The time IS now: Let's end the politics of division

Hundreds of dedicated activists spent their Saturday inside the Lansing Center this past weekend. The goal they have set out seems nearly insurmountable in terms of the sheer magnitude: Bring the progressive movement together, create one voice and move a progressive agenda forward in our state to lead the way to a thriving economy, education system and health care that is affordable.
But come together we must.
Donna Brazile, the keynote speaker for the event, told the crowd that we have to create a "fabric," and bring the threads that we as individuals and communities are, and help weave that "fabric" into a new vision for America. A new vision that sees a thriving and striving community of the very best of what we value — human invention, human life and respecting and valuing every one.
Brazile is right to say we can bring the community together, because most people are tired of being isolated and wedged by the politics of division. The anti-affirmative action votes and anti-gay marriage proposals are but two recent and painful examples of the politics of division here in our state.
The LBGT community has taken the first steps down this road. We see it reflected in our coalitions at the state capitol — which include the education community, the social work community and unions. We have connected and worked with groups such as the NAACP to try to pursue a common human rights agenda.
But we have not gone far enough. We must continue to nurture, build and re-invent and re-enforce these coalitions. We must, as Brazile told activists, have "an open room."
And this room we must build in cooperation with progressive organizing, is open and welcoming to all.
You have a place in this room and we need you there. We need you to communicate with your friends, your family, your churches and your synagogues or mosques. We need you to talk to any organization you have contact with and find out how they are helping you to achieve a state and country where we celebrate the vibrant and beautiful tapestry that is truly America. Ask them what they are doing to reject the politics of division — dare them to join you in bringing this amazing vision into our everyday lives.
We have seen where the politics of division lead us. Let us find a new vision. The vision of transformation.
We have seen the power this vision has to build positive change. Over 400 people came to Lansing Saturday, speaking in cacophony of voices. They left if not as one voice, at least on the way to creating one room, where all have a voice.
Consider this your engraved invitation to enter this room.