In late 2023, Freep’s editorial page editor ran this article about why Detroit should be Michigan’s capital instead of Lansing. It equated our ability to house the state capitol with our quantity of tacos. It complained that we have simultaneously too little and too much parking. And, of course, it coined an infamous phrase with this line: 

“When you tell Lansing residents they live in a sad little town, they don't get offended, they shrug ruefully and look apologetic, because they know it's true.”

Sad. Little. Town. That’s a good one. 

There were tweets by the thousands. There were response articles and videos. It was a whole thing. 

And it still is a whole thing. Because those three little words made us even more happy than ever to be in our little town. Funny how that works out. 

Needless to say, merch was born! To spread the love, a portion of proceeds from our “Sad Little Town” products go directly to local neighborhood organizations doing the work to uplift Lansing (Downtown Lansing Inc., REO Town Commercial Association, Old Town Commercial Association, and South West Action Group). 

If you want to light a fire, be our guest. Drag our little town when you’ve only been here a handful of times. Our little town filled with vibrant people and places and ideas. Our little town that’s making it happen. We might even make a t-shirt about it.  

It Started Again.

And then! And then. The Wall Street Journal posted some nonsense about our neighbor. Not even gonna repeat that inflammatory junk. If you know, you know. And if not, you’ve got Google. 

Now, we’re not going to get into nuances of religion, semantics, or history. Those are above our pay grade — though very worthy pursuits! But we’re gonna tell you: Mess with our neighbors and it’s our responsibility to say nah. We’re all Michiganders, and we’re all one at the end of the day. 

So we made some more merch! We love you, friends. From one Sad Little Michigan Town tripped up by a bad op-ed to another, we’re here for our brethren and neighbors. Dearborn is a lovely city filled with smart, hardworking, kind humans. Full stop. 

Anyway, shop our shirts if you want to. If not, feel free to move on. If so, a portion of your Dearborn shirt proceeds go to the Dearborn Downtown Development Authorities to keep up their good work. 

Peace, Love, Michigan.