May 5 Blog: Follow the Money

Dear Friends: 

This blog is a little later than usual because I went to Scotland for my birthday and a meetup with some family and friends. It was a wonderful trip. 

Traveling is such a good way to get another perspective on things, especially when you are inclined, as I am, to delve into the local history of places when you visit. I’ve been struck lately by how many commentators and politicians use history as a way to explain and understand our current political situation. They are wise to do so. The recent interview of Maine Senate candidate, Graham Platner by Jon Stewart surprised me with how much history was referenced. I continue to find Mr. Platner inspiring to listen to. He and Mr. Stewart talk a lot about President Roosevelt and the New Deal, and how much of a total change it was. The New Deal was not tweaking existing programs, but creating a new America that embodied its ideals better than before. The New Deal radically changed our nation’s priorities to serve our citizens, not just the wealthy.

We need change on that scale again. Ezra Klein’s explanation of how the tax code really works was eye opening for me. Perhaps my readers are aware how the ultra-wealthy avoid taxes, but I have been only dimly aware of how it actually works. Democracy cannot survive in a society where a few wealthy people get increasingly wealthier while everyone else struggles as the middle class disappears, and with it the American dream (already fading away) that honest hard work can get you ahead. The Federal Reserve reveals troubling reality about wealthy Americans. They have been tracking this data since 1989. It has never looked like this.

It is so clear that for this change we need a lot of new leaders in Congress. With our success in Virginia with the redistricting referendum (although still pending a court challenge), the Democratic primary for the new 7th Congressional District promises to be a crowded and important race. (And thank you to all my readers who voted, and got others to vote yes as well.)  Next week, I plan to ask each of the declared candidates to answer a short questionnaire, and we will post responses on my website. I welcome suggested questions from my readers. Just respond to this email if you have a suggestion, please.

The new district (in medium blue) includes: North Arlington, Falls Church, Central Fairfax, Culpeper, Orange and Augusta counties.

The next big event coming up is D Day, June 6. The national Visibility Brigades group has asked all brigades to promote the day and have pro-democracy messages. D Day will be Democracy Day for us, which is a great way to honor the sacrifice of American soldiers on June 6, 1944 as they began the massive attack to defeat fascism in Europe. They certainly did not sacrifice their lives so a few billionaires could control this nation.

Yours in Peaceful Resistance, 

Libby