Tuesday February 11, 2025

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The Illusion of Safeguards

Posted by Laura Kiefert, Green Bay Progressive
Laura Kiefert, Green Bay Progressive
Laura Kiefert lives in Howard and is a Partner in the Green Bay Progressive. Mem
User is currently offline
on Monday, 10 February 2025
in Wisconsin

trump-signs-exec-orders-2025A Fractured Government in the Face of Presidential Overreach


LAKE GENEVA, WI - For as long as I can remember, I believed that the U.S. government was structured to prevent any single individual from wielding unchecked power. The Constitution, with its delicate system of checks and balances, seemed like an impenetrable shield against tyranny. I took comfort in the belief that our government had been designed with foresight: Congress to make laws, the judiciary to interpret them, and the president to enforce them, all while keeping one another in check. Yet, recent events have left me grappling with a sobering realization—these safeguards are far more fragile than they appear.

laura-kiefert-2018The idea of safeguards conjures an image of impenetrable walls, a well-oiled system that automatically curbs any abuse of power. But as we've seen in recent years, the architecture of American democracy is less a fortress and more a patchwork quilt, its strength dependent on the integrity of those who operate within it. And when those operators act in bad faith, the cracks become glaringly visible.

Trump and the Erosion of Trust in Safeguards

For many Americans, Donald Trump’s presidency was a litmus test for the resilience of these democratic safeguards—and for good reason. During his tenure, Trump’s behavior often challenged the norms of presidential conduct, leading to widespread perceptions of an administration operating without guardrails. These perceptions are rooted in several key factors:

  1. 1. Defiance of Accountability: Trump frequently dismissed congressional oversight, most notably during his impeachment inquiries. His administration refused to comply with subpoenas and dismissed investigations as partisan witch hunts. This outright defiance weakened Congress’s role as a check on the executive branch.
  2. 2. Weaponization of Power: Many viewed Trump’s use of the Justice Department as a political tool as emblematic of his disregard for democratic norms. From pressuring the department to investigate political rivals to publicly chastising federal prosecutors, his actions raised concerns about the erosion of judicial independence.
  3. 3. Controversial Policy Decisions: Trump’s executive orders often skirted congressional authority, with policies such as the travel ban and family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border sparking fierce debates. While some supported these measures as fulfilling campaign promises, others saw them as examples of overreach and disregard for humanitarian principles.
  4. 4. Rhetoric and Public Behavior: Perhaps most alarming to many Americans was Trump’s frequent attacks on the media, federal institutions, and even his own intelligence agencies. His rhetoric often undermined public trust in these pillars of democracy, with critics arguing that it emboldened authoritarian tendencies.
  5. 5. The Capitol Riot and Aftermath: The events of January 6, 2021, solidified concerns about Trump’s leadership. Many saw his rhetoric and inaction during the Capitol insurrection as evidence of a president who not only failed to safeguard democracy but actively contributed to its unraveling.

These actions—and the inability of institutions to adequately respond to them—fueled the belief that the system of safeguards was failing. While Trump’s supporters argue that his actions were necessary disruptions to a dysfunctional system, his critics see them as proof that the checks and balances are neither automatic nor infallible.

The Power of Precedent—and Its Abuse

One of the most unsettling revelations is how much of our government operates on precedent rather than unshakable laws. Many of the "rules" that govern presidential behavior are informal norms—unwritten traditions handed down from one administration to the next. For example, the expectation of transparency in releasing tax returns, the respect for congressional oversight, and the restraint in using executive orders are not codified into law but are merely conventions.

When a president chooses to flout these norms, the government has limited recourse. Consider the power of executive orders, which are designed to allow the president to implement policy quickly in times of necessity. Over time, however, this tool has been used to bypass Congress altogether. While Congress theoretically has the power to check this behavior, the reality is that partisan politics often prevent it from acting decisively. Instead of confronting overreach, legislators retreat into their political corners, leaving the executive branch unchecked.

The Role of Congress: A Watchdog in Chains

Congress is meant to be the first line of defense against a president who exceeds their authority. Yet, in practice, its ability to restrain a rogue executive is hindered by deep partisan divides. When loyalty to party outweighs loyalty to the Constitution, Congress becomes less a check on presidential power and more an enabler of it.

We have seen this play out repeatedly. In theory, impeachment is the ultimate safeguard against a president who abuses their office. However, the process is inherently political, requiring not just evidence of wrongdoing but also the political will to act on it. Recent impeachment proceedings demonstrated how this safeguard can falter when senators prioritize their party’s fortunes over their constitutional responsibilities. Even overwhelming evidence of misconduct can be dismissed if political self-interest takes precedence.

A Frightening Fragility

What has become clear is that the system only works as well as the people within it allow. The framers of the Constitution envisioned a government of laws, but they also assumed that those in power would act with a baseline level of integrity and respect for democratic principles. What happens when those assumptions prove false?

Safeguards like congressional oversight, judicial review, and the rule of law rely on cooperation and good faith. When these are absent, the system falters. A president determined to undermine democratic norms can exploit loopholes, leverage divisions, and erode trust in institutions. And the more this happens, the harder it becomes to restore those norms.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

This moment calls for reflection and reform. If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that we cannot take our democracy for granted. Safeguards that depend on informal norms must be codified into law. Congress needs to reassert its authority, closing loopholes that allow for executive overreach. The judiciary must be protected from politicization, ensuring that it remains a neutral arbiter. And perhaps most importantly, we as citizens must demand accountability from our leaders.

The strength of our democracy lies not in its institutions but in our collective commitment to uphold them. If we are to preserve this system for future generations, we must recognize its fragility and work to strengthen it. Only then can we ensure that the safeguards we’ve long relied on are truly safe.

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Trump’s FAA Sabotage Led to Air Traffic Disaster—Not DEI

Posted by Laura Kiefert, Green Bay Progressive
Laura Kiefert, Green Bay Progressive
Laura Kiefert lives in Howard and is a Partner in the Green Bay Progressive. Mem
User is currently offline
on Friday, 31 January 2025
in Wisconsin

trump-press-conf-2025Trump's tone-deaf attempt to turn the DC plane crash into an excuse to scapegoat diversity initiatives only shows his dishonesty and incompetence.


LAKE GENEVA, WI - Donald Trump’s desperate attempt to blame diversity initiatives for the recent plane and helicopter collision near Washington, D.C. is not just absurd—it’s another blatant example of his dishonesty and incompetence. A preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration exposes the real problem: dangerously low staffing levels at the control tower of Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), a crisis that has been years in the making, exacerbated by Trump’s own policies.

According to The New York Times, the FAA’s internal report confirms that only one air traffic controller was on duty at the time of the crash—despite standard protocol requiring two. Handling both helicopter and plane traffic simultaneously is a complex job, often requiring different radio frequencies. With only one controller juggling both, pilots couldn’t communicate with one another, increasing the risk of a deadly accident.

laura-kiefertThis staffing shortage is no coincidence. For years, DCA’s control tower has been critically understaffed, operating with just 19 fully certified controllers as of September 2023—far below the recommended 30. The reason? Employee burnout, high turnover, and, most notably, budget cuts. Trump’s federal hiring freeze, his reckless dismantling of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, and his FAA chief’s resignation at the whims of Elon Musk have only worsened an already dangerous situation.

Yet, instead of acknowledging his role in gutting essential agencies and leaving them woefully unprepared, Trump, true to form, is pointing fingers at DEI initiatives—a tired, baseless scapegoat he and the far right trot out whenever they need to deflect blame. But no amount of racist dog-whistling can change the facts: Trump’s policies have hollowed out critical institutions, weakened aviation safety, and put American lives at risk. If he and his enablers want to find someone to blame, they should start with the man in the mirror.

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Trump’s Federal Program Freeze Will Hurt His Own Supporters

Posted by Laura Kiefert, Green Bay Progressive
Laura Kiefert, Green Bay Progressive
Laura Kiefert lives in Howard and is a Partner in the Green Bay Progressive. Mem
User is currently offline
on Wednesday, 29 January 2025
in Wisconsin

high-voltage-lines-farmsGeneral policies and beliefs have real results when implemented.


LAKE GENEVA, WI - It’s ironic that many of the Americans who voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020 are now the same people who could face serious hardships from his federal program freeze. Trump drew overwhelming support from rural areas and working-class voters who have historically depended on federal assistance programs. Now, these communities could pay the price for his policy decisions, which seem to prioritize political theatrics over real solutions.

Rural America, one of Trump’s strongholds, has long struggled with economic stagnation, limited access to healthcare, and an aging population. Federal programs like Medicaid, agricultural subsidies, and infrastructure grants have been lifelines for these regions, keeping hospitals open, farms afloat, and roads maintained. Yet, the freeze on federal grants and loans could dismantle these very safety nets, leaving many of his voters in the lurch.

Take healthcare, for example. Rural hospitals are already closing at alarming rates—more than130 since 2010, according to the American Hospital Association. These hospitals often depend on Medicaid funding to stay operational. Cuts or freezes to these programs don’t just threaten healthcare access; they threaten lives. Trump’s rural voters, many of whom are older and face chronic health issues, will feel this impact acutely.

Then there’s agriculture. Trump’s trade wars with China forced many farmers to rely on federal bailout funds to survive. Now, with federal subsidies on pause, these same farmers could be left without the financial safety net they once depended on. It’s hard to reconcile the image of MAGA hats at rallies with the reality of family farms collapsing under the weight of frozen funds, but that’s the likely outcome of these policies.

Even infrastructure—something Trump himself touted as a top priority—could suffer. Rural communities rely heavily on federal grants to fund critical projects like roads, bridges, and water systems. Delaying these projects doesn’t just hinder economic growth; it risks public safety. It’s a cruel twist that the very areas that backed Trump’s promise to “Make America Great Again” could see their towns fall further into disrepair.

And let’s not forget food assistance programs like SNAP, which serve millions of low-income Americans, including those in rural areas where poverty rates are often higher than in urban centers. Freezing these programs will only increase food insecurity in communities already struggling to make ends meet.

laura-kiefert-2018What’s particularly striking is the disconnect between Trump’s rhetoric and the consequences of his actions. For years, he positioned himself as the champion of the “forgotten man and woman,” railing against elites and promising to put America first. Yet, this federal program freeze suggests a disregard for the everyday struggles of his base. It’s as if the people who put him in office have become collateral damage in his ongoing quest for power and attention.

This isn’t just bad policy—it’s bad politics. Many of Trump’s supporters may not connect the dots immediately, but the effects of these cuts will be felt in their communities soon enough. Rural hospitals will close. Farmers will struggle to stay in business. Roads will crumble. And when these realities set in, it’s fair to wonder whether his supporters will start to question whether their loyalty was misplaced.

Trump once famously said, “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters.” Perhaps that’s true, but policies that undermine the health, livelihood, and well-being of his own supporters might be harder to shrug off.

For the sake of the communities that depend on these programs, let’s hope the federal program freeze is short-lived. If it isn’t, many of Trump’s most loyal supporters may find themselves reconsidering the promises they believed in—and wondering if they were ever truly remembered at all.

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Senate Action on Constitutional Amendment for Voter ID

Posted by Jeff Smith, State Senator District 31
Jeff Smith, State Senator District 31
Jeff Smith, Senator District 31 (D - Eau Claire)
User is currently offline
on Wednesday, 08 January 2025
in Wisconsin

voter-id-2025MADISON – Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) issued the following statement about his opposition to 2025 Senate Joint Resolution 2 during the Senate floor session today:

“It is Day Three of the 2025-2026 legislative session. Already, Republicans skirted the rules and rushed senators into a senate floor session. Republicans are more afraid of voters and losing power than they are about the issues that are impacting those voters. Instead of addressing the fears of citizens about clean drinking water, reproductive rights or mass-shooting tragedies, Republicans’ fear is making them lose focus of the issues that really matter.

“Many of us had hoped things would be different now that Republicans lost their super majority and there’s a more equitable split in our chamber between Democrats and Republicans. Unfortunately, we were let down today, but there’s plenty of time to find a way to work in a bipartisan manner on issues that Wisconsin families care about instead of rushing to cling to power.”

Link to Audio Recording is available on YouTube here


Senator Smith represents District 31 in the Wisconsin State Senate. The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties and portions of Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson and St. Croix counties.

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A New Way to Communicate

Posted by Jeff Smith, State Senator District 31
Jeff Smith, State Senator District 31
Jeff Smith, Senator District 31 (D - Eau Claire)
User is currently offline
on Wednesday, 01 January 2025
in Wisconsin

jeff-smithSenator Smith announces he is turning a new leaf in the new year by shifting his regular written column to a video update moving forward.


EAU CLAIRE - I remember as a kid the dreaded moment when the teacher told us it was time to write a paper. It was scary for most, but some secretly reveled in the opportunity to be creative with their words. For the past six years, I’ve written a weekly column for readers throughout the 31st Senate District. That’s 312 columns since I was elected to the Senate.

Unlike when I was a kid, the excitement to put my thoughts into words was cherished most weeks, but I admit, there were a week or two that I dreaded it. My excitement ebbed and flowed as with most long-term commitments. As I look back though, I’ve appreciated the opportunity. My favorite part of the process was picking a topic with my staff. During our weekly meetings, we all would throw out a few topics and then I’d pick one to write about. Some ideas were off the wall, some were weird, but through this process, we had a lot of fun figuring out a topic that excited me to write about.

My commitment isn’t changing, but I’m hoping to try something new. Instead of a weekly column, I’ll be doing regular video updates. Sometimes it will be in the halls of the Capitol in Madison and sometimes, I’ll be doing them while I am out and about in the new senate district. I’m excited about the prospect of delivering the inside scoop face-to-camera. I’ll warn you though, I’m not the most tech savvy individual, but I’m willing to do it to meet people where they are at – on their phones and computers. They will be short, but they will be informative.

Now, don’t worry, it won’t be the end of a guest column from time-to-time. Unlike with video, sometimes, writing down thoughts in a structured manner helps us as communicators and for readers to follow along. Our 31st Senate District is changing, there are fewer weekly papers to print the weekly column, but as a tradeoff, there are many more constituents in the new 31st Senate District who have broadband and cell phone reception.

What I enjoy when I pick up a newspaper is reading the opinion page – it’s incredible to read the varied opinions, ideas and thoughts. Some are informative, some are funny and some are heart wrenching. So, here’s my challenge to you – be creative, communicate and find enjoyment with it. Try writing a column or letter-to-the-editor. The hardest part is starting, but I assure you that it gets easier every time and sometimes it may be hard to stop. Those dedicated teachers who challenged us with writing assignments didn’t just do it to watch us squirm. They did it to help us find an outlet to get our thoughts out for others to enjoy. After all, we all have something to learn from our neighbors.

jeff-smithThe next best tip is to find a confidant to edit your writing and be willing to accept revisions, tweaks and wholesale changes to enhance your writing. The best part about editors is you can accept anything you want from them or you can leave it. The greatest writers rely on even better editors to enhance the writing and make it easier for readers to immerse themselves in the composition. Thankfully, I’ve had a dedicated staff who help me shape my thoughts and offer ideas to incorporate that enrich each column I’ve written. Writing is far more fun when it’s a team effort.

I’m looking forward to changing it up a bit. Please let me know your thoughts and suggestions. As with any creation, it’s helpful to get feedback from people who view a video post, a radio recording or other types of media we hope to produce for constituents in the new district. It has been an honor to write to you these past few years – I look forward to keeping our commitment going with new creative ways to communicate in the new year.


Senator Smith represents District 31 in the Wisconsin State Senate. The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties and portions of Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson and St. Croix counties.

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