Entries Tagged 'Progressive Strategy' ↓

Many of my readers know that I was the Director of the Denounce Torture Campaign with Amnesty International, USA this last year. One of my main focus was to educate America on the issues around human rights abuses when it comes to the War on Terror. Specifically, Torture. One of my last successes was to secure the arrival of a replica of a Gitmo Cell to tour the states during the Presidential election.

The UK section of Amnesty International has had some major success with their Unsubscribe campaign that utilizes Web 2.0, social networks, and viral marketing. This latest, powerful video was on the issue of water-boarding. It has received some major press and has become successfully viral.

It is wonderful to see such an organization really use these strategies in an effective way.

I met Tom Hayden through launching Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) with my friend Tim Carpenter.  Tim and Tom have known each other for years. Throughout building PDA Tom grew close as a friend and constantly tested my progressive values. The first day I met him at the conference at Roxburry, MA. I had the privilege to introduce him. During his speech he received no less the 5 standing ovations.  How do I follow him?

He made comment that the future of the movement belongs with American’s youth. When he ended the speech with that comment… he had planned to exit stage right where hundreds of activists waiting to talk to him. Knowing I was next to speak and him wanting to give the stage to the future generations… he stopped… and did not walk off the stage. He took a chair right behind me for my entire speech. At that moment I knew Tom was a man of action. He puts his words into action.

Today, after spending years working with him on Capitol Hill, on the streets, and even during the 2004 Democratic Convention… I consider him a friend and mentor.

Here is a great interview with him and Naomi Klein.

A good point was made by Clay Johnson’s latest tweet:

“Why doesn’t anyone talk about MoveOn vs. Human Events”

He posted a link of people who are members of these sites:

You hear so little of Human Events in the social networks, and so much from MoveOn. Why are these two not compared more and why does MoveOn become a greater target for mainstream and social networks?

I don’t have thoughts on the issue other then it was good tweet. Thoughts?

U.S. Representatives Barbara Lee and Lynn Woolsey, Co-Chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and other CPC Members, including U.S. Representative Maxine Waters, Chair of the Out of Iraq Caucus, have introduced new Iraq-related legislation to reassert the constitutional powers of Congress in the shaping and conduct of U.S. foreign policy.  The Foreign Commitments, Congressional Powers, and Status of Forces Resolution will also enable the U.S. House of Representatives to make crystal clear that President Bush cannot skirt the Congress and commit U.S. troops to permanent or enduring U.S. bases inside Iraq or any other country by any other means than a treaty, statute, or concurrent resolution of both Houses of Congress specifically providing for such a foreign commitment. (See copy here.)

“The Bush administration cannot unilaterally establish a long term military presence in Iraq, tying the hands of future presidents, without Congressional approval,” Congresswoman Lee declared.  Continue reading →

UNITED IN 2008

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2008

Join your fellow Progressives from around the state as we lobby together for the values we share: fairness, equality, opportunity, justice, a cleaner environment and a better life for ourselves and our families.

Sponsored by a Coalition of Progressive Organizations: Arizona Advocacy Network, Arizona Business & Professional Women, Arizona National Organization for Women, Center for Progressive Leadership, Equality Arizona, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Phoenix and Planned Parenthood Arizona

Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at the Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W Washington St in Phoenix

Come from 10am to 1:30pm for lobbying, lunch and engaging speakers or…

Come from noon to 1:30pm for lunch and engaging speakers

You’re welcome to stay after 1:30pm if you’d like to view a committee hearing or visit with your legislators - staff and volunteers will be on hand to guide you.

IT’S YOUR CHOICE Free lunch and refreshments will be provided. For more information or to sign up as a participating organization or to RSVP, contact Sam Holdren at (602) 650-0900 or samh@equalityarizona.org.

Last night was amazing. It came out exactly as I felt it would. I knew Obama would be leading by 5 - 7% due to his SMS youth GOTV efforts that seriously need to be documented and used as a stellar model for GOTV. Instead of going to the more laborious (and less expensive) way of getting out the DAD’s (Dead Ass Democrats) who vote every four years (if that), he outreached to a new audience with new (expensive) tools. It contributed to over 50% NEW Iowa caucus goers this year from last caucus. I mean my God! We need to look at this SMS GOTV model more!But on to Edwards…You all know I have been an Edwards supporter since Katrina. I knew he was blazing Iowa like he was running for Governor. I am excited at the return, and predicted it over Hilary.I have some MAJOR concerns about the next steps.Edwards pulled his NV camp to pour more resources into Iowa. Well played. But… now… GET YOUR CREW BACK TO NEVADA!

I want to pleed with Trippi NOT to do media in New Hampshire… any money in that state will yield low results still and the media scrutiny will be on hard. Not playing in NH gives you a valid “out.” Dump all your resources into South Carolina and Nevada. Please! The south, the unions, and the rebel southwest is your turf. Dump your resources in hard to these states and take the nomination. And get Trippi away from the ad buys in New Hampshire. Please!

I knew from the inception of his candidacy, Ron Paul would be a candidate for the history books. As someone who studies campaigns I knew that this, unlike any in the recent cycles, would be one of innovation. Not the candidate himself, but the viral nature of his agenda, his issues, and his following. His candidacy has a lot similar to progressive candidates, but with a vast difference on how and why he thinks things should be the way they are. The progressive base tends to hold out hope that community, sustainability, and the greater good is enough to motivate American voters. Sadly… the reality is that self interest is the main motivating factor of American voters. Ron Paul is someone who understands this and balances this aspect with the community and sustainability needs.

To clarify, I am NOT a fan of Ron Paul’s politics. They are NOT in sync with my own. HOWEVER, one cannot deny that this is the most viral campaign to date from a “Dark horse” candidate.  From a grassroots movement funding a friggin to blimp to Senator Barbra Boxer using his online fundraising success for her own fundraising drive, this campaign is by far impressive. It is all grassroots making it happen.

Today, in San Francisco, I saw a new VW Bug with an Apple sticker, an HRC sticker, and a Ron Paul for President bumper sticker. It was right next to a beat up pickup truck with an NRA bumper sticker and Ron Paul bumper sticker as well. That juxtaposition speaks to the audience that this candidate is attracting. We need to seriously give credit where credit is due. Congrats Ron Paul and your grassroots. We can learn a lot from this campaign.

Though he referred specifically to the gay non-discrimination bill, Rep. Barney Frank made an impassioned plea for realism among activists that could be applied to the war, the environment or any other major issue of the day. He warned that imperfect legislation can help millions of people, unless “ideologically committed single-issue groups” are given a veto.