To call attention to the dual threats of voter suppression and money in politics, activists have been organizing National Days of Action on and around January 19th to organize teach-ins, rallies and other events around the country. January 19th was selected because that weekend marks both the 3rd anniversary of Citizens United v. FEC and the Martin Luther King holiday. Individual activists are organizing events in their communities, and major events are being planned across the country to jumpstart campaigns to get the big Money Out, and the Voters In.

Filmmaker Dennis Trainor, Jr., caught up with Lee Camp, Aaron Black and Mark Green at the NYC event.

Statement of Purpose

In November, citizens in every state came together to cast their votes for President, Congress, and other state and local offices. The right to cast those votes -- to elect leaders who represent us -- is at the heart of our democratic system. But that right is in danger.

Our system of fair and free elections is under attack on multiple fronts. The Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United opened the floodgates for special interest money and corporate influence in politics. At the same time, a rash of voter suppression laws in more than 30 states has threatened to make voting difficult, if not impossible, for millions of Americans.

Throughout the history of our nation, powerful politicians and interest groups have tried to block eligible voters from casting a ballot. For much of the twentieth century, they used literacy tests or demanded poll taxes. Today they ask for photo voter ID, or create restrictive voter registration schemes. These laws, combined with the challenge posed by limitless corporate influence, strike at the very core of our democracy.
Our nation's history has been a journey towards true equality and the promise of a government of, by and for the people. Just as we have overcome many obstacles to achieve that promise, we are now committed to standing up against the pervasive, corrupting influence of an electoral system that auctions offices to the highest bidder and suppresses the vote of millions of Americans.

No matter what happened on November 6th, these threats must continue to be addressed. Together with our allies across the political spectrum, we pledge to fight for the rights of all voters in our nation and to move that much closer to creating a more perfect union. The future of our democracy depends on it.

Filmmaker Bianca Smith captures Occupy Los Angeles as they come from the north, south, east and west to converge into a Workers' Day celebration. "We are babysitters, nannies, we're gardeners, janitors, security guards," a woman shouts at a union rally. "We're all kinds of workers, and we demand respect!"

Marchers also share their visions of a more just world. "My version of a perfect society would be someplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to live up to their potential," a young man says. "I think that's the ideal place to live in."

Smith explains, "We had been anticipating for the May 1 General Strike (M1GS) for several weeks. Once the date got closer we held a couple meetings to talk about how we could cover all bases throughout the day. We knew that M1GS planned to flood the city in four "winds" (north, south, east, west) until the marches and caravans converged in Downtown LA. We created a camera team for each wind, composed solely of film students from The Los Angeles Film School, and we interviewed the likes of every culture and walk of life we could. Los Angeles is a city full of diversity and we wanted to capture that. There are a multitude of different types of people with a multitude of issues at hand to be dealt with. We wanted to convey the spirit of people, and I think we're all very happy with the results. This is a beautiful movement with real momentum, and I believe the medium of film and internet can play a very important role in that.

Video: Watch Mike read the chapter 'Boys State' from 'Here Comes Trouble' about his teenage trip to the summer program in Lansing, Michigan.

The Library of Michigan has announced the list of the 2012 Michigan Notable Books - 20 books highlighting Michigan people, places and events. The list highlights exceptional "Michigan books" published in 2011 that bring attention to Michigan authors and topics. Books that showcase the range of experiences of Michigan's citizens and life in the Great Lakes by well-established and first-time authors can be found on the list.

"This year's selections prove that persevering through economic and personal hardship is nothing new for Michiganians, and that this enduring and independent spirit has a long, rich history in the Great Lakes State," said State Superintendent of Public Education Mike Flanagan.

"This year's Michigan Notable Books bring to life the Michigan experience through vivid storytelling that creates portraits of the people and places that make Michigan great," State Librarian Nancy Robertson said. "Addressing Michigan's natural beauty, its innovative leaders or the faith of its people, these books celebrate Michigan as a place and a people that even in the most trying of times find transformation. The Library of Michigan is delighted to honor these 20 books as the 2012 Michigan Notable Books."

Congratulations, Michael!

For the complete list of the 20 Michigan Notable Books, go to http://Michigan.gov/notablebooks.