I followed Senator Harkin's signature event, his steak fry (?) on C-SPAN live as it happened. Although I really am impressed with all of our Democratic candidates vying for our interest, I must note here that Senator Edwards appeared to have the biggest and most enthusiastic following of the candidates at the event. Senator Edwards' message was the tightest and best delivered as well, although the others acquitted themselves with class and distinction. Having said that, Senator Clinton's demonstrated corporatism and support for the Iraqi war is deeply troubling.
What really matters is two things. Leadership and ideas for true progressive change in America.
America must get OUT of Iraq. This needs to start today. Right now. This ongoing illegal occupation of Iraq must end. This illegal invasion of a sovereign nation is considered an international criminal act, as well it should be. We can ALL agree on that. The death, destruction, corporate criminality remains the most colossal blunder in U.S. history. The last 6 and two thirds years has been an ongoing Constitutional crisis.
Health care for ALL Americans is the number two big issue facing America. 'FOR PROFIT' corporations should NOT be allowed anywhere near any health care decisions. Expecting to profit from the misery of others is ghoulish to say the least. Universal single payer health care is a demonstrated success in every industrialized western democracy that's tried it. Why not in America?
This brings me to the subject of campaign finance reform. We cannot be a democratic republic AND auction off our representation to the highest bidder. This is fundamental to a working participatory democracy. We must demand public financing for elections. The corporate broadcasters have a role to play here as well. As stewards of the publicly owned airwaves, I feel that it is incumbent upon them to operate in the PUBLIC INTEREST, as is mandated by Federal statute. I recommend that these broadcasters be obligated to provide no cost air time to all candidates running for public office, as a part of the public service requirement of broadcasters. This will have the effect of substantially reducing the amount of funding necessary to mount a viable campaign for public office. I've read that upwards of 90% of campaign contributions are used solely for broadcast air time. This would be a healthy development for democracy in my opinion.
On September 20th, 2007 it was reported on C-SPAN's "Washington Journal" that Senator Susan Collins, (R-ME) was "hopping mad" that she did NOT receive the word that the Webb amendment (D-VA) had been effectively blocked from consideration, and was observed hectoring members of the Republican Senate leadership regarding this oversight. It appears that Senator Collins was deeply vexed that she had voted 'NO' on that amendment, but would have voted 'AYE' had she known that the amendment was already effectively blocked.... Let's make sure we understand this. Senator Collins was apparently incensed that she lost an opportunity to appear to support a measure that in reality she opposes. This is exactly the kind of pandering fecklessness that the American People have long disdained, and is unfortunately a way of life in the rarified atmosphere of the U.S. Senate. I'm rapidly reaching a position of advocating the ouster of any and all incumbent Senators, regardless of party affiliation. No wonder Americans are disgusted with politics in America. We can and must demand better from our elected leaders.