Stem Cell film featured in E. Lansing Film Festival

If you're in the Mid-Michigan area on Sunday and looking for something to do, stop by MSU's campus and take in a film or two. Specifically take in Life is for Living by U-M pre-med student Michael Rubyan.

The following information was sent out to her constituents by State Senator Gretchen Whitmer, one of the distinguished politicans interviewed in the 41 minute film -

EAST LANSING - Michael Rubyan, a pre-med student at the University of Michigan, was so moved by a class presentation about stem cell research that he decided to make a movie about it.

"Life is for the Living," a documentary film directed by Michael Rubyan, a junior majoring in film, will be featured at the East Lansing Film Festival on Sunday, March 16, 12 p.m., in Wells Hall on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing.

The 60-minute film highlights the touching - both painful and hopeful - stories of six families struggling with incurable diseases and includes appearances by CBS's Mike Wallace, former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno, Gov. Jennifer Granholm, and others.

Rubyan produced the documentary to highlight the importance of moving forward on promising and potentially life-saving medical research.

"'Life is for the Living' was created to educate the public about the complex issues surrounding embryonic stem cell research," Rubyan said.
"The film seeks to explain the issue from four different perspectives - the people, the politics, the science and the hope."

The film presents the stories of six American families living with the painful realities of diseases such as juvenile diabetes, Parkinson's and spinal cord injury. It is set against the national debate over embryonic stem cell research and features three generations discussing their frustration with President Bush's restrictions and their hope that more funding for embryonic stem cell research will relieve suffering and perhaps even save lives.

"Life is for the Living" also explores the science behind stem cell research and the political debate taking place across the country, as well as here in Michigan. More than 15 political leaders were interviewed, including Reno; Granholm; Michigan U.S. Sen. Carl Levin; Dr. Sean Morrison, director of the UM Center for Stem Cell Biology; and Dr. David T. Scadden, co-director of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute.

View the trailer and learn more at www.lifeisfortheliving.org

For a complete list of films featured at the East Lansing Film Festival visit their site.

If you have the opportunity to check it out this film or any of the other 93 films at this record-setting film festival, between now and Thursday, March 20th, you should definitely a point of it!

That's my state senator!

A lot of people think politics are more boring than watching paint dry. I would have to disagree, at least here in Lansing.

I got a chance to sit in on yesterday's Senate debate on the proposed Republican plan to slash K-12 funding. (Hazen Pingree's got the scoop over on MichLib)

There's definitely something to be said about being in the Majority. I'm sure we wouldn't have to deal with half the crap we have if the Democrats were in control of the state Senate. Today's debate about a $36 per pupil cut was like watching a bad car wreck. It was so terrible, you just couldn't peel your eyes away.

I wanted to stand up and clap after my state senator, Gretchen Whitmer took the floor. Here's her statement -

You know, when people talk about the Capitol and they say Lansing is out of touch, I’ve always taken great umbrage with that statement because, well, this is my great city that it’s my pleasure to represent. It’s a city of progressive people and it’s a beautiful city. It’s you people who are giving my city a bad name because it’s you who is out of touch.

A “yes” vote on this bill is a vote for our schools. Seriously? If you want to vote “yes” for our schools, you vote not to cut them. You vote to pay for our schools to live up to the promise which we made to every schoolchild in this state.

This is still a $36 per pupil cut. Money that ya’ll patted one another on the back last fall and said, “Oh, we’ve got a great deal for our schools.” Now you’re taking that back. You say in negotiations the Democrats have reneged. You are reneging to the students of this state by passing this bill.

I saw everyone in this chamber stand up and give Governor Granholm a standing ovation at the State of the State when she said we must not cut our schools. Here we are today, for a second time, you’re offering up to cut our schools. The only reason we’re doing this is because of your inaction. Putting forward a bill you know is unacceptable just says you’re going to continue to put politics over education in our state.

Make no mistake. By voting “yes” on this bill, you are voting to cut our schools.

Thank you Sen. Whitmer, for standing up for me, my city, and my state.

p.s. To see one highlight from last night's Senate train wreck, check out We're not in Cadillac anymore, Toto! on MichLib and see what Sen. Michelle McManus is doing to further the advancement of women in politics *snark*.

Why NetRoots Meet Ups are so Successful

Last night was our Netroots meet up with Lansing-are lawmakers, and by all accounts it was a success. Many thanks to the 20-30 folks who came out for the event and left us with standing room only. Even more thanks to State Sen. Gretchen Whitmer, Rep. Barb Byrum, Rep. Joan Bauer and Rep. Mark Meadows for joining us.

For most, it was their first meet-up of that type. We had a richly diverse group, from state employees to stay-at-home parents, to young professionals, to some local union members.

Everyone came with the same goal, to explore how we as a community come together to make our state work better for all of us. The most widely-talked about topic was the state budget and what it means for us, the citizen. Our guests helped us better understand what's going on at the state process, and we helped them understand what's important to us.

We also discussed how we can work better with our government to achieve some of the common goals that we have and how we continue to fight against the Republican propaganda machine.
When we started speaking about the blogs and the online community, it seemed apparent that our elected officials understood the importance of this tool, and the power that it has to reach across traditional communication lines. We talked about the need for everyone to step up their own personal advocacy, whether it be on or offline, to push for different measures that are necessary to keep our state great.

This meet-up was a success, and I hope that these types of meet ups will quickly be further embraced by our progressive legislative counter-parts. This is just another way that we continue to invest in our people, in our economy, in our future, and mostly importantly, this is how we continue to keep Michigan great!

Lansing Area Legislators Meet with Members of the Net-Roots Community - This Thursday!

I'm very pleased to announce that all four of Lansing's state lawmakers are meeting with bloggers and those active within the Net Roots community this Thursday.

State Senator Gretchen Whitmer had this to say in her press release on the event

Bloggers have become an emerging force within the internet political community, I am very excited to participate in this type of forum and to encourage net-roots activism.

State Senator Gretchen Whitmer (D-East Lansing) will be joined by State Representatives Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga), Joan Bauer (D-Lansing) and Mark Meadows (D-East Lansing) as they discuss how online activists can help legislators promote local and state-wide initiatives.

Thursday February 8th
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Beaner's
3499 E. Lake Lansing Rd.
East Lansing, MI 48823

**This event is not just for bloggers, but for anyone who's interested in politically engaging online and working with area legislators to achieve common goals.

For other state-wide meet-ups with legislators, stay tuned to LLP and Michigan Liberal for all the details!

New Democractic Leadership Reaches Out to Bloggers

Welcome to 2007! A year of change, a year of a new majority, and a year to continue to make Michigan great! It's encouraging to see that Michigan's Democratic leadership is reaching out for our assistance in shaping that future.

Come join Speaker of the House Andy Dillon, Majority Floor Leader Steve Tobocman, and Representative Barb Byrum as they meet with folks like you from the Michigan progressive/liberal/democratic blogosphere on

Friday, Febuary 16th
6pm - 7pm
Livingston County Democratic Party Office
10321 E. Grand River Suite 600
Brighton, MI. 48116

Of course, far be it from the folks in the Senate to miss out. Many thanks to Minority Leader Mark Schauer for offering to meet up

Wednesday, Febuary 21st
7pm - 8:30pm
Lansing Off-Site Office
3230 S. Pennslyvania
Lansing, MI 48910***
(Please RSVP for this event)

If you live in the Lansing area, (either the 67th, 68th, or 69th House Districts, or in Senate District 23), then Reps. Barb Byrum, Joan Bauer, Mark Meadows and Senator Gretchen Whitmer ask you that you join them

Thursday Febuary 8th
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Beaner's
3499 E. Lake Lansing Rd.
East Lansing, MI 48823

Of course, don't forget to attend the Michigan Democratic Party State Convention with Blogger's Caucus 2.0 on

Saturday Febuary 24th
10 am - 12pm
Cobo Hall
Detroit, MI

Many thanks to the above-mentioned legislators for reaching out to all of us.

For questions, concerns, or to schedule a Bloggers Meet-Up in your area, contact me.

Well Done Mr. Mayor Representative Meadows

Today the City of East Lansing celebrated 11 years of public service by former council member and mayor Mark Meadows. With over 100 people in attendance, including friends, families, and colleagues, the reception lasted several hours and was a real success.

If you recall, Mr. Meadows was elected in November to fill the seat left vacant by now Senator Gretchen Whitmer in the 69th State House District. Rep. Meadows was sworn in immediately to fill the vacancy, so unlike most other newly-elected representatives, Rep. Meadows won't have to wait till January to start serving his district.

On hand to celebrate his tenure and note his many accomplishments, State Senator Gretchen Whitmer (D-23), East Lansing City Council members, City Manager Ted Staton, Police Chief Tom Wibert, Fire Chief Randy Talifarro, Representatives from Michigan State University, a spokesman for U.S. Rep Mike Rogers (MI-08), and a letter of congratulations and thanks was read from Governor Jennifer Granholm. All who spoke touched on Rep. Meadows' high dedication to the people of the City.

Of most significant note, I was impressed with a few of the closing words by Rep. Meadows. He remarked that as time goes on, people will forget their public servants. Those who serve the public should always remember this - It's not about me, but about what we can do as a community.

If those words are truly an example of his attitude of public servitude, than his constituents can expect great things in the years to come.

Welcome aboard, Representative Meadows!

Live from Governor Granholm's Statewide Bus Tour - Lansing!

Monday mornings aren't usually the highlight of my week, but today was the exception to the rule, thanks to Jennifer Granholm.

This morning I headed out to the Coordinated Campaign Headquarters on Michigan Avenue in downtown Lansing with about 100-200 other folks from the area to see off the Governor on her Statewide Bus Tour. The chant Four More Years could be heard several times as the young, old, black, white, rich, poor, gay straight, we were all there, to wish the woman who's fighting for all of us the best of luck in the next 8 crucial days. The entire event was incredible!

Together with an all-star line up, including State Senator Gretchen Whitmer (S-23), House Minority Leader Dianne Byrum (67th District), MSU Trustee Joel Ferguson, Lansing Mayor Virg Benero, and a handful of House hopefuls including Mark Meadows (E. Lansing - running for 69th House Seat), Joan Bauer (Lansing - running for 68th House Seat), and Barb Byrum (running for 67th House Seat), not too mention folks there from the County Level - incumbents and hopefuls alike - from both Ingham and Eaton Counties.

Of course Lt. John Cherry got the crowd all riled up, and introduced our Lady Gov and First Gentleman Dan Mulhern herself. Neither one of them disappointed.

Jennifer Granholm told it like it was - she's a bread and butter Democrat, here for the people, not to make a profit or protect her own personal assets. A fiscal hawk, she balanced the budget, not once, not twice, not three times, but four times.

She's not lobbying for unfair trade policies with China, and she's not looking to repeal the Estate Tax, which would leave the taxpayers like you and me with a multi-billion dollar hole to fill with our own hard-earned dollars. No way!

Jennifer Granholm is there for us, the people, the blue and white collar folks, who are just looking to get by in life, pay our mortages, put our kids thru college and leave this state a little better than we received it.
Amway Guy? Well between crushing our rights, and preventing us from becoming a healthier society and leaving our kids in the dirt, I'm not quite sure what it is he's doing for us, other than trying to become our upline. If you ask me, Dick DeVos is a quitter! No thanks!

The Governor was off to Battle Creek and then Jackson later today. On Tuesday you can find her in Detroit, Ann Arbor and Livonia, among other places. To see when she's coming to your part of town, be sure to check out her campaign blog and she writes in it quite frequently. Four More Years!!!!

Governor Granholm - My Champion Advocate for Stem Cell Research

This week has been a tough one for me.
I lost my grandfather on Sunday to an illness. I'm lucky to still have another set of grandparents still with me, but they are each fighting a losing battle with a terminal illness. That's on top of monitoring my own health, because living with severe Crohn's Disease for 12 years now has taught me how quickly my own health can suffer from stress.
So why does this concern Michigan voters?

All three of my grandparents and myself have illnesses that could be cured and/or prevented through stem cell research. Governor Granholm has been fighting an up-hill battle with the Republican-controlled State Legislature to ease restrictions on stem-cell research. *You can even sign her online petition to the Legislature here.*

Dick DeVos? Not one to stop his extremism now, he's breaking with fellow Republicans like Nancy Reagan, Sen. Orin Hatch, and Arnold Schwarzenegger who all support the research.
Isn't ignorance a powerful tool used by those willing to deceive for personal/professional reasons?
Governor Granholm has my fierce support because of the all hard-work she's been doing, and it's not going unnoticed.

"If our nation is serious about improving both the cost and quality of health care, we must tap the full power of modern science to combat life-threatening illnesses in an ethically responsible manner," Granholm wrote. (Associated Press, 7/18/06)
“Talented researchers and businesses around the world are working right now on cures for these devastating diseases through the promise stem cell research holds. These cures could have tremendous impact on the lives of Michigan citizens who live with these illnesses and could ease the pain felt by their families.” - (State address 10/3/06)

Here in Michigan, Rep. Andy Meisner and my very own Senator Gretchen Whitmer have both introduced bills to allow for easier restrictions on stem cell research.
It's not just about curing illnesses though. Hundreds, possibly thousands of jobs could be created by opening up research opportunities in Michigan. One study even estimates that $440 Million dollars goes into stem cell research each year. That's a big part of the pie that we're missing out on. The Lansing State Journal is just as confused as the rest of us why the Republican's aren't doing more to help out us, their own constituents.

These politicians (Republicans) are playing to the emotions and rhetoric of the anti-abortion crowd. In doing so, they stymie the chances for expanded stem-cell research, which holds great promises for finding cures to some of humankind's more debilitating diseases
-snip-
No wonder Nature Magazine says Michigan has one of the most restrictive stem-cell laws in the country. No wonder Michigan will continue having trouble attracting and retaining top-notch talent in the life sciences, if such laws remain on the books. (Lansing State Journal Editorial 1/30/06)

With medical bills the number one cause of personal bankruptcy, why wouldn't more of our elected leaders fight to help alleviate the financial burden? We keep hearing about the fiscal responsibility that Republicans like Dick DeVos and Ken Sikkema preach. Where is the walk to accompany the talk?
Gov. Granholm has been working hard fighting for us, the middle and lower classes, the people who can't buy their way out of an illness, and are stuck with our insurance co-pays, if we're lucky enough to have insurance at all. Her hard-fought fight on stem cell research is just another reason why we need her for at least another four years. If not, who's left to fight for me and my family? Or better yet, you and your family?

~LL