New PEG Section!

We would like to Introduce you to a new recurring segment in the PEG Newsletter leading up to the Presidential Election on November 5, 2024. Inspired by Alabama's Supreme Court Ruling, the new section is called "This vs. That," where we analyze and compare the notable distinctions between the two potential candidates. This is for all those "lesser of two evil" folks out there so please SHARE if you know anyone who might benefit from these scenarios.

For example, we might focus on language. Specifically, how do the candidates address each other and their supporters?

• Biden: Refers to his Republican Opponent and their Allies
• Former MAGA Republican: Labels Joe Biden as Crooked Joe, Sleepy Joe, and his "very bad fascists."

Today's This vs. That sections are around Social Security and Medicare Benefits AND a special Planet on Fire!

A few weeks ago, Donald Trump admitted he would cut Social Security and Medicare if reelected. “There is a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting and in terms of also the theft and the bad management of entitlements.” He then tried to walk back his comment. And if you recall, during his term he wanted to eliminate the payroll tax, the tax that pays for Medicare and Social Security. Whether under Trump or not, there is a new tax cut for the wealthy: Republicans feel that due to an aging population, a change such as raising the Social Security age or cutting benefits is in order.



On the other hand, President Biden asserts in his new budget that Social Security (and Medicare) can remain solvent by raising taxes on high incomes rather than by cutting benefits, and by lowering the high cost drugs through The Inflation Reduction Act. The Inflation Reduction Act gave Medicare the authority to negotiate prices for high-cost drugs, lowering costs for seniors and people with disabilities.

The Biden administration is attacking climate change head-on. On March 22, it issued a ruling requiring all new cars and trucks be electric or hybrid by 2032. Announced President Biden, “half of all new cars and trucks sold in 2030 would be zero-emission.” Biden’s historic move would save our planet seven billion tons of greenhouse gasses over the next thirty years.

In contrast, Trump rages against electric vehicles. He predicts they will kill the American car industry and pledges to do away with Biden’s ruling. Biden’s ruling has caused the predictable opposition: the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers has begun what it calls a “seven-figure” campaign against electric cars. Car dealerships, whose repair services are highly profitable, also oppose electric vehicles, which have fewer parts and hence fewer repair bills. In support of Biden’s environmental policies, The League of Conservation Voters announced they are donating $120 million to his campaign.

Sunday, March 31. Easter Sunday

Easter is often considered to be a Christian Holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, Easter traditions date back to celebrations of Spring, Sun, and Peace. Today, we have added the Easter bunny, Spring fasion, and (lots of) chocolate to these traditions!

Check out this throwback video of what Easter looked like at the White House in 1941.

However you choose to spend your Sunday, enjoy it!!

April Happenings with the Washtenaw County Democratic Party

• Saturday, April 6. WCDP Monthly General Membership Meeting and panel of Democratic candidates for Washtenaw County Sheriff. Washtenaw County Learning Resource Center, 4135 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor. Register here. 9:30 am—12 pm ET 
• Sunday, April 7. Young Dems Spring KickOff. “Forward Together: Uniting Young Dems for Washtenaw’s Future,” with Eli Savit and Victoria Burton-Harris, Washtenaw County’s prosecutors. Ann Arbor District Library, Westgate Branch, 2503 Jackson Avenue. Register here. 2—4 pm ET 
• Sunday, April 14. Fundraising concert by pianist Louis Nagel. First Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor. Also streamed online. Register here. 4 pm ET

Wednesdays at 8 pm. America at a Crossroads Virtual Series

• April 3. Martin Baron with Patt Morrison: “Collision of Power: Trump, Bezos and the Washington Post.” Register here
• April 10. Ruy Teixeira with Madeleine Brand: “Political Demography - Where Have All the Democrats Gone?” Register here
• April 17. Barbara McQuade with Henry Weinstein: “Attack from Within - How Disinformation is Sabotaging America.” Register here
• April 24. Yaroslav Trofimov with Max Boot “Russia’s War on Ukraine: An Update from Two Leading Journalists.” Register here
• May 1. Norm Ornstein with Larry Mantle: “The 2024 Presidential Election - How to Increase Public Confidence in the Legitimacy of the Results.” Register here

Thursdays. Ballot Curing Training for the August Primary & the November General Elections

When a Michigan voter's returned absentee ballot is rejected, the voter has until the end of the day on election day to correct, or "cure," any errors or vote a new ballot. At this ballot curing training, you will learn the mistakes that require curing and what to tell voters. One will mostly leave messages on how voters reach their clerk to fix their errors. Register here to learn how to help them. 6—8 pm ET

Activism Works! Ronna McDaniel will NOT work for NBC News!

A few days ago, NBC News hired former Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel to be an NBC/MSNBC political analyst. As an election denier and supporter of the insurrection, McDaniel was hired because NBC sought “the diverse perspectives of American voters.” 

There was an outcry by journalists and viewers who objected to her hire as a threat to truth and to the network’s credibility. On Monday, Rachel Maddow argued that NBC News and its parent company could show strength by admitting the McDaniel hire was a mistake and ending their deal with her. Maddow said, “take a minute, acknowledge that maybe it wasn’t the right call,” she said. “It is a sign of strength, not weakness, to acknowledge when you are wrong. And our country needs us to be strong right now.” 

This story has a happy ending: as of Tuesday afternoon, NBC News reversed its decision and Ronna McDaniel is no longer working for them. Activism works!!

ACE Act Would Protect Wetlands

The America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization (ACE) Act is moving forward in the Senate. It is a bipartisan bill that will protect birds and fish by providing funding to conserve wetlands in North America. “Wetlands not only provide critical habitat to birds and wildlife,” observes Jesse Walls, senior director of government affairs at the National Audubon Society, “they also serve as a natural solution to reducing carbon emissions and protecting against climate threats.” If the ACE Act passes in the House and Senate, it is very good news for the planet.

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