PEG 6th Congressional District Newsletter 364
Note from the editors: We at Protectors of Equality in Government (PEG) want to tell you about meaningful ways to stay informed and active. We also want to keep things brief and engaging! Therefore, you’ll now see a traditional, in-depth newsletter during the first week of the month, followed by shorter “Ideas for Action” editions the rest of the month. Let us know what you think!
his vs. That: NATO
NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was established in 1949 with 12 founding members to counter Soviet expansion during the Cold War. Members agree to mutual defense: aiding any attacked member. Though lacking a dedicated army, NATO facilitates collective military responses to crises, coordinates military strategies, and conducts joint exercises among member nations. Many believe it has been the primary reason for the general peace since WWII.
| Trump At a rally in February, Trump recalled a conversation with another NATO member regarding US help. “‘You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent?’” Trump recounted saying. “‘No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay. You gotta pay your bills.’” John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, expects that if Trump won a second term, “NATO would be in real jeopardy. I think he would try to get out.” | Biden In a June 2023 Bilateral Meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Biden said, “The NATO Allies have never been more united. We both worked like hell to make sure that happened. And so far, so good. … We’ve strengthened NATO’s eastern flank, made it clear that we’ll defend every inch of NATO territory. And I say it again: The commitment of the United States to NATO’s Article 5 is rock solid.” |
Events and GOTV (Getting Out the Vote) #VoteReady
The Best Reason to Send Letters and Postcards We Have Seen
Distill Social went to the expense of digitizing the names and addresses of the signers of the successful Michigan Reproductive Freedom For All ballot initiative. They need volunteers to send letters and postcards to those signers who don’t always vote or sometimes mistakenly vote for candidates who don’t support abortion rights.
Email Chuck to learn more about how you can help.
Please help provide a critical service so we can ensure that NO vote is left behind!
OOPSY! I forgot to sign & date my absentee ballot. My ballot will not count. HELP! It’s a common mistake. In Michigan, when a voter’s returned absentee ballot is rejected for things such as a missing signature or date, the voter has until the end of election day to correct any errors or vote a new ballot. This is called ballot curing. It’s all done virtually. Get trained to call these voters and tell them how to fix the problem easily.
Tuesday, April 16. Letters to the Editor Workshop
VNP is offering a Michigan Voting Rights Amendment Letters to the Editor Workshop. This session will focus on sharing the benefits of the proposed Michigan VRA legislation, and raising awareness of the MI VRA. Participants will receive a guide to help write and submit letters to their local newspaper, a list of local Michigan outlets that accept LTEs, and a sample letter on the topic. Register here. 6-7 pm
Wednesdays at 8 pm. America at a Crossroads Virtual Series
- April 17. Barbara McQuade with Henry Weinstein: “Attack from Within – How Disinformation is Sabotaging America.” Register here
- April 24. Yaroslav Trofimov with Max Boot “Russia’s War on Ukraine: An Update from Two Leading Journalists.” Register here
Thursdays April 18 and May 16. Become a Gun Violence Community Educator
Train to become a Gun Violence Community Educator! Learn about the four new Michigan gun laws: safe storage of firearms in homes with children; Extreme Risk Protection Orders (who is eligible to file them and how); universal background checks and how to use them; and new protections for domestic violence survivors. Sign up here for online training at 8 pm ET
VOTE May 7: Special Election in Ypsilanti
A special vote will be held to consider the recall of Ward 3 Ypsilanti City Council Member Desirae Simmons. No specific grounds are required for recall in Michigan. To get a recall on the ballot in Michigan, recall supporters must collect signatures equal in number to 25% of voters in the jurisdiction that voted in the most recent gubernatorial race. That number was 603 and recall supporters gathered 606 signatures.
Visit the PEG Events Page for more upcoming events at www.equalityingov.org/events!
More things to do, read, watch and listen to
Vice President Kamala Harris Goes on Historic Reproductive Rights Tour
On this first day of Black Maternal Health Week, video footage is trending of VP Harris’ historic tour of a Minnesota Abortion Clinic. This is the first time a sitting President or Vice President has visited an abortion clinic. It is also the first time we have had a woman President or Vice President of the United States.
PEGGY’s Glossary: What is a Dog Whistle?
A literal dog whistle has a high-pitched tone that is inaudible to humans and is used to train dogs.
In politics, a dog whistle is the use of coded or suggestive language in political messaging to garner support from a particular group without provoking opposition. Dog whistles use language that appears normal to many people but communicates specific things to intended audiences without attracting negative attention.
PEG Art of the Week
(courtesy of Dems Lab)
