Left of Lansing Left of Lansing

Here's Episode 92 of Michigan's premier progressive podcast!

Nitish Pahwa is Slate's associate writer for business and tech, and he's a native Michigander. He grew-up around Lansing, and remembered what the political scene was like just a decade ago when MAGA Republicans had complete control of state government. That's why he's surprised to see how fast things changed as not only are Democrats in control of the state trifecta, but he's taking note how the center of Michigan's political influence resides in Lansing. We talk about his article in Slate describing that shift, and why the Lansing area will play key roles in both state and national politics this November. 

In my opening segment, I've got some follow-up on MAGA Republican state Representative Neil Friske's wild and crazy night with guns and strippers, allegedly. Friske's still under investigation and hasn't been charged with crimes, yet, but like all MAGA Republicans, he refuses to accept any responsibility for his actions. Even more, like many MAGA Republicans, he has no clue when it comes to abortion and medicine. I also celebrate a major court ruling deeming Michigan's 24-hour waiting period for women to receive abortion care unconstitutional. And I highlight how Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer perfectly describes this presidential election.

In my "Last Call," I ask the question: What is a moderate? After a member of The Squad lost a primary race in New York, members of the press described the challenger as a "moderate." The challenger opposes raising taxes on corporations or the rich, and he opposes a ceasefire in Gaza. How are those "moderate" positions while advocating for living wages, health care for all, and free public school lunches are supposedly "far-left?"

Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!

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A recent Bridge Michigan article highlighted where red flag laws, which Michigan Democrats passed into law last year, didn't stop the horrific mass shooting at a Rochester Hills splash pad in Oakland County, MI.

However, the law's already been used over 100 times since its passage, and if it saved one life, then the law's working as Michigan Democrats intended. 

No law is a panacea, and not every gun safety law will save every life. 

But that's still a hell of a lot better than MAGA Republicans, who'll do everything in their power to give more rights to the gun than to women's economic and reproductive health. 

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 the Left of Lansing Friday Short for June 21, 2024.

MAGA Republican state Representative Neil Friske of Charlevoix got arrested this week for allegedly chasing a worker at the Deja Vu strip club in Lansing with a gun.

No formal charges have been levied yet, but police are requesting three felony charges against Friske, including sexual assault, assault, and a weapons-related offense. 

Friske is now part of the MAGA crime wave that's spreading throughout Michigan, and the United States. But it's also no surprise how Friske allegedly turned to violence against a female worker since he's shown nothing but contempt for women in his political career.

But make no mistake: resorting to violence is always the MAGA way. 

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 Episode 91 of Michigan's premier progressive podcast!

00:00-16:12--Pat congratulates Michigan Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel on a major court victory for those fighting to shut down the Line 5 oil pipeline at the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac. Nessel successfully argued to have the case sent back to the state, giving Line 5 owner, Enbridge, a major setback as it tried to have the case heard in federal court. Here's the thing: it's a states' rights issue! Also, failed MAGA Republican AG candidate, and the criminally indicted, Matt DePerno announces his run for the Michigan Supreme Court. It's a prerequisite nowadays for Republicans to be indicted in order to run for office! But criminal activity is part of the MAGA game as one of Dear Leader Trump's spiritual advisors admitted he molested a 12-year old girl. It doesn't matter to MAGA, though, because gaining complete power is what they crave to enact their MAGA White Christian Nationalist "Project 2025" agenda.

16:42-35:22-- Michigan Democratic State Representative Jason Morgan on his "Make It In Michigan" bill package that would divert millions of dollars from a corporate slush fund into investments in public transit, affordable housing, and community revitalization. He also gives his definition of "pragmatic progressivism."Rep. Morgan's 23rd House District comprises of parts of Ann Arbor, South Lyon, Salem, Plymouth and Northville. 

36:10-42:20--"Last Call" on Democratic Representatives Dylan Wegela and Emily Dievendorf's counter proposal to the Make It Michigan package, which diverts more money from the corporate slush fund to affordable housing. Pat believes this is progressives actually negotiating with some strength. 

42:45-43:44: Ending, including the new weekly Left of Lansing Twitter Poll on whether or not Trump appears at next week's presidential debate against Joe Biden.

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 the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for June 17, 2024

The right-wing White Christian Nationalist activist group Turning Points USA showed-up in Detroit last weekend to spread its hateful and dangerous message to its followers. 

Its leader, millennial wonderboy Charlie Kirk, is becoming the new face of right-wing extremism. But if he and his people are able to capture just a fraction of long-time Democratic voters, then the country is in deep trouble this November. 

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:

North Dakota Republican Governor Kristi Noem's "call to arms" speech during Turning Points USA speech in Detroit.

"Charlie Kirk once pushed a 'secular worldview.' Now he's fighting to make America Christian again." By Mike Hixenbaugh and Allan Smith of NBC News

Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for June 14, 2024

A recent Wallethub survey revealed that Ohio has one of the worst state economies, ranking 42nd in the country which is the 10th worst state!

Michigan, meanwhile, is ranks 19th. That far surpasses both Ohio, and Indiana, which ranks 39th. 

One would think the further Ohio's government continues to travel down the weird, right-wing MAGA Republican rabbit hole, the better things would most certainly guess!

I hope you're getting my sarcasm.

Enjoy!

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:

"Ohio has one of the worst economies in the US, according to recent study." By Mariyam Muhammad of The Columbus Dispatch

"Best & Worst State Economies (2024). By Adam McCann of Wallethub.com

"Editorial: Ohio economy falling." By The Blade editorial staff

Proposal by Michigan Democratic state Reps. Wegela and Dievendorf to remove more money from SOAR towards housing.