As I read my newspaper this week a song lyric kept coming to my mind. “Why won’t they ever learn?” I read three articles: the serious food pantry shortage, the West Virginia mine tragedy and about the recent chanting incident at East High School. The food pantry article reported that it’s been a hard year for private food pantry officials. It then went on to give a litany of reasons why this was so. Starting with acts of God, citing hurricanes and earthquakes resulting in public “donor fatigue.” It then went on to report the household “food insecurity” index which has risen thirteen percent since 1999.
The article then speculated that perhaps this food shortage was due to a “weakness in the economy” and the heating/energy crisis. As I read on I began to wonder to whom and why this news was being reported and why the reporter failed to say a word about “welfare reform” -- the federal governments retreat from the family entitlement program -- a much needed safety net for the poor children in this country.
Was the article intended to give succor or assuage the guilt of the American people for increasingly allowing the poor children of this country to go hungry and cold throughout another winter? How would this article relieve the pain and suffering of one third of our children?
It seems that now that the poor single mothers “have got their act together and have learned how to wind an alarm clock,” and now that our government has withdrawn its “handouts” that we are no longer able to blame the poor families of this country. It now seems to be in vogue to blame God and our economy. “Oh, when will we ever learn?”
Who could not feel sad and mourn for the thirteen miners who died, and the one now in a deep coma, and their families? One follow-up news article informed the reader about the upcoming investigation and speculated about the likely causes of the explosion. Here again God was called forth in the form of “lighting” and perhaps a faulty ventilation system as the most likely culprits. No mention was made of all the mining company’s safety violations or that it was a non-union company.
We were assured however that the Mine Safety and Health Administration officials were on the job and justice would be done. Not in this article, or any of the earlier articles, or on the talk shows I listened to about this incident, was it reported that this was a non-union mine. None of the miners’ families mentioned this ---probably out of fear of other family members losing their jobs. “Oh, when will we ever learn?
Finally, I read about the high school students who at a basketball game chanted “food-stamps,” “food-stamps” and how they appeared so insensitive, so out of touch, and yet, so innocent! Yes, so politically incorrect. They only knew that, yes indeed, there are two Americas! Don’t we adults contribute to such a lack of “history” when we continue to deny our country’s social problems?
I am daily amazed at how little citizens in our last two generations know about
the important role the American union movement played in our country’s past.
Historically, since the turn of the twentieth century, unions have fought and sacrificed for safe working conditions, a decent wage, pensions, and many more rights for workers. I have found that many people under forty also sincerely believe that the “homeless” have always been with us. The food pantry and Christmas basket is now indeed a “cherished institution” in this country. “Oh, when will we ever learn.”
Friday, September 21, 2007
“Not right to ridicule sick leave proposal”
Wisconsin State Journal, Opinion Page, Guest Column:
I was saddened and appalled when I saw the cartoon on your editorial page Friday.
The picture showed two men enjoying a back yard barbeque and one telling the other how much more he prefers his neighbor’s barking dog to his neighbor, Madison City Alderman Austin King’s, rancorous preaching about the inadequacy of the minimum wage and the need for sick leave now.
The arrogance and callousness shown by your editorial staff by allowing this cartoon to appear in the Journal was truly insulting to our higher nature.
It trivializes what for many Madisonians consider to be a serious human rights issue.
Our community’s failure to provide our neediest working people in the greatest economic need, with paid sick leave is most certainly no joking matter. The fact that it may not be economical for small businesses does not in any way make it okay and a suitable subject for derision and scorn. It is humiliating. It is unjust. It is unchristian. But most certainly it is not a situation that Journal’s readers should be expected to laugh at.
King may be naïve and inexperienced but he is truly also a brilliant young man and a “neighbor” with a strong social conscience who should be respected as a young, very committed public servant and not deserving of derision and ridicule.
To me, it seems inconsistent that such an otherwise balanced and steady voice for social justice as is the Journal’s editorial department, who supports constructive social welfare reform, would find it okay to lampoon and mock efforts by anyone to put in place an infrastructure that would make such reform more realistic and humane.
Perhaps not until a person can see their daughter as that young mother who is being forced to live and raise her family on less than $1,000 per month before taxes; a woman who is often forced to witness her children experiencing hunger and sickness.
Perhaps nothing will happen until people can see their daughter in that single woman who is folding clothes at Wal-Mart, or that waitress who serves them at night even though she may be sick, or that woman doing the dishes in a nursing home, or scrubbing your office floor late at night.
And then the policy makers of this country should read Barbara Ehrenreich’s book, “Nickel and Dimed – On (Not) Getting By in America,” .
Respectfully, William R. Benedict, MSW, ACSW
I was saddened and appalled when I saw the cartoon on your editorial page Friday.
The picture showed two men enjoying a back yard barbeque and one telling the other how much more he prefers his neighbor’s barking dog to his neighbor, Madison City Alderman Austin King’s, rancorous preaching about the inadequacy of the minimum wage and the need for sick leave now.
The arrogance and callousness shown by your editorial staff by allowing this cartoon to appear in the Journal was truly insulting to our higher nature.
It trivializes what for many Madisonians consider to be a serious human rights issue.
Our community’s failure to provide our neediest working people in the greatest economic need, with paid sick leave is most certainly no joking matter. The fact that it may not be economical for small businesses does not in any way make it okay and a suitable subject for derision and scorn. It is humiliating. It is unjust. It is unchristian. But most certainly it is not a situation that Journal’s readers should be expected to laugh at.
King may be naïve and inexperienced but he is truly also a brilliant young man and a “neighbor” with a strong social conscience who should be respected as a young, very committed public servant and not deserving of derision and ridicule.
To me, it seems inconsistent that such an otherwise balanced and steady voice for social justice as is the Journal’s editorial department, who supports constructive social welfare reform, would find it okay to lampoon and mock efforts by anyone to put in place an infrastructure that would make such reform more realistic and humane.
Perhaps not until a person can see their daughter as that young mother who is being forced to live and raise her family on less than $1,000 per month before taxes; a woman who is often forced to witness her children experiencing hunger and sickness.
Perhaps nothing will happen until people can see their daughter in that single woman who is folding clothes at Wal-Mart, or that waitress who serves them at night even though she may be sick, or that woman doing the dishes in a nursing home, or scrubbing your office floor late at night.
And then the policy makers of this country should read Barbara Ehrenreich’s book, “Nickel and Dimed – On (Not) Getting By in America,” .
Respectfully, William R. Benedict, MSW, ACSW
Business As Usual At My Newspaper
To the Editor:
I am writing about the GOP scuttling of the SB l bill last night. I am outraged. I am hurt. I am so disappointed I could cry. This morning I opened my newspaper to see on the front page of my paper that the “main news” was all about the Twenty-Fifth Crazylegs Classic. On the local page of my newspaper the headlines and main news was all about the proposed plans to renovate Warner Park Stadium.
Finally, on the left column of the local news, page C-3, I finally learn about the selfish and cowardly actions at my State Legislature. Was I really surprised what Rep. Representative John Gard and his Republican colleagues did? No. Was I surprised and sad that my paper treated this action as routine and as business as usual. You bet I was. What I found unbelievable was that my newspaper which is so proud of its investigative reporting on the caucus scandal, doesn’t consider this major aftermath event of any real consequence or significance to the citizens of Wisconsin. When in fact, based on what has transpired at our Capitol it deserves four inch headlines on the front page.
On a state-wide sports event I get detailed information about how many points each player scored, how many minutes they played, and extensive commentary. This morning, when I am reading about an event, that means so very much more to me and my grandchildren, I am expecting to see a headline and special supplemental side columns. I am expecting interviews with the prominent actors involved. I want them question and quoted extensively on why they took the actions they took I want big pictures!
As a reader, I am most respectfully asking your paper’s editorial staff to give this story the attention it deserves.
I am writing about the GOP scuttling of the SB l bill last night. I am outraged. I am hurt. I am so disappointed I could cry. This morning I opened my newspaper to see on the front page of my paper that the “main news” was all about the Twenty-Fifth Crazylegs Classic. On the local page of my newspaper the headlines and main news was all about the proposed plans to renovate Warner Park Stadium.
Finally, on the left column of the local news, page C-3, I finally learn about the selfish and cowardly actions at my State Legislature. Was I really surprised what Rep. Representative John Gard and his Republican colleagues did? No. Was I surprised and sad that my paper treated this action as routine and as business as usual. You bet I was. What I found unbelievable was that my newspaper which is so proud of its investigative reporting on the caucus scandal, doesn’t consider this major aftermath event of any real consequence or significance to the citizens of Wisconsin. When in fact, based on what has transpired at our Capitol it deserves four inch headlines on the front page.
On a state-wide sports event I get detailed information about how many points each player scored, how many minutes they played, and extensive commentary. This morning, when I am reading about an event, that means so very much more to me and my grandchildren, I am expecting to see a headline and special supplemental side columns. I am expecting interviews with the prominent actors involved. I want them question and quoted extensively on why they took the actions they took I want big pictures!
As a reader, I am most respectfully asking your paper’s editorial staff to give this story the attention it deserves.
Wonderful life, but for whom?
America has changed in the last twenty years. As citizens of this still great country, we have so much to be thankful for. But how sad I am today when I think of the America that used to be.
I feel like George Bailey in the classic movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” His Bedford Falls seemed to be changing and he was deeply troubled. George’s experience reminds me of my America today.
I wonder whether others feel the deep sadness that I feel this holiday season, a time of year when we look back and take stock. Consider the social, political and economic injustices and changes that we have allowed during these last two decades. When I count these losses I see:
∑ An America where, our federal government withdrew its safety net from the poor children of this country. Today a poor child’s shelter, food and clothing rest solely upon the capricious care of the state and local government and the charity of churches and civic groups (much in evidence during the Christmas season).
∑ An America where poor families are forced to live on our streets, in cars or over heating vents, going for days, or months without adequate food, shelter and clothing.
∑ An America where we now routinely accept, without remorse or shame the food basket, food pantry, the soup kitchen and church shelter as permanent institutions in our midst.
∑ An America where the people are no longer in charge of their government and have allowed corporate America to buy our freedoms and rights to equal representation. Special interests have high jacked our legislatures.
∑ An America where the once cherished word “liberal”, meaning “belonging to the people,” has been tarnished and defiled.
∑ An America, where contributing your tax money to support the basic needs of the disenfranchised has become unpatriotic and un-American.
∑ An America that has made it more difficult for a poor person to declare bankruptcy while at the same time allows big companies to withdraw pensions for its workers..
∑ An America where a non-partisan public radio or TV station must beg for funds in order to contribute to an informed electorate.
∑ An America where the media chooses maximum profits for the stockholders over hard and accurate news.
∑ An America where the labor movement has declined until only a small percentage of our work force is represented with a union.
∑ An America where, in the interest of economy, our public libraries are foolishly often closed on Sundays, with reduced weekly hours and staffing.
∑ An America where over one-third of Americans are without any health insurance and must pay exorbitant drug and medical bills in order to survive.
∑ An America where our civil liberties and freedom of speech are daily encroached.
∑ An America where billions of dollars are recklessly spent on our military industrial complex while the American people’s most basic economic, health and social needs continue to erode.
∑ An America that violates human rights and disregards the Geneva Convention. And finally, an America that is no longer respected abroad or viewed as a peace loving country.
Unfortunately unlike George Bailey, the American people do not have a guardian
angel. There is no “Clarence” to make everything right again. Instead, cut throat competition, the bottom line, and increasing incivility has replaced brotherly love and compassion. The greedy corporations and special interests have stolen our government. The Mr. Potter’s of this world seem to be winning.
However, there is still hope for us in the coming year. We can begin to
redress the losses by demanding public campaign finance reform that will level the playing field. That will once again return the Legislature to the people, and give voice to the small shop owner, the farmer, and the middle class citizens of this great country.
I feel like George Bailey in the classic movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” His Bedford Falls seemed to be changing and he was deeply troubled. George’s experience reminds me of my America today.
I wonder whether others feel the deep sadness that I feel this holiday season, a time of year when we look back and take stock. Consider the social, political and economic injustices and changes that we have allowed during these last two decades. When I count these losses I see:
∑ An America where, our federal government withdrew its safety net from the poor children of this country. Today a poor child’s shelter, food and clothing rest solely upon the capricious care of the state and local government and the charity of churches and civic groups (much in evidence during the Christmas season).
∑ An America where poor families are forced to live on our streets, in cars or over heating vents, going for days, or months without adequate food, shelter and clothing.
∑ An America where we now routinely accept, without remorse or shame the food basket, food pantry, the soup kitchen and church shelter as permanent institutions in our midst.
∑ An America where the people are no longer in charge of their government and have allowed corporate America to buy our freedoms and rights to equal representation. Special interests have high jacked our legislatures.
∑ An America where the once cherished word “liberal”, meaning “belonging to the people,” has been tarnished and defiled.
∑ An America, where contributing your tax money to support the basic needs of the disenfranchised has become unpatriotic and un-American.
∑ An America that has made it more difficult for a poor person to declare bankruptcy while at the same time allows big companies to withdraw pensions for its workers..
∑ An America where a non-partisan public radio or TV station must beg for funds in order to contribute to an informed electorate.
∑ An America where the media chooses maximum profits for the stockholders over hard and accurate news.
∑ An America where the labor movement has declined until only a small percentage of our work force is represented with a union.
∑ An America where, in the interest of economy, our public libraries are foolishly often closed on Sundays, with reduced weekly hours and staffing.
∑ An America where over one-third of Americans are without any health insurance and must pay exorbitant drug and medical bills in order to survive.
∑ An America where our civil liberties and freedom of speech are daily encroached.
∑ An America where billions of dollars are recklessly spent on our military industrial complex while the American people’s most basic economic, health and social needs continue to erode.
∑ An America that violates human rights and disregards the Geneva Convention. And finally, an America that is no longer respected abroad or viewed as a peace loving country.
Unfortunately unlike George Bailey, the American people do not have a guardian
angel. There is no “Clarence” to make everything right again. Instead, cut throat competition, the bottom line, and increasing incivility has replaced brotherly love and compassion. The greedy corporations and special interests have stolen our government. The Mr. Potter’s of this world seem to be winning.
However, there is still hope for us in the coming year. We can begin to
redress the losses by demanding public campaign finance reform that will level the playing field. That will once again return the Legislature to the people, and give voice to the small shop owner, the farmer, and the middle class citizens of this great country.
“City-wide Advisory Votes” – A perfect antidote!
Urgent Guest Column
I read in a sister Madison newspaper about Chuck Litweiler’s (former Madison City of Council candidate) proposal that the Council install a link on their Web site to allow Madison residents to vote on current issues before the City Council. Litweiler presented what I think would give a perfect antidote to our stale and sagging civic body
His very simple and elegant proposal is realistic and would cost taxpayers essentially nothing---the City of Madison would put a link on its web site, and the Madison media would do the rest. On this link voters could cast their votes on current citywide issues before they are ever put to a vote at Madison City Council. This proposal is the perfect elixir for the current malaise in Madison’s body politic.
Short of public finance campaign reform, this is the best idea that I have ever heard to revitalize our democracy. Who knows it may also be just the spark that we need to achieve public finance reform as well!
When Madison’s near Westside prophet, Matthew Fox, was recently in town, he told Madisonians that all they needed to do to end our apathy and bring change about was to recognize that our greatest disorder right now is IDD --- Imagination/Deficit/Disorder. It’s now clear that Litweiler has no such disorder. I urge the people of Madison to call their city council person right now, and enthusiastically demand that this web site link be installed today! Brother Fox also said, “Let us thunder and be defiant after justice.”
I read in a sister Madison newspaper about Chuck Litweiler’s (former Madison City of Council candidate) proposal that the Council install a link on their Web site to allow Madison residents to vote on current issues before the City Council. Litweiler presented what I think would give a perfect antidote to our stale and sagging civic body
His very simple and elegant proposal is realistic and would cost taxpayers essentially nothing---the City of Madison would put a link on its web site, and the Madison media would do the rest. On this link voters could cast their votes on current citywide issues before they are ever put to a vote at Madison City Council. This proposal is the perfect elixir for the current malaise in Madison’s body politic.
Short of public finance campaign reform, this is the best idea that I have ever heard to revitalize our democracy. Who knows it may also be just the spark that we need to achieve public finance reform as well!
When Madison’s near Westside prophet, Matthew Fox, was recently in town, he told Madisonians that all they needed to do to end our apathy and bring change about was to recognize that our greatest disorder right now is IDD --- Imagination/Deficit/Disorder. It’s now clear that Litweiler has no such disorder. I urge the people of Madison to call their city council person right now, and enthusiastically demand that this web site link be installed today! Brother Fox also said, “Let us thunder and be defiant after justice.”
Friday, September 14, 2007
Let's Not Be Bamboozled
In order to help ensure more time for each presenter to share their proposal on the 25th, I ask that you take some time to consider the issues I raise here now : Thanks so much for the time that you have already given me. I know you are all very busy. Bill
Sue presented us/me with a beautifully wrapped Easter proposal, and there is little question that it’s a very worthy human, deeply felt issue that we at Unity cannot ignore, nor should we. But that being said, let us not be bamboozled/tricked or thrown off track by such political tactics ---not Sue’s, but the special interests!
In researching my own project proposal I have been alerted that such issues as banning gay marriages and civil unions and promoting concealed weapons legislation are largely diversionary tactics or snares set by large special interest groups to trap us into talking about and working for these hot button issues rather than keeping a steady and persistent focus on real, honest people issues such as clean water, health care, adequate and equitable school funding and campaign finance reform.
Special interests and corporations who have bought and now own our legislators totally, use such legislation as a ruse to distract and deter us from the people’s interests. I was informed that the proof in the putting is the fact these big interests deliberately bring such issues forward not at off year or local elections but at the state wide and congressional elections that are guaranteed to bring out the extreme right who will vote to keep their paid for and bought candidates in office and that will serve the exclusive interests of the special interests, including corporations. I learned that seven or eight states have already used ban gay unions and marriage bans in order to control and maintain the electoral status quo in their respective Houses, and with respect to and significant health care and environmental initiatives as well.
By maintaining such control of your legislators they can continue to pass preemptive legislation that serves their own special interests but, in fact, is best decided at the local level, i.e. no smoking, the removal of old billboard signage, land use, etc. Such big interest here in Wisconsin spent 6.5 to 1.15 million dollars or 13 times more than that spend by everyone else (that includes you and me) to prevent local decision-making. This is big interest’s means or tactics for preventing any fundamental changes from appearing on the legislative agenda.
For these reasons, then, I strongly urge the Advisory Council to assign the proposed “Fair Wisconsin” or the “Love Thy Neighbor” project to the Human Rights sub-committee, in order that more structural and substantive up-stream work can begin now.
With respect the gay union ban, whether it is obtaining petition signatures, canvassing the neighborhood or whatever, these Unity activities need not deter us, nor should they. I would like to remind the group that Dr. Lichterman has already warn us that such seductive and alluring causes will constantly be brought before us. But because our cause is so great to our children and our grand children’s freedom and democracy, let us hold fast.
I believe that here in Wisconsin we are now a critical period where the balance can be tipped either in the direction of campaign reform or continuing down the slippery slope that we are now on. If what has already happened, and is now happening, at our Capitol is not enough to rouse out of complacency, how much more alienation and loss of our freedom can we take?
If there was ever in our Nation’s history a time when we need to stand up and speak up, it is now. A recent Wisconsin poll shows that only 7% of the citizens of Wisconsin believe that their legislators represent their (the people’s) best interests. We need to regain our trust and faith in our public institutions and in our representatives. Your legislator and mine are arrogant and emotionally and economically removed from the people ---you and me. And worse, they believe that they can do no wrong and are untouchable. Let us begin!
Sue presented us/me with a beautifully wrapped Easter proposal, and there is little question that it’s a very worthy human, deeply felt issue that we at Unity cannot ignore, nor should we. But that being said, let us not be bamboozled/tricked or thrown off track by such political tactics ---not Sue’s, but the special interests!
In researching my own project proposal I have been alerted that such issues as banning gay marriages and civil unions and promoting concealed weapons legislation are largely diversionary tactics or snares set by large special interest groups to trap us into talking about and working for these hot button issues rather than keeping a steady and persistent focus on real, honest people issues such as clean water, health care, adequate and equitable school funding and campaign finance reform.
Special interests and corporations who have bought and now own our legislators totally, use such legislation as a ruse to distract and deter us from the people’s interests. I was informed that the proof in the putting is the fact these big interests deliberately bring such issues forward not at off year or local elections but at the state wide and congressional elections that are guaranteed to bring out the extreme right who will vote to keep their paid for and bought candidates in office and that will serve the exclusive interests of the special interests, including corporations. I learned that seven or eight states have already used ban gay unions and marriage bans in order to control and maintain the electoral status quo in their respective Houses, and with respect to and significant health care and environmental initiatives as well.
By maintaining such control of your legislators they can continue to pass preemptive legislation that serves their own special interests but, in fact, is best decided at the local level, i.e. no smoking, the removal of old billboard signage, land use, etc. Such big interest here in Wisconsin spent 6.5 to 1.15 million dollars or 13 times more than that spend by everyone else (that includes you and me) to prevent local decision-making. This is big interest’s means or tactics for preventing any fundamental changes from appearing on the legislative agenda.
For these reasons, then, I strongly urge the Advisory Council to assign the proposed “Fair Wisconsin” or the “Love Thy Neighbor” project to the Human Rights sub-committee, in order that more structural and substantive up-stream work can begin now.
With respect the gay union ban, whether it is obtaining petition signatures, canvassing the neighborhood or whatever, these Unity activities need not deter us, nor should they. I would like to remind the group that Dr. Lichterman has already warn us that such seductive and alluring causes will constantly be brought before us. But because our cause is so great to our children and our grand children’s freedom and democracy, let us hold fast.
I believe that here in Wisconsin we are now a critical period where the balance can be tipped either in the direction of campaign reform or continuing down the slippery slope that we are now on. If what has already happened, and is now happening, at our Capitol is not enough to rouse out of complacency, how much more alienation and loss of our freedom can we take?
If there was ever in our Nation’s history a time when we need to stand up and speak up, it is now. A recent Wisconsin poll shows that only 7% of the citizens of Wisconsin believe that their legislators represent their (the people’s) best interests. We need to regain our trust and faith in our public institutions and in our representatives. Your legislator and mine are arrogant and emotionally and economically removed from the people ---you and me. And worse, they believe that they can do no wrong and are untouchable. Let us begin!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Coalition Needed
Paper to be read for our discussion on possible new WDC strategies relating to our campaign finance reform agenda for remainder of 07 - by Bill Benedict
Have you heard of the Wisconsin Voter Owned Elections coalition? There is a very good reason if you haven’t. There is no such single issue driven citizen group or coalition in Wisconsin.
This fact, in spite of the strong mandate Wisconsin voters gave for voter owned reform in our spring election. No such entity has emerged. While the caucus scandal has produced five different campaign reform bills, all of them continue to languish in two Assembly committees without any scheduled hearings in sight.
Since the notorious political corruption in our state capitol was first exposed now nearly three years ago, and despite reports of millions of dollars continuing being spent both under the table and openly by special interests groups for special favors – most blatantly recently by the health care and insurance industries - from our Governor and our legislators, no serious organization has assumed this mantel.
While Wisconsin is in deed fortunate to have numerous state wide clean government and political watchdog groups working for campaign finance reform in their portfolio – Common Cause, League of Women Voters , Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and the Peoples Legislature, to mention only a few – there is no single group that is committed exclusively to the single issue of voter owned elections or perhaps better known as campaign finance reform.
I propose that the above groups and dozens of other similar groups throughout Wisconsin pool a portion of their combined resources, special talents, web and media systems on behalf of a single, transparent mission – “To assure passage of a comprehensive voter owned election reform bill by year end 2007.”
Perhaps at first glance at this proposal your first reservation will be to conclude that there just isn’t enough time for such an integrative initiative of this scope. I say however that such a narrow time window will actually likely serve to play a big role in our success. Its often said that individuals, and particularly groups, can’t stay focus on any one thing for very long. This will certainly not be the case with this proposal.
I propose that the first item on such an agenda is to appoint an operational group using voluntary allocated staff time and volunteers from throughout Wisconsin.
As a playbook I would refer such an operations group for this initiative to use as their guide a strategy and philosophy proposed in an article by New York Times Magazine columnist Michael Crowley – “Can Lobbyists Stop the War?”
Here are four principles to successfully bring voter owned elections back to Wisconsin.
1. Assume an inclusive strategy which includes working with all political parties, civic and religious and special interest groups in a quiet, respectful and not in “an in-your-face” or confrontational manner.
2. Recruit and use all the high tech net and multi-media savvy people and groups you can fine.
3. Stay focused on this one simple and time focused mission – passage of the voter owned election reform bill - but create many different slogans to shape the narrative that you desire.
4. Use computer polling, surveys and mapping to assess the viability and acceptability of your planned strategies, and the scope and breathe of citizen and group participation along the journey.
Respectfully,
William R. Benedict
Have you heard of the Wisconsin Voter Owned Elections coalition? There is a very good reason if you haven’t. There is no such single issue driven citizen group or coalition in Wisconsin.
This fact, in spite of the strong mandate Wisconsin voters gave for voter owned reform in our spring election. No such entity has emerged. While the caucus scandal has produced five different campaign reform bills, all of them continue to languish in two Assembly committees without any scheduled hearings in sight.
Since the notorious political corruption in our state capitol was first exposed now nearly three years ago, and despite reports of millions of dollars continuing being spent both under the table and openly by special interests groups for special favors – most blatantly recently by the health care and insurance industries - from our Governor and our legislators, no serious organization has assumed this mantel.
While Wisconsin is in deed fortunate to have numerous state wide clean government and political watchdog groups working for campaign finance reform in their portfolio – Common Cause, League of Women Voters , Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and the Peoples Legislature, to mention only a few – there is no single group that is committed exclusively to the single issue of voter owned elections or perhaps better known as campaign finance reform.
I propose that the above groups and dozens of other similar groups throughout Wisconsin pool a portion of their combined resources, special talents, web and media systems on behalf of a single, transparent mission – “To assure passage of a comprehensive voter owned election reform bill by year end 2007.”
Perhaps at first glance at this proposal your first reservation will be to conclude that there just isn’t enough time for such an integrative initiative of this scope. I say however that such a narrow time window will actually likely serve to play a big role in our success. Its often said that individuals, and particularly groups, can’t stay focus on any one thing for very long. This will certainly not be the case with this proposal.
I propose that the first item on such an agenda is to appoint an operational group using voluntary allocated staff time and volunteers from throughout Wisconsin.
As a playbook I would refer such an operations group for this initiative to use as their guide a strategy and philosophy proposed in an article by New York Times Magazine columnist Michael Crowley – “Can Lobbyists Stop the War?”
Here are four principles to successfully bring voter owned elections back to Wisconsin.
1. Assume an inclusive strategy which includes working with all political parties, civic and religious and special interest groups in a quiet, respectful and not in “an in-your-face” or confrontational manner.
2. Recruit and use all the high tech net and multi-media savvy people and groups you can fine.
3. Stay focused on this one simple and time focused mission – passage of the voter owned election reform bill - but create many different slogans to shape the narrative that you desire.
4. Use computer polling, surveys and mapping to assess the viability and acceptability of your planned strategies, and the scope and breathe of citizen and group participation along the journey.
Respectfully,
William R. Benedict
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)