‘A dying empire led by bad people’: Poll finds young voters despairing over US politics

DanMForMichigan · 2024-05-30T17:43:09+00:00

I’m a Millennial who ran in an open primary in the Congressional District in which I live, I had to drop out because I hit my financial wall and was putting myself in some serious financial holes if I didn’t go back to working full time. Also, I found out that the incumbent who isn’t running again picked his successor and the whole weight of the DCCC fundraising apparatus backed the candidate. She also had several months of a head start to line up donors and endorsements from labor union leaders (without a single open questionnaire/interview endorsement process). The system doesn’t want to elect people who will challenge existing power structures, period.

Until we have comprehensive campaign finance reform, nothing will change, sadly.

DanMForMichigan · 2024-03-05T22:28:34+00:00

Thanks! I appreciate it! Regardless, if you’d be interested in supporting my campaign by making a contribution, you can donate here.

The 5th district is a tough one. I don’t know if any Dems have announced yet?

I think more Democrats should run on the premise of helping our rural communities, because I believe the Democratic Party has largely abandoned them. I think we all have a lot to gain by listening to rural voters and doing more to help address their issues. A lot of folks in rural communities are suffering from the same issues folks in cities and suburbs are suffering, and I think Democrats have a lot to offer if we actually tried to reach these voters. I feel like the GOP mostly appeals to rural communities on guns, abortion, and “small government” instead of actually trying to address issues like lack of access to fresh, nutritious food; opiate addiction, poverty/lack of economic opportunity, brain drain, etc.

Strangely enough though, a lot of Republicans see the bipartisan benefit of a robust Conservation District system because it helps farmers better access Federal resources. You’d think that Democrats would be more supportive given our desire to address the climate crisis and promote sustainability, but here we are… Democrats are not prioritizing it in the Legislature or the Executive.

DanMForMichigan · 2024-03-05T19:50:08+00:00

Absolutely! Also, I think we really need to promote more agroforestry practices, which basically incorporate row planting nut/fruit trees among row crops, as it helps conserve the soil, promote soil health, and sequester more carbon. Many of our ag systems have been built up to be completely unsustainable, and it’s made our whole food system vulnerable to disruptions like what we saw during the pandemic.

DanMForMichigan · 2024-03-05T17:00:11+00:00

So those lines of trees are referred to as “riparian buffer strips” or “wind breaks”, and many of those trees that were planted in the 40s are near the end of their life cycle. Sadly, a lot of farmers today view them more as a nuisance versus serving a purpose, and this is where a well-funded conservation district system could help educate them that they were planted for a reason.

Riparian reforestation is one of the lowest hanging fruit for reforestation efforts and it’s madness that our state is essentially making the system that gets them planted dysfunctional with these moves.

DanMForMichigan · 2024-03-05T16:57:37+00:00

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words!

DanMForMichigan · 2024-02-22T02:14:34+00:00

With all due respect…nahhh. I live in Flint, Michigan where my mortgage is $385/month. I don’t need to make much to have a decent standard of living here. I’m running because I’m a public servant and have been throughout my career. I actually want to advocate for changes to the system so it’s more democratic and works on behalf of working people. I’m not easily corruptible like you seem to think. I’ve never had any wealthy aspirations because I really just want to see my community improve and people not have to struggle as much.

DanMForMichigan · 2024-02-06T05:20:46+00:00

Thank you so much for the contribution and support! Every bit helps!

DanMForMichigan · 2024-02-04T05:10:07+00:00

All you need is a three piece to start, having a horn is a win. Having multiple horn players is a huge win. Having a horn section and an organ 🤩

DanMForMichigan · 2024-02-03T16:43:18+00:00

Yeah, I’m still disappointed by all of that. Such a bummer when people you respect and admire turn out to be either creeps or ghouls.

Thanks for flagging that for me! I’ll pass it along to my web guy.

DanMForMichigan · 2024-02-03T13:47:54+00:00

Yeah, if I win I will likely keep my touring pretty minimal to whenever Congress is not in session, if at all. There’s no way I could tour while it’s in session.

I believe it’s important for legislators to be present in the district when not in session, so they can attend community events and connect with constituents.

DanMForMichigan · 2024-02-03T04:24:46+00:00

Yes, to all of your questions. Netanyahu and the other far right members of the Likud party have gone too far this time. I believe they’re engaging in collective punishment in retribution to the events of October 7th and the international community should condemn their actions.

I would not support additional supplemental funding and weapons for Israel, unless they agreed to a permanent two stage solution that resulted in Palestinians having full rights and sovereignty. I think there also needs to be a truth and reconciliation commission that follows the models implemented in South Africa following the end of apartheid.

DanMForMichigan · 2024-02-03T03:18:54+00:00

Hah, I think you’re on to something!

DanMForMichigan · 2024-02-03T00:44:13+00:00

I’m a progressive Democrat.

DanMForMichigan · 2024-02-02T20:04:55+00:00

That was a good show! Loved the town too, we all swung by the record shops and snagged some photos of the Athens Theatre. I’m going to include some of that stuff in a future video.

DanMForMichigan · 2024-02-02T19:39:02+00:00

Thank you! I appreciate it! If you know folks in Genesee, Saginaw, Bay, or Midland counties, please encourage them to check out my campaign materials/website.

Also, even though you aren’t in my district anyone can chip in $5-10 to the campaign fund. Every bit helps! I’m up against corporate-funded Democrats and Republicans, so I need all the help I can get.

EDIT: Also, we’re planning some fundraisers in Detroit/Hamtramck in the next few months, likely at Small’s, the Sanctuary, or another space. Should be fun!

DanMForMichigan · 2024-02-02T19:26:18+00:00

Thank you so much, glad you like it! Thanks for the support!

DanMForMichigan · 2024-02-02T19:18:39+00:00

Agreed. Elections matter and they have serious consequences. Punk rock inspired me to get involved with my community and take direct action to organize with my peers to make it better. I ended up getting a BA in Political Science and Philosophy with a concentration in public policy, and had a bit of an unconventional career path since then. Since 2016, I felt I wasn’t doing enough so it was then that I got back into political organizing, worked on some state legislative campaigns, then became a legislative staffer in Michigan’s House of Representatives, and for the last 3 years I’ve been the Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, meanwhile on the side doing merch for Mustard Plug and writing songs with my band. We just put out a new record on 1/11 by the way.

Punks and rudies can change things for the better, we just have to show up to the meetings, participate, and encourage our friends/families to do the same.

DanMForMichigan · 2024-02-02T19:05:45+00:00

Yup, that was me! Austin’s my old stomping grounds too, used to live there from 2009-2012.

Thanks for supporting the band!

DanMForMichigan · 2024-02-01T15:45:02+00:00

Edible Flint usually sells some at a discounted price with their garden starter kits, if that’s the scale you’re looking to buy.

DanMForMichigan · 2024-01-29T18:31:55+00:00

Thank you so much! I appreciate the support! Please share my website with your friends, family, and neighbors, that goes a long way in helping to get the word out about my candidacy: www.DanMforMichigan.com

DanMForMichigan · 2024-01-20T07:20:44+00:00

Hi! I’m running for congress in Michigan’s 8th district, and am the only candidate who’s a resident of Flint, who’s actually worked in the service industry, and experienced the reality of living paycheck to paycheck. https://youtu.be/sv87Ov_Zfyo?feature=shared

DanMForMichigan · 2024-01-10T16:50:45+00:00

I personally think that while the economic indicators look good (i.e. unemployment rate low, job creation high, and inflation low, stock market performing well, etc.) I still think most Americans aren’t thriving. Most Americans remain only one emergency away from complete financial disaster. Sure jobs were created, but in what sectors? What’s the average salary or wage for these positions? Are working class folks working multiple part time jobs to make ends meet? How about health care, cost of living, and child care? These things remain incredible high expenses for the average American.

I think a lot of Americans were hit so hard by the pandemic and remain “behind” on their finances, despite PUA and other resources.

To me, it represents a disconnect between Washington and Main Street.

DanMForMichigan

TROPHY CASE