The Democratic Party should rise to this historic moment

As your delegates to the DNC, we want to explain why we and over 700 other delegates from around the country are drawing a line and insisting that the 2020 platform of the Democratic Party must include a commitment to achieving a single-payer Medicare for All health insurance program.

Uncovering the Terror at Home: a Lynching in Cheboygan [Part 2]

Once upon a time a man was lynched in my town. But who was Till Warner? At the risk of disturbing the dead, I decided to uncover more about this stranger and give him back his identity. Turns out there's a twist in this tale...

Uncovering the terror at home: a lynching in Cheboygan [Part 1]

More than 4,000 African Americans were lynched between 1877 and 1950. This terror reached many corners of the US, including right here in Northern Michigan. It happened in Cheboygan. It happened in my neighborhood.

We’re willing to fight for someone we don’t know — Michigan’s 1st Congressional District

Calling all friends in the North Country! Bernie Sanders may have suspended his campaign, but we built a beautiful movement of Americans who are continuing to fight for a country and economy that works for all of us, not just the 1%. If you are a member of the Michigan Democratic Party, you have an opportunity to vote for Delegates to the National Convention, who will represent the movement that formed with Bernie Sanders.

The mighty Co-op that’s giving Amazon a run for its money

Co-ops. They conjure images of home-grown, local quirkiness: sandals, ancient grains, and -- what is that stuff in that jar? But what if I told you about a co-op that boasts 29 million members, $35 billion in gross sales, and coordinates public advocacy in the political sphere? Yes, it really exists -- in one of the most advanced capitalist countries in the world.

No, I really don’t think we will “go back” to where we came from. Why should we leave home?

I almost never write about Trump, except in so far as his party continues to screw the working class in Cheboygan and around the country. Why should I? Everyone and his uncle has an opinion or theory about Trump. But this time is different.  Take a good look at the picture of my family. Because … Continue reading No, I really don’t think we will “go back” to where we came from. Why should we leave home? →

A threat to the important mission of the DHHS – and a solution

Since the Great Recession (2008) Michigan has experienced a level of economic austerity that has pushed our social infrastructure to the brink. It's not just the roads. The Department of Health and Human Services is critically short staffed, putting lives at risk.

The Department of Health and Human Services responds

After four months of leaning on the Department of Health and Human Services, where do things stand with delivering necessary service to people in need? There are positive changes at the DHHS under Gordon and Whitmer. As always, trust but verify are the two watchwords of democratic government.

Intermission: Spring beckons

The snow is finally receding in Cheboygan, and soon we will be able to reclaim the trails from the snowmobilers. Are you excited? Here's a golden oldie: video of my commute from work to home, from last summer, via the North Central State Trail.