland.  However, we should not write off Dictator Kim Jong-un so quickly, as an initial attack could inflict serious damage to the United States and allies.

            Kim Jong-un has ramped up war preparations in the past few months.  North Korea detonated a small nuclear device on February 12, 2013.  Since then, the state controlled media released a propaganda video which depicted a destroyed city resembling New York. 

The nation has said it will no longer abide by the 1953 armistice agreement, which restored the border between North and South Korea following the Korean War.  Kim Jong-un has issued multiple and direct verbal threats to the United States, South Korea, Japan, and others.  The dictator cut the direct line between Seoul and Pyongyang.  Can one imagine if the Soviet Union had done this during the Cuban Missile Crisis?  The North Korean leader has readied military forces, conducted training exercises, and Fox News reports is entering a 'state of war.'  There are seemingly no serious thoughts of an attack on America, yet the United States’ show of force by flying B-2 stealth bombers over South Korea may be an indicator that there is more than meets the eye.

            A new series of released photos in the North Korean war room may inadvertently show a North Korean ‘U.S. Mainland Strike Plan.’  On these maps appearing in the photos, Guam, Hawaii, Washington D.C., and Austin, Texas as potential targets.  Each is obviously a strategic military target.  While analysts dismiss a mainland attack, North Korea has other means to employ, which would more likely resemble a terrorist plot than an invasion.  As a non-party to the Chemical Weapons Convention, North Korea has an estimated 5000 tons of chemical weapons.  They have the demonstrated ability to detonate a small nuclear device, which could lead one to believe they have the capability to initiate a dirty bomb style attack.  In an article on March 30, 2013 by Jim Michaels of USA Today, some analysts believe that an initial attack could be potentially damaging as Kim Jong-un would attempt to overwhelm opposing forces by sheer volume of attacks. 

            North Korea’s best ally and protectorate is China.  Recent and frequent cyber attacks have targeted financial institutions, energy companies, and even the U.S. military.  The cyber attacks are seemingly coming from China.  While the Chinese government vehemently denies involvement in the hackings, one must consider the possibility of a rogue group, or even North Korean operatives attempting to steal the information necessary to aid Kim Jong-un’s quest in creating a nuclear missile warhead.  North Korea, much like their Chinese counterparts, has a state controlled communist media outlet.  Leaked videos and photos from North Korea very well could be to distract from true targets in the event of an attack.  New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Austin, Guam, Hawaii, Seoul, Tokyo, and U.S. military bases have all been singled out by North Korea.  But with chemical warheads and dirty bomb style attacks, cities such as Chicago, San Diego, and St. Louis can not be ruled out as potential targets in an attack. 

Even Milwaukee could be targeted, playing host to homegrown events like Summerfest, or even with the agricultural reputation of the state.  The Department of Homeland Security obtained information that terrorist groups had planned to attack smaller American cities to demoralize the populace’s feeling of safety within the homeland.  A North Korean attack on the mainland would be more similar to a terrorist attack, thus voiding the possibility of a safe feeling anywhere.

            It is unclear how serious Kim Jong–un is about going to war.  It would be an unlikely scenario if the dictator was unaware of the forces that would come down upon his country in the event of an actual war.  However, this is the present problem.  All of the rhetoric is reactive.  There seems to be no sense of a need to preemptively stop possible North Korean aggression against South Korea, Japan, and the United States.  While the rhetoric is increasingly belligerent, the reaction is increasingly reactive.  A more proactive approach to North Korea now could prevent reactive actions if North Korean rhetoric turns to action.  However, much like the Cold War, foreign relations with the rogue nation is much like a game of chess, calculated and precise.  If we play our pieces correctly, we can avoid a war-like conflict with North Korea.  We should still go about our days normally, yet aware of the gravity of the situation.  Awareness to the possibilities could be the ultimate American weapon.  Should the North continue down the path of war, an ignorant America simply writing them off could be Kim Jong-un’s greatest weapon.  Proactive foreign policy and an aware population can change the discourse of North Korea.  The time has come to change our reactive attitudes into proactive ones, thus avoiding the potential need to turn North Korea into a parking lot altogether.

Referenced Articles On North Korea:

• Michaels, Jim, and Tom Vanden Brook. "North Korea could inflict significant damage in attack." USA Today 30 Mar. 2013. Web. 30 Mar. 2013. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/03/30/north-korea-military-attack-threat/2036639/.
• "North Korea in 'state of war' with Seoul, as US officials denounce remarks, stand ready." FoxNews.com. Fox News, 30 Mar. 2013. Web. 30 Mar. 2013. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/03/30/north-korea-in-tate-war-with-seoul-as-us-officials-denounce-remarks-stand-ready/.

 

           

A Tale of Two Wisconsin Cities

  “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness,” wrote Charles Dickens in A Tale of Two Cities. While Dickens wrote on London and Paris, the appropriateness of such respective comparisons in regards to two Wisconsin cities can be startling. While sharing many connections, many make the incorrect assumption that Waukesha is simply a suburb of Milwaukee. But stark contrasts show that Waukesha is an independent city of which is enjoying the best of times, whereas Milwaukee finds itself in the worst.

 A quick look at simple statistics will show that the progressive ideology governing the city of Milwaukee has failed, whereas the more conservative ideology of Waukesha has succeeded. The city of Waukesha routinely is recognized at a national level for excellence. Waukesha has received many outstanding awards, including: Wisconsin Library of the year; National Gold Medal Winner for Parks, Recreation, and Forestry; and America’s Promise Alliance for 100 Best Communities for Young People. Waukesha is also frequently listed in best small cities lists and even Money Magazine’s America’s Best Places to Live. This is due to several basic factors. Waukesha boasts a stable 97% graduation rate. Waukesha West High School has a near perfect graduation rate at 99.7%. Outstanding education along with a friendly and present police force attributes to an abnormally low crime rate. Waukesha also adopts a conservative economic outlook with downtown revitalization, business-friendly policies, and a balanced city budget.

 This is a stark contrast to progressive Milwaukee. The graduation rate of Milwaukee is around 61%, which is actually improved since state funded school voucher programs went into effect. The crime rate in Milwaukee is abnormally high for a city of that size. Violent crimes number 10 per 1000 residents, where the national average is 3.9. An overwhelmed police force protects the city as best they can, falling victim to frequent scandals the impotent police Chief Flynn rigging crime statistics. Milwaukee is lucky to also be enforced by the county sheriff’s department under Sheriff Clarke; otherwise crime could be much worse. All of these facts, combined with cold winters and high property taxes, recently landed Milwaukee on Forbes’ Most Miserable Cities List.

 These stark contrasts are not because of population differences; Waukesha has 70,867 residents, Milwaukee has 597,867. In fact Waukesha enjoys a large population growth rate where Milwaukee’s population is in steady decline. It isn’t because of ‘white flight’ from Milwaukee to the suburbs. A growing number of minority groups are leaving the city to seek refuge in the more conservative areas. These differences in the two cities are directly related to the local policies that govern them. Some critics claim Waukesha Mayor Jeff Scrima ran on the basis that Milwaukee is attempting to assert authority over Waukesha. However, he won, and may win reelection on that platform. Waukesha isn’t afraid of Milwaukee; residents simply see Milwaukee attempts to assert progressive authority over the more conservative Waukesha as a threat to the quality of life enjoyed by Waukesha residents. The city of Waukesha is not a suburb, but a rapidly growing, conservative leaning, and independent city. Waukesha wishes to keep enjoying the best of times as they grow. Hopefully, Milwaukee will soon see the light and change the ideology that put the city in that position.

Freedom Weekly, March 13, 2013 Vol. 003 Issue 006