Politics in the US are stymied by political parties that have surrounded themselves with legal protections to maintain their power, PM Executive Director Larry Stafford points out here. But neither party -- especially the Democrats -- is responsive to the people they are supposed to be working for. For Democrats, that's us working people -- and we are those people who have to transform the party or replace it, Stafford says. This is the first of a two-part analysis.

Our weekly memo, with organizing info from PM's expanding footprint in Maryland: Howard, Baltimore City, criminal justice/incarceration organizing project, Prince George's -- plus links to recent blog posts on the People's Action convention and other items.

"People of color and many other minority groups find themselves struggling to get people to understand their story... Sheriffs, mayors, governors, representatives, congressmen, presidents, and oil companies move forward on their agenda as if an entire group of people were non-existent. THEY DON’T HEAR US." Kimberly Riofrio, a Montgomery County activist in Progressive Maryland, defends a conscious and dynamic -- if sometimes uncomfortable -- awareness of diversity in our progressive movements.

A talk delivered by George Goehl, co-director of People's Action, to 1200-plus progressives from across the US at the PA founding convention Sunday night (April 23). Progressive Maryland is a state affiliate of People's Action, which has recently partnered in a newly strengthened organization with the Campaign for America's Future.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, as he always does, wowed the 1000-plus attendees of the People's Action founding convention Monday afternoon. PA's Libero della Piana wrote this account for Progressive Breakfast, the online PA blog.

Our national umbrella organization People's Action, newly consolidated, is having a founding convention early this week right in DC and our attention is on that. Plus upcoming events and the most recent blog posts with links.

March for Science? We have to, because the facts of our world are being hijacked and falsified by those who have a vested interest in ignorance, the precondition of exploitation.

"Social Justice Day" event at College Park flagship campus this week (April 18) shows potential for change in campus action, plus need for more coordination and concrete steps. A thorough Diamondback report outlined the day's events.

This weekend, the founding convention of People's Action -- next door in Washington DC -- represents the forging of state organizations like Progressive Maryland and 50 other groups in 29 states into a refreshed force for resistance and for creation of positive change. Read more about the event and sign up for a call Thursday night (April 20) to answer questions and prepare for Progressive Maryland's major role in the shaping of this effort.

Introducing a new staffer, plus events for your calendar from our expanding roster of county chapters. And recent blog posts. Note that the founding convention of People's Action is coming up in DC at week's end; be in on it.