Dear progressives and like-minded folks… set aside your various misgivings with respect to the Democratic party for the next few weeks. Just consider this:
Point one: Not your daddy’s GOP. As bad as this past two years have been, it could get much worse. And with the current crop of Republicans in charge of Congress, it most certainly will. Anyone with the memory of an ant can recall what the last G.O.P. congress was like. This next one would be far more destructive, as some of the moderating influences have been removed and the more radical elements brought to the fore. We will see Mike Pence, Darrell Issa, and Michele Bachmann in leadership positions. This will mean destructive legislation, impeachment proceedings, and god knows what else.
Point two: Corporate cash. It likely has not escaped your attention that corporate interests – spearheaded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – are pouring money into this election like never before. Newly empowered by the Supreme Court’s execrable Citizens United decision, non-party groups are performing as cutouts for the financial industry, the energy sector, manufacturing, you name it. Karl Rove’s groups alone have raised more than $50 million and are now shooting for $65 million; the Chamber something like $75 million. They see an opportunity to bag this election, and they’re willing to spend the coin to make it happen.
Which brings us to Point three: United citizens. The only thing we have to fight this election with is our votes. We cannot match their dollars. But their pricey ad buys are worth nothing if enough people get off their butts and vote against the shills they are funding. Sure, I know… if we had strong candidates, it wouldn’t even be a contest. That’s partly true, though in the case of people like Russ Feingold, money is definitely the problem. We can trump the fortunes of the well-heeled if we’re willing to exercise our franchise as voters. The key is thinking of voting as a strategic act, rather than a literal expression of support. Do I ever wholeheartedly support the people I vote for? No. But voting is one strategy amongst many. The right understands this. The rest of us must begin to.
So hold your nose, cross yourself, whatever the hell you have to do. Just vote against the money bags. And have your fights with non-Republican legislators and executives…. just not in a general election. That’s cutting off your nose to spite your face.
luv u,
jp
