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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.
I almost never repost the work of other authors, but this piece by the indispensable Robert Reich expresses exactly what I hope so many of us are thinking and feeling
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/a-guest-co...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/a-guest-co...
A Guest Column From a Great Mind
Robert Reich understands, better than most, what's going on now.
jacklessenberry.substack.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:27 AM
I almost never repost the work of other authors, but this piece by the indispensable Robert Reich expresses exactly what I hope so many of us are thinking and feeling
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/a-guest-co...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/a-guest-co...
Contrary to what the gloomy think, we CAN save our country and democracy from the fascists and the pig. But don't look to the young to do it: This may be the boomers' final chance to redeem themselves. See my Substack today.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/if-theres-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/if-theres-...
If There's Hope, It Lies In the Geezers
We've got the knowledge, the wisdom and the time to make a difference
jacklessenberry.substack.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:12 AM
Contrary to what the gloomy think, we CAN save our country and democracy from the fascists and the pig. But don't look to the young to do it: This may be the boomers' final chance to redeem themselves. See my Substack today.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/if-theres-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/if-theres-...
Time to abandon euphemism and throw caution to the curb. Our president is Stark Raving Mad, and is on a course to destroy us all. But there are things you can do. See my Substack today.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/stark-ravi...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/stark-ravi...
Stark Raving Mad
And if you don't see that, and aren't scared, you're as bad as he is.
jacklessenberry.substack.com
February 8, 2026 at 11:40 AM
Time to abandon euphemism and throw caution to the curb. Our president is Stark Raving Mad, and is on a course to destroy us all. But there are things you can do. See my Substack today.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/stark-ravi...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/stark-ravi...
We live in a world today where anyone can write the F-word anywhere, but where the dirtiest word of all is "socialism." So read my Substack column today, and learn why we need lettuce instead.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/face-it-th...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/face-it-th...
Face It: This Country Needs More Lettuce!
When all else fails, turn to euphemism
jacklessenberry.substack.com
February 7, 2026 at 11:39 AM
We live in a world today where anyone can write the F-word anywhere, but where the dirtiest word of all is "socialism." So read my Substack column today, and learn why we need lettuce instead.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/face-it-th...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/face-it-th...
I want everyone to stop whatever you are thinking about for a moment and think about this: Donald Trump is demanding the government name both Washington’s Dulles airport and New York’s Penn Station after him.
This is the behavior of an emotionally disturbed six year old.
This is the behavior of an emotionally disturbed six year old.
February 6, 2026 at 11:49 PM
I want everyone to stop whatever you are thinking about for a moment and think about this: Donald Trump is demanding the government name both Washington’s Dulles airport and New York’s Penn Station after him.
This is the behavior of an emotionally disturbed six year old.
This is the behavior of an emotionally disturbed six year old.
Last week I wrote about USA Today now owning both the Detroit News and Free Press, something that antitrust laws should have prevented. My Substack today takes a more detailed look from a business perspective. Here's a hint: It's not good
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/detroits-s...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/detroits-s...
Detroit's Shrinking Newspapers: Economics or Managerial Stupidity?
Not that it couldn't be a little bit of both
jacklessenberry.substack.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Last week I wrote about USA Today now owning both the Detroit News and Free Press, something that antitrust laws should have prevented. My Substack today takes a more detailed look from a business perspective. Here's a hint: It's not good
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/detroits-s...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/detroits-s...
Former Governors Jim Blanchard and John Engler have formed a "civility coalition" that calls on all politicians to be civil and treat even their opponents as opponents, not enemies. But in the Age of Trump, is that enough? See my Substack today.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/do-our-pol...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/do-our-pol...
Do Our Politics Have a Civility Problem?
Or is it really a sanity and decency one?
jacklessenberry.substack.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:44 AM
Former Governors Jim Blanchard and John Engler have formed a "civility coalition" that calls on all politicians to be civil and treat even their opponents as opponents, not enemies. But in the Age of Trump, is that enough? See my Substack today.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/do-our-pol...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/do-our-pol...
We suffered two deaths today that profoundly affected me. The first was the death of Mickey Lolich, the workhorse pitcher with the beer gut who won the 1968 World Series.
The other loss was that of the Washington Post, which was murdered by the greed of billionaire Jeff Bezos.
The other loss was that of the Washington Post, which was murdered by the greed of billionaire Jeff Bezos.
February 5, 2026 at 12:24 AM
We suffered two deaths today that profoundly affected me. The first was the death of Mickey Lolich, the workhorse pitcher with the beer gut who won the 1968 World Series.
The other loss was that of the Washington Post, which was murdered by the greed of billionaire Jeff Bezos.
The other loss was that of the Washington Post, which was murdered by the greed of billionaire Jeff Bezos.
Ismael (Ish) Ahmed, the founder of Detroit's Concert of Colors, died last weekend. But far too few people knew about all the things this wonderful man did. See my Substack today, and stay warm.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/my-idea-of...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/my-idea-of...
My Idea of a Real American
Ismael Ahmed was one of the most quietly effective people I knew
jacklessenberry.substack.com
February 4, 2026 at 11:17 AM
Ismael (Ish) Ahmed, the founder of Detroit's Concert of Colors, died last weekend. But far too few people knew about all the things this wonderful man did. See my Substack today, and stay warm.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/my-idea-of...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/my-idea-of...
Want a little encouragement, and proof this isn't 1930s Germany, at least not yet? Read this charming story on my Substack about a good old boy Texas judge who stuck it to the orange menace and saved the little boy in the bunny hat.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/proof-the-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/proof-the-...
Proof the Bad Guys Are Starting to Lose
Meet a brilliant and brave federal judge
jacklessenberry.substack.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:14 AM
Want a little encouragement, and proof this isn't 1930s Germany, at least not yet? Read this charming story on my Substack about a good old boy Texas judge who stuck it to the orange menace and saved the little boy in the bunny hat.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/proof-the-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/proof-the-...
For the last year, Donald Trump and his goons have been brutalizing people in the name of removing "illegal immigrants." Well, I think America needs a lot more immigrants, and the ghost of Sitting Bull tells me we are ALL illegal. See my Substack today: jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/on-immigra...
On Immigrants: We've Brainwashed Ourselves
We need more immigrants. not less. Even unskilled ones.
jacklessenberry.substack.com
February 2, 2026 at 11:07 AM
For the last year, Donald Trump and his goons have been brutalizing people in the name of removing "illegal immigrants." Well, I think America needs a lot more immigrants, and the ghost of Sitting Bull tells me we are ALL illegal. See my Substack today: jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/on-immigra...
Well, we survivors should congratulate ourselves on surviving January. But how to survive Groundhog Day this year? You could ask Bill Murray, or read my Substack today:
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/on-survivi...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/on-survivi...
On Surviving January, and Trumphog Day
Well, we got through January, which this year in the American Midwest seemed to have 141 days, all of them with below zero temperatures.
jacklessenberry.substack.com
February 1, 2026 at 11:29 AM
Well, we survivors should congratulate ourselves on surviving January. But how to survive Groundhog Day this year? You could ask Bill Murray, or read my Substack today:
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/on-survivi...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/on-survivi...
It's obvious that the Republican Party has allowed itself to be seized by the fascists. But in fact, BOTH major parties need a major overhaul. See my Substack column today, and stay warm!
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/its-time-t...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/its-time-t...
It's Time to Seize and Remake Both Major Parties
It happens, really, all the time
jacklessenberry.substack.com
January 31, 2026 at 11:31 AM
It's obvious that the Republican Party has allowed itself to be seized by the fascists. But in fact, BOTH major parties need a major overhaul. See my Substack column today, and stay warm!
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/its-time-t...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/its-time-t...
I've heard people say this has to be the worst time in American history. Well no, it's not, as my Substack column today reveals . What we don't know is if things will get better.... or worse.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/no-this-is...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/no-this-is...
No, This Isn't the Worst Time in Our History
It only seems like it
jacklessenberry.substack.com
January 30, 2026 at 11:20 AM
I've heard people say this has to be the worst time in American history. Well no, it's not, as my Substack column today reveals . What we don't know is if things will get better.... or worse.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/no-this-is...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/no-this-is...
We sometimes forget how important a sense of place can be. Here's a fuller look at a man who has devoted his life to preserving and celebrating the past of his town, despite radical change.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/hamtramcks...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/hamtramcks...
Hamtramck's Memory Has a Name, and a Place
Greg Kowalski has devoted his life to the fascinating town where he was born
jacklessenberry.substack.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:27 AM
We sometimes forget how important a sense of place can be. Here's a fuller look at a man who has devoted his life to preserving and celebrating the past of his town, despite radical change.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/hamtramcks...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/hamtramcks...
Detroit used to be one of the best newspaper towns in the nation, until Gannett arrived and an obscene JOA was imposed. A month ago, the papers became independent once again, and a new era of competition was announced.
But it didn't even last a month.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/screwed-ag...
But it didn't even last a month.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/screwed-ag...
Screwed Again: Detroit and its Newspapers
The "new era of competition" didn't even last a month
jacklessenberry.substack.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:28 AM
Detroit used to be one of the best newspaper towns in the nation, until Gannett arrived and an obscene JOA was imposed. A month ago, the papers became independent once again, and a new era of competition was announced.
But it didn't even last a month.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/screwed-ag...
But it didn't even last a month.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/screwed-ag...
I still run into people who tell me "I stay out of politics." Well, you could get away with putting your head in the sand for years. But not any more. Politics will find you; indeed, already has. See my Substack today, and thanks for reading me.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/which-side...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/which-side...
Which Side Are You On?
You cannot be neutral, and be a decent human being
jacklessenberry.substack.com
January 27, 2026 at 11:42 AM
I still run into people who tell me "I stay out of politics." Well, you could get away with putting your head in the sand for years. But not any more. Politics will find you; indeed, already has. See my Substack today, and thanks for reading me.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/which-side...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/which-side...
We have a rogue criminal element in our government, intent on murdering innocent people to cow all of us into accepting fascism. But now we have a powerful symbol of resistance, if we are smart enough to make use of it. See my Substack today.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/boy-in-the...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/boy-in-the...
Boy in the Bunny Hat
The symbol of the fascist horror our government is perpetuating every day
jacklessenberry.substack.com
January 26, 2026 at 12:03 PM
We have a rogue criminal element in our government, intent on murdering innocent people to cow all of us into accepting fascism. But now we have a powerful symbol of resistance, if we are smart enough to make use of it. See my Substack today.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/boy-in-the...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/boy-in-the...
I'm in a warm house as I post this, and I bet you got up in one too. But thousands of people were homeless last night, and every night. So you might want to ask yourself if you really have any problems. See my Substack today, and happy Sunday.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/be-honest-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/be-honest-...
Be Honest With Yourself: Do You Really Have Any Problems?
My guess is, not as many as most people who aren't reading this column
jacklessenberry.substack.com
January 25, 2026 at 11:54 AM
I'm in a warm house as I post this, and I bet you got up in one too. But thousands of people were homeless last night, and every night. So you might want to ask yourself if you really have any problems. See my Substack today, and happy Sunday.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/be-honest-...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/be-honest-...
I bet nearly everyone who reads me knows who the worst president in history is or was. But who were the best? And how do they come up with these rankings? See my new Substack column, and afterwards, tell me who your favorite chief executive is.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/so-who-was...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/so-who-was...
So Who Was Our Best President?
rankings very, but it is easier to identify the worst.
jacklessenberry.substack.com
January 24, 2026 at 11:32 AM
I bet nearly everyone who reads me knows who the worst president in history is or was. But who were the best? And how do they come up with these rankings? See my new Substack column, and afterwards, tell me who your favorite chief executive is.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/so-who-was...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/so-who-was...
When it comes down to it, there's really only one story that really matters: We have an insane and malevolent president who is risking the peace of the world and the lives of us all, and we need to face that. See my substack today:
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/the-only-s...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/the-only-s...
The Only Story That Really Matters
The President of the United States is insane. What will happen?
jacklessenberry.substack.com
January 23, 2026 at 11:05 AM
When it comes down to it, there's really only one story that really matters: We have an insane and malevolent president who is risking the peace of the world and the lives of us all, and we need to face that. See my substack today:
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/the-only-s...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/the-only-s...
As I mentioned last week, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist has transitioned from running for governor to running for secretary of state. In today's substack column I explain why this happened -- and why it makes sense.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/does-garli...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/does-garli...
jacklessenberry.substack.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:00 PM
As I mentioned last week, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist has transitioned from running for governor to running for secretary of state. In today's substack column I explain why this happened -- and why it makes sense.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/does-garli...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/does-garli...
There are still good people and hopeful stories in the world. Meet a man who has devoted his life to preserving Hamtramck's unique history - and who has more than accomplished his dreams.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/meet-a-man...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/meet-a-man...
Meet a Man Who Preserved His City's History
Greg Kowalski gave Hamtramck back its memories and foundation
jacklessenberry.substack.com
January 21, 2026 at 11:38 AM
There are still good people and hopeful stories in the world. Meet a man who has devoted his life to preserving Hamtramck's unique history - and who has more than accomplished his dreams.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/meet-a-man...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/meet-a-man...
There's a lot of fear that Donald Trump will cancel the midterm elections. Well, there are many awful things he might do, but that he can't. See my Substack today.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/trump-cann...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/trump-cann...
Trump CANNOT Cancel the Midterm Elections
Not only that, he doesn't really even intend to try.
jacklessenberry.substack.com
January 20, 2026 at 11:24 AM
There's a lot of fear that Donald Trump will cancel the midterm elections. Well, there are many awful things he might do, but that he can't. See my Substack today.
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/trump-cann...
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/trump-cann...
So far, in his first full year in office, Donald Trump has mainly embarrassed our nation and done great harm at home. But I fear few of us understand how much damage he would do were he to really attack Greenland. My substack today spells it out:
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/tuesday
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/tuesday
Tuesday
(Editor’s Note: Nearly everything I post here are solely my words, based on my many years of covering news and studying history.
jacklessenberry.substack.com
January 19, 2026 at 11:54 AM
So far, in his first full year in office, Donald Trump has mainly embarrassed our nation and done great harm at home. But I fear few of us understand how much damage he would do were he to really attack Greenland. My substack today spells it out:
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/tuesday
jacklessenberry.substack.com/p/tuesday