How to change the course?

I have been a member of Move On since it's inception. It was my way of coping with the craziness and frustration wrought by our current administration. They seem to have brought attention to some issues that might have gone unnoticed without their efforts and their methods encourage grass roots involvement. The first step towards positive change usually involves a little noise making and they have certainly done that.

Well there are several ways. First of all, change to an Independent voter. It may seem a token gesture, but if every disgruntled American would do it, it would resonate profoundly with both parties and would force a change when their bases have become literally non-existant. For more on this, check out Lou Dobbs new book, "Independents Day: Awakening the American Spirit"

Lou Dobbs examines the public policy choices over the past thirty years that have eroded individual liberties, disenfranchised the middle class, reduced worker rights and pay, and led our nation into social and political division at home as well as into conflict around the world. Dobbs lays out the folly of continuing to follow existing domestic and foreign policies that have enriched and entrenched the elites, and burdened to the breaking point the rest of America. He posits a determined course for both prosperity and the survival of the American dream in a society that is desperate for new leadership and new ideas. Most important, Dobbs explores how we must and can restore the fundamental national value of equality of rights and opportunity for all Americans.

Secondly, and I'm serious, help add your voice to the millions of other Americans that think Lou Dobbs should run for President, and then vote for him. It's time for common sense to return to politics. Our elected officials and the current candidate pool are the flotsam and jetsom of the political world, no longer serving us, but rather themselves and special interests.

Just my two cents worth.

Regards,

D

Thanks. I am going to find out more about Dobbs and consider becoming an independent. I appreciate your time to responds.

You know, I forgot about Move On. I will rejoin their list and see what they have been up to.

Essentially I believe your question is one that opens the door to a much larger one...

Do we still live in a Democratic Republic?

The groups that have formed are a symptom of the problem not the cure. Lost, angered, disillusioned and to my mind disenfranchised voters are seeking a place to effectively support positive change.

Consider this, regardless of your specific point of view all conventional polls indicate that 67-85% of U.S. Citizens want their borders better secured. This should be considered a mandate. However the powers in play (big business, latino advocacy groups, and other forces aligned with a globalist view) have thwarted the deployment/execution of this very basic deliverable... (the obligation of a nation to hold sway and control over the egress across it's borders).

The only other issue with this sort of polling strength involves the issue of smaller government. However this one gets tricky....all of us collectively want smaller government until we individually are impacted by the loss of that part of government we want. We reelect our own congressmen/women 93% of the time and loath Congress (one poll suggest a 14% approval rating). WHY?,...because we applaud our congressman's efforts when the "bacon comes home" and decry the wastefulness in the "bridges to nowhere etc." which is simply other people's pork.

My view is that anytime you ask your government to do something you are creating a direct reduction in your own sphere of freedom. The government must perform some basic things (provide for the common defense, insure the currency is sound, federal court system etc, consult your constitution) but we are well past that point.

Okay, I havent answered the question,...but simply emphasized the degree of your already stated problem.

The GOP would tell you to buy Exxon stock so when the lobbyists keep alternatives out of the congressional dialog, you can at least mitigate the pain at the pump with a nice dividend in your mailbox.

The DNC would tell you to pony up more tax dough so that health care can be given to all. Of course that program will come without any responsibility to engage the issue of a game that is fixed in favor of trial lawyers, drug manfc. and health care insurance companies. As well as greater costs associated with paperwork which doesnt advance anyone's health.

I say, try really hard to find those Don Quixotes who are venturing into the political arena for selfless reasons. Regardless of their chances (which are really only slim because we dismiss a fringe candidate so easily) and support him/her. Make a difference one dollar/one vote at a time and then encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Barring some significant contribution, I am voting against EVERY INCUMBANT as my DEFAULT DECISION unless they (the candidate demonstrates the ability, inclination and consistency) really distance themselves (by word, deed and competence) from the status quo.

Pelosi hasnt done squat and GWB continues to be horrible. We need to get more pissed not less and channel that energy intelligently. Going Independent is great assuming you want no sway over the primaries which right now are the only elections where INCUMBENTS ARE EVEN SLIGHTLY VUNERABLE.

If this fails, then it's pitchfork and torch time,...and I'm reasonably sure that will be the end result. Unfortunately, it will come only after the house of cards falls and our current angst is exchanged for much more tangible injury...the French and the Russians didnt act until they were hungry. Right now that is only 35 million of the 300 million USA citizens.

Dobbs is fighting the good fight in an advocacy for the besieged middle class. I for one would love to see him on stage instead of the current collection of stiffs,...and since he is independent, why not let him be on both the GOP and Democrats debate stage as the "none of the above" candidate.

I've been around long enough to have been part of several national protest movements. What we need to understand is that protests are a cumulative process, not an event. One march changes nothing. One million letters to the president changes nothing ... partly because he can't read and partly because his staff never dares to share anything negative with him.

I took the bus to Mississip,

And I marched on Washington.

I been to Gracie Mansion,

You should see the things I done.

But I'm old and I am tired,

And I cannot march no more.

So I bid you strength and courage,

It's your turn to fight this war.

The Vietnam war protests took place over a period of years and public opinion turned slowly. When the shift was significant enough to change the elections, then action began to be taken.

So, demonstrate your beliefs. Every drop of water helps fill the bucket. Eventually it will overflow. The change in climate that began with the 2006 elections will become a tidal wave in 2008. Even then, you don't turn wars off like faucets but the trend toward seeking a solution has begun. It needs to be given further impetus through the ballot box.

This is a representative democracy, not an every man for himself democracy. We trusted our chosen leaders to lead. They didn't. We will choose another set who will be more willing to listen to the majority voice.

Time is the critical factor. In a democracy, events move slowly. Only in a dictatorship can overnight changes be wrought and the cost for that kind of leader is just not something Americans would ever be willing to risk. That is why we cannot understand other countries who allow a despot to rule. They seem to enjoy the fact that new directions can be dictated in a moment. Maybe we should draw back and allow those who want to go on killing themselves and each other to do so and just worry about our own people. But, we never could do that. Other nations can and do so they are not burdened with other people's wars.

But do not allow your voice to be silenced by frustration. Speak out and someone may hear you.

Me? I've reached the age where, when I go to a shopping center it is for lunch and a movie. My protesting days on the picket line are over. I have more insidious means to protest - the power of the pen ... and the vote.