About
What is Democracy on the Move?
Democracy on the Move is a podcast dedicated to the people and organizations building a better democracy. We interview people who take action and get their perspectives. Contact us if you would like to schedule an interview or suggest an interview.
Why?
In the words of Robert La Follette, U.S. Senator from Wisconsin (1906 - 1925):
Mere passive citizenship is not enough. Men must be aggressive for what is right if government is to be saved from those who are aggressive for what is wrong. The nation has awakened somewhat slowly to a realization of its peril, but it has responded with gathering momentum. The Progressive movement now has the support of all the moral forces that the solution of a great problem can command. The outlook is hopeful. There is no room for pessimism.
La Follette's words have found their way into our tag line: Passive Citizenship is not Enough. Democracy on the Move is a tribute to all those people and organizations that understand we must not be passive and simply expect the fruits of freedom to appear on our doorstep.
Who We Are
Dan Schaefer - Producer and Host
Though Dan has been an electrical engineer his whole life, he's done many things besides engineering, such as software developer, technical trainer, sales and marketing. In college he produced a morning variety talk show and spun records as an FM DJ. He's always loved working in audio, and over the years, he's filled in as an audio engineer for a local church and worked with a number of talented musicians.
Dan believes that democracy is not a given. It must be earned every day. It is nourished by participation, and it dies in darkness. Democracy on the Move represents Dan's attempt to keep democracy awake, alive and forever marching toward a more perfect union for all humanity.
Ellen Koster - Marketing Coordinator
Ellen was born and raised in the Netherlands, and she now resides in the United States; her past experiences in the Netherlands has given her unique insight into its political structure and how it differs from the United States.
Ellen's parents lived under German occupation during the war, and her father participated in a number of underground activities. They both instilled in Ellen a sense of what it means to lose freedom. Like most people who suffered under occupation during the war, the Dutch are especially sensitive to the idea of extreme nationalism and what it can do to a society. To that end, Ellen is very much interested in fighting any tendency toward authoritarianism, because she knows how easily it can creep up and overtake freedom.
Ellen believes that democracy is not something that should be taken for granted. It must be nourished and defended, and every person must be diligent to ensure that our country does not divide itself; rather, it continues on the often difficult - but necessary - path toward freedom in pursuit of a more perfect union.