On July 26 2021, the Michigan US Senators had an important chance to acknowledge the people, but they didn’t. On the critical issues of the day, the common people of Michigan have so far have not been getting their basic questions answered. This is the continuation of an epic battle; it is running it’s course to either the salvation of American democracy or our fall to autocracy.
The Poor People’s Campaign has taken a stance around the country, with clear priorities and a noble agenda. Michigan was a part of a national coordination to bring out the Senators and their stances. According to Detroit event coordinator Elena Hawkins:
state governments are incapable of properly protecting the people; so US Senators are vital.
Sincere respectful efforts were made to solicit the stance of the US Senators Peters and Stabenow. It’s not that the US Senators were expected at the event. But in the absence of clear complete answers, the senators were engaged in effigy.
Yes, it’s demanding to ask Senator’s “which side are you on?” Politicians like Biden are wrong to assume they will prevail because the masses have no choice but to vote for them. Think oligarchy. Some political priorities, like big-business infrastructure, smack of business-as-usual. As Rome burns.
Michigan’s Poor People’s Campaign works in conjunction with vital grass roots movements.
For example, Ms. Marian Kramer Baker is a representative of the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization; she spoke passionately about harsh realities tempered by group determination. They posted video of the press conference. Another active Detroit community group is the People’s Water Board Coalition.
Regarding the $15 minimum wage, event supporter Tobias Webb described the government failure as disheartening.
The fight has been going on so long that the goal of $15 per hour is itself an unlivable wage.
The Poor People’s Campaign is under no delusions.
Everyone – the movements and the impacted people – all know it is that long hard row to hoe. The long hard row for the politicians seems to be avoiding the demands of the people. This will not stand, but our democracy will.
This press conference might have put the Michigan Senators on notice, even though they did brush it off. Notice that the local press did not turn out either.
The smattering of Michiganders got the satisfaction of voicing their demands; they enjoyed the tenuous luxury of not quite getting arrested. The Poor People’s Campaign does not tolerate violence of any kind. Love wins.
Jim, I like it very much.
Hope it gets shared around.
Thanks, Rene. I am trying to get such articles in front of thinking caring people.