The Lost Slide Show: What Democracy Looks Like!

Many thanks go out to the Ingham County Democratic Party (IDCP) which invited me to speak before their monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. As luck would have it, my technology -- specifically the slide show that I wanted to show as part of my presentation about the Lansing area peace community -- did not work. My co-chair at the Peace Education Center, Melissa Osborn, was gracious in helping talk about ongoing peace issues and actions, and in filling the gap left by the lost slide show. My wife, Ruth, navigated graciously in helping with all the equipment and set-up. (The mistake was mine, as the slide show was neatly tucked away in an obscure corner of the jump drive. Opps!)

I plan to send the ICDP a link to my slide show to share with their members via email. In the meantime, the video slide show is shown below. Thanks again to the IDCP!

-- Rico Thomas Rico

P.S. The video below is a new, expanded rendition of an earlier slide show by the Peace Education Center recapping some of the peace action in Lansing during 2007 and 2008.

"What Democracy Looks Like!"

Video Report: Jim Dean's Lunchtime Chat

Through storms, power outages, new software, and new hi-def camera, I was finally able to work through the kinks to publish the first of many (I hope) video projects. Below is the recording of DFA chair Jim Dean's lunchtime chat with the DFA Campaign Academy in Lansing, Michigan on June 8, 2008. Check it out.

-- Rico Thomas Rico


Jim Dean Talks to DFA Campaign Academy June 2008 from Rico Thomas Rico on Vimeo.

Mid-Michigan DFA Supports Obama, Renner, & Justice for Paredes

Mid-Michigan Democracy for America reflected its wide-ranging interest in progressive politics and policies with three key actions at its meeting tonight.

Mid-Michigan DFA not only voted unanimous support for Barack Obama, but it also -- in keeping with its strong support for grassroots activism -- endorsed progressive candidate Richard Renner for Missaukee County Commission. The organization focused attention on the upcoming presidential election, as well as local election races involving Renner, Mark Schauer, and others. More endorsements will be considered at next month's meeting on July 9th. Candidates seeking Mid-Michigan DFA's endorsement should request an endorsement application by sending an e-mail message to midmichigandfa@yahoo.com.

Additionally, Mid-Michigan DFA unanimously supported Efren Paredes, Jr.'s request for a commuted sentence or pardon from Governor Jennifer Granholm. Efren was unjustly convicted of murder when he was 15 years old and sentenced to 3 life terms. Mid-Michigan DFA will be sending an official letter to the Governor in support of Efren. Also, the group decided to donate the monthly donations collected tonight to Efren's legal defense fund. More information about this case will be posted here in the next few days.

Finally, the group decided to hold a picnic at its August meeting in East Lansing's Patriarche Park. It will be August 13, 2008. Mark your calendar. More details will follow.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

Richard Renner (center) Addresses Mid-Michigan DFA

DFA Campaign Academy: Day Two Report

It took a tornado, local fire regulations, and a persistent LCC police officer to end the Democracy for America (DFA) Campaign Academy on Sunday, June 9, 2008. The Big Blue Tsunami turned out to be a big ass tornado ripping through mid-Michigan. Always be careful what you ask for.

Timing is everything, too. I volunteered to take trainer Michael Cook to the airport on Sunday afternoon. Just after I dropped him off, the storm hit as I drove south on Waverly Road in Lansing. I knew it was bad when it started to rain sideways and trees were leaning over the road. By the time I reached Snow Road, traffic lights were out and a Consumers Power crew was guarding a live wire lying in the street. The conference center was completely dark as I dodged tree limbs along the winding drive leading to the facility.

I got a Facebook friend request from Michael today, so obviously his plane made it safely out of Lansing some way, some how.

DAY TWO TRAINING


Day Two of DFA Campaign Academy was as fast-paced as the previous one. Working the registration table, I spent most of my time in the lobby assisting people and snapping photos between sessions. Still, I had the privilege of meeting and talking with national DFA director Jim Dean who – impressively – arrived on Day Two to spend time with the academy attendees. My one-on-one interview with Jim and his lunchtime remarks will be posted tomorrow.

The full energy of the academy – the energy generated by the enthusiasm of the attending activists – was fully evident after the storm knocked out the conference center’s power. We had one and a half sessions left. You would think that people would want to cut their losses and scamper home at that point. But, no, we finished one session and started the final one before the LCC police told us – twice – that we had to leave the building because there was no longer any fire protection. These activists did not want to leave! That kind of dedication, energy and enthusiasm won a Stanley Cup for the Detroit Red Wings the previous week – and it will do the same for progressives across Michigan this fall. It’s in the air – and the rain and the wind. Can you feel it?

-- Rico Thomas Rico

Pictured Above: Genesee County Young Democrats

See the Day Two photos here.

See the Day One photos here.

____________________

The conversations and collaboration started over the weekend at the DFA Campaign Academy will continue locally at Mid-Michigan DFA’s monthly meeting on Wednesday.

Mid-Michigan Democracy for America (DFA) meets the second Wednesday of each month at the SEIU building, 1026 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 7 p.m. All progressives are welcome. Pizza and soda pop are served to feed the on-the-go busy activist

DFA Campaign Academy: Day 1 Report

I spent this hot Saturday with various Michigan politicos at the Democracy for America (DFA) Campaign Academy at the air-conditioned confines of LCC West Campus conference center. It was Day One of a two-day training that is helping local progressive candidates and campaign volunteers sharpen their skills for the primary and general election season. This is the first wave of the Big Blue Tsunami that is going to hit this country on November 4, 2008.

When the national DFA office described the daily sessions as intensive, they weren’t kidding. The morning and afternoon workshops were fast-paced, fact-filled, and never boring. The trainers for the day – Matt Blizek, Michael Cook, and Dan Farough – were top-notch and generous in sharing their real-world campaign experience and knowledge. If you like political organizing and strategizing, this was day in heaven. I’m looking forward to Day Two.

As one of the local organizers of this event – I’m part of Mid-Michigan DFA activists who are co-hosting the training – I was pleased by the diversity and energy of the attendees. The diversity was widely mixed by race, gender, age, and geographical representation. Furthermore, I was heartened to see and hear the enthusiasm of attending candidates and future-candidates, especially those who are jumping into local races for the first time. Lots of people complain about the “system” but these people are setting out to change it.

We capped the day off at Mid-Michigan DFA’s “Social Convention” in downtown Lansing. This was a great networking opportunity as most of the conference attendees relaxed over dinner and drinks. There was no shortage of insider political news, stories, and insights. Reports were passed around about Hillary’s “concession” speech today. Speculation over Obama’s running mate ranged from fanciful long shots like Bill Bradley and Barbara Boxer to the overly-practical choices like Wesley Clark and Evan Bayh. Regardless, everyone seemed eager to hit the campaign trail for Obama.

With this kind of enthusiasm, McCain’s Navy background will come in handy. The Big Blue Tsunami is going to be an awful big wave.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

To see the Day One DFA Training Academy photos from Lansing on Flickr you should click here.

_______________________________

Mid-Michigan Democracy for America (DFA) meets the second Wednesday of each month at the SEIU building, 1026 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. The next meeting is Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 7 p.m. All progressives are welcome. Pizza and soda pop are served to feed the on-the-go busy activist.