GCYD Takes a Stand on the MI Primary

This letter has been submitted to organizations and media outlets such as the DNC, Flint Journal, and Washington Post:

The Genesee County Young Democrats (GCYD) disapproves of the Democratic National Committee's (DNC) decision to sanction Michigan for setting the primary date before Iowa or New Hampshire. Iowa and New Hampshire have dominated the Party's nomination process for too long. Whoever wins the first few primary states tend to find themselves receiving the Party's nomination. This antique of party politics has narrowed the type of candidates to those who are more conducive to small states like Iowa and New Hampshire. Small states are not a microcosm of America and our candidates emerge from the primary ill-suited to compete in the general election as a result. Until this past approach is corrected, states like Michigan should have every right to refuse compliance with the DNC's primary process.

Michigan is a key battleground state in the 2008 elections. In 2000 and 2004, candidates focused on winning votes in our state because of the tight competition between Democrats and Republicans for the hearts and minds of the public. The DNC will lose Michigan by rejecting our primary results and refusing to come to Michigan to campaign. As a result, our presidential candidate will be unable to compete in the general election. Additionally, Michigan is a large state in a region which seems to have been forgotten by the DNC. Michigan has one of the worst economies in the nation because of the transition from an industrial economy to service-based. People in Michigan are the ones who are hurting in order to maintain the economic prosperity of the rest of the nation. It is about time that the DNC think about states like Michigan.

"Right to Work " Misleads Michigan Voters

Republican big interests are targeting Michigan voters believing that their lies can mislead enough of us to eliminate our rights to organize at the workplace. These individuals want Michigan voters to believe that they are struggling to protect employees' right to refuse a union. These laws forbid unions and employers from negotiating over agreements where employees agree to join a union and pay fees in return for their employment. Their claimed motivation is disingenuous. These people are supported and manipulated by powerful conservative business interest such as local Chambers of Commerce and large corporations (Berkeley Miller and William Canak, (1991) "From "Porkchoppers" to "Lambchoppers": The Passage of Florida's Public Employee Relations Act," Industrial and Labor Relations Review, Vol. 44, No. 2; pp. 349-366; Dane M. Partridge, (1997) "Virginia's New Ban on Public Employee Bargaining: A Case Study of Unions, Business, and Political Competition," Employee Responsibilities and Rights Journal, Volume 10, Number 2; pp. 127-139). The National Right to Work Foundation claims to be an organization based on ordinary citizens yet it was founded and financed by powerful and influential right-wing organizations ( "National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation," Media Transparency, Accessed December 14, 2007).

Do you think these entities care about you or the fact that unions are responsible for helping workers gain better benefits, better wages, and better safety conditions ( United States Dept. of Labor)? Wages and benefits are lower in right-to-work states. Without stable unionization, many jobs that depend on unionized wages and benefits could be on the decline. The reality is that companies are giving a lot of money to keep your wages down and to reduce the standard of living for all Michiganders, so they can take record breaking profits from your hard work. These third party out-of-staters want to convince people to agree to this obscene plan by misleading voters that their rights are being taken away by labor unions.

Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) almost all employees have the right to unionize and bargain collectively. There are already restrictions placed on unions to protect employees' right to refuse to partake in union activities. You can also choose which employer you want to take a job with. These rich elites want you to believe that you are not free to refuse, but you are. They are the ones who are not free to interfere with your right to organize and to engage in concerted activity for the mutual gain or benefit of fellow employees, which is a duty that was created to protect you from them. Please don’t forget that.

In a free market society, unions and employers should be free to negotiate an agreement to keep employers unionized. Unions give something to the employer in negotiations for these agreements because they provide employees with stability and security. This decreases industrial fighting and protects employee rights. Additionally, these agreements give employees a better bargaining position for all employees. In right-to-work states, employees who decide not to join a union still receive the benefits of your union fees as an employer cannot discriminate between employees based on union activity. These states force you to pay for someone else a free ride on the benefits unionized employees fight to protect. We are all in this together and without cooperation Michigan laborers will suffer.

If you care about this issue, please email Luke Canfora lcanfora@miaflcio.org at the Michigan State AFL-CIO and volunteer to work the polls on Janurary 15^th to stop this petition from threatening Michigan workers.

-Keith

Russia Scares Me :(

For those of you who haven't noticed, Garry Kasparov has been sent to jail by the Russian government. Garry Kasparov is a chess champion turned political activist who has been opposing Putin's party and demanding democratic reforms. He was arrested for protesting for fair elections. The Soviet Uni . . . I mean Russia decided to arrest Kasparov for basically not having a permit to protest. Wow. Putin seems determined to prove the Simpsons right.

- Keith

MDP Chairman says, "Dayne Walling is a Democrat. Don Williamson is not."

The Michigan Democratic Party(MDP) has come out in support of Dayne Walling for Mayor of Flint. In the Flint Journal, Chairman Mark Brewer, says "Talk is cheap. Actions speak louder than words and by his [Williamson] actions he's a Republican." The MDP has released a new radio ad in Flint stating that Don Williamson is involved in two lawsuits regarding sexual harassment and racial discrimination, hiring individuals who attacked Flint women, and comparing him to Denzel Washington's character in Training Day at the end of the ad. The ad cites a FBI report that under Williamson's watch crime has doubled in Flint and blames Williamson's refusal to put more cops on the street. Check out the radio ad here.

-Keith

MI Republicans Vote to Refuse Poor Children Health Care

I'm not exaggerating. Here is the list of your Congressmen who voted against the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (SCHIP). If reauthorized, the Bill would cover millions of low-income children and would cost taxpayers $35 million, which would be raised through a 61 cent increase in federal taxes on smoking. There are more details attached by link. The President vetoed the Bill and the vote was to overturn the veto. Considering the unemployment rate in Michigan and the many Michiganders who fall below the poverty line, one would think that this would be an issue all Michigan legislators could agree on. Unfortunately, many Michigan Republicans voted down the Bill. All Michigan Democrats voted to support the Bill and millions of disadvantaged children. Thank you Vern Ehlers, Candice Miller, and Fred Upton for voting your conscience and being the only Michigan Republicans to support this important legislation.

-Keith

Dems Should Turn Michigan Green

There was a rather interesting article at Michigan Liberal a few days ago about the future of Michigan as a center for green industry. Considering Michigan's experience in engineering and automobile design, we should be the prime candidates for building an American future based on renewable energy and international independence. It may sound like a pipe-dream, but maybe if we elect a Democrat as president (assuming any of them run in Michigan) a change in our energy policy could completely change Michigan's future. We have some of the best engineering schools in the nation, connection across the country by road, low property values, and plenty of land. Hopefully, Jim Barcia is right.

-Keith

Michigan Primary

The latest story about Michigan's presidential primary is sobering. On this issue I disagree with Keith. I do not see justification for the actions of the Democratic National Commitee or the presidential candidates.

While the parties are non-governmental organizations and have the right to govern their own affairs, I find it horrible that the DNC would restrict the decision making process to a select group of its members. Of course the DNC can do what it wants. But so can every democrat in Michigan and I think that money and support from Michigan will plummet for the DNC and the presidental candidates. Michigan Demcrats have no obligation to a party that shows no obligation to Michigan Democrats.

I have a feeling that in 2008 Michigan and Florida will not go for the democratic candidate but for either the Republicans or for Unity 08. This is the price of the sanctions that has not been mentioned in the news stories.

Dayne Walling for Mayor of Flint!!!

The Genesee County Young Democrats would like to congratulate Dayne Walling on receiving our endorsement for mayor of Flint. This is an important election as Flint is in a position of change and transition. In this time of change, Flint needs a mayor with fresh, intelligent ideas and a proven track record.

Mr. Walling's alternative methods for rebuilding Flint focus on community involvement and are necessary changes from the overly bureaucratic structure that has plagued Flint since its growth from a logging community to an industrial center. At a time when localities receive fewer federal dollars, watch as their populations disintegrate, and suffer from political corruption, Flint's community is the solution for rebuilding Flint. At the center of Flint's future is the next generation. Young people will shape the next decade for Flint and Mr. Walling is perfect to lead us to this destination.

Mr. Walling also has tremendous experience for his age. He is Flint's only Rhode Scholar. He assisted the redevelopment of our nation's capitol by bringing millions in grant money in his role working for the Mayor of Washington D.C.. Never once did he forget about his roots in Flint. As co-founder of the Flint Club, Mr. Walling created a way for former Flint residents living abroad to reinvest in their home town and aid its comeback. Finally, Mr. Walling came home to work for the Genesee Land Bank, a nationally renowned governmental organization built to redevelop beleaguered neighborhoods in Genesee County.

The GCYD would like to thank both candidates for their prompt and complete responses to our questionnaires. We wish Mr. Walling luck and look forward to working with his campaign in the month of October. This election is incredibly important and if anyone would like to assist us in taking back Flint, call Keith Flynn at 810-625-0741. Or check out Mr. Walling website and contact Mr. Walling's campaign headquarters at 940 S. Grand Traverse Flint, MI 48502, 810-233-9190. Also, check out the coverage of the endorsement in the Flint Journal.

Next GCYD Meeting Sept. 22nd!!!

Our next meeting will be Saturday, Sept. 22nd, Brown Sugar Cafe, at
noon. The Brown Sugar Cafe is located on Saginaw St. across from the University Pavilion in downtown Flint. We will endorse a Flint mayoral candidate, plan our strategy for aiding our mayoral candidate, and discuss our next community service project. It should be an interesting meeting so come on out. If you have any questions call 810-625-0741.

Michigan Primary Change

Unfortunately, an amendment has come up this week to change Michigan's caucus system to a primary system. Michigan has always utilized a caucus system, which allow political parties to stage elections to determine state Presidential candidate endorsements. Only Dems can vote in a Democratic caucus election and only Republicans could vote in a Republican Caucus election. All the funding came from the parties' pockets. A primary system would be subsidized by the state for parties. What this means is that Michigan tax payers will have to fund elections to determine Democrat and Republican endorsements for President of the United States. Elections can cost states up to $10 million to finance. With an unsteady economy and a broken budget, the state of Michigan has a lot of nerve picking up the cost for purely political reasons.

Proponents argue that a primary would open up the system to allow more people to vote. They argue that the party-run caucus system turns people away at the polls by staging polling sites in churches and union locals (oh no). However, these are determinations which should be left to political parties since these are the endorsements the parties' will be stuck with. The winning candidates in the caucus/primary would win the votes alloted for Michigan at the party conventions. This is a separate determination than one that elects a candidate to office. Parties have a right to exclude members of the other party and a right to set polling locations, which tend to be at union locals for Democrats and churches for Republicans. This is about figuring out who the party faithful believe should be the best candidate so Michigan can endorse a candidate that Democratic party members will be proud of.

Once again, everyone will have to pay for these decisions which should be made by the party infrastructure. An example of how this can be unfair is the 2004 Presidential race. In 2004, the Republican party did not have a primary. George W. Bush was their candidate. In the primary system the Michigan legislature is recommending, everyone would have to pay for the Democratic primary even if the Republicans decided not to have one. The same could happen if the Democratic Party decided to avoid a primary (which can and has happened). Then all Michigan Democrats would be forced to pay for a Republican primary. Some Democratic Presidential candidates are supporting this change including Hillary Clinton. The Edwards camp, however, is against it. At a time when we are struggling to survive here in Michigan, primary elections are not worth the price and the unfair consequences. Michigan, don't raise our taxes for political favors.

-Keith

College Republican Convention Footage

I like to ignore what happens to those on the other side of the political spectrum. I was taught to not focus on their game plan and let the other side dig it's own hole by focusing on yours. But a friend of mine posted a link to a video on Youtube filmed at the National Convention of College Republicans. It seems like a young liberal decided to pull a Michael Moore and slip into the Convention to make the point that those who support the war in Iraq would never sign-up to join the army.

Personally, I still support the war even though most of the GCYD, the Genesee County Democratic Party, the Michigan Democratic Party, and the National Democratic Party do not. However, the reason I am posting this video is because I found it incredibly sad for other reasons. The segment I am referring to is where the young man is asked whether he is gay. He tries to get out of the question by saying that everyone has feelings for their own gender and it is only experimentation. The undercover liberal asks the question again. The guy seems agitated and uncomfortable. He strongly states that he is not gay and that he prays everyday to make sure he suppresses his feelings. You can tell he is having a hard time believing the words coming out of his mouth. He seems confused. This segment came after a prominent Republican told a crowd of college kids that abortion is the reason why America has an illegal alien problem.

It is a sad world we live in where there are people who breed children to be confused about the very nature of their being. It is a sad world we live in where there are people who take advantage of those who are confused by a life which hasn't completely accepted them just for political gain. Maybe the guy isn't gay, but how can an entire auditorium fall for the faulty logic that abortion is the reason why there are not enough Americans to fill the jobs illegal aliens are filling? It almost sounds like doublespeak or something from an Orwell novel. I won't stand up on a pedestal and say that the Republicans are bad and the Democrats are good. Instead I will simply state that there is a problem with political discourse in this country when it creates a situation where a person will believe anything even if it confuses them about the nature of who they are.

-Keith

The GCYD Goes Ultimate

Ultimate Frisbee, you know, is a very Democratic game. It requires almost no equipment, just a frisbee and a field. Unlike those tools of the GOP Establishment baseball and football, anyone with a buck-fifty can throw down old school and enjoy the sport of kings... erm... frat boys!

Anyway, here are the details:

Friday, August 10th at 6pm. Memorial Park, Lovely and Scenic Downtown Flint.

Now, Memorial Park can be a little tricky to get to what with all the one-way streets downtown. The parking lot is off of 5th Street, which is a one-way going eastbound (it's essentially the eastbound counterpart to Court Street, which is one-way westbound in downtown). The best way to get there is from Saginaw Street. Turn onto Court St. (you can only go west) and take that to S. Grand Traverse. Turn left onto Grand Traverse (Tom Z's Coney Island is the landmark) and the next street you reach is 5th St. Make a wide left turn and the parking lot is immediately on the left side of the street. You can't miss it.

My directions were complicated (fitting, since so is Downtown Flint), so I've made a handy-dandy map:


Anyhow, we hope to see you there! Please let us know if you're coming so we have enough refreshments. Either e-mail gcydonline@yahoo.com or call Keith at 810-625-0741!

~Will

Dan aka "the Delinquent"

This is another member profile featuring our previous treasurer Dan. So Dan, I hear you've been a member of the GCYD for as long as it's existed. How do you think it has changed over the years and where do you think it is going?

Well first off, you can't prove I stole that money. GCYD has changed a lot over the years that I have been with them. We have expanded considerable over the years and have done many events that i didn't think we could ever pull off. We are continuing to grow and I believe that we will have a bright future with our continued campaigning to increase youth turnout in Genesee County.

So what is your educational background and what are your goals?

I have Associates in Accounting from Baker College of Flint. My goals are two fold. I hope to be a Marine and i would also like to be a police officer later in my life.

So where are you politically speaking? I know you have been conservative on some issues and liberal on others. Tell us where you stand.

Wow, you pulled that question did you? Well, to tell the truth, I'm not a Democrat. I am also not a Republican, though you all seem to love calling me that. I guess, if i had to label myself, I would call myself an independent. I believe in some parts of both platforms but I can't identify with either one completely.

OK, what is the future of Flint?

HA, a burning post apocalyptic wasteland? Well, only as long as Williamson is still in office. I know we can do better. Flint can live again, but not until we have someone that can actually do the job in office. Williamson can't even get the grass cut in our public parks.

what do you like to do with your spare time?

I read, do some gaming, clean my gun collection, drive aggressively, drink, sharpen my five dozen knives, swords, and unique weapons, and smoke. lots and lots of smoking. I can't start my day without a drag of nicotine and shot of J.D.

OK. Different strokes for different folks. I hear you are going into the Marines. Why did you join and what do you think about the war in Iraq?

I've always wanted to be in the Marines. They are the best of the best and that is what I hope to one day become. I am not a Marine yet, but I will be someday. Nothing will stop me. As for the war in Iraq, I can only say that I will be there to follow orders. I will do as I must and as I am told by my superior officers. I have no further comment on that subject.

Alrighty, one more question. I hear you've had some bad luck recently at speedway gas station where you used work. Care to discuss what you think about corporate America and your previous employer?

Ah, speedway. I'd burn the place to the ground if it wasn't a crime. Don't get me wrong, I hold no ill will towards my fellow co-workers or my store manager. It is the district manager and all those above her that I dislike. They obviously disliked me too or they would not have fired me under the false pretense of insubordination. They also tried to show a history of insubordination by writing me up for not forcing customers to buy bags of M&M's every time they came into the store. I'm sorry for the fact that I hate going into a store and having someone try to sell me something that i don't need every time I am there. I respected the customers enough to not do this to them every time they came to my register. I was only one month and five days away from being vested with the company which would have given me a bonus of over $1000. Interesting that she decided to cut me loose just before i would have gotten more money out of them, don't you think? The only one that could fire me was the district manager or higher in the company. I believe she fired me out of her own dislike of me rather than a real reason like theft. But I guess I should thank her at the same time. After five years of being abused by this company, I finally got the kick in the butt i needed to move on and join something that i can be proud of. The Marine core will be my new home and i welcome it with open arms. As for corporate America, well, nothing will change as our economy slides further and further into chaos. They have their profits and they will continue to force their goods on everyone even when we don't need what they are selling. What can you do to stop it though?

Well, there you have it. Thank you Dan and good luck in the Marine Corp. We know you will do an excellent job for our country.

Young Democrats Raise Money for Medical Relief in Honduras

On Sunday, June 17th, the GCYD helped to earn over $4000 to provide people in Honduras with medical relief. We worked catering and concession stands at NASCAR's Nextel 500 at the Michigan International Speedway (MIS). It was the largest event in the state of Michigan with over 250,000 spectators. All the proceeds from MIS went to the U of M and Albion College Honduras Relief Team, which will be flying down to Honduras to provide medication for people who have to wait a year to receive care from illnesses ranging from broken bones to dangerous, infectious diseases. We are proud to have contributed and hope their trip can save and rebuild the lives of those who have so little.

I would like to personally thank those who came out to support a good cause. Our volunteers had to be at MIS at 6am on Father's Day. They put in 12 hours of hard work on an extremely hot day. They lifted very large heat boxes and racks of cold items before they even made it to
the concession stands where they were trained to pander to 250,000 NASCAR fans in a hurry to get back to the race. So thanks once again for a great event and now it's time to turn our attention back to Flint. Thanks.

-Keith Flynn

Democratic Senate Takes Action on Gas Prices

The Democratic led U.S. Senate is hoping to pass an energy bill that raises fuel efficiency standards for auto manufacturers in the hope of offering Americans relief at the pump. Also, the bill would increase ethanol production by five times the amount it is currently at. With prices at about $3 a gallon across the country, many Americans are having to work a day's work just to pay for gas to get to work the next day. This is a start, but I wish there was something they could do now. And what about oil prices in general? When are we going to stand up against Big Oil or research alternative fuels?

-Keith

Ben Shell

Welcome to another member profile. Today we are introducing Ben Shell.

So Ben, where do you come from?

Flint, Michigan

Ok, so what's your major?
Biology but let's see.

If you could be any politician, which one would you be?
Well, I don't like any of them, but I'd be....wow I don't know. Maybe Lincoln or Teddy Roosevelt. Really though, if you think about it, would you actually rather be any of those Presidents? If anything I'd like to be President Shell, because we can always change the future, what good is imagining yourself as someone else when your strengths could be used today?
Which President/s do you like most?
Well, I think Lincoln goes without saying. Roosevelt because he brought economic maturity to American capitalism by regulating trusts (fed the fires of American Industry). Also, JFK because he led the country at a very difficult time in our history, helped avoid the world's annihilation via nuclear weapons which allowed all of us to exist today. I also like President Clinton. I know a few people that have met him personally and he was just a really good President. That's a whole two sentences more than I can say about Dubya.

What do you do for fun?
I listen and play music. I read tons and play Star Wars Battle Front. But mainly music.

What do you play?
I play bass guitar, trumpet, piano, and I just learned violin.

Have you played with any bands?
Ever since I was 15, countless bands.

Whose favorite Star Wars character?
Not Jar Jar Binks. Between Boba Fett and Darth Maul. No one beats the Fett man -Peter Griffin

What do you think of the Mayoral race?
It's pretty important. It could be a turning point for Flint. Either it will be the same or it will change for the better. It will effect the entire country. But guess what? No one in Flint even knows what a Rhode's Scholar is so it wouldn't surprise me if he loses *wink*wink
p.s. he lost.

What is the most important issue to you in politics today?
Education and health care reform. While it's a cliche to say knowledge is power, I think that the higher echelons of society are trying to keep the lower class from gaining power. Like medieval ages the powerful want to suppress everyone else to retain power. They only want people like them running things. This is one of the problems occuring all over the world and will most likely help lead to our collapse as a species.

Final question, what is the future of Flint?
The future of Flint is whatever Flint makes for itself. Pretty much, the entire country laughs and scoffs at Flint, but as for the future, one day it'll either become a center of education, ideally with employment for all or a ghost town.

Hope for 'Chevy in the Hole'

In today’s Flint Journal, there was an article regarding the possible cleanup of “Chevy in the Hole” which is by Atwood Stadium near downtown Flint. For those who don’t know, this is the site of a large Chevy factory in Flint, which was demolished and cost many people their jobs. U of M grads have designed a park for the site that could move the neighborhood forward as well as the city. All I know is that I am glad to see that someone is doing something to replace the disappointment left after GM decided to leave a vacant lot. Good luck to those in charge of the project!

-Keith

Russia, US relations

I've been seeing more and more stories lately about the state of America and the West's detriorating relations with Russia. This is just the latest example. From Iran's nuclear disarmenent to the assasination of critics who happen to be British citizens, and using energy supply to blackmail small countries, Russia is become more and more aggresive. The question I have is if this is a prelude to a new arms race or cold war between powers? Hopefully the globalization of the world economy will make such a thing unlikely but it is difficult to figure out what Russia hopes to accomplish.

-John

An Army Against the Clock

David Ignatius, one of my favorite Washington Post columnists, has a thought-provoking column in today's Post about the nascent Iraqi Army.

Registration is required to read washingtonpost.com, but it's free.

~Will

Kettering or Mott, Private or Public, It's All Getting More Expensive

An interesting article from The Flint Journal here regarding the ever-increasing cost of higher education in Flint.

I suppose on some level it's reassuring that both Kettering University and Mott Community College, two schools that really couldn't be more different vis-a-vis their respective franchises and student bodies, are both seeing tuition hikes of 3%, but it's still distressing. Most everyone with a college degree has some debt (I certainly do) and I'd wager that most of those folks are more than willing to call it an investment in the future, like a mortgage, say.

But what's the breaking point? I don't know, I don't know that anyone does. But it worries me.

(Speaking of breaking points/signs of the apocalypse...)

-Will

Go Directly to Jail, Do Not Pass Go

There is no question that the city of Flint faces the challenge of crime as well as economic hardships. Flint’s crime rate surpasses the national average in almost every felony. As the city tries to restore law and order, city administrators are forced to consider the practical realities which hinder their ability to provide crime prevention to the citizens of Flint. For instance, there is little space to house all who are arrested in Flint on a daily basis. Mayor Williamson’s solution is to open more jails. Makes sense. If there is not enough space then why not create more space. On the surface, the simplicity of this plan seems like pure genius. Many love this idea including the police who feel they are making a difference when the criminals they put in jail are not just walking through the jail’s revolving door, but are incarcerated till trial where they belong. However, this is deceptively simple.

While I support the jail being re-opened, the Mayor’s plan leads to uncertainty as to how long the jail will remain open. Like almost all of the Mayor's policies, the re-opening of the jail is not fully explained and the public is placated by his financial contributions to other similar programs. The reality is that the jail would require the employment of about 30 guards, upkeep on the facilities, and money to support the jail’s population. These costs could rise past $1 million per year assuming the guards are paid $30,000 a year. The fate of the jail depends upon the Mayor funding the facility and its staff from the Flint Auto Auctions o junkyards, but it is hard to believe that the auto auctions will be able to support the jails permanently considering they make on average about $500,000 a year.

All of his other solutions depend upon his continued monetary support. Where will we Flint be when he is no longer funning for mayor? Just like the mayor's dumpsters, which littered our streets when he was running for Mayor, the funds for the jail could dry up and leave the city in the unfortunate position of releasing prisoners and employees. This smells like a political stunt designed to win the Mayor votes in time for the campaign season and it would be irresponsible to rely on the Mayor’s patronage.

None of the Mayor’s plans are designed to rebuild our city. Instead of aiding that effort, he constantly struggles against those who are trying to build long-term, enduring solutions like the Genesee County Land Bank, Uptown Development Corporation, and the Mott Foundation. Really, the Land Bank is one of the only government agencies in Flint which has had success. Affordable downtown lofts, small businesses tailored to meet the demands of college students, and the rejuvenation of Flint neighborhoods can all be attributed to these actors. Political favors at election time are not going to be enough to fix Flint’s problems. If we want to rebuild our community we will have to do it from the ground up and avoid relying on the simple solutions. Putting criminals behind bars will help the city, but we must also work to support such a project financially. Plus, this alone will not save Flint. It will take a reinvigorated downtown built to support a diverse economy built off of our abundance of opportunities in higher education. Only by rebuilding Flint's workforce and securing jobs for the future will crime decrease. If there is anything that our community must take from Flint’s history, it’s that we cannot depend upon short-sighted visions for our community and we must focus on building long-term solutions that will endure the test of time.

- Keith

Our First Member Profile...

Afternoon everyone, today it's our pleasure to introduce you to Keith Flynn, with an interview live from the Brown Sugar Cafe in lovely and scenic downtown Flint.

Okay, Keith, where are you from?
From the gorgeous city of Flint, MI.

Great, tell us a little bit about your education...
Well, I went to high school at the Valley School in Flint, graduated from Albion College in 2006 with a major in Political Science and Management. I'm currently enrolled at MSU Law, dual degree in Law and Industrial Labor Relations.

How long have you been with GCYD?
I've been with GCYD for five years now.

What do you hope for GCYD to accomplish going forward?
I want to see us become an enduring institution in Flint politics.

Sounds like a great goal, Keith. So, who do you like for President in 2008?
Right now I'm between Barack Obama and John Edwards and, boy, am I torn.

What does Obama have to do to win?
He needs to reveal more about what he wants to do specifically. Broad, rhetorical comments can energize voters but considering all the problems our nation is currently facing, Americans want real ideas of how to move forward.

Okay, looking back, who is your favorite President ever?
FDR.

Short and to the point, a man of few words. So, what do you do for fun?
I golf, play tennis. I watch a lot of sports lately. I play video games. I'm a video gamer.

What's your favorite game?
Difficult... I'd say... The first Halo. I really liked that one.

You say you watch a lot of sports lately, what do you think the Tigers are going to do this season?
*psst*Win the World Series.


Alright Keith, we'll get you out of here on this: In three sentences, what does the future hold for Flint?
The future of Flint is the growth of high-tech industry, which will be built off of our strong higher-educational infrastructure. The challenge of today is to build our public school infrastructure so that all Flint citizens have access to the skills they need for Flint to grow and prosper. Flint needs to remember the past but in the process move in a completely different direction for the future.

Alright thank you Keith. Tomorrow, a sit-down with our Vice President, John Cherry.

A Hearty UAW Handshake...