1) January Meeting:

Next Meeting:

Wednesday - January 9, 2012
Social (Potluck) - 6:00 PM -- General Meeting - 7:00 PM
Bell Building
305 N. Third Street, Niles MI

Beginning January, 2013, our monthly meetings will be held the second Wednesday of each month at the Bell Building in downtown Niles.

Thank you: We have held our meetings at the Moose Lodge in Buchanan for many years and we wish to thank the Brotherhood of the Moose for the use of their hall. Thank you to the friendly and courteous Moose volunteers who have been so very nice to SCDC over the years. You guys have been wonderful to SCDC and we appreciate your good work on our behalf.

Potluck/Social begins at 6:00 PM -- South County Democratic Club is not only a political organization working for the families of Berrien County but also a group of friends and neighbors who enjoy each other's camaraderie and good fellowship. That friendeliness will continue. Since food is no longer available from our host (as it was with the Moose Lodge), we encourage our members to bring a dish to share during the social hour before our business meeting: Good food, good people equals good times. (BYOB)

If you cannot provide a dish to share, please do not let that deter you from attending our meeting and social. Knowing the generosity of SCDC members, there will always be enough food for everyone. Come to our meeting -- we need you!

Business meeting begins at 7:00 PM. All Democrats, progressives and liberals are invited. Never an admission fee -- free to all concerned citizens of southwestern Michigan. Bring a friend! Kids welcome!

Our first meeting of the new year; our first meeting with a new executive board. Committees need to be created (membership, political action, Blue Tigers, fundraising, etc.) and club business discussed concerning our political action for 2014 and projected budget needs, our office, future of the Blue Tigers (community service) and other issues. It is important that you attend. We are about to begin a journey -- a journey to 2014 -- and we need to discuss our road map and how we hope to achieve our objectives for that election cycle. We need you!

2) Martin Luther King Jr. Day - January 21:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King's birthday, January 15. The floating holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, though the act predated the establishment of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by 15 years.

This year, the Inauguration Day holiday falls on Monday, January 21, 2013, which is also the legal public holiday for the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

King was the chief spokesman for nonviolent activism in the civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King's honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed on January 20, 1986. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.

About Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service:

January 21, 2013 will mark the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. This milestone is a perfect opportunity for Americans to honor Dr. King's legacy through service. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King's vision of a beloved community.

In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a "day on, not a day off." The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community."

The MLK Day of Service is a way to transform Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and teachings into community action that helps solve social problems. That service may meet a tangible need, or it may meet a need of the spirit. On this day, Americans of every age and background celebrate Dr. King through service projects that strengthen communities, empower individuals, bridge barriers, and create solutions.

MORE INFORMATON ON DAY OF SERVICE HERE

3) Make a 2013 donation to South County Democratic Club:

Below is a link to our ACTBLUE account. Please consider making a holiday gift to our club. A $10, $20, or $50 gift will help us in the 2014 election as we gear up to DEFEAT SYNDER and the cold-hearted Republicans who voted against the working families of Berrien County with their right-to-work-for-less vote. Give!

4) Inauguration Day - January 21, 2013:

Morning Worship Service - The tradition of attending a morning worship service on Inauguration Day began with Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933.

Procession to the Capitol

Vice President's Swearing-In Ceremony

President's Swearing-In Ceremony

Inaugural Address - Since George Washington in 1789, every President has delivered an Inaugural address, ranging from 8,445 words, to just 135.

Departure of the Outgoing President - Following the inaugural ceremony on the west front of the U.S. Capitol, the outgoing President and First Lady leave the Capitol to begin their post-presidential lives.

Inaugural Luncheon - Since 1953, the JCCIC has hosted a luncheon at the U.S. Capitol for the new President, Vice President, and guests.

Inaugural Parade

Inaugural Ball - The first Inaugural ball in Washington was thrown for James and Dolley Madison in 1809, at Long's Hotel. There have been as many as 14 balls.

More information here

5) Republicans lose seats but cling on to majority in Michigan's state House:

LANSING — Michigan Republicans retained control of the state House in November’s election, but with a reduced majority and a leader who barely hung onto his seat.

The GOP had a 64-46 edge. After the election, it had shrunk to 59-51.

House Speaker Jase Bolger, R-Marshall, was under fire for his role in a fake-candidate scandal in Grand Rapids, but held onto his seat despite a strong challenge from Democrat Bill Farmer.

Republican incumbents defeated were: Roy Schmidt of Grand Rapids, the central figure in the fake-candidate scandal; Mark Ouimet of Scio Township; Deb Shaughnessy of Charlotte; Holly Hughes of White River Township, and Matt Huuki of Atlantic Mine.

Rep. Mark Meadows, D-East Lansing, the House campaign chairman, said Wednesday that he feels good about his party’s results in Michigan and across the nation.

6) From MDP - State Convention:

Dear Democrats,

Democratic victory in 2014 starts now!

Now is the time to get involved, get organized, and fight for the future of the middle class in Michigan. Rick Snyder, Jase Bolger, and their corporate friends, the Koch Brothers and Dick DeVos, have attacked the middle class, women, kids and seniors through their right to work legislation, anti-choice bills, cuts to public education and pension taxes. They must be stopped to save Michigan's future.

The 2013 Michigan Democratic Party State Convention will be held on Saturday, February 23rd at Cobo Center in Detroit. At this convention, we will be electing a Chair and two Vice-Chairs, as well as electing leadership for all 14 congressional district Democratic Parties. This convention is the perfect opportunity to meet with party activists and elected officials, and to begin the crucial organizing process for victory in 2014.

In order to vote at this convention, your membership must be current as of January 25, 2013. If you are not a current State Party member, please fill out and return the membership application below or join online. I encourage all of you to become members of the MDP - a strong and active membership is critical to having a strong, active, and successful State Party.

In the State Convention Newsletter:

• State Convention Agenda - make sure you know where you need to be and when ahead of time by checking the agenda for the 2013 State Convention here.
• MDP Membership Form - in order to vote at the 2013 State Convention, you need to be a member of the Michigan Democratic Party at least 30 days before the event. Check your MDP Membership Expiration Date on your membership card, and if your membership expires before the deadline of January 25th, 2013, you can either renew online by clicking here, or you can download, complete and return this membership form. If you have questions about your membership, please email membership@michigandems.com or call (517) 371-5410. Precinct delegates, elected officials & candidates can become members through February 23rd, 2013.
• Hotel Information - the Michigan Democratic Party has secured a room block for both Friday and Saturday nights, February 22 and 23, 2013, at the Westin Book Cadillac in Detroit. To reserve your room for the State Convention at the special rate of $105 per night, please call the Book Cadillac at 888-627-7150 or 800-WESTIN1. The deadline for taking advantage of this special rate is 5 p.m. on January 30, 2013. Be sure to mention that you are with the Michigan Democratic Party.
• Advertise in the State Convention Program Book - get your message out to thousands of Democrats across the state by advertising in our 2013 State Convention Program Book. You can download the order form here. You can also buy advertising in the 2013 Jefferson Jackson Program Book and the 2013-2014 MDP Directory - stretch your advertising dollar further by buying more than one ad and receiving a discount.
• Get your 2013 Jeff-Jack Tickets Now - the keynote speaker is still to be announced, but tickets are already available for the MDP's biggest event of the year. You can download the ticket form here. Make sure you don't miss out! 

We look forward to seeing you on February 23, 2013!

Sincerely,

Mark Brewer, Chair

7) From Democratic Underground:

Source

Who Is The Smallest Government Spender Since Eisenhower?

Would You Believe It's Barack Obama?

More at Forbes

8) From the MDP - Michigan Inaugural Events 2013:

To Michigan Democrats:

Plans are coming together to celebrate the 57th Presidential Inauguration of President Barack Obama as President of these United States and Vice-President Joe Biden as Vice-President. The Michigan

Congressional Delegation is working hard to ensure that those who travel to Washington to be part of this important historical event, have a memorable experience.

Tickets to the Inaugural swearing-in ceremony are limited and the entire Congressional delegation are trying to ensure that they are able to take care of as many of those who wish to view the ceremony outdoors as possible. Anyone wishing to get tickets to the official swearing-in needs to contact their Senator or Congressional offices to request tickets. All offices, Democratic and Republican, have been overwhelmed with ticket requests and there are literally tens of thousands of requests between all the offices, with unfortunately only hundreds of tickets available. Offices are conducting lotteries in many instances to handle the requests. We will remind people it is a very long and cold day, with security requiring early a.m. arrivals and the ceremony itself not completed until almost 1 p.m., so the viewing outdoors of this ceremony is for the very hardy, because at a minimum you will be in your viewing area for four to five hours. Indoor television with fellow friends and colleagues can be a very satisfying alternative.

Many will begin to arrive on Friday, January 18 . The weekend will kick-off with an event organized by younger Democrats, many of them Congressional staffers, with an Inauguration Kick-Off sponsored by the Michigan Democratic Action Network from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the 201 Bar, 201 Massachusetts Ave, NE, Washington, D.C. It will be a great way to connect with fellow Michiganders and begin a historic weekend with young people. No R.S.V.P. is required.

Saturday, January 19th is a day of service. The Inaugural Committee is still putting together the final details for this day, but Cabinet officers will be spreading out across the country to encourage involvement in service projects. People are encouraged to volunteer their time that day. Many Congressional districts will be organizing events and it is a great way to support the values we all share with this President. As we would like to highlight activities around Michigan that day, we also ask you to let us know of activities you are aware of by emailing debbie.dingell@yahoo.com. For those already in Washington, there will be more information to share about opportunities to participate later this week.

On Sunday, January 20th, the Michigan bipartisan Congressional delegation is hosting a coffee/hot-chocolate reception for all Michiganders participating in the weekend. Because of road closings and security requirement, it will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in 2123 Rayburn House Office building. You should contact your Congressional office to let them know you are interested in attending, and they will give you a copy of the invitation. There is no charge.  Many of the museums will be open and there will be other Inaugural related opportunities, which we will share later this week as more information becomes available.

Monday, January 21 is swearing-in day. The ceremony itself was discussed earlier. In the afternoon the traditional Inaugural Parade will take place which is open to the public. That evening, the Michigan Inaugural Dinner Dance will be held at the National Museum of American History. It is again hosted by the bipartisan Congressional Delegation, with a buffet dinner and passed hors’doevres, open bars, multiple bands with dancing on every floor, valet parking and special guests which include cabinet officers and celebrities. Already confirmed are Herbie Hancock and Lynda Carter with a number of others expected which will be made public later. Invitations for this are available through your Congressional office, the Michigan Democratic Party, or you may go directly to the website at michigandems.com/inaugural. Tickets are $225 a piece, and it is a very special memorable evening.

The Inaugural Committee has already said that they have cut back on official balls and essentially there is only one. It is not clear who will be invited or what the price of the ticket is, but they have already said there is a very limited number of tickets available on-line and those are already gone. Honestly, for the same price, you will have a better time at the Michigan event.

There will be more information later this week that will include more details, practical information on what to wear, likely weather etc. Hopefully, this gives you good background information. Questions may be directed to the Senators or Congressional offices or to debbie.dingell@yahoo.com.

The Michigan Congressional delegation looks forward to welcoming those to Washington who plan on participating. It is history we will all remember.

Debbie Dingell

Co-Chair State Society of Michigan

9) New on Chicago's WCPT- Democracy Now with Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez:

Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez
Monday-Friday  •  8pm-9pm

We're excited to announce a new addition to the WCPT line up - Democracy Now! An independent, award-winning news hour hosted by respected journalists Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez.

Democracy Now!' s War and Peace Report provides access to people and perspectives rarely heard in the U.S. corporate-sponsored media, including independent journalists, ordinary people from around the world who are academicsand independent analysts. In addidtion Democracy Now! hosts real debates between people who substantially disagree, such as between the White House or the Pentagon spokespeople on one hand, and grassroots activists on the other.

We hope you will enjoy listening to Democracy Now! We think Amy and Juan make a great addition to our progressive lineup.

More information here - link to internet access

10) From the AFL-CIO -- Walk of Shame:

More information here