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The PEG Origin Story: Four Score and Seven Years Ago…
Just kidding. It hasn’t been quite that long. But, immediately after the 2016 Presidential election, a declaration was made. We have learned a lot since the first issue came out in the Spring of 2017. Here we are 343 newsletter issues, dozens of PEG-led and PEG-sponsored events and initiatives later. The main thing we have learned is that a ton of work happens on the so-called quiet election years. Every election, every action, every voter… matters. Read the full PEG Origin Story Here.
“Big Gretch” Signs 9 Bills in to Law for Reproductive Rights
Washtenaw County Joint Law Enforcement Statement re Mideast Violence
his month, Washtenaw County Public Safety Leaders issued an important joint statement regarding their work to insure the safety of those who live, work or visit this area. They have met with Jewish, Muslim and Arab leaders and listened to their needs and concerns. “Many are worried about sending their children to school, taking their families to worship, or simply leaving home. And to a person, each expressed their concern for the lives lost and the humanity which connects us.” And to a person, they heard concern about “lives lost and the humanity which connects us.”
While it is not possible to control events abroad, “our common humanity, our diversity, and our giving nature” unite us.
- Your voice matters – Freedom of speech will be vigorously defended, but those who incite hate, intimidation or physical violence will be held accountable according to the law
- Zero tolerance for ethnic intimidation – In standing against antisemitism and Islamophobia, hate crimes will be investigated and aggressively prosecuted
- Extra patrols – Working collaboratively, police agencies will pay special attentionto schools and religious institutions
- See something, say something – If you see something suspicious, report it to the police. A tip could save a life. Note that immigration status will not be questioned unless it is “directly germane to the reported incident.”
- Report all hate crimes – Dial 9-1-1 for immediate help. If you believe you are the victim of a hate crime or believe you witnessed a hate crime, contact your local law enforcement agency and contact the Michigan Attorney Generals Hate Crime Unit at HateCrimes@michigan.gov or 313-456-0180.
- Report discrimination – Michigan Department of Civil Rights can investigate acts of discrimination. File a Complaint
Read the full statement here. Please consult your local officials or local public safety agency with questions regarding this release.
Events and Opportunities
Friday, November 24. Native American Heritage Day
This civic holiday, signed into law by former president George W. Bush in 2008, is observed on the day after Thanksgiving to honor the contributions of Native Americans to the United States. The first protests for this day was by Dr. Arthur C. Parker of the Seneca Nation in 1912. That is a good twelve years before Congress had enacted the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, which granted American citizenship to Native Americans! Today, this day is an observed component of the larger context, Native American Heritage Month, which not only honors the civic contributions but the cultural, historical, and formative offerings to which all Americans have been beneficiaries of.
Wednesdays. America at a Crossroads Virtual Series
- Wednesday, November 29. “Collision of Power: Trump, Bezos, and The Washington Post.” Martin Baron recounts the struggle over power, money, media, and tech with Patt Morrison. Register here. 8 pm ET
- Wednesday, December 6. “An Early Look at the 2024 Elections.” Sarah Longwell and Simon Rosenberg with Larry Mantle. Register here. 8 pm ET
- Wednesday, December 13. “The World at War.” Pulitzer Prize winner Anne Applebaum with Warren Olney. Register here. 8 pm ET
Visit the PEG Events Page for all upcoming events at www.equalityingov.org/events!
More things to do, read, watch, and listen to
Good News
Local Bookstore recognizes Native American Heritage Month in Tangible Ways
Booksweet Bookstore, owned by long-time advocates for Native American awareness, justice, and equality, are recognizing Native American Heritage Month by donating 10% of book purchases from their Indigenous Voices reading list thru the end of November to The Native Justice Coalition. The City of Ann Arbor occupy the ancestral and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabe people—the Potawatomi, the Ojibwe, and the Odawa—and the Wyandot peoples.
Virginia Democrats sweep legislative elections after campaigning on abortion rights
“It’s official: there will be absolutely no abortion ban legislation sent to Glenn Youngkin’s desk for the duration of his term in office, period, as we have thwarted MAGA Republicans’ attempt to take total control of our government and our bodies,” Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Mamie Locke said in a statement referencing Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.
Despite lots of pollical capital and money, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and his fellow Republicans sustained a huge loss as the Virginia Democrats who campaigned on protecting abortion rights swept Tuesday’s November 7 legislative elections, retaking full control of the General Assembly after two years of divided power.
Candidates made their case to voters on the economy, the environment, public safety and schools, but no issue was more hotly contested than abortion in the last state in the South without new restrictions since the end of Roe v. Wade.
Happy Thanksgiving from the economy!
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, key prices are down this holiday season. We still have a ways to go, but here are some numbers if you get put in a corner after dinner with misinformation about inflation.
Cartoon of the Week
Lisa Kamil, Bette Cotzin, Bernie Banet, Linda Bennett, Kayla Conrad, Ellen Halter, Leslie McGraw, Leslie Kamil, Molly Boren, Brynn Mendelsohn, and Chuck Newman for their contributions and help preparing our newsletters. Special shout out to Mieko Preston for her beautiful social graphic designs. Follow us on IG, FB, & X!
