Left Of Lansing

My Left of Lansing "Friday Short" covers a sad ending to the Flint Water Crisis, in which not one public official will face prosecution for their role in one of the greatest man-made disasters the state of Michigan, and the country, has ever experienced.  Former Michigan Republican Gov. Rick Snyder won't have to face any kind of punishment for the crisis he and his administration caused. Meanwhile, as Allen Overton, pastor of Flint’s Christ Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church told Bridge Magazine: “Injustice, in this community, has been the norm,” “This just continues to show us that this legal system that we call justice is not really justice at all." Nothing could be more true.  People like Rick Snyder can walk between the raindrops, untouched by the same justice we must follow.  It's a tragic ending to a tragic story he and his people caused.  leftoflansing@gmail.com  leftoflansing.com

Welcome to Episode 61 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Politics! This week, I breakdown how the right wing Republican Party has always worked on behalf of the elite class to eliminate government assistance for working Americans. They've done it by whittling-down the New Deal and Great Society programs through the years, and they've done it using racist tropes, like the mythic "welfare queen."  But now, working Americans are fighting back thanks to the UAW's victory against the Big Three Detroit Automakers. We're also noticing positive results as other non-union carmakers are beginning to raise wages for their workers as they try to stave-off unionization attempts. Meanwhile, right wing Republicans were nowhere to be found during the UAW's strike, but they are trying to gut IRS funding to help their tax cheating, rich donor base! I also cover how Democrats are trying to strengthen abortion rights in Michigan, and how right wing Christian Fundamentalists continue using the non-medical term known as "partial

The Left of Lansing Friday Short this week celebrates a judge's ruling in which he dismissed a lawsuit over so-called "pornographic" books in Kent County's Rockford Public Schools District. A right-wing Christian Nationalist group wanted to ban 14 books, most of which dealt with LGBTQ+ stories. The judge ruled the books as a whole have literary value. It was a harsh defeat for those seeking to silence and erase marginalized voices in our nation's history and society.  It was a victory for freedom, and it's that very freedom that MAGA Christian Nationalists are hoping to destroy. --Pat leftoflansing@gmail.com  leftoflansing.com

It's episode #60 of Michigan's premier progressive podcast! Michigan Democrats continue working on clean and affordable energy bills in the state legislature. They must get some of these bills passed before the November adjournment date, or else everything will get pushed back until next year. The main goals of these bills are to make Michigan caborn-free by 2035 or 2040, pushing for strong energy efficient standards to help low income areas, and to hold DTE and Consumers Energy more accountable. Derrell Slaughter, Michigan Advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council returns to give an update on whether or not these bills will pass soon.  I share a few observations on the new Republican Speaker of the U.S. House, Mike Johnson of Louisiana, and how he's not Vulgar MAGA, but he's Refined MAGA, as The Washington Post's Greg Sargent called it. I describe how corporate media have been working against the UAW during its strike against the Big Three Detroit Automakers. And I discuss how Michigan Republicans

Listen to my inaugural Left of Lansing "Monday Musings!" I talk about how local Maga governments throughout Michigan are fighting against solar and wind farms in their areas. Democrats have proposed one solution to remedy this problem: put the state in control of large scale clean energy projects, which overrides a local government's powers.  Democrats want to put the power of allowing farmers and developers the right to take part in large-scale solar and wind projects into the hands of the Michigan Public Service Commission. Local governments would still have power over small-scale clean energy projects.  The right wing argues these decisions should remain in the hands of local communities. However, Michigan Republicans don't have the best record when it comes to supporting local communities. And, we're trying to move Michigan into the clean and affordable clean energy future. We don't have time to wait any longer. Get this done, Democrats! --Pat leftoflansing@gmail.com  leftoflansing.com

Here's the LoL Friday Short on this October 20th, of 2023 Democrats in the Michigan Legislature have introduced bills to abolish former Republican Gov. Rick Snyder's "Polluter Panels." Snyder and the MAGA majority back in 2018 created a panel filled with industry and commercial insiders with the main goal of slowing down or stopping any real, meaningful protections for the environment and every Michigander. But thanks to the new Democratic majority, steps are finally happening to eliminate these panels, and to leave the decision making to qualified people within the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy--or EGLE. Now, we understand why Rick Snyder is working with the rich donor class to reinstall MAGA into the majority in Lansing next fall. It's all about profits--and saving his sad and sorry legacy.  --Pat leftoflansing@gmail.com  leftoflansing.com

It's the 59th episode of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! My returning guest this week is Michigan Democratic State Rep. Dylan Wegela from the 26th House District. We talk about his plans to thwart the state's two main utility companies--DTE & Consumers Energy--from using dark money to influence Lansing, especially at a time when Michiganders want our lawmakers to hold them accountable. We also discuss corporate welfare, the continuing UAW strike, and his push for what he calls "compassion economics." My opening segment deals with how the U.S. House is still without a Speaker thanks to Republican incompetence, and how the GOP's battle to have Congressman Jim Jordan as the next Speaker is completely on-brand for today's Republican Party. And I remind you that when it comes to the GOP, it's always projection with them. In the meantime, Michigan Democrats continue to pass legislation designed to help people, and to help this state! My "Last Call" details what steps I believe Democrats in the U.S. H

The Left of Lansing "Friday Short" this week puts a spotlight on UAW President Shawn Fain's effective messaging campaign during the union's strike against the Big Three Detroit automakers.  Fain isn't allowing right wing forces, including the Republican Party or Donald Trump, to pit worker against worker, or the union against environmentalists.  He's clearly defining who the real opponent is in the UAW's strike: The Big Three and their CEO's.  And Fain's disciplined messaging campaign is why a majority of Americans back the UAW's strike.  And please, don't forget to listen to this week's podcast featuring Sarah Lazare from Workday Magazine as we delve deeper into the UAW Strike, and why unions, in general, are enjoying a resurgence ever since the pandemic. --Pat leftoflansing.com leftoflansing@gmail.com 

Episode 58 of Michigan's Premier Podcast is posted! In my opening segment, I discuss the lunacy of Livingston County Republicans, and why some GOP state representatives voted against a bill delivering clean water to schools and day care centers. Seems like an odd strategy, but let's see how it'll work out for them! Plus, I talk about the need for Michigan Democrats to keep pressing for passage of the Reproductive Health Act, despite complete Republican opposition, and even opposition from one Democrat. Then, the second segment covers the importance of the UAW strike, and how it'll move the needle towards more rights for workers. Sarah Lazare is the editor for Workday Magazine, and she joins me to discuss why the UAW strike is receiving strong support. She also shares her thoughts on how the Big Three Detroit Automakers are trying to divide the union and environmentalists, and she talks about her research into how assembly line workers suffer debilitating injuries through the years.  And in my Last Call, I

My Friday Left of Lansing Short is on Democratic State Representative Dylan Wegela's efforts on stopping the dark money influence DTE and Consumers Energy utilizes in Lansing. Rep. Wegela outlined how he intends to do that by introducing a bill preventing DTE and Consumers Energy from using dark money PAC's, which will help ensure that our politicians put their constituents' concerns over the concerns of these utilities that struggle to provide reliable and affordable energy. Let's hope every progressive in Lansing joins Rep. Wegela's fight! --Pat leftoflansing@gmail.com leftoflansing.com

Here's episode 57 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! I tackle The Fall of Kevin McCarthy, and why House Democrats made the right move by refusing to give him a life line. McCarthy voted against certifying the 2020 election, he called for impeachment hearings into President Biden despite a lack of evidence, and he did the bidding of Donald Trump. So, so long, Kev! As 2024 nears, I have to admit that I'm getting a touch nervous over President Biden's struggling poll numbers. Is it time Democrats begin thinking about a Plan B, and just in case, ask others to consider running next year if Biden decides to bow-out? Or, am I overreacting, and the threat of an autocracy run by the fascist MAGA Christian Nationalist Republican Party is enough to get voters to the polls next year? I also discuss how Michigan Democrats are moving on legislation designed to lower prescription drug costs in the state. It's another example of Michigan Democrats proving how government can help people through good governance. Sam

My Friday LOL Short this week deals with the uncomfortable subject of what will Democrats do if President Biden's poll numbers keep struggling in early 2024? As someone who believes the Biden Administration has exceeded my expectations, the facts are that Biden remains neck-and-neck with Trump in several polls.  Which is why I don't think it's wrong for Democrats to strategize a Plan B in case Biden's numbers remain low. We're talking about fighting against the MAGA Christian Nationalist fascist movement, and saving our democratic institutions.  Even more, Democrats have a deep bench of strong future leaders who are already fighting against MAGA in their home states, and scoring major victories, including Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. --Pat leftoflansing.com leftoflansing@gmail.com

It’s the 56th episode of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! I’ve been looking forward to this episode because I’ve wanted to talk with Michigan Advance reporter Jon King for quite awhile. Jon’s been busy covering MAGA right wing Millennial presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speech at the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference, Mike Rogers’ steep chances at winning the Republican nomination for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat next year, and speaking with parents fighting against the so-called “parental rights” movement. Jon’s also got experience at working in right wing terrestrial radio for years in Livingston County, until he was pushed-out because the snowflake right wing audience and advertisers didn’t like the way John reported on facts. My opening monologue talks about how legislative Michigan Democrats are pushing ahead on passing their clean and affordable energy bills, which will help lead our state in the future for energy generation and conservation, and also on combating climate chan

This week's Left of Lansing Short deals with how Democratic State House Rep. Karen Whitsett from the 4th district in Detroit not only voted against the Reproductive Health Act in House Health Policy Committee this week, but she's signaling she's vote against the RHA when it comes to a vote on the House floor! And with Democrats holding a narrow lead in the House, that would very well defeat the bill.  To hear an even more lenghty discussion of the bill, please listen to to Episode 53 with Ashlea Phenicie, VP of Communications and Interim VP of Public Policy for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan and Planned Parenthood of Michigan.  It's one thing for MAGA Christian Nationalist Republicans to vote to push women's health and economic rights back to the 19th Century. But it's a betrayal when a so-called "Democrat" joins in that effort.  --Pat leftoflansing.com leftoflansing@gmail.com 

Here's Episode 55 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! Paid Family and Medical Leave is one of the important policies Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer mentioned in her "What's Next" speech last month. If Michigan's Democratic majority in the legislature can pass State Sen. Erika Geiss's paid family and medical leave bills, Michigan would join 11 other states which have already passed similar laws. Passing these bills would guarantee 15 weeks paid leave for ALL workers, and help guarantee that workers won't have to choose caring for a loved one or having to work. And since the United States remains the only developed nation not to guarantee some form of paid family and medical leave, or paid sick leave, it's up to the states to get something done. Making paid family and medical leave a reality is a priority for the nonprofit organization Mothering Justice from Detroit. National Executive Director, and Founder, Danielle Atkinson, joins me to talk about why this legislation is of the utmost

The Left of Lansing Short on this Friday September 15, 2023 deals with the UAW's request for a 32-hour work week for its members.  It's not that crazy of an idea, and the data shows that workers are happier and more productive when they work four days a week.  If that's the case, then why aren't we doing it! The UAW officially started its "Stand Up Strike" against the Big Three automakers late Thursday night. In addition to the four-day work week, the UAW is asking for a 40% increase in wages, paid time-off, better pensions, and more. Auto corporations are demanding their workers earn less while working longer hours as their CEO's earned 40% raises over the last decade.  --Pat leftoflansing.com leftoflansing@gmail.com  NOTES: "Why a 4-day workweek is on the table for autoworkers." By Andrea Hsu of Michigan Radio "32-hour work week would be the end of Detroit." By James David Dickson of Michigan Capitol Confidential "Strike! United Auto Workers declares historic strike against Detroit Three automake

It's episode 54 of Michigan's premier progressive podcast! It's a solo episode this week as I spend time taking the Michigan GOP to task for being absent on supporting the UAW (and unions, in general) in its fight for fair wages, pensions, and paid time-off against the Big Three automakers. Progressives always support unions. Michigan progressive lawmakers and activists support unions, but not one Republican shows up to help strengthen the solidarity for the working class. They don't care about the working class. They care only about the donor class.  I take Republican state representatives Bill Schuette, Matthew Bierlein, and Graham Filler to task on their Midland Daily News op-ed criticizing legislative Democrats' clean and affordable energy plans. It's unconscionable how these right wing Republicans dare to scare readers by claiming clean energy results in higher energy prices when Michigan already pays the 12th highest energy rates in the country!!! And, it's not reliable energy either! Finally, in my

The "Friday Short" highlights the Reproductive Freedom Act, which Democratic State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky formally introduced this week. The RFA would reverse many hurtful abortion access restrictions put in place by Republicans through the years as they tried to enact their view of Christian Nationalism on the rest of the state.  Please, listen to this week's Left of Lansing episode with Ashlea Phenicie, VP of Communications and Interim VP of Public Policy for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan and Planned Parenthood of Michigan, as we discuss the RFA in more detail.  --Pat leftoflansing.com leftoflansing@gmail.com 

It's the 53rd installment of Michigan's premier progressive podcast! I start out mocking the right wing Michigan Republican Party for claiming to care about working Michiganders on this past Labor Day. Then, I talk about the latest from the nutty right wing Ottawa Impact faction, which is working to defund the Ottawa County health department all because it took steps to protect its citizens during the pandemic. I conclude my monologue by highlighting that while the right wing is busy trying to hurt Michigan and her citizens, progressive policies are doing the exact opposite.  Governor Gretchen Whitmer made her key "What's Next" speech last week, calling on the state legislature to pass bills for cleaner energy, codifying major parts of the Affordable Care Act, paid family and medical leave, and for passage of the Reproductive Health Act. The RHA would reverse many of the Republican draconian laws which made it difficult for women trying to find abortion access. Ashlea Phenicie, VP of Communications and Inte

It's the Friday Left of Lansing Short! I discuss my support to have Michigan join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. This would allow states to award their electoral college votes to the presidential candidate who won the national majority vote. Right now, states allocate their electoral college votes to the candidate who won their state.  Democratic State Representative Carrie Rheingans talked about why she's leading this effort with HB 4156 on this week's Left of Lansing podcast. Please, listen to the episode as we discuss this topic, and many others, in greater detail. She argues by joining this compact, more people will feel engaged, and that includes here in Michigan as candidates in the past have stayed away if they believed they had zero chance at winning.  It would give us a better system than the current broken and antiquated system, and it would finally allow the majority of voters to have a say on who should lead the country.  --Pat leftoflansing.com leftoflansing@gmail.com