Category: Democracy

Final letter to an enemy of American democracy

June 11, 2024

Pastor E,

You have told me many times that your religion is not politics and my politics are a religion. You are concerned with more eternal things, the teachings and words of Christ, and the end of abortion. For some time, I took these statements seriously, considering each of them a worthwhile proposition. As you know, I temporarily curtailed my own behavior, in part as a response to what you’d said. Having soberly thought about your behavior, though, and the behavior of many pastors in the Evangelical church, your collective flock’s behavior, and their unwavering support for the Make America Great Again movement, I have concluded that the Evangelical Church has become so fixated on power that it has subordinated everything to a single end—a Christian nation made its own warped image. … More Final letter to an enemy of American democracy

The Local Climate Action Program goes to Harrisburg

May 2, 2024

Tuesday was a big day for the Local Climate Action Program in Harrisburg! In addition to partnering with municipalities this year, Omar Padilla, Kathy Cappelli Breier, and Vijay Bhaskar Chiluveru worked with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to develop the Department’s first operational emissions greenhouse gas inventory. We owe a huge debt … More The Local Climate Action Program goes to Harrisburg

Delta will survive. Delta will thrive.

March 31, 2024

Delta, founded as the Alternative Program in 1974, has been a community focused on democracy, imagination, and inclusivity for 50 years. Last year, the idea of turning Delta into a school sparked controversy. As the decision looms, questions about the program’s unique identity have emerged. The community’s deep ties to Delta and concerns about potential changes have led to robust discussions. Despite this, Delta’s future remains uncertain, with the possibility of becoming a school being carefully considered. The community’s commitment to maintaining Delta’s essence remains strong. … More Delta will survive. Delta will thrive.

Taking to the airwaves for democracy & a brighter climate future

January 19, 2024

As I just shared, 12 of our local governments have come together to explore a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a solar developer in response to public demand for climate action. The PPA aims to generate 29,000,000 kilowatt hours of carbon-free electricity annually, providing financial stability through long-term low electricity rates and creating Pennsylvania jobs. … More Taking to the airwaves for democracy & a brighter climate future

Solar aggregation, cooperation, democracy, & action on climate change

January 19, 2024

In Centre County, Pennsylvania, 12 local governments have come together to explore a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a solar developer in response to public demand for climate action. The PPA aims to generate 29,000,000 kilowatt hours of carbon-free electricity annually, providing financial stability through long-term low electricity rates and creating Pennsylvania jobs. The project is now in its final stages, with local boards and solicitors set to review and vote on it. This initiative signifies democracy in action and a commitment to a more just and sustainable future. … More Solar aggregation, cooperation, democracy, & action on climate change