Latest news with #CBS58
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Sam Kuffel Instagram comments led to firing. Your views on TV station's move.
Weeks after it happened, Journal Sentinel readers continue to have strong views on the firing of a local TV meteorologist following her comments critical of an arm gesture by Elon Musk, the head of the White House's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. More than 3,500 took a non-scientific poll asking if WDJT-TV (Channel 58) made the right decision to part ways with Sam Kuffel, leaving thousands of comments on the wisdom of that decision as well as the impact on free speech and "cancel culture" in the county. Kuffel was fired from the Milwaukee CBS affiliate last month following posts on her private Instagram account that were critical of Elon Musk for an arm gesture that many have likened to a Nazi salute. It came during an event at President Donald Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration. More: CBS58 had no choice but to fire Sam Kuffel for damaging TV station's image | Letters Poll takers, 89%, overwhelmingly said the station made the wrong call. A similarly large majority, 86%, said they do not expect free speech to improve under President Trump. About 56% said her firing was an example of cancel culture. She issued a short statement last month after the news became public. "First, I just want to thank everyone for the tremendous support I've received," Kuffel said. "I was just voicing my personal opinion on a private social media account that was not accessible to the general public." She had made a series of posts on her Instagram account. In the first, she shared a picture of Musk at a podium, saying, "Dude Nazi saluted twice. TWICE. During the inauguration." She added, "You (expletive) with this and this man, I don't (expletive) with you. Full stop." Kuffel then posted a meme from the TV series "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" along with a quote from the show: "Screw that old (expletive). He's a Nazi." Thank you to everyone who took the poll and left comments. This is the final batch of the best of your reaction: ➤"In a world where conservatives claim to be the only political group that is dealt with censorship and that liberals have control of the media, this is a prime example of the opposite. Both sides of the political spectrum have their bias spewed into the public as fact, both sides cancel figures on the other side they disagree with. Yet both sides claim freedom of speech. If criticizing a public figure for doing what is a presumed to be a hate gesture gets you fired, you might as well burn the constitution. Freedom of press doesn't exist. Freedom of speech doesn't exist. Freedom in America has become a fallacy, and this is just the very first step in the plan for the downfall of this country." — Adam from Marinette ➤"Kuffel was hired to do the weather. By invoking her opinion even on non-station supported social media, she runs the risk of offending up to half the viewing audience of CBS58. It is unfortunate, but she made a conscious decision to invoke her opinion and is now learning the lesson of how it affects others." — Bernard from Brown Deer More: We all saw what Elon Musk did. Kuffel did not deserve to be fired for the truth | Letters ➤"The arm gesture was very wrong and her comments on a non-CBS outlet is not a firing offense." — Steve from Erin, Wisconsin ➤"Guess CBS showed their true colors. Saying the truth is not OK anymore. Ironic. Will not watch CBS anymore and canceled my Paramount subscription as well. Our culture is Nazified already. CBS just proved it." — Mari from Milwaukee ➤"She did it on her own time, via her personal social media. And calling out what is inarguably a hateful gesture, coupled with Musk's own clear history of being (increasingly as days pass) a right-wing extremist, supporting alt-right and fascist groups world-wide. CBS58 should have just left it alone. She has a right to call a very bad thing a very bad thing on her own time in her own space." — Bob from Grafton ➤"She was employed as a 'weather person,' an employee who points to a screen with weather icons. She had a responsible job; she should have been a responsible person. Monitor your mouth and media. They pay the salary! Amazing there is such a desperate and sad situation that people watching TV 'identify' with her. Wonder if they actually read her comments?" — Rita from Pewaukee ➤"No, the current administration has been gas-lighting the public about this incident. The fact that news media organizations appear to be amplifying their gas lighting does not make it any better. Journalists are also people and entitled to their private opinions and can express those on their private accounts as well to their friends and family and should be able to do so without fear of repercussion." — Matthew from Oak Creek More: Channel 58 fired meteorologist Sam Kuffel over Musk comments. What do you think? | Opinion ➤"I was shocked when I heard about Sam (Kuffel) being fired. I thought there was freedom of speech. This wasn't done on the air. The site she put her remark on isn't seen by everyone. In fact I knew nothing about it for a couple of days when I googled her name because I hadn't seen her give the weather for a while. I totally don't agree with her being fired. I no longer will watch (CBS58) news/weather reports." — Bonnie from Milwaukee ➤"If you are a member of the media or a high profile person you should expect to be held to a higher standard and be careful what you say in the public domain. Feel free to express your opinion but do it professionally and make sure you have all the facts and base your opinion on the facts and if you misrepresent the facts be prepared to face the consequences." — Ray from Waukesha ➤"I fully support her right and courage to speak against fascism rising in this country. Elon (Musk's) two salutes cannot be misinterpreted as anything but Nazi salutes. Any sane person knows this. But we have millions of people denying that Jan. 6, 2021 was not violent. Disinformation unfortunately is working and accepting it is deep in the American psyche." — Lisa from Oconomowoc ➤"I think Sam (Kuffel's) mistake was not remembering where she works and her celebrity status. She not only criticized the gesture, she used vulgar language. While she is entitled to her opinion, she voiced it in the wrong way." — Leslie from Mequon More: Elon Musk salute ripples across US leading to Sam Kuffel in Milwaukee losing job | Opinion ➤"Musk gave a Nazi salute not once, but twice. Whether it was inadvertent or not, if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck... Where are all the MAGA supporters, who support misinformation and disinformation under the guise of the First Amendment? Why aren't they defending her free speech? The hypocrisy continues." — Mark from Waukesha ➤"I am unclear on what cancel culture means. The action by channel 58 is reflective of the deep fear and cowardice many media companies have of 'upsetting' viewers. This fear and cowardice overrides to report as close to the truth as they are able and expose their viewers/subscribers it varied reasonable points of view." — William from Milwaukee ➤"The Constitution says Congress shall make no laws infringing on a person's free speech. However, your employer can. These are the conditions of employment and when you are a public face you have a burden of responsibility to not offend your viewing audience. Even if every news personality in Milwaukee is a lefty, they should be presenting the news in an unbiased manner to the extent that they can. They don't, but they should." — Bernard from Brown Deer ➤"As I write this on International Holocaust Remembrance Day (Jan. 27) I am horrified by this blatant lack of journalistic integrity. As the many hate groups have already stated, Musk's disgusting display has emboldened them tenfold. We need more people and organizations with Kuffel's integrity more now then ever. Channel 58 has shown beyond a reasonable doubt they are not one of those organizations." — Timothy from Waukesha Jim Fitzhenry is the Ideas Lab Editor/Director of Community Engagement for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Reach him at jfitzhen@ or 920-993-7154. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Meteorologist fired by CBS58 over Instagram posts about Musk | Opinion
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Industrious capitalists shouldn't need government to build EV charging stations
In response to a recent headline in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 'EV charging stations funding frozen,' I would like to remind readers that when gasoline automobiles were becoming popular modes of transportation, we did not have federal officials asking for funds to install new gasoline pumping stations across the country. So why should anyone expect that federal officials would even be concerned with providing any funds for providing electricity to our motorists with rechargeable batteries? Most Americans like to talk about how industrious we are in striving to make our country prosperous and we have capitalists who use money to invest in trade and industry for profit in accordance with the principles of capitalism. Where are these people when we need them most? More: Malcolm X understood what was wrong about Snoop Dogg's show celebrating Trump | Opinion More: CBS58 had no choice but to fire Sam Kuffel for damaging TV station's image | Letters More: As fights rage over DOGE and USAID, farmers battle decades of government failure | Opinion More than 30 years ago I suggested that charging stations should be run by organizations such as McDonald's, Subway, Starbucks, KFC, Domino's, Burger King or any other business (even present day filling stations) that would provide a traveler not only with a battery charge, but also take care of a good appetite or other types of business deals while their batteries are being recharged? The above business places should expect to install their own charging systems, which would be an expensive initial investment, but think of the values for both the customer and the business owner over a long period of time. A similar situation should be considered for supplying hydrogen fuel cell autos with hydrogen as they become more abundant during our developing renewable hydrogen economy. Wayne Stroessner, Random Lake Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state: Please include your name, street address and daytime phone. Generally, we limit letters to 200 words. Cite sources of where you found information or the article that prompted your letter. Be civil and constructive, especially when criticizing. Avoid ad hominem attacks, take issue with a position, not a person. We cannot acknowledge receipt of submissions. We don't publish poetry, anonymous or open letters. Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months. All letters are subject to editing. Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@ or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Businesses should install electric vehicle charging stations | Letters
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Building new natural gas plants in Wisconsin will strap customers with big bills
Wisconsin stands at a critical energy crossroads. We Energies' plan to build massive new natural gas plants represents a costly misstep that threatens to lock in high energy costs, undermine clean energy goals and leave ratepayers footing the bill for outdated infrastructure. At a time when clean energy and storage solutions are proving more reliable and cost-effective, doubling down on fossil fuel dependency is a financial and environmental mistake Wisconsin can't afford. We Energies' proposed gas plants are not just unnecessary — they're a long-term financial burden on ratepayers. Natural gas prices remain highly volatile due to global market instability, making reliance on gas a risky bet for Wisconsin's energy future. Meanwhile, states across the Midwest are rejecting new gas plants in favor of renewables, battery storage and efficiency. Wisconsin must follow suit or risk saddling customers with stranded assets and skyrocketing costs. Wisconsin should prioritize growing its clean energy economy, not expanding fossil fuel infrastructure that contradicts the state's climate commitments. A 100% clean energy standard would position Wisconsin as a leader in the Midwest, attracting businesses that demand sustainable power. Investments in solar, wind, battery storage, microgrids and smart grid upgrades will create jobs, enhance grid reliability and protect ratepayers from long-term price spikes. Community solar and distributed energy empower local communities to generate their own clean power, reducing reliance on utilities and providing lower-cost energy options. We Energies argues that new gas plants are needed to meet growing electricity demand, largely driven by data centers. But rapid advancements in AI-driven efficiency breakthroughs — such as DeepSeek — could significantly reduce energy consumption in data centers, meaning the projected demand may never materialize. If We Energies locks in billions of dollars for gas plants just as efficiency gains take off, Wisconsin ratepayers will be stuck paying for unnecessary infrastructure. Instead of overbuilding based on outdated assumptions, the state should focus on flexible, adaptive solutions that can evolve alongside technological advances. The idea that natural gas is the only way to meet peak demand is outdated and inaccurate. Texas, California and even Alaska are deploying large-scale battery storage systems to replace gas-fired peaker plants. Battery storage costs have fallen 90% over the last decade, making it the clear economic winner over new fossil fuel generation. Before committing billions to gas plants, Wisconsin should deploy storage solutions first — a proven, cost-effective alternative that reduces emissions and keeps electricity rates stable. More: CBS58 had no choice but to fire Sam Kuffel for damaging TV station's image | Letters Other states are retrofitting fossil fuel plants into clean energy hubs rather than building new gas infrastructure. Wisconsin should invest in solar, wind and battery storage at existing power plant sites, leveraging grid connections already in place. This 'clean repowering' strategy allows for a smoother transition while maintaining grid stability and avoiding costly new gas plants. Wisconsin risks losing business investment by ignoring corporate demand for clean energy. Major corporations like Microsoft, Google and Meta have committed to 100% carbon-free energy by 2030. We Energies' push for new gas plants directly contradicts these goals, forcing companies to seek cleaner power elsewhere. Rather than doubling down on fossil fuels, Wisconsin should implement on-site demand response incentives for large energy users, reducing peak demand without building expensive new gas plants. Wisconsin has a historic opportunity to lead the Midwest in clean energy innovation, but We Energies' gas expansion is a step in the wrong direction. Investing in clean energy solutions drives job creation, lowers costs and meets corporate sustainability goals. Locking in new gas plants while storage and renewables continue to outpace fossil fuels is a financial mistake Wisconsin can't afford. More: Malcolm X understood what was wrong about Snoop Dogg's show celebrating Trump | Opinion The choice is clear: Do we cling to outdated, expensive fossil fuel infrastructure, or do we embrace a smarter, more resilient clean energy future? The answer should be obvious — for our economy, our environment and the future of Wisconsin. John Imes is co-founder and director of Wisconsin Environmental Initiative. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: We Energies must invest in clean energy sources, not gas | Opinion
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Musk has done enormous damage to civil service and democracy. Enough is enough.
Regarding the article, 'Dems join push against Musk,' will somebody please escort the non-elected Elon Musk to one of his spaceships so that the rest of us can begin to halt and hopefully reverse some of the enormous damage he has wrought to our country and to millions of people throughout the world. No, I do not want to take and make Gaza into a Shangri-La for America. No, I do not want to take Panama, Greenland, Canada and who knows what else for America. Who could have imagined that America in 2025 would have its very own coup d'Etat. More: Members of Musk's DOGE team haven't been vetted but have access to our data | Letters But here we are. We were careless and accepted a lot of disinformation and misinformation. Musk lives in his own all-powerful world, only his money has gotten him the throne. With his now enormous power, he is living the great life at the expense of the world. Good morning, America! Are we finally ready to do something about this? Enough is enough. Dorothy Molling, Greenfield More: Malcolm X understood what was wrong about Snoop Dogg's show celebrating Trump | Opinion A civil service system is a critical guardrail against a takeover of government at all levels. It is a system of laws and administrative and workplace rules that govern how government employees are hired, carry out their duties, and are terminated. It is made up of permanent professional employees, excluding military and judicial employees and elected politicians. Employment is usually based on competitive examination. Currently, at the federal level, civil service employees are under extreme stress as a small group of people led by Elon Musk are entering workplaces and accessing databases, personnel files and contract information. These measures have challenged Congressional authority and breached civil service protections. It is not legal to fire civil servants without cause. More: CBS58 had no choice but to fire Sam Kuffel for damaging TV station's image | Letters This is indeed a surprisingly dangerous place to find ourselves. We are grateful that most federal civil service employees will continue to do the best job that they can to serve us. Sally Drew, president, Association of Career Employees, Madison Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state: Please include your name, street address and daytime phone. Generally, we limit letters to 200 words. Cite sources of where you found information or the article that prompted your letter. Be civil and constructive, especially when criticizing. Avoid ad hominem attacks, take issue with a position, not a person. We cannot acknowledge receipt of submissions. We don't publish poetry, anonymous or open letters. Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months. All letters are subject to editing. Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@ or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Civil service system a guardrail against government takeover | Letters
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Those who tell me to be more like MLK expose their own ignorance of his legacy
It's Black History Month, a time when many reflect on the significant contributions, the oppression and the struggles of African descendants in shaping American society. I choose not to limit my appreciation of Black history to 28 days a year. I celebrate these achievements and honor this rich legacy every day. My history is far too vast to fit neatly into a single month, but I understand why some may feel it is necessary. The month usually includes programs and films featuring Martin Luther King Jr. and other notable civil rights leaders, like Rosa Parks or John Lewis, emphasizing the movement's non-violent resistance and their remarkable ability to uphold hope amid severe racism and adversity. More: CBS58 had no choice but to fire Sam Kuffel for damaging TV station's image | Letters Yet despite the opportunity to learn the full and rich history of the Civil Rights movement, many Americans selectively pick which aspects of the legacy to emphasize. How do I know this? By the wave of emails I receive from readers who identify themselves as white expressing dissatisfaction with my views on racial issues. They often tell me I should model myself after King. A good example of this came after I wrote several columns expressing concerns about President Donald Trump's policies, particularly regarding eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion and the implications for our country. Here are a few comments: 'Hiring should always be based on merit, not seniority or the color of your skin, whether male or female. Just like you did, James, and you, with your pulpit, can help realize Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision here in the Milwaukee area.' - Robert S. 'Well, at least you were able to benefit from DEI before it was ended. So you should be honored that anyone would publish your opinion.' – Andy C. 'I just consumed your race-obsessed trope on President Trump's cabinet. Equity of opportunity & consideration is secular from results… Meritocracy should be the overriding factor, not skin color. You would do well in re-reading Martin Luther King's ideals of character, etc., not just skin pigment.' – Hammond C. When people tell me to be more like King and to read his 'I Have a Dream' speech, I usually fire back at them with what they think of this line in the speech: 'America has given its colored people a bad check, a check that has come back marked 'insufficient funds.'' Most don't respond. When they do, they often say that those times have passed and that things are different, or, in the best case, they say, "You made it, so you should be more like King." It's amusing anyone would assume I haven't engaged deeply with what many consider the most eloquent speech of the modern era. Conservatives often cite King's line about his desire for his children to be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin, as proof of his desire for a color blind society. This line has been twisted beyond recognition while conveniently ignoring the speech's most poignant and crucial words, particularly the ones about bad checks. This underscores the persistent struggles faced by Black people, a reality that hasn't budged in the 60 plus years since King delivered the speech. This recurring oversight is a stark reminder of the work needed to achieve true equality and justice in our society, especially here in Milwaukee where Blacks live with a legacy of bad checks on a host of issues, such as weak public schools, low rates of home ownership and high rates of incarceration. Ironically, some of the same people who advise me to emulate King virulently oppose diversity, equity and inclusion — the very principles King championed and Trump is trying to erase. King advocated for diversity because he believed that all men and women were created equal. He referenced equity in his 'I Have a Dream' speech and tirelessly fought through bus boycotts and sit-ins, demonstrating his commitment to inclusion. So if someone tells you they are against DEI, ask them specifically what they oppose. The diversity part? The equity part? Or the inclusion part? Then ask them why. King advocated that education is essential for Black individuals to reach their full potential and fight discrimination. While I agree that a quality education enhances earning potential and broadens job opportunities, I recognize that one can still be the most educated person in the room and encounter discrimination or be seen as not good enough. The same applies to women, individuals with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ community. The current sociopolitical climate raises significant concerns, especially as the Trump Administration implements policies to erase DEI initiatives, target Hispanic communities that have resided in this country for years and attack the queer community. These actions demonstrate that systemic discrimination is not merely a relic of the past but a challenge we continue to confront today. I can never be King, and it's frustrating when a white person suggests I should be. It's like me telling a white person to be more like William Lewis Moore. Who was Moore? A white postal worker killed on April 23, 1963, while marching for racial justice from Chattanooga, Tenn., to Jackson, Miss. He aimed to deliver a letter to Gov. Ross Barnett, urging an end to segregation. In his letter, he wrote, 'Do not go down in infamy as one who fought the democracy for all which you have not the power to prevent. Be gracious. Give more than is immediately demanded of you.' Moore was shot just 100 miles into his march, and his body was abandoned on the roadside. The accused killer was a Ku Klux Klan member. In 2019, a historical marker was placed where he was killed, featuring a quote from King: "The time is always right to do what is right." Reach James E. Causey at jcausey@ follow him on X @jecausey. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Those against DEI don't understand MLK's full dream | Opinion
