“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not come yet. We only have today. Lets begin.”
– Mother Teresa. 

All of history has led up to the point where we find ourselves today. The “Land of the Free” has not lived up to its moniker since its inception; the Community Democracy Project aims to change that. The days of unequal rights are in the rear view, and self-governance is just over the horizon. Weare in the position to decide whether that image in the distance is a mirage or an oasis. That decision starts with the choices we make in the present. Tomorrow will be meaningless without a total embrace of what we have before us.

THE SIGNATURE DRIVE COMMENCES IN JUNE!
 
June will be here before we realize it! Personally, I can barely sleep I’m so excited. There is much to do and little time to do it; we have been busy laying the groundwork to ensure a successful launch. We cannot begin to thank those who have volunteered their time enough! We currently have 311 shifts covered! Only 89 shifts to go before we reach critical mass of 400! This initiative will only pass if we are able to reach Oakland residents and inform them of the historic opportunity which lays before them. Take a stand for true democracy! Go to our website, volunteer for a few shifts, and be a part of history!

We also want to thank Move to Amend and the New Priorities campaigns for endorsing our campaign. The status quo is shifting. Remember, “The revolution will not be televised”, so get out of your houses and get involved.

 
Mayor Quan recently released her budget proposal for 2013-2015. Check it out and see what you think about the city’s proposal. It is important that we, as a community, begin to familiarize ourselves with the budget and the pitfalls that are projected in the future. Oakland is operating with $1,000,000,000 a year! I know, it amazes me every time I think about it too! It is important that we educate ourselves if we want to be part of a new direct democracy.

There will be four Town Hall Meetings about the budget in the month of May. Stay tuned for the dates and locations! The city also recently released Engage Oakland in an attempt to address the rising tide of interest from our community. And don’t forget to check out Open Budget Oakland, where the proposed spending is clearly broken down. Both sites present data which are sure to invoke interesting discussions.

 
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those personally affected by the tragedy that occurred in Boston, and those affected by violence daily, around the world. This tragedy has been grim reminder of the violence which has been pervasive throughout our fair planet. We are interconnected. Many degrees of separation does not divorce us from heartache. Solidarity extends far beyond the politics, and your pain is our pain. May our society find the peace it has been searching for and our planet has been missing.
 
Thank you all for your continued support. We have been working extremely hard to ensure a successful launch come June. There are many things in the works which you will be hearing about in the next couple weeks. We affect the future through the actions we take today, please consciously make choices which lead to where your values lie. 
 
In Solidarity,
Gregory Jackson and the rest of the CDP Team.

“When the government is too intrusive,
 People lose their spirit. Act for the people’s benefit.
 Trust them; leave them alone”. – Tao Te Ching
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