TraceyZ, although you've been blessed with a good income, you also see money in politics as being the fundamental problem with our political process today. I would take it that you're not so wealthy as to be able to afford a congressperson. So, I'd chime in and say you're one of us. Welcome.

As you may know, only 2 states in 50 (AZ, ME) have publicly financed campaigns for their congressional races. Iowa (and one or two other states) have reformed their re-districting process to avoid gerrymandering. But these reforms haven't gained traction elsewhere. Why? The entrenched interests like the system the way it is. How do we get out of this cycle?

Here is my logic.

* Before television, this country had a diverse news media - everything from the NYTimes to the local scandal sheet.
* TV came along in the 50's and created the most unhealthy concentration of power in the history of the republic. It was also a frighteningly effective hypnotist - selling us cars, soap, and lyin' politicians with impunity.
* Once TV held most of the cards, Big Money was the only way to talk to voters. Public policy - everything from Health Care to Energy Policy to Civil Liberties - has been warped ever since. The voters simply aren't at the table anymore.
* The internet is the disruptive technology that can get us out of this mess. It is interactive, intelligent, and anybody can post content without a lot of dough. Howard Dean read the blogs religiously in 2024, tapped into the anger and ran with it. Now, that was a Movement!
* Unity'08 is picking up where Howard Dean left off. The Prize is ours - Yippeee!!!!

...Well, that's how I felt back in June.

***

But the Unity'08 reform movement is, well - in need of some reform of its own. We haven't given up on it, yet since - as Mark mentioned - there are some pretty big names on the marquee. And I, for one, also haven't given up the illusion that the Wizard really is behind that curtain!

There is a wide diversity of opinions on this site, but it lacks a convergence mechanism - prioritized voting of the posts and a way to come up with a Political Platform.

Those on this thread and some others are petitioning the founders to:

1) Get Cyber Membership representation on the Steering Committee.
2) Implement the software tools needed to truly let us come together, instead of just "shouting" in some kind of echo chamber.

If you're on board with that, follow the "VOTE" link below. It will initially take you "off-site" for a vote, but the "After you Vote" link will bring you back.

Jump-start Unity’08!
VOTE to put 3 Cyber Members on the Steering Committee

Cheers - and welcome, again.
Erik

Well the natural result is that there will be a new political party. I think that is pretty obvious at this point. The idea of changing the existing parties from within is probably not possible. I think anyone smart enough to get where the founders got in the world are smart enough to know that.

This is simply an experiment.

The only reason I joined and have stayed mildly involved with Unity '08 was the presence on the Founders Council of Hamilton Jordan, Angus King and Gerald Rafshoon. I know/knew enough of them to think it might have a chance. The reality, I'm guessing, is that they aren't in fact involved at all but only appreciated the concept enough to allow their names to be attached. Or I may have misjudged their seriousness and gravitas...

A movement can only be successful with a dedicated leader and a defined focus. Unity'08 has neither- great place to meet interesting folks with well articulated viewpoints, though...

To put up a site like this (with all the improvements that are sorely needed) and start a real movement requires a significant expenditure of resources. The Founders have pretty well blown and outpouring of meaningful grassroots support by failing to provide the promised transparency, not having an achieveable objective worth funding, no apparent budget, even some dubiousness regarding the legal/financing construct. Would be nice if Gates and Buffett thought enough of taking our government back to jump in and grab this bull by the horns. Somebody getting into the drivers seat with enough cash to fill the first tank of gas and an idea of where we're headed...who knows what might happen?

Mark Greene
Texas Democrat in the Middle

Most of the time we are not limited to one choice on any subject, even if all the choices are not to our liking. I feel that we need to make a choice where we are going with our political movement for a independent minded president and vice president and if the founders of Unity08 seem unwilling or unable to fulfill the grand promises they make with real action then I ask of the readers, what ideas and choices do we have? Do we continue with the derailed train that we are on? Do we get it back on track, if so how? Do we join another group or do we start a new one? I Emailed some friends a link to Unity08 while I was enthused about what I perceived was a good thing but now I am thinking that I made a possible mistake. We need leaders that will inspire and motivate us not empty rhetoric. I, speaking for myself, want to shake the crap out of Washington from the top on down. I was willing to start with the White House and later work on the rest but heck we can't seem to do that. so what do we do? Lets pursue this goal somehow someway and the leaders need to "lead, follow or get the hell out of the way" if not, then we are resigned to getting back into our rocking chair and bitch at each other and the political mess in Washington which suits the people in Washington just fine because they are safe from all talk and no action.

While I too don't agree with all of Tracy's views, I agree with enough to think he's one of us. And I agree that we need more action and less rhetoric. Unfortunately, only the Fouders can control the direction of this so called "movement." Kind of oxymoronic, isn't it? A movement without motion?...

Mark Greene
Texas Democrat in the Middle

While I might not agree with traceyz entirely and definitely not in the top tax bracket, enough of what was said leads me to say bravo!. Saying that let me also say that using this site is sorta like sitting in a rocking chair, it gives us something to do but gets us no where. There is a lot of talk but I am seeing little action toward the stated goal and time is quickly passing. We spend our time voicing our pet gripes and attacking our elected officials, which is fine but how is that moving us to our goal of changing the the partisan atmosphere in Washington? I'm ready for action and want to start seeing some real progress toward narrowing down the field of candidates so the games may begin. The sooner we select people to represent us the sooner we can support them with our time and money. Our candidates will be the underdogs in this race for the 08 presidential election and we need all the time, money, publicity and support that can be had. Instead of beating the Unity08's drum we need to beat the candidate's drum, that's who will go to Washington, not Unity08. Am I wrong to think this? If so set me straight so I can adjust my thinking. Come on lets pump some life in this movement.

Your in the middle 80% of the country if not the human spiecies, so don't worry about a label. I can work with a lot of what you think. Check the topics separately. Then jump right in.

Bill"for what we are together"