PEG 12th Congressional District
Newsletter #80, Thursday, October 11, 2018
100 weeks down, 4 weeks to midterm elections
Events and things to do that can help with the 2018 midterm elections
More committed than ever! Voter Guide supporters gather at PBell
Volunteerism reaps success! That was the outcome of the October 8th fundraiser the Protectors of Equality in Government (PEG) held at the Pretzel Bell in Ann Arbor to raise money for its 2018 Voter Guide for the midterm elections.
        As Susan Ayer explained, the inspiration for this Voter Guide was born in 2016 when Jennifer Fairfield, who works with the Washtenaw Dems, came up with the idea of publishing a newspaper-style voter guide. This resulted in a substantial increase in the number of voters — greater than anywhere else in the state. Hence, Chuck Newman, PEG’s founder, decided we would duplicate this effort, publishing a a Voters’ Guide for multiple counties in Michigan.
        About 125 people showed up to support PEG’s Voter Guide initiative and hear Congresswoman Debbie Dingell; Paul Brown, candidate for University of Michigan’s Board of Regents; Rena Basch, State Outreach Chair for Voters Not Politicians; Kary Moss, the former head of Michigan ACLU and a driving force behind Proposition 3 (Promote the Vote); Margot Schlanger, representing her husband Sam Bagenstos, candidate for Michigan Supreme Court; and Fran Brenner, campaign manager for Megan Cavanaugh, candidate for Michigan Supreme Court Justice. 
        Barbara McQuade, law professor at the University of Michigan and legal analyst on MSNBC's Rachel Maddow Show , was the special guest speaker. Quoting President Barack Obama, she said, “Elections have consequences!” over and over again to emphasize the importance of getting out the vote.
       Attendees at the PEG fundraiser left with a renewed commitment to participate in the election. If you would like to contribute to PEG’s Herculean effort, you can donate online at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mdpfed-zemke . To volunteer to assist in the distribution door-to-door, or share the online version, send an email to RSVPVoterGuide2018@gmail.com .
Participate in this exciting, innovative initiative and make a difference
Soon, Michigan voters will head to the polls with a chance to elect Democrats up and down the ticket in a strong rebuke to GOP power and the overreaches of the Trump administration.
One of the most important races is the race to elect Democrat Gretchen Whitmer for governor. For all the national interest, it's voters in Michigan who are going to decide this election. That's why your voice can be so powerful in swinging the election.
MoveOn has a new, proven, person-to-person social media election tactic ready to launch in Michigan. It can make a critical impact in this election, but only with your help.
Click here to record a short video about why you're voting for Gretchen Whitmer for governor. We'll then show it to the voters in your state who need just an extra nudge to go vote.
This is one of most effective ways to get out the vote that we've seen in years.
Volunteer for the Michigan Dems
Join friends, old and new, to talk to voters about issues they care about and ask them to vote for Democrats on November 6. Success in the election depends on you getting involved.
  • Ann Arbor, Scio Township, Washtenaw County. October 11–14.
  • Dearborn. October 11–13.
  • Ypsilanti, Jackson, Brighton, Michigan City, Canton and elsewhere.
To find the many various activities, places and times and to sign up c l i ck here .
Fight big money with BIG organizing
This week's focus is making calls for Democratic State Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow. She is amazing and she has an excellent chance at flipping a Republican district. Here's her website: McmorrowForMichigan.com . We need your help reaching absentee voters. Click here to link to a virtual phone bank: You will first need to create an account (Very quick and easy!) and then you can start making calls for her from your own home.
Help pass Proposal 2 opposing gerrymandering
Voters Not Politicians needs canvassers who can explain the redistricting proposal that will be on the ballot in November. Newcomers and experienced knockers are all welcome. More information on opportunities — including in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Trenton, Flat Rock, Woodhaven, Grosse Ile, Brownstown are available by clicking here .
    Text YESON2 to 555-888 to connect with the campaign, or visit votersnotpoliticians.com to volunteer or donate.
   A local office is now open at 3261 Lohr Rd, Ann Arbor.   Click here to learn about the various opportunities, including an author’s lunch, comedy club, house parties in Ann Arbor, Dexter, other events in Detroit and elsewhere.  They are all here with RSVP instructions. Click on Upcoming Events by clicking here .

Thursday, October 11. VNP Dexter House Party
Host Committee: Steve Feinman and Eugenia Patru, and Brent and Pamela Parkinson. To RSVP, click here . 3095 Fieldstone Dr, Dexter, 48130 . 7–8:30 pm

Saturday, October 13. Proposal 2 Ypsi group canvassing
Click here for more information and to register. 1:30–3:30 pm
Saturday, October 13. #GoBlueVoteBlue Tailgate
Join Jordan Acker and Paul Brown, Democratic nominees for U-M Regent, in support of the
One Campaign for Michigan. Featuring Rep. Debbie Dingell and Lieutenant Governor Candidate Garlin Gilchrist II, as well as other special U-M Legends and MDP Leaders. If you have questions, please reach out to Megan Lizotte, mlizotte@michigandems.com . Click here to get your ticket. Kickoff of Michigan vs. Wisconsin is at 7:30 pm. AAA Parking Lot, 1100 S. Main St, Ann Arbor . 4:30–7 pm
Tuesday, October 16. Rep. Donna Lasinski – Focus on the Finish Line
Join Mayor Brian Marl and hosts Nancy Hayward, and Lynne and Chris Kochmanski. Suggested contributions: Pumpkin $20, Pumpkin Spice $50, Pumpkin Pie $100, Jack –o- Lantern $250
Checks to: CTE Donna Lasinski, PO Box 7425, Ann Arbor, 48107 or donate here . Dan’s Tavern, 103 E. Michigan Ave, Saline.  6–7:30 pm
Wednesday, October 24. Dana Nessel for Michigan Attorney General reception
Hosts Eva Feldman, MD, PhD and Scott Roberts JD. Co-host $1,000, Sponsor $500, Friend $250, Guest $100. Personal checks to “Friends of Dana Nessel” or to donate online click here. RSVP here . 585 Green Rd, Ann Arbor . 5:30–7 pm
More 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.
Thursday, October 11. Dexter event: What’s on your ballot?
2018 State ballot proposals: Pro and Con. This educational public forum will present information on all of the statewide ballot proposals on the November ballot. Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St, Dexter 7–8:30 pm

Ypsi event: What’s on your Ballot?
2018 State ballot proposals: Pro and Con. This educational public forum will present information on all of the statewide ballot proposals on the November ballot. Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd,Ypsilanti
  • October 11. 7–8:30 pm
  • October 15. 6 pm
Thursday. October 11. 12th Congressional District Dem’s meeting
  • Executive Board: 6 pm
  • General Membership: 7 pm
UAW Region 1A, 9650 Telegraph Rd, Taylor

Saturday, October 13. Ann Arbor Democrats membership meeting
Guest speaker, Julia Quiroz of Transforming Justice Washtenaw, will review the recommendations of the task force for the proposed police oversight committee. You can read the proposed ordinance here . Click here to RSVP. Breakfast is free of charge – donations are optional. Washtenaw Administration Building, 200 N Main St, Ann Arbor . 9:30 am–noon
Saturday, October 13. Donna Lasinski Northfield Coffee Hour
Learn about legislative updates and what’s happening in Lansing and in Washtenaw County. Northfield Senior Center, 9101 Main St, Whitmore Lake . 10–11 am
Saturday, October 13. Constituent hour with State Rep. Adam Zemke (District 55)
Brewed Awakenings Café, 7025 E. Michigan Ave, Saline. 9 am
Washtenaw County Democratic Party debate watch parties
Sunday, October 14. WCDP and the One Campaign Ypsilanti GOTV Kick-Off  
Join Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, State Rep. Ronnie Peterson, County Commissioner Ricky Jefferson, Ypsilanti Township Trustees Jimmie Wilson Jr. and Monica Ross-Williams and sign up for some shifts between now and when the polls close on November 6th. Please RSVP here . 418 W. Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti . 3 pm
Monday, October 15. Allen Park Dems monthly meeting
American Hungarian Reformed Church, 9901 Allen Road, Allen Park . 7–8 pm
Wednesday, October 17. Western Washtenaw Dems general membership meeting
IBEW 252, 7920 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor , 7– 9 pm
Wednesday, October 17. Brownstown Dems Monthly Meeting
For more info check it out . Brownstown Township Parks and Recreation, 21311 Telegraph Rd, Trenton. 6:30-7:30 pm
And...even more events!
Be sure to check out the PEG Calendar on our website for a comprehensive list of activists events happening in October.
More Things to do
Candidate volunteer opportunities, yard signs and campaign material availability
Read, watch and listen
On the ballot: Prop 1 (good info from Bridge)
Michigan ballot issues: What to know about Prop 1 (recreational pot)
In the first of three reports on ballot measures, Bridge begins with marijuana: Who is behind efforts to fund and oppose it, its risks and benefits, and its impact on communities. Read more here. - Bridge

Who's funding the fight over recreational marijuana in Michigan?
Interest groups, individuals, and businesses fund the legalization campaign. One group funds majority of their opposition. Read more here. - Bridge

Local governments across Michigan vexed over how to handle legal weed
Officials from Michigan’s local governments on both the right and left say they’re not shouting “reefer madness,” but have practical concerns about how to regulate pot businesses in their communities. Read more here. - Bridge

Pot in the workplace: Prop 1 has Michigan employers flummoxed
Voters are likely to approve recreational pot in November, but you could be fired simply for having traces of the drug in your system. What you, and your company, need to know. Read more here. -Bridge

Opinion | I’m a doctor, and recreational pot is bad for Michigan
Marijuana legalization in other states has been a disaster, claims a Michigan surgeon. Read more here. - Bridge

World has a decade to get climate change under control, U.N. scientists say
Nations will need to take “unprecedented” actions to cut their carbon emissions over the next decade, according to a landmark report by the top scientific body studying climate change. Read more here. - The Washington Post
Confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh: Controversial Supreme Court Nominee
 Despite the allegations of three women accusing Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misbehavior ranging from assault to exposing himself to gang rape and despite massive protests against his confirmation in all 50 states, the Senate confirmed his nomination by a vote of 52-48, this after a very limited FBI investigation into these accusations.This was the closest vote for a Supreme Court Justice in history. Moreover, he was confirmed after the Trump Administration and the Republicans withheld over a million documents from Kavanaugh’s time in the Bush Administration. Kavanaugh may well be the deciding conservative vote if Roe V. Wade and the Affordable Care Act should come before the Supreme Court. And if Trump and his alleged crimes come before the Supreme Court, Kavanaugh’s presence will mean the president got to choose his own judge, an unspeakable abrogation of justice.
Portraits in Progressive Activism: Susan Prakken Smith
Our political engagement and commitment to activism is more important than ever. There are many wonderful Michiganders committed to creating positive change, sometimes against daunting odds. 
Read about Susan Prakken Smith, current president of Ann Arbor’s chapter of the League of Women Voters and the driving force behind the nonpartisan Proposal 2, which would create a nonpartisan commission to redistrict the state, and Proposal 3, which would add a set of voting rights to the Michigan Constitution. The   new   special section,  Portraits of Progressive Activists , is located under the Highlights tab on the PEG website at  http://equalityingov.org/highlights/portraits-of-activists .
Things that are good
ICE grants Detroit man extra year
Francis Anwana , a deaf and disabled immigrant, has been permitted to stay in the United States for at least one more year.  Read more here .
Lindsey Graham Doesn't Want a Primary

The smoke from the Brett Kavanaugh war is beginning to dissipate, but Lindsey Graham is still smoldering. On Fox News Sunday, the South Carolina senator declared, "I've never been so pissed in my...

Read more
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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.
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Thanks to Newsletter contributors: Bernie Banet, Carolyn Christopher, Ellen Halter, Leslie McGraw, Richard Gaeth, Constance Cook, Susan Ayer and Chuck Newman for their help preparing this newsletter. Write us at info@equalityingov.org if you would like help create our weekly newsletter. It’s fun and no ongoing commitment is required.