Greetings Everyone-
With only a few short weeks before the Democratic Convention in Denver (Aug 25-28), and the Republican Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul (Sep 1-4), the Corporate TV Networks are in the final planning stages for their propaganda assault on the American public during the Conventions. Anyone who has been paying attention to the Corporate News (barf!) lately you've witnessed their complete protection of the agonizing incompetence of John McCain (could it get much worse?). Also the ridiculous attacks on Barack Obama's minister and Obama's "terrorist fist jab", rather than focus on the issues. Corporate America controls the media. Since they control the media, they control the message.
As for the progressive Peace and Justice movement, we do what we can with websites, flyering, newsletters, forums and movie nights, with limited to no funding. One thing we still have at our disposal is the streets. Street corners throughout our communities are ours for the taking to get our message out!
I am proposing for the next several weeks ALL progressive organizations and individuals take to the streets throughout our communities with our own message. Multiple messages that focus on the REAL ISSUES, not the Candidates' messages. As long as the candidates and the Corporate Media control the message they will promote limited solutions to the problems of the Iraq Occupation, Global Warming, Education Funding, Health Care, Immigration, etc.
We need to lead the movement toward the real solutions to the many problems facing the future of America and our planet. Through both Conventions and to the November election, issues will be discussed as though there are only two choices, Barack's (Dems) and McCain's (Reps). For example, those of us who consider themselves Progressives realize that it is in the best interest of America for Universal SINGLE-PAYER Health Care (Obama is now promoting Universal "Corporate" Healthcare).
Anyway on to my thoughts about a Progressive community-wide, coordinated effort to take the real issues and solutions to the public. Of course we should welcome any group or individual who is committed to the issues of Peace and Justice: End U.S. Occupation of Iraq-All Troops Out!, No Human Being Is Illegal-Amnesty! (No Dream Act), Stop Militarizing Our Youth and Society, Universal SINGLE-PAYER Healthcare, Full Funding for Education, Save Social Security, etc.
My thoughts are to hold a meeting of all interested groups and individuals to discuss the various issues and select the weekends and locations for our street protests. For example:
SAT/SUN, 11:30AM-2PM Aug 9/10 - Universal "SINGLE-PAYER" Healthcare Aug 16/17 - No Human Being Is Illegal - Amnesty! (no DREAM Act) Aug 23/24 - End the Occupation of Iraq Aug 30/31 - Full Funding of Education Sep 6/7 - Alternative Energy Sources Sep 13/14 - IMPEACH Bush/Cheney Sep 20/21 - FREE Palestine - No Apartheid Wall! etc...to the election
Groups or individuals can select their own corner or join others at an established site. If we can agree and coordinate on the issues on given weekends, it could be easier to get Press coverage showing we are all working together. This can be a loosely coordinated effort without much on-going collaboration to avoid meeting-to-death. As long as we can have solidarity to stick to supporting REAL Peace and Justice issues that the two major parties and the Corporate Media will avoid at all costs!
The Dems will have their forces out in the communities and streets, so let's get our own work done. This is the time when everyone is and will be talking about solutions. Well then, let's give them to 'em. Get back to me and let me know if there is interest in this. If there is, I'll call for a meeting of interested individuals so we can discuss and come up with a plan. Let's take advantage of this opportunity! It's been 8 years of DISASTER!
I started doing this somewhat at Stevens Creek & Winchester. I've held a sign saying "1,100,000 IRAQI DEAD" with surprising positive feedback (car honking, Peace signs, and heads nodding in support). Today I held a sign all day that read "HEALTHCARE NOT WARFARE" with great results. I changed my "IMPEACH BUSH/CHENEY" sidewalk signs to read "ARREST BUSH/CHENEY" also with a lot of positive responses.
Let me know what you think, Thanks -D.