I thought I would be clever and donate 2¢ to President Obama's re-election campaign. Then I would leave a message as well explaining my limited donation. Unfortunately I had to dig a little deeper as the minimum donation is $3, so I donated $3.02, and then I left the following message:
I gave my 2¢ (well, $3.02 since there is a $3 minimum), and would be happy to give more - LOTS MORE. But first I want some action. When Obama was a candidate he could pledge to do all sorts of great things once he became president. Now it is time for the rubber to hit the road. Start listening to the progressive base - we are asking for things that will make this country better, many of which actually have broad support of most Americans. The thing that puzzles me the most over the past 2+ years is how the campaign that had such tight message control and surogates speaking out to anyone who would listen could enter the White House and not keep it going strong. Does Obama think that stating something true once in a policy speech or press conference can somehow combat the lies being blathered on cable 24/7? We need him to lead by example, hit hard, and never surrender. Instead we get watered-down health care and banking reform, and now a Gitmo trial for KSM. This is not what I signed up for back in 2008!
I'm hoping that you can donate 2¢ as well. It seems to me that at some point if they get enough donations with 2¢ attached, someone will have to ask why this is suddenly happening and start to realize that progressives want to be heard. Maybe that's a pipedream but we will never know until we find out, right?
I also want to be honest - barring some epic meltdown or a progressive dream candidate who starts polling enough to win (Bernie Sanders would be cool, Ralph Nader not so much), I will almost certainly vote for Barack Obama. And as Terabytes of postings attest in the flame wars of the past several months, there is ample room to debate the value of all of the great things the president has done since inaugaration day. It's just that, well, I WANT MORE!!!
I WANT A PRESIDENT who will not cave before negotiations begin. I want a president who takes his positions to the people to argue his case, and then ensures Democrats and progressives have his back on cable news and Sunday talk shows. I want a president who will take a stand for what is right even when it is not popular. I want a president who looks out for the poor and the middle class and is not afraid to stand up to monied interests. I want a president who supports organized labor... I am sure you can add to this list!
I really want us to win in 2012, and send Barack Obama a House and Senate that can push a progressive agenda, and I will work to help make it possible. BUT FIRST I WANT THE PRESIDENT TO TELL ME THAT HE IS ON OUR SIDE!
So endeth the rant - you can join the cause by clicking here.