Democrats Willing To Fight Fire With Fire

An announcement yesterday that two former top White House aides were forming a non-government group underwritten in part by secret donors has sparked pointed disagreement over the strategic direction and moral compass of the Democratic Party. The first, Priorities USA Action, is a political committee organized primarily for influencing elections -- 527 groups, according to the tax code. The second, and more controversial group, is Priorities USA. It is a new type of organization with a 501(c)4 tax status that does not require donor disclosure. Former Wisconsin Democratic Senator Russ Feingold said, “I’m not going to endorse playing with the devil. I'm not going to endorse becoming just another corporate candidate. I know a lot of Democrats in D.C. don’t agree with me on this. And I, of course, understand the desire to do everything possible to win. But, essentially what you’re doing by this is, you’re trying to become corporate-lite, in effect. And we’ll lose that battle, because Republicans are going to have more money.” He then added, "I don’t think my race is a good example, because we had one of those sweep years.” Um, yeah Mr. Feingold, your race is the perfect example. He was a popular 3 term senator and was outspent 4-1. That made all the difference in the world. As much as I admire Feingold, I totally disagree with him on this issue. Do I like what the Democrats feel they have to do to stay competitive? No. But this is the playing field we currently have to play on until there's some campaign finance reform. After the brutal 2010 election cycle for Democrats, and a clear pattern established by Republicans, such comments seem foolishly idealistic and dangerously naive.  If we want to change the system, we need to rid ourselves of elephants.

David Donnelly, national campaigns director of the Public Campaign Action Fund asked, "How do can you engage in these types of campaigns with hands tied behind your back? In the end, I want as many reformers as possible to be elected. We need more allies in office to change the rules.” Donnelly is aware of the paradox. Despite bemoaning the influence of 527 organizations, his group operates one in hopes of electing "reformers.” He is, he stresses, "completely comfortable engaging in the fight in order to get more people in office who are interested in structural reforming government."

If not for the SCOTUS disastrous Citizens United ruling, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce pledge to fight President Obama's executive order to make government contractors disclose their political spending, none of this would have been necessary.  Chamber of commerce to fight Obama with all available means

TPM: In 2012 Money Race, Democrats Say Game On!

Ed Schultz Explains How Union Busting Affects the Entire Middle-Class

The Center for American Progress shared data that proves how unions are supporting, not hurting the middle class. Teapubliklan goal: Break the unions, break the Democratic Party, become a full blown plutocracy, fix unemployment % by removing the minimum wage and bring back sweat-shop jobs here at $3 per hour, 6 days a week with no paid time off, child labor laws weakened(check MO), womens reproductive rights-gone (all red states). Do these union haters understand this CAN happen here?

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GOP Goal: Bake Sales vs Billionaires

Rachel Maddow did this outstanding report about how the alleged Wisconsin budget problem is a canard to distract from the real Republican goal of destroying labor unions to remove election spending competition - and ultimately the Democratic Party itself. Thom Hartmann said today that he believes this scheme was hatched a couple weeks ago at the multi-billionaire Koch Brothers Retreat for the far right. It seems the governors and other politicians were given their instructions and this is the beginning of of what looks like attacks on organized labor with their eye on the big trophy - The Democratic Party's demise.

I'm very proud of these Wisconsin workers and there are reports that today, similar protest over similar legislation have broke out in Ohio. There are also reports that paid Tea Party thugs lead by right wing freak Andrew Breitbart (best known for his unscrupulous editing skills) are on their way to WI to start trouble with the folks who have been peacefully protesting for their rights.

“When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross.”
- Sinclair Lewis, It Can’t Happen Here (1935)

Ed Schultz on the ground defending unions in Wisconsin.

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