I got a call today from Seattle Firefighters asking for $10.00. It's not much but I'm on Social Security and every dime counts. But hey, Firefighters! So I put the check in the envelope. Then I checked Facebook and clicked through to Obama 2012 asking for another donation. Then Senator Cantwell and the DCCC. The final straw was the Share Our Strength - no vacation from hunger for millions and millions of American kids. A friend of mine works for Catholic Community Services. He told me that when they have more people in need than ever, donations have dwindled and they are desperate for funds. There seems to be no end to the misery.
Back in the other Washington, Republicans have filibustered democracy to death. We may as well admit that the Fascists are running the show. They don't care about twenty million starving American kids. That will play nicely in Romney's Blame Obama Tour. Romney could hardly contain his glee as the RNC cheered a rise in the unemployment numbers. A Romney Aide openly admits that Republicans are slowing economic recovery to help defeat Democrats in November. They think our pain is worth their gain.
What are we to do till then? Suffer silently glued to our televisions hoping Rachel or Keith or some Media savior will preach political gospel and ease our fears. And while we struggle, making do and holding on - how many billions will go into the war of words that resulted from Citizens United? Every time I see a commercial I think Ka-ching - with what that commercial cost, families could be fed, bridges could be repaired or classrooms retrofitted. After months of this non-stop vitrol, what will all these millions have accomplished but to make us hate ALL Politicians. ALL Government.
Wait a minute!
What if the donations went to stop foreclosures, feed hungry kids and rebuild our nation? What if those phone calls from the campaign weren't to ask for money but to ask what you need. Or to ask if you can help neighbors. Can you spare a few hours to help a food pantry? Do you know about this job training program? Have you heard of this place that offers summer programs for kids and lunch is free? More than anything else, a comforting voice saying, "We've faced hard times before, we will survive. We're all Americans"
What if the campaign offices were the home of community organizers not campaign workers. What if we don't play the Carl Rove/Frank Luntz game? What if we can't wait till 2013. What if we start now. What if we don't talk about the way forward, we just start moving? What if we save ourselves? We can't wait.
WHEN THE GAME IS RIGGED - CHANGE GAMES
What was it Jesus said? Know them by their fruits?
Let's grow fruit!