July 23, 2011
Make Way for the Radical Center
http://www.nytimes.com/...
By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
DID I mention that I’ve signed a pledge — just like those Republican congressmen who have signed written promises to different political enforcers not to raise taxes or permit same-sex marriage? My pledge is to never vote for anyone stupid enough to sign a pledge — thereby abdicating their governing responsibilities in a period of incredibly rapid change and financial stress. Sorry, I’ve signed it. Nothing more I can do.
If this kind of idiocy by elected officials sends you into a hair-pulling rage and leaves you wishing that we had more options today than our two-party system is putting forward — for instance, a party that would have offered a grand bargain on the deficit two years ago, not on the eve of a Treasury default — not only are you not alone, but help may be on the way.
Thanks to a quiet political start-up that is now ready to show its hand, a viable, centrist, third presidential ticket, elected by an Internet convention, is going to emerge in 2012. I know it sounds gimmicky — an Internet convention — but an impressive group of frustrated Democrats, Republicans and independents, called Americans Elect, is really serious, and they have thought out this process well. In a few days, Americans Elect will formally submit the 1.6 million signatures it has gathered to get on the presidential ballot in California as part of its unfolding national effort to get on the ballots of all 50 states for 2012...
From the Northern CA bulletin board WaccoBB.net
http://www.waccobb.net/...
Re: NYT: Make Way for the Radical Center
Quote Clancy wrote:
I'd be very skeptical of anything Thomas Friedman is promoting. He's an extremely militaristic champion of US global imperialism and corporatism, there's nothing 'radical' about anything he promotes, unless it's radical bombing of helpless third world countries for corporate profit.
Nationwide support for the Dem/GOP face of the corporate war machine is completely collapsing, you can expect the powers-that-be to get very creative in re-branding themselves for public consumption.
###
So I said...
I think you're correct on all counts; but as I've said, we need to use the beast to cleanse it. Harness all media and social networks. It's time the intelligent bumper sticker messages make it to banner ads everywhere. AmericaCARE NOT WARfare!$$$
In a democracy, the majority rules; unless the majority are tricked into thinking they are too divided to unite on the KEY issues, and can't leave the rest of it to the side. And/or the majority are ruled by electeds who don't keep their oath to uphold the Constitution.
It's true the last president, and the current one, (and a slew of others), have obtained their "War" powers without a following the Constitution's requirement for Congress to declare war. Time for America to require,all 3 branches of government acknowledge and enforce this, then abide by it every generation.
The debt ceiling debate is a game to distract from this issue.
The House ruled against this unconstitutional use of force in Libya. It's time California's sitting Senators, and all the House, Senate, State, and local officials, as well as, candidates for 2012; are challenged by the voters on this. Now, or there will be no later; for the kind of America we grew up in.
Our fate will be sealed if there is a compromise this week. Please call them every day to say: fair taxes for all; no cuts to all important services, programs and agencies that make America work well for us all. Balance the budget by de-funding all optional conflicts - period, end of debate.
We fund our values. Are we a nation who seeks never ending offensive use of force, and a willingness to ignore our own Constitution; or are we willing to insist on having the oath of office honored?
As every local government has to severely reduce funding for public safety services; has overdue paving, and needed water and sewer line replacements, etc. for Main Street; the Federal government funds the Dept. of Defense, and spends it on strike-first, optional conflicts abroad.
By way of the resolution for the US Conference of Mayor, and many other indicators; we know the majority of the whole country is not OK with this anymore. Too many of our "representatives" are working against our own best interest.
That's why they need to see lots and lots of these pie charts; so they can connect the dots to the number of constituents willing to work for their: impeachment, recall, or another candidate running for their seat.
When many of our parks, schools and libraries are having to close; it's time to say books and trails NOT bombs!
How will local government ever have the funds for emergencies, let alone long term disaster? We still don't even have our full National Guard at home to defend and protect us. Nor do we have jobs for the rest of the service members coming home, and all the much needed continuing medical care for them.
Pie charts, etc., on trusted web sites, demonstrating our priorities; can help our community, region, California & America save itself. Plus, it's easy to share the winning templates of how to make government serve our mutual well being.
This is our "end of Viet Nam" moment, United(?) States. Will you be counted as one of the ones who made your funding values clear; until America gets the change it asked for? Help our President earn his Peace Prize, call his bluff on this.
Tell them it's time to cut up the unconstitutional war credit cards, get into a credit counseling program, not enable a bigger hole.
Please remind your reps, how you were not fooled by the Wall St. bailout; and you will not be a fool now for a WW III bailout; unless we get to vote on a war tax. Let's put it to the test to see if the majority support it.
Let's also call for federal funding for local and state governments to replenish their emergency reserves, by having deep cuts in our foreign aid funding. Except in those countries where we have recently invaded; we owe it to them to help reconstruct and heal.
I filed last Friday to run for US Senate as California's 2012 Candidate for PEACE. Even candidates take the Oath of Office. Wonder if Frank Capra Jr, wants to write "Ms. Smith seeks Job in Washington". Hey I need one with a Senator's benefits.
So do you; not health insurance care -affordable wellness care. For everyone of course; because we value a healthy America. A healthy population is not a burden to our budget.
A healthy population, who likes to buy American, and knows we can re-tool to redistribute our wealth in wonderful ways; within our own borders, (which reduces our carbon footprint); can work to end it's addiction to debt, once and for all.
I want ya'll to help me write the Oath to keep the Oath, that you want all Candidates for Peace to take. Then we'll write the pledge that all voters will take to vote only for all Candidates for PEACE.
OK with that? Then roll up your sleeves and let's get to work on all this. Start with the cease fire for all; then we can get to solar powered electric trains, and so much more.
Let's design the best possible outcome now, for the budget plan that plays out in 2012. We may never get another chance to restore our vitality; so please inspire your friends and family to join in this launch of the American Dream 2.0
Love & PEACE
Colleen Fernald
California's 2012 Candidate for PEACE
US Senate
If you want to help, contributions of ideas, talents, and/or funds are much appreciated.
(Updating soon)
Songs for a Cease Fire
www.songsforaceasefire.org
Friends of Colleen Fernald for US Senate 2012
campaignforpeace.org
PO Box 3007
Santa Rosa, CA 95402
(Any contributions over $100 need include your address and employer info - thanks!)