2025

Susan Crawford: A Good Candidate to Support
Published Feb. 19, 2025, in the Sawyer County Gazette, Winter
Author: Gayle Johnson, Winter, Wis.

To the Editor,

I write to help inform citizens of an upcoming election. Susan Crawford Is a good candidate to support [for the Wisconsin Supreme Court].  She has a deep understanding of the justice system. She also knows how important it is to have justices who understand how to keep communities safe and who are fair and impartial. She rejects efforts to politicize the constitution to undermine our most basic rights. Get more info at crawfordforwi.com

Don’t Let Musk Buy a Supreme Court Justice
Published March 19, 2025, in the Sawyer County Record, Hayward and a shorter version March 20, 2025, in the Ladysmith News
Author: Mary Vitcenda, Exeland, Wis.

To the Editor,

There’s an old saying that you can tell a lot about someone by the company they keep. Brad Schimel is running against Susan Crawford in the April 1 election for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. And the company Schimel keeps includes billionaire Elon Musk.

Musk is known for running Tesla and SpaceX, and for demolishing Twitter. His latest project is demolishing vital government services, including Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, and Social Security. He and his DOGE crew of young, inexperienced tech “bros” are doing this by firing federal employees for no identifiable reason—all with Donald Trump’s blessing. Musk contributed millions to elect Trump to a second term.

Now Musk is contributing millions to influence the Wisconsin Supreme Court election by supporting Schimel—a long-time Trump supporter with extreme right-wing ideas.

But what about megadonors George Soros and J.B. Pritzker giving to Crawford’s campaign? I don’t like the influence of money on either one of our parties. But until Citizens United is repealed, here we are. That said, equating Soros and Pritzker with Musk is nonsense.

Why? Because Musk is busy destroying vital government services. Soros and Pritzker are not. Nor do they support Musk pal Trump’s ongoing efforts to overthrow the Constitution. On the other hand, Musk-funded flyers for Schimel tie him directly to Trump and his extreme agenda.

So, will you let Elon Musk tell you how to vote on April 1? Or will you get informed and vote for the candidate who best represents Wisconsin values of fairness, common sense, and civility —Judge Susan Crawford?

This election will determine Wisconsin’s future. Will we move forward with Crawford, where everyone gets the rights they deserve? Or will we go backward, where rights for everyone but millionaires, are denied? Elon Musk has no business in Wisconsin. And Brad Schimel has no business on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

We deserve impartial, fair, independent, and thoughtful Supreme Court justices. A vote for Susan Crawford is a vote for an independent court.

Federal Funding Helps Keep Our Communities Afloat
Published Feb. 13, 2025, in the Ladysmith News
Author: Rachel Bandli, New York City (formerly Ladysmith)

Web Editor’s Note: Rachel grew up on a farm outside Ladysmith and graduated from Ladysmith High School. She attended Harvard University in Cambridge, MA and Columbia University Law School in New York City. She practices law in New York but continues to follow her hometown news in Ladysmith. Her letter is a good model for writing letters to editors of your own local papers.

To the Editor (of Ladysmith News):

Right now, there are a lot of people cheering on Elon Musk and his minions as they shut down parts of the federal government based on a billionaire's whims. Maybe superficially this seems fine—no one likes taxes, right? But it's easy to forget what the federal government actually does in Rusk County.

I grew up in Rusk County, so I know that a lot of people are struggling. But the federal government isn't the reason—in fact, it helps keep this community and others like it afloat. 10 percent of the Ladysmith School District revenue is federal—$1.3 million. Indianhead Community Action Agency gets federal funds so they can provide HeadStart. (Did you know 23 percent of the kids they serve are disabled and half are from single-parent homes? That's not fraud, that's taking care of kids in the community!) 

Marshfield Clinic is part of a federal program that helps bring good doctors to rural areas like Rusk County. And in 2023, the county government got $5 million in federal funding—for Medicaid, foster care, roads, and law enforcement! And this leaves out tons of other things, like Social Security and Medicare. 

You might ask, well, why does the federal government need to do all that? Have the state do it! But the federal government helps level the playing field, so all Americans get the same basic services, regardless of where they live. And it's not about red versus blue states—it's about supporting fellow Americans. But it's no surprise a billionaire like Elon Musk doesn't understand or care about that. His net worth ($400 billion) is more than the entire state of Wisconsin makes in an entire year. I wouldn't bet on him knowing or caring how important federal funding is to small, rural communities.

Get Informed and Vote Feb. 18 and April 1
Published Feb. 5, 2025, in the Sawyer County Record, Hayward, Wis., and Feb. 6, 2025, in the Ladysmith News
Author: Joan Cervenka, Hayward, Wis.

To the Editor:

The upcoming Feb. 18 primary election is very important. Building awareness, spreading information and encouraging our friends and neighbors to vote is so very important during the coming [days and] weeks. Each and every one of us need to think locally.

It is of utmost importance to vote even when you believe there [will] be only one candidate running for an office or opening. There may be write-ins that can change election results. Get informed.

In February and April our small towns will be electing supervisors and chairs to govern with rules and regulations and allocate resources at the “lowest level”…the level that [a]ffects our daily lives. There will also be school board candidates.

the Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction (schools) will be on [some] of your ballots [in Sawyer County] on Feb. 18. This primary will determine who will be on the April 1 ballot. Since July 202, Jill Underly has been successfully fulfilling the job as State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

What concrete actions should you do now for the upcoming elections? First of all, check to make sure you are currently registered. Contact your local clerk or look online at https://myvote.wi.gov. Next, get informed and vote.

Editor’s Note

Learn more about the Feb. 18 primary election on our website at https://sclcodems.org/elections/#Primary

Learn more about the April 1 spring election on our website at https://sclcodems.org/elections/#Spring

Stop Elon Musk Stealing Your Private Data
Published Feb. 19 in the Sawyer County Record-Hayward and Feb. 13, 2025, in the Ladysmith News
Author: Mary Vitcenda, Exeland, Wis.

To the Editor:

Would you put up with your bank turning over your account numbers and other personal financial information to an unvetted outside party without the bank’s security clearance? What if your local health care provider released your medical records to random consultants the provider did not choose or control?

Now what if our federal government handed over your Social Security account number and payment records or opened up your income tax returns to a few people barely out of college who are not federal employees and did not get security clearances to view or share that information. Would you like it?

Well, that’s exactly what happened when billionaire Elon Musk and his boyish band of DOGE computer engineers forced access to the U.S. Treasury Department’s computer systems. Make no mistake. Musk is now able to steal from you and me to give our tax money to giant corporations and billionaires.

This assault on Americans and on our government has got to stop. Call or write, or better yet, call AND write Representative Tom Tiffany (202-225-3365) and Senators Ron Johnson (202-224-5323 ) and Tammy Baldwin (202-224-5653). You can email all three at https://democracy.io/#!/

THEN demand that they do their jobs and enforce the balance of power among our co-equal branches of government dictated by the Constitution. Tell them to keep the Legislative branch strong and the Executive branch in check. Tell them to stop Musk and his minions stealing from you.

Jimmy Carter vs. Donald Trump—Compare and Contrast
Published Jan. 22, 2025, in the Sawyer County Record, and Jan. 23, 2025, in the Ladysmith News
Author: Mary Vitcenda, Exeland, Wis.

To the Editor:

As Donald Trump returns to the White House, I’d like to reflect on the recent passing of former President Jimmy Carter. While president, Carter bolstered Social Security, established the federal education and energy departments, and facilitated the 1979 Egypt and Israel peace agreement.

I admire these accomplishments, as well as his forward-thinking energy initiatives, including tax credits and research funds for solar panels and other renewable energy projects. These initiatives look even more important today given the devastating effects of climate change we face.

I also admire Carter’s commitment to human rights. He was an Evangelical Christian but not a Christian Nationalist. Jimmy Carter knew that real democracy called for the separation of church and state. He walked the talk of Jesus with sincerity and compassion. He was a man of morality and honesty.

On January 9, we witnessed former President Carter’s state funeral. Earlier that same week, we also witnessed the certification of the 2024 presidential vote for Donald Trump. This was a welcome return to the tradition of the peaceful transfer of power—so different from what we saw on January 6, 2021, when thousands rioted at the Capitol to stop the certification of the 2020 vote for Joe Biden.

I pray the tradition of peaceful transfer continues. I also pray that we can again elect a president who is an exemplary role model like Jimmy Carter. Only then will America indeed be great again.

Letters to Elected Officials

Letter to Sen. Tammy Baldwin
Oct. 21, 2025
Author: Joan Cervenka, Hayward, Wis.

Dear Senator Baldwin,

I live in Hayward and always vote.  I am one of your constituents who is very concerned about this Government shutdown, and how it is hurting our local businesses, local government workers, and families like ours.  As a retired Federal worker, I know this shutdown is a theatrical show.

The fact is: Republicans control all of the Federal Government. But it is clear that more Republican focus is being put on partisan games than on real problems your constituents need to be solved.  I am sure you know that Sawyer County is the THIRD poorest county in Wisconsin.  Rising healthcare costs as well as increased food and housing costs are very real local problems in our community. Congress needs to focus on real local problems.  Mike Johnson and all Republicans need to cut the BS and focus on these real problems.  All members of the Congress, Republicans and Democrats, need to get back to the negotiating table. 

I want to thank you and all of your staff for continuing to working on a bipartisan solution to stop the rising healthcare and food costs, AND end this Trump shutdown. The peaceful October 18 No Kings rallies across the USA and especially in Hayward WI should indicate that people are wanting solutions. 

I will stay loud and continue my resolve to remind all of the importance to reopen the government.

Letter to Sen. Ron Johnson
Oct. 21, 2025
Author: Joan Cervenka, Hayward, Wis.

Dear Senator Johnson,

I live in Hayward and always vote.  I am one of your constituents who is very concerned about this Government shutdown, and how it is hurting our local businesses, local government workers, and families like ours. As a retired Federal worker, I know this shutdown is a theatrical show.

The fact is: Republicans control all of the Federal Government. But it is clear that more focus is being put on partisan games than on real problems your constituents need to be solved.  Sawyer County is the THIRD poorest county in Wisconsin.  Rising healthcare costs as well as increased food and housing costs are very real local problems in our community. You need to focus on real local problems.  Mike Johnson and all Republicans need to cut the BS and focus on these real problems.  All members of the Congress, Republicans and Democrats, need to get back to the negotiating table. 

I want you and all of your staff to commit to working on a bipartisan solution to stop the rising healthcare and food costs, AND end this Trump shutdown. The peaceful October 18 No Kings rallies across the USA and especially in Hayward WI should indicate that people are watching you and your lack of solutions.  I will continue to monitor your votes.

I will stay loud and continue my resolve and remind you and the GOP it’s on you to reopen the government.

Essays and Opinion

Team Players, Non Players, and the Dangers of Misguided Loyalty—Two Essays
Trump’s Big Budget Bomb
Republicans Will Use Paperwork to Kick Americans Off Health Care

Team Players, Non Players, and the Dangers of Misguided Loyalty—Two Essays

Posted mid-February 2025

Teams
By Jim Bootz, vice chair, Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party

Many years ago, I had a friend and co-worker named Andy. I can't think of a bad thing to say about Andy, or any reason to try. He was smart, easy to work with, had a great sense of humor, and never took himself too seriously. He was also a big fan of one particular NFL franchise. It's not important to say which team. This could apply to any team's fans, but to paint a clear picture, Andy had grown up in Green Bay and our workplace was in Minneapolis. If it helps, pretend he's a Cowboys fan.

When football season arrived, those of us who didn't share Andy's love for his team had come to expect from him an expression of team loyalty in ways that we found amusing. He wasn't quite at the level of a face-painter, but the gloating after a win was always to be expected. After a loss, on the other hand, we were anxious to hear what Andy would attribute it to. Sometimes, the refs blew a call. Sometimes, the other team cheated. And, once I believe there was even a suspicious coin toss before an overtime loss. It was a lot of different things, but it was never that they didn't play well enough or that the other team was simply better. The excuses he gave seemed almost tongue-in-cheek. He knew we didn't believe them, and I don't think he did, either. But that was the way in which he expressed his lifelong loyalty to that team, and it didn't hurt us any to let him. After all, it's just a game.

Some years later, I read a newspaper account of a woman, also a fan of that team, who had, incredibly, found herself in possession of an opposing team's play sheets. Those sheets scripted the first 16 plays of their upcoming game against her home team. She'd thought of returning them to the visiting team's coach, but at someone else's suggestion, they were brought to her team's headquarters. Her team, the Packers, had the decency to keep the play sheets out of their building and have nothing to do with [the sheets]. And every one of [the Packers] fans should have been proud of [their team] for it. Their foes, as well.

It seemed as if, by bringing it to their team, those fans had expected that such intelligence might be instrumental in securing a win. It was as though they felt they were at war and they had captured the enemy's battle plans and were delivering them to the general. I don't mean to cast aspersions on them, but I couldn't help but wonder how many fans are so devoted to their football team that they would happily encourage cheating in order to get a "win." And, how many of them actually would feel it was a win, as good as any other? Loyalty, when taken too far, overcomes decency, and harmless self-deception broadens to deceiving a great many others.

And yet, if we're still talking about the game of football from a spectator's standpoint, a fan's sense of fair play or a lack of it will not affect the outcome of the game. Again, to the spectator, it is just a game.

The kind of loyalty a sports fan shows for their team is sometimes transferred to other associations, as well. A partisan political preference can often be treated as an object of team loyalty. There are many things that are different about the two, but primarily it is this: Sports fans, whether they're lucid or delusional and regardless of their numbers, don't change the outcome of the game. But voters with fan-like adherence to a political party do affect the outcome. In which case, it's not a game.

One can remain happily ignorant of the poor play or lack of talent on their football team and still insist that they're going to win the Super Bowl in spite of it. It changes nothing. Contrast that with a voter who will turn a blind eye to party or candidate, determined not to hear or refusing to believe anything that runs counter to their undying admiration for them. In sufficient numbers, a vote changes everything. If a fan only wishes to hear good things about their football team, there are plenty of TV shows for that, on just about every local channel. Unfortunately, there are plenty of TV shows which a voter can turn to and hear only good things about their "team" and their candidate, and only bad things about the others.

Voting is a time to gain and employ wisdom. It's not a time to stick one's fingers in their ears and yell to drown out the reality of a deeply flawed candidate. It's not a time to be dishonest with yourself and others.

If you're habitually voting for your team, without concern for the best interests of yourself and your entire community, your loyalty is misguided. Elections are not a spectator sport. They're life-changing for millions of people and they deserve that level of consideration.

The Republican Party’s NPC Problem—and Ours
By Ezra Klein, New York Times Opinion 
Excerpts
Link to edited transcript and full podcast on the New York Times website (requires subscription)

A few years back, the online right became enamored of a new epithet for liberals: “NPC,” short for “nonplayer character.” The term was lifted from video games, where “NPC” refers to the computer-controlled characters that populate the game while you, the live player, make decisions. NPCs don’t have minds of their own. They’re automatons. They do as they’re told.

“NPC” quickly became a favored dismissal for all those liberals with their Black Lives Matter and #MeToo hashtags, their Ukrainian flag icons, their “they/them” pronouns and antiracism reading groups. Liberals, in this story, thought what they were allowed to think, said what they were allowed to say. You might have seen the memes — featureless gray faces, sometimes surrounded by liberal icons. Elon Musk loved posting them.

Like any good insult, the NPC meme served a dual purpose. It contained a kernel of truth about its target. We liberals can be conformist. We can be too afraid to offend. We can be overly deferential to institutions. We can be cowed by the in-group policing we inflict on ourselves and quick to take up the cause of the moment. But the real purpose of the NPC insult was self-congratulation. The right was full of live players. You could see it in their willingness to offend, their mistrust of institutions, their eagerness to debate what liberals would not even say out loud. This became part of the Trumpist right’s self-definition: They were the nonconformists, the coalition that wasn’t made up of automatons. That’s what America needed. Live players.

And at this point, I’m willing to concede half the argument. American politics does have an NPC problem. Possibly a lethal one. But it’s not on the left.

. . . .

Democrats became champions of a government that didn’t work. I think that’s part of the reason Donald Trump won. Not the biggest reason he won, but when people feel that the government isn’t working, the party promising change beats the party rallying in defense. When Musk says that Republicans had a mandate for governmental reform, I don’t think he’s totally wrong.

But even Musk notes that the proof of the mandate is that Republicans control the House and Senate. So why not write some bills? Sure, Republican majorities are narrow, but bipartisanship wasn’t out of the question. Democrats were defeated and ready to deal. Their own voters wanted them to deal.

. . . .

If this were about policy, Trump and his team would have tried to go through Congress. They could have crafted much larger reforms using a wider set of powers, and they wouldn’t be facing down the courts.

But they didn’t want policy. They didn’t want to go line by line through U.S.A.I.D. and figure out what worked and what didn’t. They didn’t want to release a package of proposed spending cuts and debate their merits. They didn’t want to think through new civil service regulations.

They wanted power. They are trying to remake our system of government, not our laws. They have identified a weak point in that system, and they are driving a flaming Cybertruck through it.

That weak point is Congress. And the reason Trump and his administration might succeed in taking its power is that they have turned congressional Republicans into NPCs.

. . .

The framers of the Constitution got a lot right. But they got a lot wrong, and the biggest thing they got wrong was visible almost immediately: The founders imagined a political system free of political parties. Within a few years, they had formed their own political parties. For much of American history, though, the founders’ second assumption held. Geography kept American politics fractured because it kept America’s political parties fractured.

. . .

Parties that contained so many different places and ideologies could not act in lock step, and so bipartisanship was common.

. . .

That was then. In 2025, Trump is impounding money that Congress has appropriated, in clear defiance of that impoundment law. He is trying to erase agencies that Congress created. And while the courts are standing in his way, Congress is letting him do it. Congress is not fighting to stop the destruction of U.S.A.I.D., even though its current structure was created by a bill passed by a Republican-controlled House and Senate in 1998.

It’s astonishing. Republicans in Congress could demand that Trump cut them in. They won the election, too. It is their job to write these bills.

Agreement with Trump’s policy aims need not mean agreement with his power grab. But the most powerful branch of government — the branch with the power to check the others — is supine. It is not that it can’t act to protect its power. It’s that it will not act to protect its power. This is a nonplayer Congress.

. . .

It would be good for the country and for the Republican Party if Republicans displayed the values they once claimed to prize — a willingness to offend their own side, a mistrust of institutional authority, an eagerness to debate the questions that those in power do not wish to see debated.

But we’re seeing none of that. This is the NPC problem we actually face: a nonplayer Congress, driven by Republicans who serve Trump’s ambitions first. We are left relying on the courts, and that may work. But this is not the system working. It is the system failing.