Left of Lansing

#podcast #politics #progressives #workingclass #Michigan #Democrats #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #DonovanMcKinney #Fascism #Democracy #ShriThanedar #Primary #2026Election #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for June 20, 2025. Michigan Democratic State Rep. Donovan McKinney is challenging incumbent Democratic Congressman Shri Thanedar in Michigan's 13 Congressional District primary next year. McKinney's challenge is part of the overall fight for the future of the Democratic Party. Some 62% of Democrats in a recent poll said the party needs new leaders. Donovan McKinney is trying to do just that by pushing a true, populist, progressive, working class agenda against Thanedar's agenda of just enriching himself. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Donavan McKinney gets endorsement of Bernie Sanders in effort to primary Shri Thanedar." By Jon King of Michigan Advance "Progressive Democrats target 70-year-old incumbent with a primary challenge." By Russell Payne of Salon

#podcast #politics #progressives #Democrats #NoKinds #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Democracy #WorkingClass #Michigan #Medicaid #Immigration #ICE #CarrieRheingans #Whitmer #MattHall #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Authoritarianism #LeftOfLansing Here's Episode 138 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-15:11: No Kings Success/Where Were Dem Leaders? Pat Johnston applauds the No Kings rallies, but wonders if some Democratic Party "leaders" on both the state and national level are rising to the occasion of the moment. He also covers the hypocrisy of MAGA Michigan Republicans who push for Medicaid & SNAP work requirements while they left Lansing for a field trip to visit the Trump Regime this week. And Michigan Republicans are not backing down from their support of the MAGA Murder Bill. 15:12-46:13: Democratic State Rep. Carrie Rheingans Michigan progressive Democratic State Rep. Carrie Rheingans from 47th House District joins the show. Rep. Rheingans is a staunch advocate for the working class, and a staunch advocate to pass a Medicare For All bill in Michigan. And she provides ideas on how to both oppose MAGA while pushing progressive, common sense, working class policies. Rep. Rheingans talks about her MICare plan, as well as the uptick in political violence in the country, the failed leadership of MAGA Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall, the inspiration she saw at the "No Kings" rallies, and which direction Democrats must go in order to effectively fight back against the MAGA movement. 46:14-50:53: Last Call-Baldwin ICE Prison Pat's "Last Call" focuses on the reopening of an ICE detention facility in Baldwin, MI. 50:54-53:11: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Rheingans Reintroduces MiCare." From Michigan House Democrats "House GOP K-12 budget targets DEI, wraps school meals, other programs into per-pupil funding." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Back from DC, Michigan GOP leader backs Medicaid, food assistance cuts." By Jordan Hermani of Bridge Michigan "As resistance grows, Michigan Dems disagree on path to ‘take back our country.'" By Simon D. Shuster of Bridge Michigan "As ICE plans to move into Baldwin prison, residents hope jobs will stay." By Claire Keegan-Kugam IPR, Maxwell Howard of Bridge Michigan "ACLU Opposes Opening of North Lake Correctional Facility, the Largest Immigrant Detention Center in the Midwest." By ACLU of Michigan "State Rep. Carrie Rheingans holds coffee hour, decries “authoritarianism,“ calls on people to “march.'" By Fritz Swanson of The Manchester Mirror

#podcast #politics #progressives #NoKings #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for June 16, 2025. Pat Johnston explains how the highly successful, and peaceful, "No Kings" rallies in Michigan and across the nation illustrated a stark difference between the two sides of the political spectrum. One side is standing up for freedom, and standing up for the entire working class. What does the other side really stand for other than "owning the libs?" Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Michiganders show up across the state to oppose Trump policies and say ‘No Kings.'" By Erick Díaz Veliz and Jon King of Michigan Advance

#podcast #politics #progressive #Democrats #Michigan #Authoritarianism #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #Immigration #WorkingClass #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #ElissaSlotkin #KristenMcDonaldRivet #Centrism #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for June 13, 2025. Does Michigan Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, and Congresswoman Kristen McDonald-Rivet understand the fight we're in right now? The Trump Regime's authoritarianism must be challenged on all fronts, particularly after California Senator Alex Padilla was thrown-down and arrested by federal officials after he tried asking Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a question. Yet, Slotkin and McDonald-Rivet repeatedly vote ALONG with Dear Leader on a range of issues, as Pat Johnston explains this week.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Democrats Help Push Crypto Industry Reward Bill To Finish Line." By Arthur Delaney and Igor Bobic of The Huffington Post "Senate OKs arms sales to Qatar and UAE despite deals that benefit Trump." By Jeff Gould of Politico Video of Trump praising Slotkin on California EV Car vote via Aaron Rupar

#podcast #politics #Michigan #Progressives #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #GovernmentCorruption #WhiteChristianNationalism #WhiteNationalism #Immigration #Racism #Authoritarianism #Masculinity #Education #PublicSchools #MattHall Here's Episode 137 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-24:44: Trump Authoritarianism On Steroids/Centrism's Failures Pat Johnston talks about how the Trump Regime's White Nationalism is on overdrive as it sends ICE to terrorize and rip-apart families of undocumented citizens. While this is the kind of authoritarianism most Americans are rejecting, it's also harming our nation's economy. Pat also explains how so-called "centrist" Democrats not only helped give us Donald Trump (twice!), but how they have no new ideas on capturing the working class vote. And Pat concludes by talking about masculinity, and how to win back some of the male vote. 24:45-34:16: No Kings Rallies on 6/14/25 There are hundreds of "No Kings" rallies taking place this Saturday, June 14, 2025, and over 70 such rallies are happening across Michigan. These rallies will be a repudiation of the Trump Regime's authoritarianism, and also of his wasteful and North Korean-style military parade in Washington, D.C. Click here for a map of all of the scheduled rallies, and find out where there's one happening close to you! 34:17-38:40: MI Repubs Unveil Public School Cuts The "Last Call" focuses on the MAGA Michigan House Republican plan to gut public school funding, and funneling that money to private institutions.  38:01-40:21: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: Click Here For a Map of "No Kings" Rallies happening on June 14, 2025! "What Is Centrism?" By Hamilton Nolan of How Things Work "Trump wants a concentration camp nation." By LOL GOP in The Farce "House GOP K-12 budget targets DEI, wraps school meals, other programs into per-pupil funding." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Michigan lawmakers decry federal deployments in California, urge non-violent ‘No Kings' protest." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born Americans, studies find." By Jasmine Garsd of NPR "There Are No 'Distractions' In A War, Only Fronts." By Oliver Willis in Oliver Willis Explains Michigan State Senator Roger Hauck's tweet on upcoming "No Kings" rallies

#podcast #politics #Michigan #Progressives #Democrats #Republicans #Trump #Tariffs #Lobbying #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #GovernmentCorruption #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for June 9, 2025. A recent Lake Effect Poll by our friends from Progress Michigan reveals something we've already known: Many working class Michiganders don't get all that excited about the Mackinac Policy Conference. It's a corporate-backed conference featuring lobbyists and lawmakers, who get to spend three fun-filled days on Mackinac Island's luxurious Grand Hotel. And it shouldn't be breaking news to these elitists since the revolving door between lawmaker and lobbyist in Lansing isn't just out in the open, it's celebrated by many Lansing insiders. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Michiganders Not Keen on Mackinac Policy Conference." By Progress Michigan "'No One Will Know': Records Reveal Secret Money Flowing Through Lansing." By Craig Mauger of The Detroit News

#podcast #politics #Michigan #Progressives #Democrats #Women #Birth #Economy #Family #WorkingClass #ChildTaxCredit #PaidSickLeave #MAGA #MAGAMurderBudget #ChildCare #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for June 6, 2025. Bridge Michigan's Astrid Cole wrote an expose on the number of Michigan adults who are choosing to not have kids. These Michigan adults are trending with other adults across the nation who are choosing NOT to start a family. But the reasons shouldn't be that surprising since MAGA Republicans care more about investing in Elon Musk and Betsy Devos rather than the nation's children! Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Michigan wants to grow its population, but more adults say no thanks to kids." By Astrid Cole of Bridge Michigan "Millions of U.S. kids could lose the Child Tax Credit under GOP budget bill, experts say." By Aimee Picchi of CBS News

#podcast #politics #Michigan #Progressives #WorkingClass #ClassPolitics #Democrats #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #Trump #MAGA #Democracy #RuralAmericans #Farmers #Masculinity #Race #Economy #Republicans #MAGAMurderBudget #LeftOfLansing Here's Episode 136 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-06:32: MAGA Working Class Frauds Pat opens the this week's show explaining how MAGA Republicans, especially MAGA Michigan Republicans, are working class frauds. Whether it's the MAGA Murder Budget that rips away Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and food assistance spending for cutting Elon Musk's taxes, or if it's ripping away a farmer's property rights to save their land, MAGA Republicans work only for their corporate masters.  06:33-33:00: Joan C. Williams "Outclassed" Interview Author Joan C. Williams joins the show to talk about her new book, "Outclassed: How the Left Lost the Working Class and How to Win Them Back." Professor Williams gives examples of how progressives and Democrats lost touch with working class voters, and explains how MAGA Republicans utilize class warfare to win elections. Her book is a guide on how progressives can build a multi-racial and class-conscious movement to achieve progressive goals. And she doesn't sugarcoat how Democrats' embrace of failed neoliberal policies lost working class voters in Michigan and the country. Also, visit The New Class Bubble Quiz that Professor Williams created to gauge where you class bubble you fit into. Reveal: Pat is 50% working class culture and 50% culturally elite.  33:01-49:10: Last Call: Pat's Interview Takeaway In the "Last Call," Pat provides some takeaways from his discussion with Professor Joan C. Williams on where he agreed and somewhat disagreed with her ideas. Overall, Williams is spot-on because Democrats keep losing the working class, and a shift is much-needed. 49:11-51:21: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Outclassed: How the Left Lost the Working Class and How to Win Them Back" By Joan C. Williams "More than 3 million people would lose SNAP benefits under GOP bill, nonpartisan report says." By Jacob Fischler of Michigan Advance "Trump-Musk Civil War Gets $2.4 Trillion of Fuel on the Fire." By Sarah Ewall Wice of Daily Beast "Republicans offer proposal to block locals from banning natural gas." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance

#podcast #Michigan #Pennsylvania #WesternPA #Coal #Energy #CleanEnergy #WorkingClass #Unions #CorporateGreed #Medicaid #MAGAMurderBill #MAGA #Trump #Democrats #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for June 2, 2025. During my travels through Western Pennsylvania this weekend, I observed many Trump signs, flags, and banners. I wondered why there so much love for Trump in a country that's continued to suffer from his first term, and during his second term. I try to offer answers, but maybe some of you can provide answers. Leave them on You Tube, or email me.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com

#podcast #politics #Michigan #Progressives #Democrats #WorkingClass #Economy #Environment #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #Musk #MAGAMurderBill #Medicaid #FossilFuels #CleanEnergy #SarahLeach #OttawaCounty #Libraries #Democracy #CorporateGreed #GovernmentCorruption #CorporateCorruption #LeftOfLansing Here's Episode 135 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-16:00: Musk Gone/MI Dem Sen Polls Pat talks about Elon Musk may be leaving, but he's left pain in his wake for millions of Americans. He also brings up new polls showing how Michiganders have a souring mood about the economy, and who's currently winning the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate race. 16:01-34:27: Trump Blocks Coal Plant Closure w/ Sarah Leach Sarah Leach is the Executive Editor of the Ottawa News Network, and she joins the show to discuss her coverage of the Trump Administration's energy emergency order to delay a closure of the Campbell coal plant in Port Shelton Twp., MI. It's an attempt to keep coal-fired power plants opened even though the companies running them are trying to transition to a cleaner energy future. Sarah also has a podcast called, "The Two J's Podcast," which provides a behind-the-scenes at what's happening in Ottawa County.  34:28-40:40: Last Call--MAGA Hates Libraries & Democracy Michigan MAGA Republican State Rep. Matt Maddock wonders if we need public libraries.  40:41-42:36: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com

#podcast #politics #ElissaSlotkin #Michigan #WorkingClass #FossilFuels #Environment #Economy #California #Emissions #Democrats #MAGA #Trump #GovernmentCorruption #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for May 23, 2025. It's another edition of, "Michigan Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin Goes Full MAGA!" This week, Slotkin was the ONLY Democrat in the U.S. Senate to vote in favor of ripping-away California's tailpipe emissions standards for cars and trucks--a standard that 17 other states adopted. Slotkin claims to be protecting the interests of Michigan since we're the auto capital of the world. Yet, with climate change hurting her state in a number of ways, wouldn't moving away from the fossil fuels of the 20th Century ensure our economic & environmental survival in the 21st Century? Yet, Slotkin joined MAGA Republicans in gutting this EPA waiver to California that was issued during the Biden Administration. Who's side is Slotkin on? It's not working class Michiganders.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "U.S. Senate vote to nix California tailpipe emissions standard blocks 17 other states." By Jacob Fischler of Michigan Advance

#podcast #politics #Progressives #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA Trump #ElonMusk #Medicaid #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #WealthInequality #WorkingClass #Unions #TaxCuts #RashidaTlaib #Weather #ClimateChange #Michigan #SNAP #LeftOfLansing Here's Episode 134 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-11:47: Why? Pat Johnston uses the opening segment examining the massive cuts The Trump Regime's Elon Musk is leveling on the National Weather Service. It's happening as Michigan's already experienced 25 tornadoes this year, and when tornadoes are increasing across the country thanks to climate change. Why is Elon gutting an essential service that helps warn people of incoming threatening storms, and when climate change is hitting every part of the country? Why? 11:48-38:32: MAGA Murder Budget Republicans passed the MAGA Murder Budget, which guts programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP while providing lavished tax breaks for Elon Musk, Betsy Devos, and the entire untouchable elite donor class. Pat explains why he backs calling it the MAGA Murder Budget, and asks where has safe moderation gotten Democrats in the last 50 years as MAGA Republicans embrace fascism by the day. And how does granting more tax breaks for rich people, and for corporations, amount to Republicans being the populist party? 38:33-42:40: Last Call on Dying Democrats In the "Last Call," Pat covers the most recent death of a Democratic congressman, and how the three deaths of Democrats in Congress helped Republicans pass their MAGA Murder Budget. Maybe DNC Vice Chair is correct in advocating for some new blood in the Democratic caucus. 43:01-44:42: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Whitmer requests federal disaster aid for northern Michigan ice storm damage." By Michael Kransz of MLive.com "U.S. House Republicans push through massive tax and spending bill slashing Medicaid." By Jennifer Shutt and Ashley Murray of Michigan Advance "These 16 Democratic Senators Deserve a Primary." By Ryan Cooper of The American Prospect "Medicaid work requirements could mean 200K Michiganders lose coverage." By Kate Wells of Michigan Public Radio Messaging Guru Anat Shenker-Osorio on "MAGA Murder Budget" framing. Full video of Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib speech on how the MAGA Murder Budget's affects on her district. "More tornadoes and fewer meteorologists make for a dangerous mix that's worrying US officials." By Seth Borenstein in The AP

#podcast #politics #Michigan #Progressives #Medicaid #WorkingClass #Farmers #Education #Tariffs #MAGA #Democrats #Republicans #Budget #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for May 19, 2025. Tariffs could lead to 13,000 less jobs in Michigan. Some 750,000 Michiganders could lose their Medicaid under a rushed-through MAGA Republican budget bill. State universities are getting grant funding slashed, leading to further job loss and uncertainty and pain for farmers. And the state's unemployment rate keeps rising. Is this what winning feels like in Michigan under the Trump Regime? Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Battle over Medicaid boils over in DC; what it means for Michigan." By Robin Erb of Bridge Michigan "Uncertainty marks Michigan's future as economists estimate tariffs could cost the state 13,000 jobs." By Anna Liz Nichols of Michigan Advance "‘Gutted.' Michigan losing $200M in fed research funding, with more in limbo." By Rob French and Robin Erb of Bridge Michigan

#podcast #politics #JoeBiden #Progressives #Democrats #Election2024 #Trump #leftoflansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for May 16, 2025. Pat Johnston offers-up a Mea culpa on not being honest with you, but worse with himself, on President Joe Biden's ability to run for reelection last year.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com Here's Pat Johnston's "Friday Short" on "Why I'm Voting For Biden," from May 3, 2025.

#podcast #politics #Michigan #Progressives #Democrats #Farming #Rural #Medicaid #Environment #Economy #RenewableEnergy #WorkingClass #Tariffs #WorkFromHome #Oligarchy #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Musk #Trump #MAGA #LeftOfLansing 00:00-21:28: MAGA Attacks on Rural Michigan/Dems Attack David Hogg Pat Johnston talks about how MAGA Michigan Republicans are passing bills hurting farmers, while also passing bills that have zero benefits to working class. The same goes for the MAGA Republicans in Congress, who are trying to pass $880 billion in Medicaid funding--funding that'll be devasting to rural Michigan residents with hospital closures. And why are Republicans gutting health care for the working class? So, they can pass trillions of $$$ in tax cuts for the elite donor base, like Elon Musk and Betsy DeVos. And Pat's incensed over the DNC's moves to oust party vice-chair David Hogg. 22:29-38:37: Michigan Farmers Union's Bob Thompson Michigan Farmers Union President Bob Thompson joins the show to talk about how Trump & Elon's cuts are adding pain to Michigan farmers, and rural Michigan. Thompson shares his views on topics such as: tariffs, cuts to USAID and USDA, cuts to NOAA and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab, and cuts to universities that perform studies designed to help farmers. To learn more, visit the Michigan Farmers Union. 38:38-44:57: Last Call on At-Home Work The "Last Call" is on the MAGA Michigan Republican House majority's demands that state employees come back to Lansing for a five-day work-week. Pat explains why this is beyond idiotic. 44:58-46:40: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "5 Calls" Site where you can call your Congressional Representative and tell them NO to the MAGA Republican Budget.  "MDHHS Report: 750K Michiganders on Medicaid stand to lose coverage if federal cuts are finalized." By Steven Bohner of ABC 13 News in Grand Rapids "U.S. House GOP mandates Medicaid work requirements in giant bill slashing spending." By Jennifer Shutt of Michigan Advance "Democrats are deeply pessimistic about the future of their party, an AP-NORC poll finds." By Steve Peoples and Linley Sanders of The AP "Anti-PFAS coalition decries Trump Administration's rollback of drinking water regulations." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "Children's health services could see trims even under scaled-back Medicaid cuts." By Shalina Chatlani of Stateline "MSU researchers, administrators cope with estimated $82 million lost in funding cuts." By Hannah Locke of State News "5 Key Facts About Medicaid Work Requirements." By Elizabeth Hinton & Robin Rudowicz of KFF "Trump Is (One) Logical Endpoint of the GOP." By Noah Bertlaski of Everything Is Horrible "DNC panel opens the door to removing David Hogg from his national post." By Andrew Howard of Politico "People who work from home all the time ‘cut emissions by 54%' against those in office." By Patrick Barkham of The Guardian "Off The Record with Tim Skubick--Season 54, Ep: 44" by WKAR

#podcast #politics #Democrats #Michigan #Slotkin #Progressives #CorporateCorruption #Cryptocurrency #BigTech #Trump #Republicans #Economy #WorkingClass #GovernmentCorruption #BillMaher #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for May 12, 2025. Last week, Bill Maher lauded Michigan Democratic U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin on his HBO show because of her criticism of how her party appears "weak and woke" by the electorate. But other than the fact that Slotkin swears and cusses at times, what exactly is she pushing on a policy front that helps working class Michiganders and Americans? How will her "moderation" help bring people towards Democrats when she's currently supporting a cryptocurrency bill that Republicans, including President Trump, are pushing to please the Big Tech donor base? How does joining with Trump help fix that "weak" image Slotkin is crying about? Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Slotkin co-sponsors bill targeting Trump's crypto coin, cites risks of foreign influence." By Jon King of Michigan Advance "Democrats Cave, Prepare to Rubber-Stamp Trump Crypto Corruption." By David Dayen of The American Prospect

#podcast #politics #economy #Progressives #FlatTax #CorporateGreed #Michigan #Minnesota #ProgressiveTax #PaidSickLeave #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for May 9, 2025. Michigan ranks 39th in per capita income, proving that a billion dollars in corporate subsidies, and the state's regressive flat tax, aren't working to help the working class. Pat Johnston explains why Michigan should be more like Minnesota, and reinvest in the people. But that'll mean repealing the flat tax, and replacing it with a progressive tax to make the system more fair for the working class.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Michigan in 39th, Minnesota is 12th." By Lou Glazer of Michigan Future, Inc.

#podcast #politics #progressives #Democrats #Environment #ClimateChange #GreatLakes #Michigan #Jobs #WorkingClass #DOGE #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #MAGA #Republicans #AnnaClark #ProPublica #Budget #CorporateGreed #FreeSpeech #Gaza #Farmers Economics #LeftOfLansing Here's Episode 132 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-20:01: UofM Ono Out/Nessel Mistake/Trump Tariffs The opening segment concentrates on University of Michigan President Santa Ono's sudden exit, and why that's a good decision. Ono acted weak in the face of the Trump Regime's threats while also going after Pro-Palestinian student protesters. And sadly, Michigan Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel went along with it by charging seven of those students. Although, she dropped all charges this week. Pat also covers how MAGA is echoing Dear Leader's "sacrifice" mantra even though that message was never pushed during the election. 20:02-38:06: ProPublica's Anna Clark Interview Anna Clark from ProPublica talks about her article on how Trump & Musk have been busy gutting the funding for the Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab in Michigan. The Lab provides research and solutions for dangerous algae bloom in the lakes, invasive species entering the lakes, and continued clean drinking water. The Lab's work helps all of the coastal towns that reside, and rely on, the Great Lakes! This is part of the Trump Regime's anti-science movement that was all spelled-out in The Heritage Foundation's "Project 2025."  38:07-42:43: Last Call-Republicans Attack Farmers Pat's "Last Call" covers how the extreme MAGA Michigan Republican House majority passed a bill last week that would repeal a farmer's right to use their land for large wind and solar farms. What happened to the days of Republicans fighting for property rights? And why are they fighting to block farmers from making money while helping the state's move towards becoming carbon-neutral? Guess. 42:44-45:49: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Millions of People Depend on the Great Lakes' Water Supply. Trump Decimated the Lab Protecting It." By Anna Clark of ProPublica "The Poisoned City: Flint's Water and the American Urban Tragedy." By Anna Clark "Trump Administration's planned budget cuts threaten key Lake Michigan data network." By Heather VanDyke of Michigan Advance "Nessel's office drops charges against University of Michigan Diag protestors." By Jon King of Michigan Advance "U.S. Electricity From Fossils Fuels Dips Below 50% for the First Time Ever." By Robert Rapier of Oil Prices.com "Matt Hall says he's playing long game in passing solar siting repeal Senate won't take up." By Jordyn Hermani of Bridge Michigan "Michigan AG drops all charges against seven pro-Palestinian protesters." By Tom Perkins of The Guardian "Collections on millions of student loans risk slowing the economy, experts say." By Max Zahn of ABC News

#podcast #politics #Michigan #progressives #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #Budget #Education #TaxCuts #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #WorkingClass #Economy #Environment #jobs #leftoflansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for May 5, 2025! The Trump Regime's proposed budget is setting-up to serve working class Michiganders with a lot of pain. Whether it's cuts to education, health care, Medicaid, clean water, or keeping homes cool and warm, The Regime is ready to perform one of the greatest disinvestments in Michigan's, and America's, working class. Why? To provide the elites and the corporate class with lavished tax cuts with very little oversight.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Trump's budget hits Michigan with education, housing, community development cuts." By Todd Spangler of The Detroit Free Press "New DTE Energy rate hike proposal would seek $574 million from customers." By Ingrid Kelley and David Komer of Fox2 in Detroit "Trump Administration's planned budget cuts threaten key Lake Michigan data network." By Heather VanDyke of Michigan Advance

#podcast #politics #Michigan #RightWing #MattHall #MaiXiong #Democrats #Progressives #Trump #MAGA #ElonMusk #Whitmer #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for May 2, 2025! MAGA Michigan Republican House Speaker Matt Hall threw a temper-tantrum this week after Democratic State Rep. Mai Xiong criticized Hall for closing down the House so he could slobber and stargaze at his Dear Leader Trump in Michigan. Hall called Xiong "low IQ," since she had the temerity to call-out how he and his MAGA Republican collogues continue to ignore the working class in the state. When MAGA policies predictably fail, hurling middle school insults, like Dear Leader Trump does, is all MAGA Republican authoritarians have left. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Rep. Xiong responds to ‘disrespectful' remarks from Michigan House Speaker." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance

#podcast #politics #Michigan #Democrats #progressives #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #CorporateWelfare #WorkingClass #Lobbying #DonorBase #CorporateAuthoritarianism #Trump #ElonMusk #Whitmer #MattHall #Republicans #LeftOfLansing Here's Episode 131 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-21:41: Trump's Low #'s/Slotkin & Oligarchy The first segment features Pat Johnston detailing how Michiganders, and America, are giving Trump a failing grade after his first 100 days in office. Trump's tariffs are hurting the working class, but he and his regime are doubling-down. Then, Pat breaks-down Michigan Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin's new "war plans" for Democrats, and where she says Democrats should stop saying "oligarchy" when attacking Trump. Pat gives examples where he thinks Slotkin's right, and where she's wrong. 22:01-39:00: Interview w/ Paula Gardner Paula Gardner, Business Editor at Bridge Michigan, is our guest this week. Ms. Gardner unveiled a handful of articles detailing how this state's reliance on taxpayer-funded corporate subsidies aren't bringing the jobs and economic growth many promised. Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer has championed these subsidies during her tenure. But because the near $1Billion in spending hasn't resulted in the jobs supporters said would happen, there seems to be bipartisan agreement that we need new solutions. Check-out Ms. Gardner's article, "WHITMER SUBSIDY RECORD: COMPANIES GET 1-BILLION DOLLARS; JOBS FALL SHORT OF PROMISES.” 39:01-46:00: Last Call-Whitmer & Trump Pat's "Last Call" is on Whitmer joining Trump during his Michigan trip this week, and where she went right and wrong on that visit.  46:01-49:16: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Whitmer subsidy record: Companies get $1 billion; jobs fall short of promises." By Paula Gardner of Bridge Michigan "After $1B and mixed results, Michigan lawmakers cooling on corporate incentives." By Paula Gardner of Bridge Michigan "Bernie Sanders pushes back against Elissa Slotkin's criticism of using the term ‘oligarchy.'" By Jon King of Michigan Advance "U.S. economy shrinks 0.3% in first quarter as Trump trade wars disrupt businesses." By Paul Wiseman and Christopher Rugaber of Associated Press "UP protesters gather in Marquette before Rep. Jack Bergman speaks at fundraiser." By TV6 WLUC in Marquette "Trump, joined by Whitmer, announces new jets for Selfridge." By Rob French of Bridge Michigan "More give Trump an F than any other grade for first 100 days, poll finds." By Domenico Montanaro of NPR

#podcast #health #Michigan #Vaccines #Politics #Democrats #MAGA #Extemism #PublicHealth #HealthCare #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for April 28, 2025! Michigan has nine measles cases so far in 2025. It's not too hard to figure-out why: major drops in childhood vaccination rates in the state combined with misinformation and mixed messages from the Trump Regime, and specifically from its Health & Human Services Director Robert Kennedy Jr. Pat Johnston explains why he's not so sure making measles great again in the country is a winning strategy for the people.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Michigan headed toward worst year for measles in decades, chief medical exec says." Hannay Mackay of The Detroit News "RFK Jr. says he wants to curb measles. His former nonprofit keeps undermining his message." By Barbara Rodriguez of The 19th News

#podcast #Politics #GulfOfMexico #Michigan #MattMaddock #MAGA #Republicans #Weird #Trump #Progressives #Democrats #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left Of Lansing "Friday Short" for April 25, 2025. The weird Michigan MAGA Republican state House Rep. Matt Maddock of the 51st House District is making news again in his own warped and cruel way. Maddock announced this week that he wants to abolish the Michigan Veteran's Affairs Agency, which coincides with Dear Leader Trump and Elon Musk cutting the U.S. Veterans' Affairs office. Maddock also introduced a bill forcing Michigan's government to call The Gulf of Mexico the "Gulf of America," which is how MAGA Republicans believe will help the working class? Pat Johnston shares his thoughts on why Maddock is the perfect embodiment of today's clownish, weird, but horrifically cruel MAGA Republican Party. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Child marriage is now banned in Michigan." Anna Liz Nichols of Michigan Advance "GOP Rep. Maddock on tape: ‘We're going to have a civil war or some sort of revolution.'" By Jon King of Michigan Advance

#podcast #politics #Michigan #progressives #Democrats #Line5 #Trump #MAGA #Economy #CorporateGreed #Oligarchy #WorkingClass #Environment #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #LeftOfLansing Here's Episode 130 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-20:03: MAGA MI Cowards/Stevens Runs For U.S. Senate LOL's Pat Johnston describes how the "empty chair" town halls for MAGA Michigan Republican Congressmen John James and Tom Barrett shows the cowardice of these so-called tough MAGA men. How can John James run for governor if he's too afraid to face his own constituents who are angry with how Dear Leader Trump & Republicans are gutting Social Security and Medicaid while passing massive tax breaks for the corporate donor base. And Pat isn't real enthused by Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens's U.S. Senate run, and he explains why. 20:04-44:56: Dr. Jeffrey Insko Line 5 Interview Dr. Jeffrey Insko of The Current joins Pat to discuss the Trump Regime's fast-tracking of a tunnel project designed to keep the Line 5 pipeline operational for Canadian energy company Enbridge. The 72-year old pipeline is in poor shape, and a major leak or spill could spell doom for the health of the Great Lakes and Michigan's economy. Dr. Insko explains the decades of corporate and government corruption keeping Line 5 operating, and putting Michiganders at risk. 44:57-50:13: Last Call-MAGA Wants Tax On Rich? In the "Last Call," Pat explains why some MAGA Republicans, like former Trump strategist Steve Bannon, are pushing Republicans to pass a tax on millionaires and billionaires. It's obvious that AOC * Bernie Sanders' "anti-oligarchy" tour is resonating with millions across the country. 50:14-52:13: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Trump administration to fast-track Line 5 tunnel, calling project 'emergency.'" By Kelly House of Bridge Michigan "Absent Tom Barrett, 7th District town hall meeting lets constituents express concerns, frustrations." By Erick Diaz Valiz of Michigan Advance "Michigan Republicans praise Trump, Army Corps for fast-tracking Line 5 tunnel." By SooLeader Staff at SooLeader.com "Line 5, a Trump donor, is profiting off a pipeline deal threatening pollution." By Tom Perkins of The Guardian-Detroit "In default on your student loans? Trump's team says they will garnish wages, take your tax refunds." By Matt Durr of MLive.com "Steve Bannon (Yes, Really!) Just Had a Good Idea for Trump." By Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling of The New Republic

#podcast #politics #immigration #Michigan #Education #InternationalStudents #Deportation #GovernmentCorruption #MAGA #Republicans #CorporateAuthoritariansm #Authoritarianism #LatinoVoters #Trump #Economy #Democrats #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for April 21, 2025. A new Gallop poll shows Americans are beginning to reject Dear Leader Trump on a host of issues, including his top issue of Immigration. Ryan Cooper of The American Prospect gives reasonings as to why Americans are no longer supporting his anti-Constitutional immigration disappearance program, but also why Latino-American voters are rejecting him even though many voted for him just five months ago. And this is why Democrats should've never ceded ground on immigration rather than choosing Trump-Lite on the issue. It didn't solve the issue, nor did it give them extra votes. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Trump scores better marks with the public on immigration than the economy." By  AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research

#podcast #politics #Michigan #DEI #MinorityRights #Immigration #HigherEducation #GovernmentCorruption #WhiteChristianNationalism #WhiteChristianNationalist #Law #MAGA #Oligarchy #Propaganda #Authoritarianism #Republicans #MichiganState  Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for April 18 2025. Michigan State University's faculty passed a resolution calling for MSU to join a new "mutual defense compact" with other Big Ten schools to help fight back against the Trump Regime's constant attacks on higher education in Michigan, and the country. The Trump Regime is working to defund colleges and universities so it can force these higher education institutions to instill their warped and weird White Christian Nationalist propaganda.  It was all right there for us to read in Project 2025. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "MSU faculty join call for Big Ten 'mutual defense compact' against Trump administration." By Owen McCarthy in State News

#podcast #politics #Michigan #progressives #Democrats #GretchenWhitmer #DavidHogg #Trump #ElonMusk #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Corruption #Immigration #First Amendment #Education #Republicans #Economy #Authoritarianism #WhiteChristianNationalism #RightWing #Democracy #WorkingClass Here's Episode 129 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-21:46: What Happens When We Give-Up To MAGA Pat Johnston opens the show talking about the Republicans running to become Michigan's next governor. It'll be funny, but cringeworthy, to watch Congressman John James and former state Attorney General Mike Cox try to "out-Trump" each other. Pat then explains how years of Democrats giving-up against MAGA Republicans is a major reason why we're facing the totalitarian takeover of the country by Trump & MAGA. The Trump Regime is now targeting international students at several universities and colleges in an effort to harm undocumented students, and higher education. Democrats give an inch, and Trump & MAGA will take 10 miles! 21:47-32:48: Julie Powers-Immigration Law & Justice MI Executive Director Julie Powers from Immigration Law & Justice Michigan joins the show to share her insights over the Trump Regime's attacks on international students on Michigan colleges and universities. Ms. Powers explains why Trump and his White Christian Nationalist supporters are targeting these students, and how it won't just hurt the students and higher education, but also the towns where these institutions reside. 32:49-41:00: Last Call-David Hogg Is Right In this week's "Last Call," Pat applauds Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg's announcement that he'll use his PAC to help find candidates to primary certain Democratic Party officeholders in safe-Blue seats, who've fallen asleep at the wheel. This is what we call... Democracy! 41:00-43:00: Ending Photo of Trump in White House: "Photo of the Day: January 4, 2018" by The White House is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0. Democratic Party Logo: "Democratic Donkey - Icon" by DonkeyHotey is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: "Gretchen Whitmer Taiwan 20240304" by 總統府 (Office of the President) is licensed under CC BY 2.0. NOTES: "Some CMU student visas and records revoked, impact unclear." By Courtney Boyd & Lauren Rice Of WCMU "More foreign students in Michigan targeted for deportation, including 22 at U-M." By John Wisely of The Detroit Free Press "Donald Trump's administration is canceling student visas. What are visas? What do they do?" By Jalen Williams of The Detroit Free Press "USDA cuts hit small farms as Trump showers billions on big farms." By Kevin Hardy of Stateline (via Michigan Advance) "Trump administration to fast-track Line 5 tunnel, calling project 'emergency.'" By Kelly House of Bridge Michigan

#podcast #politics #Michigan #education #News #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #WhiteChristianNationalism #Immigration #HigherEducation #FirstAmendmentRights #Trump #CentralMichiganUniversity #UniversityOfMichigan #Authoritariansim #Progressives #Fascism Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for April 14, 2025. The Trump Regime has started to new line of attack against Michigan universities and colleges: By forcing foreign students to leave via threats of deportation. The Regime is also issuing similar threats to foreign students across the country in an effort, they say, to remove those who are a risk to America.  But what this is really about is pleasing the anti-immigrant and anti-science MAGA Republican base, draining universities of much-needed federal funding, and removing the free speech rights of noncitizens. And after they are successful at stamping-out free speech rights for noncitizens, they'll go after American citizens for criticism them.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES:  "More foreign students in Michigan targeted for deportation, including 22 at U-M." By John Wisely of The Detroit Free Press "For-profit immigration detention expands as Trump accelerates his deportation plans." By Amanda Hernandez of States Newsroom (via Michigan Advance)

#podcast #politics #Michigan #MichiganPolitics #Economy #Tariffs #CorporateCorruption #Corruption #Government #GovernmentCorruption #GenX #Progressives #MinimumWage #Democrats #unions #WorkingClass #HamiltonNolan #LaborRights #Trump #ElonMusk #Republicans #Democrats #MAGA #LeftOfLansing 00:00-17:45: Protests/Tariff Con/Whitmer WH Visit Pat opens the show discussing Trump's Tariff Con, and how it's costing the working class. And while Democratic Party leaders still appear unable to fight back against MAGA Republicanism's embrace of corporate authoritarianism, Indivisible groups are leading the way with "Hands-Off" protests across Michigan and the country last weekend. Pat also has words for Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's disastrous White House visit. 17:46-40:01: Hamilton Nolan Interview Labor Writer Hamilton Nolan joins Pat to talk more about why Trump's Tariff Con isn't about helping the working class. Hamilton describes the reasons why multinational corporations moved jobs overseas: to break unions. Hamilton also shares thoughts on how it's up to us to stop Republicans from redistributing wealth and power from the working class to the corporate class. Please visit Hamilton Nolan's site called, "How Things Work," to read all of his writings, and pick-up a copy of his book, "The Hammer: Power, Inequality, and The Struggle For The Soul Of Labor." 40:02-45:39: Last Call-What Happened To Gen X? Pat wonders what happened to Generation X as it continues to trend more right-wing while other generations are not.  45:40-47:45--Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "They Are Going to Take Everything If We Don't Stop Them." By Hamilton Nolan in How Things Work "An International Minimum Wage." By Hamilton Nolan in How Things Work "Trump surprise led to cringeworthy moment for Whitmer, Michigan in Oval Office | Opinion." By Nancy Kaffer of The Detroit Free Press "Gretchen Whitmer goes to Washington with a call for bipartisanship to grow the economy." By Alexandra Marquez of CNBC "Hands-Off" Rally Video in Lansing, MI. Courtesy Julia Pulver

#podcast #politics #Michigan #Line5 #Oil #Energy #FossilFuel #Lobbying #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #Democrats #MAGA #Republicans #Progressives #Economy #Government #Corruption #Loybbying #Trump #Tariffs #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left Of Lansing "Monday Musing" for April 7, 2025. In this week's "Monday Musing," Pat explores what this Dear Leader Trump tariff scheme is ultimately about: enriching himself and those willing to buy him off. This tariff scheme is another in a lifelong scheme of cons by Donald Trump. When will MAGA Republicans stop his corruption? Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Trump Tariff Scheme A Great Opportunity For Even More Presidential Corruption." By S.V. Date of The Huffington Post "Line 5, a Trump donor, is profiting off a pipeline deal threatening pollution." By Tom Perkins of The Guardian

#podcast #politics #Michigan #news #Democrats #progressives #union #labor #workingclass #socialsecurity #Veterans #Medicaid #Rural #Education #PublicEducation #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #Tariffs #ElonMusk #TechBros #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Oligarchy #Democracy #LeftOfLansing Here's Episode 127 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-23:52: Trump Low Econ Polling; Musk Attacks Soc.Sec & V.A.; Dems Must Counter Pat shares the latest AP Poll showing poor numbers for Trump re: handling of economy, Social Security, and the federal government. Elon continues gutting Social Security, Medicaid, and the V.A., and the detriment to millions of Michiganders! And Pat highlights a national "Hands-Off" rally with many events happening all across Michigan on April 5th, from 1-3pm. Visit https://handsoff2025.com/ to find-out where you can attend a local rally, and how to sign-up. 23:53-32:27: Last Call--Trump Cuts School Spending in MI In this week's "Last Call," we concentrate on how the Trump-Musk regime is pulling back on $42 million on pre-approved projects for public schools across Michigan. It's all part of an overall effort to dry-up public education funding, forcing kids to go to for-profit charter schools. It's been part of the overall right-wing playbook for years, and now it might be coming to fruition.  32:28-34:36: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: Point of Disorder Podcast   Hands-Off! Rally on April 5, 2025! "Trump administration pulls $42M from Michigan schools for pre-approved projects, state says." By Jack Nissen of Fox 2 Detroit "Michigan school buildings will need $23 billion in repairs and upgrades." By Lori Higgins of Chalkbeat Detroit (via Bridge Michigan) "Veterans Affairs Secretary defends plans for downsizing during visit to Howell." By Kyle Davidson on Michigan Advance

#podcast #politcs #news #progressives #workingclass #unions #medicare #medicaid #corporategreed #corporatecorruption #Democrats #michigan #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #ElonMusk #leftoflansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for March 31, 2025. As the economy falters and worsens during the Trump Regime, Elon & Trump's policies further abandon the working class in Michigan, and across the country. And MAGA Republicans in Congress are going along with it to please their elite corporate tax donor base. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com

#podcast #politics #race #minorities #Education #Authoritarians #MAGA #Trump #ElonMusk #HigherEducation #DEI #CorporateCorruption #Michigan #UniversityOfMichigan #WorkingClass Here's this week's Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for March 28, 2025. The University of Michigan cowered to Dear Leader Trump Regime's demands to eliminate its DEI programs, or else it would lose millions in federal research grants, and more.  Rather than universities sticking together and refusing to give-in to these White Christian Nationalist authoritarians, universities are doing what they're told. It might be the first domino to drop in the MAGA Republican aim to control public education.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com "A scholarship program helped boost diversity at U of M. Trump's DEI crackdown just killed it." By Phil Lewis in What I'm Reading

#podcast #politics #Michigan #VotingRights #Progressives #democracy #Democrats Here's Episode 126 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast 00:00-22:56: Elon & Trump's War On Working Class Michiganders Pat breaks-down the Signal-gate story, and why perhaps hiring unqualified Fox News weekend cohosts wasn't the greatest idea). He then discusses how Elon & Trump continue to attack the working class while empowering their own corporate donor class. But while MAGA Michigan Republicans in Congress continue to ignore their constituents due to Musk & Trump's unpopularity, Michiganders across the state are hosting their own "empty chair" town halls thanks to Indivisible groups. Pat provided some audio so you can hear how there's a true working class grassroots movement that's building to fight against authoritarianism. 22:57-46:07: VoteBeat Michigan's Hayley Harden VoteBeat Michigan Reporter Hayley Harden joins the show to discuss the Michigan House Republican effort to require proof of citizenship in order to vote in future elections. Republicans claim this would add "integrity" to our election process while Democrats counter how this is another effort to set-up roadblocks and barriers to voting for thousands. It's part of a major effort from Republicans on the state and federal level to rollback some of the expanded voting rights Michiganders approved in 2018 & 2022. Ms. Harden also talks about why there are fewer people running for city clerk positions. Please visit VoteBeat Michigan as it's a fantastic voting news and information site! 46:01-51:00: Last Call--MAGA Making Voting Harder 53:16-56:06: Ending/Tigs Prediction Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "March 20, 2025 Empty Chair Town Hall - John Moolenaar Video" By Indivisible Central Michigan "Empty Chair Town Hall For Michigan Republican Congressman Jack Bergman--March 22, 2025."  By Traverse Indivisible "Trump orders an overhaul of how elections are run, inviting a likely legal challenge." By VoteBeat.org "Fight begins in Michigan House over whether to require voters to prove their citizenship." By Hayley Harding of VoteBeat Michigan "Michigan is short of clerks to oversee elections, but harassment and workload turn people away." By Hayley Harding of VoteBeat Michigan "Michigan secretary of state aims to fix loophole that allowed noncitizen to vote in 2024." By Hayley Harding of VoteBeat Michigan Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum on Trump's "Proof of Citizenship" EO. "Musk contributes $2M to state GOP." By Battleground Wisconsin "Democrats condemn proof of citizenship voting resolution advancing in Michigan House as ‘poll tax.'" By Anna Liz Nichols of Michigan Advance "Here Are the Attack Plans That Trump's Advisers Shared on Signal." By Jeffrey Goldberg & Shane Harris of The Atlantic "America's billionaire class is funding anti-democratic forces." By Robert Reich of The Guardian

#podcast #politics #news #Michigan #AOC #BernieSanders #Indivisible #Progressive #MAGA #ElonMusk #Trump #Democrats #Project2025 #Congress #JackBergman #JohnMoolenaar #Canada #CorporateCorruption #Democracy #WorkingClass #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for March 24, 2025. Anti-Elon & Trump rallies and events are happening across Michigan and the country, thanks to some strong grassroots organizing.  These events, including the AOC/Bernie Sanders "Fight Oligarchy" rallies, are showing how there's a boiling anger and frustration not just with Elon & Trump, but also with the lack of bold leadership within the Democratic Party. Pat's wondering who'll pick-up the baton and fight for all of the people who are taking to the streets, to the empty chair town halls for their absent MAGA Republican Congressional reps, and who are sounding the alarms and whistles of how MAGA Republicanism is destroying this country's institutions and working class. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES:  "Protesters in Detroit and Canada unify across river, rally against Trump presidency." By Liam Rappleeye of The Detroit Free Press "McMorrow, with new book out Tuesday, says Democrats need to ‘learn how to fight differently.'" By Jon King of Michigan Advance "The Resistance Is Alive and Well in Michigan and across the country. So Why Isn't the Media Covering It?" By Distill Social

#podcast #politics #JackieRobinson #DEI #MAGA #Republicans #Race #History #Education #WhiteChristianNationalism #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for March 21, 2025.  Following orders from Elon Musk and Dear Leader Trump, federal agencies are scrubbing-away the stories and histories of marginalized Americans. That includes the erasure of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, Jackie Robinson, who also served in the Army during WWII. Articles containing Robinson's names were immediately removed from Defense Department records due to DEI initiatives.  But the White Christian Nationalists inside the Musk-Trump Regime unwittingly illustrated how and why DEI not only works, but is needed in our society.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES:  "Department Of Defense Backtracks After Deleting Jackie Robinson Article For 'Woke DEI.'" By Luis Paez-Pumar of The Defector "Pentagon defends removing webpage of MLB's color-barrier breaker Jackie Robinson: ‘DEI is dead at the Defense Department.'" By Rhian Lubin of The Independent (via Yahoo)

#podcast #progressive #Michigan #Indivisible #Democrats #MAGA #Republicans #JackBergman #WorkingClass #CorporateCorruption #WealthInequality #Democracy #FreedomOfSpeech #Gaza #Immigration #LeftOfLansing #Trump #Musk Here's Episode 125 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-21:30: Democrats Must Learn Offense Pat Johnston opens this week's show opining how ineffective and weak Democrats appear to voters, especially after how U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer fell apart and gave into appeasement last week. Pat explains how Democrats must go on offense, and propose a strong, working class agenda to counter the Anti-Working agenda pushed by Elon Musk, Dear Leader Trump, and MAGA Republicans. Pat explains how it doesn't seem like Democrats are getting the message how people need to know they're hearing their worries while the working class is suffering, and democracy is disappearing. 21:31-40:02: Traverse Indivisible John DeSpelder Interview Traverse Indivisible's John DeSpelder joins the show to talk about a town hall meeting in honor of the always-absent MAGA Republican Congressman Jack Bergman. It's taking place on Saturday, March 22nd from 1-2:30pm. Traverse Indivisible And Leelanau Indivisible chapters joined forces to hold a town hall event in Bergman's district since Bergman not only refuses to hold a town hall now, but he hasn't held one since 2017! MAGA Republicans are not for the people, or for the working class as they allow Musk & Trump to dismantle Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, education, science, and democracy. To watch the March 22nd Town Hall from 1-2:30pm, you can sign-up here. The town hall is already sold-out! Click here to learn more about Indivisible.org. 40:03-47:03: Last Call--Arab American Voters Betrayed  In the "Last Call,' Pat implores progressives and Democrats to show empathy and and welcome back Arab American voters, who defected to Trump in the 2024 election.  48:00-50:12: Ending (Tesla) Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Michigan income tax would drop under House-passed bill." By Clara Hendrickson of The Detroit Free Press "Slotkin says she ‘can't just be an activist' and calls on Dems to act." By Alison Main of CNN "Protestors at University of Michigan call for the release of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil." By Anna Liz Nichols of Michigan Advance "Arab and Muslim voters helped deliver Michigan to Trump. They're not all happy so far." By Sarah McCammon of NPR

#podcast #politics #democrats #DemocraticParty #ElonMusk #Fasicsm #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #AOC #BernieSanders #Progressives #Medicare #Medicaid #SocialSecurity #WorkingClass #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #CorporateAuthoritarianism #ElissaSlotkin #leftoflansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for March 17, 2025! Senate Democrats, led by New York Senator Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, voted with the entire Republican Senate majority to pass a six-months spending bill, essentially giving Dear Leader Trump and co-President Elon Musk the power to gut essential services for working class Americans while enriching the corporate donor class.  This has led to a fight within the Democratic Party, and it's a fight for very soul of what The Party used to stand for: strong working class values.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com "‘Absolutely ridiculous': Democrats seethe at Schumer for backing GOP spending bill." By Minho Kim of The New York Times "Bernie Sanders draws 10,000 supporters to Warren for a ‘Fight Oligarchy' rally." By Andrew Roth of Michigan Advance

#podcast #politics #Michigan #democracy #WorkingClass #populism #GenZ #Democrats #Medicaid #SocialSecurity #Medicare #Indivisible #Republicans #MAGA #ElonMusk #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #CorporateAuthoritarianism #LeftOfLansing #Veterans Here's Episode 124 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-24:54 Gilchrist In Primary/Indivisible Central MI Event Pat begins the show talking about Michigan Lt. Gov Garlin Gilchrist entering the Democratic primary for the 2026 Governor's race. He'll go up against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Genesee Co. Sheriff Chris Swanson. Then, Pat shares audio from a recent rally held by Indivisible Central Michigan on why safety net programs, like Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP are vital for millions of working Michiganders. All of those programs are under attack by Presidents Musk and Trump. Contact Indivisible Central MI: indivisiblemp@gmail.com, and visit their Facebook page. And, to find a local Indivisible chapter near you, click here. 24:55-43:31: Austin Marsman Interview Next, Chair of Youth Democrats of Michigan, Austin Marsman, talks about why and how he's trying to attract Generation Z voters towards the state Democratic Party. That's important because while Gen Z backed Democrats in the '24 election, Trump & MAGA were able to close the gap, especially with male Gen Z voters. Austin also gives his takes on all of these Michigan Republicans in Congress refusing to do town halls because of their unpopular policies, and he gives a grade against his former opponent for the state House... Speaker Matt Hall. Visit Youth Democrats of Michigan on Facebook. And email them: youngdemsmi@gmail.com 43:32-49:47: Last Call Debating MAGA In his "Last Call," Pat plays a clip from The Majority Report's Sam Stein as he debated 20 young MAGA backers on Jubilee. Mr. Stein got to experience what Pat experienced in his 20 years in talk radio: It's impossible to speak to or with the MAGA cult.  49:47-51:42: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES:  "State-by-state report by Dems projects millions of people could lose Medicaid coverage." By Jennifer Schutt of Michigan Advance "Poll finds support for stable or increased Medicaid funding, including among Trump voters." By Jennifer Schutt of Michigan Advance "Trump made gains with young male voters. Here's how other young people voted." By Sara Chernikoff of USA Today "MI House Republicans shock Democrats with introduction - and quick passage - of budget bills in Lansing." By Rick Pluta & Zoe Clark of Michigan Public Radio

#podcast #politics #19thAmendment #Michigan #Voting #VotingRights #Constitution #WomensRights #Marriage #MAGA #Republicans #Democrats #progressives #leftoflansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for March 10, 2025. The MAGA Michigan Republican Party is trying to pass a resolution to reach the state ballot in 2026 that would require proof of citizenship while registering to vote.  While this does nothing to fix a non-existent "voter fraud" problem, it does do one thing Republicans across the country want: to chip away at the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution.  It's the White Christian Nationalist goal of ripping away the rights of women. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Battle lines drawn in fight over Michigan voter citizenship proposal." By Haley Harding of Votebeat (via Bridge Michigan) "Millions of married women voters could be disenfranchised under proposed federal law, opponents say." By Justin Engel of MLive.com

#podcast #politics #culturewars #Michigan #Democrats #MAGA #Republicans #HigherEducation #Education #Race #Progressives #Authoritarians #Musk #Trump #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left Of Lansing "Friday Short" for March 7, 2025! Dear Leader Donald Trump issued an executive order this week threatening colleges and universities how they'd lose federal funding if they allowed "illegal" student protests.  Combine that order with the Musk-Trump Regime's attacks on DEI programs in higher education, and more, it's clear to everyone how this regime is trying to emulate other past authoritarians' attacks on higher education.  This affects all Americans, but only the few at the top of the financial and political elite will benefit while the rest of us lose our financial and political power.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com

#podcast #politics #Michigan #Democrats #MAGA #progressives #Education #CorporateGreed #Trump #LeftOfLansing Here's Episode 123 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-12:08: Public Backlash Against MAGA Starts Pat begins this week covering a few stories of extreme MAGA Michigan Republicans choosing to play culture wars rather than helping working families as they go after "Red Flag Laws" that ensures dangerous people can't purchase firearms in the state. Pat highlights how MAGA Michigan Republicans in Congress are ignoring the groundswell of anger growing in the state, and the country, over President Elon Musk & Dear Leader Trump's attacks on our veterans, our farmers, and our working class. 12:09-36:00: Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig Interview Western Michigan University Education Scholar Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig joins the show to discuss how the Musk & Trump are threatening to cut the federal funding for universities across the nation if those institutions don't eliminate their DEI initiatives. Dr. Vasquez Heilig argues that not only are these orders unconstitutional, but that universities must resist this threat in order to preserve a more level playing field for all marginalized students. Visit his site, "Cloaking Inequity," which covers the right-wing attacks against public education. And check-out Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig's podcast as well! 36:20-49:21: Last Call-Slotkin Speech Review In this week's "Last Call," Pat gives his review of Michigan Democratic U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin's rebuttal to Trump's address to Congress this week. Pat gives the high-and-lowlights of the speech, and how it shows Democrats are still guilty of believing centrism will save them, and us.  49:22-51:31: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Future of DEI In Higher Education Under Attack with Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig on Democracy NOW w/ Amy Goodman." "Facing deadline to end DEI, Michigan schools ask crucial question: What is DEI?" By Isabel Lohman of Bridge Michigan "Rep. DeSana introduces bills to repeal Michigan's red flag gun laws." By Jon King of Michigan Advance "MSU loses millions in agriculture, higher ed grants as Trump slashes USAID." By Lauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan

#podcast #politics #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #ElissaSlotkin #Progressives #CorporateCorruption #Trump #Congress #Oligarchy #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left Of Lansing "Monday Musing" for March 3, 2025. Democrats have picked Michigan Democratic U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin to speak for the Party after Trump's Joint Address to Congress this week. Pat explains why a firebreather is needed for this speech, and Senator Slotkin isn't up to that task.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com

#podcast #politics #GenZ #Michigan #Whitmer #MAGA #WhiteChristianNationalism #Republicans #Democrats #progressives #womensissues #toxicmasculinity #economy #education #leftoflansing Here's the Left Of Lansing "Friday Short" for February 28, 2025. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer carved-out a section of this week's State of the State address to highlight the need to get young men back in colleges and universities where women outnumber men.  But rather than accept blame for falling behind women on the job front, some Gen Z men are being taught to play victim by blaming feminism or woke-ism for their problems.  It's a message that's hurting these young men, but it's unfortunately a message that's resonating with many young men.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com

#podcast #politics #democrats #republicans #progressives #MAGA #Trump #ElonMusk #Oligarchy #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #Michigan #MichiganNews #news #Whitmer #WorkingClass #Medicaid #LeftOfLansing Here's Episode 122 of Michigan's Progressive Podcast! 00:00-18:56: Musk-Trump-MAGA Attacking Medicaid Pat Johnston begins this week's show highlighting how MAGA Republicans are going along with the Musk-Trump Regime's moves to gut Medicaid, Social Security, Food Stamps, and the entire working class so they can funnel money back-up to the rich donor base, otherwise known as the tech oligarchy.  18:56-34:00: Whitmer's Missed Opportunity A talk on how Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer wasted a chance to paint a clear contrast between Democrats, who should be working around the clock for the state's working class, and MAGA Republicans, who are plainly working to appease the corporate donor base and authoritarianism. You can't do bipartisanship with a political movement bent on destroying our government. 34:01-40:50: Last Call on Camp Goodtime Pat's "Last Call" this week is on how he will not apologize for "calling 'em as he sees 'em."  40:51-42:49: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com Notes: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's State of State Address via WDIV-Channel 4 in Detroit "10 Things to Know About Medicaid." via KFF "UPDATE: Whitmer signs bipartisan deal on tipped wage and sick time hours." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance Photos: "U.S. Capitol building" by Gage Skidmore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. "Littmann Stethoscope" by medisave is licensed under CC BY 2.0. "Social Security Card - Illustration" by DonkeyHotey is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

#podcast #progressive #politics #GretchenWhitmer #Whitmer #Michigan #MichiganPolitics #MAGA #Trump #Musk  #leftoflansing Here's the Left Of Lansing "Monday Musing" for February 24, 2025. This week, Pat Johnston wonders what happened to the Big Gretch of old? Governor Gretchen Whitmer appears to be journeying towards the nebulous political "center" at a time when the Democratic and progressive base is in need of true leaders to defend against the autocratic takeover caused by co-Presidents Elon Musk and Donald Trump.  In her first term, Whitmer touted being, "That woman from Michigan." Now, she's touting on finding common ground with Dear Leader Trump. And this illustrates why Democratic Party leaders are failing to lead.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com "Gretchen Whitmer: I want to find ‘common ground' with Donald Trump." By Simon D. Schuster of Bridge Magazine

#podcast #politics #news #progressives #Democrats #Musk #DOGE #Trump #MAGA #CorporateGreed #Farmers #SocialSecurity #Corruption #Project2025 #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for Feb. 21, 2025! Poll numbers are already crashing for Dear Leader Trump just one month back in office, but the numbers are even worse for President Elon Musk! It turns-out Americans are quickly seeing what The Swamp really, and truly looks like.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com

#podcast #politics #Democrats #MAGA #Republicans #Michigan #MichiganPolitics #Trump #ElonMusk #MinimumWage #PatrioticMillionaires #WorkingClass #CorporateCorruption #PaidSickLeave #Lobbying #LeftOfLansing Here's Episode 121 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-15:15: Democrats Attacking Their Side Pat Johnston shares big news regarding the Michigan State Supreme Court as Democrats will soon increase their majority. Pat gives an update on how MAGA Michigan Republicans are close to gutting the wages of thousands of service workers in the state. But some Democrats in Lansing are helping MAGA get these bills across the finish line. Then, Pat has words for certain state Democrats who decided to show more fight in attacking progressives than MAGA this week. 15:16-42:44: Erica Payne-Patriotic Millionaires Interview Erica Payne--Founder and CEO of Patriotic Millionaires--joins the show to talk about the major mistake some Michigan Democrats are making by helping MAGA water-down minimum wage and paid sick leave laws. Payne mentions the disappointment in Democratic Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks' decision to cave to restaurant corporate lobbyists. And she has some harsh words for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on this issue. Check-out her book, Tax the Rich: How Lies, Loopholes and Lobbyists Make the Rich Even Richer.  42:45-47:31: Last Call: Dem Leadership Failure The "Last Call" focuses on the inability, and the incompetence, of the Democratic Party leadership in Washington D.C., and in the state. Do we need a tea party-like movement to remove these leaders? 47:32-49:56--Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Michigan Senate passes compromise legislation on tipped wages." By Anna Liz Nichols of Michigan Advance "Michigan House passes minimum wage bill." By Collin Jackson of Michigan Public Radio "Bill to preserve lower tipped minimum wage in Michigan passes state House." By Clara Hendrickson of The Detroit Free Press "Michigan Senate passes bill watering down court-ordered changes to tipped minimum wage." By Clara Hendrickson of The Detroit Free Press

#podcast #Politics #Michigan #Line5 #ShutdownLine5 #MAGA #Trump #ElonMusk #FossilFuels #ClimateChange #OilandGas #Environment #RuralMichigan #CorporateGreed #Tariff #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for February 17, 2025. Chad Livingood of The Detroit News published a piece detailing how Dear Leader Trump's plan to place a 10% tariff on Canadian oil imported into the U.S. would harm many of the Trump-voters living in rural Michigan.  But to Pat Johnston's surprise, it seems many of those MAGA voters are not only backing this proposed tariff, but are also saying they can do without Canadian oil! Which means there truly is no need to keep the Line 5 oil pipeline that pumps fossil fuels under the Straits of Mackinac running!  In some strange way, MAGA is joining the rest of us declaring that the 70-year old pipeline is insignificant.  Well, ok then! Let's Shut Down Line 5! Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com

#podcast #Michigan #Politics #news #DanaNessel #ProgressivePolitics #Progressives #Democrats #Agriculture #Farming #Economics #WorkingClass #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #ElonMusk #Trump #Republicans #MAGA #USAID #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for February 14, 2025. President Elon Musk and Dear Leader Trump are selling-out America's farmers, and all of rural America. With Dear Leader's crippling tariffs, and President Musk's gutting of government agencies, such as USAID, America's farmers are feeling the pain caused by this unelected billionaire and the puppet President.  They're doing all of this out in the open for everyone to see, but it's up to all of us to open our eyes to see it happening. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "With Trump and Musk driving U.S. policy, Kansas farmers have been played for suckers." By Ben Palin of the Kansas Reflector (via Michigan Advance). "Weather agency caught in Musk's crosshairs." By Arianna Skibell of Politico "Michigan AG Nessel leads multistate suit seeking injunction against Elon Musk, DOGE." By Beth LeBlanc of The Detroit News

#podcast #politics #Michigan #Democrats #progressives #MAGA #Republicans #Trump#Musk #ElonMusk #WorkingClass #Fasicsm #Autocracy #Democracy #TechBros #CorporateGreed #LBGTQ+ #Transgender #CorporateWelfare #Environment #News #LeftOfLansing Here's Episode 120 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-12:42: Dems Acting MAGA-Lite Pat highlights Michigan and national Democrats acting MAGA-Lite, which only hurts the working class while enriching the corporate class including the Tech Bros, who are busy destroying Democracy. Michigan Democrats joined MAGA Republicans in passing expensive tax exemptions so Google and Microsoft could build environmentally-damaging data centers in the state. Some Michigan Dems are sounding MAGA-Lite while trying to water-down scheduled minimum wage and paid sick leave increases. 12:43-38:00: Interview w/ Julia Pulver Progressive activist, former Democratic state House candidate, a registered nurse, and Peace activist and organizer Julia Pulver joins the show. Julia explains how she nearly won her state House races in historically red districts by going to places where Democrats historically did poorly. Julia also talks about the "Wage Peace: A Gentle Guide For Angry People Workshop," which she's running for all interested in fighting back--peacefully--against autocracy. 38:01-45:00: Last Call--Laurie Pohutsky In this week's "Last Call," Pat applauds Michigan progressive Democratic State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, who angered MAGA by announcing why she decided to undergo sterilization surgery as Musk-Trump and MAGA Republicans work to eliminate abortion and contraception rights for women across the country.  45:01-46:19: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com "The Mad King: Trump, the Tech Barons, and the Murder of Liberal Democracy." By Jared Yates Sexton of Dispatches From a Collapsing State