Cross-posted at WV Kossacks.
Did you hear from John today? He sent me an email. It reminded me of an ongoing battle for the soul of our nation--People Power versus The Money Party.
First, a brief aside, then I'll share John's email.
Before a politician announces a major campaign a key step is touching base with major contributors. It's an important step to test support, get buy-in, and make sure all systems are go before launching a major endeavor. [Sometimes it turns out the support isn't there--the trial balloon gets shot down--it's better to find out in advance.]
Many politicians belong to the The Money Party--they are more naturally comfortable with the country club politics of major donor solicitationsand corporate PAC funds. The Money Party is non-partisan--it's all about power, not Rep. or Dem. affiliation.
Other politicians instinctively turn to you and me before important announcements. They believe in the People Power. I don't know if you were home to get the call: Time Magazine named you the person of the year. One reason is because you provided People Power (via NetRoots, as one example) to this year's historical election results.
What does all this have to do with today's email? The end of the 2006 election season is the beginning of the 2008 election season. It's the start of Presidential candidate announcements. John Edwards is widely rumored to announce his candidacy next week. Quite tellingly, preparing for his announcement the son of a mill worker demonstrates his belief in People Power:
<div align="justify">For the past two years, we've worked together to build an America that lives up to its promise -- one where we all share in prosperity at home and one that shows real moral leadership around the world.
I'm proud of our successes fighting poverty, supporting working families, and standing up for what we believe.
Now, we have a big decision to make -- and I do mean we.
I'm getting ready to take this effort to the next level - to bring Americans together in all fifty states to tackle the big challenges facing our country, from poverty and lack of health care, to energy and global warming.
But this is our effort, and we can only succeed if we're all in it together. So before I make a final decision, I need to hear from you: Are you ready?
If you're ready to take this to the next level, and launch a renewed national effort to change America, send me a note and let me know: JohnEdwards@readytochangeamerica.com
If you have friends or family who share this vision, I want to hear from them too. Please forward this on to anyone you know who might want to join this big new effort.
I believe we can run a totally new kind of endeavor -- one that puts our ideals into action, and puts the hopes and dreams of the American people above the personal ambition and play-it-safe strategy of traditional politics.
I can't promise you where this will ultimately lead. But I can promise you this: if you're on board, we'll launch a renewed commitment to change our country from the bottom up. We'll always speak from the heart. And together, we'll reach out to millions of people to let them know it's still okay to dream big dreams, and do everything we can to make them real --because that's what America is all about.
So the only question is: Are you ready?
If you want to take this effort to next level, send me an e-mail and let me know: JohnEdwards@readytochangeamerica.com</div>
Stay tuned: I'll let you know what we decide early next week.
Happy holidays, and may it be a bright new year for all.
Your friend,
John
Do you believe in People Power? It's time for politicians who work for us. It's time to crash The Money Party.