Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Parola Perspective: On The First Presidential Debate Debacle: By PWP Contributor Brooks Parola.

 C’mon, are we really surprised that Trump performed that way? Are we really surprised that they prepped him that way?

Are we really surprised that THEY blew up the entire process; that THEY refused to play by the rules of the debate, the rules of fairness, the rules of decency?
Folks, I say they because I’m talking about the ENTIRE GOP! Sure Trump’s their pit bull, but they’ve been blowing up constructive political discourse for years!
They learned long ago that outrageous statements and lies may destroy constructive debate and political norms, but who cares if you win? There hasn’t been constructive political debate for some time because the GOP has forsaken it for a successful bullying strategy.
And folks, the only way they stop is for all of us to soundly reject that strategy on November 3rd. If you hate seeing debates like this; if you hate how bad politics has gotten between you and your friends, then do something about it, by voting for the only party left that still believes in rules, norms, and decency.

Monday, September 7, 2020

PWP Writers Alley: The Sunset: By Kathleen Deview of Canton.


By: Kathleen DeView
Where the land meets the sea,
Is the best place to find me.
The cloud colors the sky just right,
Which makes my appearance such a delight.
In awe of thee, of what I see,
Makes me think of what I can be.
Can I paint thee and do you justice?
Or can I hold you in my memory to be trusted.
I feel the need to go to the waters edge,
In hopes that the sky will magically heal me.
Where the land meets the sea,
Is where I’d like to be.
The beauty of my colors light up the sky,
Like a true love looking you in the eyes.
Then I’m gone, all set for the night,
But when the sun rises,
Look for another beautiful sight.

Sunday, September 6, 2020

Michigan Dept of Health and Human Services: Resources Available During Suicide Prevention Week.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Michigan Association for Suicide Prevention and national and local suicide prevention organizations have been working tirelessly to halt the growth of suicide rates in Michigan. As part of the effort, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared Sept. 6-12 Suicide Prevention Week. This according to MDHHS.

“Michiganders may be experiencing increased levels of emotional distress due to the pandemic and, therefore, it’s critical for people to know there are resources available and help raise awareness about suicide prevention,” said Dr. Debra Pinals, MDHHS Medical Director for Behavioral Health.

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in both Michigan and the nation, and a top five leading cause among individuals who are 10-54 years old, according to MDHHS.

According to MDHHS, Michigan has higher rates of suicide among people who are 10-19 and 25-44 years of age compared to the nation as a whole. Michiganders can help lower these rates by knowing the warning signs of suicide, encouraging those at risk to seek help, and having open and honest conversations about suicide.

“Suicide is a major public health concern across Michigan,” sad Dr. Brian Ahmedani, Chair of the Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission. “On behalf of the Suicide Prevention Commission, we applaud Governor Whitmer’s declaration to support suicide prevention week.  Our Commission is working hard with leaders and partners from across our great state to gain a better understanding of this problem as well as determine the best ways to leverage key opportunities and resources to prevent suicide across Michigan.” 

Warning signs for those at risk of suicide include:

  • Feelings of hopelessness.
  • Threatening to or talking about wanting to hurt oneself.
  • Loss of interest in activities.
  • Withdrawal from friends and family.
  • Change in eating and sleeping habits.

If you are in a crisis, or know someone who needs help, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or visit the MDHHS Suicide Prevention website for more information.

Additional emotional-support services for those who are feeling emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic are available at Michigan.gov/StayWell or by calling Michigan Stay Well Counseling via the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 and pressing “8” to talk to a counselor 24/7.

                                                                   # # #


Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell Visits Schools, Distributes Chromebooks and Meals.



Editor in Chief and Publisher Jeff Brown.

Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) drew attention to challenges faced by educators, students, families, and school districts as the return to learning begins, according to a Wednesday press release from the office the congresswoman. Dingell highlighted both providing schools the resources they need to bring students back into the classroom safely and averting deep cuts to public education through state and local funding relief, according to the statement.

Wednesday, Dingell visited Dearborn School District’s OL Smith Middle School and Van Buren School District’s McBride Middle School. She saw preparations and distributions of nutritious meals and school supplies including Chromebooks for students to stay connected virtually. Dingell heard from teachers and school officials that are concerned about student’s not having access to the internet, ensuring proper nutrition, and students keeping up with their school work at home. This according to the press release.


 “Each year, a new school year brings nerves, excitement, and challenges. COVID heightens those emotions for educators, students, and families,” said Dingell. “Across Southeast Michigan, school districts are going above and beyond to ensure their students have the keys to success this school year. The need is significant, Dearborn Schools provides 70,000 meals a week to young people. This is important. It was great to see the community come together to distribute food, technology, and even school shirts to keep up spirit. But what our school districts need most is funding relief to avert deep cuts to public education and teacher layoffs.”

More than 100 days ago, the House-passed the Heroes Act – with support from Dingell – which includes $58 billion for K-12 schools nationwide to help schools cover unexpected costs that are necessary to reopen safely, including personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning and sanitizing classrooms, and making special accommodations for high-risk students and educators. The Heroes Act also provides nearly $1 trillion in state and local funding to fill unprecedented budget shortfalls that will likely lead to devastating cuts to public education, according to Wednesday's statement.