moral vision an systems thinking...

This article gets to the heart of what Obama alluded at in his budget speech... and gives a bit of insight to why progressives need to examine what he said, and start the discussion before 2012.
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Dear Congress..

The following is a letter written as part of a campaign by the Coffee Party to try and get Congress to listen... feel free to copy this letter and mail it, email it, fax it to your congressperson.... let them know we vote.

   Dear Congress,

I cannot host fundraisers for your campaigns or send lobbying firms to your door.  I cannot bankroll bus tours or purchase populist movements.  But I do vote and I believe I am part of the majority of Americans. I'd like you to know what's on my mind.

When I balance my family budget, I do not only look at taking things away. I work hard to increase the family income. I strive for promotions and take second jobs. This applies to our small business as well. I look at increasing revenue, not just downsizing. I do this, not only to survive in the present, but also to invest in our future.

I expect our government to take a similar approach — one that considers both income and expenditures, and allows us to remain competitive in the future.

I am deeply concerned by the budget passed by the House on April 15. It is simply not in keeping with our values to ask senior citizens, children, and Americans who have been hurt by the recession to make extreme sacrifices in order give tax breaks to the wealthy and to multinational corporations that increasingly do their business and pay taxes overseas.

The House budget appears to me to be driven by a dangerous partnership between radical ideologues and big multinational companies strangling our democracy with their wealth. Frankly, it makes me doubt the integrity of our political process and exacerbates my fear that I cannot trust Congress to represent my interests - at all. 

Let me be very clear about what I'd like from you: Increase taxes on the wealthy, close tax loopholes (especially on capital gains and dividends), cut defense spending before you begin taking needed services from the most vulnerable among us and curtail investment in our children, the future of this nation.

Sincerely,

            Alan Stanley
            Anza, CA 92539

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