#podcast #politics #News #Michigan #MichiganPolitics #Environment #SolarFarm #BigOil #FossilFuels #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #ClimateChange #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Progressives #PeterSinclair #FarmingRights #Trump #Immigration #Economy #WorkingClass #LeftOfLansing Here's Episode 118 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-14:16: Peters Not Running/MAGA Misinformation Machine Pat starts out of the gate lamenting about Michigan Democrats joining MAGA Republicans on watering-down minimum wage and paid sick leave in the state. He next turns his attention to Michigan Democrats in Congress, like Congresswoman Kristin McDonald-Rivet of Bay City, who still defends her vote on the Lakin Riley Act, which removes basic due process rights for migrants accused of crimes. Michigan Democratic Senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters also voted for the bill in Senate. Pat wonders how being MAGA-Lite, and refusing to protect the vulnerable in society, will benefit Democrats. And that's why Pat explains why Senator Peters' announcement that he won't run for reelection in 2026 will only help Michigan Democrats. 14:17-38:57: Peter Sinclair Interview Peter Sinclair is an environmental activist, climate change educator, a science journalist, videographer from Midland, and host of the This Is Not Cool blog. Mr. Sinclair recently covered a recent disinformation campaign launched by the fossil fuel industry, and pushed by right-wing think tanks and MAGA Michigan Republicans, regarding a solar farm around the Gaylord area. The "story" went viral in pushing a false story that a clean energy company was clearing-out 420 acres of pristine forestland to build a solar farm. In reality, the company scrapped the original plan to build a farm on public land, and instead chose private land for the farm. And no massive deforestation project is going to happen as a result of this solar farm. Mr. Sinclair explains how the anti-clean energy forces depend on this kind of confusing propaganda campaigns to drive people away from clean energy. Check out his YouTube page, too! 38:58-45:41: Last Call-Zeldin As EPA Head In the "Last Call," Pat talks about the U.S. Senate confirming a pro-fossil fuel, and climate change denier, Lee Zeldin to become the head of the Environmental Protection Agency. Even worse, three Democratic Senators voted to confirm Zeldin, who has a 14% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters! MAGA Republicans are causing further harm to the planet, and the country, but that pleases the fossil fuel industry. 45:42-48:22: 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: Peter Sinclair's This Is Not Cool blog. "Solar power firm says decision not to lease state-owned land made prior to criticism by lawmakers." By Jon King of Michigan Advance "Transportation Secretary Seeks Rollback of Biden’s Fuel Economy Standards." By Mark Walker of The New York Times "US Senate confirms Zeldin as EPA adminstrator." By Valerie Volcovici of Reuters "In a blow to Democrats’ chances to retake the US Senate, Peters declines to seek reelection in 2026." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "Minimum wage and sick leave bills clear Michigan House with bipartisan support after heated debate." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "All the executive orders Trump has signed after 1 week in office." By NPR Staff of NPR Photo of solar farm: "Shelby Farms Solar Farm Memphis TN 2013-02-02 010" by Thomas R Machnitzki (thomasmachnitzki.com) is licensed under CC BY 3.0.
