We've been enjoying (with gritting teeth) the Republicans' weak attempts to counterprogram the DNC (the pathetic party for PUMA's at a nondescript bar in Denver, etc). Our opposition has a habit of using dirty tricks at election time, with varying degrees of success. A positive possibility for counterprogramming below the fold.
With gas prices rising and the economy weakening, our nation's least fortunate are suffering more than anyone. With fewer resources at hand, many charities are less able to assist the needy than before. Food banks are have difficulty keeping goods on the shelves, being sandwiched between rising demand for aid and declining donations of non-perishables. In addition, gas prices have made deliveries more expensive as well as the cost of volunteering, which often involves driving.
One of the primary ways food banks replenish their supplies is by conducting food drives. One of the most successful is the postal carrier's drive which collected 71.4 million pounds of food last year. The postal carriers have a number of advantages in mounting such a successful effort. They are located in every jurisdiction in the country, they are well organized, they are members of an organization which understands the value of collective action....is this sounding familiar?
The Obama campaign shares all these attributes. I believe that what separates the D's from the R's is a concern for other people, especially the less fortunate.
With the Obama campaign's enthusiasm and organizational brilliance, it would not be difficult to organize a similiar drive. McSame is already giving his speech at an unfortunate time. What better way to get a jump on canvassing and create a postive counter-image than a massive food drive? What do you think?