Trump Joins Israel's War on Iran

HCDP News for June 24th

Houghton County Dems
June 24, 2025

VOLUNTEER FOR HOUGHTON DEMS SUMMER EVENTS

WE NEED YOUR HELP FOR MORE SUMMER EVENTS

This is an important time for us to show our unity and presence in the community. Families and kids in wagons and strollers are welcome at the parades.

No need to RSVP to march with the Democrats. Note that William Keith will be in charge at the South Range July 4th Parade.

Also, we do still need someone to share the work tabling from 2 PM to 4 PM at Pastyfest in Calumet on August 16. (We have one volunteer but need two)! If you can volunteer for this shift, please text or email Nancy Verive at [email protected] or (812) 573-1403.

PARADES:

South Range 4th of July - Friday, July 4, 2025 - Parade @ 2:00 PM

Line up begins at 1 PM at the South Range Elementary School.

Strawberry Festival - Saturday, July 12, 2025 - Parade @ 11:00 AM

Line up begins at 10 AM by the triangle park on US 41 at the south end of town.

TRUMP JOINS ISRAEL’S WAR ON IRAN

THE SELF-PROCLAIMED CANDIDATE OF PEACE MAKES UNCONSTITUTIONAL WAR

On Saturday evening, at around 5 PM EDT, on the orders of Donald Trump, US armed forces joined Israel’s war on Iran by commencing an air assault on Iran. The targets of the assault were 3 nuclear facilities in that country.

This assault was carried out without Congressional approval, and with very minimal consultation by the Trump administration with Congress. Democratic US House Rep. Ro Khanna (California) and his colleague, Republican Rep. Thomas Massie (Kentucky) immediately called out the president’s action as unconstitutional and called for Congress to return to session and vote on the War Powers Resolution the two have co-sponsored.

Yesterday Iran responded with an announced volley of middle aimed at an American base in Qatar. No casualties we're reported.

While Trump announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel last night, (as of this writing Israel hasn't confirmed agreement) the long-term consequences of the Trump strikes on Iran are not clear. What is clear is that this latest move by the self-proclaimed Peace candidate has shaken the MAGA coalition more than just about anything else he’s done so far in his second term. Rather than make Trump stronger, as he surely thinks it will, this bombing may well leave him and his agenda further weakened politically.

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Below is some of the news highlighted in the past week by the “Resources for Action and Education” that we’ve listed on our website. These are resources our members have shared, that offer news & opinion, and action items, for all of us in the Democracy Coalition. Stay informed and help to inform others.

SUPREME COURT DENIES CARE TO TRANS KIDS - The ’Rogan’s List’ newsletter of June 19th highlights last week’s decision by the Supreme Court. The Court found that a Tennessee state law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors (and only for transgender minors) is constitutional. The newsletter includes several actions you can take to support trans youths.
MI CAMPAIGN FINANCE SCANDAL UPDATE - Mark Brewer and Jeff Timmer’s ‘A Republic If You Can Keep It’ podcast of June 20th has coverage on a Michigan campaign finance scandal. The pair report on the first criminal conviction growing out of misuse of “C4” nonprofits by elected officials who opposed Governor Whitmer’s COVID policies. The nonprofits were used to illegally hide campaign contributions.
IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUING TO SHOW UP FOR PROTESTS LIKE ‘NO KINGS’ - Longtime Democratic strategist Joe Trippi’s ‘That Trippi Show’ podcast of June 20th has a lengthy discussion on why it’s important that we continue to grow our numbers at protests. Trippi builds on the recent YouGov poll (that we reference in the item below) to show that there are more people willing to participate than we might think.
TRUMP’S DROPPING POPULARITY - Simon Rosenberg’s ’Hopium Chronicles’ newsletter of June 17th highlights Trump’s dropping poll numbers, as well as his “double TACO” on immigration.

Do you have a favorite resource you rely on for topical and accurate updates in today’s uncertain times? Drop a line to us at [email protected] to share your favorites.

GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON: THE COPPER COUNTRY SPEAKS OUT!

On Thursday July 17th we’ll mark the date five years ago of the passing of Congressman John Lewis. In the spirit of Congressman Lewis’ “Good Trouble”, national groups are organizing actions to take place on the 17th to defend our democracy and carry forward the Congressman’s legacy.

LOCALLY KEWEENAW INDIVISIBLE IS ORGANIZING A RALLY FOR 4 PM AT VETERAN’S MEMORIAL PARK IN HOUGHTON.

Our challenge to everyone who has already participated in a march or rally this year - show up again on the 17th, and bring along at least one friend or family member who hasn’t attended a protest yet. Why that challenge? It’s about making the next protest bigger and stronger than the last one.

According to polling by YouGov, half the country supported the ‘No Kings’ rallies. That means that there are supporters in our midst who haven’t yet protested but who likely will with a little persuasion from someone like you who they know and trust. And a strong showing will send a strong message - the larger the numbers, the more We The People take back the power from the would-be king.

YouGov poll released June 16th. Click the image to go to YouGov’s page where you can see breakdowns by Race, Age, Gender and Political Party.

A FUNDRAISER TO WIPE OUT MEDICAL DEBT

Keweenaw Indivisible, in collaboration with other local businesses and individuals, is organizing a fundraiser to pay off medical debt for UP residents. The goal is to raise $15,000 which would purchase all existing medical debt currently in collections in Michigan’s First Congressional District.

Every $1 donated eliminates up to $145 in medical debt through Undue Medical Debt, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that purchases and erases medical debt in collections. This fundraising initiative, ‘Stronger Together’, will eliminate the medical debt sent to collections for roughly 1,350 Michigan families.

To support the initiative, Keweenaw Indivisible is holding a fundraising event on July 29th at Small Craft in Hancock, from 6-9 pm. There will be music, food trucks, speakers, and a silent auction. The intent is to raise most of the $15,000 from major sponsors before July 29th.

THE BIG BAD BILLIONAIRE BILL AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO FIGHT IT

The Big Bad Billionaire Bill - the Republican’s Reverse Robin Hood scam to take food and healthcare away from poor and middle income Americans in order to fund tax cuts for the rich - is currently floundering in the Senate.

OUR NEWSLETTERS FROM JUNE 3RD AND MAY 27TH SHOW THE LENGTHY LISTS WE’VE COMPILED OF THE WORST IMPACTS OF THE BIG BAD BILLIONAIRE BILL!

At this point it would be very surprising to see a Senate vote before the July 4th break (which starts next Monday). And, given the political battle the bill has faced (thanks in large part to all of us raising our voices in opposition), and that the last approved continuing-budget-resolution funds the government through September, it’s quite possible that it slips to after Labor Day.

WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO FIGHT TO DEFEAT THE CUTS IN THIS BILL

Join the push to convince lawmakers NOT to vote for the Big Bad Billionaire Bill:

JOIN A VIRTUAL PHONE BANK

The National Indivisible organization is running virtual phone banks every Wednesday and Thursday of this month. Volunteers will call voters and connect them directly to their Senator. The focus is on empowering voters in red areas to connect with their Republican Senators and urge them to vote No on the Big Bad Billionaire Bill.

THIS IS A SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL WAY TO HELP MAKE SURE OUR VOICES OF DISSENT ARE HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR IN THE US SENATE.

SAVE THE DATES!

HOUGHTON COUNTY DEMOCRATS — SUMMER EVENTS

See the item above for information on how to march with us at some of these summer events!

Marquette Dems Summer Sizzle

The Marquette County Democratic Party have announced their Annual Summer Sizzle Fundraiser. The event will take place on June 26, 2025 at 5:30 pm at Marquette Charter Township Community Center.

Tickets are available for purchase through ActBlue or can be bought at the door. (Advanced purchase: $30, At the Door: $35.)

Governmental & Community Meetings

WED JUNE 25

The Houghton City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Meeting Agendas are typically posted to the Council’s Searchable Document Center of their website.

This newsletter is paid for with regulated funds by the Houghton County Democratic Party, and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.