I wasn't sure at first if Biden should join the UAW picket line or not. But knowing the fascist, indicted former president is showing up in Michigan to speak against the union, it's a good move for Biden to show his support for working people. https://t.co/2gbqyDvgRt — LeftOfLansing (@LeftOfLansing) September 25, 2023 In my remarks…
Left of Lansing Short: State House Democrat Might Stop The Reproductive Health Act
This week’s Left of Lansing Short deals with how Democratic State House Rep. Karen Whitsett from the 4th district in Detroit not only voted against the Reproductive Health Act in House Health Policy Committee this week, but she’s signaling she’s vote against the RHA when it comes to a vote on the House floor! And…
Episode 55: Paid Family Leave w/ Danielle Atkinson of Mothering Justice
Here’s Episode 55 of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast! Paid Family and Medical Leave is one of the important policies Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer mentioned in her “What’s Next” speech last month. If Michigan’s Democratic majority in the legislature can pass State Sen. Erika Geiss’s paid family and medical leave bills, Michigan would join 11…
Left of Lansing Short: UAW’s 4-day work week request makes sense
The Left of Lansing Short on this Friday September 15, 2023 deals with the UAW’s request for a 32-hour work week for its members. It’s not that crazy of an idea, and the data shows that workers are happier and more productive when they work four days a week. If that’s the case, then why…
Episode 54: GOP absent for workers & clean, affordable energy; My response to Mitch Albom on respect for elderly
It’s episode 54 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! It’s a solo episode this week as I spend time taking the Michigan GOP to task for being absent on supporting the UAW (and unions, in general) in its fight for fair wages, pensions, and paid time-off against the Big Three automakers. Progressives always support unions. Michigan…
Respect the elderly, but respect the young, too
Detroit Free Press writer Mitch Albom made some confusing statements in his column last weekend, “Opinion: Criticizing the old isn’t cute, it’s an insulting–and growing–trend.“ I’ll share with you what I think is Mitch’s overall point: Most importantly, if we revered the old for what they’ve endured, the sacrifices they’ve made, and the years they’ve…
Left of Lansing Friday Short: Democrats Reversing Draconian GOP Abortion Access Laws
The “Friday Short” highlights the Reproductive Freedom Act, which Democratic State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky formally introduced this week. The RFA would reverse many hurtful abortion access restrictions put in place by Republicans through the years as they tried to enact their view of Christian Nationalism on the rest of the state. Please, listen to this…
Episode 53: Reproductive Health Act w/ Ashlea Phenicie from Planned Parenthood of Michigan
It’s the 53rd installment of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! I start out mocking the right wing Michigan Republican Party for claiming to care about working Michiganders on this past Labor Day. Then, I talk about the latest from the nutty right wing Ottawa Impact faction, which is working to defund the Ottawa County health department…
Friday Left of Lansing Short: Let Michigan Join Winner-Take-All National Vote Compact
It’s the Friday Left of Lansing Short! I discuss my support to have Michigan join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. This would allow states to award their electoral college votes to the presidential candidate who won the national majority vote. Right now, states allocate their electoral college votes to the candidate who won their…
Episode 52: Democratic State Rep. Carrie Rheingans and Universal Health Care in Michigan
Episode 52 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast is a little longer than normal, but well worth the listen! I take DTE Energy and Consumers Energy to task for failing to keep the lights on after storms rolled through the state. Despite keeping hundreds of thousands of customers in the dark, both energy companies are asking…
Friday Left of Lansing Short: Right Wing’s Dream Of Silencing Gen Z
My Left of Lansing “Short” this Friday is about Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s proposal to ban anyone under 25 from voting, unless they fulfil specific requirements, including passing a citizenship test. Generation Z is not only a politically active voting bloc, especially in Michigan, but it’s also a highly progressive voting bloc. Rather than…
Episode 51: Gina Keller from Distill Social, and Playing The New Offense
Here’s another exciting and informative episode of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! The Christian Nationalism that has overtaken the Michigan Republican Party is trying to take control of the entire state. While Democrats have control of state government for the first time in 40 years, and progressive values have achieved some major victories, right wing Christian…
Friday Left of Lansing Short: John Moolenaar’s Gotion Hypocrisy
The “Friday Short” puts a spotlight on Michigan Republican Congressman John Moolenaar’s hypocrisy when it comes to the proposed Gotion electric battery plant in Big Rapids. Moolenaar hopped-aboard the right wing xenophobia bandwagon since Gotion’s parent company is from China. Yet, Moolenaar never once uttered a word of skepticism over other Chinese companies which set-up…
Episode 50: Mi Right To Read w/ Debbie Mikula of Michigan Libraries Association
Episode 50 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Pat Johnston talks with Debbie Mikula from the Michigan Libraries Association about the MI To Read campaign.
Friday Left of Lansing Short: The right wing’s hatred for the U.S. women’s soccer
On this edition of the Friday Left of Lansing Short, I tackle the right wing’s obsession and hatred for the United States women’s national soccer team. Tweets like this were all too common from right wing media figures after Team USA’s loss to Sweden in the Round of 16: So @charlescwcooke has said the unsayable…
Episode 49: Fighting To Close Line 5 w/ Sean McBrearty of Oil & Water Don’t Mix
It’s the 49th episode of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! I celebrate Ohio’s decision to hand the state Republican party a humiliating defeat at the polls this week, when voters rejected the GOP’s efforts to raise the threshold to pass a state referendum from 50-to-60%. Ohio Republicans were hoping to hurt the chances of enshrining abortion…
Friday Left of Lansing Short: GOP Wants TikTok Ban To Hurt Gen Z
This week’s “Short” deals with the Republican effort to ban TikTok in the United States. Ostensibly, they argue it’s to protect our privacy since TikTok is a Chinese company. But the main reason Republicans are fighting for a ban is to take-away a major communication tool from Generation Z voters, who are by far the…
Episode 48: Progress Michigan’s Jade Gray on Connecting With Gen Z Voters
Here’s Episode 48 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Happy Indictment Week III! I had so many words and thoughts to share as Donald Trump faces his third indictment this week. He’s finally been charged for the role he played for the January 6th insurrection in an effort to steal the 2020 election. Despite getting indicted…
Left of Lansing Short: MI Democrats Ban Degrading Conversion Therapy
Michigan Democrats, with the help of pro LGBTQ+ groups, passed a bill which Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law, banning the degrading and hateful practice of conversion therapy. In just a few short months after gaining power, Democrats have passed bills expanding LGBTQ+ rights, and also adding more protections. It’s another example of how progressive…
Episode 47: Anna Gustafson from Michigan Advance on Gotion Controversy
Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast with Pat Johnston. Pat talks with Anna Gustafson from Michigan Advance on the Gotion electric vehicle battery plant controversy in Big Rapids, MI.
Episode 46: Sam Inglot of Progress Michigan on GOP’s moral and ethical rot
Here’s the 46th episode of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! I start-out this week talking about taking the battle to the right wing forces in our state. I illustrated why state Senator Mallory McMorrow’s “We will not let hate win,” speech went viral. It resonated with millions across the country because McMorrow did what so many…
Left of Lansing Short: Rep. Betsy Coffia Helping All Boats Rise
There’s something in my eye 🥺Getting thankyou’s from school leaders in small rural communities & districts like Posen, McBain, Leland, Forest Area for the work my team & I did to get transportation equity into our School Aid Budget …. makes this rural northern girl so proud. pic.twitter.com/oAZkwbty1W — Betsy Coffia (@BetsyCoffia) July 13, 2023…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 45: A New-New Deal Democrat with State Rep. Betsy Coffia
Here’s the 45th installment of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Democratic State Rep. Betsy Coffia from the 103rd District joins me this week. Rep. Coffia’s district contains Leelanau, Grand Traverse, and Benzie Counties. She’s been a journalist, a social worker, and a Grand Traverse County commissioner. And now, she’s in Lansing trying to make a difference…
Left of Lansing Short: Let College Athletes Unionize!
My Left of Lansing Short this week deals with Democratic State Rep. Carrie Rheingans’ bill, which would allow college athletes to unionize in Michigan. Click here to read the actual bill. The effort might fail this time, but it’s something progressives ought to be pushing. Shockingly, legislative Republicans are voicing opposition to such a bill….
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 44: Charlotte Jameson of The Michigan Environmental Council On A Cleaner & Affordable State
Here’s episode 44 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Strong progressive policies continue to not only get introduced, but continue to pass in the state legislature as we witnessed with the expansion of the Hate Crimes Law. The Democratic majority passed a historic budget last week, and I highlight how they not only spent time and…
Left of Lansing Short: DTE’s Expensive Failures Are Why Michigan Must Push Towards A Greener & Reliable Future
Here’s the Left of Lansing Short. DTE Energy CEO Jerry Norcia makes around $10 million per year while the energy company is failing to provide reliable energy. To make matters worse, Michigan pays the 12th highest rate for energy, and ranks 45th among states in energy reliability. That’s why it’s time to push for a…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 43: Derrell Slaughter with the NRDC on Historic Clean Energy & Climate Change Bills
Progressive changes continue in our state thanks to the Democratic majority in the state legislature as both the general and education budgets passed this week. These budgets provide significant funding boosts for K-12 spending, including more per-pupil funding and universal free breakfast and lunch. And the general budget provides more funding for roads, infrastructure, health…
Who could be against free meals for public school students?
The main reason the Right wants to prevent free meals is to avoid strengthening the community bond between #parents and #publicschools. The other reason is it’s a competitor to big anti-labor grocery chains. https://t.co/Aw6eeTlhnx — Josh Cowen (@joshcowenMSU) June 19, 2023 As I discussed with Democratic State Senator Stephanie Chang in this week’s podcast, Michigan…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 42: Democratic State Senator Stephanie Chang
We’re officially in Summer, and I’m serving up the 42nd episode of the weekly podcast! My opening monologue deals with why I’m supporting the Michigan Multimedia Jobs proposal, which provides tax credits for companies wanting to make movies, shows, commercials, and other multimedia productions in the state. Michigan Democrats are busy helping people, including providing…
Judge Orders Line 5 Shut Down In Three Years
This is clearly not the end, but it’s a bit of good news. From Michigan Advance: Enbridge Inc. must shut down its Line 5 pipeline within three years and pay more than $5 million in profits to the Chippewa Indians Bad River Band, a federal judge in Madison ruled Friday. Judge William Conley reaffirmed his September…
Left of Lansing Short–Newsrooms must have freedom to report news
It’s time for a Left of Lansing “Short” for this Friday, June 16, 2023. Wood-TV in Grand Rapids became the news this week when a leaked internal memo showed how its assistant news director ordered reporters to do fewer LGBTQ+ stories during the rest of PRIDE month. But because those stories didn’t sit well with…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 41: Will New Film Incentives Work For Michigan?
Here’s Episode 41 of the podcast devoted to highlighting the progressive fight to revive and restore Michigan’s greatness! My opening monologue describes how old time Michigan Republicans have no power in their party anymore, and they have nobody to blame but themselves as the extremists lead the party. And I explain how these extremists are…
Closing Line 5 Won’t Lead To Higher Gas Prices
One of the major planks of Enbridge’s misinformation campaign is that closing the old pipeline will lead to skyrocketing gas prices. Chemical Engineer and researcher Gary Street says the evidence proves otherwise. Street, who worked at Dow for 30 years but now works pro bono for environmental groups, took note of when Enbridge closed both…
Left of Lansing Short–Michigan Is A Place Where Everyone Belongs
Since it’s Friday, it’s time for a Left of Lansing Short. In this week’s “short,” I take my cue from Greta VanZetten, who explained in a Detroit Free Press op-ed that while she loves her home state of Michigan, she suffers great apprehension and anxiety on coming back to her home on the west side…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 40: Dr. Joshua Cowen on The Right Wing’s Attack on Public Schools Using Vouchers
Here’s the 40th episode!!! In this week’s episode, I share some thoughts on WJR-AM’s “next generation” of talk show hosts, which kinda sounds a lot like the last generation. I also talk about how former Republican “Nerd” Governor, Mr. Flint Water Crisis, himself, Rick Snyder is back in the news, announcing that he’s helping Michigan…
Left of Lansing Short–Michigan Democrats Trying To Get 16-Year Olds Pre-Registered To Vote
It’s Friday! Here’s another Left of Lansing Short! This week, I talk about while Republicans are continuing their hateful war against trans kids, Michigan Democrats are trying to get 16-year olds pre-registered to vote. Democrats are trying to include all kids in getting involved in our democracy. That’s the difference. Michigan Republicans look to divide…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 39: Ottawa Co. Politics & More with Joe Spaulding
Wow, 39 episodes are in the can! This week, I speak with progressive activist Joe Spaulding on the right wing movement happening with the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners as they passed a resolution declaring the county a “constitutional county.” It’s quite similar to what the equally extreme right wing Livingston County Board of Commissioners…
Left Of Lansing Short–How Biden’s Infrastructure Bill Is Helping St. Louis, MI Turn The Page
Here’s this week’s Left of Lansing “Short.” President Biden’s Infrastructure Bill his helping accelerate the cleanup at the Superfund Site along the Pine River in St. Louis. This is a big deal for the people who’ve had to live with the toxic disaster left by the old Velsicol Chemical Corporation plant, which was part of…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 38: Rick Haglund, Business Writer for Michigan Advance
Here’s the 38th episode of Left of Lansing! Coming back to the podcast is veteran business writer, Rick Haglund. He writes the “Micheconomy” on Michigan Advance, and has been covering the state’s economy, and the auto industry, since the 1980’s. We talk about Michigan’s population problem in which not only are people leaving, but we’re…
Left Of Lansing Short–Michigan Democrats Offer Free Lunches, MAGA Offers Trauma Kits In Schools–May 19, 2023
This Friday’s LOL “Short” highlights how the education budget is looking different since Democrats are finally in complete control. Democrats are spending more on students, more on at-risk students, more on teachers, and want to provide free breakfast and lunch for all students. Republicans want to less spending on public schools and more on for-profit…
Left Of Lansing Podcast–Episode 37: Talking Livingston Co. Politics w/ Kasey Helton
A new episode of the Left Of Lansing Podcast is posted. This week, progressive activist Kasey Helton joins me to talk about life as a progressive in ruby red Republican Livingston County. We talk about Livingston County politics, why it’s been difficult for progressives to make a dent there, but how progressives are beginning to…
Left Of Lansing Short–GOP Loses Young Voters, But Democrats Must Fight To Keep Them–May 5, 2023
Here’s this week’s LOL “Shorts,” which I post every Friday right here exclusively on the blog. I take my cue from this fine article by The American Prospect’s Gabrielle Gurley, which is titled, “Republicans Declare War On Young Voters.“ Even though Michigan had the highest youth voter turnout in 2022, that’s still lower than the…
Left Of Lansing Podcast–Episode 36: State Rep. Kelly Breen
If we’re not helping to protect our kids, honestly I don’t know what the hell we’re doing here in Lansing because that should be our number one priority. Democratic State Representative Kelly Breen On this week’s LOL Podcast, Democratic State Representative Kelly Breen from 21st House District talks with me to discuss a number of…
Left Of Lansing Podcast 35: Michigan Democrats Fixing 40 Years Of Republican Rule
In this week’s episode, Pat Johnston covers how Democrats are fixing what Republicans destroyed during their 40 years of power in Lansing. He covers how Republicans across the nation are working to erase American history, ban books, silence their opponents, and destroy the public school system. Pat also gives another shoutout to Democratic State Rep….
Left Of Lansing Short–Friday, April 21, 2023
Here’s a Left Of Lansing “Short,” as I like to call it. Sometimes, these “shorts” will feature commentary on a specific news item of the day, or perhaps a follow-up on the week’s full podcast. In this one, I expound a bit on what this week’s podcast guest, Democratic State Representative Dylan Wegela, had to…
More Right Wing Terrorism In Michigan
I’d like to know who radicalized this man: A Saginaw optometrist is going to federal prison for 10 months for threatening to harm Black Lives Matter supporters in a series of rants he made over the phone to Starbucks employees, who got an earful about his beef with workers wearing BLM T-shirts. According to court…
Left Of Lansing Podcast–Episode 34: State Rep. Dylan Wegela
It’s time for another episode of the Left Of Lansing Podcast! This week, I discuss how young people showed-up at the polls in a big way in Michigan, which helped Democrats pull-off the trifecta in state government. But despite the Generation Z breaking for Democrats in the last few elections, Democrats must continue showing that…
Michigan Is Too Old. Democrats Must Pass Laws To Attract Young People
As I mentioned in this week’s episode of LOL, Michigan is getting older: Deaths outnumbered births in all but seven counties in Michigan in the year ending July 2022, new Census figures show, a result of the state’s aging population and the devastating impact of thousands of COVID-19 deaths. That’s 92 percent of Michigan’s 83…
Left Of Lansing Episode 33: Bigotry Is Bad For Business
It’s another episode of the LOL Podcast! Michigan Democrats are banking on Gov. Whitmer’s slogan that “Bigotry Is Bad For Business.” I explain why being the anti-Indiana, the anti-Ohio, and the anti-Florida is the best strategic move for Michigan–both morally and economically. By becoming a more welcoming state for women who want to make their…
Left Of Lansing Podcast–Episode 32: Michigan Democrats Provide A Blueprint For Electoral and Political Success
Here’s this week’s podcast! I share my thoughts on how Michigan Democrats are wasting zero time trying to right the 40 years of right-wing Republican mismanagement. It took a long time for Democrats to get here, but thanks to years of hard work by progressive activists, and those within the Democratic Party, Democrats pulled-off the…
This Is What I’m Talking About!
New York Democratic Congressman Jamaal Bowman did exactly what I implored all Democrats to do to Republicans in the gun debate: Republicans won’t do SHIT when it comes to gun violence, but try to tell me to calm down. NO. We can’t calm down. People are dying everyday while we wait. pic.twitter.com/38mYYW9cgs — Congressman Jamaal…
An LOL Poltical Take: Audio Version of Michigan Dems Move To Dent Gun Violence
Here’s the LOL podcast version of something I wrote the other day about how Michigan Democrats are using their legislative majority to curb gun violence. Is it perfect? No. But it’s a start! leftoflansing@gmail.com Enjoy! Share this!
Michigan Democrats Trying To Dent Gun Violence
My political point is that I would like politicians to try to reduce the number of dead bodies of children. https://t.co/FH2RqvrsPO — Kevin M. Kruse (@KevinMKruse) March 28, 2023 The recent tragic shooting at a Christian school in Nashville, which killed three children and three staff members, is a scene all too familiar in the…
Pat’s Ponderings For Monday, January 24, 2022
Allow me to reintroduce myself. I’m Pat Johnston, host of the Left of Lansing Podcast, or better known to my more ardent followers, LOL! Back in 2019, I produced a 30-episode podcast devoted to Michigan’s growing progressive political movement. It was something that I dreamt of doing for a long time, and we were able…
Left Of Lansing Podcast–Episode 30: Michigan Republicans Tried To Steal Our Election
Finally, a new Left of Lansing podcast! Sorry I was absent for the past year. I explain why that was case, and how I hope to provide content moving forward. Also in this podcast: -Michigan Republicans joined with the extreme right-wing in trying to thwart democracy -Why the 2018 election saved Michigan in 2020 -How…
Just Call Republicans What They Are: Fascists
Can we please stop being PC and call trump what he is: A fascist. And the gop is the party of fascism. Period. — (((DeanObeidallah))) (@DeanObeidallah) November 21, 2020 Fascism: a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 29–Michigan’s Right Wing Fight Against People Of Color & LGBTQ Rights. And Democratic State House Candidate Jody LaMacchia
The 29th episode of the Left Of Lansing Podcast is posted! While ousting the current occupant from The White House of crucial this November, we must also turn Michigan’s legislature blue! Jody LaMacchia is trying to do just that as she’s running for Republican incumbent John Reilly’s state house seat in the 46th District. Reilly…
We Are All Michigan. How COVID-19 & Dam Failures Reveal We Fight For Each Other
It’s certainly been a Spring to remember in Michigan. The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the entire nation–and world–with Michigan being one of the worst hit states in the union. As of this writing, Michigan has experienced nearly 53,000 positive COVID-19 cases, and over 5,200 deaths. The pandemic is crushing our working class, small businesses, and…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 28–Republicanism & The Cult
The 28th episode of the LOL Podcast is posted! I have plenty to say regarding how right-wing forces in Michigan are attempting to shif blame from President Donald Trump’s gross incompetence and mismanagement of the coronavirus outbreak, and place it Governor Gretchen Whitmer. These forces, such as the extreme Michigan Chamber of Commerce, are pushing…
Michigan Republicans Want To Feed The Virus To Save Trump
Infections are falling, hospitals are stabilizing, because of what we’ve all done – and must continue to do – together. pic.twitter.com/m2UUeKYF53 — David Coulter (@davidwcoulter) April 19, 2020 I’ve read complaints on social media about not being allowed to paint, or fertilize lawns. And look, I get it. It’s frustrating right now. I usually take…
Willing To Die For The New “Cause”
LIBERATE MICHIGAN! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020 I have stayed relatively hopeful up until this last week. People are showing a serious lapse in character and judgement. — Allison R. Donahue (@donahual) April 15, 2020 I started getting the sense of the simmering right-wing outrage over stay-in-shelter orders in state-after-state probably in…
Like a Good Little Cult, Michigan GOP Following Dear Leader During Pandemic
April, 14, 2020 I find it astounding as I listen to Michigan’s right-wing fringe deem gardening and speed-boating more important than saving lives. By the way, who in Michigan does heavy gardening in April? For the record, we don’t begin planting in our garden until May. Sorry, I’ll be 100% honest: The LOL technical adviser,…
Left of Lansing–Episode 27–Dave Wagner from Indivisible Michigan–3/1/2020
Another brand new episode of The Left of Lansing Podcast is posted! This week, Dave Wagner from the Indivisible Michigan joins the podcast. Indivisible Michigan is fighting to turn Michigan’s state legislature not only blue, but deep progressive blue as it highlights candidates with progressive spines. We talk about how Indivisible started, how it’s changing…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 26: Value the Women’s Vote; Force GOP To Defend Health Care Stance; Why Bloomberg?
A new episode of the Left of Lansing Podcast is back! On this podcast, I point-out how Michigan Republicans are teeing-it-up for Michigan Democrats to win in 2020. –Michigan Republicans just can’t help their misogynistic ways, and progressives should put them on the defensive for their anti-women stances. –Michigan Republicans implemented work requirements for hard-working…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 25: Julia Pulver, Democratic Candidate For Michigan's 39th District State House Seat
Hello to my fellow LoLers, and Happy 2020! I’m finally back with a new(er) episode of the podcast devoted to Michigan’s progressive political movement! I’m sorry that I’ve been away for quite awhile, but I’ve been around. If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I’m always around. It’s the 25th episode of the…
Who is Left of Lansing?
This blog serves as a side dish to what is known as the “Left of Lansing” podcast. I’ve been wanting to do my very own podcast focused on progressive politics and pop culture for a long time. And thanks to the help of many, we finally got the podcast off-the-round! As my show voice says…
