Left Of Lansing

#podcast #politics #Michigan #WorkingClass #Education #Oligarchy #WealthInequality #Corruption #Taxes #FlatTax #Billionaires #Election2026 #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for June 27, 2025. A progressive coalition known as Invest In MI Kids is pushing a proposal to appear on the 2026 Michigan ballot that would end the Michigan's regressive flat tax, and replace it with a 5% surcharge on couples earning $1 million.  The money would be used to help replenish the state's dwindling education funding, which has been hurt significantly thanks to tax cuts for the rich and elite in the state.  And at a time when the working class is suffocating while the oligarchy gains more wealth and power, this kind of a progressive proposal is what the working class needs now more than ever.  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: "Group launches b

#podcast #politics #Michigan #EnvironmentalJustice #Economics #WorkingClass #MAGAMurderBudget #MAGA #Democrats #Progressives #Mamdani #NYC #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #GovernmentCorruption #Democracy #FossilFuel #NRDC #Environment #TedNugent #LeftOfLansing Here's Episode 139 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-20:28: Nugent In Lansing/Mamdani NYC Victory Pat Johnston opens the show highlighting how Michigan MAGA Republicans welcomed old age rocker, Ted Nugent, to the State House this week to complain about things. Pat explains how Nugent and Dear Leader Trump are very much alike, and not in flattering ways. Pat then talks about how nearly half of Detroit's apartment complexes are without air conditioning, and Michigan's high unemployment rate. He concludes by underlining the big time victory of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani in the NYC mayoral race, and how it's yet another example of how progressive economic populism is not only popular, but it WINS elections! 20:29-42:23: Derr

#podcast #Politics #Michigan #Progressives #Trump #OttawaCounty #PowerPlant #Campbell #Wright #FossilFuels #Pollution #Environment #CorporateCorruption #HealthCare #GovernmentCorruption #WorkingClass #CleanEnergy #DanaNessel #Trump #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for June 23, 2025. Michigan's Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel is fighting-back on the Trump Regime's move to block the scheduled closing of a West Michigan Power Plant. How is The Regime's action to stop a company from closing down its own fossil fuel plants an example of small government? Answer: Look who runs The Regime's energy department. To learn more about the struggle to close the J.H. Campbell Power Plant in Ottawa County, Michigan, please check-out Sarah Leach's story in The Ottawa News Network. 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 Doublespeak of

#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 Sh

#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 wor

#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 I

#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 ta

#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." B

#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 s

#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 t

#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

#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,

#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.

#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 Nich

#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

#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

#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.