Milwaukee Bucks players put GOP pols on notice

I addressed in a Wednesday post the predictably partisan GOP-led Wisconsin Legislature's 


repetitive refusals to tackle many of our state's obvious and systemic policy-making failings - from gun safety to justice system repairs to policing reforms - and thereby deepening the decay in an undeniably undemocratic status-quo.

But Wisconsin legislators should pay greater attention to the heartfelt and on-point words which Milwaukee Bucks players spoke directly to them in a powerful and unprecedented call to action Wednesday evening. The whole state is watching:

“The past four months have shed a light on the ongoing racial injustices facing our African American communities. Citizens around the country have used their voices and platforms to speak out against these wrongdoings.
“Over the last few days in our home state of Wisconsin, we’ve seen the horrendous video of Jacob Blake being shot in the back seven times by a police officer in Kenosha, and the additional shooting of protestors. Despite the overwhelming plea for change, there has been no action, so our focus today cannot be on basketball. 

“When we take the court and represent Milwaukee and Wisconsin, we are expected to play at a high level, give maximum effort and hold each other accountable. We hold ourselves to that standard, and in this moment, we are demanding the same from our lawmakers and law enforcement. 

“We are calling for justice for Jacob Blake and demand the officers be held accountable. For this to occur, it is imperative for the Wisconsin State Legislature to reconvene after months of inaction and take up meaningful measures to address issues of police accountability, brutality and criminal justice reform. 

We encourage all citizens to educate themselves, take peaceful and responsible action, and remember to vote on Nov. 3."