Since so much of the news has been terrible of late, I feel like I have to point out some definite glimmers of light, both in Michigan:
Two ballot initiatives advancing progressive causes — reproductive freedom and voting rights — have turned in signatures far, far, farrrrr in excess of those needed to get on the November ballot. Both are constitutional amendments, which means if they pass, they’ll be difficult to roll back in the future. Michigan has these direct-democracy features baked into its constitution, which was last revised in 1963, so some very New Frontier details. Sometimes good ideas get in there, sometimes bad ones (term limits, ahem). But it’s the system we’ve been given, and some people are working it.
Anyway, the reproductive-freedom initiative would give women the right to make that choice at any point in their pregnancy, so of course the pushback has already started: This will allow 12-year-olds to undergo hysterectomies! Women will have abortions in the eighth month! And so on. But they turned in a record number of signatures: 753,000, well over the 425,000 required.
Promote the Vote, the other one, came in with something like 663,000, and would make voting easier, more convenient, and — this is the big one — provide for nine days of early in-person voting, which we don’t currently have. (On the other hand, I believe some of the union contracts make Election Day a holiday, in the interest of participatory democracy. That might go in the next negotiation, huh?)
That both of these breezed across the finish line with such a margin — all petition drives over-deliver, because all the signatures have to be verified, and inevitably some are tossed — suggests all is not lost.
And today was another J6 hearing, ai-yi-yi. This is getting so ridiculous, this giant pile of evidence, something more better come of it than a bunch of embarrassment. Meanwhile, dozens of Republicans are running for office on the STOLEN ELECTION. It’s revolting. Maybe November will sort a few things out; I certainly hope so.
Another perfect day today, and I smashed it — up early, worked out, walked the dog, showered, worked, cleaned the goddamn coffeemaker. Remembered to have something for dinner, prepped it in plenty of time, drank lots of water. It’s amazing what a good night’s sleep can yield.
Now let’s see what Wednesday brings. You never know.



