Indivisible Metro Detroit: John James Empty Chair Town Hall

Indivisible Metro Detroit John James Empty Chair Townhall

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An impassioned town hall event, organized by local groups including Macomb Defenders Rising (an Indivisible group) and co-sponsored by organizations like Fund My Future Michigan and Families for Fair Care, brought together hundreds of people in Michigan's 10th Congressional District. The focus was clear: holding Congressman John James accountable for his voting record and perceived failure to represent his constituents, particularly regarding proposed federal budget cuts. The event was notable for the absence of the Congressman himself, who organizers stated has a reputation for not showing up for constituents and has even called the police on those requesting meetings. Speakers suggested his absence indicated he was "terrified" of having to choose between voting with his constituents or his political "minders".

A central concern voiced throughout the evening was the proposed federal budget, characterized by speakers as a plan to provide over $1 trillion in tax giveaways to the wealthiest 1%. To pay for this, the plan reportedly includes some $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid. Senator Bernie Sanders, addressing the audience remotely, described the current political climate under Trump as a "government of the billionaire class by the billionaire class for the billionaire class," rapidly moving toward authoritarianism and seeking to dismantle crucial agencies that work for working families, including Social Security and the VA.

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib provided specific, powerful data on the potential impact of Medicaid cuts in Congressman James's district. She stated that 23% of the district's residents rely on Medicaid. This includes approximately 69,000 children, with 17,000 having disabilities. Additionally, 17,000 seniors in the district receive care through Medicaid long-term care, and 2800 births per year in the district depend on prenatal and postnatal Medicaid coverage. Tlaib explained that while the word "Medicaid" might not be explicitly in the proposal, cuts of this magnitude would inevitably impact the program, along with the Affordable Care Act, potentially increasing costs for families who rely on marketplace plans. She highlighted that Medicaid is critical to the district's economy, deeply tied to hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies which are among the largest employers.

Community members shared heartfelt personal stories illustrating the real-world consequences of these proposed cuts. Taylor Johnson, a mother of a six-year-old son with Down syndrome, spoke movingly about their family's reliance on Medicaid for necessary therapies, specialist appointments, and medical care that their private insurance would not cover. She emphasized that Medicaid is "a necessary service" and "not a luxury," protecting vulnerable people. Her family is "terrified" of losing this essential support, noting how even a brief portal issue recently led to a service denial for her son. Another speaker, struggling with chronic illness and disability, described the fear and anxiety caused by rhetoric labeling disabled people as "drains on society". She highlighted that cuts are already being prepared for in the system, making it harder for people to access necessary support and legal help.

The event wasn't just about highlighting problems; it was a call to action and a demonstration of resistance. Organizers led energetic chants criticizing Congressman James. Speakers emphasized the power of organized people to fight back and influence institutions like Congress. The rapid growth of Macomb Defenders Rising, gaining over 500 members in just 13 weeks, was celebrated as evidence of community engagement. Past actions were recounted, including protests, visits to offices (where police were called), and helping organize a larger regional protest with over 10,000 attendees.

Strategies for resistance discussed included door-knocking to share accurate information countering online disinformation, encouraging neighbor-to-neighbor connections and conversations, filling out pledge cards and postcards to send messages to elected officials, joining local organizations, and taking direct action. The importance of consistency, building momentum, and creating linkages between different groups was stressed. The power of personal stories and collective action was seen as crucial for pushing back against attempts to divide people.

Beyond the budget cuts, broader issues were addressed, framed within a fight against authoritarianism and corporate greed. Congresswoman Tlaib condemned the use of emergency powers to bypass due process, citing the case of Kamar Abgo Garcia. She linked such actions to a broader pattern of lawlessness and fascism. The need to hold all politicians accountable, including Democrats, was underscored, especially when they fail to fight aggressively or appear to prioritize polling over doing what is right. The vulnerability of the federal workforce to cuts and difficult working conditions was also highlighted, impacting essential services like veterans' healthcare. The event underscored that this movement is about defending shared humanity and fighting for a government that represents everyone, not just the wealthy elite.

This event was a collaboration between Indivisible Macomb Defenders Rising, Fair Share America, Families for Fair Share, Fund MI Future, Friends of Bernie Sanders, and Mothering Justice.