Author: Carl Luft

“Sometimes fear triumphs over hope. Donald Trump’s shocking victory in the 2016 US presidential election was described as a leap into the political unknown. This time there is no excuse. America knew that he was a convicted criminal, serial liar, and racist demagogue who four years ago attempted to overthrow the government. It voted for him anyway. The result is a catastrophe for the world.” – Dаvіd Smіth, Columnist Considering that a significant portion of Americans supported Trump in the latest election, it suggests a shift in the American cultural and political landscape. That points to deeper forces in...

An original stage production about the trauma faced by a Civil War veteran, “The Last Depot: A Civil War Sketch” will be performed in front of a live audience on October 8 and 9 at Inspiration Studios. Set in 1895, the one-man production explores the relationship between two soldiers who endure the nightmare journey of America’s fight over slavery. Written, produced, and performed by Mark L. Gormican of Wauwatosa, his fascination with the American Civil War started in the 5th grade with a diary written about conditions in Andersonville. “I have been absorbed by this subject matter for several...

An unprecedented partnership will move forward to pursue new revenue solutions that will provide property tax relief to Milwaukee residents through a local option sales tax. Representative Evan Goyke and Senator La Tonya Johnson, in partnership with Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, local business leaders and elected officials, announced plans to move forward and pursue a new partnership with the State on September 9. The proposed bill would allow Milwaukee and local municipalities to pursue a binding referendum for a 1 percent local option sales tax that would be reinvested into the community through property...

The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects Americans from random and arbitrary stops and searches. According to the government, however, these basic constitutional principles do not apply fully at our borders. At border crossings, also called “ports of entry”, federal authorities do not need a warrant or even suspicion of wrongdoing to justify conducting what courts have called a “routine search,” such as searching luggage or a vehicle. Even in places far removed from the border, deep into the interior of the country, immigration officials enjoy broad—though not limitless—powers. Specifically, federal regulations give U.S. Customs and Border Protection...

Carrying on the rich tradition of celebrating the finest in Jewish films and filmmaking, the 2017 Milwaukee Jewish Film festival features a variety of intriguing and engaging movies from around the world. Jewish tradition, history, experiences and perspectives take center stage in a wide variety of films comprising the 20th anniversary celebration of the Milwaukee Jewish Film Festival running October 22 to October 26 at Marcus North Shore Cinema in Mequon. The Milwaukee Jewish Film Festival is a program of the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center (JCC), with support from Marcus Cinemas. This year’s five-day festival...