Guest Blogged by David Cobb.
INTRODUCTION {by Winter Patriot}: We are thrilled to announce that David Cobb will be with us for some live blogging on Saturday morning [late Saturday morning in the East, early Saturday morning in the West]. As most of you probably know, Mr. Cobb represented the Green Party in the 2004 Presidential ‘Election’. He has indicated that he wishes to blog about two subjects, and he has sent us some very interesting links and text. So there’s plenty to absorb before Mr. Cobb takes the hot seat as the first live blogger of the weekend.
Mr. Cobb’s first subject:
The growing “New Voting Rights Movement” demands that we fully “democratize” US elections by implementing the Voter Bill of Rights. (This will necessarily include a discussion of the need for multi-party democracy and why the progressive movement actually *needs* the Green Party).
The “Voter Bill of Rights” figures prominently in David Cobb’s testimony at the Election Assessment Hearing, which we present here as a BLOGATHON EXCLUSIVE!
Distinguished members of this Citizen’s Election Assessment Hearing,
My name is David Cobb. I was the 2004 Green Party candidate for President of the United States. I am proud that my campaign demanded the recount in Ohio which helped shine a light on the outrageous voter suppression, allegations of intentional fraud, and reports of widespread voting machinery and technology failures.
I currently serve as a Fellow for Liberty Tree Foundation for the Democratic Revolution (www.libertytreefdr.org) and as Projects Director for Democracy Unlimited of Humboldt County. (www.duhc.org).
Both of these organizations are committed to helping to realize the currently unfulfilled promise of democracy in this country.
I begin my substantive comments with a sobering observation: An increasingly high number of Americans have completely lost confidence in the integrity of elections in our country.
Indeed, many American believe either that voting is irrelevant as a tactic for pursuing genuine democratic social change, or that casting and counting ballots is the sum total of democracy. Sadly, current US elections are indeed a farce. If we are serious about creating an actual democracy (where “We the People” actually rule our own lives), voting is a necessary mechanism to ensure that people can meaningfully participate in making the decisions that affect their lives.
That is why I am proudly joining the call for a broad and deep people’s movement to “democratize” elections in this country.
Such a movement must strive to fundamentally transform US elections by nurturing a powerful new voting rights movement that will implement the fundamental and systemic electoral reforms encapsulated in “The Voter’s Bill of Rights.” (Described in detail below).
This movement is both moral and pragmatic. It is moral because it claims these reforms as rights that are the long-sought fulfillment of the promise of democracy in the United States. And it is pragmatic because each reform is a concrete and tangible issue that can be achieved as a stand-alone measure. (And in some cases can be achieved at the local or state level before advancing to the national level).
The movement taps into and builds upon the widely held (and absolutely correct) opinion that our system of elections is currently corrupted and does not serve the interests of the people.
There are currently three views: those who are completely disaffected and typically do not vote at all; those who are outraged by the cheating evident in the last two presidential elections and want to restore elections; and those who seek deeper electoral reforms that would open up the system to broader changes.
In my view, the challenge is to create a movement that expands and deepens the notion of elections and democracy itself. The “Voter Bill of Rights” strives to do just that.
And this new voting rights movement must become the successor of the prior civil rights and racial justice movements, building on their accomplishments by bringing them to fuller fruition. So we must reach out to and make alliance with particular constituencies for whom these historical movements have special resonance, most importantly, communities of color, women, and labor. Each of these constituencies is highly disaffected with the current electoral system and important elements within them have even toyed with the idea of forming their own political party as a consequence of their frustration with elections.
1. There must be a Constitutional Amendment Confirming the Right to Vote
Be clear: The U.S. Constitution does not give every American an individual affirmative citizenship right to vote. Rather, voting in the United States is based on the constitutional principle of states’ rights. Since the word “vote” appears in the Constitution only with respect to non-discrimination, the so-called right to vote is a “state right.” Only a constitutional amendment would give every American the much-needed individual affirmative citizenship right to vote. In addition, more than nine million American citizens are denied the same right to vote that they would enjoy if living in another part of the country. Nationally, more than 4.7 million Americans are denied the right to vote as a result of laws that prohibit voting by felons or ex-felons. While states may have their own regulations, choosing a President is a national enterprise that should involve the full diversity of the voting public.
2. There must be Independent, Non-Partisan and Transparent Oversight in Elections
Determining who can vote, how they can vote, where they can vote and the type and number of voting machines that will be available in their precinct should not be in the hands of partisan officials that are seeking higher office or campaigning for a party or candidate at the same time. To increase voter confidence and participation, officials in charge of administering, overseeing and certifying elections Electoral commissions at all levels of government should be independently financed and free of control by any political party. They should not be party affiliated, running for another office, or publicly supporting any candidates. They must simultaneously work to increasing citizen participation thru education efforts and be scrupulous in resolving all disputes in a way that is even handed and resists partisanship. Moreover, to ensure a fair election, they must work to eliminate voter suppression and intimidation thru collaboration with civic organizations and when a voter’s rights have been violated, they must work to ensure all offenders are prosecuted.
3. There must be an auditable, voter-verifiable paper record for all electronic and electronically tabulated voting systems
It’s simple: For voters to have confidence that their vote is being counted — correctly — we must guarantee that all voters will see and confirm their vote from an auditable, paper record. For the accuracy, integrity and security of the electoral process, it’s essential that every touch-screen voting machine in the U.S. be equipped to produce and store an auditable, voter-verified paper record of every vote cast which is the official ballot for purposes of recounts and audits. In addition, each machine must be equipped with open source coding to allow system transparency. Corporations, and their employees, that manufacture voting machines and count the votes should refrain from political involvement.
4. There must be Election Day registration for all Americans and uniform standards for voter registration
Primarily historically disenfranchised voters, such as new citizens, people of color, young people, and low-income individuals, face the most challenges before, and on, Election Day. To promote more participation while reducing hurdles and eliminating arbitrary deadlines, six states have incorporated Election Day Registration (EDR), which makes it possible for citizens to register, and vote, on Election Day. Consequently, these states lead the country in voter participation and highlight a basic solution to promote a more robust democracy. For a more participatory, and fully functional democracy, we must not only establish uniform standards for voter identification policies and universal voter registration procedures and deadlines, we must establish Election Day as a National Holiday. Working people should not be forced to choose between standing in a long line to vote and being to work on time. We should join dozens of countries around the world and promote democracy by celebrating it!
5. There must be uniform standards to ensure all voters have equal voting systems, number of machines and wait times for voting
There is no single voting system in the United States. Rather, over 13,000 independent voting districts patch federal, state and local laws to execute elections. Consequently, there are separate and unequal laws that help to disenfranchise millions of voters each election. From setting minimum standards for the number of voting systems, poll workers and election resources to standards for ballot design and purging voters from the rolls, Congress should set minimum standards to ensure optimal voter participation. Without uniform standards to address these issues, and many more, we will continue to live in a fragmented democracy where millions of voters continue to be sidelined — and silenced.
6. There must be publicly financed elections and equal airtime for all candidates on the public airwaves
In a system where the amount a candidate spends is directly related to the likelihood of success, it is not surprising that voters think politicians are more concerned with big campaign contributors than with individual voters. We need to establish full public financing of campaigns and free access to public airwaves. Broadcasters must carry debates and provide free time for all candidates and parties as a license requirement to use our public airwaves.
7. There must be Instant Runoff Voting and Proportional Representation
In one visit to the polls, instant runoff voting (IRV) ensures a winning candidate will receive a majority of votes rather than a simple plurality — as in most U.S. elections. IRV allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference (first, second, third choice and so on). If no candidate gets a majority of first choices, a runoff count can be conducted without the need for a second election. In the wake of citizen frustration with “spoiler” candidacies and non-majority winners, efforts to replace plurality election laws with this more democratic alternative have made significant progress in various states because voters are not only provided the opportunity to vote for those candidates they like the most without worrying that their vote will help candidates they like least, IRV also saves taxpayers money and increases voter participation. Each runoff elections drains financial resources in our communities — a runoff election costs taxpayers upwards of two million dollars in San Francisco, for example. Money saved can be used to purchase more machines, staff more polling places and help to increase voter education and participation. IRV is a time-tested, successful voting method that has been used around the world: Ireland uses IRV to elect its president, Australia to elect its House of Representatives, and San Francisco to elect its mayor and other major city offices. Literally hundreds of jurisdictions, universities, organizations and corporations use IRV to elect its leaders. “Winner-take-all” is a very undemocratic way to choose representatives to government. Why should 49% of voters in a legislative district get 0% representation? Most democracies in the world use some form of proportional representation to choose legislatures. If one quarter of the voters support a particular party, they should be able to elect roughly a quarter of the seats in a city council or legislature. The majority of voters will elect the majority of seats but minorities will get their fair share of representation; it’s common sense!
8. There must be systems in place to ensure all candidates, regardless of party affiliation or lack thereof, have equal access to the ballot and debates
In our two-party system, third parties and independents face a host of institutional barriers — from getting on the ballot to being included in debates to broadcasting their views. This discourages people from voting because alternative voices help enliven the political debate that is at the heart of any healthy democracy. Prohibitive ballot access requirements should be dropped and debates should be open to all ballot-qualified candidates — and should be organized independently of the political parties themselves. These necessary reforms will help to increase the diversity of voices of candidates while increasing voter participation.
9. There must be districting policies that are more competitive and representative of the electorate.
The current partisan system for districting allows and, in fact, encourages the current party in power to reshape districts in a manner that maintains and solidifies its power. When elected officials design the districts they are in; consequently, they’re deciding whom they would like to represent. This is inherently undemocratic. For the sake of our democracy, it is imperative we strive to create legislative and congressional districts that are representative of the population and districting plans that result in more competitive congressional and legislative elections. We must work to take the redistricting process out of the hands of partisan politicians to establish fair criteria in order to prevent both malapportionment and gerrymandering.
10. The Electoral College must be abolished
Some 200 million eligible voters do not elect the President — 538 electors do. This ridiculous system silences the will of the majority and undermines the fact that every vote counts. It’s time to end the safe state/swing state dichotomy and make all votes equal, no matter the state of the voter. The President should be elected by direct, popular vote. Since a constitutional amendment to abolish the Electoral College may prove infeasible, reformers first step should be to set their sites on amending their state laws to proportionally award their electors.
We could talk about all this for much longer than Mr. Cobb can spend with us, of course; but that doesn’t stop us from taking on another topic as well. For David Cobb also wishes to speak with us about:
The corporate takeover of our government and what practical steps we can do to take it back.
Here’s a passage from the site linked above:
For most of the 20th century, American citizens have become accustomed to challenging corporate harms and corporate abuses of authority one harm at a time – one clearcut Timber Harvest Plan at a time, one toxic spill at a time, one plant closure at a time. It wasn’t always like this. From the American Revolution through the end of the 19th century, a corporation was an artificial, subordinate entity with no inherent rights of its own, and incorporation was a privilege bestowed by the sovereign people. For example, in 1834 the Pennsylvania Legislature declared:
“A corporation in law is just what the incorporation act makes it. It is the creature of the law and may be molded to any shape or for any purpose that the Legislature may deem most conducive to the common good.”
Here are a few examples of how different the rules were in the US until the late 1800’s:
* Corporations had to have a specific purpose written into their charter (license to do business); if they didn’t fulfill it, or exceeded their authority, their charter could be revoked.
* Corporations were prohibited from owning other corporations.
* Corporate charters were granted for a specific period of time, usually 10-30 years, and ceased to exist after that time unless they were renewed.
* State legislatures set the rates which corporations could charge for their products or services.
* Corporations were prohibited from donating to political candidates or charitable organizations.
* All corporate records and documents were open to the public (or the legislature or Attorney General, depending on the state)
* Corporations could not own land beyond what was necessary for the carrying out of their chartered duties.
* Boards of directors and stockholders were held personally liable for all harms and debts. The “limited liability corporation’, as we know it today, did not exist.
Sadly, as we enter the 21st century, few Americans have any idea that such a history even existed in this country. Yet this is starting to change. Beginning in the early 1990’s some Americans have started to rethink how we go about challenging the harms that corporations get away with day in and day out in every city and town in America. We began to rediscover what an appropriate relationship looks like in a democracy between we the people and the fictitious subordinate creation we call the “corporation.” And we began to learn how to reframe our analysis of “the problem.”
Of course clearcut logging and sweatshop labor and genetically engineered “food” are big problems. Solutions to these problems exist, but are not implemented because “We the People” do not control our own government. So the much bigger problem is that we have allowed fictitious corporate “persons” to usurp our authority as citizens to make these and other critical societal decisions which affect all of us and the natural world.
If we no longer pleaded with corporate leaders to cause a little less harm, what would we do? If we no longer celebrated as victories every brief delay in the corporate devastation of our world, what would we celebrate?
Since the mid-1990’s, new groups have been sprouting up across the US and Canada, and asking themselves these questions. Each group is beginning to experiment with a different attitude toward corporations and democracy — these groups are attempting to act as sovereign citizens that define corporations and define what is acceptable and unacceptable corporate behavior. Each of these groups is seeking to educate others to grow a movement to make US democracy real!
These groups have been educating and organizing themselves and others — no longer simply challenging individual corporate harms, but going after corporate privilege and illegitimate corporate authority. There is tremendous diversity in our goals and strategies — just what one would expect in a fledgling new social movement.
It is still a small number of groups, but the number is beginning to grow rapidly, and there’s no question that this growth represents a profound shift taking place in the consciousness of people in this country and around the world.
Our world is in terrible crisis. We need to focus on those strategies have the best chance of success, rather than those which simply postpone the destruction. Consider these examples as a guide for you and your community. Contact the organizers. Learn from their mistakes. Replicate the projects that make sense to you. There is no time to lose.
{Winter Patriot again}: Did you catch all that? There’s even more; follow the links. And bring us some good questions and comments. Saturday morning starts with a bang on Blogathon Weekend. David Cobb will be with us between 8 and 10 Pacific time; that’s 11AM to 1PM in the East.
Thanks again to David Cobb for his excellent contributions; we’re looking forward to live-blogging with him tomorrow morning.
Go Green! – from a progressive Canadian Green voter
That’s a big reason why I’m a Green.
What could be clearer than the Voter Bill of Rights? We need such a comprehensive and uncompromising bill, I think we all will agree. (Really, can voter rights be negotiated?)
David Cobb and the Greens are very clear on the vital necessity of public control of corporations. There is *nothing* we could do that would benefit the earth, our nation, and our communities more than reversing the corporate takeover of our government and culture, a takeover that derives from and results in the polar opposite of the spirit and ideals of our nation. As Mr. Cobb states, we can draw strength and inspiration from our own country’s history and traditions which, in an honest and healthy condition, were clear in regard to the positions of corporations and public life.
Looking forward to checking out David’s part in the blogathon.
So eminently logical and sensible that I fear it would take the literal destruction and subsequent recreation of the US of A to bring it about… when all the neo-cons are either in jail or cowed into begrudging compliance.
Michael Badnarik (Libertarian presidential candidate, 2004) compared the current electoral process to a child (the American public) with a toy steering wheel "helping" mommy or daddy drive and just really getting a kick out of thinking s/he is actually affecting any changes in the path of the vehicle…I agree completely. I have never voted in a presidential election for this very reason, in spite of protests from [I guess ‘more’…?] activistic friends. But I find it laughably naive/idealistic to participate in that particular process, traits that are [to a great degree] to blame for the complacent zombification of the American public and their blind acceptance of current course and the consequences thereof. And so to this sham, this [apparently deadly effective] tool being used to suppress the American people and their voice, I say…well, I say a lot of things best not uttered in mixed company, but they all pretty much equate to "Stay away from me, you poopyface!" (in so many words;)).
BUT, far from giving up hope or will, I would love to see this initiative succeed and will, for one, be absolutely giddy to help out in any way I can.
Additionally, I would delight in Mr. Cobb’s telling of the [oughtta be] infamous "Second Debate Story" wherein he and Mr. Badnarik were given a deluxe tour of the local penal system as a grand prize for their attempts to participate in the proceedings. I live in Dallas, about 10 miles from his girlfriend and, being a member of the local Libertarian party, have been given a very brief account by Mr. Badnarik…tsktsktsk. I’d say it’s a outrage, but I may be too jaded to the whole scene by now to feel that strongly about it in specific terms.
At any rate, I look forward to his contributions to both this site and the quest for liberty in general…okay, no more rambling from me…for now…
-Jeff
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." -Benjamin Franklin
…almost forgot…in re: to comment #2, I would just like to, in good humor categorically disagree with the controlling of corporations. "Control" is a word that should be used very sparsely with respect to governance, given its tendency, no make that "sworn, dutiful PROMISE" to get entirely out of hand in short order, thereby putting us right back where we now find ourselves. I, for one feel it would be entirely sufficient to simply stop coddling and giving preferential treatment to them (or more accurately, their money and power) and get them off of "welfare".
Seriously though-no more rambling from me for at least a minute or so… 😉
-Jeff
Thanks again for joining us this weekend, David: It’s great to have you along. Just for grins I thought I might point out The Whispering Campaign, a group effort to get a bit of underground publishing going as a way of counteracting the death of the traditional media. We publish one-page summaries or short excerpts from longer articles, and we encourage our readers to print and copy our pieces, and leave the copies in public places where others might find and read them …
… quick cut to the chase: We’ve been looking for something good dealing with electoral reform, and we were very happy to find the Voter Bill Of Rights, the salient points of which we’ve immortalized here … well, "immortalized" is a pretty strong word, especially in reference to a whisper, but we’re happy to play a part in spreading the word … and we wouldn’t be surprised to hear a certain amount of whispering about corporate takeover of government before long … but you’ll keep that kinda quiet for us, won’t you, David?
The argument over "control" of corporations is a semantic one. What is needed is enforcement of anti-trust laws.
The Sherman Antitrust Act was passed in 1890 and signed into law by President Benjamin Harrison, ironically one of the most Wall Street-friendly presidents in history. The purpose of the act was to limit the power of the men Theodore Roosevelt (another pro-Wall Street Republican) referred to as
"malefactors of great wealth." We know the names: Rockefeller, Carnegie, Vanderbilt, Morgan, Pullman, and others.
Today the names are corporate, not individual. Citicorp, Time-Warner, GE/RCA/NBC, Wal-Mart, Exxon-Mobil…but the tactics are the same: Buy up other companies to eliminate competition, seek out influence peddlers in government, exploit workers, become "too big to fail," etc. etc.
The art of the deal is paramount. Bigger is better. The most profitable area of any brokerage firm is Mergers & Acquisitions, so many deals happen simply for the sake of earning a huge fee. The result of all this frenetic activity is homogenzation of the economy…a handful of dominant companies with political influence. Anti-trust is a dead concept.
(Transcriber: Please be aware that I am helping David in inputting his responses. Any errors in spelling are my own and not his.)
Howdy Folks! This is David Cobb weighing in on the BradBlogathon. Kudos to Brad and the crew for showing us how to go beyond hating the corporate media and helping us to create a people’s democratic media.
In regards to TwentyAmpTwist Comment #1:
The Green Party is a world-wide movement and I’m honored the sisters and brothers from Canada are participating on the Bradblog
In regards Arry Comment #2:
The Voter Bill of Rights is an attempt to describe the process of actually democratizing elections in this country.
Indeed, democracy means more than meerly voting. But if we are going to have a democratic republic, voting must be a vital part of it.
Hi, David and thanks again for joining us. I hope some of the other readers will ask a few questions — hint hint!!
In regards to Jim Cirile:
#3
I’m pleased that you find my comments logical and sensible … 🙂 I am under no illusions about how difficult it will be to take our country back. I am calling for nothing short of a non-violent revolution. I believe we should think of ourselves in the same way that the American Revolutionarys thought , the Abolitionists, Trade Unions, and the Womens Suffrage Movement.
In other words, we’re not merely talking about changing a law or two, we are talking about fundamental legal doctrine to address the real question of sovereignty. Just who is in control here "We the People" or unelected and unaccountable corporate CEOs?
In regards Jeff #4:
I am pleased to report that I consider Michael Badnarik a personal friend.
I started the campaign holding him in respect as the representative for a principled political opponent. Michael carries himself with such integrity, grace, and comradery that we actually became friends on the campaign trail. Michael and I actually participated in a series of debates showing that you could engage in serious discussions of political ideas, and even vehemently disagree, and do so with civility.
It’s worth noting that Greens and Libertarians agree on much — ending the war in Iraq, ending the ridiculous drug war, opposition to the Patriot Act. Of course we disagree on other things—Greens call for universal health care and raising the minimum wage to a living wage, and other issues.
If you’re online Jeff, let me know and I’ll tell the "Cobb/Badnarik arrested at the Presidential Debate story."
In regard to Winter Patriot #6:
The Whispering Campaign sounds like a great idea! Sounds like a new version of the time-honored tradition of the American political pamphlet.
Who knows Winter Patriot, when we win this non-violent revolution you may be our Tom Paine.
In regard Robert #7:
I certainly agree that we need enforcement of anti-trust laws, but we need more than that.
When the Sherman Anti-trust Act was passed in the 1800s it did not solve the problem.
We have to abolish the perverse idea of "corporate personhood". This is the ridiculous and outrageous idea that a corporation is a "person" invested with constitutional rights. This is not merely an esoteric legal argument.
When a corporation can claim constitutional rights it allow the corporation to participate in politics and exercise political rights. It is part of the reason why the corporation is not merely exercising power in our society, they are ruling us as surely as kings once ruled their subjects.
re #13 David: we had a good look at a few interesting articles on the night when you were a guest on The BRAD SHOW … because you mentioned something about St Louis but didn’t get to tell the story … so we did some digging … Readers may click here for a fine selection … Of course if you’re in the mood to tell us more about it, please do so!
Please again note that I am transcribing for David and any spelling errors are my own!
Jan
re #17: Hi, Jan: Don’t worry about the spelling errors … we’re getting the gist of it … and thanks for doing the transcription!
David is taking a brief break while we see if there will be any more questions. This is your chance to talk to the kind of Progressive that we should all get behind. Lets hear from everyone! Even the normally silent ones out there. You can just tell David what a great job he’s doing if you like (he’s off-line and not dictating this!)
David, I’m wondering whether you can get into any specifics here about the "non-violent revolution" you have in mind … we often see comments here from many people who would love to join you in this but don’t really have any concrete ideas about how to do it … so maybe you could make a few suggestions?
I’ll put my thank yous in here for everything David is doing to try to promote the kind of democracy that this county was supposed to be! It is an honor that you have taken time to be here with us and respond to our questions. Thanks for being a Patriot for All Seasons (no disrespect to Winter Patriot).
Dear Mr. Cobb,
I was down in Dc on January 6th, next to the capital and saw you speak there. It was indeed a day of energy and brought hope. It was indeed and honor sir, and I admire how hard you have fought for us the people.
I’ve never been registered with any party for a reason David Lytel of Redefeat Bush, now of Left.org stated and that wanted to vote for whoever I felt was telling the truth and would genuinely do the best job.
I was raised by Ohio Republicans, my parents now too are independent with no party affiliation.
I also belong to and follow TrueVote Maryland. However, even in Maryland, so many politicians who are supposed to listen to us, listen to or I speculate are bought off by corporations and Diebold. The battle in Maryland is a hard one and even when we the people speak, we are ignored or frowned upon.
I truly hope this all can be resolved peacefully. So far though, it appears that so many are arrogant in their power and parties. I would like the Green Party to rise up and get to the point where it can truly be a contender in an election.
Money and power are so corrupting. We need to eliminate the corporate media. I have stopped buying into it myself. I just hope that we will be able to continue to gain information through the internet, but it looks as if the Oligarchy is going to attack that next as well under guise of ‘war on terror’. The terrorists are our own government.
I thank you again sir for all you have done. Again, I greatly admire and respect you.
While David is gone, I’ll take the opportunity to encourage everybody to make a contribution, large or small to the cause we are backing here: Brad and his Truth Quest! I’m counting on you all!!!!! PLEASE DON"T DISAPPOINT. If you EVER considered contributing or even if you do regularly or did recently, how about a contribution now as a special gesture of thanks (and perhaps as a way of saying Happy Birthday!)
Re: Winter Patriot # 20
A "non-violent revolution" would incorporate the techniques on non-violent civil disobedience used so effectively by the people of India when they forced the British Empire to leave. It would also look like the much like the voting rights struggles of the 50’s and 60’s of this country.
In other words, folks have to be willing to go to jail for justice!
Frankly, I was appalled to watch Bush steal a presidential eloection, and have the American people accept it.
In other countries, when there is a judicial coup de’tat, the people pour into the streets!
Re: Carol #21
Thanks for the kind words, Carol. 🙂
But I feel obliged to point out that we must *all* be patriots.
Seriously, we have to get beyond the idea that "Great Men Make History" and realize that social movements make history! That;s not to say that the movement wont have leaders, but that true leaders must be accountable to their constitencies in a way that we rarely see today.
And I think the blogosphere is a great new tool for us to come together and build that movement.
re 25: Yes, that’s true. On the days after the ‘election’ I was posting messages everywhere I could, saying virtually the same things: "Go to Washington! Stay there till you get a real election! Look at what happens in other countries! It’s called a ‘general strike’" and so on … most of the time my comments were ignored … the one answer I did get came from a guy who said "I’d love to help, but I gotta go to work in the morning" … how do we go about motivating people to value their futures more than their next paycheck? … Do we have to be as poor as the people of Bolivia before we decide our government is merely a stooge of the energy companies and we’re not going to take it anymore? … or is there something short of economic collapse that might get more people more interested?
Subj: Reality check
These ideas are admirable. How do you propose the solutions will actually get implemented?
We have enough problems with getting a single blog to successfully take registrations. [ More . . . ]
With a bungling system like that, there’s no prospect the needed leadership will be galvanized.
Moreover, now that the media reports they cannot report anything, what pressure will there be on corporate America or the government to do anthing? Nothing. [ More . . . ]
I see more propaganda on the way to quell people into inaction. The forces of arrogance and corruption will triumph over the forces of prudence.
The American model was a nice idea, but reality and the inertia of stupid fools makes the prospects for reform unlikely.
Don’t define success in terms of what will be unsolvable, otherwise you’re going to simply make yourself go crazy. Accept mediocrity, embrace intertia, and you’ll be far more satisified.
Re: J Pentz # 22
Jan 6 was indeed an empowering moment for those of us who were fortunate enough to participate!
I think it’s important to acknowledge that principled liberals have been lied to and sold out by the upper echelon leadership of the Democratic Party.
And so too have principled conservatives been lied to and sold out by the upper echelon leadership of the Republican Party.
In other words, both parties are controlled at the top by the mega-wealthy corporate elite.
The Green Party and Libertarian Party will *both* succeed when people stop voting against candidates that they hate and fear the most and start voting for candidates that they like and actually represent their principles and values.
Remeber this– more Greens have been elected at the local and county in every single election cycle since we arrived on the electoral scene in the early 90’s.
Don’t believe the corporate media lies– The Greens are getting larger, stronger, and better organized with every election cycle!
David has fired Jan and taken over his own blogging/commenting. Just kidding about firing. He just realized that there was no hurry here and he may be on and off, I really don’t know. Perhaps he will let us know when he’s called it a day.
Please visit The Brad Store which is NOW OPEN!!, and spend a few dollars protecting what’s left of your democracy!!
Or … Make A Donation via PayPal if you don’t feel like buying anything!!
Either way it costs you a few bucks, but we think it’s worth it — and that’s why we’re here!
Re: Winter Patriot #26
Yes, it is frustrating at times. But remeber that every successful social movement seemed impossible when it first began.
Think about being an abolitionist in the 1830’s– they we literally tarred and feathered.
Think about the woman’s suffrage movement– they were mocked and ridiculed by evey major news outlet of their day.
Ganhi said it well…. "First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then you win."
And here’s another thought– we don’t know how many folks already agree with us right now! There is virtually no non-corporately controlled media in this country, yet I constantly meet people who agree with my assessment of the state of our country and the world.
I am totally sincere when I say– WE THE PEOPLE WILL RULE THIS COUNTRY
re #31 I am with you David, and as you can see from The Whispering Campaign, I agree with those who say "education, and the media, are keys to the situation" … but I’m still looking for more concrete steps which regular people can take to support the movement to take back our country — even if they do have to go to work in the morning … Any suggestions?
Re: Constant # 27
Actually there are *many* examples of folks successfully implementing most of the reforms I have described. But the corporate media does not report these stories. I wonder why…..
Here are few examples– Maine and Arizons now have publicly funded elections at the statewide level. Portland, OR has it for city elections.
San Francisco, CA and Ferndale, MI and Cambridge, MA are Burlington, VT are using Instant Runoff thanks to the efforts of ordinary citizens.
Folks in Eureka, CA are collecting signatures for a county-wide ballot initiative that would forbid corporate contributions in elections *and* strip corporations of constitutional rights!
If that passes, it would be an example of the voters taking matters into their own hands and defining for themselves what *their* U.S. Constitution actually means. (Winter Patriot, how’s that for a concrete example of a non-violent revolutionary act)…..
And think about it— using the citizen’s initiative process rather than begging and pleading for elcted officials to do something.
Remember the lessons of US history– when the people lead, the leaders will follow……
Hi David!
In regards to voting machine technology, were you aware of the recent report by Harry Hursti, of Finland, in an investigation for Black Box Voting, which found that the Optical Scan System 1.94 designed by Diebold, was designed for hacking from numerous attack vectors?
Evidently, and I hope I’m quoting this correctly, the GEMS program has a "living thing" which goes out and asks the memory cards if they have any new ways to be counting. Kind of a neat way to introduce Clint Curtis’ vote flipping program. Mr. Hursti proved this on May 27th in Leon County Florida, in a test arranged by election official Ian Sancho.
Their hack left no trace on the audit logs, or the poll tapes. Remember, 21 million votes were counted on this system nationwide on November 2nd, 2004.
Isn’t J. Kenneth Blackwell pushing optical scan machines in Ohio? Nuf said. Frankly speaking
in #33, David Cobb wrote:
Yeah yeah yeah!! I love it! Got any more??
I don’t want to harp exclusively on corporations, but they are at the heart of most of what we talk about here.
I agree with David that it is unlikely, given the control corporations exert over the economy, political structure, and culture anything less than massive civil disobedience would be effective. I also believe boycotts have proven effective at various times and should be seriously explored.
Another Green value is decentralization. I think it is not emphasized enough, but it will be part of the "revolution". Centralization has developed part-and-parcel with corporatization.
In my own "Green" work (I’m a County Council member in a mainly rural California county), I’ve found a great sympathy and willingeness to listen among people of most political persuasions to ideas about developing local economies, regionally appropriate clean energy, and so on. I think decentralization will be a big part of "getting out of corporate control" and all of its destructive consequences – and the Greens are at the forefront of this. There are things happening that are not clear on the radar screen but may have a big effect down the line.
We also spearheaded a local pro-Constitution/anti-"PATRIOT" Act resolution that was enthusiastically supported by the community. Of course, it is happening all over the country. You can mark that one on the side of "hope".
David-
Would such a county-wide "forbidding of corporate contributions in elections and stripping of corporations of constitutional rights" be challanged as unconstitutional by powerful Corporate interests and wouldn’t they be likely to win in the current political atmosphere where they control so much.
Which leads me to the question of whether you think we on the verge of a conservative take-over of the Supreme court that will fully codify control by the ruling corporate elite?
Re: Winter Patriot # 35
Here are a few more real world examples of what I consider to be nonm-violent revolutinary actions–
The city council of Arcata, CA passed a binding ordinance that instructs thier city employees form complying with several unconstituional provisions of the grossly Orwellian-named Pariot Act.
This binding local law makes it illegal for thier librarians, city police, and clerks to cooperate with federal authorities.
Here is another– local elected offcials in Central PA are passing laws that *outlaw* corporate factory farms. They have moved beyond complaining about individual harms and are actually using their local governemnts to defy the ability of corporations to control their economy.
Other effective tools certainly include boycotts, community currency, co-operatives, credit unions….. there is no shortage of tactics, we are only waiting for leaders to implement them.
Luckily, we are the leaders we have been waiting on!
Re: Steve # 37
Yes, under current Supreme Court decisions our local law is "unconstitutional."
And remember that the US Supreme Court once said that "no black man has any rights that a white man is bound to respect." (The Dred Scott decison).
The Court also said that "seprate but equal" segragation was constitutionally acceptable and *not* a violation of the 14th Amendment requirements of equal protection of the laws. (Plessy vs. Ferguson)
The Supreme Court also ruled that it was constitutionally acceptable for states to forbid women to vote. (Minor vs Happersett).
I could go on and on with profound unjust decisons of the Supreme Court.
In every case, iot was up to the people to educate, agitate and organize in reaction to the Court.
The reality is that the Court (whether appointed by Dems or Reps) basically protect the property rights of the welathy elite rather than the human rights of ordinary citizens.
Ther real question— WHAT ARE WE GONNA DO ABOUT IT….?
I thought I’d urge folks to check out http://www.duhc.org as an example of ordinary citizens creating a grassroots organization dedicated to implemting the kinds of changes I’ve been discussing…..
Thanks Mr. Cobb for participating in this blogathon for my favorite blog!
With my ridiculously slow dialup modem I can’t really participate well in this kind of conversational environment (subjects come and go by the time I post), but I just want you to know I appreciate your work and think you are a damn good representative of the Green views and values.
Best wishes. We will prevail.
Well, in a few minutes we’ll be joined by Larisa Alexandrovna.
I’ll stay on until 10:15 am PST in case others want to continue to dialogue.
Mucht thanks to everyone for participating, and to Winter patriot, Steve and Jan for their help.
And of course, to Brad for creating and maintaing this space! SO join me in making a contribution! (That’s right, I’m not just a guesat blogger, I’m also a contributor)!
Thanks very much, David. It sure wouldn’t hurt us to have a few more like you!! 😉
I just wanted to thank Arry for his kind words, and also for his willingness to serve on his local County Council.
Folks, when you are ready to join a political party based on the principles of peace, racial and social justice, real democracy, and ecology—- go to http://www.gp.org
And did I mention that we do not solicit or accept corpotate contributions. Not that we’ve been offered any given our positions, but we’d refuse them if offered….!
David-
You’ve got my vote in the next Presidential election! If your name is not on the ballot, I’ll write it in! We could not have been more lucky or honored than by having you be our inaugural "live" guest blogger here and give such thoughtful and personal answers to our questions. You give me optimism when there are too many reasons for pessimism out there. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Steve
Thank you Mr. Cobb for your courage and your efforts in the
defense of democracy. I am one who does not vote because
participating in a corrupted process is endorsing it. That you
and Mr. Badnarik have been able to work so effectively
together in investigating the Ohio election is a sign of the
emergence of a movement of true red-white-and-blue patriots
who can put aside doctrinaire conflicts for the sake of
democracy and liberty.
Let us all work for voter-verifiable paper ballots and
instant-runoff voting that allows people to endorse minority
political affiliations without throwing away their votes.
I thank you and Mr. Badnarik also for your courageous
endorsement of the 911truth statement. That you took a
stand for truth despite the political unpopularity of the
viewpoint did a lot to encourage my faith in the 911truth
movement.
I’m deep deep into show-prep for this evening’s BRAD SHOW, but got a quick chance just now to scan this thread.
Wanted to thank David for the generous contribution of his time here. It’s truly remarkable, groundbreaking and moving to have such a great American take time out to help us raise both conciousness, and perhaps some funds, here.
We’re all honored by your work for this country. I’m honored for your presence here today.
And thanks (again!) to all of those who have helped make it possible!
Back to show prep…