Okay, I've been thinking. I've also been bitching and wailing and moaning and complaining, but in there there's been some thinking. Let's face it - the Republicans outcampaigned us. They turned out their base in history-making numbers, and convinced large numbers of moderates that Bush is the man for the job despite some, shall we say, undeniable PR issues. They did good. Damn good.
But even so, Bush won the popular vote by just 3%. Almost 120 million people voted on Tuesday, and more than 55 million of them voted for Kerry.
55 million people! And yet I hear people saying that this country isn't for them anymore, that we've been overrun by fundamentalists who are going to change the country into a theocracy, that this is the beginning of the end, that there's no hope left. Well, when you say that you're ignoring that there are 55 million like-minded souls just waiting to be called to action.
So I started really thinking about what I myself feel like I can do. Sadly, it's not much. I'm broke and I'm busy. I can probably commit to sparing five dollars, or an hour of volunteer time, a month to helping out progressive causes. That's not much. It doesn't make me feel like a great big help, you know?
And it's unrealistic to think that all those 55 million Kerry voters will give even that much, for various reasons. Let's knock out a quarter of that number assuming that they're not progressives at all, but voted for Kerry because they're distraught by some of Bush's anti-Republican economic and interventionist policies, or picked him out of a hat, or whatever. Let's knock out another quarter who might be too destitute to even manage $5, or too busy juggling two jobs and a family to give any more time. And let's knock out another quarter assuming that they are already giving anyway.
That leaves 13,750,000 people who might be willing and able to donate a small amount of time and money each month to protecting access to abortion and birth control, defending gay rights, upholding freedom of speech, reclaiming civil liberties, and campaigning on the local and national level to regain gubenatorial, House or Senate seats in 2006.
What if all those people could make the same commitment as I can? 13,750,000 times five dollars is $68,750,000! That times twelve months comes to eight hundred and twenty-five MILLION dollars! Or, if all those people donated an hour of time a month, it would come to 165 million man-hours in just one year! That, my friends, is a force. That is a fucking movement.
And that is just what I think we need to start, guys. Let's not be Pollyannaish here - we're facing single-party control over all three branches, and that party's platform explicitly attacks access to abortion, gay rights, and protecting the environment. Our country's top administration has shown a disturbing lack of consideration for the very ideals that built this country, to valued dissent, to the lives of its own and other countries' citizens. The coming years are going to be an uphill battle just to hang onto what freedoms we have now. The religious right realized decades ago that they could motivate and unify people from widely disparate viewpoints with a dizzying range of goals, and push their agenda through. We need to do the same.
So I want to start a movement, asking people to commit just that five dollars or one hour a month to a progressive cause or candidate of their choice. I want to make people aware of the national organizations they can support - Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, the HRC being just some of my favorite - and the local candidates they can work for as well, to try to shift the balance of power. I want to communicate with groups that are trying to smarten up the Left's PR strategy, because I believe that where we lose is not on policy, but on getting out the message - could MoveOn be that group now that they have to move beyond "Get Bush out?" Maybe, with 13 million people's help, they could. I want to get people excited about that little bit that each of us can do, give us each a direction to look that will help us turn our disappointment into energy. I want to fight and not give up and talk about moving to Canada. I want my fucking country back.
I usually prefer to beg for readers in a more subtle fashion, but if you read this and think it's a good idea, or even a crappy idea with a good idea somewhere inside, please pass this on to other people you know - direct link here. Let's get a discussion going. Let's talk about implementation, and getting the word out, and what organizations exist for us to pitch in with, and what a catchy name would be - whatever. Let's talk.
Posted by hilatron at November 4, 2004 11:37 AMSo here's what I was thinking to start with: this thing wouldn't collect money, just commitments. It would be a way for us to see our limited resources all working together, side by side, to show that collectively we really can do something. We could make some sort of graphic showing the total number of commitments collected, and what that translates into in terms of time and money, as a way of keeping us feeling supported and inspired.
We could list organizations that need help, keep track of races where we can win back seats or need to watch out because we're losing seats - this would be good for people like me in liberal bastions, so I could give my five bucks towards, say, ousting that fucker who thinks gay people and single women shouldn't be teachers instead of toward the done-deal victory of Barney Frank. We could notify people of any promising developments in the think-tank arena, because damn do we ever need some major strategy help.
I want this to be a cool web thing to be a part of - I want people to want to put a little banner on their blog, and get linked from the site, and feel like that's a status thing.
I am thinking, Five Buck Revolution, Change for a Five (or Five for a Change?), Five Dollar Progress, something like that.
I am thinking that there will be four main parts: a page that shows our total numbers and our money/time commitments, a page with suggested organizations and embattled candidates to support, a blog that details more transitory news and crises to keep an eye on, and a page for links and/or names (for those who want them listed) of people who've made the commitment.
There won't really be any way to verify that people are actually making their donations - this is just a way to get inspired, to remind us of the power of lots of people doing a little, to keep us from feeling isolated and useless.
Posted by: Hilatron at November 4, 2004 12:39 PMIt sounds good to me, but I think the first thing to start out is links to sites that take online donations. Because um, people such as myself, Madame Carless, can't exactly get out to the nearest Planned Parenthood in the next town to make a donation in person and whatnot. I don't have time to volunteer for anything other than at the place I currently volunteer (which uh, promotes the craft revolution *cough*) at anyway, but I could spare the $5.
Posted by: Jennifer at November 4, 2004 03:25 PMNever fear, my sister in carlessness! Online donations would be the mainstay, I think. It's all about tapping into the instant-results energy that MoveOn.org found, and not letting us all sink into despair because their main goal and reason for existence was not achieved.
Oh, and, Planned Parenthood takes donations online or by mail: https://member.plannedparenthood.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=donating
You could e-mail them to ask if there's a way to give specifically to your local clinic, or just chalk it up to more in the pot being good for us everywhere.
Posted by: Hilatron at November 4, 2004 03:50 PMYou're very inspirational :)
I'd like to get involved. I definitely have the $5, though the time is a bit of a challenge. But I can volunteer my knowledge of web programming and databases to help you build your site, if you like.
Posted by: Colleen at November 4, 2004 07:03 PMI think I'll be chucking in the general pot at some point, whenever I'm home and online again.
Posted by: Jennifer at November 4, 2004 07:47 PMI also think it would be a good idea to have an online place to check in with each other about what we're up to, organize ideas and efforts, etc. How many states do we hail from? Who's from a red state? Who can help us get the word out? WE ARE HERE, WE ARE CITIZENS, WE ARE NOT LEAVING . . . AND WE ARE WATCHING.
And by the way -- who can run for local office?
Posted by: Doombot at November 4, 2004 08:23 PMHi Hil! It sounds like a great idea. It reminds me of how Nader once said that if people only devoted as much time to working for nationalized health care as they do to the super bowl, we'd have a single-payer system.
I'll post your link on the online journaling site I used to piddle around on a bit and see what happens.
Posted by: Moriah at November 5, 2004 12:20 AMI can do with one less McDonald's meal a month, I reckon. I'm in.
Posted by: stennie at November 5, 2004 01:55 AMHi guys,
Colleen passed along your message and I have a couple of suggestions.
Moveon.org is one very active and effective progressive group. You probably saw a ton of their commericals. They started in 1998 in response to the Clinton impeachment and have built an impressive grassroots network. They played an important part in turning New Hampshire blue this year, and in spite of the image that has been painted of them by some conservative media are really very down to earth and non-controversial. I personally am proud to have been able to help them out this time. There are a ton of ways you can help them out.
Don't forget the Democrats! There are lots of races out there and the democratic party is the most effective promoter of progressive values in the US. Other groups simply do not have the impact on smaller races that the dems do. These next midterm elections are very important and its going to be critical that all these normally less important elections are fully funded by our side. Lets make sure no republican runs unopposed and runs against a good, well funded candidate. If everyone worked together we could take back both houses of congress. Now THAT would get us somewhere - in many ways a bigger prize than the presidency.
Howard Dean had a good idea. After he lost the nomination, he started the 'Dean Dozen'. These were twelve progressive candidates who needed funding to run effectively. Keep an eye out for this sort of thing. Lets all promise to donate something to an important race outside our districts.
Also, lets be proud of our blue states. If Bush has a mandate in the U.S., then we now have one in the blue states. Lets support local and state progressive causes. First of all is to defeat any gay marriage ban ballot issue in MA. We are in the forefront of this battle and its important that we make our stand here. When this issue arises, and it will soon, get out there and do what you can.
Its time to put our money where our mouth is... vote to fund education, vote to fund state services, vote for progress and don't bitch about tax increases. Show the rest of the country that even with the lack of federal funding, we can continue to have good schools, roads and infrastructure, and these things will give us a better standard of living. In four years, we can compare red with blue.
Let them apply to MIT with a fundamental understanding of Creationism and we can sit back and giggle.
-Gaz
Posted by: Gaz at November 5, 2004 02:19 AMI like the idea of organizing ourselves but then using our collective power to help those even more organized (move on, HRC, even the DNC who actually fund the candidates more than anyone). I also LOVE "Change for a Five" as a slogan. There's nothing wrong with catchy and to the point. That's where they beat us every time anyway.
Posted by: EV at November 5, 2004 11:08 AMto reiterate my comment from yesterday, I am so glad that you are kicking our butts out from under the covers, where I have been cowering since Wednesday. I won't repeat the thoughts above on what specifically needs to be done, but rather try to add my organizational thoughts (as captain, you know - that's what I do - organize):great idea, but shaping it and clarifying it will require some focused research and work from (fill in blank) - which is so often where great ideas fizzle. Someone needs to review the wide field of pre-existing things out there (some mentioned already, but many more- Haber reads many of these daily, can suggest some, or you can look at his links), and try not to duplicate, but compliment. For that reason, I do think that the web resource idea is best, a kind of collection of info, links to many places, etc, but again someone will need to synthesize the various components and analyze the gaps of pre-existing efforts in order to build website. Those are my thoughts for now, but I will do most anything for you dear robot, so just let me know.
Posted by: captain gb at November 5, 2004 11:21 AMi love this idea. planned parenthood has a great email list that keeps you updated on happenings and ways to get involved.
Posted by: kat at November 5, 2004 12:17 PMThank you all, so much, for your input so far, and for volunteering to be part of this. I'm excited. Please keep the ideas flowing!
Colleen, I might just take you up on that offer! I think (hope) that what we would need is not excessively complicated, but you'll know better than me. Let's talk.
Gaz, I think you're right that MoveOn is going to be a powerhouse going forward. They would be toward the top of any list that we directed interested people toward. And also, damn straight about helping the Dems in local races. 2008 is NOT the next time we get a choice, it's 2006 or even sooner in many places, during midterm elections, local elections and gubernatorial races. That's what the Republicans know - their base starts from the dogcatcher on up. So I would definitely want to focus on getting people involved at a local level.
Captain: Yes, this is a lot of work, and I appreciate your organizational support! I think the thing to do is start small, and grow with the help and suggestion of members. The site could begin as simply as a list of really obviously good organizations, and grow from there as we discover additional sources.
I'm not going to have time to even think about implementing this until January, and it occurred to me that a meaningful launch date would be Inauguration Day, Jan. 20. For now, let's keep talking about this here.
One thing I should do soon is register a domain name. So far I've gotten one vote for "Five Buck Revolution" and one for "Change for a Five." What say the rest of you?
Posted by: Hilatron at November 5, 2004 12:26 PMchange for a five
Posted by: captain gb at November 5, 2004 01:01 PMThe Captain pointed out that Paul Krugman is thinking like we are:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/05/opinion/05krugman.html?ex=1100677293&ei=1&en=e3a1bafd8aa5f097
It can be called change for a five, and then described here and there as the five buck revolution.
cuz you know, i'm all about compromise.
Posted by: EV at November 5, 2004 03:11 PMsounds like a fine idea! i'd be glad to help out anyway i can. as the cap'n hypes, i know a little about this sort of crap, though i'm certainly no fancy-pants expert (just a regular fancy-pants, thank you very much).
anyway, i vote change for a five as the name.
count me in. broke as all getout, but i'll trade a six-pack a month for a new america. change for a five sounds just fine.
Posted by: bob at November 5, 2004 04:54 PMAw crap you guys: http://www.changeforafive.org takes you to the Change for a Five Brass Quintet. I mean, not that I have anything against brass quintets, but I also don't want to steal their name.
Posted by: Hilatron at November 5, 2004 05:37 PMThere you go (though it all turned out to be a lot more than five bucks):
http://fullmoon.typepad.com/chaos/2004/11/okay_i_did_one_.html
Posted by: Jennifer at November 5, 2004 06:01 PMI didn't read all the comments but I commend you for the creativity and optimism. I'm in the one fourth of those who already give that much time and money...and this time around more than I should have.
It's too early for me to find the energy in myself. To believe that there is hope (it isn't springing eternally yet), to be other than devastated by the ignorance, greed, and total stupidity of the average American...and that includes many Kerry voters as well.
This election proved that it is not about money- Kerry had no lack of money. Our favorite 501C3 organizations need money but that does not elect a president. It's more about what the majority of this country thinks are "values" and who might a canidate be that can challenge that. Write me in a few months--right now, after a lifetime of activism, I'm spent. carol
Posted by: carol at November 5, 2004 07:18 PMI like Change For a Five as well.
The changeforafive.org website doesn't look too current. We could always ask them if they'd like to give up the domain for us. It doesn't expire till July 2005, so we wouldn't be able to snag it soon.
changefora5.org isn't taken, but that might be confusing...
Posted by: Colleen at November 5, 2004 10:34 PMI e-mailed the changeforafive.org people, so I'll let you all know if anything comes of that. If that doesn't pan out, perhaps we should look for another name? I don't want to get in a fight with the brass quintet. Those horns can make some fine blunt instruments!
As soon as we get the domain thing hammered out, I plan to set up a temporary, very simple page that lists participants and suggestions for places to donate to. I will assume that everyone who me tooed here wants to take part. I've also received some e-mails and will add those people too. If you've posted here but want to remain anonymous on the site, please e-mail me to let me know.
I'm also interested in taking suggestions for groups. The list sitting at the front of my brain is: ACLU, MoveOn.org, Planned Parenthood, NARAL, Amnesty International, The Human Rights Campaign, the DNC. I know there are tons more. Let's hear 'em!
Colleen has volunteered to help out with programming (thanks!); is there anyone interested in pitching in with some logo/graphic stuff? I would love the site to look really appealing in its final incarnation, and to provide the possibility of stickers, buttons, etc.
Posted by: Hilatron at November 8, 2004 09:46 AMI don't think we're stepping on anyone's toes to call it change for a five. It's a brass quintet, not a PAC. And it's not like they're on MTV or anything. I still think that's the best name, and would vote to register changeforafive.com, .net, or.us (which is actually relevant in this case). Changefora5 looks a little weird, like it says 'change for ass'.
Posted by: EV at November 8, 2004 10:42 AMHah! Because laughter will keep us healthy, we need to think of something that we can call "Change for Ass." Perhaps we could all volunteer to booty dance for progress?
Posted by: Hilatron at November 8, 2004 10:46 AMchange for ass makes us sound like really really low rent strippers! like, we'll show you our ta-tas fora few cents baby! heeheeehee
having said that, I am totally unable to come up with anything that we can legitimately do for change for ass. the humor thing however, does remind me of the fine satirical campaign work that the Billionaires for Bush did this year- ass them to the list (uh, add).
This is most certainly the way to go. I've got fuck all interest in the Dems, but supporting liberal/progressive politicians is the way to go, even if they choose to associate themselves with that party. It seems the majority of the country feels like voting for an independent of "third-party" candidate ('cause there's just one party outside of the Dems and Reps, right?) is throwing away your vote. I can't believe how many times I heard that during this election. Argh! But before I get started on that, let's move on, shall we?
I'm broke as hell, as you know, but could no doubt spare a comic book or burrito each month. Things will be easier when I find me a real job. In the meantime, I offer up my site design/development skills -- and my king hell angst.
'Change for a Five' is catchy and all, but I think 'Five Buck Revolution' is the way to go. It's got more attitude.
Posted by: Josh at November 8, 2004 01:08 PMFYI: You must meet the NEXUS requirements to register a .us TLD. A quick scan of the FAQ at http://www.enom.com/help/faq_dotus.asp seems to indicate that this would qualify. It'd take some time to go through, however.
I'm a big fan of the .org domain, anyway. I think it would be easier for people to remember, as well.
Posted by: Josh at November 8, 2004 01:16 PMI agree that .org would be the way to go. And you have to remember that people mess up URLs all the time, so .org is probably easier to remember than .net or .us.
Hilary, if you're not planning to do much with this till January, why don't we make a plan to sit down sometime over Christmas, when the rest of the family is off stuffing themselves silly, and plan out what you want? That'll probably be the most likely time for me to have enough of a breather from work that I can focus my brain on other things. Sound good? :)
Posted by: Colleen at November 8, 2004 10:52 PMHey guys...is this thing on? You still around? I am starting to think that I should just go ahead and register changeforafive.com, because I've had no word from the changeforafive.org people. Then if they are really not around any more, we could always get the .org domain next July.
I found this article, which delves in to the whole "moral values defining the election" meme: http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-usvalu1110,0,5578900.story?coll=ny-top-headlines
Looks like there's a not-to-be-missed opportunity to discuss just who gets to define the "morals" here.
Posted by: Hilatron at November 12, 2004 12:43 PMOh, and so as not to seem to be ignoring my one and only, I'll repeat what I said to Josh at home: I like the name Five Buck Revolution too, but I think it might be a bit too...slangy? Confrontational? Something. I like EV's idea of using it as an informal reference, though.
Colleen: meeting at Christmas sounds good (though our plans are going to be crazy that weekend, no doubt. I've got to visit the Dad in NH at some point). We'll figure something out.
Posted by: Hilatron at November 15, 2004 10:24 AMSince I'll be actually out of a job in two weeks waiting for the onslaught of grad school, I'd be happy to a) pitch in $5,and b) pitch in whatever time is necessary in research, organization, and development.
Posted by: abby at November 15, 2004 12:13 PMAlso - Change for a Five is an awesome name.
Just think of the t-shirt possibilites!
So things are moving forward, and I hope to have a temporary site up in the next couple of weeks. Everyone who's expressed interest here will receive an opt-in e-mail where you can sign up for the real thing.
In order for this to happen, I'm looking for volunteers to help draft something for the "About" page. I know I'm supposed to be able to write and stuff, but everything I've come up with so far is either mind-numbingly boring or totally insane, or both. E-mail me if you're interested in saving my butt.
Posted by: Hilatron at November 16, 2004 04:36 PMUpdate the umpteenth: writer Megan Gordon found us here and swooped in with some fabulous copy for Change for a Five. Thanks, Megan! I've posted a temporary page at http://www.changeforafive.com - check it out. I plan to beef this up with an automated sign-up page that will allow you to take the Five Buck Pledge (except we won't call it that, that is cheesy), and get on the mailing list, and all that good crap.
When this is ready, I will send e-mails to everyone who's expressed interest so you can sign up for reals. I'll also add a basic links list, just to keep us going until the official launch, which is still planned for Jan. 20th.
The next month is going to be ridiculously busy for me, so updates may be sparse. But Change is a-brewing; please stand by!
Posted by: Hilatron at November 22, 2004 12:52 PMUpdate update: I just checked out changeforafive.com on my work computer, and I AM SO SORRY ABOUT THE GREEN. Damn my laptop LCD screen, making everything look so mellow. I will change it as soon as I can. Good lord, I think I almost just went blind.
Posted by: Hilatron at November 22, 2004 12:54 PM