Left Of Lansing

Episode 52 of Michigan's premier progressive podcast is a little longer than normal, but well worth the listen! I take DTE Energy and Consumers Energy to task for failing to keep the lights on after storms rolled through the state. Despite keeping hundreds of thousands of customers in the dark, both energy companies are asking government officials to give the green light on more rate hikes! Perhaps this is the time we finally pass a clean energy bill to revamp the failing energy grid while lowering energy costs. I also discuss more right wing violence happening across the country, how we should expect more of it. And I talk more Ottawa Impact shenanigans as the right wing majority is gutting the Ottawa County Department of Health to pre-pandemic levels! Insanity! But we've got some strong progressives who are delivering results to each and every Michigander. One of them is Democratic State Rep. Carrie Rheingans of the 47th District, which comprises of Jackson and Washtenaw counties. Rep. Rheingans is part o

My Left of Lansing "Short" this Friday is about Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy's proposal to ban anyone under 25 from voting, unless they fulfil specific requirements, including passing a citizenship test.  Generation Z is not only a politically active voting bloc, especially in Michigan, but it's also a highly progressive voting bloc. Rather than fight for their vote based on their hate-filled policies, Ramaswamy's brilliant idea is taking away their voting rights.  Gina Keller from Distill Social talked about how progressives are doing a better job at connecting and messaging with Gen Z voters, as we witnessed in the 2022 midterm elections. And that scares the right wing, which is why it's trying to silence young voters. --Pat leftoflansing@gmail.com leftoflansing.com

Here's another exciting and informative episode of Michigan's premier progressive podcast! The Christian Nationalism that has overtaken the Michigan Republican Party is trying to take control of the entire state. While Democrats have control of state government for the first time in 40 years, and progressive values have achieved some major victories, right wing Christian Nationalist are taking control of local governments throughout the state. And they are leveling their extreme and dangerous worldview on the people through book bans, defunding of libraries, defunding of local health departments, attacks on public schools and teachers, and by attacking marginalized people. The Christian Nationalist movement is backed by a rich donor base, which wants to divide us just enough so they receive more power and massive tax cuts. But what's worse, is that all of these attacks on marginalized citizens throughout right wing media leads to violence, which is another dangerous aspect of right wing, white Christian Nati

The "Friday Short" puts a spotlight on Michigan Republican Congressman John Moolenaar's hypocrisy when it comes to the proposed Gotion electric battery plant in Big Rapids.  Moolenaar hopped-aboard the right wing xenophobia bandwagon since Gotion's parent company is from China. Yet, Moolenaar never once uttered a word of skepticism over other Chinese companies which set-up shop here in our state, nor did he once criticize former Republican Governor Rick Snyder over his numerous trade mission trip to China!  But now, Moolenaar says he opposes the project because Gotion will pay workers in the area less than it originally said. Some state senate Democrats voted against the project for that very reason a few months ago. Moolenaar suddenly sounds like progressives in opposing corporate handouts in exchange for cheap labor. But in reality, John is only appearing to be pro-worker because he's trying to show he's strong against China.  If Moolenaar is such a pro-worker kinda guy, I can't wait for him to publicly

Here it is! The 50th episode of Michigan's premier progressive podcast! I love that I've made it to 50 episodes, and I'd love to thank everyone who helped me get this little project off-the-ground. And, I'd love to thank you for listening, and to helping spread the word of this podcast.  In this episode, I put a spotlight on the extreme right-wing Christian Nationalist movement, which is spreading inside the national Republican Party, and especially inside Michigan's Republican Party. This movement scored some wins in local governments, including the far right Ottawa Impact group which is now the majority on the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners. And with Donald Trump's fourth indictment this year, I discuss how the Christian Nationalist movement will go to any length to be on the winning side, even if that means resorting to violence.  Part of the Christian Nationalist movement's battle against democracy is by attacking local libraries and librarians, and by banning books. That's been happening in many

It's the 49th episode of Michigan's premier progressive podcast! I celebrate Ohio's decision to hand the state Republican party a humiliating defeat at the polls this week, when voters rejected the GOP's efforts to raise the threshold to pass a state referendum from 50-to-60%. Ohio Republicans were hoping to hurt the chances of enshrining abortion rights into Ohio's constitution in November. But they failed miserably, and like Michigan Republicans, they will suffer again when voters back a woman's right to choose. Yet, the legacy media didn't seem to cover another huge victory for choice and democracy because it only wants to cover Trump, Trump, Trump, and more Trump. I also highlight the big news Democratic State Senator Mallory McMorrow's endorsement of Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin in her bid to win Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow's seat, which opens-up in 2024. Then, Sean McBrearty, who is the campaign director of the anti-Line 5 oil and natural gas pipeline group called Oil & Water Do

This week's "Short" deals with the Republican effort to ban TikTok in the United States. Ostensibly, they argue it's to protect our privacy since TikTok is a Chinese company.  But the main reason Republicans are fighting for a ban is to take-away a major communication tool from Generation Z voters, who are by far the most progressive voting bloc in the country.  Generation Z played a key role in helping get Democrats victories across the country in the last few election cycles. And that's particularly true here in Michigan, as Gen Z voters showed up in greater numbers than in any other state in 2022.  Rather than win over some Gen Z voters with policy ideas of their own, Republicans believe shutting down those voters' favorite mode of communication will help their party in the future. I also talked about this topic on this week's episode of the podcast with Progress Michigan's Jade Gray, and I'll post that episode below as well.  --Pat NOTES: "On the Cusp of Adulthood and Facing an Uncertain Future: Wh

Here's Episode 48 of Michigan's premier progressive podcast! Happy Indictment Week III! I had so many words and thoughts to share as Donald Trump faces his third indictment this week. He's finally been charged for the role he played for the January 6th insurrection in an effort to steal the 2020 election. Despite getting indicted again, Michigan's GOP is all-in for Trump even though two more state Republicans face indictments for stealing voting machines. But while Republicans keep getting indicted, progressives keep doing the work to help everyone "Make It In Michigan." One big reason why progressives are scoring some major victories in the state is because of the impressive turnout by Generation Z voters in the 2022 election. They were key in getting abortion rights enshrined in our state constitution, in expanding voting rights and access to voting, and getting Democrats in control of state government.  Jade Gray from Progress Michigan, and a Co-President of College Dems at the University of Michigan,

It's episode 47 of Michigan's premier progressive podcast! The Gotion electric vehicle battery component plant is causing a rift in the Big Rapids area, located in Mecosta County. Local Republican leaders jumped at the chance to have the California-based company build the new plant in their area--an area in which 18% of its residents live in poverty. But because Gotion's parent company is from China, right wing Republican politicians and officials, along with those from the right wing echo chamber, are using scary xenophobic and anti-Asian rhetoric to prevent the plant from being built.  Anna Gustafson from Michigan Advance wrote an extensive and informative piece on this entire saga, and she joins me to talk about how the right wing became galvanized to try to stop the plant, and how congressional and state senators and representatives have joined in the fight, despite originally backing the plant! Anna's also written many other interesting and important stories across the entire state of Michigan. Please,

Here's the 46th episode of Michigan's premier progressive podcast! I start-out this week talking about taking the battle to the right wing forces in our state. I illustrated why state Senator Mallory McMorrow's "We will not let hate win," speech went viral. It resonated with millions across the country because McMorrow did what so many of us want to see from Democrats: fighting back. In Michigan, progressive Democrats did fight back, take over the state government, and are now making the lives of millions of people better by reinvesting in them. And that's why the right wing is trying to recall five Democratic state house representatives.  I then have a talk with Sam Inglot, executive director of Progress Michigan. We cover state Attorney General Dana Nessel's announcement of charging the 16 Michigan Republican officials who tried to act like fake electors in their attempts to steal the 2020 election for Donald Trump. We also highlight how we're expanding voting rights in the state, and some of the other wo

Here’s the 45th installment of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Democratic State Rep. Betsy Coffia from the 103rd District joins me this week. Rep. Coffia’s district contains Leelanau, Grand Traverse, and Benzie Counties. She’s been a journalist, a social worker, and a Grand Traverse County commissioner. And now, she’s in Lansing trying to make a difference on a variety of fronts. We discuss the Traverse City hair salon owner who’s refusing to serve transgender people, why bigotry is bad for business, the budgets Democrats passed, her work on the school aid budget to help kids and families in northern Michigan, allowing 16-year olds to pre-register to vote, and more. You can follow Rep. Coffia on Twitter. My opening segment concentrates on how the right wing has always used “fear and anger” to get-out its voting base. Nothing has changed in the last 40 years when it comes to the Republican Party’s values. Donald Trump wasn’t some anomaly. The party was always a Trump party, and he emboldened Republic

Here's episode 44 of Michigan's premiere progressive podcast! Strong progressive policies continue to not only get introduced, but continue to pass in the state legislature as we witnessed with the expansion of the Hate Crimes Law. The Democratic majority passed a historic budget last week, and I highlight how they not only spent time and energy reinvesting in our teachers and students, but they're also reinvesting in the environmental well-being of our schools. I also explain how progressives have swung the pendulum in the other direction after 40 years of Republican rule. And progressives are fighting back more on the local level, too, particularly in Ottawa County! The focus then switches back to the clean and affordable energy and climate package of bills state Democrats recently introduced. Charlotte Jameson--Chief Policy Officer of the Michigan Environmental Council--joins me to talk about why the MEC is supportive of these measures. Plus, she goes into further detail on how making schools more energy

Progressive changes continue in our state thanks to the Democratic majority in the state legislature as both the general and education budgets passed this week. These budgets provide significant funding boosts for K-12 spending, including more per-pupil funding and universal free breakfast and lunch. And the general budget provides more funding for roads, infrastructure, health care workers, the environment and more. Plus, Democrats repealed the awful "No Stricter Than Federal" law Republicans passed during the 2018 lame duck. Then, I speak with Durrell Slaughter, who is Michigan's clean energy advocate with the Natural Resources Defense Council, on a package of historic and bold clean energy and climate change bills Democrats have introduced in the state legislature, which have a goal of making the state carbon-free by 2035.. Mr. Durrell spoke in favor of these bills during a committee session. And he also talks about the importance of getting involved in local politics.  My "Last Call" talks about how the

We're officially in Summer, and I'm serving up the 42nd episode of the weekly podcast! My opening monologue deals with why I'm supporting the Michigan Multimedia Jobs proposal, which provides tax credits for companies wanting to make movies, shows, commercials, and other multimedia productions in the state. Michigan Democrats are busy helping people, including providing free meals for all public school students, but why in the world are Republicans against it?  Then, Democratic state Senator Stephanie Chang joins me to discuss how the Democratic majority in the state legislature is getting stuff done on environmental justice, education, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, hate crimes, and the state budget. Senator Chang also shares her thoughts on keeping Generation Z voters engaged.  The "Last Call" highlights a speech by Democratic State Representative Laurie Pohutsky, who introduced a house resolution declaring June as Pride Month.  Enjoy!

Here's Episode 41 of the podcast devoted to highlighting the progressive fight to revive and restore Michigan's greatness! My opening monologue describes how old time Michigan Republicans have no power in their party anymore, and they have nobody to blame but themselves as the extremists lead the party. And I explain how these extremists are hurting our abilities to reverse the population and brain drain Michigan has been experiencing after 40 years of Republican rule.  One way to reverse the population is perhaps through a new multimedia incentives program that's quite different from the state's film incentives a decade ago. Alexander Page from the Michigan Film Industry Association joins me to explain this new incentives proposal, which will soon be introduced in the state legislature.  To learn more about MiFIA and the new multimedia incentives proposal, click here.  The "Last Call" celebrates how Michigan Democrats are easing the workload for county clerks across the state by allowing them more time t

Here's the 40th episode!!! In this week's episode, I share some thoughts on WJR-AM's "next generation" of talk show hosts, which kinda sounds like the same as the last generation. I also talk about how former Republican "Nerd" Governor, Mr. Flint Water Crisis, himself, Rick Snyder is back in the news, announcing that he's helping Michigan Republicans take over the state legislature in 2024! Then, Dr. Joshua Cowen, Professor of Education Policy at Michigan State University, joins me to talk about the right wing movement--or war--to eradicate public schools across the country. Dr. Cowen has spent nearly two decades researching school choice and voucher programs, and how vouchers don't live up to the hype. I've included some of Dr. Cowen's articles in the show notes at the bottom of the page.  And please, follow Dr. Cowen on Twitter! This week's "Last Call" delves into how former Michigan Republican Congressman Fred Upton will back a candidate from the so-called "No Labels" party. But I show how "No Labels"

Wow, 39 episodes are in the can! This week, I speak with progressive activist Joe Spaulding on the right wing movement happening with the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners as they passed a resolution declaring the county a "constitutional county." It's quite similar to what the equally extreme right wing Livingston County Board of Commissioners recently did as well. Joe Spaulding talks about how he and others are trying to fight back in that western Michigan county. And Joe gives shares some of his experiences while working on the "Voters Not Politicians" ballot proposal, which ended our state's gerrymandering in 2018. Plus, he gives his thoughts on the Republican effort to ban TikTok in the United States, which is really an attack on younger voters. Please, follow Joe Spaulding on Twitter! I talk about how refreshing it is to be a progressive broadcaster after spending years in the corporate right wing radio world. I share my ambivalence with the Mackinac Policy Conference, particularly since one of th

Here's the 38th episode of Left of Lansing! Coming back to the podcast is veteran business writer, Rick Haglund. He writes the "Micheconomy" on Michigan Advance, and has been covering the state's economy, and the auto industry, since the 1980's. We talk about Michigan's population problem in which not only are people leaving, but we're becoming an older state. We discuss ways Michigan could reverse that trend, and if the Democratic Trifecta in state government is going in the right direction by advertising Michigan as the anti-Florida.  Please, follow Rick on twitter: https://twitter.com/rhaglund And follow Michigan Advance!

A new episode of the Left Of Lansing Podcast is posted. This week, progressive activist Kasey Helton joins me to talk about life as a progressive in ruby red Republican Livingston County. We talk about Livingston County politics, why it's been difficult for progressives to make a dent there, but how progressives are beginning to find ways to post some victories there. She also shares some ideas and strategies that progressives can take to make change in Michigan's red counties.  Please, follow her on Twitter! twitter.com/KaseyHelton05 My opening monologue deals with my two week battle with COVID, which is why I missed a podcast last week! Sitting around in bed as I deal with COVID for the first time since the pandemic broke, I recalled how the right wing did everything in its po to ensure the virus killed and sickened as many Americans as possible because "cruelty is the point." My "Last Call" deals with how a simple school millage became an ideological battle in Livingston County's Heartland Township. Th

 If we're not helping to protect our kids, honestly I don't know what the hell we're doing here in Lansing because that should be our number one priority.  -Kelly Breen- On this week's LOL Podcast, Democratic State Representative Kelly Breen from from the 21st House District. Rep. Breen and I discuss the gun safety reform bills Democrats passed, and were signed into law by Governor Whitmer. Rep. Breen played a key role in passing the Extreme Risk Protection Order law, which is headed to the Governor's desk.  We also discuss mental health, education, dealing with today's Michigan Republican Party, and the importance of getting involved in local politics.  My opening monologue highlights how state Democrats are offering serious solutions during serious times, and Rep. Breen is a shining example. My "Last Call" deals with the misguided "old and tired trope" that state Democrats are going too far. Nothing could be further from the truth, and some in our Lansing media should begin to realize that fact.  Show