Forum Post: Grover Created a Pledge....But We Can't?
Posted 11 years ago on Nov. 27, 2012, 10:24 a.m. EST by hchc
(3297)
from Tampa, FL
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
So Grover (not exactly charismatic) creates a pledge, and goes around getting all sorts of Republicans to sign it. But we can't? And Im not talking about the people who dont want to humor this government. Im talking about the ones that want to force their feet to the fire.
Can't happen? Are the people incapable of simply creating a pledge to remove the money from the process? Or is there no will?
Here is what on Michael Moore's site (not a big fan of his, but whatever)...
"I, (name of candidate), promise to make it one of my TOP priorities to introduce and vote for a constitutional amendment that bans all financial contributions to all candidates running for office. I will support legislation that publicly funds all elections and legislation that bans lawmakers from working as lobbyists after they leave office. If I do not do this, I promise not to run for re-election."
I think this may be a little to light on the rhetoric...
And if they shrug their shoulders at you, what do we do then?
This is a good idea, hchc. Problem is though, that the politicians make too much money off of being politicians, so it is not in their interest to sign something like that. Politicians grow their personal wealth exponentially while in office, and after, and they know where their bread is buttered. There are only a few who see the moral turpitude of that.
It's still a good idea to try it though. Perhaps they could be shamed into it.
Current politicians would never sign it or something like it http://occupywallst.org/forum/freeda-template/ but just having it and promoting it would bring out aspiring politicians who would sign it knowing they already have the backing of the voters who support it. Thus, it would come down not to the politicians but to the solidarity of the voters in only voting for signers.
All valid points. I think it is a good idea to put it out there.
I don think they would sign it. But the point would be to set up shop in front of their offices anrd demand it, and shame them regardless. Bring at least a little bit of pressure.
I like it. It's all about ideas that can change the way people think. Making them realize that the status quo is not acceptable would be a step in the right direction even if they are reactionary at first.
The silence to your post is deafening. Not even the crickets are chirping.
Suggest something to protest and you'll hear people chime in but suggest an idea for taking action to actually change things...
Hey, was that tumbleweed I just saw rolling by???
Crickets galore....
Well, you already know what my answer is. Move beyond the promises of a mere pledge to the penalties of legal accountability http://occupywallst.org/forum/freeda-template/ . Then, if the state doesn't uphold justice, have something planned to demand justice (which will include the imprisonment and replacement of anyone who failed their legal responsibility in upholding justice in the first place). The planned action will have to involve solidarity with those who work for the state institutions responsible for upholding justice in this matter. Their going on strike in protest with the people to shut that aspect of the system down will be instrumental in coercing justice. It's a battle that will have to be won because win or lose, a precedent will be set that will determine the future outcome of any subsequent battles to be fought for that same purpose.