The death toll is rising, and you money is making it possible.
Currently, Michigan tax dollars are supporting companies that aid the Sudanese government in its genocide in Darfur. Already 400,000 have died in addition to the over 2 million refugees. This needs to stop.
Michigan can make a difference. Existing legislation would divest our tax dollars and tuition dollars from companies aiding the genocide. Together with the other 20 states doing this, Michigan can say with a clear voice that, just as we didn't support Apartheid, we don't support genocide.
However, this legislation is sitting in a Senate committee, never receiving a vote. While the House voted divestment through almost unanimously, the Senate is, once again, playing politics with people's lives.
The people of Darfur need this. Michigan needs this. Please call your legislator and urge them to bring Senate Bill 555 and House Bill 4854
up for a fair vote.
-Tom Choske and Jeff Lakin
President and Vice President for Government Outreach (respectively)
Spartans For Progressive Divesment

Yesterday, the United Nations released a statement that the government of Sudan is, once again, failing to comply with UN Security Council Resolutions. Unless they allow all Peacekeepers into the country, hundreds of thousands more will die.

Michigan can make a difference. Existing legislation would divest our tax dollars and tuition dollars from companies aiding the genocide. This would hurt the Sudanese President in a very tender place: his wallet. Also, it would make a statement that Michigan doesn't want Lansing to send its money to foreign companies that help murder innocent civilians.

However, this legislation is sitting in a Senate committee, never receiving a vote. Certain lawmakers are stifling this legislation for political gain, much as they did for the budget. We all know how bad that was for the university and the state.

The people of Darfur need this. Michigan needs this. Please call your legislator and urge them to bring Senate Bill 555 and House Bill 4854 up for a fair vote.

-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Progressive Divestment

Darfur needs our help. The United Nations has released a statement that, unless the government in Khartoum fully complies with UN Resolutions and allows all aid into the country, the peacekeeping mission will fail and hundreds of thousands more will die.

Michigan has legislation to divest from companies aiding the genocide, hitting the Sudanese President where it hurts: his wallet. However, this legislation is sitting in a Senate committee, never receiving a vote.

The people of Darfur need this. Michigan needs this. Please call your legislator and urge them to bring Senate Bill 555 and House Bill 4854 up for a fair vote.

-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Progressive Divestment

It has claimed 200,000-400,000 lives. It has displaced millions. It has tortured countless millions more. And it continues to this very day -- with no end in sight.The situation in Darfur is real. Real people are being forced from their homes. Real people are being tortured. Real people are dying. To date, the genocide waged by the government of Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir has taken the lives of well over 200,000 people, and the attacks by the Janjaweed, local mercenaries hired by the regime, have tortured and displaced millions.

The only way to bring an end to this is to target the money the government gets, namely the foreign oil companies. They must be engaged by their shareholders, and the State of Michigan has a lot of shares. If the state can engage these companies, we can make a difference on the ground in Darfur. To do that, though, we need your support as concerned citizens to get the government to pass SB 555 and HB 4854, the Michigan Sudan Divestment legislation.

Tom Choske

President, Spartans For Progressive Divestment and International Relations and German senior

How can we make a difference in Sudan? This question has sparked much debate in the news of late. Some believe the only way is through deploying troops. However, that is not the case. The U.S. can help end the genocide in Darfur at little cost and no loss of life.
Divestment is the first step. Much of the world -- the U.S. included -- divested to end apartheid in South Africa in the 1990s, so we can divest from Sudan to end the genocide. The Sudanese government makes most of its money from oil revenues, which the people don't see a penny of, by pressuring foreign oil conglomerates that are involved in Sudan to put pressure on the government. To get the oil companies to do this, they must be engaged by their shareholders, such as fund managers and even individual people. If they don't change their practices, we as concerned citizens will take our money other places.

This strategy has worked already. Schlumberger, a French oil company, stopped supporting the genocide and is now building hospitals and schools in Darfur. It carried virtually no cost for the investors, as there are plenty of more profitable companies out there to invest in, and it made a difference on the ground. There were no lives lost, either.

Stand up and support divestment legislation. It is the first step, and a significant one, that can help a lot of people at little cost.

-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Progressive Divestment

The Michigan Democrats have a challenge ahead of them. Regardless of any infighting surrounding Presidential politics, Democrats must unite to fight to make Michigan relevant on the national political stage. As of the date of this letter, the Michigan Democratic Party is planning on hosting a state-wide primary on January 15th, paid for with taxpayer money and alienating virtually all the candidates.

Currently, with the exception of several candidates, no one will participate in this primary that broke, without prior consultation, guidelines set down by the Democratic Party as to primary and caucus dates. Furthermore, Michigan's votes at the convention will be furthered censored, ultimately giving Michigan no voice and wasting over $10 million of your money at the same time.

Because of the actions of a few party activists, the Michigan Legislature voted this into law. Despite having been challenged twice by lower courts, the Michigan Supreme Court relented to political pressure and upheld the law last week.

However, there are problems with implementation. Certain state officials are unsure as to whether or not they will be ready. No one knows for certain even if any of the ballots will count for anything in the nominating conventions for either party.

This law is flawed. This primary is flawed. Democrats, the main victims of this, should put their internal differences aside in order to show a unified front opposing wasting public money and supporting Michigan having a voice come 2008.

-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Richardson

In the November 1st State News, columnist Leo Madarang wrote on why Mitt Romney was the 'right man' to be president. In it, he stated that Governor Romney's qualifications as a former CEO of Bain Capital and his gubernatorial accomplishments are the reasons he is the 'right man' to lead America.

However, there is another man in the race who was also a CEO and also a successful governor, plus an international player. This is Governor Bill Richardson. Toe-to-toe, he has many times more accomplishments than the entire Republican field put together. Under his stewardship, New Mexico balanced its budget five years in a row, and even grew its rainy day fund by over $4 billion. His tax cuts have been targeted to give low-income and middle-income people a break, and also to attract businesses small and large. His policies have created over 80,000 new jobs, lowering unemployment to the lowest it's been in 30 years. Richardson also has international experience, disarming dictators and saving lives.

The only thing Romney has that Richardson doesn't is a vague Michigan connection. However, if he is truly 'Michigan's son', then why did he move out? Where did he open up his company? Where was he when Michigan was going through hard times before? The answer is: not here. Now, when Michigan is useful to him in the campaign, he comes back pandering.

When making a decision for whom best to run the country, look at the facts. Don't get swayed by political pandering.

Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Richardson

How can we make a difference in Sudan? This question has sparked much debate in the news as of late. Some, such as Mr. Bristow, believe the only way is through deploying troops. However, that is not the case. The United States can help end the genocide in Darfur with little cost and no loss of life.

Divestment is the first step. Much as the world (the US included) did for South Africa to end Apartheid in the 1990's, we can divest from Sudan to end the genocide. Since the Sudanese government makes most of its money from oil revenues (which the people don't see a penny of), by pressuring these foreign oil conglomerates that are involved in Sudan to put pressure on the government. To get the oil companies to do this, they must be engaged by their shareholders, such as fund managers and even individual people. If they don't change their practices, then we as concerned citizens will take our money other places.

This strategy has worked already. Schlumberger, a French oil concern, stopped supporting the genocide and is now building hospitals and schools in Darfur. It carried virtually no cost for the investors (as there are plenty of more profitable companies out there to invest in) and made a difference on the ground. There were no lives lost either.

Stand up and support divestment legislation. It is the first step, but a significant one, and can help a lot of people with little cost.

-Tom Choske

President, Spartans For Richardson

I must say I respect and welcome Mr. Bristow's viewpoint on Darfur. He brings up a valid point that the United States has as its first responsibility the duty to protect its citizens and its founding principles. By the way, when his letter was written on October 8th, Sudanese government forces and proxy forces attacked and destroyed a village controlled by the Sudanese Liberation Army, a group with which they have an established cease-fire. 100 people were killed and the town was razed. I ask you if the murder of innocent civilians in the midst of a cease-fire violates our belief in 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness' or not.

Mr. Bristow gathered from my previous letter that I was of the opinion we should 'invade' Sudan or use our troops. This couldn't be further from the case. The United States has the economic and political might necessary to make the changes without troops.

We need the Bush Administration to put some of its highest ranking diplomats on this issue, giving it the attention it deserves. We need to diplomatically target Sudan's economic partners, such as China, to force change in Khartoum. We need to prevent the conflict from spreading to neighboring nations such as Chad through engaging the African Union and other regional partners. We should moderate productive discussions between the regime and rebel groups officially. Finally, if we are to stand for international law against genocide, we should join the International Criminal Court.

These six steps are Governor Richardson's plan to end the genocide. However, we can't wait till January 20, 2009 to see these policies implemented. We, as citizens, need to stand with the Governor and oppose the outright massacre of innocent civilians every day until the crisis is resolved. This can be done by supporting targeted divestment policies in your state, you community, or even checking your own finances to make sure you are not supporting companies that support genocide.

-Tom Choske

President, Spartans For Richardson

As the media goes, so does the American populace. As Darfur seemed to be getting better with the UN Peace Keepers and the cease-fire, the media and the people seemed to hop to the next story of the day, be it OJ Simpson or Britney Spears.

However, the crisis is not any better, and UN Peace Keepers are meeting stiff resistance from the Sudanese government. While thousands continue to die per day in Darfur, the attention of the United States and other powers wanes.

Certain people are attempting to make a difference. As the only presidential candidate to have been to Sudan, Governor Bill Richardson has a clear policy to bring the might of the United States to bear on the Sudanese regime, forcing a true cease fire and real humanitarian relief.

2008, though, is a long way away. State Senator Hansen Clarke and Representative Alma Wheeler-Smith have legislation in Lansing to divest Michigan pension funds from companies found by analysts to be complacent in the genocide in Darfur. With the budget focus, and the counterproductive partisanship of the majority in the Senate, these bills need a popular push to get through, and start making a difference.

I urge you, contact your representatives. Get involved. Help us prevent another 500,000 from dying a needless death because of our apathy.-

-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Richardson.

This past week, Governor Jennifer Granholm signed legislation to move Michigan's presidential primaries up to January 15th. Already, there have been strong reactions to this in the media. Passing this legislation was a grievous mistake, and has bad ramifications for the State of Michigan, as well as the state of democracy.

Ever since the Senate passed this bill along party lines, there has been speculation as to what would happen if Michigan joined Florida in contesting the rules of the Democratic and Republican parties. Several candidates, including Clinton, Obama, Richardson, and Dodd, signed a pledge to not campaign in any state that violates caucus/primary guidelines. On the Republican side, Michigan may loose half of its delegates to the RNC due to this violation of their rules.

This legislation also has negative ramifications for the State's fiscal crisis. Normally, each party is required to pay for and host their own primary in whatever manner they see fit. However, now the responsibility is shifted to the State. Each polling precinct is now required to mobilize for these member-only elections. These costs will come out of the State's coffers. When looking in the hole of a $1 billion deficit, tacking on another $10-12 million is fiscally irresponsible, especially when these votes are not open to all citizens.

Changing our primary date will also impact democracy in this state. Already Michigan is struggling to be significant in national politics; by turning away candidates, it will only hurt our standing. Instead of welcoming all candidates and giving them an equal footing, voters will be ill-informed of the real choices they have. The less-well covered candidates, such as Governor Bill Richardson, will be at a disadvantage to the 'media rock stars' of Clinton and Obama.

Do not support this irresponsible crimp on democracy. Let your voice be heard in opposition to this horrible idea, and preserve the sanctity of democracy, and the contents of our bank accounts.

-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Richardson

To the Editors of The State News:

I would like to write today in regards to the cartoon printed in the Wednesday, August 29, 2007 edition of The State News, relating to the 'reservations' some seem to have with Senators Obama and Clinton in their bid for the presidency. The portrayal of Obama as a weak child and of Clinton as enraged and manly, was offensive, and takes away credibility from those who do have legitimate concerns with their leadership ability. Senator Obama could be viewed as inexperienced, it is wrong to characterize him as weak. While Senator Clinton does appear to many to be too much of a 'Washington insider', the gender jokes should be reserved for a more appropriate venue, such as the halls of a local middle school.

The cartoon also continues to demonstrate the unwillingness of The State News to cover the other candidates in the Presidential Roundup. The Republicans are virtually nonexistent in coverage, and solid Democrats such as Bill Richardson or John Edwards seem wholly discounted.

If you are going cover politics, cover them equally and fairly. Do not hop on to one train of thought and ride it to the detriment of those more legitimate. As an influential publication with a large readership, you have the duty to be fair to your readers, and provide them with content that caters to the college intellect, rather than the gutter-mindedness of teenagers.

-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Richardson

I would like to write today in response to statements made in the July 24, 2007 issue of The State News made by MSU Political Science Professor Paul Abramson about the Democratic candidate field for the presidential nomination. Prof. Abramson's statement that, "[it's] really turned into a two candidate race on the Democratic side," is completely false and narrow-minded.

Too many people unfortunately share this opinion. They feel the race is only between Clinton and Obama. However, when I checked the cover, I saw more names listed as contenders. To discount anyone (even Dennis Kuchinch) at this point is absolutely ludicrous. At this point in the '04 election cycle, people were saying 'John Kerry-who?', and in the 92' cycle, no one seriously considered the Governor of Arkansas as a real contender for the Presidency. The hype is exactly that: hype. Substance and consistency are what separate candidates from passing fads. Fundraising is not an indicator of staying power: progress in the polls in the first Primary states is. Obama, Clinton, and Edwards have all been fluctuating in recent polls. The only candidate really advancing is Gov. Bill Richardson, who Prof. Abramson would probably classify as a 'second-tier candidate'.

Do not let political nay-sayers sway you: the race is far from over. With the immense issues facing our nation in 2008, the freedom of choice we possess is our greatest strength, and it would be a shame to waste it.

-Tom Choske, President, Spartans For Richardson