Newsletter #44, Thursday, February 1, 2018
64 weeks down, 40 weeks to mid-term elections
Greetings!

Protectors of Equality in Government (PEG) is a non-partisan volunteer organization whose mission is to assure that our government treats 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 .
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Check out the equalityingov.org webpage. Find out everything you want to know about who we are; the issues and organizations we endorse; an events calendar; and past issues of our newsletter and Facebook postings. It’s all there on the web!
Editor's Choice
"A hypocrite is the kind of politician who would cut down a redwood tree, then mount the stump and make a speech for conservation."
– Adlai E. Stevenson
Nobody's above the law — rapid response plan if Mueller is fired
We know that last July, Donald Trump considered 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. Trump is now reportedly considering firing Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Such a constitutional crisis for our country would demand an immediate and unequivocal response. MoveOn.org is prepared to hold emergency "Nobody is Above the Law" rallies around the country in the event they are needed. The link provides further information. Use the map or search below the map by ZIP code to find an event near you, or create one if none exists. Rallies will begin hours after news breaks of a Mueller firing, but we do not know if it applies to the firing of Mr. Rosenstein. Please stay tuned.
  • If the firing is BEFORE 2 P.M. local time — events will begin at 5 P.M. local time
  • If the firing is AFTER 2 P.M. local time — events will begin at noon local time the following day
This is our moment to stand up to protect our democracy. The law applies to all of us, and it's essential that it also applies to the most powerful people in our country.

The first step in having fairness in voting is coming to a party
On Wednesday, February 21, kickoff parties to learn how to collect signatures for the Promote the Vote: Michigan Ballot Initiative will be held across the state. This ballot initiative will provide “full and fair access to the ballot box.”
 Why do we need these reforms? Along with Mississippi, Michigan has enacted the least modernizations to the voting process of all the 50 states. The goal is to amend the state constitution to allow early voting, "no reason" absentee voting, registration deadlines that are closer to Election Day, straight-party voting and several other changes.
 The effort is supported by the ACLU Michigan, the League of Women Voters of Michigan, the NAACP Detroit, and other prominent groups and individuals . The goal is to collect enough signatures to put the proposal on the November 2018 ballot.
 To learn more and to register, click here. The party will be held at Touchstone Cohousing Common House, 560 Little Lake Drive, Ann Arbor . 7:30–9 p.m.
Upcoming Events
The PEG event calendar is provided as a community service to its readers, and is based on information provided by the event sponsors. Inclusion of material does not imply endorsement by PEG.
Saturday, February 3. Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Forum
Join the Washtenaw County Democratic Party, and special guests Bill Cobbs, Abdul El-Sayed, Shri Thanedar, and Gretchen Whitmer, democratic candidates for governor of Michigan, at a Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Forum. Those in attendance will have the chance to hear from, and propose questions for each of the candidates. Click here for more info.   Washtenaw County Learning Resource Center, 4135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor. 10 a.m.–noon.

Monday February 5. City Council to decide on Police Review Board 
Ann Arbor is not exempt from unequal policing towards minority communities and the overuse of force, and the Human Rights Council has been asking for a civilian oversight body for many years. It seemed we were on track to create a Task Force that would set up a Civilian Police Review Board as well as help go toward more inclusive recruiting and restorative justice policies, but there is strong pushback from factions in the city council and from the city administrator. Monday evening is a critical City Council meeting where the direction of the effort may be decided.
Transforming Justice Washtenaw is spearheading the effort to get this oversight and change the face of policing to fit what we hope are Ann Arbor's values. You will find information and city councilmembers' addresses at  https://www.facebook.com/TransformingJusticeWashtenaw/
Please write to your councilperson, to the mayor and to City Administrator Howard Lazarus, and if possible, attend the meeting at Ann Arbor City Hall,  301 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor . 7 p.m.
Wednesday, February 7, Market-driven strategies to address the climate crisis
Pricing carbon is viewed as the simplest and most effective way to reduce carbon emissions. Carbon fee and dividend (CFD) and cap and trade policies are currently used, or are planned, in many parts of the world. How do they work? How might they affect the poor, and our economy in general? This panel will explore the challenges and opportunities of market-driven strategies to address the climate crisis. Panelists will be: Dr. Knute Nadelhoffer (moderator), Dr. Barry Rabe and Dr. Sam Stolper of the University of Michigan and Dr. Lisa Del Buono of the Citizens Climate Lobby. Co-sponsored by Ann Arbor District Library, U-M School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), U-M Energy Institute, CCL.AADL- Downtown Multi-Purpose Room, 343 South Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor. 7–8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 7. Erin Byrnes talk on democratic engagement
Erin Byrnes , from the Ginsberg Center of U-M, will discuss her democratic engagement work with focus on voter registration, getting out the vote, the Big 10 voter competition, and helping students find their political voice. Attendees are welcome to stay for the A2D2 general membership meeting after her presentation. Washtenaw Community College, Business Education Bldg., Room 140, 4800 E Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor. 7–9 p.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, from the League of Women Voters, will answer questions on how to register to vote and how to register others. Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor , 3 p.m.
Will you come to find out how campaign finance works in Michigan?
LOCATION
Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor 48103

DATE AND TIME
02/11/18 3:00pm - 02/11/18 4:30pm

Craig Mauger will show us how to identify dark money-funded campaigns, mailers, TV ads and more!
I'll be there!
Maybe
I can't make it
Thursday, February 15. League of Women Voters membership meeting
Learn about LWVAA plans for 2018. The emphasis will be on registering, informing, and motivating voters in a campaign called VOTE 2018 — When You Vote, Democracy Wins.
Volunteer for voter registration, our poster contest for high school seniors, candidate forums, VOTE 411 and more. Hear updates on LWVMI support for the redistricting ballot proposal, the new LWV lawsuit to end gerrymandering, and more. Hathaway's Hideaway, 310 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor. 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 3. People’s Governor Forum: Transforming Our Future
The forum is sponsored by Michigan United and over 40 organizations who are joining together to demand that candidates for governor address key issues for our communities. The groups believe our state needs a bold agenda that will tackle the root causes of poverty, inequality, and racism head on. Candidates will be asked to outline their plans for criminal justice reform; immigrants rights; affordable health care and elder care; child care; and environmental justice.
Register at http://bit.ly/2018govforum (space is limited). Historic Little Rock Baptist Church, 9000 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 48202. Noon.
Sunday, March 11. Health Outcomes of the Expansion of Medicare in Michigan
PEG will host Dr. John Ayanian, the new director of the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation at U-M and adjunct professor of internal medicine in the U-M Medical School, at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr., Ann Arbor, 3 p.m.
March 28–May 2. Ann Arbor Citizen’s Academy
During a series of six weekly sessions, from March 28 to May 2, participants will connect with city staff and elected officials. Participants will learn more about long-term city planning efforts, day-to-day operations, and the importance of civic involvement. Applications due by 5 p.m. Friday, March 2, 2018. For more details and to apply, click here .
DACA
Things to do now

without delay to request their support for the Dreamers and the refugees.

Read, Watch and Listen

What is the future of the immigrant community?
Heartbreaking stories of those facing deportation continue to emerge. An editorial in the Washington Post states that “Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency whose deportation agents have been unshackled by the Trump administration, has intensified its efforts to such a degree that cruelty now seems no impediment to its enforcement decisions, and common sense appears to play a diminishing role. Recent months have brought news of one senseless detention and deportation after another.”
 As a local example, in a Bridge article this week, the plight of an Albanian immigrant whose wife is suffering from the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis, is described. The family has been provided sanctuary.
 The issues of DACA and immigration are “moving targets.” The President and his conservative, anti-immigrant base have proposed a path for Dreamers, while at the same time a plan for building a wall and sharply restricting immigration by family members other than spouse and children. According to an article in the Washington Post , “Lawmakers in both parties said Sunday that the immigration debate should focus narrowly on efforts to legalize young immigrants known as “dreamers” and beef up border security, suggesting that President Trump’s demands to slash legal immigration levels are likely to sink a deal.”
 On Monday, a bipartisan group of Representatives who have been working together for several months — “ The Problem Solvers Caucus ” — unveiled their plan to resolve the immigration impasse; it resembles a plan generated by a bipartisan group of Senators. While it is encouraging to see bipartisanship emerge from the halls of Congress, the future of those in the immigrant community is fraught with peril.
How can we improve messaging related to immigration?
An excellent analysis was conducted of public attitudes and media coverage of sanctuary jurisdictions and related immigration policies by “ Opportunity Agenda .” Their goal is to provide pro-immigrant advocates, policymakers, activists, and media commentators with a clear understanding of the current public discourse across a variety of media, trends over time, and strategies for how to galvanize public support for immigration policies that support all communities. Their findings present several important implications for messaging and audience engagement around sanctuary cities, deportation, and related immigration policies.
Internet Net-Neutrality
Things to Read, Watch and Listen

Does the government want to be your new Comcast?
Trump’s National Security Council called for the government to build its own high-speed wireless network. Less than a day after the news broke, the idea was roundly shot down by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission , members of Congress , wireless industry pundits — and even the White House itself. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, well-known for his efforts to loosen rather than tighten government control of the internet, likewise balked at the notion that the federal government would seek to build and operate its own 5G network. “The main lesson to draw from the wireless sector’s development over the past three decades—including American leadership in 4G — is that the market, not government, is best positioned to drive innovation and investment,” Pai said in a news release. “Any federal effort to construct a nationalized 5G network would be a costly and counterproductive distraction from the policies we need to help the United States win the 5G future.” See full article here. - Scientific American  
Environment
Things to Read, Watch and Listen

How Trump Is changing the environment
The Trump administration’s tumultuous first year has brought a flurry of changes — both realized and anticipated — to U.S. environmental policy. Many of the actions roll back Obama-era policies that aimed to curb climate change and limit environmental pollution, while others threaten to limit federal funding for science and the environment. Go here to read National Geographic's long running tab of devastations. - National Geographic
Taxes
Things to do Now

“Retirement parties” for congressional tax bill supporters
Join Indivisible in hosting “early retirement parties” for members of Congress who voted for the tax bill. ( Here’s a toolkit to help you put a party together ). There are already parties happening across the country, and you can find one near you here (or register your own ).“ Retirement parties” for congressional tax bill supporters
Join Indivisible in hosting “early retirement parties” for members of Congress who voted for the tax bill. ( Here’s a toolkit to help you put a party together ). There are already parties happening across the country, and you can find one near you here (or register your own ).

Things to Read, Watch and Listen

What the tax cut really means for the U.S. economy
Republicans and the administration have promised that the tax legislation enacted in December will boost investment and long-term GDP growth. But the new law is likely to do neither, because it is based on flawed assumptions and contains a raft of self-defeating provisions. - Project Syndicate, The World’s Opinion Page
Voter Equality
Things to Do Now

Advocate for hack-proofing voting protections before November
Call: Your two senators ( look up ).
Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP], calling about protecting the vote. Our democracy is vulnerable if we don’t learn a lesson from 2016 and protect ourselves. Russia-linked groups are actively hacking the Senate and seeking to control our midterm elections . I would like [name] to make election security a priority, especially by co-sponsoring the bipartisan Secure Elections Act [ S.2261 ] that allows states to both assess their risks and enact proven measures that protect the integrity of our vote. Thank you.
Are you registered to vote?
Women’s March organizers have created a powerful voter registration tool.
Make sure you’re registered to vote! Text P2P to RTVOTE (788-683). Together, let’s bring our #PowerToThePolls in 2018.
Things to Read, Watch or Listen to

Everything you want to know about gerrymandering in America today
Redistricting and its evil step-brother gerrymandering have a huge effect on U.S. politics. But they’re also greatly misunderstood. That’s why FiveThirtyEight put together The Gerrymandering Project , which uncovers what’s really broken about the way America draws its political maps, what's not and whether gerrymandering can (or should) be killed. The Project is filled with fascinating data, analysis and other relevant information.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered lawmakers to draw a new map
The court ruled that the state’s congressional map went so far to benefit Republicans that it “clearly, plainly and palpably” violated the state constitution and blocked the use of the map in the 2018 midterm elections. Read the full story here . - Huffington Post

North Carolina gerrymandering decision put on hold
The Supreme Court has blocked a lower court's order requiring North Carolina's legislature to redraw the state's congressional district boundaries for this year's elections.
 The justices appear to have split 7-2 in deciding to put on hold the ruling that tossed out the state's map as "an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander" in favor of Republicans. The map will likely remain in effect for the 2018 midterm elections. Read the story here .- Politico

Will 1,500,000 Florida residents finally get the right to vote?
Voting Restoration Amendment surpassed the necessary 766,200 signatures this week to get on the ballot in November. If 60 percent of Floridians approve, the voting rights of more than 1.5 million citizens, currently disenfranchised for life due to former felony convictions, would be restored. More here. - Palm Beach Post

The courts take aim at partisan gerrymandering
Read how the courts view gerrymandering by clicking here. - The New Yorker
Women's Issues
Things to Read, Watch and Listen

Goal of Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act is to gut Roe vs. Wade
Senators McConnell and Graham have introduced a bill that would make it illegal to either perform or have an abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The House passed a similar bill largely along party lines last year, but it is expected to fall short of the 60 votes needed when it is brought to the senate for a vote. Read more here at The Hill .
  A New York Times editorial on the effort by the anti-abortion movement to ban 20-week abortions, (a ban which is unconstitutional under current federal law), goes into more detail and emphasizes the importance of voting in the 2018 midterm elections. Go here to read the editorial.

Education Secretary DeVos discriminates against sexual assault victims
So say victim rights advocates and women’s groups, according to a New York Times article. For more information on the damaging effects of her lifting Obama-era specifics on managing Title IX, the federal law which prohibits sex discrimination and governs investigations of campus sexual assault, click here .- The New York Times

Uncompromising long-time president of Planned Parenthood is retiring
Cecile Richards, the daughter of the former Democratic governor of Texas, came to her office experienced in dealing with right wing malice and claims that abortion traumatized women or that her organization sold body parts. While Planned Parenthood’s fate is indelibly tied to the Democratic party, Democratic politicians would do well to emulate her toughness. To read the details on Richard’s retirement and future, click here . - The New Republic
Health Care
Things to Read, Watch or Listen to

Obama Care sign-ups defy expectations
A day after President Trump said the Affordable Care Act "has been repealed," and the mandate to get insurance was gone, officials reported that 8.8 million Americans (96% of last year) have signed up for coverage on the federal insurance exchange for 2018 — nearly reaching the 2017 number in half the sign-up time. That total is far from complete, with additional numbers to be counted and signups open in seven states. The ACA/Obama Care is not going away. Click here to learn more. - NPR

Drug exec Alex Azar confirmed as new Secretary of Health
Alex Azar, a ten year pharmaceutical executive with Eli Lilly and past general counsel to HHS under George W Bush, is the new secretary of Health and Human Services. His confirmation raises concerns about increased drug costs and access to affordable and high-quality reproductive health care. Dr. Anne Davis, consulting medical director of Physicians for Reproductive Health , said in a statement about the confirmation. “Mr. Azar has been a harsh critic of the ACA and once called it a ‘fundamentally broken system.’ As physicians, we seek to preserve gains brought by the ACA for Americans, and we are concerned Mr. Azar does not has those same interests in mind.” Read more at The New York Times and Time Magazine .
Other
Things to do Now

Demand that Trump implements Russia sanctions
In light of the president’s continued inability to draw a clear line with Putin and implement the sanctions, it is important to keep visibility and momentum on this critical check on the administration’s power in dealing with Russia.
 On the January 29 deadline to implement Russian sanctions passed into law by Congress, the Trump administration announced it has decided to not implement new sanctions. On August 2, 2017, The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act was begrudgingly signed into law by Trump after being passed by the House and Senate with nearly unanimous support. However, an October 1 deadline for identifying which Russian entities would be penalized with new sanctions came and went without Trump providing the required list. After three weeks and a push from Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), the Trump Administration finally took the first steps in implementing the Russian Sanctions.
 Critically, the bill gives Congress the ability to review and reject any proposed lifting of sanctions against Russia by the Trump Administration. For more information, including calling instructions on how to make your voice heard, click here.

Attend a MI-Resistance calling party
Contact Solomon@michiganresistance.org for more information on times and locations or to register, or click here .
Things to Read, Watch, and Listen to
Five big things Snyder wants done — all of them iffy
Governor Rick Snyder on Tuesday outlined an ambitious agenda for his final year in office, including investment in roads, schools, the environment and workforce training. Bridge asked five political and business experts to weigh in on whether Snyder can accomplish his final year to-do list amid GOP tax-cut fever and the Legislature’s reluctance to tackle major legislation in an election year. Besides the governor’s office, all 148 seats in the House and Senate are up for grabs in November. - Bridge

This way up — new thinking about poverty and economic mobility
More than 50 years after the War on Poverty, 20 years after welfare reform, 15 years since President George W. Bush created a federal office to coordinate faith-based efforts to fight poverty, the challenge is more pressing than ever: how to ensure economic mobility for all Americans — the very poor (both urban and rural), and a neglected working class struggling to keep up with globalization. - The American Enterprise Institute

Burger King takes rare political swipe at Republicans with viral ad
Exploding onto the scene with a rare political statement, Burger King released an ad aimed at the Republican-led FCC and their recent decision to repeal Obama-era net neutrality rules regulating broadband companies’ power over consumers’ use of the internet. See the ad here . - Washington Press
Geographic gaps are widening while U.S. economic growth increases
Bigger communities are now growing notably faster and accounting for more and more of the nation’s growth than before, even as small metros wane and most of the rural hinterland slides into deep decline. - Brookings.edu
Things That Are Good
Statute 534 was passed by Congress
Big news! Congress passed a bill to protect young athletes from sex abuse! Its purpose is to prevent the sexual abuse of minors and amateur athletes by requiring the prompt reporting of sexual abuse to law enforcement authorities, and for other purposes. This was put together by Nancy Hogshead-Makar, a rock star in protecting athletes! For more info, visit http://championwomen.org.
And More Good News!
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Thanks to Newsletter contributors: Lisa Lis, Ginny Morgan, Allan Newman, Bernie Banet, Richard Gaeth, Ellen Halter, Leslie McGraw, Diane Gottlieb, Maggie Phillips, Laura Nathan, Greg Brozit, Rick Price, 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.
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