Newsletter #40, Thursday, January 4, 2017
60 weeks down, 44 weeks to mid-term elections
Greetings!

PEG is a non-partisan volunteer organization whose mission is to assure that our government will treat all Americans with equality and acceptance. We do our work by recruiting, educating and nurturing supporters for worthy organizations, actions and events that reflect our beliefs. Click here to see us on Facebook and our frequent posts. To subscribe to this Free newsletter, click here .
“The world is a dangerous place to live,
not because of the people who are evil,
but because of the people who don’t do anything about it."
– Albert Einstein
Will you be able to attend on Sunday, January 21, 2018?
LOCATION
Jewish Community Center, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr. Ann Arbor 48108

DATE AND TIME
01/21/18 3:00pm

PEG Speaker Series with Sharon Dolente: Let People Vote!
Find out why Michigan is lagging and what you can do about it. RSVP Optional.
I'll be there!
Maybe
I can't make it
Editors Choice
The most important things you can do this week!
Support An End to Gerrymandering
As 2017 comes to a close, MLIVE reports two groups have set the stage for major challenges to Michigan's redistricting process in the coming months.One group, Voters Not Politicians, rallied thousands of volunteers across the state to drum up enough signatures for a ballot petition that would create an independent redistricting commission in time for the next round of district line drawing, which will take place after updated U.S. Census numbers come out in 2020.The League of Women Voters and several Democrats are trying a different tactic, introducing a federal lawsuit this week claiming Michigan's state and congressional districts are gerrymandered in a way that violates Constitutional rights.

Federal lawsuit led by League of Women Voters
A lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan in Detroit by the nonpartisan group League of Women Voters against Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson claims Republicans in the legislature "created a façade of transparency" around the process of drawing district maps, all while manipulating the district lines to benefit Republicans.
The suit alleges members of the legislature who were involved in drawing Michigan's current state House, state Senate and Congressional district lines "intentionally drew legislative lines invidiously, to marginalize Democratic voters and dilute their votes solely because they were not Republicans." Attorney Mark Brewer, a former Michigan Democratic Party chair, is the League's attorney on the case. A three-judge court has been requested in the case. Click here for the complete Press Release. Click here to read the Complaint .

Whats coming next for Voters Not Politicians
Voters Not Politicians (VNP), has defied all odds. The Michigan pop-up group fighting partisan gerrymandering that no one had ever heard of, accomplished what all the experts claimed was impossible: 425,000 signatures in less than four months, with a 100% volunteer force of newly energized and passionate petition circulators. Many of these new activists had never been involved in politics before. These were people with day jobs, and there were no big backers behind the scenes.
VNP tapped into the deep apprehension that many people feel about current political processes. People believe in democracy, people believe in one person=one vote, and they know that their beliefs and electoral rights are being subverted by factors over which they have had no control. Partisan gerrymandering is depriving citizens of what they thought was their birthright in the United States -- a fair, democratic electoral process.
So, what comes next, now that the signatures are in? A Super PAC has already formed to challenge the VNP redistricting initiative, and as Michigan Radio’s Jack Lessenberry noted, the establishment politicians are planning multiple lines of attack. VNP already knows there will be a court battle (probably a series of court battles), as current Lansing officeholders try to hang onto their ill-gotten power. They are looking for any technicality they can find to prevent Michigan voters from having a voice on redistricting reform at the ballot box.
The opposition plans to accompany their lawsuits (note: this is NOT the League of Women Voters lawsuit) with negative attack ads, spreading misinformation about the initiative. To counter the misinformation, VNP will need to educate the electorate so that at least 51% of Michigan voters -- about 2 million – vote for the initiative on November 6, 2018. That will involve growing the volunteer army to 10,000 canvassers who can knock on hundreds of thousands of doors and run phone banks – to explain how gerrymandering hurts voters and how the VNP plan for an independent redistricting commission will solve the problem. And then, of course, VNP will need to get these voters to the polls on Election Day.

Join this fight to take back democracy? Here is what you can do:
Contribute to support the lawsuit. The lawyers are providing their services for free but they need money for experts, discovery, etc. The website, www.endmigerrymandering.com, provides information about the lawsuit and offers supporters the opportunity to donate funds that will aid voters in achieving their goal of having partisan gerrymandered districts struck down as unconstitutional.
  Tell VNP about your interests, skills and experience by creating your volunteer profile. You can click here to fill out your information. VNP will place you in a position that is the best fit for you!
  If you are part of an organization that would like a speaker on redistricting, sign up here.
VNP is gearing up for the fight ahead, and it will be a costly process. Your donation of any size will help pay for the legal support and response to attack ads. Just click here to donate.
  Are you someone who could host a house party with friends and colleagues? Do you know others who could do so too? If so, email heather.ricketts@gmail.com.
  Display VNP gear. Get your VNP sweatshirts and bumper stickers
It is a huge challenge to end partisan gerrymandering in Michigan. Join the fight for fair and transparent elections in Michigan.

Citizen Engagement – Is this the start of something historic?
In a rare grassroots movement, there was an historic increase in citizen advocacy, i.e., contacts with congressional offices, during 2017 – particularly during the first six months of the year. In surveys of nearly 2,000 congressional staff spanning 12 years, the Congressional Management Foundation [a leading researcher in citizen engagement] has documented that citizen voices do matter. Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying, “We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” Democracy is not a spectator sport. See related article.

MUELLER FIRING RAPID RESPONSE PLAN, BE PREPARED
Donald Trump is publicly considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller, the person leading the Department of Justice investigation of possible illegal actions by Donald Trump and members of his presidential campaign, and the efforts to conceal those activities.
This would be a constitutional crisis for our country. It would demand an immediate and unequivocal response to show that we will not tolerate abuse of power from Donald Trump.
Our response in the minutes and hours following a power grab will dictate what happens next, and whether Congress—the only body with the constitutional power and obligation to rein Trump in from his rampage—will do anything to stand up to him.
That's why Move.On is preparing to hold emergency "Nobody is Above the Law" rallies around the country in the event they are needed. Rallies will begin hours after news breaks of a Mueller firing:
To learn how you can participate in your community click here. Please be advised if you respond you respond, you may receive emails from MoveOn unrelated to Mueller.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, January 10 – February 3, MLK Symposium
The University of Michigan Office of Multicultural Initiatives will host over two dozen workshops, discussions and performances that encapsulate the legacy of service and call for cultural competency the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. left behind for Americans with almost 50 years ago. For details on individual events, click here.

Sunday January 14, Film & Discussion: The Great White Hoax
This film about Donald Trump and The Politics of Race and Class in America Featuring Tim Wise” is a film about Donald Trump’s charged rhetoric about African-Americans, Latinos, and Muslims fits within a longstanding historical pattern, offering a stunning survey of how racism and racial scapegoating have shaped American politics for centuries. After the film, join a community conversation and safely talk and learn about race and racism. This bimonthly discussion series is moderated by La’Ron Williams, racial justice educator, peace activist, and professional storyteller. Location: Ypsilanti District Library (YDL), 5577 Whittaker Road Questions? 734-482-4110 x1377. 2 p.m.

Monday, January 15, The World Premiere of the Film: "Me, The Other"
The film documents a diverse group of students living in Washtenaw County in Southeast Michigan. Through their struggles, we find ourselves in each of them. To learn more about the film and to view the trailer click here or picture below . Tickets and the showing time are available at: http://www.michtheater.org/show/me-the-other-2/. Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor

One Year Anniversary of the Inauguration
The Women’s March organization is planning anniversary events on January 21. There is a march in Lansing January 21 at 2 PM.  To learn more, look here.
Facebook Join My List Logo
Sunday, January 21, "Let People Vote!"
Find out how and why Michigan lags behind nearly every other state in the union when it comes to providing full and fair access to the ballot. Sharon Dolente, Voting Rights Strategist for the Michigan ACLU, will explain the potential for voting rights to serve as a uniting issue in our state and around the country. Finally, she will discuss how we all can get involved in the Let People Vote campaign. Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108. 3 p.m.

Monday January 29, Constituent hour with State Rep. Donna Lasinski (District 52)
Saline Senior Center 7190 N. Maple Road, 9-10 a.m.
Sunday, February 11, Following The Money In Michigan Politics
Michigan elections are becoming increasingly expensive, and the upcoming 2018 election in Michigan could be one of the priciest in state history. The presentation will detail how the role of money in Michigan politics has changed over the last decade. The cost of campaigns is going up while the source of the money is becoming harder to track. At the same time, the number of people lobbying state government is increasing while the number of journalists and watchdogs is decreasing.
Craig Mauger, the Director of The Michigan Campaign Finance Network, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that seeks to shine the brightest light possible on the role of money in Michigan politics will provide information people can use: how does campaign finance work in Michigan; what is dark money; how can a person identify dark money-funded campaign mailers and advertisements; and how can a person find out who's funding a TV ad?
In addition Roddy Wares of the League of Women Voters will answer our questions on how to register to vote and how to register others. Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, 3:00 p.m.
Taxes
Things to Read, Watch or Listen to

The Republican Tax Bill Doesn’t Actually Simplify The Tax Code
70 percent of taxpayers already choose the standard deduction,(80% of H&R Block’s customers). Despite all the hype, Congress may have missed once-in-a-generation chance to prune tax code. Accounting management unfazed by the Republicans’ talk of a creating a tax system so simple that scores of accountants would be put out of business. Instead H&R Block’s chief executive Jeff Jones says, “We’re excited by the upcoming tax season.” FiveThirtyEight.com

The Republican tax bill is a disaster for income inequality
The tax plan was already unequal. The version Trump signed into law is even more so. Republicans have managed to take a tax plan that was already tilted heavily toward corporations and the wealthiest Americans and shift the balance even further in favor of the rich.  Vox.com
GOP tax plan doubles down on policies that are crushing the middle class
The U.S. middle class has always had a special mystique. It is the heart of the American dream. A decent income and home, doing better than one’s parents, and retiring in comfort are all hallmarks of a middle-class lifestyle. Contrary to what some may think, however, the U.S. has not always had a large middle class. TheConversation.com

Poignant video from Disney Heiress
But she's against it! “Fat tax cut for me and corporations, but not for you. It’s killing healthcare for 13 million, your deductions for state and local taxes, and teachers’ deduction for school supplies. With a suffocating education system, dying infrastructure, and a national debt that will be at least 1.5 Trillion bigger, social mobility will be far out of reach for you. But I will be able to stay comfortably right where I am. Does that strike you as fair?” Watch it here.

Blowing Up the Deficit Is Part of the Plan
Republicans are hoping to use the deficits created by their own tax cuts to slash the social safety net—but they may end up setting the stage for tax hikes instead. This is exactly how what President Ronald Reagan’s Budget Director David Stockman called, “starving the beast” works.  The Atlantic
Immigration
Things to do now

Take actions to protect the Dream Act
There are only a few weeks until the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) expires and as reported in the New York Times there are plans to separate families of asylum seekers. Please take action now.
  1. Action: Advocate for a clean Dream Act. Even if you already have before. 
Call: Your 2 senators and 1 House rep, red and blue ( look up ).
Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] and am calling to ask [name] to support the Dream Act (S1615 and H.R. 3440) without funding a border wall or increased enforcement. The president must not use human lives as leverage for his racism. Thank you. 
2. Action: Oppose intent to deter asylum seekers by separating parents and kids.
Write: Honorable Kirstjen M. Nielsen, Secretary of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C. 20528
Script: Dear Sec. Nielsen, The White House and ICE have already approved the practice of separating legal asylum-seekers from their children as a strategy to decrease border arrivals. Both the Women’s Refugee Commission and Amnesty International oppose this inhumane practice which violates US and international standards for family unity. I ask you to reject this proposal on your desk. America is a place of welcome where legal asylum-seekers desire our respect and protection. You have the power to grant both. Name, State

What would it take to dismantle the Refugee Resettlement Program?
Establishing policies to unravel the U.S. refugee resettlement program was an issue that defined Trump's election campaign and has shaped much of his first year in office. Critics accuse the Trump administration of "slowly smothering" the refugee program and point to a recent announcement that the State Department will shutter dozens of resettlement offices run by voluntary agencies across the country. However, Becca Heller with the International Refugee Assistance Project in New York, says there are limits to the president's powers to end the refugee resettlement program outright. Congress established the program's framework and would need to vote to eliminate it. He pointed to the 1980 Refugee Act that sets out the provisions for the admission of refugees "of special humanitarian concern," and the 1965 immigration law that emphasizes family reunification. "The president may be able to temporarily prevent refugees from coming in," Heller says. “It’s not going to successfully dismantle the program without Congress.” Read the NPR piece here .
Voter Equality
Things to do now

He’s Not Our Judge but We Should Care
Call your 2 senators asap ( look up). Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] calling about the nomination of Thomas Farr to a lifetime appointment to the US District Court in Eastern North Carolina. His history of defending voter suppression and targeting Black voters makes him unfit for this position. I would like [name] to oppose Farr’s appointment. Thank you.

Limit Russian influence, advocate for transparency in political ads
Call your 2 senators and 1 House rep ( look up ). Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] calling to ask [name] to support the Honest Ads Act . Americans deserve to know who is paying for political ads, and this bipartisan effort improves transparency in online advertising. I would like [name] to cosponsor S. 1989 / H.R. 4077 while still in committee. Thank you.

Things to Read, Watch or Listen to

Learn how the Trump resistance went pro in Alabama
This article has important lessons for 2018. Read more here. -The Atlantic

Ranked Voting is succeeding as an alternative way of electing officials
Read how 4 cities boosted turnout and positive campaigning by clicking here. Ranked choice voting is a reform that earns support from across the political spectrum and has great promise to heal some of the divisions in this country.
Health Care
Things to do now

Call: Your Members of Congress ( look up ).
Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP], calling to ask [name] to fund the Children's Health Insurance Program. It’s had 19 years of bipartisan support . The delay in authorizing its funding now puts the health of 9 million kids at risk . Please assure CHIP is re-authorized!

Things to Read, Watch or Listen to

What happens next as the children’s health program runs low on funds
Millions of children – including 120,000 in Michigan alone - and their families will be negatively impacted by the loss of CHIP, a program which provides health insurance to children from working families who don’t qualify for Medicaid but are unable to afford health insurance on their own.
Since CHIP is a block grant program, meaning the federal government provides money to states to spend at their own discretion, the effects of Congress’ action – or inaction – is variable by state. Some states will begin losing funding sources by the end of this month .
Two days after the Senate passed the tax reform legislation, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), who initially helped create the program, said on the Senate floor that “… the reason CHIP’s having trouble is because we don’t have money anymore. Though the Senator ultimately vowed the Senate would renew funding for CHIP, it funding is found. Here’s what happens next.
Discrimination

Things to Read, Watch and Listen to
White House Withdraws Judicial Nominations of Talley and Mateer  
Slate reports that Senator Grassley informed the Trump administration that these two nominees were not going anywhere. Evidence of unfitness included Talley’s blogs with racist comments and his failure to disclose that he was married to Ann Donaldson, chief of staff to the White House counsel. Mateer had stated that transgender children were part of Satan’s Plan and that same sex marriage was debauchery.  Read more here.
Other
Things to do now

More Entertainment While Drinking
Over the holiday, we suggested you read the Paul Krugman interview by Ezra Klein while enjoying a holiday beverage.  Here is a video of a Business Insider interview to to with your New Year’s glass of water!

Net Neutrality is Gone With No Suitable Alternative In Sight
Forbes has specific suggestions for action. Reach out to your state attorney general and put pressure on them to take legal action against the FCC by filing a lawsuit. Attorneys general from New York, Illinois, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Washington have already announced that they are going to seek any possible legal recourse. Make sure your state joins them in the fight. You can find information (bios) on state attorneys general here. See contact info and how AG Schutte stacks up. Go flood the streets, participate in rallies and make some noise. Call up your candidates in the upcoming elections to stand up for the issue. As long as the people are united on this, there’s still hope.

Things to Read, Watch or Listen to

Science is Important to All
Political policies based on science are important to protecting equality in government. Understanding climate change, drug use and affects,genetics, space exploration, and the environment, to name a few, lead to policies that protect us all. Over the last year, many changes made by the administration have adversely affected scientific inquiries.  To read more from Mother Jones, click here.  
Things That are Good
Protectors of Equality in Government (PEG) has endorsed 12 organizations. A short description of and a link to each organization can be found on the new PEG Website.
Please check out the list and choose those of interest to you for action. For more information regarding Protectors of Equality in Government, go to
To subscribe to this Free newsletter go to our website by clicking here .
Thanks to Newsletter contributors: Ginny Morgan, Ed Ashare, Jen Hoffman, Malcom Cohen, Bernie Banet, Richard Gaeth, Ellen Halter, Leslie McGraw, and Chuck Newman for their help preparing this newsletter. Write us at info@equalityingov.org if you would like to learn how you can help create our weekly newsletter. It’s fun and no ongoing commitment is required.
Tech Note: If you would like to forward this email to a friend, just forward it as you would any other email inside your email browser (like Gmail or Yahoo). Don't worry: this email is designed to keep its formatting through multiple forwards.