The world was filled with chaos of the racist and environmental types this week.
The campaign tried to call some attention to the absurd and delusional position taken by the White House in reaction to BP’s massive oil spill. The White House thinks we need to hold off deciding whether to continue coastal oil drilling depending on what they find caused this tragedy.
“Stupid” is the word that comes to mind. It is outrageously moronic to argue in the face of what will be the worst environmental disaster US history that we should continue doing the same things that caused this tragedy. You see, that would be insane. Rational people look at this and say, “OK, clearly the risks are much greater than we appreciated and obviously we should not do this any longer.” That is what sane people think in the face of significant challenges to old ways of doing things. They use reason and adapt. But of course our political system has nothing whatsoever to do with reason, as it is predicted entirely on corporate profits.
However that is not the only disturbing part of the news this week. The new “immigration” law in Arizona was setting the tone for action on the streets this week. Tens, if not hundred of thousands of people across the country were involved in May Day protests against this new law. The law itself is blatantly unconstitutional, and one imagines it will never survive court challenge.
This raises some interesting and disturbing questions about the law and the reaction to it. Immigration has been the issue the two parties have decided they want to focus on these days. Why? Because immigration as an issue distracts people from the wars and the economy, the issues they don’t want to discuss.
It seems to me that this is not really about immigration at all, but about creating distractions that occupy people and keep them from organizing a revolt against the government for mismanaging the economy and keeping us in these criminal wars.
What is the immigration problem? Apparently, the only problem is that people want immigration to be a problem. I have yet to understand why anyone is worried about immigration. I understand why people worry about how illegal immigrants are treated. I advocate respecting the human rights of all people – all people. What is the problem? We have illegal immigrants? Is that the problem? No, it is as it always has been. My wife is descended from an illegal immigrant (ironically not Mexican but via Mexico). Many of us are. What is the problem?
There is no actual immediate problem. It is created out of thin air by the Republicans in order to give people something to worry about that has no potential to disrupt the war machine. It is pure distraction of no substance.
What is the problem with the new Arizona law? Well, it is unconstitutional and that seems to be a problem. Did thousands of people need to take to the streets to denounce a law the courts will void anyway? Probably not. Why all the excitement then? For exactly the same reasons the Republicans made immigration an issue to begin with – it is an issue that will not disrupt the war machine. So the Democrats can (and did) focus all of this anger and energy on a target that will just go away once any judge looks at it. The Democrats managed to make May Day – the International Workers’ Day – about something that will be fixed in the ordinary course of a judicial challenge. Instead of May Day being about workers’ rights and peace, which is what May Day is supposed to be about, the Democrats (and a network of organizations they dominate) took all that energy and effort and directed it specifically aw! ay from the issues that matter most to working people – peace and jobs.
When you think about it they are quite brilliant really. The level of social control, what Antonio Gramsci called “Hegemony”, is astounding. In the midst of two illegal wars and a depression the big parties managed to eliminate all conversation about the wars and economy even during an election year. They are quite clever, evil, but clever. Gramsci would be stunned at the total hegemonic control that is exerted by our two party duopoly. Now, to be honest we are much closer to Mussolini’s Italy than most of us want to think (the society Gramsci wrote about). We have a network of secret prisons around the world, we actively practice torture, we are illegally occupying two countries and are bombing a third, while threatening a fourth. We are living Mussolini’s philosophy of government quite literally. The Democrats promised peace and respect for human rights – they delivered nothing. And ! still they control all of the popular energy that should be going into open revolts. It is astounding that they can control the American people so well.
This was predicted, years ago, of course. Many astute thinkers predicted that an Obama victory would be the death of progressivism in America. He promised so much and so many felt such hope, and then it all comes crashing down in the reality that he never really intended to do any of that, and as long as the Republicans can seem outright deranged then that will keep progressive forces too afraid to rebel – this is the pinnacle of lesser evil politics. It is the pinnacle of Straussian politics being taken up by both political parties in what looks like a coordinated effort to keep the American people from demanding justice and peace.
This is tragic on many levels but not least because we remain at war, and we are watching our society and economy become something that looks more like the Third World than the First. Some economists say we will look like Mexico in less than 30 years – that is within that time the American middle class will have virtually vanished. And what will the Democrats do to save us? Absolutely nothing because they have no desire to save us (the middle class), they are in it for corporate profits just like the Republicans. Is there anyone who actually believes this is not true? The tragedy is that we, the American people, seem to have been beaten down so completely that we do not have the energy to fight, and then what little energy we have is deviously and maliciously diverted to issues that do not alter the fundamental realities of American politics.
The tragedy is deep and profound.
God help us all! (And I don’t even believe in a god!).
Yours with sorrow,
Richard
Showing posts with label Weekly Update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weekly Update. Show all posts
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Weekly Update - Wall Street Reform or Folly?
Financial regulation was the major news item this past week. After all the duplicity on the part of the Democrats in this financial mess, we now are supposed to applaud them for going after Goldman Sachs.
Goldman Sachs is no angel here, don’t get me wrong. If it weren’t for Goldman pulling the trigger on AIG by demanding AIG put up cash to show its ability to pay (collateral calls), taxpayers wouldn’t be on the hook for an $80 billion bailout. A bailout spearheaded by none other than ex-Goldman Chairman and CEO, Henry Paulson, who at the time of the bailout was United States Secretary of the Treasury. Then, in typical cronyism fashion, Ed Liddy, who was on the board of Goldman from 2003 – 2008, was put in charge of AIG so that Goldman recouped every cent of its AIG debt. Classic fox guarding the hen house, wouldn’t you agree?
But, this is all smoke and mirrors to hide the real story which is the deregulation of the financial market which led to its near collapse. Deregulation goes back to the Clinton administration with the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (November 4, 1999).
Senator Murray voted with the Democratic Party in support of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. President Clinton has since apologized and admitted this was a mistake but we have yet to hear Senator Murray issue an apology for her vote.
In typical manipulation of facts, the truth is covered over by the appearance of the Democrats finally going after the “bad guys” and their call for financial reform. Their financial “reform,” however, is all smoke and mirrors because it is not fixing the problem which the Democrats had a major role in causing. One analyst said there were enough holes in this finance reform bill for bankers to drive their Ferraris through. Another referred to it as all holes and no cheese.
Even the sponsor of the bill, Senator Chris Dodd, admits that this bill "will not stop the next crisis from coming" and a recent Moody’s report states, “the proposed regulatory framework doesn’t appear to be significantly different from what exists today.”
In order to successfully reform Wall Street, if elected, I would work to:
Resurrect the Glass-Steagall Act
Cap the size of big banks at $100 billion in assets
Require that all derivative trades be done on open exchanges to protect against speculative buying and selling
So don’t let the Democrats, and Senator Murray, convince you that they have your best interests at heart. Senator Murray voted the wrong way in 1999. Do we reward her by sending her back to the Senate?
If elected, I won’t be looking out for the best interests of my cronies on Wall Street or in the Big Banks. My campaign accepts no corporate donations and is dependent on individuals who want to change the status quo in Washington, DC, today. Re-electing Senator Murray is sending the wrong message.
I hope to hear from you and for your help in this campaign to bring about real reform that is so badly needed in our government today.
Richard
Monday, April 19, 2010
Weekly Update: Volunteer, Labor Pains, Peace and Democracy
This week was quiet externally for the campaign. We spent a lot of time working on endorsements, which did not go as well as hoped. These took us out of public view but did give me a chance to talk with some people. That is the part of campaigning that is the most rewarding, but also the least involved so far – which is to be expected at the beginning. It is still mostly about organizing and planning at this point.
On the subject of organizing, as we get deeper into details and plans, there arise needs for people who can manage specific outreach projects. To date, we have come up short in terms of the number of volunteers needed – and I know it is tough out there, people just trying to get by, but if you can spare some time on a regular basis to help organizationally let us know. Also, we need people who can attend public events to help with visibility. This is mostly about showing up with buttons and signs at events in order to give visibility to the campaign. I do as many of these as I can and will speak at as many as possible in the next couple of months. It is good to have our people in the crowd – building up the event’s numbers to help a good cause, whatever the cause is, and showing that we support them. And finally, we need someone with a good ten or more hours a week to take on the ! job of volunteer coordinator. This job is currently being shared by two people and needs its own staff. If you are interested, please email Michael at: communications@curtis4senate.org.
We have a lot of buttons, bumperstickers and yard signs now. Send your request to the campaign email. In some cases we might have to ask you to help with postage. I have a special marketing item in the works, but it is still a surprise.
In terms of reflections this week…
As part of the process of being evaluated for state endorsement, I met with the King County Labor Council this week. They were very nice people and I have heard good things about many of them. The curious thing is that it all was a charade. I might have been the only one in the room who knew the extent to which their time was being wasted. Before my interview, I attended a public discussion between the President of the State Labor Council and the State Chair of the Democratic Party. The President of the Sate Labor Council, after detailing the reasons why labor had difficult relations with Democrats and how the Labor Council was going to now make informed decisions and not just carte blanche endorse a Democrat, the President announced to the audience that his number one priority was electing my opponent. He then went on to say that the power to make this decision resides with someone else, a convention mee! ting next month, and later reiterated the impossible (if one expects him to follow the rules) commitment to the incumbent.
The glaring hypocrisy did not occur to him and he did not reply to an email from me explaining that this primary changed things and how he should think more strategically about this. As one of the rank-and-file I find it outrageous that the President of the State Labor Council has illegally (in terms of by-laws) assumed some sort of dictatorial authority to determine endorsements for the whole body. I am insulted personally and on behalf of the KCLC that he would waste our time with the required process when he is just dictating policy instead.
It seems sad that the people most abused by corporate power – working people – can’t rely on our unions to stand up for us. I know some of you reading this are not surprised and wondered why I would be interested in courting unions in the first place. Some think they cause as much trouble as these abusive corporations. Well, I don’t go that far but it seems pretty obvious “Big Labor” is not prepared to think outside the box, and so is part of the problem by default.
What I have really come to understand this week is that for people who are used to the status quo it is difficult to consider challenging or changing it. Generally our elections don’t change the way the system works, they just redistribute power in various small ways over time toward corporations. There are small concessions made to labor, but overall the status quo works for corporations.
It looks like incompetence to me but I don’t know how much is fair to expect of any group caught in this trap. This is my point. The political system works one way and includes one way of doing things and this involves the two parties and “everyone” knows it, so unions relate to it, special interest groups relate to it, non-profits relate to, the whole of society is permeated by a political order that stifles all dissent and as it becomes more corporate oriented becomes more detached from human needs.
The closer someone or some organization is to the two-party system the more likely they are to be frightened at changing it – even if they agree with the direction of the change.
Those who know political philosophy will be shaking their heads about now. Of course that is true – isn’t it what Louis Althusser was saying over half a decade ago? Well, yes it is, but it is a difficult lesson to encounter in person. We expect people who really believe that the country should not illegally invade other countries, for example, will support stopping that – but if they have to challenge the system that exists, and in which they exist, then they will not challenge it. These absurd wars are the most vital issue of the day but the candidates from the two parties won’t even mention it. When you ask why, the only answer to give is Althusser’s.
I always knew this had to be a grassroots campaign, but now I understand that on a deeper level. This is why so many voters are so mad. In our campaign meetings we have talked about the Tea Party Movement, and how we have to reach out to the rank and file of that movement. They are fed up with this same political system that controls things and is unresponsive to individual requests and rights. If you aren’t part of that two-party system in some fashion, then it refuses to acknowledge you, and this happens to people of all manner of political persuasions.
Anyone who thinks of themselves as being primarily committed to democracy, to the principle of equality before the law, and government of laws (constitutionality) is included in those I am trying to represent. We are the majority, as it happens, and so we can decide to not play their game. This is actually happening in a few significant races around the country. We, the people, are ready to be independent. We can run government on rational policy and democratic decision making. It is just not that hard to have honest conversations. We don’t expect that of politicians, but it is what I am about and what I will expect of them.
It is new, and it is different, and that can be scary but it is time for reason and respect for the people to prevail.
The lesson seems to be that we can’t rely on people or organizations that say they believe in peace and democracy, the rule of law and human dignity, we have to do this ourselves and it will be hard. But it can be done! We have to support people who are truly interested in challenging corporate power, and we have to know that this is done by us and not by anyone else, not by the media, not by the existing power in society, but by the collective will of the people. Democracy is a threat to concentrated power and the degree to which we endorse democracy that is the degree to which we are a threat to the status quo.
Most people say the biggest issue today is the economy, and it ought to be! So let’s bring all the troops home and get to work rebuilding our economy, instead of destroying it while we slaughter innocent people the world over. It is a matter of talking to each other. Tell people you know about the campaign. Most people agree with me, with us, on the two big issues: peace and a functioning economy.
The two-party duopoly is a disaster on the economy and senselessly committed to war instead of peaceful coexistence. Tell everyone you know – chances are they agree in principle. The issue is: are they fed up enough yet to shake things up? If they are, then tell them about my web site. If they aren’t, then leave them alone until they are – they will be eventually. We have the power – the power of our vote – we just have to use that power.
People are uncomfortable with new directions and new ways of organizing power, but it is what we all deserve – peace and prosperity.
Have a good week!
Richard
On the subject of organizing, as we get deeper into details and plans, there arise needs for people who can manage specific outreach projects. To date, we have come up short in terms of the number of volunteers needed – and I know it is tough out there, people just trying to get by, but if you can spare some time on a regular basis to help organizationally let us know. Also, we need people who can attend public events to help with visibility. This is mostly about showing up with buttons and signs at events in order to give visibility to the campaign. I do as many of these as I can and will speak at as many as possible in the next couple of months. It is good to have our people in the crowd – building up the event’s numbers to help a good cause, whatever the cause is, and showing that we support them. And finally, we need someone with a good ten or more hours a week to take on the ! job of volunteer coordinator. This job is currently being shared by two people and needs its own staff. If you are interested, please email Michael at: communications@curtis4senate.org.
We have a lot of buttons, bumperstickers and yard signs now. Send your request to the campaign email. In some cases we might have to ask you to help with postage. I have a special marketing item in the works, but it is still a surprise.
In terms of reflections this week…
As part of the process of being evaluated for state endorsement, I met with the King County Labor Council this week. They were very nice people and I have heard good things about many of them. The curious thing is that it all was a charade. I might have been the only one in the room who knew the extent to which their time was being wasted. Before my interview, I attended a public discussion between the President of the State Labor Council and the State Chair of the Democratic Party. The President of the Sate Labor Council, after detailing the reasons why labor had difficult relations with Democrats and how the Labor Council was going to now make informed decisions and not just carte blanche endorse a Democrat, the President announced to the audience that his number one priority was electing my opponent. He then went on to say that the power to make this decision resides with someone else, a convention mee! ting next month, and later reiterated the impossible (if one expects him to follow the rules) commitment to the incumbent.
The glaring hypocrisy did not occur to him and he did not reply to an email from me explaining that this primary changed things and how he should think more strategically about this. As one of the rank-and-file I find it outrageous that the President of the State Labor Council has illegally (in terms of by-laws) assumed some sort of dictatorial authority to determine endorsements for the whole body. I am insulted personally and on behalf of the KCLC that he would waste our time with the required process when he is just dictating policy instead.
It seems sad that the people most abused by corporate power – working people – can’t rely on our unions to stand up for us. I know some of you reading this are not surprised and wondered why I would be interested in courting unions in the first place. Some think they cause as much trouble as these abusive corporations. Well, I don’t go that far but it seems pretty obvious “Big Labor” is not prepared to think outside the box, and so is part of the problem by default.
What I have really come to understand this week is that for people who are used to the status quo it is difficult to consider challenging or changing it. Generally our elections don’t change the way the system works, they just redistribute power in various small ways over time toward corporations. There are small concessions made to labor, but overall the status quo works for corporations.
It looks like incompetence to me but I don’t know how much is fair to expect of any group caught in this trap. This is my point. The political system works one way and includes one way of doing things and this involves the two parties and “everyone” knows it, so unions relate to it, special interest groups relate to it, non-profits relate to, the whole of society is permeated by a political order that stifles all dissent and as it becomes more corporate oriented becomes more detached from human needs.
The closer someone or some organization is to the two-party system the more likely they are to be frightened at changing it – even if they agree with the direction of the change.
Those who know political philosophy will be shaking their heads about now. Of course that is true – isn’t it what Louis Althusser was saying over half a decade ago? Well, yes it is, but it is a difficult lesson to encounter in person. We expect people who really believe that the country should not illegally invade other countries, for example, will support stopping that – but if they have to challenge the system that exists, and in which they exist, then they will not challenge it. These absurd wars are the most vital issue of the day but the candidates from the two parties won’t even mention it. When you ask why, the only answer to give is Althusser’s.
I always knew this had to be a grassroots campaign, but now I understand that on a deeper level. This is why so many voters are so mad. In our campaign meetings we have talked about the Tea Party Movement, and how we have to reach out to the rank and file of that movement. They are fed up with this same political system that controls things and is unresponsive to individual requests and rights. If you aren’t part of that two-party system in some fashion, then it refuses to acknowledge you, and this happens to people of all manner of political persuasions.
Anyone who thinks of themselves as being primarily committed to democracy, to the principle of equality before the law, and government of laws (constitutionality) is included in those I am trying to represent. We are the majority, as it happens, and so we can decide to not play their game. This is actually happening in a few significant races around the country. We, the people, are ready to be independent. We can run government on rational policy and democratic decision making. It is just not that hard to have honest conversations. We don’t expect that of politicians, but it is what I am about and what I will expect of them.
It is new, and it is different, and that can be scary but it is time for reason and respect for the people to prevail.
The lesson seems to be that we can’t rely on people or organizations that say they believe in peace and democracy, the rule of law and human dignity, we have to do this ourselves and it will be hard. But it can be done! We have to support people who are truly interested in challenging corporate power, and we have to know that this is done by us and not by anyone else, not by the media, not by the existing power in society, but by the collective will of the people. Democracy is a threat to concentrated power and the degree to which we endorse democracy that is the degree to which we are a threat to the status quo.
Most people say the biggest issue today is the economy, and it ought to be! So let’s bring all the troops home and get to work rebuilding our economy, instead of destroying it while we slaughter innocent people the world over. It is a matter of talking to each other. Tell people you know about the campaign. Most people agree with me, with us, on the two big issues: peace and a functioning economy.
The two-party duopoly is a disaster on the economy and senselessly committed to war instead of peaceful coexistence. Tell everyone you know – chances are they agree in principle. The issue is: are they fed up enough yet to shake things up? If they are, then tell them about my web site. If they aren’t, then leave them alone until they are – they will be eventually. We have the power – the power of our vote – we just have to use that power.
People are uncomfortable with new directions and new ways of organizing power, but it is what we all deserve – peace and prosperity.
Have a good week!
Richard
Monday, April 12, 2010
Weekly Update: New blog, Twitter, A Green New Deal, End the Wars, Energy Independence, Power of Hemp
4.11.2010
Dear Supporters (and any casual observers),
This week has been very busy but not very visible. We have a new Communications Director (Michael) and he is already plugging the campaign into the digital world. We had some of the rudimentary pieces in place but now have:
The website: www.richardcurtis4senate.org
A blog: curtis4ussenate.blogspot.com/
A Twitter account: http://twitter.com/Curtis4USsenate
Please subscribe, friend or do whatever you do with these. Email works for me but the world has moved on.
Soon all of these things will be integrated, too! The campaign committee is staffed with people who know campaigns and have serious experience, but Michael knows this digital world of communications and is wonderfully helpful. You have probably already seen a message from Michael concerning my latest press release (the spelling issues are mine, not his, by the way), another dimension to our communications with you all and the public.
I need to remind you all that political campaigns run on money. We are still running in the black but are planning the next print run and a catchy item that we hope will help with outreach (still a secret). So we are going to be spending a few thousand dollars in the next week and could use some help with that. Keep in mind the technical stuff from the FEC: we need your name and address, and if your total donations add up to $200 or more then we also need your occupation, employers name and state; the limit for Primary races is $2,400. You can make donations via the web site or mail (address is at the bottom of this email). Thank you!
Now for this week’s reflection on the world I thought I should reply to all of you who have written asking for specifics. The message I am getting seems to be you all are suitably impressed that I can do social commentary (no stretch there since I have done that for 15 years) but what you want to know is what I intend to do. I am starting with some general discussions and will get more and more specific over time. So here you go.
Well, I think the first thing called for is paying attention to what the American people say concerns them. The biggest issue on polls these days is the economy. Every major economy in the world works on the principles outlined by John Maynard Keynes. There is nothing about modern economics that does not come from Keynes. The New Deal was his idea, well the concept not that name. Capitalism simply is subject to cycles that include depressions. We are in a depression now and there is no point pretending that is not true. We need a new New Deal, but with the environmental troubles we have we need a Green New Deal in particular. I see this involving massive works program that can put American back to work rebuilding the national infrastructure to do what it needs to do but in an environmentally friendly way. This sort of thing needs to be well thought out – we need better ways of doing what we do now and that analysis and new planning is part of the program. I don’t have the specifics of this worked as I would like to have time to consult with a range of experts, but we need to fix our roads and bridges in a way that can accommodate alternatives to single occupant cars, for example. I would be open to any suggestion for works projects that has social utility (the various New Deal programs offer many examples of things to do and then we need to add new ideas as well).
This immediately raises the question of how to pay for such things. One of the most impressive economic minds in the world today, John K. Galbraith, tells us not to be afraid of deficit spending when we are rebuilding the economy. I understand his point but would prefer to do it through the redirection of resources (at this point we can’t balance the budget over night but could over time and still have money for what are called Keynesian Pumps, these works programs). The redirection I have in mind is away from the Pentagon and towards most everything else. We do not need to be the policeman of the world, we do not need to occupy other countries and we certainly do not need 600 bases in other peoples’ countries. The people in uniform doing this today need to be put to work constructing new ways to live, building newer and better transportation systems. Plus, and this needs more discussion, if we just shorten the work week we can put many more people back to work in the civilian economy (this is complicated as wage levels must be protected and inflationary pressures considered too, more later).
Military spending is justified on the notion that the world is dangerous. Perhaps in some ways, but those problems are better handled as police matters than military manners. The countries we occupy are dangerous, but that is to be expected, so we shouldn’t do it. For most of us “Manifest Destiny” refers to a misguided and racist rationalization not an actual duty, so why are we at war? We should immediately withdraw from both Iraq and Afghanistan and use those resources for our economy and society. An occupier has no moral authority and if we want to take seriously our obligation to help the people of these countries then we have to hand the job off to some entity that has moral authority with the people in those places. This is not difficult but that does not mean it will be popular among people who profit from war, especially.
The incumbent keeps voting to spend money on these insane wars. I will not do that. In fact if there is no progress before I take office, after I do I will act to stop the funding using all the powers available to a United States Senator. We have plenty of money to solve national problems, but we have to stop wasting it on illegal occupations if we want a sound economy.
And lastly for today: the environment. I realize some people still think they needn’t worry about global warming but that is just wishful thinking. Every serious scientist in the world who studies these issues and every relevant scientific body in the world all agree. There is no serious scientific debate about the reality of human caused climate change so we must act. People around the world have noticed and are doing what they can. It is inspiring in a way to see such cooperation on a global scale (with some notable exceptions of course). We must lead the way on this, not trail behind.
The way we get and use energy has to change. We simply must find ways to stop relying on fossil fuels. This can be done by putting money into research and development of new technologies. We need to put experts to work on new approaches to transportation, food production, and national self sufficiency. Most immediately we could have programs that loan money for alternative energy production (something the Germans do now with great success), jobs programs for installing solar and wind on the home scale and industrial scale, eliminating tax and other incentives for wasteful/polluting consumption and production and tax incentives for Green alternatives.
One of the fastest ways to make a huge change is to produce industrial hemp. Hemp, a variant of the marijuana plant (which in its industrial form does not have THC), has been around longer than human beings. It is the single most useful plant on Earth, and can be used for plastics, fuel, food, paper, cloth and medicine. Seriously, you can make plastics from it (and other plants too, what makes it workable is the scale at which it can be produced). The Declaration of Independence is written on hemp paper. We can put loggers to work as farmers, mills back to work processing hemp paper and fabric, plastics factories can use hemp based plastics, seeds can be used by as food and topically (hemp oil for skin, shampoo, etc.) and it is medicine for millions of people already and there are a host of potential medical uses yet to be researched.
This one plant can change the planet. We have it and can farm it easily. As Senator I will champion legislation to do this.
That is just a look at some of my main issues. I would like, in the future, to talk about what it means to extend democracy. At present what we are doing is challenging the two-party system to open up electoral space but this is just a part of what it means to have a truly democratic society. I will also discuss economic issues more (like why don’t we ever audit the Federal Reserve?) and other social issues.
Have a good week. Please drop a check in the mail if you can. Thank you!
All the best,
Richard
Dear Supporters (and any casual observers),
This week has been very busy but not very visible. We have a new Communications Director (Michael) and he is already plugging the campaign into the digital world. We had some of the rudimentary pieces in place but now have:
The website: www.richardcurtis4senate.org
A blog: curtis4ussenate.blogspot.com/
A Twitter account: http://twitter.com/Curtis4USsenate
Please subscribe, friend or do whatever you do with these. Email works for me but the world has moved on.
Soon all of these things will be integrated, too! The campaign committee is staffed with people who know campaigns and have serious experience, but Michael knows this digital world of communications and is wonderfully helpful. You have probably already seen a message from Michael concerning my latest press release (the spelling issues are mine, not his, by the way), another dimension to our communications with you all and the public.
I need to remind you all that political campaigns run on money. We are still running in the black but are planning the next print run and a catchy item that we hope will help with outreach (still a secret). So we are going to be spending a few thousand dollars in the next week and could use some help with that. Keep in mind the technical stuff from the FEC: we need your name and address, and if your total donations add up to $200 or more then we also need your occupation, employers name and state; the limit for Primary races is $2,400. You can make donations via the web site or mail (address is at the bottom of this email). Thank you!
Now for this week’s reflection on the world I thought I should reply to all of you who have written asking for specifics. The message I am getting seems to be you all are suitably impressed that I can do social commentary (no stretch there since I have done that for 15 years) but what you want to know is what I intend to do. I am starting with some general discussions and will get more and more specific over time. So here you go.
Well, I think the first thing called for is paying attention to what the American people say concerns them. The biggest issue on polls these days is the economy. Every major economy in the world works on the principles outlined by John Maynard Keynes. There is nothing about modern economics that does not come from Keynes. The New Deal was his idea, well the concept not that name. Capitalism simply is subject to cycles that include depressions. We are in a depression now and there is no point pretending that is not true. We need a new New Deal, but with the environmental troubles we have we need a Green New Deal in particular. I see this involving massive works program that can put American back to work rebuilding the national infrastructure to do what it needs to do but in an environmentally friendly way. This sort of thing needs to be well thought out – we need better ways of doing what we do now and that analysis and new planning is part of the program. I don’t have the specifics of this worked as I would like to have time to consult with a range of experts, but we need to fix our roads and bridges in a way that can accommodate alternatives to single occupant cars, for example. I would be open to any suggestion for works projects that has social utility (the various New Deal programs offer many examples of things to do and then we need to add new ideas as well).
This immediately raises the question of how to pay for such things. One of the most impressive economic minds in the world today, John K. Galbraith, tells us not to be afraid of deficit spending when we are rebuilding the economy. I understand his point but would prefer to do it through the redirection of resources (at this point we can’t balance the budget over night but could over time and still have money for what are called Keynesian Pumps, these works programs). The redirection I have in mind is away from the Pentagon and towards most everything else. We do not need to be the policeman of the world, we do not need to occupy other countries and we certainly do not need 600 bases in other peoples’ countries. The people in uniform doing this today need to be put to work constructing new ways to live, building newer and better transportation systems. Plus, and this needs more discussion, if we just shorten the work week we can put many more people back to work in the civilian economy (this is complicated as wage levels must be protected and inflationary pressures considered too, more later).
Military spending is justified on the notion that the world is dangerous. Perhaps in some ways, but those problems are better handled as police matters than military manners. The countries we occupy are dangerous, but that is to be expected, so we shouldn’t do it. For most of us “Manifest Destiny” refers to a misguided and racist rationalization not an actual duty, so why are we at war? We should immediately withdraw from both Iraq and Afghanistan and use those resources for our economy and society. An occupier has no moral authority and if we want to take seriously our obligation to help the people of these countries then we have to hand the job off to some entity that has moral authority with the people in those places. This is not difficult but that does not mean it will be popular among people who profit from war, especially.
The incumbent keeps voting to spend money on these insane wars. I will not do that. In fact if there is no progress before I take office, after I do I will act to stop the funding using all the powers available to a United States Senator. We have plenty of money to solve national problems, but we have to stop wasting it on illegal occupations if we want a sound economy.
And lastly for today: the environment. I realize some people still think they needn’t worry about global warming but that is just wishful thinking. Every serious scientist in the world who studies these issues and every relevant scientific body in the world all agree. There is no serious scientific debate about the reality of human caused climate change so we must act. People around the world have noticed and are doing what they can. It is inspiring in a way to see such cooperation on a global scale (with some notable exceptions of course). We must lead the way on this, not trail behind.
The way we get and use energy has to change. We simply must find ways to stop relying on fossil fuels. This can be done by putting money into research and development of new technologies. We need to put experts to work on new approaches to transportation, food production, and national self sufficiency. Most immediately we could have programs that loan money for alternative energy production (something the Germans do now with great success), jobs programs for installing solar and wind on the home scale and industrial scale, eliminating tax and other incentives for wasteful/polluting consumption and production and tax incentives for Green alternatives.
One of the fastest ways to make a huge change is to produce industrial hemp. Hemp, a variant of the marijuana plant (which in its industrial form does not have THC), has been around longer than human beings. It is the single most useful plant on Earth, and can be used for plastics, fuel, food, paper, cloth and medicine. Seriously, you can make plastics from it (and other plants too, what makes it workable is the scale at which it can be produced). The Declaration of Independence is written on hemp paper. We can put loggers to work as farmers, mills back to work processing hemp paper and fabric, plastics factories can use hemp based plastics, seeds can be used by as food and topically (hemp oil for skin, shampoo, etc.) and it is medicine for millions of people already and there are a host of potential medical uses yet to be researched.
This one plant can change the planet. We have it and can farm it easily. As Senator I will champion legislation to do this.
That is just a look at some of my main issues. I would like, in the future, to talk about what it means to extend democracy. At present what we are doing is challenging the two-party system to open up electoral space but this is just a part of what it means to have a truly democratic society. I will also discuss economic issues more (like why don’t we ever audit the Federal Reserve?) and other social issues.
Have a good week. Please drop a check in the mail if you can. Thank you!
All the best,
Richard
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Weekly Update
4-4-2010
Dear Supporters (and any casual observers),
It has been a quiet week, outwardly, for the campaign. We are launched and now it is a matter of communicating more effectively with voters. We found a Communications Director – another parent from my daughter’s class – who is very experienced with social networking technology. His name is Michael and you all will hear from him starting next week. Also next week we hope the web site host migration will be complete and we will finally have campaign email addresses. To date the volunteers have been using their own and I have been using email from my personal web site. Next week we shift into a higher gear.
Financially we are doing well, that is we are in the black. We want to print hundreds of yards signs and other materials so we do need more money for that. If you can please donate whatever you are able. The web site has details www.richardcurtis4senate.org. The FEC requires this: campaign contributions are not tax deductible and the individual donation limit for primary campaigns is $2,400. If you donate more than $200 (and we hope some of you are able to do that) then in addition to your name and address we need your occupation, employer, and their state.
Thank you!
The rest is my weekly comment on the state of the world. For new people, I try to write up something profound (or aiming for profound) about politics in the previous week.
Have a good week!
In news this week, I was quite disturbed to read the following from Chris Hedges (from TruthDig, 3/29/10):
“The longer we appeal to the Democrats, who are servants of corporate interests, the more stupid and ineffectual we become. Sixty-one percent of Americans believe the country is in decline, according to a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, and they are right. Only 25 percent of those polled said the government can be trusted to protect the interests of the American people. If we do not embrace this outrage and distrust as our own it will be expressed through a terrifying right-wing backlash.”
On the same day I read this from Seattle Times columnist Jerry Large:
“It’s [the supposed health care “debate”] become part of a clash of ideologies that can’t be reconciled, but more than that, the opposition is a vessel for the expression of anger and fears that are dangerous.”
What Jerry was getting at is the visceral outrage at literally nothing that has marked reaction to the new health care law. I think most of us are pretty clear that this new legislation does very little of any good and very little of anything at all. To be outraged that it marks a government take over of something unspecified is sheer insanity, yet it is not random insanity but rather well organized insanity.
What Chris Hedges sees that Jerry Large is missing is that the outrageous behavior of opponents of the legislation is not just ill mannered, much of it illegal, no, it is proto-fascist and that is the real concern.
Fascism, according to the guy who popularized the term (his name was Benito Mussolini), is the marriage of government power and corporate interests. On that most literal version we have had a fascist state for at least the last half century. What actually mark the fascist movements of the 20th century are their beginnings with mobs following fear mongers. For Hitler in Germany it was the Sturm Abteilung (Brownshirts), for Mussolini in Italy it was the Squadristi (Blackshirts), for Franco in Spain it was the Falangistas (Falage was the core fascist group Franco used when he took power). For would be fascist leaders here it is the Tea Partiers, Patriot Movement and their ilk.
Any serious student of history can see the parallels. When angry mobs react to things that are functionally irrelevant to them or actually useful to them because they have been riled up by evil demagogues then you can see fascism in action. To some it may seem outlandish to suggest that people like Glenn Beck are agitating for a fascist takeover of America, but only if one knows nothing of history. It is happening. We are, as Hedges is warning us, seeing the birth of a full blown fascist movement rising up before our eyes.
Most importantly, Hedges is also warning us that if we rely on the Democrats to provide a bulwark against this new form of fascism then we are fools. The Democratic Party is completely out of touch with America and the real life struggles of the American people to survive (or they are actively a part of this fascist transformation). Both parties are parties of war and parties of empire, both lie incessantly to us and themselves. They do not understand or will not understand modern economic theory. They do not understand or will not understand modern history. They do not understand or will not understand basic principles of ethics. To think the Democrats are part of the solution is to fundamentally misunderstand the nature of the problem. To think Republicans are part of the solution is simple madness (they can’t even figure out the basics of political philosophy so why would anyone with more brains than a flea trust them! to run anything?).
Consider these recent quotes:
Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN): "I want people in Minnesota armed and dangerous….having a revolution every now and then is a good thing."
Rep. John Boehner (R-OH): "Take [Democratic Congressman] Steve Driehaus, for example. He may be a dead man. He can't go home to the west side of Cincinnati."
Rep. Steve King (R-IA): "Let's beat that other side to a pulp! Let's take them out. Let's chase them down."
It is not a clash of ideologies, as Jerry Large would like to believe, but a predictable reaction to economic and social collapse. The patterns by which fascism operates are not mysterious to anyone who studies them, but they are quite mysterious to those who don’t. What we are witnessing is a clash between corporate dominated culture and human beings. Corporations have taken over our economic life, cultural life and political life and have wreaked all in the process. People are struggling and they are afraid. Scared people often turn to demagogues. It is easier to believe their cheap lies than to confront the reality of corporate totalitarianism.
This campaign offers something different. I am not hiding my head in the sand about the economic depression, I am not hiding my head in the sand about the legal reality that we are lead by war criminals, and I am not hiding my head in the sand hoping Democrats will save human beings (because we all know they will save corporations first). The vast majority of the American people agree with me on these issues. But we do not have a voice since the media is owned by corporate interests that have always liked fascists when they have been in power.
Democracy is hard. It is especially hard when the economy is collapsing. But there is nothing to do but to fight for democracy. The demagogues will be all too happy to take over for us, to take us over, but that is not a live option – it is the folly of fools who do not know history. And it will be hard to explain to people who follow these demagogues that fascism is not about helping them – the leadership of these nascent fascist movements don’t care about people, they want to use and abuse people for profit. They are good at confusing people and offering the wrong focus for what is very legitimate anger. People should be angry, but they need to recognize that they have to stand up for themselves and assert their power over corporations, not fall for the lies and distortions of the hacks who front for these corporations.
The status quo never likes change but in the face of economic and environmental collapse we simply must change our usual way of thinking about politics and elections. We cannot treat Republicans and Democrats as idols to which we pray for solutions. Democracy is hard because we must come together ourselves and forge a renewed America built in the interests of all America not just corporate Amerikkka.
All the best,
Richard
Dear Supporters (and any casual observers),
It has been a quiet week, outwardly, for the campaign. We are launched and now it is a matter of communicating more effectively with voters. We found a Communications Director – another parent from my daughter’s class – who is very experienced with social networking technology. His name is Michael and you all will hear from him starting next week. Also next week we hope the web site host migration will be complete and we will finally have campaign email addresses. To date the volunteers have been using their own and I have been using email from my personal web site. Next week we shift into a higher gear.
Financially we are doing well, that is we are in the black. We want to print hundreds of yards signs and other materials so we do need more money for that. If you can please donate whatever you are able. The web site has details www.richardcurtis4senate.org. The FEC requires this: campaign contributions are not tax deductible and the individual donation limit for primary campaigns is $2,400. If you donate more than $200 (and we hope some of you are able to do that) then in addition to your name and address we need your occupation, employer, and their state.
Thank you!
The rest is my weekly comment on the state of the world. For new people, I try to write up something profound (or aiming for profound) about politics in the previous week.
Have a good week!
In news this week, I was quite disturbed to read the following from Chris Hedges (from TruthDig, 3/29/10):
“The longer we appeal to the Democrats, who are servants of corporate interests, the more stupid and ineffectual we become. Sixty-one percent of Americans believe the country is in decline, according to a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, and they are right. Only 25 percent of those polled said the government can be trusted to protect the interests of the American people. If we do not embrace this outrage and distrust as our own it will be expressed through a terrifying right-wing backlash.”
On the same day I read this from Seattle Times columnist Jerry Large:
“It’s [the supposed health care “debate”] become part of a clash of ideologies that can’t be reconciled, but more than that, the opposition is a vessel for the expression of anger and fears that are dangerous.”
What Jerry was getting at is the visceral outrage at literally nothing that has marked reaction to the new health care law. I think most of us are pretty clear that this new legislation does very little of any good and very little of anything at all. To be outraged that it marks a government take over of something unspecified is sheer insanity, yet it is not random insanity but rather well organized insanity.
What Chris Hedges sees that Jerry Large is missing is that the outrageous behavior of opponents of the legislation is not just ill mannered, much of it illegal, no, it is proto-fascist and that is the real concern.
Fascism, according to the guy who popularized the term (his name was Benito Mussolini), is the marriage of government power and corporate interests. On that most literal version we have had a fascist state for at least the last half century. What actually mark the fascist movements of the 20th century are their beginnings with mobs following fear mongers. For Hitler in Germany it was the Sturm Abteilung (Brownshirts), for Mussolini in Italy it was the Squadristi (Blackshirts), for Franco in Spain it was the Falangistas (Falage was the core fascist group Franco used when he took power). For would be fascist leaders here it is the Tea Partiers, Patriot Movement and their ilk.
Any serious student of history can see the parallels. When angry mobs react to things that are functionally irrelevant to them or actually useful to them because they have been riled up by evil demagogues then you can see fascism in action. To some it may seem outlandish to suggest that people like Glenn Beck are agitating for a fascist takeover of America, but only if one knows nothing of history. It is happening. We are, as Hedges is warning us, seeing the birth of a full blown fascist movement rising up before our eyes.
Most importantly, Hedges is also warning us that if we rely on the Democrats to provide a bulwark against this new form of fascism then we are fools. The Democratic Party is completely out of touch with America and the real life struggles of the American people to survive (or they are actively a part of this fascist transformation). Both parties are parties of war and parties of empire, both lie incessantly to us and themselves. They do not understand or will not understand modern economic theory. They do not understand or will not understand modern history. They do not understand or will not understand basic principles of ethics. To think the Democrats are part of the solution is to fundamentally misunderstand the nature of the problem. To think Republicans are part of the solution is simple madness (they can’t even figure out the basics of political philosophy so why would anyone with more brains than a flea trust them! to run anything?).
Consider these recent quotes:
Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN): "I want people in Minnesota armed and dangerous….having a revolution every now and then is a good thing."
Rep. John Boehner (R-OH): "Take [Democratic Congressman] Steve Driehaus, for example. He may be a dead man. He can't go home to the west side of Cincinnati."
Rep. Steve King (R-IA): "Let's beat that other side to a pulp! Let's take them out. Let's chase them down."
It is not a clash of ideologies, as Jerry Large would like to believe, but a predictable reaction to economic and social collapse. The patterns by which fascism operates are not mysterious to anyone who studies them, but they are quite mysterious to those who don’t. What we are witnessing is a clash between corporate dominated culture and human beings. Corporations have taken over our economic life, cultural life and political life and have wreaked all in the process. People are struggling and they are afraid. Scared people often turn to demagogues. It is easier to believe their cheap lies than to confront the reality of corporate totalitarianism.
This campaign offers something different. I am not hiding my head in the sand about the economic depression, I am not hiding my head in the sand about the legal reality that we are lead by war criminals, and I am not hiding my head in the sand hoping Democrats will save human beings (because we all know they will save corporations first). The vast majority of the American people agree with me on these issues. But we do not have a voice since the media is owned by corporate interests that have always liked fascists when they have been in power.
Democracy is hard. It is especially hard when the economy is collapsing. But there is nothing to do but to fight for democracy. The demagogues will be all too happy to take over for us, to take us over, but that is not a live option – it is the folly of fools who do not know history. And it will be hard to explain to people who follow these demagogues that fascism is not about helping them – the leadership of these nascent fascist movements don’t care about people, they want to use and abuse people for profit. They are good at confusing people and offering the wrong focus for what is very legitimate anger. People should be angry, but they need to recognize that they have to stand up for themselves and assert their power over corporations, not fall for the lies and distortions of the hacks who front for these corporations.
The status quo never likes change but in the face of economic and environmental collapse we simply must change our usual way of thinking about politics and elections. We cannot treat Republicans and Democrats as idols to which we pray for solutions. Democracy is hard because we must come together ourselves and forge a renewed America built in the interests of all America not just corporate Amerikkka.
All the best,
Richard
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