Norman Solomon

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Norman Solomon

Here's Our Chance to Make Some News

by Steve Bhaerman

Years ago, our friend and co-heart Scoop Nisker said, "If you don't like the news, go out and make some of your own."

This is even truer today when so much of what is being broadcast is designed to bring lots of heat, and very little light. I believe the reason why the Occupy movement generated so much optimism last fall is because it broke the conversation of "who's in charge of who's in charge" through the soundless barrier, and some of those involved with Occupy got to speak the unfiltered truth to "the folks at home." This only happened because the story was too big not to cover.

That brings us to this message, and another story that will be irrepressible -- a Congressional candidate winning an election without taking corporate or PAC money.

Earlier this month, I did a benefit show in West Marin - with a slew of musicians including Maria Muldaur - for my friend Norman Solomon. Yes, I've known Norman for over 40 years and one reason for doing the show was as a friend supporting a friend. However, as I listened to his clear-headed, clear-hearted message I was reminded that we had a chance to elect a truly "Independent Democrat," someone who also could be an articulate spokesperson for real change, and help galvanize an "upwising."

Norman, as I mentioned in an email a number of weeks ago, is running in the upcoming primary as a Democrat in the newly redistricted California 2nd Congressional District. Two things distinguish him from his Democratic Party opponents. First, he is already a nationally known and respected writer, media expert and progressive leader. Second - and most significant - he is funding his campaign entirely on individual contributions, without any corporate or PAC money. His opponents - otherwise decent folks - have accepted and are accepting special interest money. Which means, when push comes to shove, they are far more likely to be "go-alongs" with the funny-business-as-usual corporate state agenda.

Here is how government does business ... and business does government. With the escalating costs of campaigning for Congress, once elected, our representatives cease to be OUR representatives and "necessarily" begin working for whoever is likely to contribute to their next campaign. (By the way, one of the most lucid and helpful pieces on how this happens and what we can do about it is Lawrence Lessig's talk calledRepublic Lost. It's worth the 45 minutes, because it takes the conversation out of "that's just the way things are" and points us in the direction of remedies.)

And one of those remedies is for we the people to prove to ourselves that we can "overgrow" the current dysfunctional system by supporting truly independent candidates - those who are choosing to be public servants, not private pimps.

I know that last phrase sounds harsh and judgmental. But when we acquiesce to a "pay to play" system, that is exactly what we empower. We can't really blame the candidates for being unwilling to buck the system.

But we can throw our support behind someone who IS willing.

Not only will Norman be more independent, he is already a national figure who will immediately have a credible platform in Washington as an Independent Progressive Democrat. Already this spring, Rep. Dennis Kucinich has been redistricted out of his seat in Ohio, and a year from now will no longer be in the Congressional picture. Norman has the potential to be an even more effective spokesperson to help us "overgrow" the corporate state. He has already expressed his willingness to challenge the Patriot Actand his book and subsequent documentary, War Made Easy, is an eye-opening exposé of the warfare state.

OK, but what difference will one candidate make?

R. Buckminster Fuller used to speak of the trim tab, a tiny rudder that can leverage the larger rudder of a huge boat. His point was, sometimes a seemingly tiny action can literally turn a situation around. This is especially true at a time when the body politic is increasingly UNITED in the realization that thanks to the unchecked, unbalanced and unmitigated power of money, we the people are spectators at a political circus rather than participants in a political process.

However, if ONE representative is elected purely through grassroots fund-raising, it proves it can be done. And if progressive and transpartisan activists across the country can pool their resources to send people like Norman "up the pop charts" to victory, then maybe we can have Independent Democrats AND Independent Republicans who are willing to face the elephant (and the donkey) in the living room.

At this crucial juncture, Norman needs contributions for something as simple and practical as lawn signs. Anyone - even those who don't live in the district - can contribute, and perhaps be part of making history. If you do live in the 2nd District, educate yourself about Norman Solomon, make sure you are registered to vote, and enroll your friends and colleagues to support a candidate who can and will make a difference.

Remember the trim tab, and be part of the leverage that could turn the ship of state around. Here's your chance to stop complaining or feeling hopeless about the old news.