We had a lively discussion on a snowy day in Massachusetts. With babysitters watching the 9 children (all under 6 years old!), we noshed on wine/cheese or margaritas/chips and then dove into the issues.
Of the issues we discussed, NONE was "least important"--though, interestingly, we noted that neither 'TERRORISM' nor 'IMMIGRATION' were deemed hot issues by this group.
What concerns us as voter citizens are the staggering burdens of health care and seeking a UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE system, serious address of CLIMATE CHANGE/ENERGY POLICY to engage with the looming crises that will be caused by climate change, finding ethical resolution to the war in IRAQ, and CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM.
*HEALTH CARE*
There was near universal agreement that health care is a top priority that needs to be addressed by the next administration. Specifically, we are looking for universal access to health care, including mental, special, and late-life care. We noted that the notion of a PROFIT DRIVEN health care system, operating under market principles, was at odds with any kind of “healthy†health care system—at odds with the idea of wellness.
*CLIMATE CHANGE/ENERGY POLICY*
Again, there was universal agreement that this is one of the most important topics facing our nation (and the world). We noted that the changes in environments caused by climate change will be responsible for future strife, as populations fight for increasingly limited resources. We were in agreement that Energy Policy and Conservation were key to efforts to combat the speed of climate change, and that the next president must be a leader in global treaties/action on the environment. We noted that a notion that humans are somehow distinct from, apart from, above, nature was a hubristic stance that blinded us to the interconnectedness of the world—and the severe long (and short) term impacts our actions have on us. We noted that consumer culture, drive to acquire material goods and Hummer-ize our homes and cars, is a major contributor to our energy/environment problems. We also wish to see the next President incentivize the development of new technologies and energy sources which are sustainable. The important role in conservation of energy resources in solving the larger problem was noted.
*IRAQ*
While no one felt they had an idea as to what the best solution for Iraq is, we agreed that our decision to war was a mistake from the start, and that we are in a difficult mess that seems to have few good solutions, and that we need to seek international collaboration (and elect a good President) to help us in whatever next phase for Iraq. We expressed dismay and outrage at the current Administration’s plans to establish permanent military bases in Iraq. We agreed that our current action in Iraq is not serving the nation’s greater interests, and expressed anger at the failure of the government to serve the wounded servicemen/women with life-long, long term care upon their return. We noted the role of the military in the economy, and how this and other economic pressures are contributing to a (problematic) national war stance. We also noted that the $300+ billion that has flowed to Iraq might have been better placed fixing health care and addressing climate change.
*CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM*
Campaign Finance Reform is an amorphous, large, important topic, which we think deserves special emphasis. While it is not one single event or topic, the system of political patronage and the tremendous power of corporate lobbies MEANS that we can NEVER get anywhere with health care, energy policy, etc., so long as we have corporate special interests putting money in politicians' pockets.
We believe that this is an issue that needs to emphasized again and again until we have real reform.
One solution floated was that candidates have equal and free airtime on the PUBLIC AIRWAVES (which led to a discussion of media ownership).
*OTHER TOPICS*
We also discussed Media Consolidation and the FCC deregulation of the PUBLIC airwaves (we find this problematic), the state of Education (including the cost of higher education)and Iran. We spoke about the economy and the need to move toward more sustainable business practices, which might include greater regulation of corporations. We also noted that the taboo subject of Raising Taxes was something that needs to be addressed (as we are in an increasing deficit, running a war with slashed taxes, not contributing to the sustenance of social welfare…). We are cynical about any mainstream candidate’s ability to speak candidly about the economy and especially about taxes. Concern for social security’s future was raised, and in the course of discussion, one of us noted that there is convincing evidence that the “Crisis†in social security is a manufactured one, designed to push an agenda towards privatization (which is not called for by the data). We briefly discussed reproductive rights and abortions, and noted that the Religious Right forces the issue of criminalizing abortion every campaign.
We had plenty more to discuss but we ran out of time.
*CANDIDATES*
Our spirited discussion left little time for in-depth discussion of the Candidates proper. However, it was clear that most of us present are still undecided and weighing the Democratic candidates’ strengths and weaknesses. While there was some admiration/support for *KUCINICH*, the stronger preference, as far as it was, was for *OBAMA*. *EDWARDS* was liked, and there was some concern about *CLINTON*. We did note that the major candidates were remarkable in their similarities (with the exception of Kucinich) in policy agendas.
*THE CAUCUS EXPERIENCE*
We had an "observer" (non-US citizen) participant, a biologist from Norway doing research in the US for a year. We asked him many questions about his system of health care and taxes.
One of our participants was not able to be here due to her child’s illness, and conference-called in her input and reactions to the group’s discussion.
The group seemed to be enthusiastic and supportive of the caucus, and we are energized to continue grass-roots/local communication about these political issues, as well as re-convene after the primaries and the establishment of a Party candidate.
In all, it was a positive, energizing experience, met with gratefulness by citizens who are unhappy with the state of politics and our nation, and want to have an active voice in changing direction in the future.
POSTED BY: adamelijah ON December 7, 2007 - 9:04pm
