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Jack Lessenberry - Lessenberry Ink
Award-winning journalist Jack Lessenberry examines the issues facing the state, country and world and searches for possible solutions for the politics of today.
Lessenberryink.com
Hello! This is Jack Lessenberry, writer and author. Good to live here from Twitter. Follow my work at Lessenberryink.com, and thank you.
Back on November 25, I wrote about three fixable problems facing Michigan public schools. I heard from some teachers who had spent many years in the trenches, and thought I would share their responses with you.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/school-daz...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/school-daz...
School Dazed, Part II: Teachers Respond
They know, better than anyone, that there are problems.
jacklessenberry.substack.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Back on November 25, I wrote about three fixable problems facing Michigan public schools. I heard from some teachers who had spent many years in the trenches, and thought I would share their responses with you.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/school-daz...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/school-daz...
You may know that this is the anniversary of Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on the bus. But do you know who she really was, and have you ever wondered how much that mattered? See my new substack column today, and thanks for reading me.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/did-what-r...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/did-what-r...
Did What Rosa Parks Did Really Matter?
Seventy years ago, she refused to give up her seat. Now, a racist is in the White House
jacklessenberry.substack.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:12 AM
You may know that this is the anniversary of Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on the bus. But do you know who she really was, and have you ever wondered how much that mattered? See my new substack column today, and thanks for reading me.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/did-what-r...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/did-what-r...
More and more Democrats seem to be saying that last year's presidential election was stolen. Not only is this not true, saying so plays right into Trump's hands. See my Substack column today, and be careful if you are shoveling.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/democrats-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/democrats-...
Democrats: Don't Claim the Election Was Stolen
It wasn't, and claiming it was endangers democracy and helps Trump
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 30, 2025 at 11:53 AM
More and more Democrats seem to be saying that last year's presidential election was stolen. Not only is this not true, saying so plays right into Trump's hands. See my Substack column today, and be careful if you are shoveling.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/democrats-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/democrats-...
It's time to ask what is now a very legitimate question: Can you support Trump without being unforgivably stupid or evil? I think my Substack column today makes the answer clear.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/can-you-su...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/can-you-su...
Can You Support Trump Without Being Either Stupid or, Well, Evil?
The clear answer, alas, is grimly shocking
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 29, 2025 at 11:48 AM
It's time to ask what is now a very legitimate question: Can you support Trump without being unforgivably stupid or evil? I think my Substack column today makes the answer clear.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/can-you-su...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/can-you-su...
I think we deserve a day off from cataloging the usual horrors, and instead I'd like you to know about a wonderful opportunity to help out a program that really is succeeding in teaching kids and families to read:
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/heres-how-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/heres-how-...
Here's How You Can Make a Real Difference
Help Brilliant Detroit succeed at getting kids to read
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 11:23 AM
I think we deserve a day off from cataloging the usual horrors, and instead I'd like you to know about a wonderful opportunity to help out a program that really is succeeding in teaching kids and families to read:
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/heres-how-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/heres-how-...
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, as Tiny Tim didn't say. And if you are geeky enough to care about policy today, here's one thing you shouldn't be thankful for, and why: Term Limits.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/something-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/something-...
Something Not To Be Thankful For: Term Limits
They have been very bad for state government in Michigan.
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 27, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, as Tiny Tim didn't say. And if you are geeky enough to care about policy today, here's one thing you shouldn't be thankful for, and why: Term Limits.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/something-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/something-...
As we scurry around getting ready for the avian orgy, I want to thank all of you who support my work, here, on substack, and elsewhere. I have spent a lifetime learning things, writing, and am pleased to keep sharing with you.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/giving-tha...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/giving-tha...
Giving Thanks To, and For, My Paying Subscribers
You help make this work seem worthwhile
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:09 AM
As we scurry around getting ready for the avian orgy, I want to thank all of you who support my work, here, on substack, and elsewhere. I have spent a lifetime learning things, writing, and am pleased to keep sharing with you.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/giving-tha...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/giving-tha...
There are lots of ways in which our schools are failing our students, but here are three things we could actually fix. See my Substack column today, and thanks for reading me.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/school-dazed
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/school-dazed
School Dazed
Our schools aren't working for many reasons, but geography doesn't help
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:01 AM
There are lots of ways in which our schools are failing our students, but here are three things we could actually fix. See my Substack column today, and thanks for reading me.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/school-dazed
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/school-dazed
ou may think Marjorie Taylor Greene is gone, but don't be so sure. She only said she is going to quit. Could those Jewish space lasers restore her to power? See my new Substack column today:
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/marjorie-t...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/marjorie-t...
Marjorie Taylor Greene Isn't Gone Yet...
And it ain't over till it's over
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:50 AM
ou may think Marjorie Taylor Greene is gone, but don't be so sure. She only said she is going to quit. Could those Jewish space lasers restore her to power? See my new Substack column today:
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/marjorie-t...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/marjorie-t...
Elissa Slotkin is far more knowledgeable than most people, but seems to have made the mistake of trying to appease Donald Trump when newly elected. Now, she has seen what that gets you. See my Substack today:
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/now-elissa...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/now-elissa...
Now, Elissa Slotkin Knows Better
President Trump puts U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin's life in danger.
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Elissa Slotkin is far more knowledgeable than most people, but seems to have made the mistake of trying to appease Donald Trump when newly elected. Now, she has seen what that gets you. See my Substack today:
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/now-elissa...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/now-elissa...
The Greatest generation had Pearl Harbor. Millennials and Gen Xers have 9-11. But for we aging Boomers, our attitudes and outlook on the world were shaped by this day.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/tht-day-in...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/tht-day-in...
That Day in Dallas
And what it did, and is still doing to us.
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:59 AM
The Greatest generation had Pearl Harbor. Millennials and Gen Xers have 9-11. But for we aging Boomers, our attitudes and outlook on the world were shaped by this day.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/tht-day-in...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/tht-day-in...
There has never been a politician in our history who lied like Donald Trump. But in Michigan, both Democrats and Republicans lie to us constantly about ethics reform. See my Substack today, and think about ways to put pressure on the bastards.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/our-lying-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/our-lying-...
Our Lying Elected Leaders
Only two states prevent people from seeing their communications. Michigan is one.
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:59 AM
There has never been a politician in our history who lied like Donald Trump. But in Michigan, both Democrats and Republicans lie to us constantly about ethics reform. See my Substack today, and think about ways to put pressure on the bastards.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/our-lying-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/our-lying-...
Bobby Kennedy (the great one, not the lunatic) would have been a hundred years old today which seems unimaginable. But can you guess the other true statesman whose birthday is today? For a touch of melancholy, please read my Substack today.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/those-whom...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/those-whom...
Those Whom the Gods Would Destroy ...
They don't first make mad. That happens afterward
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Bobby Kennedy (the great one, not the lunatic) would have been a hundred years old today which seems unimaginable. But can you guess the other true statesman whose birthday is today? For a touch of melancholy, please read my Substack today.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/those-whom...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/those-whom...
The most famous speech ever made in a cemetery happened on this day, in a time when we really war in a civil war, one we survived.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/a-new-birt...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/a-new-birt...
A New Birth of Freedom
Why the Gettysburg Address still matters
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:41 AM
The most famous speech ever made in a cemetery happened on this day, in a time when we really war in a civil war, one we survived.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/a-new-birt...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/a-new-birt...
There is probably nothing one can say about the situation with Israel and Gaza that won't offend someone, so today I've decided to live dangerously and list a few fundamentals as a starting point for any rational discussion.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/last-word-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/last-word-...
Last Word On Gaza and the Middle East
Ah, how I wish that were true.
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:41 AM
There is probably nothing one can say about the situation with Israel and Gaza that won't offend someone, so today I've decided to live dangerously and list a few fundamentals as a starting point for any rational discussion.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/last-word-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/last-word-...
So we are apparently going to see whatever the "Epstein files" are. Donny, in his best thwarted five-year-old voice, now says that everyone should see them, since he can't stop it.
But we're asking the wrong questions about them. See my Substack today,
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/what-were-...
But we're asking the wrong questions about them. See my Substack today,
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/what-were-...
What We're Missing About the Epstein Files
It's not what's in them so much as what happens afterwards
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:34 AM
So we are apparently going to see whatever the "Epstein files" are. Donny, in his best thwarted five-year-old voice, now says that everyone should see them, since he can't stop it.
But we're asking the wrong questions about them. See my Substack today,
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/what-were-...
But we're asking the wrong questions about them. See my Substack today,
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/what-were-...
Politics has always had its sleazy aspects, but we've never experienced anything like the Age of Trump. But can our honor and integrity be redeemed? See my Substack today, and please consider subscribing.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/capable-of...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/capable-of...
Capable of Honor
Can politics in America still be redeemed?
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 16, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Politics has always had its sleazy aspects, but we've never experienced anything like the Age of Trump. But can our honor and integrity be redeemed? See my Substack today, and please consider subscribing.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/capable-of...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/capable-of...
Now that Detroit has elected a new mayor, a dozen years after state supervision ended, what is the real state of the Motor City today? See my new Substack column, and thanks for reading me.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/weekend-es...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/weekend-es...
Weekend Essay: The Truth About Detroit
Its long decline wasn't really caused by race or crime, but economics and the past
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Now that Detroit has elected a new mayor, a dozen years after state supervision ended, what is the real state of the Motor City today? See my new Substack column, and thanks for reading me.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/weekend-es...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/weekend-es...
There is something both parties have in Michigan: Politicians, from Democrat Gretchen Whitmer to Republican Matt Hall, who lie about wanting ethical reforms in state government. See my Substack today for the sordid details.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/michigan-g...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/michigan-g...
Michigan Government: An Ethical Disgrace
When it comes to failing to disclose, both parties are equally to blame.
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:17 PM
There is something both parties have in Michigan: Politicians, from Democrat Gretchen Whitmer to Republican Matt Hall, who lie about wanting ethical reforms in state government. See my Substack today for the sordid details.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/michigan-g...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/michigan-g...
Last week, Detroiters elected their first female mayor in history, and by a stunning margin. But what will she do differently, and can she keep the city's fragile comeback going? See my Substack column today, and thanks for reading me.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/so-detroit...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/so-detroit...
So Detroit Will Have Its First Female Mayor
What we don't know is what she will do different in office.
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Last week, Detroiters elected their first female mayor in history, and by a stunning margin. But what will she do differently, and can she keep the city's fragile comeback going? See my Substack column today, and thanks for reading me.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/so-detroit...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/so-detroit...
In the movie Braveheart, the medieval British king was surprised at easy it was to get one of the Scottish 'nobles' to sell out.
Old Edward I would have loved Chuck Schumer. Read my Substack column today, and feel free to weep.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/schumer-mu...
Old Edward I would have loved Chuck Schumer. Read my Substack column today, and feel free to weep.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/schumer-mu...
Schumer Must Go. ASAP
It's time for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to take him on
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:47 AM
In the movie Braveheart, the medieval British king was surprised at easy it was to get one of the Scottish 'nobles' to sell out.
Old Edward I would have loved Chuck Schumer. Read my Substack column today, and feel free to weep.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/schumer-mu...
Old Edward I would have loved Chuck Schumer. Read my Substack column today, and feel free to weep.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/schumer-mu...
Yes, the Democrats in the senate sold us out and betrayed us, and there'll be lots of time to consider that. But today, I want to let you know, as Thanksgiving approaches, about a place that does good in these dreadful times.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/a-place-wo...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/a-place-wo...
A Place Worth Supporting on Thanksgiving
(Editor’s Note: This is an updated version of a column I did last year.
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Yes, the Democrats in the senate sold us out and betrayed us, and there'll be lots of time to consider that. But today, I want to let you know, as Thanksgiving approaches, about a place that does good in these dreadful times.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/a-place-wo...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/a-place-wo...
Most of us don't want to have to think about politics all the time. We want to enjoy the fall, worry about the kids and play with the dogs. Maybe read the new Louise Penny novel. But these are not normal times. Thanks for reading me, and happy Sunday!
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/of-course-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/of-course-...
Of Course We Don't Want All Politics, All the Time. Nobody Sane Does. But ...
Unfortunately, we don't have a choice
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Most of us don't want to have to think about politics all the time. We want to enjoy the fall, worry about the kids and play with the dogs. Maybe read the new Louise Penny novel. But these are not normal times. Thanks for reading me, and happy Sunday!
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/of-course-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/of-course-...
One of the closest, most poignant and most iconic American elections happened exactly 65 years ago today. It's worth remember in our own era, when democracy itself is seriously threatened.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/kennedy-vs...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/kennedy-vs...
Kennedy vs. Nixon
We remember this iconic election today for the wrong reasons
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 12:20 PM
One of the closest, most poignant and most iconic American elections happened exactly 65 years ago today. It's worth remember in our own era, when democracy itself is seriously threatened.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/kennedy-vs...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/kennedy-vs...
Most of us blame Donald Trump for trying to destroy America, and he is indeed doing a superb job of it. But it really isn't his fault; it's ours, as I observe in my Substack column today. I would be honored if you'd subscribe.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/we-not-tru...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/we-not-tru...
We, Not Trump, Did This to Ourselves
How do we make people see what America should be?
jacklessenberry.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Most of us blame Donald Trump for trying to destroy America, and he is indeed doing a superb job of it. But it really isn't his fault; it's ours, as I observe in my Substack column today. I would be honored if you'd subscribe.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/we-not-tru...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/we-not-tru...