Comments on: Who Won Last Night?

By: B. Lerner

B. Lerner — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 19:51:47 +0000

When the election was called for Obama, I almost cried; I had been REALLY nervous, especially in the beginning, when it seemed Romney kept getting one state after another.

Still, given that he won, I don’t understand how so many Republicans were re-elected (especially Darrell Issa, one of the most corrupt & evil people I’ve ever seen); it just made no sense to me. Also, I’m in California, generally labeled as a progressive state, & I can’t believe some of the ballot initiatives that lost: repealing the death penalty, GMO labeling, etc. We seem to be sort of a split personality state.

By: Hillary V Lehr

Hillary V Lehr — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 18:45:10 +0000

At Susan C.
Thanks for your passion for justice, and your focus on being effective in supporting those who need it in spite of the power that corporate interests have over officials.
For the Elect Democracy campaign, we are targeting this undue corporate influence directly. Please sign up for campaign updates (http://bit.ly/KdkGMJ) and receive our action alerts with ways you can take local action to challenge this power structure that interferes with the basic democratic premise of representation.
But let’s not stop there. While we are challenging the politics of ‘business as usual’ in Washington DC, check out our Community Rights work (globalexchange.org/CommunityRights) to see how you can bring decision-making power back to local, impacted communities where it belongs. Our other programs here at Global Exchange also flow around these obstacles of corporate greed. We also vote with our pocketbooks. This holiday season, try to buy fair trade gifts as often as possible. Fair Trade ensures that artisans and workers around the world get paid a fair price for their labor, and are treated well. Learn more about fair trade here: http://www.globalexchange.org/FairTrade.
There are lots of ways to take action. Global Exchange programs have a lot to offer, but in general try to focus on supporting local resilience and community strength in order to build power that can challenge corporate greed.
Thanks for everything you are doing Susan.

By: Shannon Biggs

Shannon Biggs — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 18:19:25 +0000

Thanks for reposting!

By: This Election’s 4 Biggest Populist Victories You Might Have Missed | "Global Possibilities"

Sun, 18 Nov 2012 22:29:23 +0000

[...] No matter which side you butter your political bread, by now you’ve heard more that you ever wanted to about the election results and who won. [...]

By: Susan C

Susan C — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:51:15 +0000

I came to your website looking for ways to contribute and help educate others about fair trade. Thank you! Your article “Who Won Last Night?” reminds me that most of the extra income we have been generous in sharing with others less fortunate, will be taken in larger taxes by the government, which we believe will waste most of it. And worse, more of our very hard earned money will be given to “causes” we are passionately against. For just one example, the farm bill which punishes small sustainable farmers and supports big food corporations making unhealthy, processed foods more affordable. Who are the winners and losers here?

The people I know who have more than they need are the most generous. Any advice you have is appreciated on how to be of most service under a government (regardless of political party) that has allowed itself to be controlled by a variety of powerful business interests which are toxic to our health and wellbeing, and exploit the most vulnerable here and abroad. It’s very frustrating. Thank you so much.

By: Hillary V Lehr

Hillary V Lehr — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 18:40:52 +0000

Hi Mel-

Thanks for your comments! These are all great ideas of how to get increased transparency and accountability from elected leaders. To stay involved with our efforts on the Elect Democracy campaign, visit: http://bit.ly/KdkGMJ or follow @ElectDemocracy on Twitter.

Also, Shannon Biggs, our Community Rights Program Director, has a great blog with an important perspective on Citizens United that I think you will enjoy: http://www.globalexchange.org/news/best-government-1-can-buy-reversing-citizens-united-or-corporate-personhood-enough

By: Mel Lowry

Mel Lowry — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 18:00:27 +0000

Money in Politics
This election was the most expensive election ever. And that only counts the money. What about the massive operations to restrict the vote and disenfranchise all including, the soon to be majority, Black and Brown Americans and all us 47% Moochers and Spongers who are also living breathing people, not Corporation.
We need to enact Public Financing, initially at the Federal level offices and eliminate Citizen United and Corporations are People. Counter act and remove any Senators or Representatives who have signed or honor a No Tax pledge to an unelected individual