Left of Lansing

By: Left of Lansing
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  • Summary

  • An insight into Michigan's progressive political and pop cultural scene. Pat Johnston highlights how the progressive movement is helping shape Michigan's political landscape with opinion and interviews. It's time to make Michigan's political machine work for the people!
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Political Science Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • 218: Fossil Fuel Pushed Big Lie About A Northern Michigan Solar Panel Farm

    218: Fossil Fuel Pushed Big Lie About A Northern Michigan Solar Panel Farm
    Jan 30 2025
    #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.
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    48 mins
  • 217: Monday Musing: Why Did Some Michigan Democrats Give Into Fear On Minimum Wage & Paid Sick Leave?

    217: Monday Musing: Why Did Some Michigan Democrats Give Into Fear On Minimum Wage & Paid Sick Leave?
    Jan 27 2025
    #Podcast #Politics #WorkingClass #Workers CorporateGreed #CorprorateCorruption #CorporateLobby #TippedWorkers #Michigan #Democrats #Republicans #Economy #RestaurantLobby #RestaurantWorkers #Progressive #MichiganPolitics #LeftOfLansing

    Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for January 27, 2025.

    The Michigan MAGA Republicans majority in the state House passed bills that roll-back minimum wage increases, a phasing-out of the tipped wage law, and paid sick leave.

    The state Supreme Court ruled last year that Michigan Republicans back in 2018 acted unconstitutionally when they blocked minimum wage and paid sick leave increases from reaching the ballot, and then weakening the laws during Lame Duck. The Court said the original intent of these laws must go into effect in February of 2025.

    But once again, right-wing MAGA Michigan Republicans are working to weaken those laws! However, they're getting support from some Michigan Democrats in hurting workers to appease the restaurant lobby.

    Pat explains how the irrational fear Democrats have for corporate lobbyists will only continue to hurt them at the polls.

    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:

    "Minimum wage and sick leave bills clear Michigan House with bipartisan support after heated debate." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance
    "Nick Hanauer on How Corporate Propaganda Makes Us Fear Sensible Social Policy." By Nathan J. Robinson in Current Affairs
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    5 mins
  • 216: Michigan Democratic State Rep. Betsy Coffia Refuses To Capitulate

    216: Michigan Democratic State Rep. Betsy Coffia Refuses To Capitulate
    Jan 23 2025
    #podcast #Politics #news #Michigan #MichiganPolitics #Democrats #Progressives #Democrats #Trump #Republicans #MAGA #CorporateCorruption #DonorBase #Oligarchs #RuralDemocrats #WorkingClass #Election #Fascism #Transparency

    Here's Episode 117 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!

    00:00-15:29: Pat's Mom's Passing & Influence

    In the first segment, Pat Johnston talks about his Mom passing away last week, and the major influence she played in his political and news upbringing. Like Pat, his Mom wore her politics and values on her sleeve, and she wasn't bashful about sharing her views, especially when she thought some right-winger was completely wrong! Her political values and passion have indeed been passed-down to Pat, and he explains why he's so incredibly grateful to have those important traits. Then, Pat explains the importance of focusing on local and state politics during these Trump Part II days.

    15:30-37:25: MI State Rep. Betsy Coffia Interview

    Pat next talks with Michigan Progressive Democratic State Representative Betsy Coffia. Rep. Coffia works hard for the people of the 103rd District, covering Leelanau, Benzie, and Grand Traverse Counties. Despite Coffia's district being mostly rural, and despite Republicans trying their best to oust her, Coffia actually Increased her victory margin in this past election compared her first win in 2022. Coffia explains how she was able to achieve success in a tough year for other Michigan Democrats. And she talks about the wasted opportunity by state House Democrats to pass important bills during their last days in the majority.

    37:26-45:00: Last Call on A Weak Resistance

    The "Last Call" segment highlights a column by Michigan Advance's Susan J. Demas, in which Demas writes how there is very little resistance going into this Trump term compared to the first one in 2016. Unlike the Women's Marches in '16, there were no Democratic Party officials present at any marches this time around. How can there be a Resistance 2.0 if Democratic Party leaders are already bending the knee in both Michigan and D.C.?

    45:01-49:20: Ending/Demise of The Lions

    Pat ends on a sports note by sharing his thoughts and feelings on the early, and stunning, ouster of the Detroit Lions in the NFL Playoffs. Yet, Pat remains optimistic for the Lions next 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

    NOTES:

    "The Resistance decides it’s futile." By Susan J. Demas of Michigan Advance
    Democratic New York Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer post via Blue Sky.

    Tim Alberta post about the Detroit Lions playoff loss.

    Traverse City Image: "Traverse City Michigan Sign M-22" by Royalbroil is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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    49 mins

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