PEG 6th Congressional District Newsletter 321
Our Planet on Fire: This Week’s Report
In the past week, the US experienced the worst air quality in recorded history, due to wildfires in Quebec. The east coast was most affected although the smoke flowed westward to a lesser extent. According to Stanford researchers, the smoke exposed the average American to disease-inducing 27.5 micrograms per cubic meter of particulate matter.
The Quebec fires are symptomatic of our warming planet. This is why the decisions Michigan legislators make in regard to our environment is so impactful to the wellbeing of our state and nation.
Currently, a bill is being floated in our state houses regarding control of the placement and regulation of sand or gravel pits resulting from mining. The proposed bill would transfer regulation from our township governments to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (formerly known as the Department of Natural Resources.) Environmental groups such as The Sierra Club, Clean Water Action, and The Michigan Environmental Coalition oppose this change on the premise that each locality has unique challenges and would benefit from oversight by those who best know the situation.
If you wish to insert your voice on the side of the environment, you can call the following Republican legislators:
The Next Generation: Litigating for Our Planet
In a landmark trial brought by Our Children’s Trust, an environmental nonprofit, sixteen Montana young residents, ranging in age from 5 to 22, are suing their state, arguing that the state government is failing to “maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in Montana for present and future generations.” They point to fires, floods, and threats to wild and domestic livestock on their family ranches. This Montana lawsuit represents two powerful and dueling forces in the state: The one believes fossil fuels must be given precedence. (Montana is “the nation’s fifth-largest coal-producing state and the 12th-largest oil-producing state.”) The other, treasuring the state’s unspoiled natural beauty, was instrumental in adding to its Constitution “the right to a clean and healthful environment” in 1972.
In a landmark trial brought by Our Children’s Trust, an environmental nonprofit, sixteen Montana young residents, ranging in age from 5 to 22, are suing their state, arguing that the state government is failing to “maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in Montana for present and future generations.” They point to fires, floods, and threats to wild and domestic livestock on their family ranches.
This Montana lawsuit represents two powerful and dueling forces in the state: The one believes fossil fuels must be given precedence. (Montana is “the nation’s fifth-largest coal-producing state and the 12th-largest oil-producing state.”) The other, treasuring the state’s unspoiled natural beauty, was instrumental in adding to its Constitution “the right to a clean and healthful environment” in 1972.
Facism and Pride Month
During WWII, the War Department published educational pamphlets for Army personnel. The March 24,1945 edition focused on Fascism! Heather Cox Richardson discusses this pamphlet and fascism in her May 29th newsletter.
“You are away from home, separated from your families, no longer at a civilian job or at school and many of you are risking your very lives,” the pamphlet explained, “because of a thing called fascism.” It emphasizes that “Fascism is not the easiest thing to identify and analyze,” and once established, it is challenging to eradicate. The pamphlet stressed the importance of understanding the causes and practices of fascism to effectively combat it, not just for the present but also for the world’s future.
June is Pride Month, celebrating equal rights and full legal personhood for the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ community is one of the first vulnerable groups targeted by right-wing politicians in the US, similar to Hitler’s persecution of the gay community early and throughout his regime. Quoting Robert Hubbell’s June 5, 2023 newsletter, the article emphasizes that attacking vulnerable populations to gain political power is a core aspect of fascism. Comparing the extremism of the MAGA base of the Republican Party to historical fascism is essential to raise awareness about the ultimate threat posed by this new form of American fascism. The ACLU map and listing of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation around the US are attached.
We need not to be afraid to call it what it is. We are all vulnerable, one group after another. Your group’s day will come.
‘In 2023, Pride Month is inextricably intertwined with the fight against fascism. Just ask the US Army, which wrote the following in 1945: “If we permit discrimination, prejudice, or hate to rob anyone of his democratic rights, our own freedom and all democracy is threatened.”’
As Hillel said, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?” That is the urgency of the present moment. We must ALL stop this now. This is not a time for complacency.
Events
Saturday, June 17. Rep. Wilson Coffee HourJoin Representative Jimmie Wilson, Jr. for a virtual coffee hour. In order to get the zoom link, complete this form. 11 am
Saturday, June 17. EOD Workshop with 5 artistsEmbracing Our Differences (EOD) Michigan uses the transformative power of art combined with an educational curriculum to celebrate diversity. The centerpiece is a juried, outdoor exhibit featuring 60 billboard size images created by local, national, and international artists, writers and students reflecting their interpretations of the theme “enriching our lives through diversity,”character building and Social Emotional Learning. The exhibition venues include Gallup Park, Ann Arbor and Riverside Park, Ypsilanti. Free tours are offered at both sites. Check out the EOD Michigan Website more info.
Thursday, June 15–16. U-M Juneteenth SymposiumThe Opening Plenary will begin at 8:30 am on Thursday, June 15, in the Michigan League Ballroom…and ONLINE!! Presentations will be live-streamed via Zoom. The links below do not require any registration or passcode and will have professional captioning as well.Thursday, June 15 – https://umich.zoom.us/j/93634698342Friday, June 16 – https://umich.zoom.us/j/96255751394
Saturday, June 17. Juneteenth FestivalsBoth Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti are hosting community-wide, family-friendly celebrations of this joyous (official) end to chattel slavery in the United States. Join us for food, fun, entertainment, and information on how to GOTV.Wheeler Park, 200 Depot Street, Ann Arbor. Learn More Here. Noon–6 pmParker Lot behind Puffer Red’s. 107 Ferris St, Ypsilanti. More info here. 11 am – 8 pm
Saturday, June 17. Silence the Violence RallyThis annual event brings together local government, law enforcement, religious organizations, and the community to honor the victims of gun violence and to work towards gun violence eradication. Speakers and Serenity Walk in Nature Habitat (Partners: St. Aidan’s, Moms Demand Action, Physicians for the Prevention of Gun Violence, EGVMI) Please register here. St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 1679 Broadway St. Ann Arbor 11 am
Can’t make it Saturday? Find another June event near you by clicking here.
Monday, June 19. The Right To Read Free Film OnlineDid you know that 37% of 4th graders in the U.S. read “below basic” reading levels? The Right to Read shares the stories of an NAACP activist, a teacher, and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read. This film is by Jenny Mackenzie with Levar Burton (of A Reading Rainbow) as the Executive Producer. See the trailer and Register for the Free Monday Viewing here.
Help Wanted!!
One of our dedicated, long-serving newsletter team members is leaving us later this month to more fully enjoy his retirement. One of his primary commitments was to search for and update events on our website. If you have 1-2 hours to spare per week, we will teach you the ropes! Please reply to equalityingovinfo@gmail.com to express interest.
Visit the PEG Events Page for all upcoming events at www.equalityingov.org/events!
Things to do, read, watch, and listen to
Help!
Lend your voice to the voiceless by sending requests for clemency on behalf of those who are no threat to the community and who have served an unjust sentence.
Information on how to proceed and the case for each individual who you will advocate for can be obtained by contacting Mike McCurdy of the Michael Thompson Clemency Project at mtclemency@gmail.com.
Together we can help provide justice for some of the most deserving members of our community. AG Nessel’s Perspective – Constitutional Counties, Gun Violence, Environment and Juvenile Justice Reform
In a recent interview with Michigan Advance, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel discussed several issues which have been brought to light by the Democratically controlled House and Senate. First are efforts to ensure anti-gun violence laws “can withstand legal scrutiny” and be enforced. In response to Ottawa County’s declaration as a “constitutional county” [in which they will not enforce laws they deem to be unconstitutional], AG Nessel indicated she will engage a task force and educate as many people as possible to make sure that if a sheriff’s department or municipal police department does not enforce these laws, there is someone with jurisdiction who will. A priority for additional legislation is the banning of ghost guns.When asked about environmental regulations, AG Nessel would like the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture division to be fully funded to deal with enforcement. She supports strengthening regulations including polluter pay efforts and increased penalties. When queried about criminal justice reforms, AG Nessel has supported efforts to reform the juvenile justice system as well as other areas, but cautions that “the criminal justice system should revolve first and foremost around the victim….and still ensure that…criminal defendants have opportunities at success later on in life.” Elections have consequences. Thank you, AG Nessel, for your work on behalf of the citizens of Michigan!
Diane Burko, “SUMMER HEAT, I and II” (2020), mixed media, 84 x 162 inches (image courtesy the artist)
Can art change attitudes toward climate change?
A new study in Communications Earth & Environment found that using art to convey environmental data eased political perceptions and preconceived attitudes about climate change.The global impact of wildfires rage in Canada turning skies from blue to orange impacting asthma, allergies, eyes and breathing due to smoke in New York and beyond brought global to local. As New York City is recovering, the study’s findings could help scientists more effectively communicate their research at a pivotal point in the future of the planet.
671 participants were asked to look at both a graph the Keeling Curve on its own and Burko’s artwork. The researchers discovered that participants perceived Burko’s artwork to be just as credible as the standalone graph. People also felt more positive emotions when they saw “SUMMER HEAT, I and II” than when they saw the Keeling Curve alone. “This study could pave the way for a transformative shift in climate communications and science communications in general,” Nan Li (University of Wisconsin) continued. “Highlighting the power of art to provoke emotions and promote self-reflection.”
Good NewsMichigan – The Anti Florida (Free Stickers!)
Michigan has been dubbed the Anti Florida by multiple media outlets and the Attorney General herself so that makes us AntiFLa!
Let’s flaunt being the AntFla with a free sticker. Get yours by emailing Chuck@LBA80.com with your interest and your address.
Utilize one of the images I will forward, but cut out contacting Distill to get the free stickers.
Our mail delivery will improve in 4 ways due to new USPS trucks
Their fleet gets a major overhaul after more than 30 years. Although, we would have liked to have seen more fuel efficient trucks, Finally there will be A/C for the carriers! The lack of A/C has posed a dangerous health threat to carriers who are delivering mail in record temps. Also:Deliveries will be more efficient.They’re better for the environment—and for the agency’s bottom line.They’re safer for carriers, pedestrians, and other drivers.They’ll finally be able to keep USPS workers cool on hot days.
Learn more HERE. –BestLifeOnline.com
Air-conditioning may come soon for UPS drivers, too!
A tentative deal was reached on heat-related concerns by the Teamsters union for their 340,000 employees.
UPS confirmed it reached an agreement on heat safety with the Teamsters, saying in a statement that the tentative language “includes new measures that build on important actions rolled out to UPS employees in the spring, including new cooling gear and enhanced training.” – NBCnews.com
Cartoon of the Week
Lisa Kamil, Richard Gaeth, Bette Cotzin, Bernie Banet, Linda Bennett, Kayla Conrad, Ellen Halter, Leslie McGraw, Leslie Kamil, Mieko Preston, and Chuck Newman for their contributions and help preparing our newsletters.
A special thanks to our Newsletter contributors:
Write us at equalityingovinfo@gmail.com if you would like help create our weekly newsletter OR if you would like to be a guest contributor! It’s fun and no ongoing commitment is required.
PEG is a (mostly) non-partisan volunteer organization whose mission is to assure that our government will treat all Americans with equality and acceptance. PEG’s work is primarily done by recruiting, educating and nurturing supporters for worthy organizations, actions and events that reflect our beliefs. The weekly PEG Newsletter typically goes out each Thursday. To subscribe to this free newsletter, go to our sign up form by clicking here.
