We Need to Unite

There is so much going on and so much to do. How do we stop a runaway corporatist ideology and begin to advance a social democratic agenda? We need to get organized. This past week, I have begun to talk to progressive groups to see what they are doing and how we can come together to build a movement for change. 

On Monday, Michigan Citizens Action and MoveOn held a press conference at a local Verizon store in support of a plan to close corporate tax loopholes. Verizon hasn’t paid a cent in taxes in the last three years. That doesn’t seem right (More to follow). I met with the Community Action Team (CAT), an open group of labor organizations, focused on systems change through the electoral process. They are standing with working families and are fighting for good jobs, healthcare and education. A large part of their effort is focused on educating and training activists. Definitely a progressive agenda. 

On Thursday, I met with a provider of home health services whose funding was being cut. People living on $680 a month were losing support so corporations, like Verizon, didn’t have to pay taxes. That’s not right. In the evening, the Salon met to discuss empowerment. Now there is something we need. The Salon is a group of progressive, mostly young, adults focused on urbanism and envisioning what Grand Rapids could look like in the future. More discussion about planning and the future took place on Friday when United Growth of Kent County held their annual meeting and planning session to further Farm Land Preservation. Who could be against Farm Land Preservation? 

These are all progressive causes. They are winnable. So how do we make that happen? We need to work together. We need to do our research. We need to run creative, multifaceted, strategic and comprehensive campaigns. We need to unite; the County and nation needs a united movement to take on the corporate right. United we can win; divided we have no chance.