Mitten Politics

Join me for a conversation with Landis Spencer, a Co-Chair of the Black and Brown Alliance for Detroit DSA. Landis is also a candidate for the Board of Police Commissioners for Detroit's 6th District. In this episode, we discuss the ways Socialism is actually more compatible with Democracy than Capitalism and dissect the "American Left." We also talk about the importance of the Labor movement as a catalyst for real change. Check out Landis's campaign website: https://www.landis4bopc.com/ Learn more about Detroit DSA: https://www.metrodetroitdsa.com/ Website for the national DSA: https://www.dsausa.org/

If you've been looking for ways to get involved in politics and social issues, this episode is for you! Being an activist is not an all-or-nothing activity and it takes shape in many ways. Learn from one of my local inspirations for activism, Paula Martinos-Mantay from Indivisible Fighting 9. Link to State Wide Indivisible Michigan: https://www.beinvinciblemi.com/ Link to Indivisible Fighting 9: https://www.indivisiblefighting9.com/ Link to national Indivisible: https://indivisible.org/

In this episode, Shawn and I share our coming out stories, discuss the horror of gender reveal parties, and unpack pronouns, prefixes, and chosen names. We discuss whether drag is problematic and analyze what it means to be cisgender and heterosexual in Queer spaces.

In this episode, Shawn and I will discuss the differences between sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and more. This is part I of II.

Why do we consider 18 to be the age when people are the most competent and informed to vote? Think about it. Especially with local elections, are there alternative perspectives we should be considering? https://www.vote16mi.com/ Instagram: @vote16mi

Labor unions have had a powerful impact on modern working standards and workplace conditions. Unions enable members to exercise their power in solidarity as they advocate for workers' rights. Learn more by checking out the AFL-CIO or researching unions in your area.

In this episode, I speak with activist Lakeesha Morrison to break down the concept of privilege and some of the forms in which it manifests. We discuss some of the potential remedies, one of which is a responsibility for each of us to educate ourselves, reflect on our own biases and privilege, and strive to do better.

In this episode, we cover some student debt statistics, why higher education is so expensive, and the effects this has on dragging down the economy.

Gerrymandering is both a simple and complicated concept. The impacts of gerrymandering ripple into multiple aspects of our voting system. We'll outline some of those impacts and the potential changes that can be made to fix the system.

Our system of voting for a single candidate has resulted in frustration, disenfranchisement, and diminished enthusiasm for many of our elections. When we find ourselves forced to vote for the "lesser of two evils," the candidates that are elected tend to represent less of the values of the people in our country. In this episode, we'll discuss the benefits, process, and methods to enact ranked choice voting in Michigan (and beyond)! Learn more at: RankMIvote.org https://www.facebook.com/RankMIVote

In this episode, we dive into the inhumanity of current U.S. immigration laws, which haven't been changed in decades. We discuss the difference between immigration, asylum, refugee status, and why America should strive to be a stew instead of a melting pot.

We'll talk about the racist origins of the Electoral College system and what could be done to change it. We'll also compare the popular vote to the Electoral College and the effect it has for voters in different states. To learn more about the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, visit: https://www.nationalpopularvote.com/ To support Democrats Rev. Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the GA Senate runoff elections, visit: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/2020gasenaterunoff

In this episode, I discuss the results and implications of the 2020 general election with Lauren Jasinski, the Vice Chair of the Greater Royal Oak Democratic Club. We will talk about local, state, and federal results and what we can expect from here. To help with the Georgia Senate special elections, visit: https://fairfight.com/

In this episode we discuss what community organizing is, how it relates to police brutality, and why local politics matter. We'll provide insight into how to get involved locally and what local elected officials to pay attention to.

In this episode, we'll hear a message from State Senator Mallory McMorrow. Then, Seth and I will discuss the upcoming election, what the polls say and how they compare to 2016, and the future of the Republican party.

In this episode, we cover absentee voting, election security, and what to do if you make a mistake on your ballot. I am joined by Royal Oak City Clerk Melanie Halas to answer questions voters have had and provide information about how to make sure your vote is counted! For more information, check out the Michigan Voter Information Center at: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/.

This is our first episode! Welcome and we look forward to producing future episodes for your information and enjoyment.