By "you" I mean you mister (or miss) deep pockets successful person. Lawyers, doctors, celebrities and the like. By "you" I also mean you miss (or mister) not-so-wealthy. Your contributions, large or small, to the Democratic party and its committees is hurting the chances of health care reform with a robust public option, of serious legislation to combat global warming, and other issues critical to the country and world.
Why you ask? Because when you give no-strings-attached money to the DNC, the DCCC, the DSCC and even President Obama's Organizing for America, you enable weak legislation instead of the kind that takes guts to pass. So I am calling for a boycott of these groups, much like the Whole Foods boycott I wrote about last August, at least until a robust public option is approved and sign into law. Details ahead.
There have been some unfortunate setbacks on the public option over the last couple of days. We need a way to go on the offensive and get 1) Blue Dogs to stop weakening the bills, 2)progressives in Congress to stand strong and, importantly, 3) the White House to start playing hardball, not with the progressives but with the blue dogs.
This is my idea: cut off funding for the DNC,the DCCC, the DSCC and OFA until, at a minimum, a robust public option is signed into law. Additionally, give money directly to candidates who are fighting for real health care reform instead of these organizations.
So to the Gilberts of South Florida, the well-meaning couple who hosted Vice President Biden for a lunch fundraiser yesterday, this is why your efforts are hurting America (or at least not helping as much as they could):
- As Kos has argued many times, as recently as today, giving money to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) actually hurts our chances for progressive legislation. The bigger te DCCC war chest the more secure Blue Dog Democrats can be in thumbing their nose at their more liberal colleagues. Because the bulk of the DCCC's money will go to candidates in difficult to win districts and most of those are Blue Dogs. When you give money to the DCCC you are asking for the kinds of health care capitulation we've seen the last few days.
- The same exact dynamic is true in the Senate. When you give money to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) that money provides a safety net for just the kind of Democrat who will capitulate on the public option. Is that what you want? Don't give money to the DSCC.
- Same dynamic for the DNC; they'll give money to a lot of blue dogs. Now, I know it's fun to rub shoulders with the big wigs and give a lot of money will get you at least a photo with the Prez. and if you're a "bundler" like the Gilberts you might even get a Vice President in your home. But know this: you are stroking your own ego and doing damage to progressive causes. Heck, if you're a blue dog then I guess you're happy with contributions to blue dogs.
- I see no reason, in the short run, why we should give money to Organizing for America. We need to put some pressure on the President too; there's a lot more the White House could do to pressure recalcitrant Dems and even Republicans. Want to give? Hold that money until after a strong public option is signed into law. And consider giving instead to progressive groups and candidates instead.
So, where you should you give money to make a real difference? One good place is the Better Democrats Act Blue page maintained by Open Left. These are candidates and groups who will pursue progressive policies. I strongly encourage you to do the following right now if you support a robust public option:
1). Boycott the DNC, DCCC, DSCC and OFA until a robust non-triggered public option is signed into law.
2). Spread thew word via email, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
- To show support for progressive policies, make a donation right now to Better Democrats. Even a small one.
- Tell in comments if you're in.
- Recommend this for maximum exposure.