Saturday, August 17, 2024
Milwaukee leaders give update on carjacking, car break-in crisis
Opinion: Victims of sex crimes deserve mercy even when they kill those who exploited them
To recommend a sentence of time served to the judge would be an act of courage and grace. No public purpose is served by incarcerating Kizer any longer.
Chrystul Kizer will be sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to reckless homicide in the death of her pimp, Randy Volar. She was 16 when Volar first met her through Backpage.com, a site that has been shut down for the sex trafficking of women and girls. Volar was twice her age. The case is extraordinary for many reasons, including that the Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled that Kizer can use a defense at trial that could excuse her for crimes committed that are a direct result of trafficking.
The ruling signifies a new understanding of the trauma associated with being a victim of sex trafficking, and changes the valence of this case. Instead of seeing Kizer as simply a cold-blooded criminal, it requires that the court take into consideration how her victimization at such a young age led her to the act.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court said, “Unlike many crimes, which occur at discrete points in time, human trafficking can trap victims in a cycle of seemingly inescapable abuse that can continue for months or even years.” Kizer's young life was rife with abuse; she went from being a gifted violin player to an impoverished sophomore in high school who needed money for school supplies.
DA should use discretion to show seriousness of human trafficking
And now she stands to be sentenced. Given the extremely compelling facts of this case, the most just sentence for her is to consider her sentence as time served. The Kenosha County District Attorney, Michael Graveley, can use his prosecutorial discretion to recommend and the judge to sentence her to time served. He has succeeded in securing a guilty plea; recommending time served will show that the State takes seriously the crime of sex trafficking.
“The prosecutor has more control over life, liberty, and reputation than any other person in America,” said Robert Jackson, the Attorney General of the United States in 1940. Prosecutorial discretion is a bedrock value of the American justice system. District Attorney Michael Gravely has the discretion to show some grace to Kizer.
Here's why Kizer’s sentence should be time served. From the time she met Volar when she was 16, she was psychologically imprisoned by him through threats, promises, and sexual exploitation. After his death, she was imprisoned by the State, and has endured six more years of hell and punishment for an act that arguably could have been avoided if police had brought charges against Volar for child sexual exploitation when they could have.
Kenosha authorities knew about sex trafficking ring
The Kenosha Police Department had extensive evidence that Volar was operating a child sex trafficking ring at the time of his death. A 15-year-old girl had called 911 for help after fleeing Volar’s house, and was found wandering the street drugged and half-naked on a February night. Police searched Volar’s house ten days later and seized a mountain of evidence, including videos of clearly underaged girls, home videos of Volar sexually assaulting them, bikini bottoms, underwear, and women’s pajamas.
Moreover, there were videos where Volar instructed the girls on performing sexual acts in preparation for them to be sold into prostitution. Kizer was identified as one of the girls in the videos. Despite all this evidence, the police arrested Volar but he was released the same day and no bail was posted. In fact, no case was entered into the system.
The day of Volar’s death, his bank alerted Kenosha police of suspicious financial activity that triggered an alarm for potential trafficking activity. Volar had around $800,000 in his account that was in cryptocurrency, and transactions involving $1.5 million. Yet as far as the public knows, no investigation of this activity has taken place. Although the evidentiary trail might be cold at this point, the photos, videos, computer evidence and bank transactions may lead to other members of the trafficking ring. Bringing these predators to justice would be a great victory for Wisconsin.
Graveley already has won the case; he has secured a guilty plea. To recommend a sentence of time served to the judge would be an act of courage and grace. No public purpose is served by incarcerating Kizer any longer. She does not pose any threat to society. Instead, the state should offer her resources and support to help her reintegrate into society and recover from this horrific tragedy; one for which she has paid dearly in her short life.
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| Diane L. Rosenfeld Contributed By Diane L. Rosenfeld |
Diane L. Rosenfeld is the director of the Gender Violence Program at Harvard Law School and author of the book The Bonobo Sisterhood: Revolution Through Female Alliance.
Sex crimes against children are regularly ignored in Wisconsin. I know, I was the victim of one. The only possible explanation is that the "authorities" are riddled with sex crime perpetrators themselves. Otherwise, why protect these predators? Swine run our government. Pigs who get off on seeing babies made into sex objects. The people who "represent" you are pedophiles who enjoy molesting your children.
Vos recall group facing fines and a possible lawsuit for failing to report finances
UNION GROVE — State ethics officials have started assessing fines against a group that has failed to disclose financial information about its campaign to recall Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.
The Wisconsin Ethics Commission said the first fine of $100 will be followed by additional fines, and possibly litigation.
Reports were due July 15 showing who donated to the recall effort and how the group spent its money.
After 30 days, the state begins enforcement actions to achieve compliance.
Recall organizer Matt Snorek said others in the group are responsible for submitting reports to the state and referred questions to Conrad Reynolds, a Republican from Arkansas who traveled to Wisconsin to help run the recall petition drive, which was based in a storefront office in Union Grove.
As of two weeks ago, Snorek said, Reynolds was back in Arkansas and was preparing the finance reports.
“He said he was working on it,” Snorek said. “He’s got all the records.”
Reynolds could not be reached for comment.
The recall group sought to remove Vos from his state legislative seat after the Assembly speaker refused calls to decertify President Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump in Wisconsin in the 2020 presidential election.
In two separate efforts, the group fell short of the number of signatures needed on a petition calling for a recall election in Vos’ legislative district.
The group registered with the state ethics commission in January under the name “Recall Vos,” and again in March under the name “Racine Recall Committee.” Both committees are required to file campaign finance reports with the state.
David Buerger, staff counsel to the ethics commission, said the recall committees will continue to be assessed fines for the next four months, up to $500 total.
The ethics commission then will consider filing a civil lawsuit asking a judge to order the recall group to submit the reports. The dispute could be settled through a negotiated agreement without litigation, Buerger said, but officials would not agree to waive the financial disclosure requirement.
“Our settlements do not allow them to skip out on the reporting,” he said.
Friday, August 16, 2024
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Opinion: Harley-Davidson kicks American workers in the teeth by moving some production to Thailand
Harley-Davidson, a name synonymous with American motorcycles and the freedom of the open road, is making a move that has left many feeling betrayed and concerned.
Harley-Davidson, a name synonymous with American motorcycles and the freedom of the open road, is making a move that has left many feeling betrayed and concerned. The company's recent decision to shift some motorcycle production to Thailand is a kick in the teeth to American workers and raises questions about the company's commitment to its roots.
This is not the first time Harley-Davidson has faced criticism for such actions.
Approximately 572 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) lost their jobs when Harley-Davidson closed its Kansas City plant in 2019. At that time, the company claimed that its new facility in Thailand, built in 2018, was established primarily in response to a 31% tariff imposed by the European Union on U.S.-made motorcycles, itself a reaction to tariffs on European steel and aluminum imports under then-President Donald Trump—would only serve the Asian and European markets, assuring that American jobs would remain secure.
The impact of this decision is felt most acutely by our members in places like York, Pa., and Menomonee Falls, Wis. These folks are more than just employees; they are the heart and soul of Harley-Davidson. They take pride in their work, pouring their passion into every motorcycle that rolls off the assembly line. The uncertainty surrounding their jobs is not only a financial concern but a blow to their sense of identity and purpose.
Production move to Thailand feels like a betrayal to loyal customers
Harley-Davidson's decision to manufacture motorcycles overseas and sell them in the U.S. adds insult to injury. It's one thing to shift production to meet demand in other markets, but it's quite another to import those same products back to the very country where the brand was built. This move feels like a betrayal to the loyal customers who have supported Harley-Davidson for generations.
The company's justification for this decision centers on remaining competitive in the global marketplace. While these are valid concerns for any business, they ring hollow when weighed against the human cost. Harley-Davidson's success was built on the backs of American workers, and their loyalty deserves more than just lip service.
This decision also raises questions about the future of American manufacturing. Harley-Davidson is not just any company; it's an American icon. If a brand as deeply ingrained in American culture as Harley-Davidson is willing to shift production overseas, what does that say about the state of manufacturing in this country? It sends a discouraging message to other companies and workers who are struggling to keep manufacturing jobs in the U.S.
It's important to acknowledge that the global marketplace is complex and ever-changing. Companies must adapt to survive, and sometimes that means making difficult decisions. However, those decisions should not come at the expense of the very people who have helped build the company's success.
Harley-Davidson's story intertwined with the American dream
Harley-Davidson has an opportunity to reconsider this decision and demonstrate its commitment to American workers. By investing in its U.S. workforce and finding innovative ways to remain competitive, the company can not only preserve jobs but also strengthen its brand and reputation.
The story of Harley-Davidson is intertwined with the American dream. It's a story of hard work, passion, and the freedom to chase one's dreams. It's a story that resonates with people across the country and around the world. The company has a responsibility to honor that legacy and ensure that its actions align with the values it represents.
The road ahead may be challenging, but Harley-Davidson has faced adversity before. By choosing to prioritize its American workforce and invest in the future of manufacturing in this country, the company can not only overcome this latest hurdle but also emerge stronger and more resilient than ever. The choice is theirs, and the world is watching.
Brian Bryant is president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
Taliban shows off US military vehicles 3 years after Afghanistan withdrawal
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Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Waymo cars honk at each other throughout the night, disturbing SF neighbors
Monday, August 12, 2024
Milwaukee won't see another sunset after 8 p.m. until May 2025
In fact, Milwaukee saw its last 8 p.m. sunset of the year on Saturday. The city won't see another sunset at or after 8 p.m. until May 8, 2025, according to TimeandDate.com's sunrise and sunset calculator.
So, what will Milwaukee's sunset times look like for the rest of the year? And how many hours of daylight will we see each month? Here's what to know.
How many hours of daylight are there each month?
Here is when the sun rises and sets on the first of each month in Milwaukee:
- Aug. 1, 2024: Sunrise at 5:43 a.m., sunset at 8:12 p.m. (14 hours, 29 minutes of daylight)
- Sept. 1, 2024: Sunrise at 6:16 a.m., sunset at 7:25 p.m. (13 hours, 8 minutes of daylight)
- Oct. 1, 2024: Sunrise at 6:49 a.m., sunset at 6:31 p.m. (11 hours, 42 minutes of daylight)
- Nov. 1, 2024: Sunrise at 7:27 a.m., sunset at 5:42 p.m. (10 hours, 15 minutes of daylight)
- Dec. 1, 2024: Sunrise at 7:03 a.m., sunset at 4:17 p.m. (9 hours, 13 minutes of daylight)
- Dec. 21, 2024 (shortest day of the year): Sunrise at 7:20 a.m., sunset at 4:20 p.m. (9 hours of daylight)
- Jan. 1, 2025: Sunrise at 7:23 a.m., sunset at 4:27 p.m. (9 hours, 4 minutes of daylight)
- Feb. 1, 2025: Sunrise at 7:06 a.m., sunset at 5:04 p.m. (9 hours, 58 minutes of daylight)
- March 1, 2025: Sunrise at 6:27 a.m., sunset at 5:41 p.m. (11 hours, 14 minutes of daylight)
- April 1, 2025: Sunrise at 6:33 a.m., sunset at 7:18 p.m. (12 hours, 45 minutes of daylight)
- May 1, 2025: Sunrise at 5:44 a.m., sunset at 7:53 p.m. (14 hours, 8 minutes of daylight)
- June 1, 2025: Sunrise at 5:15 a.m., sunset at 8:24 p.m. (15 hours, 9 minutes of daylight)
- June 21, 2025 (longest day of the year): Sunrise at 5:12 a.m., sunset at 8:34 p.m. (15 hours, 21 minutes of daylight)
- July 1, 2025: Sunrise at 5:16 a.m., sunset at 8:34 p.m. (15 hours, 18 minutes of daylight)
When does Daylight Saving Time start and end in Milwaukee?
Daylight Saving Time, the period between March and November when most Americans adjust their clocks forward one hour, ends on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. At 2 a.m. on Nov. 3, Americans will gain an extra hour of sleep. However, the sun will set more than an hour earlier.
On Nov. 2, the sun will rise at 7:28 a.m. and set at 5:41 p.m. in Milwaukee. On Nov. 3, it will rise at 6:29 a.m. and set at 4:40 p.m.
Daylight Saving Time will return on Sunday, March 9, 2025, shifting the sunset time from 5:50 p.m. on March 8 to 6:51 p.m. on March 9.
