Mike Karl and the role of rank & file labor

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We normally talk to Emily Dievendorf on Fridays but she couldn’t make it this week, so labor activist Mike Karl is joining us to introduce us to the work that he does. Today we discuss: Empowering the rank & file to understand that they are the union Communication & education to help members understand how [...]

Congressman Dan Kildee asks Governor Rick Snyder to help re-open Buena Vista Schools

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In this special audio segment we have a few minutes with Congressman Dan Kildee, talking about what’s going on in Buena Vista School District. We discuss: The students must be put back into their classrooms, with their teachers, working on their planned curriculum The MI Constitution requires Michigan to provide a free public education Meeting [...]

Senator Bert Johnson on the coordinated Republican attack on public education

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Today our show is dedicated to the memory of Brian Woehlke. Today our friend Senator Bert Johnson is back to talk about public education, EAA, Teach for America, and more. Our audio quality on the interview is very poor. I had to remove all of my participation, but that doesn’t the quality of Senator Johnson’s [...]

Rudy Hobbs on how Michigan Governor Rick Snyder measures success

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Today we talk to Rudy Hobbs about his op-ed in the Free Press: Focus on Michigan families, not the state’s credit rating. We talk about: How the governor measures success Taking ‘people’ out of the equation Failed educational system vs successful free market Priorities of Democrats v Republicans Government should provide good constituent services, but [...]

Melissa Smith from MLPP on Poverty in Michigan and America

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Today we talk to Melissa Smith, a senior policy analyst with the Michigan League for Public Policy. Melissa works on poverty and social safety net issues. This is more conversational and a little longer than our normal shows, but we just started talking and let the discussion go where it wanted. Today we talk about: [...]

Lonnie Scott on political enthusiasm and inspiring the next generation of American citizens

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Today we talk to Lonnie Scott about kids .. their enthusiasm for the American government and how important it is to make sure they keep that excitement. Today we talk about: Inspiring young people Growing up with politics “We the people!” Focusing on solutions Telling positive stories Why does government exist? The importance of education [...]

House Republicans walk out on accident victims, remove Democrats from committees

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Today I have taken the audio from Rep Dillon as well as a couple of clips from Night Shift. The subject is Bolger’s retaliation against Dems after the Democratic leadership issued a press release criticizing Republicans for walking out on people with disabilities. Special thanks to Night Shift with Tony Trupiano. Today we talk about: [...]

Brandon Dillon on Speaker Jase Bolger’s bullying of Democrats

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“When big, well-heeled special interests come to testify, Republicans roll out the red carpet. When people in wheelchairs come to testify, Republicans walk out of the room.” ~Brandon Dillon In this special audio segment we have State Rep Brandon Dillon talking about Jase Bolger removing 8 Democrats from 9 committees in retaliation for a statement [...]

Lonnie Scott on Snyder’s No-Fault insurance scheme

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Our old pal Lonnie Scott is back, this time to talk about Snyder’s No-Fault insurance scammy scheme. We also have audio from Steven Gursten speaking to L Brooks Patterson about the benefits of Michigan No Fault. (After the stinger) Today we talk about: Why the no-fault insurance legislation will effect everyone Why capping no-fault at [...]

After the Boston bombings: Islamophobia and immigration reform

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Today we talk to Dawud Walid about the environment since the Boston bombings. Today we talk about: The impact of the Boston tragedy on immigration reform Bullying incident in Oakland County The importance of adults to be aware of their influences on young people The Muslim Students of America Marginalized groups such as Muslims, LGBTQ, [...]

The Only Person That Loves Tom McMillin Is His Mother

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This piece of literature arrived in my mail today and all I could do was laugh.  It is so pathetic.  The picture is of Tom McMillin’s mother.  I think it’s obvious that Tom doesn’t have a campaign manager or any professional helping him with his campaign. What Tom McMillin’s mother doesn’t say is why his [...]

Hightower on EM/ALEC in Michigan: Dictatorial Coup of Emergency Managers (PA4) (Koch, Snyder, Mackinac)

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Jim Hightower outlines in a well-researched piece the dictatorial nature of the Michigan Republican Governor Rick Snyder’s Emergency Manager Law (PA 4) to be challenged on the 2012 Michigan Ballot Proposal #1 in November and its relationship with the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and implications to both Michigan and other US States. UPDATE: Vote [...]