Forum Post: Open Letter to OWS Movement, Please Share

I support and am encouraged by the OWS movement. I appreciate that the People are demonstrating against the greed and corruption in our political system. As an older person who has participated in and witnessed many transformative movements, in my humble opinion, it is time for the OWS movement to focus on political reform that is actionable beyond the expression of anger and discontent.

I would humbly suggest that the most important action for immediate reform is to take the money out of politics by enacting tough, new, Campaign Finance Reform law.

Millions and millions and millions of dollars are spent in every election on both the state and federal levels.(Imagine what else could be done with that money if applied to greater good.) The more money one has to spend and donate to campaigns, the more influence you gain with elected officials. This system is bound to corruption and is a roadblock to the tenets of governing for the Common Good. We the People have witnessed this repeatedly in a deadlocked Congress who have essentially abdicated their responsibility to govern for the Common Good. (Recall how perilously close our nation came to defaulting this summer. It was unprecedented in our nation's history and did and should alarm every American.)

Poles clearly indicate that most Americans are fed up with government and the corruption big money introduces into our political system. Until we take the money out of politics, our democracy remains endangered, and the Common Good imperiled.

I would humbly suggest that political campaigns be publicly financed by a $5 dollar assessment on our tax returns or something similar, without any loopholes to undermine the use and equal distribution of this money among candidates running for public office. I would further suggest (if the People decide to allow it) that any contribution made to a political campaign by any individual, family, business, corporation or Pac be strictly limited to $50 dollars or less per candidate, per elective term for a particular office, period. No exceptions.

OWS proclaims to be a leaderless movement which is open to all regardless of background or affiliation. Wonderful!!!

Taking the money out of politics by Campaign Finance Reform is surely one, actionable, political reform this movement could articulate, endorse, and I believe easily achieve. It would not only be historic, but a powerful legacy which demonstrates to future generations of Americans what we the People can accomplish when we act together, non-violently, to hold our government accountable, and to exercise and protect our democratic principals that our Constitution of this great nation guarantees.

With great humility, I ask the 99% to consider at their next General Assemblies across the nation to include in their agendas for discussion, as soon as is practicle, the possibility of articulating and endorsing a request for Campaign Finance Reform. Then in due time, issue a call to action to make the reform happen. In this way we can additionally Occupy Congress, peacefully with our collective voices.

I fervently believe until the money is taken out of politics, government will remain unresponsive to the People and the needs of the Common Good.

In sympathy and support for the Common Good, 1outwestperson