Dear MSU Democrats,
This year has been a terrific experience for me to serve you as the President. I have gained a lot of perspective on not only the executive leadership style and group interactions, but also the breadth and depth of organization that is necessary to maintain the high standards of the group.
I want to thank those of you who took time out of the busy school schedule to come to our general and executive board meetings. Thanks to those, as well, who attended our debates, our social events, and our fundraisers. This group would not function without the support of the student population.
Other outside entities need to be recognized for their contribution to this organization as well. I extend my personal gratitude to Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, East Lansing City Councilman Nathan Triplett, Candidate for the 8th Congressional District Bob Alexander, Governor Jennifer Granholm, Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Mark Brewer, Michigan Democratic Party Youth Coordinator Derek Dobies, Practical Political Consulting CEO Mark Grebner, Former Governor Jim Blanchard, State Representatives Meadows and Byrum, and State Senator Whitmer.
Thank you as well to those groups who partnered with us to put together meetings and partnerships as we build relationships to extend the political awareness to students on campus. Such groups include the following: Students for Hillary Clinton, Students for Barack Obama, Spartans for Bill Richardson, Spartans for Progressive Divestment, Black Student Alliance, MSUECO, the Biodome Project, and many more.
This year has proven to be a success in many aspects. During our Voter Registration efforts, this group has broken records for the sheer number of democratic voters activated on campus with a total of nearly 3500. This all happened during an off, off year election. We have doubled our operating budget through our fundraising efforts such as the mailing fundraiser this winter, our voter registration efforts, and our Lansing Lugnuts fundraiser. We have had many successful social and informational events that drew large crowds of members and non-members from across campus. We amended the group’s constitution to better reflect the lessons learned from the past year and elected a strong executive board with big intentions for next year.
I am confident that this group will continue to grow under the leadership of next year’s executive board. There will be changes, and many of these changes will be positive. Look forward to a busy and rewarding experience after a candidate is selected for the Presidential race and the MSU Democrats stumps around campus and enhances the existing and new support for the Democratic candidate. There will be many social events and volunteer opportunities for general members to get involved.
Whether or not you have been involved in the group this year, I encourage anyone interested in politics, volunteerism, activism, or simply finding a fun group of people to hang out with to get more involved with the MSU Democrats in the coming year.
Again, thank you to everyone in the group for your support and I look forward to seeing you all in the fall!
Go Green! Go White! Go Democrats!
Scott Hendrickson
Outgoing President
MSU Democrats
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
YAF Change in Leadership
Conservative, extremist politics at Michigan State University took a hit recently as Kyle Bristow decided to step down from his post as Chairman of the Young Americans for Freedom. The group, which has tried to host events like "Catch an Illegal Immigrant Day" and successfully hosted events by ultranationalists, vigilante border guards, and those of a similar ilk has been a blight to the university for a long time now.
We can only hope that Bristow's departure means the end of an era for the Young Americans for Fascism, or at the very least, a shift away from the lunacy that he brought to the organization. I personally hope that this timely departure, right after a hate speech bill was passed by ASMSU, will have a similar effect to Wiggins, former College Republican Chairman and YAF officer, leaving the College Republicans. Since Wiggins' departure, the group has been able to shift closer to its more moderate roots, and away from the extremism that it had so recently been.
Is this the end for Kyle Bristow? I doubt it. He is still a junior and has a year to go, as far as I can tell. He will by no means leave the spotlight, it isn't in his nature. We will no doubt see his cowboy hat-laden head at many more events, dishonorable speakers, and protests in the months to come.
I can only hope that this means a shift in ideology for the YAF, for their own good. While Bristow contends that it is a "leftist" organization, the Southern Poverty Law Center has never before labeled a university group as a hate group until the MSU Chapter of YAF. Talk about bad press for our school and our state. Maybe Kyle leaving will allow the other members of YAF to express themselves in a more civilized way, something that Bristow did not allow under his rule. He even instructed them not to talk to the press or disagree with any tactics or leadership (as if anyone would have the gall to oppose the great and powerful Kyle).
Still though, you have to give Kyle the limited respect that he deserves for being able to stick to his guns despite the ire of the entire Michigan State Campus and administration, however insane his guns are.
Finally, in full tribute to his only favorite Spanish words, I close by saying this about the regime change within YAF...
Viva la Revolucion!
We can only hope that Bristow's departure means the end of an era for the Young Americans for Fascism, or at the very least, a shift away from the lunacy that he brought to the organization. I personally hope that this timely departure, right after a hate speech bill was passed by ASMSU, will have a similar effect to Wiggins, former College Republican Chairman and YAF officer, leaving the College Republicans. Since Wiggins' departure, the group has been able to shift closer to its more moderate roots, and away from the extremism that it had so recently been.
Is this the end for Kyle Bristow? I doubt it. He is still a junior and has a year to go, as far as I can tell. He will by no means leave the spotlight, it isn't in his nature. We will no doubt see his cowboy hat-laden head at many more events, dishonorable speakers, and protests in the months to come.
I can only hope that this means a shift in ideology for the YAF, for their own good. While Bristow contends that it is a "leftist" organization, the Southern Poverty Law Center has never before labeled a university group as a hate group until the MSU Chapter of YAF. Talk about bad press for our school and our state. Maybe Kyle leaving will allow the other members of YAF to express themselves in a more civilized way, something that Bristow did not allow under his rule. He even instructed them not to talk to the press or disagree with any tactics or leadership (as if anyone would have the gall to oppose the great and powerful Kyle).
Still though, you have to give Kyle the limited respect that he deserves for being able to stick to his guns despite the ire of the entire Michigan State Campus and administration, however insane his guns are.
Finally, in full tribute to his only favorite Spanish words, I close by saying this about the regime change within YAF...
Viva la Revolucion!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
How-To Guide to Voting Democratic on January 15th
There has been much controversy over the January 15th primary election, especially within the Democratic Party in Michigan. The feuds between the state party, state legislators, the federal Democratic National Committee, and the candidates for president have been publicized often in recent months as different dates and methods of electing a nominee have been discussed and finally implemented.
All of the confusion has caused many to consider not voting in the Democratic Primary, as there are many questions left unanswered. Where do I vote? What time can I vote? How do I get the Democratic ballot? Are there any new election procedures? Why are there so few candidates on the ballot? What if I support a candidate not on the ballot? Should I write in my candidates name or vote uncommitted?
Several of these questions are easy, but have not been well explained by the news media. On January 15th, during the normal election hours, voters should travel to their normal polling location. This is where they have voted for every past election. If you are unsure where to vote, you can look at the state website and input your information. The website is www.michigan.gov/vote
To obtain your ballot you must first present photo identification. If you do not have a piece of photo id, you may simply sign an affadavit attesting that you are who you say you are. To get a Democratic or Republican ballot, you must tell the election workers which ballot you wish to receive. They will give you the relevant ballot.
Once you get the Democratic ballot, you will notice that there are only four candidates on the ballot, with two extra options. Senator Hillary Clinton, Representative Dennis Kucinich, Former Senator Mike Gravel, and Senator Chris Dodd, will be listed as candidates on the ballot, with other options labeled “Uncommitted” and “Write-In.” Those Democrats supporting one of the other candidates who does not appear on the ballot are being encouraged to vote Uncommitted on the primary ballot, as the delegates elected by uncommitted votes will be free to vote for whomever they choose at the national convention. Voters are discouraged from using the “write-in” option, as candidates must declare as write-in candidates several weeks before the election, and none of the other four candidates have.
Please don’t forget to get out to the polls on Tuesday! This primary decides our future as a nation, and decisions are made by those who show up.
Scott Hendrickson
President of the MSU Democrats
All of the confusion has caused many to consider not voting in the Democratic Primary, as there are many questions left unanswered. Where do I vote? What time can I vote? How do I get the Democratic ballot? Are there any new election procedures? Why are there so few candidates on the ballot? What if I support a candidate not on the ballot? Should I write in my candidates name or vote uncommitted?
Several of these questions are easy, but have not been well explained by the news media. On January 15th, during the normal election hours, voters should travel to their normal polling location. This is where they have voted for every past election. If you are unsure where to vote, you can look at the state website and input your information. The website is www.michigan.gov/vote
To obtain your ballot you must first present photo identification. If you do not have a piece of photo id, you may simply sign an affadavit attesting that you are who you say you are. To get a Democratic or Republican ballot, you must tell the election workers which ballot you wish to receive. They will give you the relevant ballot.
Once you get the Democratic ballot, you will notice that there are only four candidates on the ballot, with two extra options. Senator Hillary Clinton, Representative Dennis Kucinich, Former Senator Mike Gravel, and Senator Chris Dodd, will be listed as candidates on the ballot, with other options labeled “Uncommitted” and “Write-In.” Those Democrats supporting one of the other candidates who does not appear on the ballot are being encouraged to vote Uncommitted on the primary ballot, as the delegates elected by uncommitted votes will be free to vote for whomever they choose at the national convention. Voters are discouraged from using the “write-in” option, as candidates must declare as write-in candidates several weeks before the election, and none of the other four candidates have.
Please don’t forget to get out to the polls on Tuesday! This primary decides our future as a nation, and decisions are made by those who show up.
Scott Hendrickson
President of the MSU Democrats
Monday, October 22, 2007
CRs shouldn’t be blamed for YAF actions
After reading the letter, “MSU officials violate the anti-discrimination policy” (SN 10/18) I am distressed to find out that the MSU College Republicans were lumped with the MSU YAF in the anti-discrimination allegations by the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives.
Knowing the background of what happened at the YAF event, I can’t possibly see how the College Republicans were involved. The College Republicans and YAF are two different and distinct groups, though they may not be seen that way. College Republican Chairman Ben Morlock has taken positive steps to distance himself and his group from the YAF.
The MSU Democrats fully support his efforts. The MSU YAF is a fringe group and does not represent what the majority of Republicans feel. This is by no means an argument that they be banned or silenced, I agree that they have a constitutional right to assemble, believe what they believe, and speak freely. The College Republicans have a right to be distinct from YAF.
As the President of the MSU Democrats, I would like to think that we would not be held responsible for fringe groups from our side of the political spectrum. The same should be true of the College Republicans.
Knowing the background of what happened at the YAF event, I can’t possibly see how the College Republicans were involved. The College Republicans and YAF are two different and distinct groups, though they may not be seen that way. College Republican Chairman Ben Morlock has taken positive steps to distance himself and his group from the YAF.
The MSU Democrats fully support his efforts. The MSU YAF is a fringe group and does not represent what the majority of Republicans feel. This is by no means an argument that they be banned or silenced, I agree that they have a constitutional right to assemble, believe what they believe, and speak freely. The College Republicans have a right to be distinct from YAF.
As the President of the MSU Democrats, I would like to think that we would not be held responsible for fringe groups from our side of the political spectrum. The same should be true of the College Republicans.
Friday, October 19, 2007
MSU YAF Violates Anti-Discrimination Policy
William Allen and Frederick Fico apparently have been reading the Democrats’ playbook by attempting to tug at the heart strings of the common man, but in doing so engage in a unitary republican act – ignoring, forgetting, and lying about key details, all the while writing in a condescending manner perfected for the airwaves by the likes of Neil Cavuto or the President’s weekly radio address.
Political Director, MSU Democrats
Junior; International Relations
Granted, the MSU Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives may have been at fault by failing to provide the two groups key details on how and why they violated university policy. However, as neither a representative of the State News nor Michigan State University, only a representative of progressive ideals and common respect for fellow man, allow me to fill in the details. From the State News of September 20, 2007 “A student said he was kicked out of a Young Americans for Freedom meeting on Thursday and an Employee of the Southern Poverty Law Center said he was asked to leave prior to its’ start. Phillip Moon, a writer for the blog YAF WATCH, said YAF members told him he was not allowed in a private meeting based on his political affiliations. According to the university, all SRO’s must follow the following guideline: [SRO] shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, height, weight, veteran status, age, political beliefs, or familial status.. My father may not have bought me an education at an Ivy League, but my excellent public school education would seem to indicate that YAF violated this policy.
Aside from their self congratulatory attempts to cast themselves in Mel Gibson’s next multi-million self-love affair, these advisers have written almost as cryptic of a letter as the Office for Inclusion supposedly sent. As opposed to listing possible ways that the Office for Inclusion could remedy the purportedly serious violations it has committed, these two, wait for it, faculty advisers, resort to little more than academic name-calling and
Yet, these advisers are not the only authors to make buffoons of themselves on the opinion page. Leo Madarang’s piece of minority inclusion in the Republican Party was enough to give me a second spit take of the day. Glossing over the ‘facts’ of the piece; it is true that the republican party has a grand history of fighting for the rights of minorities; but a titanic shift occurred in 1964. President Johnson singed the Civil Rights Bill, and with it, reportedly commented “We [Democrats] just lost the south”. Since that historic moment, the Democratic Party has been the better representative of minorities (albeit far from perfect), of the two major parties. Madarang subconsciously knows this by failing to provide one example of Republican assistance to minorities after the historic signing.
Meanwhile, those few abominations of minority republicans almost all share one thing in common – inordinate wealth. I am sure the minority republican voting levels in East L.A. or the South Side of Chicago hovers somewhere near zero. Furthermore, I will not even begin to touch the social acceptance of Republican Filipino’s - a quite religious and prosperous minority group.
While I would love to continue to point out the flaws in the arguments of these two pieces, I have to excuse myself; I must go back to my fourth job to insure Health Care for my children, before the President is able to take that away from me.
Sincerely,
Political Director, MSU Democrats
Junior; International Relations
Hendrickson: Dems unwise to walk away from Michigan
Candidates who abandon state primary might want to think about Nov. 2008
The announcement by the Obama, Richardson, Edwards, and Biden campaigns that they would not be on the ballot in Michigan came as a surprise to some. To others, it is the continuation of a trend that started months ago.
For many years, Iowa and New Hampshire have had a stranglehold on the first Democratic contests. Politicians cater to the interests of these states almost exclusively - and the pandering reaches an all-time high as campaign promises are given out like they are nothing.
This year, Michigan has tried to have the Democratic candidates spend time talking about issues important to our state. We are in the midst of an economic crisis: a single state recession. Presidential candidates should devote some time to hearing our issues and telling the voters in Michigan what they plan to do to help us.
To accomplish this, the two political parties moved their primary election dates ahead in the order, breaking the Democratic National Committee's rules. In response to this, each candidate began by pledging not to campaign in this "rogue" state that so carelessly broke the rules. More recently, several Democratic candidates have decided to drop their names from the Michigan ballot in protest.
The shortsightedness of these campaigns is astounding. This obvious political stunt is meant only to try to woo the voters in the early states that are being bumped from the top spots. While this may win them Iowa and New Hampshire, what then happens when it is time to run in the fall?
In America today, elections are closer than ever. And Michigan remains a swing state. In either 2000 or 2004, if Michigan had swung to the Republicans, there would have been no need for any talk of Ohio or Florida.
President Bush would have won in what is considered a landslide by today's standards.
Considering this, what happens if one of the candidates, who is now taking their name off of the Michigan ballot ends up winning the nomination? These candidates have thumbed their nose at Michigan voters in favor of Iowa and New Hampshire.
Fast-forward to the general election in November 2008.
Michigan voters will be less inclined to show up to the polls to vote for this candidate because that candidate insulted them less than a year ago. Voters are not stupid, nor do they forget.
Depressed Democratic turnout, coupled with Republicans having campaigned here months longer than Democrats could - and probably will - have a drastic effect on the decision of Michigan electors. This would prove to be a devastating loss to the Democrats.
I implore the Democratic candidates to look down the road to the general election and to reconsider writing off Michigan.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Our guys and gal kick ass, their guys suck ass
or so says the New York Times in a recent set of articles comparing voter enthusiasm for Presidential candidates. First the bad news for the GOP:
Then again, with John McCain and Rudy Giuliani trying to out Cheney each other, Mitt Romney's flip-flopping, and Fred Thompson campaign from the seat of a golf cart, why would they? And how about on our side?
Say goodbye to invasions of privacy and oil-rich nations, and hello to universal health care and alternative energy. Looks like we have a lot to be happy about: just remember these candidates don't elect themselves, we need to get in gear, and work hard for our people at all levels of the ticket.
Interviews with dozens of Republicans across the country this Labor Day weekend found that despite the already lengthy campaign, which started almost a year ago, many candidates have made either no impression or a negative one, and many voters are still chewing over their options.
Then again, with John McCain and Rudy Giuliani trying to out Cheney each other, Mitt Romney's flip-flopping, and Fred Thompson campaign from the seat of a golf cart, why would they? And how about on our side?
Forget the “lesser-of-the-evils” talk typically heard from Democratic primary voters around this time of a presidential campaign. Interviews with dozens of Democrats here and across the country this Labor Day weekend found them enthusiastic about their presidential choices and, if slightly nervous about potential weaknesses in their candidates, confident of victory in 2008.
Say goodbye to invasions of privacy and oil-rich nations, and hello to universal health care and alternative energy. Looks like we have a lot to be happy about: just remember these candidates don't elect themselves, we need to get in gear, and work hard for our people at all levels of the ticket.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Candidates Avoiding Michigan?
The New York Times reported yesterday that some of the Democratic candidates for President are signing a pledge not to campaign in states that move their primary before the sanctioned dates of the DNC. The article may be found here, http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/02/us/politics/02dems.html?_r=1&ref=politics&oref=login
Michigan is a critical swing state in the general election and a very important state in all elections. To not campaign in this state is both foolish and insulting. Michigan's population proves to be a much more decisive state than New Hampshire, Iowa, South Carolina, and Nevada. Michigan is a very diverse state both in population and in issues. We have an economic crisis that needs to be addressed on the national and international level. We have a wide variety of Democrats believing in all kinds of issues, from union woes in the UAW to environmentalist concerns amongst the Great Lakes.
I support Governor Granholm in her pledge to sign the legislation to move our primary to January 15th.
Michigan is a critical swing state in the general election and a very important state in all elections. To not campaign in this state is both foolish and insulting. Michigan's population proves to be a much more decisive state than New Hampshire, Iowa, South Carolina, and Nevada. Michigan is a very diverse state both in population and in issues. We have an economic crisis that needs to be addressed on the national and international level. We have a wide variety of Democrats believing in all kinds of issues, from union woes in the UAW to environmentalist concerns amongst the Great Lakes.
I support Governor Granholm in her pledge to sign the legislation to move our primary to January 15th.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Message from the President
The Michigan State University Democrats is an organization of students dedicated to forwarding the ideals of the Democratic Party. Our mission is to assure wider participation and effective organization in furthering the continuing growth, development, and implementation of the campus, local, county, state, and national programs and policies of the Democratic Party.
We hope to raise awareness on campus for progressive ideals through fun, fresh, and exciting new ways. We use many different techniques to achieve these goals. Through registration drives, bi-monthly meetings, fundraising events, speakers and forums, and the occasional protest, we demonstrate that we are a committed group of politically aware and politically active members of the Michigan State community.
While there are often various interests within the Democratic Party, the MSU Democrats recognize that these groups within the Democratic Party, be they environmentalists, civil rights activists, labor activists, or any other, must come together and unite behind a progressive vision of the political future.
This year promises to be a banner year for the Democrats on campus and nationally. From an East Lansing City Council race, to the Presidential caucuses, to the campaign for the presidency, the MSU Democrats will be fighting all year long to forward the ideals which define us. The Democratic issues will be addressed, discussed, and debated, both on the local and national stage. The Michigan State University Democrats will be in the heart of all of these discussions.
This year’s MSU Democrats are stronger than ever. We have a committed Executive Board, detailed organizational planning, and a clear vision of our goals. We will bring high profile speakers, as well as representatives from other progressive on-campus groups, to meetings. Throughout the year, the MSU Democrats will be hosting forums, events, and fundraisers to raise awareness on a broad scope of progressive issues.
I’d like to personally welcome each and every one of you to the organization. Whether you are new to campus, new to the Democratic Party, or a familiar face, I look forward to having you as a part of the MSU Democrats. We have high organizational aspirations and plan to make a difference in the community, but in order to do that we need an active membership. I hope to see each and every one of you at our meetings, fundraisers, and events. Let’s show the country that Michigan State University is not only green and white, but blue as well.
Democratically yours,
Scott Hendrickson
President
MSU Democrats
We hope to raise awareness on campus for progressive ideals through fun, fresh, and exciting new ways. We use many different techniques to achieve these goals. Through registration drives, bi-monthly meetings, fundraising events, speakers and forums, and the occasional protest, we demonstrate that we are a committed group of politically aware and politically active members of the Michigan State community.
While there are often various interests within the Democratic Party, the MSU Democrats recognize that these groups within the Democratic Party, be they environmentalists, civil rights activists, labor activists, or any other, must come together and unite behind a progressive vision of the political future.
This year promises to be a banner year for the Democrats on campus and nationally. From an East Lansing City Council race, to the Presidential caucuses, to the campaign for the presidency, the MSU Democrats will be fighting all year long to forward the ideals which define us. The Democratic issues will be addressed, discussed, and debated, both on the local and national stage. The Michigan State University Democrats will be in the heart of all of these discussions.
This year’s MSU Democrats are stronger than ever. We have a committed Executive Board, detailed organizational planning, and a clear vision of our goals. We will bring high profile speakers, as well as representatives from other progressive on-campus groups, to meetings. Throughout the year, the MSU Democrats will be hosting forums, events, and fundraisers to raise awareness on a broad scope of progressive issues.
I’d like to personally welcome each and every one of you to the organization. Whether you are new to campus, new to the Democratic Party, or a familiar face, I look forward to having you as a part of the MSU Democrats. We have high organizational aspirations and plan to make a difference in the community, but in order to do that we need an active membership. I hope to see each and every one of you at our meetings, fundraisers, and events. Let’s show the country that Michigan State University is not only green and white, but blue as well.
Democratically yours,
Scott Hendrickson
President
MSU Democrats
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
