Terrible if not surprising news out of Ferguson MO this Monday evening. But solidarity demonstrations of people appalled by the miscarriage of justice in failing to prosecute Mike Brown's killer have broken out all over. Did you have a chance to attend any of the marches? I know there were a funeral procession (for Justice) held yesterday afternoon in Ypsilanti, a rally and march yesterday evening in Ann Arbor starting at the U-M Diag, and protests throughout Detroit. Please share your experiences below if you had a chance to attend. Also, please share notices if you have news of other demonstrations in Michigan.
Next week, the Michigan Legislature enters their lame-duck session. I don't understand why they seem so driven to act now, since they'll have even larger majorities in both houses when they return next year. But let's push back to let them know that we ARE paying attention. I received this message indirectly about a hearing next Tuesday:
Letter from Scott Foval, Regional Political Coordinator, People For The American Way:
"Sorry for the last minute email before Thanksgiving, but we’ve just learned from our friends at the Michigan Election Coalition that the Michigan House Committee on Elections and Ethics is having another hearing next week on the Electoral College rigging bill, HB 5974.
Needless to say, we need to pack this hearing with as many strong voices against changing the Electoral College award to a proportional system. This idea has been tried before, and we know it is a naked power grab by Republicans who would rather change the way votes are counted than fight to win more votes.
It is important that we show up and let the Michigan GOP know that they shouldn’t mess with the Electoral College just because they can’t win on the issues.
Can you be there next week to speak out against HB 5974?
WHAT: PUBLIC HEARING: Michigan House Elections and Ethics Committee, regarding HB 5974.
WHEN: Tuesday December 2nd, 2014; 12:00 PM--2:00 PM ET
WHERE: Room 519, Anderson House Office Building, 124 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
If you can come and speak out against the bill, email me at sfoval@pfaw.org and I’ll send you talking points and additional contact information for folks from the Michigan Election Coalition, who are leading the charge against the bill.
Thanks for all you do, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
-- Scott Foval, Regional Political Coordinator
If you do plan to attend, please let us here know too. I'm hoping to go but can't commit yet.
The last local announcement is about a film screening and panel discussion featuring Detroit's best-known social philosopher, Grace Lee Boggs.
(Sorry for the fade; I don't know how to do borders and today is not the best day for me to learn how.)
If you plan to attend, let me know. I'm planning to go myself with a friend, but we could certainly welcome Kossacks. Grace Lee Boggs and this documentary about her life were featured at Netroots Nation 14; for those of you who didn't have a chance to go then, this is an important and rare opportunity. At the age of 98 and counting, Grace Lee Boggs doesn't do much public speaking any more.
Please feel free to add news of any other Michigan-based events in the comments.
If you do celebrate Thanksgiving, may it be peaceful and meaningful for you and those you share it with.