The more Jeffrey Feldman I read, the more and more I like what he writes. He has an excellent article about why the Lamont victory is so important for American democracy.
It’s not about the war. It’s not about any referendum on President Bush. Please don’t believe the spin that has been accepted by the main stream media.
It’s about participatory politics, the politics of inclusion and participation. Where every American can get involved and have a say in their government. Where the candidate is willing to actually listen to the people he or she plans to represent.
Please take the time to really read Jeffrey’s article: Lamont and the 3 Ps of Progressive Politics (it’s useful knowledge for both progressives and conservatives). An involved public, a public with a stake in the outcome, is a far more powerful force than any top-down hierarchy.
This why I am so excited by the three upsets in Democratic primary elections this year. Tester (MT), Webb (VA), and Lamont (CT). Each represents a grassroots and participatory victory over the official party establishment. Each has exciting possibilities of their own. Lowell over at RaisingKaine has done a better analysis of this than me, so check out his RK diary: Lamont, Tester and Webb.
These are real “underdog” campaigns, so if you like what you see, get involved. Volunteer, contribute, tell your friends you what you like about the campaigns. We have a chance to retake control of our country. The United States has been “by the lobbyists for the corporations and corporate executives” for way too long, let’s get back to “by the people, for the people” again.
Democracy only works if you are involved. If you are eligible to vote, register to vote now! Find out who is running in your area (politics1.com can help) and volunteer in a local congressional or senate race. Get your state board of elections to tell you everything that will be on your ballot well ahead of the election day so you have plenty of time to do a little research and make informed choices.
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