TCD’s week in review (6/29/12)

WINNERS

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

The Supreme Court upheld the majority of the controversial Act by a 5-4 vote, with Chief Justice John Roberts casting the deciding vote. Gov. Walker stated that he does not intend to implement the newly-confirmed law, but instead, wait and see if the results from the presidential election will bring about a repeal. However, state Attorney General J. B. Van Hollen said Walker must comply with the law.

In the spotlight: Wisconsin Republicans

In less than two years, Scott Walker has gone from Executive of Milwaukee County to someone who is being asked whether or not he’d run for president in 2016. In a recent interview with Politico, Walker said he’s “not announcing for anything.” Also in the article, he said, “I’d like now and into the future to play a bigger role not only in Wisconsin and the Midwest, but nationally. I’d like to have an impact.” Also in the national spotlight, Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan is reportedly being vetted by the Romney Camp to become the vice presidential nominee.

Summerfest winners from Day 1:

The crowd builds a pyramid during Steve Miller's set at the BMO Harris Pavilion. (Photo: Ryan Findley)

Rapidly escalating heat, excellent back-to-back afternoon sets from The Fruit Bats and The Fatty Acids at the U.S. Cellular Stage, the always-underrated Harley stage, modified carry-in policies, soft pretzels, DIY beer cup pyramids, cargo shorts, the impressive-in-person BMO Harris Pavilion, the inability to distinguish between smells, having no stated agenda, Lake Michigan, side-to-the-side-stage acts that feature harmonicas, huge crowds, blue skies, consistently amazing fireworks (it’s a big bang!), YOLO t-shirts, Lupe Fiasco’s Brandon Jennings jersey, afternoon cover bands playing 90s hits like Lit’s “My Own Worst Enemy” and Eve 6’s “Inside Out,” elusive shade, Exclusive Company Signings/Meet & Greets, familiar food favorites, and Wisconsin-brewed beer.

LOSERS

Prayer-based healthcare

A bizarre homicide case is making it’s way to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Madeline Kara Neumann, the 11-year-old daughter of Dale and Leilani Neumann, died from complications relating to undiagnosed and untreated diabetes on March 23, 2008. Dale and Leilani were charged with second-degree reckless homicide in 2009 for failing to seek medical attention for their sick daughter. According to the Wausau Daily Herald, the Neumann’s have appealed the decision because they believe in “faith healing,” and instead of seeking conventional medical treatment at the time of their daughter’s death, chose to employ the power of prayer to heal the 11-year-old. The Third District Court of Appeals in Wausau asked the State Supreme Court to make a ruling, and the state’s highest court announced on Wednesday that they will hear the case.

“State of Emergency” in northern Wisconsin

Gov. Walker declared a state of emergency in Douglas, Ashland, and Bayfield counties on Tuesday, following heavy rain and flooding from a June 19-20 storm. More than 500 homes and businesses were damaged, and damage cost is estimated at more than $2.5 million.

The Milwaukee Bucks

I’m 100 percent certain that the events of last night’s draft will not propel the Bucks into any type of serious contention in the NBA. There is now a blueprint for small market development in the NBA and it exists in Oklahoma City, where three top-5 draft picks propelled the team to the Finals before any of the players reached the age of 25. The Bucks’ maybe-we’ll-get-an-eight-seed-if-we-get-another-piece policy that’s been in existence since 2003 does not make being a fan of this team an enjoyable experience. It’s not easy to tell a fanbase that the team is hoping to end the season with a high draft pick and not a playoff berth, but that’s exactly what Bucks brass should be thinking for the 2012-13 season.

Summerfest losers from Day 1: 

Jeans, battery life, the ability to see the stage at the BMO Pavilion without having a seat, stage set-ups that involve different colored ears (Steve Miller), Kool & The Gang circa 2012, common courtesy, the inexplicable lack of festival-wide Wi-Fi, that one tall dude who is standing right in front of you, and Summer Shandy.