Strategic Vision for a Viable American Future — Open Letter with a Moral Story of Truth for Our Time

the Unheard herald SERVING DEMOCRACY AND THE HEART OF DURANGO COLORADO | TheUnheardHerald.com | Tuesday, November 7, 2017 | SHARE FREELY ¢ Strategic Vision for a Viable American Future — Open letter with a moral story of truth for our time

Dear Mr President: Hardworking American your supporters simply as good Families people who, like me, are angry “In this letter I will share my and have had their fill of emp- thoughts about helping you become a I write this open letter to you, ty promises from establishment successful and respected president on Mr President, on behalf of the in- politicians—the “old guard” and behalf of the American people by doing terests expressed by the tens of more recently, childish politicians what is truly right.” It’s now a year millions of people who put you in who are intent on doing whatev- after I wrote that first sentence and office by voting for you. I do not er it takes to get their own way in your prospects for accomplishing buy into the notion that these are order to sustain and serve a bro- that are dim. Many of your sup- mostly deplor- porters are still hopeful you will able xenopho- come through for them; but much bic racists, mi- of the population is in the mode sogynists, and of resistance to your presidency bigots. But your because they don’t like what you tepid non-spe- stand for or what you are saying cific responses and doing. Although it’s tempting to violence and to simply join in and fight with tragedy perpe- the resistance crowd, given your trated by these performance thus far; that is not small but violent what this letter is about. far-right racist But before I get to that, I want hate groups, Mr to be clear whose interests I am President, gives representing; because it is these them the tacit Image 1. Families are struggling with stress and hardship trying people whom you’ve promised to appearance of to make ends meet. They face the pressure of unaffordable health- serve. And, your success or fail- credence they care and unaffordable healthcare insurance costs, with inadequate ure will be established on how certainly don’t wages. well you serve their needs, along deserve, while with millions of other Americans, degrading the support of good ken and rigged system so they can many of whom voted for someone hardworking and caring people stay in power. else or didn’t even vote in the 2016 who aren’t racists, but supported The people I’m referring to are election. We’re talking about ordi- you regardless. In fact, although the hard-working American fam- nary American families, which is some of these extremist behave ilies, so many of whom are strug- most of the population. in deplorable ways, I see most of gling, who are sick and tired of

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 2 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine establishment political elites lying On Content and Length of this “Letter-Essay” to them and picking them clean with policies that hurt ordinary Mr President, this is not a short “presidential briefing”; it is an open sharing of American people, while giving my thoughts with you as a 71-year old patriotic American citizen—thoughts away ever more breaks and ben- that I’m convinced would help save your presidency by helping all Americans. efits to the richest of the rich—the So without apology, as I begin to write this I don’t know at the outset how long Wall Street corporate billionaire this letter-essay will be. It’s been written that you don’t like to read long detailed class. What motivated them to documents or books, so all I can promise is that I will endeavor to keep it an in- vote for you, Mr President, be- teresting book, but thorough; and that it will be worthwhile for you to seriously sides their passionate dislike of consider. Yet, I certainly hold no illusion that it will even reach your busy desk, let alone that you will have the interest or care to find the time to read it. the Democratic candidate or simply a protest vote against the sys- Nonetheless, I will entertain the fantasy that I am actually communicating with tem, was their belief and trust in you personally in a conversational, even colloquial manner at times with “street your expressed concern for their language” phrases to make clear a point; but with respect for the office of the wellbeing and the seemingly sin- presidency and without any intention to personally insult your dignity or intel- cere promises you made to them. lect. So let’s call this a “non-fiction fantasy novel”—areal story. And further, that You told everyone: “The system you will care enough to listen, reflect and contemplate the status of your presi- is a broken disaster; and only I dency and your potential for long-term success—which will be determined, not can fix it.” And they believed you; by fickle temporary popularity “approval” polls, and certainly not by what you boast about; but by the impact of your legacy on America’s future. I’ll try to bring it to your attention somehow; but I don’t do Twitface, Snapface, the Unheard herald Tumbleface, Instaface, Yourface, Redface or Shitface, and I only started using The Unheard Herald™ is a trademarked Faceplant last year; so, I hope some little birdie helps get it to you. (;o) …And if (TM) and copyrighted © trade name, it reaches you only as some filtered “bullet point summary” from you staff, don’t created on April 7, 2012 with the first published edition “Keep Durango waste your time with that, as you will entirely miss the essence of what this book Local”; the trade name is owned by the is about. I’ve already made the bullet summary of my strategic vision, which you publisher Root Routledge. can get from my associated poster at the link (www.TheUnheardHerald.com), This eNewspaper and website are pub- so there’s no suspense there. Simply have one of your staff make a two-sided lished and distributed ad hoc as facts and copy of this eNewspaper edition, put a nice presidential plastic cover on it, and circumstances warrant an exposé or the take it home to read by yourself on your own time. Thank you, Mr President. advocating for a particular democratic cause on behalf of the people affected. they believed what you said to not, urban jobs or rural agricul- Publisher/Editor: Root Routledge them, that even though you are ture. It includes the working poor Website: www.TheUnheardHerald.com Contact the Publisher at: personally very rich, you are the struggling with less than a liv- Phone: 970-382-0711 Fax: 970-403-1171 one who represented their inter- able wage; and the unemployed [email protected] ests. who are trying, but either can’t Mail: PO Box 830, Durango, CO 81302 find work and want to, or cannot Herald (n): A messenger that conveys work for whatever reasons. And it news, proclaims, announces or warns; Our Future includes the truly poor and desti- one that supports or advocates, esp. for tute just trying to keep themselves notable events or major change, often The future for all these people, and their families warm and dry presaging what is to come. (Webster) their children and grandchildren, and fed. Although they differ in “We have it in our power to begin the is the future I care about; because their lot-in-life, they all want to world over again...” it is the same future that impacts be healthy and have healthy fam- “It is error only, and not truth, that all Americans—the full range, shrinks from inquiry... The most formi- ilies, and to have a viable future dable weapon against errors of every from middle and upper-mid- for their children. And as patriot- kind is reason... Reason obeys itself; dle class professionals and small and ignorance submits to whatever is ic Americans, they want to have business owners to skilled and dictated to it.” — their country’s democracy work Thomas Paine unskilled labor workers, union or

President, and Image Attributions they are the people I care about The images that help tell this sto- as well; even ry were found using Google Image though you and I search or are personal images. Image might seem to be credits and links to image sources on the opposite and can be found in the associated sides of a wide document to this edition of The Un- political divide. heard Herald, identified by image se- But that might quence number: Edition4-Image-At- actually end tribution-Names-and-Sources.pdf up being something amenable Preliminaries: to transformation if we both Who and What Image 2. Family farms are crucial to our food, our culture, our care about the For you, Mr President, and any- communities and America. They are under threat of climate wellbeing of one else reading this including change in terms of excessive heat, drought, low water tables and our country and my progressive friends and col- the risk of flooding; as well as “Big Ag” corporate takeovers. Farm its people, now leagues, I want to be clear that, al- labor is a make-or-break issue for farm owners. and on out into though I intend to keep this pos- for them; starting with having the future—and itive, this letter does not convey their voting rights respected and out of respect for the office of the some sort of “fawning” or “ob- having their votes count. They presidency, cynicism and actual sequious” attempt to curry your care about the social and econom- behavior thus far aside, I will take favor, interest or assent to these ic health of their country, as well; you for your word and address ideas by appealing to your ego or and of course, their safety and our your performance against that needs for flattery and self-aggran- country’s national defense. throughout this letter-essay—as dizement. That is not what you These are the people you long as you end up doing what’s will find from me; what you will claimed as “your people”, Mr truly right for us all. get is my honest and candid analysis and comments. Sadly, however, that has not happened thus far and the moves The success I’m talking about is you are making seem only to ex- that which concerns the wellbeing acerbate the problems we face, as of America, my country, and all its well as the performance of your people. I will introduce myself be- administration. Unless you are low; but please understand from able and willing to seriously en- the start that I am a pragmatic re- gage in a new strategic direction, alist and what I share here is fo- your administration will go down cused on real needs and real solutions that are grounded in reality; Image 3. Nothing can defeat the power of in deep hypocritical destruction hard work, and that is something Latinos and failure—the greatest failure solutions that are implementable have embodied for generations. A nation in modern times, perhaps in our in a practical policy sense; that is built on the backs of hardworking peo- history. You will not be remem- serve not only the American people. America’s future is built on the working bered as a friend of the working ple but your personal and politi- class and most Latinos are working class. class. cal interests along with them; and Latinos are willing to do the jobs most are not based on false narratives This letter to you, Mr President, Americans will not do. And family values attempting to pull the wool over are highly regarded by Latinos. “Why Lati- is about how to turn that around. nos are the Best Expats in America”, Xpat- people’s eyes. Woe to those poli- Nation.com, 8-6-2015 ticians, Democrat or Republican, © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 4 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine who betray the American people do whatever you decide you want ously being personally chastised yet again. We’re talking about ba- to do, owning the consequences for their own “lack of success… if sic good management, Mr Presi- of your own decisions. Howev- they’d just not be so lazy and work dent; which the Republican Party er, I would think it is within your harder”. This is simply repugnant continually demonstrates it’s so personal and political interest to ideological myth and dogma that inept at. succeed on behalf of the near-term I categorically reject. Many of your followers claim to and long-term needs of the Amer- I’m presenting here what is min- ican people; and imally required to address core so the thoughts I systemic failures in an integrated offer you should comprehensive way in order for not be consid- the American people to hold out ered as yet some reasonable hope for an eventual- other set of half- ly functioning system that creates baked “propos- the conditions for the likelihood als” for you to of them succeeding, with a via- accept or reject ble future for themselves, their or modify at will children and the very posterity of to your person- their descendants. This is an inal liking; or that tegrated systems perspective for follow some pre- Image 4. Assembly line worker in automobile factory. We are los- success; not a piecemeal hodge- ing heavy manufacturing jobs. Our policies need to be designed conceived notion podge of partial efforts that on to keep these jobs home—not to increase corporate profits by of “ideologically their own have a high probability sending them overseas in a global capitalist race to the bottom. conservative” of failing to address the realities solutions, what- of the ailments we face. It certain- like you because, they think, “He ever those might be. ly doesn’t cover “everything”; but tells it like it is”; which they inter- This is how Re- pret as “frank honesty”. Actually, publicans typ- Mr President, having observed ically operate. you and your statements and ac- Whatever the tions for many months, I find that problem, usual- you tell it like you want it to be, ly never really or what you want others to think well defined or it is. You often seem to be disen- understood, they gaged from reality. You will find try to preemp- that I actually “tell it like it is—for tively hammer real.” And I hope you will be con- an ideological vinced, after contemplating what stake through it; I present, that is what is in your and then bull- Image 5. More women are becoming entrepreneurs in manu- own interest. If we want to be suc- shit the Ameri- facturing, like Becky who owns and runs her own welding shop cessful, we’re not playing some can people with serving the aerospace industry. It is small-scale community-based cynical game about how to buffa- the goal of their owner-run businesses that create the most jobs in America—not lo the American people by making ideological be- large corporations with distant owners ever focused on reducing up some reality, simply because it liefs succeeding, labor costs by moving jobs overseas. might be entertaining. That won’t not America or hold for the long flight. its people succeeding—in fact, it is a solid platform from which You are the president and, of time and time again, the people people down the road will have course, it is within your power to usually get screwed by Republi- the structure and tools they need can “solutions”, while simultane- to address seemingly intractable © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 5 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine problems. Let us not slam the mentable and will be of immense Fits and Starts door to America’s future. This is benefit to the American people. all very feasible—if you inspire Thus far your presidency has your followers to be the backbone This letter is about the core had unhelpful, even clumsy, fits of congress, pressing them to sup- essential elements of a strategic and starts where you have found port this program on behalf of success vision regarding yourself off balance with your and for the people. “gateway” issues... approval polls sinking. Although If you’re still with me, Mr Pres- some Americans, especially institutions like the mainstream me- ident, let me set the table for this Further Mr President, although dia, respond fawningly to a mili- discussion. personally I find much of your tary strike as if it’s the essence of rhetoric and behavior repugnant; “being presidential”; those pre- and I disagree with much if not Setting the Table — sumptuous and immature acco- most of what you say and do; that lades are momentary and quick- Agree or not, let me is also not what this letter is about. ly fade on the long path toward With respect, it is actually about be clear about where peace and security. Irrespective of helping you succeed in the only way specific tactical efficacy, you can- I’m coming from that the American people can par- not “bomb” your way into a suc- ticipate in your success—by fo- cessful administration, regardless cusing on what is required to heal Hopping over of how big and impressive the our systemic ailments and ensure bombs are. And, although you’ve a few hurdles we are properly equipped to deal signed many “presidential or- with the ominously uncertain Mr President, although I could ders” to demonstrate your effort challenges of our future. If you take this letter in any of a number to meet various campaign prom- think you can just take some of the of directions since we are faced ises; these are not only not stra- ideas, say something about them with such a multitude of prob- tegic, they often become merely yourself, and thus co-opt this ef- lems and issues, I do not intend it a political display of patronizing fort, you are sorely mistaken— to be a “wash list” of complaints mean-spirited policies that don’t you lack the essential ingredients: covering everything that besets really address the big problems. “integrity” and “credibility”. More us; nor by omission, do I intend Before your window of oppor- about strategic strengths and any implication about the impor- tunity closes, Mr President, you weaknesses below. tance or not of this or that issue. need some real strategic success- For example, as important as they This letter is about the core es- es—strategic not in the sense of are, I will say little if anything sential elements of a strategic suc- “my party won another victory, directly about immigration, ed- cess vision regarding “gateway” isn’t that the greatest thing ever?”; ucation, race, gender, the media, issues that will ensure the people but strategic in the long run for war, foreign policy or national se- and generations who follow us the American people. will have the best chance of ad- curity, among many other things. Many of the things you are deal- dressing systemic problems and Everyone has their pet issues and ing with currently will come and sustaining some semblance of I’m sure there would be critiques go; and your success on those wellbeing as time moves on. It’s about what I didn’t address, but many fronts will be determined not intended to cover everything; should have, regardless. That by how you work these things but if the only things accom- is not what this letter is about. out in the public arena. Those de- plished are these core gateway What I’m suggesting below cuts mands on you do not go away. elements, that would constitute across many issues; focusing on Apparently, you have “strategic” a tremendously successful pres- a few strategic success issues and advisors on your staff that you idency, regardless of who that reasonable, rational and moral “trust”; but given how things president was. solutions that are easily imple- have been manifesting for you, © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 6 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

I’m sure you will cally and professionally. Even the gain massive FBI might have some information support from the about me as I’ve been a publicly people, such that visible and politically engaged you never even activist for many years; I don’t thought was pos- know, you’d have to ask them, sible. It’s literally but they always seem to be keep- not up to you ing track of political dissidents convincing en- like me. trenched Repub- lican ideologues in congress; it’s 1960s to Bernie Sanders up to you to con- You and I are of the same era, vince the people Image 6. Heavy equipment manufacturing jobs, like machine close to the same age, as I turned to support your shops, are disappearing. Journeyman skills, like that of this ma- 71 years old this November and program and chinist, are being replaced by automation or overseas labor. Auto- you in June, both of us born at mation technology is a reality that needs to be addressed compre- have them con- the head of the boomer cohort in hensively and its impacts on labor compassionately. vince congress. 1946; so let us share that as a com- You might even much of what they are encour- mon basis. aging you to do seems tactical at find a large amount of support best, even pulling your presiden- from the other side of the aisle as Regarding the Vietnam War, cy down amidst chaos, confusion, well, if you take seriously what I’m you and I were both in college distrust, hypocrisy and fear. This offering. We’re all in this together, from 1964-68 with student defer- includes the current gaggle of Mr President, and we need to ap- ments. However, you had some ideological numskulls that make proach it that way. You clobbered nice breaks with your high school up the Republican congress; and the Republican establishment military academy and waivers lat- I know you know that, Mr Presi- thinking in the primaries and on dent, whether or not you can say through the election; so there is it publicly. no need to consider yourself an- chored to their failing ideological follies. You can step out on behalf Going directly to of all of the American people in- the people stead with a program designed to succeed for our future. Let’s be perfectly clear. You will need to go directly to the people By way of who voted for you, Mr President, and have them press congress on introduction doing the right thing for America. I know you love doing that; so do I’m a 71-yr old politically it! But first you have to know what those right things are; and thus engaged military veteran far you’ve demonstrated that nei- This letter is not a publicity ploy, ther you nor the Republican Party Mr President; I’m very much for have a clue about what’s needed real, with my personal and pro- for a viable American future. Image 7. Vietnam Veteran, Captain Root fessional reputation on the line, Routledge, Navigator, C-141 military air- If you step forward on these stra- and you can check me out politi- lift and EC-47 tactical military intelligence, tegic elements as I outline them, United States Air Force, 1968-72. © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 7 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine er on; whereas I had to deal with that got me to join the Democratic Vietnam Veteran the war head-on upon graduating. Party last year was so I could sup- In 1968, when we both graduated, port Bernie who was running as I’m a Vietnam Veteran, having people our age were either going a Democrat; about whom you’ve served combat duty in the United to voluntarily join the military actually said some nice things and States Air Force as a navigator in or be drafted; I chose to join the not much, if anything, negative. the Military Airlift Command on Air Force and fly, but I respect all Both Bernie and you, Mr Presi- C-141 aircraft (strategic and com- those who had to serve as “draft- dent, have made it very clear that bat airlift) out of McChord AFB ed grunts” doing the most diffi- the system is broken, corrupt and in Washington state; and highly cult and dangerous tasks. rigged; and let’s admit it, Bernie classified intelligence missions on My name is Root Routledge and all the millions of people who EC-47 aircraft in the 360th Tacti- supported him cal Electronic Warfare Squadron, in the primaries 460th Tac Recon Wing, out of Tan got screwed by Son Nhut Air Base, Saigon, for the DNC and which I held a Top Secret security other establish- clearance with the highest SI re- ment Democrats quirement. allowing for In four years, from 1968-72, out the lessor can- of a total of 2360 hours, I flew 170 didate to run combat missions with 630 com- against you… bat flight hours, earning the DFC, and lose. As Air Medals and Service Medals; you well know, and the rank of Captain. I’m very Bernie has also been focused on the needs of Image 8. Root was elected a Colorado Democratic National Del- hardworking egate, Congressional District 3, for Bernie Sanders; here in Philly. American families and no one and most recently I was elected in Congress has higher integrity a Colorado National Delegate for than Bernie. That’s why Bernie Bernie Sanders to the Democrat- has become the most popular ic National Convention in Phil- politician in the country; even adelphia last summer. Like Ber- though the Democratic stalwarts nie, I’ve been a lifetime political still keep trying to undercut him. independent, and the only thing These establishment Democrats seem to have a hard time learning from their mistakes and losses; and, unless they wake up pretty quickly, they’ll just take the party down with them time after time. It is helpful that Bernie maintains his political independence and his popularity and influence is only growing. Image 10. Captain Root in Vietnam combat fatigues, holding “Strategic Vision” poster, for July 4th, 2017 parades, in Bayfield and Image 9. Senator Bernie Sanders Durango, Colorado. © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 8 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine proud of my service; and I’m very quality assur- proud to be a patriotic immigrant ance profession- and naturalized U.S. citizen who als and process managers, and middle managers from various functional areas. With a PhD in Industrial Engi- neering, an MBA and an MS in Statistics, my ex- Image 12. Alpine Analytics™ business logo, with trademark logo pertise is system statement: “Sound ethical decisions based on data!™” decision making it’s not enough; my Social Securi- and data analytics. My business ty benefit, for example, would be Alpine Analytics is focused by my equivalent to working full time all logo statement, which character- year for $6.68 per hour; that’s not Image 11. Root Routledge, Facebook photo izes what I help my clients accom- even minimum wage, let alone plish: “Sound ethical decisions based something livable. on data!” You can find more about Even with Medicare and worse moved here with my parents from my business on Facebook (www. Canada when I was 7 years old. for others without it, there is a facebook.com/AlpineAnalytics) or huge wall between the people You can check out my person- my “billboard” website: http://Al- and their healthcare — one has to al and military background here pineAnalytics.com, where a pdf of come up with more money than (www.facebook.com/RootRout- my 1-page bio can also be found. they have to overcome “deduct- ledge); and some of my political ibles and copays” before one gets comments throughout last year’s access to healthcare. I’m telling campaign for Bernie at my polit- Public Assistance Under Hard Times you from directly living it, Mr ical page www.facebook.com/Root- President, this is an unconsciona- ForBernie. All that given, for full disclosure ble system that is not serving the Mr President, like you I’ve tak- needs of the people very well. Profession en some bruises and lumps. I’ve But I can speak from experience had failed marriages (three), have about the significant and crucial Professionally, I’m a business been through a bankruptcy, and help these programs are supposed consultant and small business my business was hit very hard by to and do provide, to a certain ex- man with an industrial consulting the 2007/2008 crash, from which tent, based on circumstances and firm I founded over 25 years ago, it never really came back with a need regardless of education or called Alpine Analytics™, special- dependable living. Consequent- whatever work one might have izing in data analytics. I describe ly, for the past several years since had when times were better. The myself as a scientifically educated age 63 and with multiple medical problems are systemic; the people systems engineer; I effort to un- issues requiring surgeries, I’ve they impact are very real. derstand the decision world as a needed to rely on public assis- complex of dynamically interact- tance benefits, including Social ing systems. My clients have been Security, Medicare, Food Stamps Heartlessness mostly technical people from (SNAP benefits), and the Low-in- It is unconscionable for heart- large corporations and agencies: come Energy Assistance Program less mean-spirited Republicans engineers, scientists, regulators, (LEAP) just to survive. I can testify

Compassion against the Japanese in the Gua- and Empathy dalcanal Island Campaign of the Pacific; he died recently. There are for Human other Vietnam vets who eat at the Suffering Manna; one of them was disabled by an accident on the deck of an Over the years aircraft carrier. And, there are I’ve gotten to families with children who would know many of not be eating if it weren’t for pub- these people lic services they depend on. who are struggling at the bot- The Manna has wonderful car- tom, many of ing staff and volunteers; it is often them homeless elementary school kids who serve people; and I out the food. No one in our town Image 17. Working for justice for the marginalized, the “work- make an effort of Durango has to go hungry. ing poor” (a category which should not even exist in our land of Have you ever had a chance to plenty), like this immigrant worker and immigrant communities, to eat at our lo- includes not only low wages, but on top of that the insult of having cal Manna Soup connect with any of these people your meager wages stolen—wage theft—by corrupt managers and Kitchen once or struggling at the bottom, Mr Pres- business owners. Mr President, this is what it’s like to struggle. twice a month ident? It might really open your or not, who may be worse off. to keep in touch heart to their situation. Did Jesus not teach us the godly with people I’ve gotten to know way of treating others? Was not and keep up with how they’re do- Community Policing and ing. Sometimes just simple broth- his prophetic focus on those who the Poor — Engaging suffer or have less; while unload- erhood goes a long way in showing his prophetic fire on the syco- ing people that someone cares. Mr Properly with Citizens phantic hypocrites of the power- President, I can tell you that, even ful who control and rig the system though most of them might not Even the Durango Police De- for their own selfish benefit? Did have the education to articulate partment has a community con- he not say anything about greed their own plight like I can, or may nection program where police and wealth? be recovering from scrapes with often come by for a friendly visit the law they might have had; they and take turns helping in the serv- are good decent people just trying line of the Manna Kitchen. ing to keep their lives going while And our La Plata County Sheriff searching for a new start. or his deputies come by and sit down with the people eating at There are lots of veterans from the soup kitchen. They actually various wars, even a Navy Seal Iraq/Afghan vet, and one 94- year old WW II Marine vet, who walked with a cane and a limp Image 18. Poor people are often the most because he took generous. two bullets while landing at the Image 19. Coffee with a Cop program; building connection and Battle of Tenaru trust. Columbia Heights Police Department, Minneapolis.

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 12 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

born “financially gifted”, Mr President; with a bit of wry hu- mor and a smile, one could argue that Root was born “financially challenged”. Money was not what motivated Image 20. Mistreatment of protesters. “Fail- me; it was doing ure of Authority In America” by John Whye. “It’s like the national leaders don’t lead but good things for instead set horrible examples that are so Image 22. “The Simple Strategies That Could Fundamentally people and the transparently self-serving, why would any- Change How Communities View Their Police”, HuffPo environment, body respect them anyway?” munity-engagement policy, local while connecting get to know people by name and Durango law enforcement has with spirit and hoping to make with a smile. been actively working with our enough money as I went. My only car is over 20 years old, and if With such negative events we homeless and near-by neighbor- something costly breaks I’d be in continually witness in the news hood residents in a constructive a pickle trying to figure out how of outrageously unaccountable way to lower fears and balance to get it fixed so I could still get police repression and brutality, needs of the neighborhood com- around. Didn’t end up financially and police murdering unarmed munity with those of people in well-off enough to tuck retirement citizens, mostly Black and Latino need; while working with the savings away; so it’s very difficult in big cities, but certainly others homeless to help them lead their sewing the month-to-month ends including whites, it is a beacon of own efforts to keep their camps together. light to actually witness commu- clean and safe. It doesn’t make nity policing working as it should. problems go away completely; What does that mean to these but it mitigates them in a civil way morally challenged Republicans, In fact, as part of our police com- that doesn’t criminalize people’s who forever blame the individual status in life. for their own demise so they don’t have to confront the growing reality of systemic failure due to a Life on the structurally flawed system design Edge of the based on a failed ideological be- Republican lief system and false dogma about Swamp the very nature of being human? Where they get this from I don’t One’s lot-in-life know; but for rightwing Chris- can certainly be tians, some of it certainly finds its affected by the roots in the flawed thinking of the start one gets interloper Paul, who ignored the in life. Whereas teachings of Jesus, couldn’t even one could easily take responsibility for his own Image 21. NYPD policewoman on the street with residents cool- ing confrontations. “On the local level a police response that is and appropri- natural bodily feelings, and who more often repressive than helpful is often the most disheartening ately describe chastised his cult of believers, es- because these are the people that the average citizen is most likely you as being pecially the women and slaves, to come into contact with if there is any trouble.” J. Whye for not falling in line obediently © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 13 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

party is capable for nothing. You’d have great in- of providing, Mr fluence on others of high wealth President; which and power status, wouldn’t you? is why your sup- By the same token, I’m sure you porters saw you have no idea what the worldview as an altruistic is like from my station in life, like “White Knight” that of so many other Americans. who promised But give it a try, regardless; be- to “drain the cause setting cynicism aside, as swamp” of these hard as that is to do, people are scoundrels and counting on the fact that you actu- focus on the ally do care about them and their plight of ordi- plight. nary people who are all just trying Nonetheless, I am quite knowl- to make it under edgeable about these crucial ele- the conditions of ments of a strategic program for an increasingly a successful future. We need to harsh and chal- think strategically and system- lenging system. ically; and if you’ll pick up on a Image 23. Policeman with kids in city park. “Let’s give the police more comprehensive notion of a chance to once more ‘Serve and Protect’ as they swore an oath But with this vi- “success” that I will lay out, Mr to do as idealistic rookies. Failure to do so will inevitably lead to sion of strategic President, I believe it is possible chaos and disaster.” J. Whye success for the for you to see that it happens. behind established authorities. American people Should I and others be chastised, that I’m presenting with this let- Strategic Success punished and cut-off from assis- ter, you could personally provide tance to “teach me a lesson for and concretely demonstrate that — Weaknesses, being too lazy”? Should I be pun- sense of care and compassion; Strengths and Ad- ished with having my little 1940 and be loved for it, Mr President. one-bedroom 650 sq ft home re- Big rallies where you brag about vantages possessed and left to survive un- how much you’ve done and rant about how poorly you are treat- der a bridge somewhere? “That’ll Weaknesses teach him to ‘get off his duff’ and ed by others, including the press, get a job;” as the cruel presump- just come across as a dual exercise Mr President, you bring your tions of heartless Republican pol- in self-aggrandizement and self- expertise from the business world icy go. pity. In the end, it’s the policies to the job of presidency and are No wonder ordinary people are you support that will make or attempting to solve public issues enraged about these entrenched break it for your supporters, the by applying the skills and tactics establishment hypocrites, who public at large, and you. you’ve learned from the private take all they can from the public You have a lovely family, Mr sector. However, as your polit- trough for themselves and their President. I personally, like most ical life has unfolded you have moneyed friends. No wonder they ordinary people, would have a exposed one or more major stra- have risen up in electoral fury hard time imagining what your tegic weakness, which must be against this corrupt system that is worldview is like from the lofty addressed in order for any of this not serving them; only the richest heights of so much family wealth. to work. of the rich. We need a more com- You’d all have the best of every- This is undoubtedly difficult for passionate moral vision than your thing, I imagine, and would want

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 14 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

you to hear, since no one likes to they really want is for the prom- Knowledge is all about justified be pressed on their faults or weak- ised goods to manifest. So, that true belief... nesses; but it is crucial for you to support is ephemeral, even fickle, raise your awareness if you ex- and does not address this serious You have a responsibility to all pect to obtain any sort of strategic strategic flaw that undermines of us to justify your beliefs. This is success. anything strategic you want to ac- not about a “religion” based sim- complish. ply on faith founded in pure be- Weakness: Truth It is apparent to everyone paying liefs, even though you and your attention that you don’t like the Republican Party seem to treat We can’t have democracy with- truth, or indeed even an informed most of it that way. That is offen- out truth, Mr President; democ- public; and you have depended sively insulting to the intelligence racy depends on the free and on lies and distractions and false- of the American people. Do you accurate flow of information. In hoods to steer your agenda, with really want to treat the American so many ways your rhetoric, de- its inherent anti-democratic fea- people like gullible suckers; or cisions and actions clearly expose tures. This is merely following with the dignity and respect they the fact that you are more the the long-run, yet crumbling, Re- deserve? enemy of truth than its purvey- publican strategy of “sustainable Further, your tactical propensity or. You and your surrogates can ignorance” for legislators and to attack, mock, belittle, humili- rant-and-rave all you want about their “base”; which continues to ate and discredit the messenger how everyone else, including the be a profound insult to everyone with hurtful personal criticism media, is lying and only you are involved, and people are finally may have served you well in your right. People who support you waking up to it! Republicans traf- previous business world; but it might buy that for a while, be- fic in ignorance. People are get- will not bring you strategic suc- cause they want to still believe in ting very tired of the bullshit, Mr cess in the public arena. You can you; they truly want you to suc- President. They’re not dummies bluster and present extreme “trial ceed on their behalf by doing the and want to be properly and ac- balloons” as a negotiating tactic right thing, not continually play- curately informed. ing childish “I’m right and they’re Republicans traffic in ignorance

Tactics that attempt to divert attention from, or reframe, crucial issues and problems so they seem something other than they really are may allow you to buffalo “the gullible others” and muddle through for a while. But in the end these tactics will become ex- Image 24. People become skeptical about posed and collapse because they everything when they learn what they were are not undergirded with any Image 25. “Where’s the beef, Mr Presi- told as the “truth” is really just pure bullshit. solid basis in reality. Just because dent?” (Wendy’s cultural classic commercial you say something, doesn’t make used as political parody in elections.) wrong” games. They might enjoy it true, even if you’re president. the spectacle for a while and even in order to test your opponent’s You can’t blow off reality with rally to defend you; but there is and public reaction, then back off statements like, “You have your a bottom line as people become to something less; but this will not beliefs; I have mine”—especially as more and more skeptical. What bring you long-term strategic suc- president.

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 16 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine ly exhibit wisdom and compas- issues at hand. That’s just being a President? When you and I took sion, which I will ferret out more smart executive. It means staffing an oath to protect our country and thoroughly below. for strategic success; not for pros- its constitution from “all enemies, In fact, let me state this more elytizing the ideological world- foreign and domestic”, what do strongly, even if this is hard for views of others that supposedly you think that meant? That it’s you to hear: Mr President, you fix everything; or in your case, are okay for some nut case ultra-right display a lack integrity domesti- just tearing our public institutions ideologue to take down our func- cally and internationally; and that apart because one or more of your tioning government? is a strategic weakness that needs “strategic advisors” is intent on to be overcome. Trust and integ- sabotaging our government. Treason is “the betrayal of trust; rity are earned over long periods Evidently this advisor and his the offense of attempting by of experience with someone; once collaborators don’t like the “state” overt acts to overthrow the lost, they are extremely hard, if as an institution where people can government of the state to which not impossible, to recover. This address the needs of their society; the offender holds allegiance.” becomes a core central component but prefers instead that all control in addressing a strategic success of society be in the hands of un- As a veteran, I view this kind of program; and we need to factor in fettered rich capitalist oligarchs destructive program as treasonous a way to address it. My intent is whose primary focus is on grow- and its purveyors of traitors to my to help you and I will show you ing more money for themselves. country who are actually trying to how. This is what they call “freedom”. do harm to it. I would think ISIS He acts and talks like he’s some is jumping for joy over your peo- great thinker with profound ple internally sabotaging our gov- Weakness: Expertise and philosophical ideas about soci- Competence ernment. Treason is not just “ad- ety encapsulated in fancy memes hering to our enemies, giving aid like “completely deconstructing Mr President, I’ve seen it written and comfort”, which the efforts the administrative state”; wow, that you are a superb salesman of some of your staff clowns are doesn’t that sound impressive! who, it was stated facetiously, doing; but treason by dictionary But in truth, he’s just a windbag could probably sell sand to the definition is in fact, “the betrayal full of shit who wants to sabotage Arabs and get them to finance it. of trust; the offense of attempt- America—my country. This sort While I give the deference of re- ing by overt acts to overthrow the of unfettered conservative rule spect to your prowess with those government of the state to which leads to the atrophy of democra- skills; I believe that you are often the offender holds allegiance.” Do cy, while preserving conservative unclear about where your exper- you really think your supporters, control. We all know you’re an tise starts and where it begins to many of whom call you “the peo- authoritarian, Mr President; but drop off. With bravado, you make ple’s president”, voted for you in is it really your goal to do away lots of claims about the expanse of order to undermine our country? with our democracy? your expertise; but when the rub- You know that’s not true. This ber hits the road, those claims are People didn’t vote for this, Mr does not constitute a good start, seen to fall far short of your actu- President. Can you imagine if it Mr President; and it is counter- al connection with reality. This is was ISIS saying they wanted to productive in any effort to accom- not helpful, Mr President. accomplish the same thing—complish a program of strategic suc- plete destruction of our function- cess. Surely you know, as someone ing government and its protective who has been the top executive Your current staff is not up to institutions we as American peo- of, as you say, a very large and the task of developing and imple- ple have worked so hard at build- successful company, that you need menting a strategic success pro- ing over decades? What would to bring in people with the ap- gram; they don’t have the vision you be saying about that, Mr propriate expertise to address the for it nor the management skills © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 17 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

to carry it out. You need to think tant to that. The Republican-led Party has always represented. Ku- deeply about how your adminis- Congress is lost, they’re divided dos for that, Mr President! Don’t tration is staffed with respect to and floundering and cannot come turn around now and throw your the leadership that this strategic up with effective solutions to hands up to the things you’ve just success program requires, about problems, or even a way of gov- defeated. You’ve tapped into the which I will share more below. erning the country. Whether they populist anger that ordinary peo- Then, once proper leadership is like it or not, they need your stra- ple were expressing about our incorporated into this focused ef- tegic success leadership. But I’m systemically failing ways of the fort; you need to let these strate- not sure you’ve yet got any idea past. At the Republican conven- gic success experts run with it. Be- about what that means. tion, with immense audacity you cause, if out of your own personal Countries and business flourish claimed something to the effect: ignorance you mess with it, you when people flourish. We need to “Our country’s a mess; and I am will surely poison the effort and keep that focus when we speak the only one who can fix it—the only become the cause of its eventual, of “success”. If congress can’t one.” I personally would never say if not immanent, failure—which break loose from the tethers of something like that, because I’m a you will then own as the ultimate billionaire oligarchs ever focused team player and have found that, person responsible. On the other on grabbing more and more for in my experience in industry, suc- hand, if you engage this success themselves, while sticking it to cess comes by leading people to strategy and delegate the leader- the little guy leaving immense come together as a team to solve ship responsibilities wisely, you suffering for the masses, as ev- problems. However I must admit, can be the strategic winner. We idenced by almost any bill they there may be some ironic truth in want you to help make our coun- come up with; you will lose, Mr what you said. try successful, Mr President; not President—YOU! Because that tear it apart. I wouldn’t hesitate to is the antithesis of why so many Paradoxical Machiavellian fire these people that undermine millions of hardworking Amer- your effort to do that. They are icans voted for you. You need to Irony bad for America’s future. be intently cognizant of who you In a paradoxical bit of self-serv- actually represent: the people of ing Machiavellian irony, at this America, especially those who Strengths and Advantages moment in time and within our voted for you; or the political current political context, you may hacks of rich special interests who just be “the only one who can fix have captured you once they’ve it”. Of course, that would not be Strength: Your base of sup- infiltrated your office. You need porters because you know more than ev- to be vigilant about what is hap- eryone else or can come up with pening to your administration if the best plans yourself; but be- Perhaps your greatest strength, you want to be strategically suc- Mr President, is your ability to in- cause the confluence of political cessful on behalf of the American paths has placed you in a pow- spire your base of millions upon people. millions of supporters. If you em- erful enough position that, given ploy that to promote a strategical- the comprehensive vision needed ly winning program for success, Strength: Your defiant rebel for an essential strategic success you have the potential to “light character program, which I lay out below, a fierce roaring fire” under this you could just pull it off. “coin-operated” congress to ac- You’ve gotten to where you are complish these important goals by taking on and challenging the Defiance and Courage: for the people; as much as this status quo of rigid party lines and financially captured and ideolog- ideologies—you’ve undercut the It won’t be easy, because you’ll ically challenged congress is resis- “deep givens” that the Republican have to upset a lot more apple

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 18 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine carts and piss off a lot of the “old ous administration. The election and help with this strategic suc- guard” establishment Republi- is over; in your own interest, Mr cess program), but against con- cans, who may be your friends; as President, get over that blame gress in order to accomplish any- well as the party’s cabal of childish game because it just comes across thing. little ideologues who ever threat- as petty and foolish. It certainly What I mean is “easy to imple- en to “wreak everything”, includ- doesn’t qualify as strategic. ment” in a management sense, ing our country, if they don’t get You need a strategic success for example, when necessary in- their way. Are you up for this, Mr program that works and you’re frastructure, processes and pro- President? Enough of congres- going to have to stir up your mas- cedures are already in place; or sional immaturity, already! We sive base of supporters to focus when the problem is so well de- need adult thinking focused on their indignation directly at their fined, it becomes straight forward the needs of ordinary American congressional representatives and to address it in a comprehensive people, Mr President; that’s your senators over their unfair, mean way. I also mean that the impact role and you need to demonstrate and shameful response (or lack will be so broadly positive and the strength to go beyond the petty of) to the needs of the American effective that there is high prob- squabbles. people. And for real, like the fury ability that the desired outcomes For example, forget trying to expressed at the election polls, will be achieved. I will show you. “negotiate a deal” with congress we already see that happening at Ironically, you will have to over- over the sack-of-shit health care town meetings across the country. come congressional resistance by and tax bills they dump on you, People are sick of a quagmire con- leading the “people’s represen- expecting you to just suck it up gress and they are anxious to help tatives” to do the right thing for and “Sell it to the American peo- you do the right thing for them. the American people; because the ple, like you’re told to!” Although The cynics want to see you fail; Republican congress has already you’ve ‘thrown your hands up in however, I think you can still be proven they are incapable of do- the air’ and want to give up on that successful on behalf of the Amer- ing it all by themselves. in order to move onto things you ican people, if you wake up to the have a better chance of achiev- strategic advantages of this coming; your hands are not tied and prehensive vision of success. Can you do it? you’re showing too much defer- It won’t be easy. Let’s not fool our- ence and acquiescence to a con- selves. Given the behavioral and gress that has been failing Ameri- Advantage: ideological shifts this will require ca for a long time. We need you to Ease of Implementation on your part, the attachments you stand up and be strong in the face might have to pet beliefs you’ll of these perceived “defeats”. Finally, under the topic of “strengths and advantages”, let have to let go of, and the feathers Indeed, you have inherited a me emphasize one other point. you’ll have to ruffle, I’m not sure mess perpetrated by a do-nothing And that is this: ease of implemen- you’ll even want to put in what congress, whose Republican lead- tation is an inherently advanta- it takes to do it. In that case, you ership proudly exploits the tactics geous attribute of each element can just ignore all of this and con- of obstructionism, inefficiency of this integrated strategic success tinue to stumble along, trying to and gridlock, seeing them as GOP program. I don’t mean “easy” in convince everyone you’re doing virtues. This is no way to run a a political sense, where it seems what’s right, whether it’s work- railroad, let alone a country, Mr almost impossible to get anything ing or not (and blaming others President. But you can’t escape it done these days—you really are when it’s not working). That path by blaming previous administra- going to have to effectively de- doesn’t look promising in a stra- tions. Entrenched ideologues in ploy your army of supporters, not tegic sense. your own chosen political party against other Americans (many of Strategic success will take your are your nemesis; not the previ- whom may even wish to join in conviction, dedication and cour-

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 19 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine age, Mr President. I don’t believe in terms of our very continued to concern over what society and your courage has ever been test- existence and our capability of the world will be like for them. I ed in this way; so until you make functioning as a sustainable living doubt she is so disengaged that the effort, the jury’s still out on system with a society and econo- she thinks you’ll all be just fine whether you have what it takes. my that works for everyone—all tucked away above water in your But the potential rewards will be in, no one excluded. That’s the de- “golden tower”, regardless of monumental, both for the Ameri- sired outcome and that’s why this what happens to the rest of our can people and for you personal- is a strategic vision for success. American people. I’m sure she ly. Believe me, it will demonstrate Like it or not, believe it or not, has more heart and compassion wisdom, compassion, strength Mr President; the reality is that than that; and you yourself have and strategic insight, if all of it we have never been at this omi- either said or alluded to as much is followed through. It will help nous tipping-point of no return on multiple occasions, indicating steer our country in a viable direc- before in history, where all is how much you appreciate her in- tion and set the foundation for fu- close to collapsing in an unfath- sights. Share this and discuss it ture generations to have a chance omable and unrepairable way, as with her, Mr President. at accomplishing what they will I will show you below. A “BAU” Consider this metaphor, if you need to, whatever they’re facing approach will seal our fate before will. Suppose your family owned at the time. your administration is out. Yet, as stock in something called, “A fate would have it, your adminis- Viable Future”. Would you not Which parallel universe tration has come to power at this want your investment to flourish? moment in history and you per- Would you really “hedge” your will future generations as- sonally, as our leader who could investment, thinking you could sociate with your legacy? do something about it, will inherit “win” either way, by risking it all either the eternal enmity of blame and betting on a future of collapse Look at it this way, Mr President. and ignominy; or the accolades by selling the people short; which Contrary to how much money of strategic success, depending is the path we’re on now? What one makes over a short period of on the values you internalize and would your family, your kids and time, the myopic single-minded on what you actually do now. So, grandkids and theirs generations focus of corporate capitalists; stra- you have to ask yourself and your out in time, want to point back to, tegic success for American people family—not your “political ad- decades on, that their family pa- will be defined by the legacy you visors”, not Wall Street, and cer- triarch and former president of bestow on future generations. We tainly not the numskull Republi- the United States was responsible are at a crucial fork in the path to can ideologues in congress—what for? the future. Like right at this mo- side of eternity you want your Mr President, we all “own stock” ment there are two potential fu- legacy to be part of? ture universes, one or the other of of sorts in “a viable future” for all which will manifest and be effect- of us; which means we need to ed by decisions and policies we Will you do it? care for and nurture that promis- make and implement now. ing future in the present. We need You have very bright adult chil- our president to internalize that One possible universe is a night- dren, Mr President. Your young- and help us all achieve it. I’m not mare scenario of continual decent est son is a smart-looking boy yet joining those cynics who have into a living hell of massive strug- with a potentially bright future; given up on you, Mr President, gle and suffering, with no end in and you have grandchildren too, which is why I’m even taking the sight—ever. That is the universe of as do I. I hope you will share this time and effort to write this letter; “Business As Usual” (BAU). The with your most respected daugh- but I certainly will quickly drop other is what I’m calling the viable ter, in particular, as I’m sure as a any hope I might potentially hold future. And that means having a mother she is very much attuned for your collapsing presidency, if reasonable chance of succeeding © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 20 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine you don’t soon wake up to what is sion for their state of ignorance, This cuts directly to your own needed for strategic success. The you sincerely wish to help them integrity and raises profound political winds are already shift- understand these issues better questions about whether or not ing, and there definitely will be a and how to resolve them by of- you actually care about our de- major change in political fortunes fering to help educate them about mocracy, about people who are come 2018, regardless; so this is how your policies would do what struggling, even suffering, and the time to awaken and act ap- you promise? The first approach about who will benefit the most propriately now, before the win- exploits their ignorance for your from your policies: The American dow of opportunity closes. Time own selfish political gain; the people, including your support- is very short. second demonstrates that you ers; or your own self-interest and actually care about them, which self-interest of the oligarch class, Success Together: is the assumption I’ve been oper- ideologically driven or not, who ating from and this program will have been appointed to virtually Issues of Sincerity, demonstrate, if you’re behind it. all the power-holding positions of Integrity, Cynicism your administration. Mass Cynicism Further, it is apparent collective- and Self-Interest ly that you are taking a “slash- Mr President, at this point in and-burn” approach to much of Respect for your new administration there is what we as a country have built your supporters growing mass cynicism among up over decades. Rather than the public regarding the perceived carefully examining needs and Before presenting the meat of discrepancy between what you’ve modifying approaches to better this strategic success program, promised about the orientation address those needs; you and we need to come to grips with of your administration and what your administration apparently the expression of your own lack you are actually doing. You have are taking a blunt “axe” to many of sincerity and integrity; because promised to “drain the swamp” of the highly valued protections there’s no sense in pretending that of moneyed corruption; yet you and benefits that have been put in you mean what you say, when have packed your administration place to address the needs of our the skeptics and cynics have so with Wall Street insiders and ul- people and our country. This has much ammunition from your tra-rich business executives, mak- become so painful to witness, Mr own words, actions and behavior ing your promise seem laughable. President; and it is why there is so demonstrating otherwise. We’re You find yourself struggling to much resistance and so much talk talking here about real strategic come up with executive orders of political revolution, with many needs and solutions—and getting and congressional bills that fulfill searching for reasons to impeach that to stick for the long-run—not the promises you have made to you. The political landscape is something that can easily be bull- your supporters. Yet, these seem transforming as we speak and shitted away before people who to fall flat and far short of address- will be very different come 2018. are ignorant of these strategic is- ing expectations about what was sues or their implications. promised; and hence it calls into Come forth and state un- question how sincere your prom- Incidentally, why did you say, ises really were when you made equivocally what your “I love the poorly educated…”? them, and are now. intentions are Was that because they’re so easy to confuse and muddle due to If your intentions are less than their ignorance, yet you could still Do you actually care about honorable in truly addressing get them to believe in you with our democracy and the promises you’ve made to the your blustery “tough-guy” talk? people’s struggles? American people, you need to Or did that mean, with compas- come clean with those who sup- © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 21 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine ported you and tell them that, to who you really are, Mr Presi- able likelihood of realizing a via- Mr President. That means com- dent, what values you hold and ble future for them and their off- ing forth and acknowledging that share with ordinary American spring. You could certainly prove your real intent was simply to give people, and what kind of legacy me wrong about that; but I’ll take the people some hope, but with you want to be known for on out that risk. false or unfounded promises— in time. It will take all aspects of this stated with bravado to cheering Are you all for the billionaire strategic success program for this crowds—in order to get elected. class of oligarchs “harvesting” hope to come into fruition. Let That would be acknowledgment our country, under their econom- me say again, I’m not laying out of political campaign cynicism, ic and political control, for their some “proposal” for you to “pick- but admitting it early on would be own financial gains, as indeed it and-chose” and “negotiate” over; an expression of “honesty” that appears? Or are you for American “Gee I like this, but not that; and you ambitiously overstated your democracy, with individual and I don’t believe in those points.” If ability to accomplish your intend- societal health, and a fair shake your mindset is stuck there; forget ed goals. for all. These strategic differences it! Whereas, letting the lies fester on where the benefits are directed First of all, I don’t have any like an infected abscess would are incompatible. power and it would be presump- eventually be seen as a severe The strategic problems are very tuous of me to think otherwise; betrayal of the trust your sup- real; and this strategic success all I have is analytical insight and porters placed in you and your program addresses the most crit- a desire to help you see that this presidency. Right now, most still ical of these in an effective, prag- way forward will be successful support you and want to give matic way. I’m going to ignore for the American people, and for you more time; but what about the massive cynicism and proceed you personally and politically. the end point when the promises under the presumption that you This is indeed what it will take go left unfulfilled. At some point, really do care about our democra- for a healthy America with a via- they will wake up and hold you cy, want the people individually ble future. If you think otherwise, personally accountable. Like that and collectively to have agency in you will fail. You will fail the political commercial that was so their self-determination, and that American people; and your ad- devastating years ago, they’ll be you would like to see our people ministration will flounder and fail asking you: “Where’s the fucking and society be healthy, fruitful and you will find your legacy on beef, Mr President?” It gets down and prosperous, with a reason- the wrong side of eternity.

Image 26. Constitution of the United States of America © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 22 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine Vision for a Viable American Future Reframing Our Values Worldview: Money—versus—Life

which Earth’s community of life Health. He then spent many years maintains the conditions of its working for USAID and NGOs in This will challenge your core own existence; including ours. So, developing countries in the Horn assumptions about the world, Mr we must raise our awareness and of Africa and Southeast Asia, try- President; and certainly that of consciousness about the stories ing to implement what he thought the oligarchs and plutocrats who that define our culture, because was the ultimate answer to pov- make up your administration. that story serves as the basic fram- erty and suffering: American style But what I’m about is analyzing ing mechanism around which we capitalism. But he became increas- and solving problems on behalf orient our values. ingly disillusioned. of people and our living Earth; “From the depths of my con- not assuaging entrenched mis- Sacred Money and servative establishment roots,” informed ideological beliefs, re- Korten writes, “I began to gradu- gardless of how much money and Markets Story ally awaken to a troubling truth: influence are behind such beliefs. —vs— that conventional economic theo- Let’s take a “high-level” view, ry and practice is a leading cause which I believe you refer to as Sacred Life and of—not the solution to—poverty, “keeping it shallow” (meaning Living Earth Story exclusion, and environmental sys- not drilling down to many de- tem collapse. I observed that even tails, if I understand your state- as GDP grew, life for the majority ment correctly). Our health and David Korten became less secure and more des- wellbeing depend on an economy perate… I came to see a yawning The internationally-known best- that works in partnership with gap between actions that increase selling author, researcher and ed- the living Earth’s processes by economic growth and those that ucator David Korten described result in better lives for people. himself when a young adult as This difference raised a basic “a very conservative Republican” question: What would develop- who wanted to devote his life to ment look like if, instead of be- alleviating poverty by “bringing ing focused on growth of money, the knowledge of modern busi- it were truly people centered— ness management and entrepre- making people both its purpose neurship to those who had not yet and its primary instrument?” benefited from it.” After obtain- ing an MBA in international busi- Korten, to whom this para- ness and a PhD in organizational phrased presentation and quotes theory from the Stanford Busi- are credited, began researching ness School, and spending sever- and writing books based on his al years during the Vietnam War direct observations and involve- as a captain in the U.S. Air Force, ment in development, and began Image 27. David Korten, author of Change focusing “on the threefold human the Story, Change the Future; Agenda for a he taught at both the Harvard Business School and the Harvard crisis of deepening poverty, envi- New Economy; The Great Turning; & When ronmental destruction, and social Corporations Rule the World, board chair Institute for International Devel- and co-founder of YES! magazine. opment and its School of Public disintegration.” He “traced the

ic commitment to life as humanity’s defining value; one which seeks a new public culture and deeply democratic governing institutions that support an emerging vision of a thriving living earth community. This transcends ideologies and does not easily drop into some place along the conventional conservative-liberal spectrum of political preference… It calls for developing a new economics grounded in the values, logic, Image 30. Consuming ourselves to death. and lessons of healthy living sys- Image 32. The “Sacred Money and Markets Though uncontrolled capitalist commod- tems… It calls for the overarching Story” says material consumption is the ification of Mother Earth is destroying the notion of ecological civilization to path to happiness. Actually, less is more! planet, profit is considered more important. describe the comprehensive tran- Minimizing the number of things we pos- flows of nutrients, water, and en- sess and consume is shown to have signifi- sition that humanity now faces.” cant health benefits on our own mental and ergy that all its members—includ- physical well-being. Happiness is the path. ing humans—require. Sacred Money and measure of its social contribution. The services Living Earth pro- Markets Story The functions of government should vides from her healthy generative be limited to assuring the common systems are a common birthright defense, securing property rights, of all and their fruits are rightfully Essential elements of and enforcing contracts. Economic shared… This leads to a new hu- standard capitalist dogma inequality and environmental dam- man path grounded in a pragmat- — Republican and age are a regrettable but necessary and unavoidable cost of the economic Corporatist Democrats growth that is essential to eliminate poverty and to drive technological in- The Sacred Money and Markets novation needed to free us from our story thus goes: “Time is money. dependence on nature.” Money is wealth. Making money creates wealth and is a defining pur- Korten points out that, “Every pose of individuals, business, and the assertion of the Sacred Money economy. Those who make money are and Market story is false or mis- society’s wealth creators, and they leading. Though taught in uni- are rewarded with affluent lifestyles. versities throughout the nation as Material consumption is the path to objective science, it is bad ethics, happiness. Poverty is a consequence bad science, and bad economics. of laziness. We humans are by nature It is a story fabricated by corpo- individualistic competitors; which is rate funded think tanks, PR pro- Image 31. Capitalism has used Mother fessionals and economists to put a Earth as a slave to exploit. Mother earth a blessing, because the invisible hand is a living being. We need to develop new of the free market channels our in- pretty face on capitalism and gain systems of rights to include the rights not dividual and corporate competitive and maintain our acceptance of a just of humans, but of nature. “Here is your drive for financial gain to choices capitalist suicide economy—that country. Cherish these natural wonders. that maximize economic growth and is quite literally killing us. The Don’t let selfish men and greedy interests thereby the wealth and well-being of familiar story mis-defines our na- skin your country of its beauty, its riches, or all. A corporation’s profits are the ture, celebrates psychotic behav- its romance.” Theodore Roosevelt © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 25 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

ior as a virtue, and promotes an argue that greater equality creates pacity to support life and its drive to addiction to material consump- healthier societies, we argue that grow the gap between rich and poor tion we might otherwise recog- it is better for economic growth; indicates terminal system failure. nize as the sign of an empty life.” thus reinforcing the very story we The purpose of human institu- “The story is constantly repeat- must discredit and replace. We tions—whether business, governed by corporate media and it lose the future to money.” ment, or civil society—is to provide frames every news report and po- all people with the opportunity to litical debate. And it legitimates a Sacred Life and make a healthy, meaningful living legal system that gives corpora- in a balanced co-productive relation- tions more rights than people and Living Earth Story ship with Earth’s community of life. gives nature no rights at all. Se- Corporations that seek to monopolize duced by the Sacred Money and Centered on values of resources and decision-making pow- Markets story, we have become a caring and sharing for one er in the pursuit of purely financial global society of money worship- ends unburdened by the exercise of ers. The making of money has be- another and nature human conscience have no place in a come our life’s purpose, shopping The Sacred Life and Living Earth healthy society. Human institutions Story thus goes: “We humans are are human creations, which humans living beings born of and nurtured can change. Environmental sustain- by a Living Earth. Real wealth is ability, economic justice, and a living living wealth. Time is life. Money is democracy are inseparable—we have just a number useful as a medium of all of them, or we have none of them.” exchange in well-regulated markets. “This Sacred Life and Living Life exists only in community. We Earth story,” Korten emphasizes, humans are creatures of conscience “provides a framing vision for a who survive and prosper only as Living Economy that is rooted in members of a Living Earth communi- community, works with nature, Image 33. Money has become our life’s fo- ty. The prime task of any living com- meets the needs of all, and gives cus, preoccupation and purpose. munity is to maintain the conditions every person a voice in the deci- essential to the life of its members. sions on which their well-being a civic duty, financial markets our We all do best when we all do well and that of the whole depend. But moral compass, the institutions in a world that works for all. A con- in our ignorance, we have creat- of finance our temples, and econ- nection to nature and community is ed and serve an economy that omists as priests who provide us essential to our physical, mental and aggressively extracts and releas- absolution for our personal and spiritual health and well-being. It is es sequestered carbons and tox- collective sins against life.” our nature to care “Choosing money over life, we and share for the acquiesce to rule by global finan- benefit of all. cial markets gamed by high-speed Individualistic computers. These corporate ro- greed, ruthless bots reduce people and nature to competition, and commodities for sale and operate violence against as autonomous entities beyond life are indicators human control. When we con- of serious indi- cede this framing story of corpo- vidual and social rate interests, we play into the di- dysfunction. The Image 34. Healthy rural community living. The prime task of any vide-and-conquer strategy of elite economy’s assault politics. For example, rather than living community is to maintain the conditions essential to the life against Earth’s ca- of its members. © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 26 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

ins back into Earth’s atmosphere, our Living Earth waters, and soils to suppress the mother, equi- natural processes by which Liv- tably meets the ing Earth maintains the condi- needs of all peo- tions essential to our existence. ple, and supports And to what purpose? To make radical democra- money for people who already cy… Measures of have more money than they can success include possibly use… It is perhaps the indicators of the most fundamental fact of our exis- health of people, tence that without a healthy living community, and Earth, there will be no humans. nature.” The right and responsibility of Currently, Mr humans to secure the rights and President, this well-being of nature is the most manifests in a fundamental of all human rights seeming dilem- and responsibilities.” Image 36. “Scoop and poop.” Classical academic econo- ma of a progres- “For the Suicide Economy, mist’s understanding of Nature’s outside, non-integral, role sive orientation money is the defining value. Its in a commodified Mother Earth. “Scooping up raw materials focused on the institutions are structured to an- and pooping out waste” are simply not part of the “economy”. well-being of swer to computer managed glob- It is interesting to point out that when Herman Daly, prominent people, partic- al financial markets blind to the iconoclast and renegade environmental economist for years at the ularly ordinary World Bank, author of Beyond Growth: The Economics of Sustain- needs of life. But the institutional working class able Development, 1996, tried to establish a simple cultural shift in structures of corporate oligarchy thinking with a preanalytic worldview of the economy as a subsys- people; and the tem constrained by nature, merely wanting to put the above outer totalitarian right, box diagrammatically around the economy (shaded) box, their focused on oli- Chief Economist and political higher ups would have none of it. garchic corpo- The World Bank wanted to keep the concept vague enough to rate power and keep it form cutting into business as usual ideological dogma— control. The dis- pushing loans in the interest of export-led growth and global in- tegration. They insisted that the only correct preanalytic vision of turbing truth is the economy was with the current paradigm, diagrammatically that “democra- as an isolated system (shaded box only) floating in infinite space cy”, as we know receiving “inputs” from nowhere and exporting “wastes” to no- it, is “largely a where. This allowed them to define as “desirable” such suicidal charade orga- goals as maximizing the present value of monetized expansion; nized and ma- making the economy grow as fast as possible by speeding up the Image 35. Computer managed global finan- nipulated by flow of energy and materials through it, thus permitting people to cial markets are blind to the needs of life. speak of “sustainable growth”—a clear oxymoron. Present value corporate money maximization can lead to “optimal liquidation” of natural resourc- to convince us have never been more vulnerable. es, the higher the discount rate the sooner the liquidation. Of that indentured The foundation of their power is course, this expansion and growth theory of development destroys servitude to cap- rapidly eroding as the seductive the ecological capacity of the earth to support life in the future. italism and the promises of the Sacred Money and The future is discounted and simply doesn’t factor into policy. suicide economy Markets story lose credibility and alignment with the structures and is freedom.” processes of Living Earth. This people everywhere are relearning It’s a false dichotomy when we requires that we replace a money the arts of living in co-productive actually enlighten the adherents centered suicide economy with a community with one another and regarding the need to focus on life centered living economy that nature… We must learn to live, authentic values, including the with appropriate humility, in restores and sustains the health of © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 27 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine future, and employ valid assump- system that, when working prop- tions regarding the core problems erly, theoretically serves as an ex- we face as a nation, society and change measure setting the price humanity; and strategic solutions on “exchange values”. When ev- that benefit everyone on out in erything is monetized, however, time. To do that, we need further it leads society to the mindset that analytical clarity. the all-important price makes everything for sale; to privatize real Real Wealth wealth, commodify it, securitize it, and profit from another specu- —vs— lative frenzy. Phantom Wealth But Living Earth is beyond price and she is not for sale; and her rights must come before all other Real Wealth rights, not only because we are all dependent on her health, but in The world has a foundation of the moral foundation of her own real wealth grounded in the living intrinsic right. wealth of living people and communities in a living Earth. Real wealth includes land, fertile soils, Phantom Wealth Image 38. “The system by which money is clean air and water, nature, our created and allocated is the ultimate instru- labor, ideas, technology, physi- Unfortunately, policies that fa- ment of social control in modern society. cal infrastructure, tools, and all vor Wall Street speculation have The simple premise is that the only legiti- the essentials of human living. severed the money economy from mate purpose of an economy is to support Overlaid on the stock and condi- the living real wealth economy. people in meeting their needs for the basic tion of our real wealth is a money Money used to be made primar- goods and services needed for a full and healthy life in ways that are dignified and ily from productive investments; spiritually fulfilling. If existing economic investments that produce things institutions fail to fulfill this purpose, it is we need and actually help so- the democratic right of the people to change ciety by creating jobs. Over the them. The corrupted life-destroying phan- past few decades however, the tom-wealth Wall Street money system must financial system has been gamed be replaced with a life-serving living-wealth to increase the nominal stock of Main Street money system that favors life values over financial values, roots power in money at the expense of produc- people and community, and supports local tive investments. We have given resilience and self-organization within a private financial institutions—the framework of living markets and living de- rentiers of money—the power to mocracy.” David Korten Image 37. The Creation of Money And Illu- create money by establishing instruments, and their derivatives) sion of Wealth. “Banks create money out of terest-bearing debt accounts out that far exceed the real wealth thin air by loaning it into existence. Increas- of a thin air “double-entry ac- ing the money in the market creates infla- that undergirds them; making for tion. This also means the system is required counting maneuver”; meaning a debt pyramid whose systemic to continually grow in order to offset this they can loan money they don’t risk of collapse continues to in- inflation. We have given the power over our really have, with leverage factors crease until it starts to come apart, currency to private companies — they are 10, 20 even 30 or more times the as it did in 2008. Now, financial greedy black holes, constantly starved for actual cash they hold. This has led institutions loan massive amounts more. The good news for them is they can to hundreds of trillions of dollars of money to each other for the sole create more money. The bad news for us is of “financial assets” (securities, in- that they can create more money.” purpose of oligarchs trading own- © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 28 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

ership of these financial assets, “The phantom-wealth economist constraint… In a living economy, producing nothing of real value; gives priority to managing mon- the goal is not simply to avoid and with a smoke-and-mirrors ey to maximize financial returns, causing living systems harm. It is structure, they continually “secu- fails to recognize that money is a to work with them in ways that ritize” these loans and their deriv- claim on real capital—but not cap- actively increase their health and atives with the same instruments ital itself—and mistakenly treats productivity to the benefit of all for which they borrow the money money as the critical economic species.” to buy them and bet on changes in constraint.” Human capital, social capital and their “market value”. “The living-wealth economist rec- intellectual capital consist of hu- The Sacred Money and Markets ognizes that for a society that cre- manity’s accumulated common myth says that this is equivalent ates its own money supply, mon- heritage. Social capital involves the to creating “wealth”. But money itself is a false constraint. He or relationships of trust and caring ey is not real wealth; it is merely she will instead seek to maximize that allow individual humans to a number in a computer some- living returns to the various forms function as an organized society. where that represents a potential of real capital: biosystem, human, claim against the procurement of social, intellectual, and infrastruc- real wealth. It is phantom wealth. ture. Those who have learned how to game the system, including with their ever increasing political Real Capital clout, have managed to continu- The biosystem capital includes ally increase and concentrate their those things produced by Earth’s unfathomable unearned claims nonhuman biosystems, includ- against real wealth relative to the ing a stable climate, breathable rest of society. Based on bogus Image 40. “Living Conversation” — Living cultivation of memory in the community economic model assumptions, relational context of trust. and organized around the logic of finance rather than the logic of liv- It is the essential foundational ing systems, the resulting phan- core of democracy; and it is the tom-wealth economics serves as moral force behind election in- the ideological arm of the sui- tegrity and a functioning politi- cide economy. “Phantom-wealth cal system. It brings us together economists teach and celebrate in all our rich human diversity the moral code of the psychopath, to discover our commonality. We consistently put the interests of deplete social capital when we Wall Street banksters ahead of the monetize relationships, promote interests of living societies, and an individualistic culture of greed ignore the political implications of and materialism, and deprive Image 39. Living Earth’s capacity to contin- economic-policy choices… With all but a privileged minority of uously regenerate biosystem capital is the only a short-term perspective, ultimate resource constraint. access to a secure and dignified they insist that economics is a set- means of living and a healthy life. tled science and focus on financial Once depleted, the relationships air, drinkable water, fertile soils, returns rather than returns to the of trust that are the foundation healthy forests and grasslands, health of people and the rest of na- of social capital can take decades, and oceans teaming with fish. ture.” The frame itself establishes even generations, to restore. Living Earth’s capacity to con- even what is meant by progress tinuously regenerate biosystem Infrastructure capital consists and prosperity. capital is the ultimate resource of all the various forms of hu-

man-built and human-manufac- phantom wealth. tured capital, including buildings They pride them- and transportation systems, tools selves on their and machinery, and other hu- ability to extract man-produced physical structure quick out-sized, unearned profits from computer-driven arbi- trage, deception, insider trading, asset bubbles, speculation, corporate-asset stripping, and Image 43. The Occupy Wall Street movement began when other socially a group of demonstrators gathered in New York’s financial Image 41. Railway infrastructure, track re- unproductive district on September 17, 2011 to protest against corrup- pair crew. financial games tion, the unjust distribution of wealth in the country, and unburdened by the excessive influence of big corporations on US policies. essential to a healthy and produc- the obligation “FBI raiding homes of Occupy activists”, read the headlines of a tive human society. All forms of to produce any- US newspaper. The paper revealed that the FBI has been raiding the infrastructure capital require and thing of value in houses of anti-Wall Street protesters in Oregon and Washington in what the agency describes an “ongoing violent crime investigation.” depend on the availability of the return. In con- Yet not one Wall Street executive has been charged with any- other four forms of real capital. trol of massive thing related to the 2008 crash; at most, these capitalist financial Public investments in public infra- financial assets, corporations pay a tax-deductible (subsidized) fine out of their structure to address public needs they buy and massive cash reserves. Until such “white-collar” criminal actions and the common good should be sell the corpora- are taken seriously enough to prosecute the actual people perpe- publicly financed, discussed fur- tions that hold trating the crimes, we will continue to see this kind of corruption. ther below as one of the four core title to a major tors, and persons of high net worth. strategic success elements. portion of the world’s productive I believe that money is wealth, in- Present-day Wall Street insti- real-wealth resources. They hire equality is good for growth, corporate tutions have no interest in either and fire managers at will, seeking mergers and acquisitions create bene- real-wealth investment or any liv- ones willing to manage for the ex- ficial economies of scale, and unregu- ing community; they’re all about clusive short-term benefit of Wall lated market forces drive the creation Street banksters. This is a source and application of beneficial technolo- of the system’s worse perversion. gies to end human dependence on nature and eliminate nature as a barrier Capitalism and the to perpetual economic growth. Suicide Economy I believe capitalism is what democracy, freedom and liberty mean. The Capitalist’s Creed Fraudulent Memes— Image 42. Wells Fargo — exemplifies a cul- I believe in economic growth, free Hollow meaning where ture of greed and corruption on Wall Street. markets, deregulation, the privatiza- nothing is “free” Irrespective of criminal activity, which so tion of public assets and services, the many of these large institutions engage in; systemic corruption is inherent in the mo- unrestricted global flow of goods and What most economists put forth tivation and reward system of the entire fi- investment, and a reduction of taxes as settled “economic science” is nancial industrial complex. on corporations, investors, specula- © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 30 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine grounded in moral bankruptcy source of Republican corporatist bestowed on society, according and intellectual fraud. We are dogma; duped into thinking that to fraudulent capitalist propagan- operating under a terminally de- is what true American patriotism da. Look after the interests of the structive system that commod- is all about. richest of the rich and society will ifies and monetizes all of life. Its David Korten, in his rewritten come out ahead from the crumbs language is dishonest and steals 2015 “20th Anniversary Edition” that are supposed to “trickle meaning. (3rd edition) of his 1995 classic in- down” due to increased economic For example, there’s nothing ternational bestseller, When Cor- activity and job growth. “free” about “free markets” or porations Rule the World, points This is just old-fashioned Repub- “free trade” or “free enterprise”. out descriptively and accurately lican economics: Tax breaks and Although the intent is to posi- the sobering reality that in the 20 subsidies for people who don’t tion these memes in one’s mind years since the first edition was need it—simultaneously praising to falsely infer well-functioning published: (fraudulently) the oligarchs and true market economies, guided Corporate power is now more con- plutocrats for their own success; by some “invisible hand”; all they centrated and operates ever further with cuts in programs, services, really mean is “free of rules that beyond human control. Its exercise is benefits and protections for the might limit abuses of corporate more reckless. Its political domination middle class, the elderly, children, power.” They are memes that exis more complete. Its consequences the disabled, sick and poor, and ploit ignorance and dupe suckers; more devastating. And system col- nature — simultaneously deni- while carrying on like it couldn’t lapse is more certain and imminent… grating them and their dignity for be more “American apple pie, The consolidation of power in a global being lazy, taking something they economy ruled by corporations poses Motherhood, and God” (“invisi- didn’t earn, and blaming them for a growing threat to markets, democ- ble hand”?). See Thomas Frank’s racy, humans, and life itself. their own failure. They equate all book, One Market Under God: Ex- that with the rational-sounding treme Capitalism, Market Populism, meme “fiscal responsibility”, ac- and the End of Economic Democracy, Capitalism: companied with lies about how 2000. Growing money for those good it will be for the country’s These memes are empty of con- who already have economic growth. It’s a totally fraudulent and immoral story tent related to their label-words. the most money They are designed to keep the perpetrated on society by corporatist oligarchs and their media unwary and uninformed tethered We are relentlessly sold the PR henchmen. It just doesn’t work to the Sacred Money and Market façade that capitalism is the glob- out that way. story, and have them repeat the al champion of human liberty, story like a memorized creed over democracy, and the market econ- and over out of ignorance, unjus- omy. Yet, what it really means is Capitalism is a real wealth tified pure “belief”, and obsequi- “rule by money”; specifically, real extractor and concentrator, ous fealty to those capitalist over- capitalism is the “rule of society by harvesting and monetizing lords they’ve been taught to look the owners of capital for their ex- global real capital. up to all their lives. Although they clusive private benefit.” Indeed, are among the class that typical- there is but one myopic goal You won your presidency by ly gets shorted, the 99%, they are driving this monstrous economic appealing to the sense of indig- expected to proselytize the Sacred impact on the world—growing nation felt by the working people Money and Market story narra- more money as fast as possible for who supported you, Mr Presi- tive of the 0.1% billionaire class those who already have the most dent, the people who have been like a parade banner on behalf money and hence economic and left out. And you affirmed to of the feudal capitalist oligarchs political control—out of which all them that “the system is rigged” they uncritically look to as the good, they argue, is supposedly against them. This is how the sys-

tem is rigged against the interests and the needs of community, soci- to offer. It’s a perverted immoral of ordinary working people. And ety and nature are left wanting, as system designed to make money resistance to it is all about people they are being rendered extreme for oligarchs by harvesting life in being able to change the power and lasting damage. This even in- all its forms. structure in order to participate cludes the meat-hooks it has dug in it and refocus it on the needs of into human capital, with genera- people, communities and the rest tions of young folks trying to get of nature—that’s what is known ahead with a decent education, as real democracy. What do you which should be understood as stand for, Mr President? a human right and public benefit for the good of society; yet they end up in hock to Wall Street banksters for decades with such a financial drag the feudal banks Image 46. Why I’m telling some of my stu- really do “own” dents not to go to college. Demonstrators their lives, opin 2012 burn their student loan bills on the tions and mo- Hollywood Walk of Fame to protest the rising cost of higher education. Image 44. Ordinary working people include the women and men bility well on first responders, like these from the Columbus, Ohio, Fire De- into middle age It is essential that you under- partment, as part of our socially constructed system of commu- or longer. This nity protection. Capitalist dogma would have all of these public stand, contemplate and internal- services privatized and available only to those wealthy enough to is not freedom! ize this, Mr President, if you have pay for them privately while their neighbor’s house burns to the And it includes any desire for strategic success on ground. profiting im- behalf of even yourself and fam- mensely off of ily, let alone the rest of America In fact, capitalism as a societal people’s health needs and their you’ve purported to care for. We organizing system pays no atten- suffering, as it extracts everything are talking about the very health tion to its impact on the world they own while minimizing the of our society—our political and endeavors to eliminate or benefits and coverage it purports health, popula- limit any constraints on this sin- tion health, eco- gle focused goal. It is a real wealth logical health, extractor and concentrator, har- and economic vesting and monetizing global health. Capital- real capital; while seizing legal ism is a system control of the assets of countries design with an and communities that are put up intrinsic goal as collateral for operating and in- that extracts all frastructure loans from this ever of the rewards growing debt pyramid that can for those at the never be paid back. The outcome top while in- is unaccountable financial institu- curring none tions sucking up control of ever of the risks or more of the planet’s resources, so- Image 45. Millennials across the country are worried about han- costs—it’s called cieties, governments and people; dling tens of thousands of dollars of student debt. What to do if “socialism for while people increasingly suffer you’re sued by a student lender or debt collector? capitalists” with © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 32 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

“austerity for people and society”. its claims over the remaining real beyond the reach of democrat- wealth of human society. ic accountability. This illogical, morally perverse, anti-democratic, anti-life legal perversion pres- No moral compass ents a major barrier to advancing Capitalism is a suicide economy, a transition to peace, justice, sus- grounded in an elitist ideology of tainability, democracy, and a liv- individualism supported by an ing economy grounded in sound institutional system devoted to market principles. the concentration and abuse of Corporations serve as a pow- wealth for the exclusive benefit er-amplifying device in the hands of a private ruling oligarchy. If it of their oligarch owners and ex- isn’t corralled in through societal ecutives. You and the Republican Image 47. A massive impact on our econo- action before; it will eventually Party have installed an avowed my from fraudulently rubber-stamped bank collapse entirely around the phys- corporatist into a stolen Supreme foreclosures. The banks got richer while ical constraints of our living Earth Court seat, Mr President; while former homeowners were booted onto the causing irreparable damage that diverting attention away from the streets; many families from homes that current and future generations moral abomination of the impacts have been in their family for generations. will suffer from. of this system on society with “Show Me The Note” is quite a valid request. hollow and vain rightwing plati- According to the Federal Reserve banks, Even our system of law, like that and printed in their banking rulebooks, based on the feudal principle of tudes about how “moral” it is for money is created when a person (you) signs the “Divine Right of Kings” sup- this “placeholder justice” to hold a contract (promissory note) with a bank.. posedly ordained by God centu- down other ideological frauds The bank sells your note (promissory note that allow some to dominate oth- or deed) to the Federal Reserve the min- ries ago, provides deference and fealty to capital and its institu- ers under the guise of “religious ute you sign it, and the Fed then gives that freedom”—an ugly moral fraud. bank the amount that it then “loans” to you. tions. Capitalism is our neo-feu- Therefore, the bank is at a balance of $0.00 dal system-design for society. dollars at the point of inception and pay- Moral fraud ment for your loan. Remember, this is how Contemporary legal practice features a roughly equivalent money is “created” according to the Federal One of those frauds is that Re- Reserve banking rules and regulations. The principle: the “Divine Right of Cap- problem that these banks have is that they ital”—more specifically the divine publicans and rightwing religious no longer hold the note (title) to your home, right of money-seeking corporate fundamentalists should be able because they’ve chopped up the mortgages robots to rule over people and the to use the levers of government and placed the parts into various derivative rest of nature. Its application gives to legally subvert every woman’s financial instruments based on the per- inherent moral agency regarding ceived risk level. an artificial legal entity created by living people to serve living com- Further, capitalism amplifies munities the right to destroy life the impact, power and reach of to make money for other corpo- phantom wealth with “financially rate entities. engineered” products that create It is the product of a series of deci- nothing of real value to society in sions by a corporatist US Supreme return while extracting unearned Court, extended and codified by profits, like a neo-feudal “privat- global agreements (misleadingly ization tax” on society. It gathers labeled trade pacts) written and in more and more control by sim- promoted by corporate lobbyists Image 48. The right to an abortion is rooted ply growing money from money to place corporations even further in women’s moral agency as human beings. as rentiers of money, increasing Willie Parkder, MD © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 33 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

cling to regarding questions of regarding jobs: Eliminate as many morality; which is itself morally of them as possible; and push confused, vacuous and repugnant the wages and benefits for the to anyone who values the moral remainder as far down as pos- notions of human liberty and in- sible—except of course for top dividual rights. It’s a thin moral management compensation (the pinnacle and people are sick of skimming of obscene amounts the claims its adherents continu- of money off the enormous cash ally make as to its pseudo-righ- flows they “manage” and the ma- teousness and their efforts to have nipulation of stock prices through it dominate all discussions of unproductive buy-backs). Ever morality, including by Supreme less returns to people and greater Court Justices. returns to the owners of capital. Image 49. Sister Joan Chittister, pointing Regarding the real moral issues The myopic capitalist goal of out the ‘pro-life’ hypocrisy of rightwing of our time with the broadest of eliminating people from the pro- ‘birth’ fanatics dominating women’s choice. impacts, every pro-corporate or ductive economy is merely to fur- her own body and her reproduc- pro-religious bigotry decision ther enrich the oligarch executives tive liberties and choices with that swings that way by a sin- and owners of both phantom and their own beliefs. And of course, gle-vote Court majority from the real capital. Two Harvard profes- this even extends to human sexu- stolen Court seat will forever be sors (School of Business and JFK ality, pregnancy prevention, and tainted by an asterisk footnote of School of Government) write in a gender identity in general; all of democratic invalidity, subject to 2009 Washington Post op-ed: which they wish to control across subsequent redress by the people “Since roughly the mid-1980s, the society under the ruse of “reli- through later court decisions, leg- American public corporation has been gious freedom”—meaning dom- islation, and constitutionally clar- run primarily for the purpose of cre- ination by some to remove free- ifying amendments, especially ating vast wealth for its senior execu- doms from others. about the farcical “personhood” tives. True, executives have also sought of a legal fiction called a “corpo- to produce a return for shareholders ration” in order to subvert and and to deliver useful products or ser- steal the essence of constitution- vices to customers. And, of course, their businesses do provide jobs. But al rights our founding document these concerns, for the most part, have has bestowed and ensured for real been ancillary to the primary objective people. Time will be telling regard- of enriching those at the very top.” ing its impact on a viable future for us all. NAFTA, TPP and TTIP

Global Corporate Korten uses NAFTA (North Image 50. LGBTQ Rights, including the right to marry, are human rights in which Rule—The fraud of American Free Trade Agreement), moral agency belongs to the individuals in- after which the TPP (Trans-Pacific volved, not to be decided or discriminated “Free Trade” memes Partnership) and TTIP (Transat- against by any religious sect. and its impact on lantic Trade and Investment Part- nership) are modeled, to illustrate Domination of human sexuality people the widening gap between what by religious beliefs is not the mor- International “free trade” agree- capitalism promises and what it al foundation of our society. Yet, ments have one purpose: to ad- delivers. Contrary to popular dog- this seems to be the only “home vance the consolidation of global ma, capitalism doesn’t promote a base” Republicans tenaciously corporate rule, with two agendas true market economy; it extends © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 34 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

and deepens the corporate control nesses were destroyed; many dis- nation; drives a continued race to of markets and resources to expro- placed by US big-box corporate the bottom on wages, social safety priate ever more of society’s real retailers selling goods imported nets, and labor and environmental wealth at the expense of working from Asia. Mexican agriculture in standards; and increases systemic people, taxpayers, and the rest of particular suffered massive losses risk and instability… The rich get nature. with cheap subsidized US corn richer and the rest struggle with NAFTA advocates, Korten flooding Mexico, wiping out local unemployment, low wages, job documents as a prime example, family farms who were the guard- insecurity, loss of social safety “promised the agreement would ians and caretakers of genetic seed nets, and the health consequences increase net US exports and cre- diversity growing multiple variet- of poor diets and toxic contamina- ate 170,000 new jobs in the U.S. ies, which succumb to subsidized tion. in its first two years. It would be monocrops. The system is designed to “har- a bonanza for US farmers, im- Capitalism has but one driving vest” society by extracting its prove environmental standards goal: to increase the financial as- financial claims on real wealth throughout North America, lift sets of the world’s richest people. into ever more concentration of Mexico to a first-world-level of financial assets among the few economic prosperity and stability, corporations and oligarchs at the and significantly reduce undocu- top. Not only did the bottom 90 mented immigration from Mexico percent not benefit from the post to the United States. The promises 2008-crash recovery, for example; proved false on every account.” a portion of their previous income In its first four years 28,000 small was redistributed upward to the and medium sized Mexican busi- top 10 percent. The biggest takers were the top 1 percent, who captured 95 percent of the total gains, with most of that going to the top 0.1 percent. The paradigm is “extract, accumulate and concentrate”. The basic pattern is global Image 52. “Capitalism has gone from being and worsened in the subsequent a radical economic theory to being seen in years of 2013 and 2014. Nothing the U.S. as the be-all and end-all of eco- has changed, as we can see by nomic thought. Any capitalistic economic what the current Republican con- system ascribes values to certain actions, gress is presenting “to help Amer- creating a moral framework wherein certain ica be great again.” actions, say the accumulation of capital, are worth more than others, like providing for This is the last big grab by an the poor. The economy effects our moral unprecedented Republican gov- decision making, often without us knowing, ernmental wrecking crew that and many people simply act as if that is the is playing for keeps on behalf of way it has to be. It is important to re-couple the economy and moral systems in people’s oligarchs and plutocrats. It is at- Image 51. American cartoon caricature minds. They are not two separate things, tempting to manifest a final and critical of capitalism, published in the 1911 and should not be treated as such.” The permanent harvest of the real edition of Industrial Worker. The graph- Blowhard News wealth, power and control of our ic focus is on social stratification by social country, the world, and our plan- class and economic inequality—Capitalism The rest is unintended collateral etary living systems by exploiting (Money Bag on Top): We rule you; We fool damage… The consolidation of the power of financial corporate you; We shoot at you; We eat for you; while global corporate rule reduces lo- capitalism to extract, accumulate, ‘We the People’ Work for all and Feed all. cal self-reliance and self-determi- © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 35 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine grow and concentrate phantom the stress of their ever-increasing ex- life for the sole purpose of ad- financial wealth. These are un- cess.” vancing control by the richest imaginable crimes against future The institutions and theories of among us of the declining pool of generations by enemies of a via- the suicide economy have only the the real wealth of the living Earth ble and just future. But Korten en- power we yield to them. We have they are systematically killing. In courages us with his far-reaching every right to reclaim our pow- the end-game encounter with the insight to tenaciously hold onto er and move forward—as many imperial institutions of elite rule, our vision for a better future. billions of people are already do- we the people hold the ultimate “As we awaken to our creative po- ing—to grow the culture and in- advantage: We have the moral au- tential and the dark future we have stitutions of a living economy for thority of an authentic and truth- created for ourselves, we embark on a living Earth, and ultimately to ful story that lives in the human the most profound and exciting course reclaim the unearned real-wealth heart and calls us to recognize our change in human history. Although the assets these institutions have ex- higher nature. Our story unmasks outcome is uncertain, the interlocking propriated. the moral and intellectual corrup- institutional structures of capitalism tion of the institutions of the sui- Furthermore, they are fast losing and the suicide economy are far more cide economy and the economic vulnerable than they seem. They are credibility as awareness spreads and legal theories that support it. inherently unstable, unable to self-cor- that they engage in a war against rect, and destined to collapse under

A Living Pragmatic Strategic Success Program for a Viable American Future Living: ing Earth Story and its relationship Preparing the to real wealth, as opposed to the Ground This relates to the previous dis- phantom wealth of growing mon- cussion about focusing on life; ey for the financialrentiers of mon- specifically the Sacred Life and Liv- ey. Money means nothing in the Terminology long-term if it is not in support It is very important we share the of the process- proper and same meaning of key es that sustain a words in this discussion for our healthy society mutual clarity and understand- and planet—the ing, Mr President. To be strategi- desired outcome cally successful you must let go for success. of your tendency of trying to alter meaning of words and phrases you use that muddle and con- Pragmatic: fuse the people. Those are merely small-thinking tactics and have I use this term no place in this strategic think- Image 53. Let’s be clear; what we’re talking about here is a pro- primarily in gram that affects and benefits everyone, not just the poor, working ing—we want clarity, not confu- terms of efficacy poor, and those needing public assistance. We are talking about a of the program sion. So, I will define precisely the viable American future for all, including all races and economic meanings I intend in this presen- status, such as working professionals, business owners and entre- elements and tation as follows: preneurs. their relative

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 36 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

ease of implementation through Strategic: strategic. policy legislation, leveraging cur- For example, looking briefly rent governance management Strategic connotes great impor- at each of the four strategic el- structures and processes when at tance, comprehensiveness, inte- ements, starting with our de- all possible to achieve the strate- grated whole, time-critical urgen- mocracy; the health status of our cy and long-term democracy is ill and in a state of results, and decline through a faulty election broad scope and system and the corrupting influ- seriousness of ence of money. Without a healthy threats and im- functioning democracy, the peo- pacts—especial- ple are frozen out of meaningful ly when crucial engagement and participation in to our survival. political power and the political These include the decision-making process, which deterioration of in turn affects the viability of our the health of our future and our ability to solve oth- people, our soci- er important problems focused on ety, our planet, people and the public common our democracy good. As noted earlier, oligarchs Image 54. This means middle class families in the suburbs. and governance, are only interested in getting more and the viability for themselves at the expense of gic goals. It means dumping inef- of our future. ordinary people and the common fectual, false, mythical and fraud- The four policy elements inte- social good in general. ulent ideological beliefs that have gral to this pro- so polluted current and past program address posed legislation—designed more core gateway is- to implement favored ideologies sues that affect than solve problems—in favor of all of us, now more effective and economically and in the future. efficient approaches that actually They are broad do solve problems. My intent is in scope and ex- to purposely transcend the per- tent of impact. If petual political morass and stag- addressed prop- nation our congress is mired in, erly in a timely which confuses understanding manner, they and impedes progress, in order to facilitate effec- Image 55. It means American families with immigrant roots. focus on solving real problems in a tive solutions to real time frame of urgency. Amer- a broad range of other societal Secondly, the health of our pop- ica cannot afford to continue on challenges; if not addressed, they this ineffectual status quo path. ulation is in decline and thus far block the possibility of solving efforts to address it are sucking We must be able to implement many other problems and indeed strategically effective solutions to the financial life out of ordinary lead to our eventual and mutual working-class and middle-class the serious problems that beset us demise. Of course, we are beset and that will surely sink our op- people, while exasperating in- with lots of issues that are not only equality. People are sinking un- portunities for a viable future if important, but serious; but not as not addressed soon. der its weight. This represents gateway issues that are crucial to two aspects of injustice: unnec- a broad range of problems—that essary suffering when beset with is what makes these four elements © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 37 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

omy is literally ies to skim off immense personal sucking the life wealth from the global cash flows, out of our soci- which is why there are so many ety and nations billionaires whose wealth grows across the globe exponentially). When it comes to as phantom the public good, this corrupt and money-wealth harmful structure affects the very increases (expo- purpose and goal of public invest- nentially) while ment—is it to grow more phan- becoming ever tom wealth for already concen- more concentrated money? Or, is the purpose Image 56. It affects traditional American families. trated in the of public investment to address medical conditions, which could hands of a few public needs for infrastructure, be prevented or addressed medi- oligarchs. Under the current sys- health and education, among oth- cally; and, the extreme dispropor- tem structure the power of mon- er things, while retaining public tionate financial burden it places ey creation is privatized, meaning ownership and returns to the public on people who least can afford it. evermore concentration of wealth treasury—not financial capitalists. and power and that ownership of Third, we are facing the certain We must assume ultimate re- prospect of a runaway climate sponsibility for our strategic de- with unfathomable and deepen- cisions and actions that are exis- ing loss of life-serving ecosystem tential by their very nature in that functioning, societal infrastruc- they relate to our continued ex- ture, personal property, and real istence as a well-functioning and societal wealth. Further, our mil- sustainable civilization. Without itary and national defense team proper strategic solutions that ad- have long known and identified dress these strategic issues, our huge implications of climate society will be increasingly crip- pled in the long-run and unable Image 58. Perhaps a busy parent is trying to to meet the needs of the future. get work done at home while carring for the young children.

real capital (and phantom wealth claims against real capital) is in the hands of a few, out of reach for the public common good unless public assets become collateral for loans with subsequent Image 57. It means parents who are sharing claims of private ownership by and juggling work and family care responsi- private financial institutions—all Image 59. It means successful managers bilities. Perhaps dad stays home to care for while reaping unearned profits and business owners who live in upper mid- the kids, while mom works to pay the bills. through the mechanisms of debt dle-class neighborhoods, like this largely on projects for the public com- African American community in Mitchell- ville, Maryland. change for our national security mon good. The Constitution, Ar- and military facilities, equipment ticle I §8, gives Congress the pow- Success: and operations. er to “coin money”, which it has Finally, as expounded upon ear- abrogated to the private financial Strategic success means achieving lier, our capitalist suicide econ- elite (enabling these functionar- strategic goals that address interre- © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 38 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

sures of proficiency, efficiency, ef- fectiveness, and measures of outcome. They know about military failures that might have been “effective” in doing something, but end up with disastrous outcomes nonetheless. Each of the four strategic success program elements below properly defines and addresses these aspects of success. Image 60. It means middle class renters living in the big city. In fact, I’ve purposely grouped lated strategic threats in order to them by their related strategic manifest desired outcomes on be- goal; and hence appropriate “mea- half of the interests of the Amer- sure of outcome” by which the success of each should ultimately ican people, including your sup- Image 62. “Inequality and Opportunity in porters Mr President. be evaluated: Healthy Democracy; America”, by Dominic Rushe: “Fran works Healthy Population; Healthy En- six days a week in fast food, and yet she’s Ask your military generals about vironment; and Healthy Economy. homeless: ‘It’s economic slavery’.” “measures of merit”, such as mea- If we get on the right track with these strategic goals, undergirded by the values of a living economy, we as a nation will be in a viable position to tackle the other immense challenges we currently face, and those that our children, grandchildren and their succes- sors will be facing as time goes on. This is not something you or your staff has, can or will define in an acceptable manner, Mr President; regardless of grandiose proclamations you or others may make for whatever you do. For example, you’ve recently taken an initiative on what you’ve called “election integrity” and as- signed leadership of that effort to people who by their very beliefs, previous actions and orientation will spell disastrously inadequate, even harmful results; yet, Image 61. And it means a viable future for American families struggling to make enough you will be tempted to grasp at from their wages merely to be able to afford a two-bedroom rental unit, without paying anything they come up with and more than 30% of their income. This graphic demonstrates how that changes with geo- call it “success” just so you can graphic location, showing by state the average hourly wage that a household must earn say you’ve done something. If working full time all year, in order to afford the fair market rent. That’s $26.65 per hour in you want America, and you your- California; $19.89 in Colorado; and $13.66 in Alabama. So, depending on where you live, a $15 minimum wage may not even cover it; and the current minimum wages that are below self Mr President, to be strategical- $10/hour doesn’t cut it in any state. ly successful you cannot just say

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 40 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

ing thinkers as Bill McKibben. You are very knowledgeable McKibben notes that we are now about those areas of business; in living on a fundamentally altered fact, you’ve been well educated planet, still recognizable but fun- about finance and real estate with damentally different, which he a degree from the Wharton School calls and spells as “Eaarth” to con- at the University of Pennsylvania. note the similarity and difference In my MBA program, especial- (Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough ly in finance classes, we learned New Planet, 2010, Times Books). that Wharton is one of the top And others like my friend and programs in finance in the nation professor of environmental ethics, and I have high respect for their Allen Thompson, who explore graduates. Even though I have philosophically-deep implica- an MBA, however, you wouldn’t want me to make buy-sell deci- Image 64. Allen Thompson, Oregon State tions of human flourishing in the University: “Never before has the collective shifting age of global warming; sions about any of your vast and impact of human behaviors threatened all where our values ought to com- successful real estate holdings, be- of the major biosystems on the planet. De- mit us to a robust understand- lieve me! Not because I don’t know cisions we make today will have significant ing of the ethical implications anything about it; but because I consequences for the basic conditions of all these changes engender and what hold no specific expertise or expe- life into the indefinite future. What should should become of us humans in rience in that area and would like- we do? How should we behave? In what ly fuck things up royally! ways ought we organize and respond? The such a future (Ethical Adaptation to future of the world as we know it depends Climate Change: Human Virtues of That doesn’t mean I’m stupid on our actions today.” From his new anthol- the Future, 2012, MIT Press). and couldn’t learn what was in- ogy with co-author Stephen Gardiner, The volved, given enough time and Oxford Handbook of Environmental Ethics. tutoring; it just means I don’t real- future; and how human virtue is Ignorance and Stupidity: ly know anything about it and I’m embedded in our relations to the When using these words, I do smart enough to admit that; and Earth’s ecology—it is crucial that not mean for them to convey further, I do not let my ego in any we think of human excellence eco- any insult; but to convey a state way be attached to that state of ig- logically. A viable future connotes of mind. So, it is important to be norance. It just is what it is. Hey, and implies systemic attributes clear on their meaning in a way there’s lots of stuff I don’t know. of maturity, emergence, nimble- that should not be interpreted as Being stupid or dumb, on the oth- ness, resilience, durability, sturdi- offensive when I use them. er hand, mean lacking the ability ness, stability, hardiness and ro- to absorb ideas or impressions, or bustness. We must shift our own Ignorance means lack of knowl- lacking in intelligence or reason- self-conception from individualis- edge, comprehension and aware- ing ability, which may be congen- tic consumers to neighbors, com- ness in general and/or about ital or a temporary state. munity and citizens who embrace something in particular. Mr Pres- Mr President, I don’t think you mutual aid, help and assistance ident, I am not ignorant in gen- are stupid; but you are ignorant for everyone. Our current capital- eral, but I certainly am ignorant about many things, like I am. ist suicide economy holds none of about what it takes to manage What seems to be an unhelpful this, and is hence suicidal. large real estate transactions, run a bank, or manage golf course, en- weakness for you is that, by your These are not “pie-in-the-sky” tertainment and hotel operations. public statements you seem of- notions. They are being thor- Whereas you are certainly not ig- ten to not be aware of your level oughly explored, from which norant about those things, given of ignorance about certain top- I’ve drawn and paraphrased the that you’ve become very wealthy ics, and yet isn’t it your ego that comments above, by such lead- doing that for most of your life. stands in the way of that aware-

plete faithfulness in thought or moves on in your presidency. If Your role as President words or actions to someone, a you continue to behave in a way cause, or country—our country; that obfuscates truth with pro- Your role, as President, would yours and mine, Mr President. paganda, certainly around these be to “own the entire program,” strategic success issues, you will lock-stock-and-barrel, including surely not even be able to get a its people and leadership, and Integrity and Leadership viable program started, let alone then go out and sell the complete — be successful with it, regardless package to your massive base of Essentials for of the photo-op fanfare you en- supporters, explaining to them Strategic Success shrine it in. You must be able to how you’ve awoken to these stra- transcend that immature and in- tegic needs and why it’s in their The most crucial barrier to suc- effective mode of thinking and best interest and in the interest cess—YOU: Mr President, I’ve behavior into a “wisdom” mode, of all American people and our noted earlier that one of your I’ve described earlier. I’m up for country’s future as a whole. And strategic weaknesses is your per- big challenges; how about you? the purpose of that would be to ceived lack of integrity and trust- This is in fact the most crucial have them light a fire under their worthiness; real or not. From the factor in the way of success and Republican congressional repre- public statements you make, I there is only one way to over- sentatives and senators to pass know you don’t want anyone to come it. And that is by putting this program. think that; but it’s true and we trusted, competent, and indepen- The true power is in the hands of must work within weaknesses of dent leadership and expertise, the people! Forget trying to lobby that potentially crippling frame in with unquestionable integrity, and make deals with this House order to have a chance at strategic in charge of this overall strategic Speaker, the moral “slitherin” of success, which is what this is all success program and each of the congress, and the rest of these about. Further, as I’ve also not- four strategic elements—and then swamp rats, whose ideological ed, you’ve demonstrated that it is not touch it, or quibble about it in fervor and subservience to mon- very difficult for you to recognize midnight tweets. It needs to be eyed interests binds them to false and accept the breadth and depth “stand-alone sacrosanct”. I will ineffectual approaches while of your level of ignorance and point out who these people are blinding them to genuine com- incompetence about many top- below, overall leadership and by passionate concern for real peo- ics; yet you struggle to convince each strategic element. Whether ple. All they think about is money, people otherwise, often coming or not they wish to be involved themselves, and getting reelected across looking foolish in the pro- will be up to them and your own (or preventing someone else from cess. This is a frank reality that ability to overcome your strategic being successful and reelected), may be hard for you to hear and weaknesses in order to convince while keeping their voter-base in impossible for you to accept; I am them to pick up the mantle of this a state of sustained ignorance so not naïve to that, but I’m willing strategic leadership on behalf of they won’t notice that the public to work with it if you are. There is the American people, and at your treasures are being stolen right a way to transcend it. request as president. If you can out from underneath them. do this, it will be a mark of true From their state of hypocritical There’s no other way, given administrative leadership; if you delusion, although most claim where we are right now... can’t, you will continue to fight “Christianity” as their religious and squabble over trivia while belief system, none of them seem Reality is not what you (or your strategic issues get left wanting to ask themselves, “Spiritually staff) say or seem to think it is, Mr and strategic success evades your and practically, what would Jesus President. That’s simply a game grasp. do, given this is all about life and a that is wearing very thin as time healthy future?” Are you going to

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 44 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine up, especially the younger gener- small the eye-of-the-needle is, Mr been able to let go of since child- ations. There’s even a recent arti- President. But of biblical magni- hood. Crushing everyone in your cle point out that young Repub- tude or not; it can be done! Are way; learning to always grab all licans are fleeing the Republican you able and willing to make the the credit for yourself whenever Party in droves (“The Young Flee attempt—are you really the “only something goes well and blaming the GOP”, May 19, 2017, NYT). one who can fix it”? Let me help; others with humiliating personal Is your loyalty to a sinking party please read on. insults when you don’t “get your ship? Or is it to the American peo- way”. I adjure you to awaken from this immature, ineffectu- ple who were so fed up with the Here’s the absolute bottom corruption and business-as-usual al and self-destructive behavior, they voted for you because you line, Mr President Mr President; for the good of the country and yourself. Whatever promised to “fix it” and “drain It deserves repeating: If you the swamp”? Who better to shake “fatherly advice” has guided you even touch any aspect of this pro- in this regard, it now sinks you. up, recalibrate and re-educate gram, or let anyone else fuck with the billionaire class than you, Mr any of it, including and especial- Strategic leadership is about President, as one of their class? ly the designed-in integrity and leading, not doing or “ordering It’s high time to be in their face expertise of its leadership, you people to do” from a perceived and ask them the soul-search- will surely poison it. For certain, position of formal power; like ing question: “Don’t we billion- whether you intend it or not, you you claimed when saying about aires have enough already that will destroy its integrity; people our military generals regarding we won’t sacrifice a good bunch who might be willing to lead it orders you give them that might of it for the good of our country while you’re still president will violate the Geneva Convention, and the America people? Do you abandon it and you, and you will “If I tell them to do it; they’ll do not care about people who are accomplish nothing, ending up it. I’ve always been a leader; I’ve struggling and those who suffer? owning the losing mantle of stra- never had trouble leading.” Do you not love your country? tegic failure. This just may be the That is dictating; not leading. ‘Ask not what your country can do one hurdle to success you are un- I’m sorry Mr President; you are for you; ask what you can do for your able to overcome; your ego seems deluded about what it means to country’, as former president Ken- to be so fragile and beyond nor- lead. Real leadership is about ac- nedy so profoundly put it.” mal bounds that you need con- complishing things through oth- Some even arrogantly and bla- tinual outside approval, making ers, when you have no power to tantly despise people without it virtually impossible for you to do the seemingly impossible, and means and are convinced the end- let go and not mess with things let them shine in the light of their game is all about them getting yourself in order to put your own own success. It’s about having the more for themselves—pure greed: “stamp” on it and claim personal humility to acknowledge others “The one who dies with the most credit for everything. with the credit for pulling it off toys and biggest bank account I know this is “in your face” successfully. You need to “own wins.” Wins what? Heaven? Like frankness; but you really need to the program” in a different way, that amazing prophet and spiritu- hear it and internalize it if you Mr President; and I will explain al leader would, you will have to want to be strategically success- how in order to clear the way for lead them to the well of compas- ful for America. Strategic wisdom strategic success. If you can do sion and concern for a viable fu- calls for humility and grace; and that, you will be known on out in ture where everyone benefits, and instead of pointing to yourself; it time as “The only one who could to find the spiritual path of tran- calls for the maturity to point away do it,” which should be enough scending their own selfish inter- from yourself and credit others. credit for youself. If not, you will ests and greed—think about how You seem to have grown up with be known as “The one who didn’t big desert camels are and how a “win-lose” mindset you’ve not do it, but could have,” when the

(freedom of speech and religion), In fact, the narrative that at- omy, large corporations use vast and property rights (enforcement tempts to equate corporations amounts of taxpayers’ money, of contracts). Under this doctrine, with people is a farce on its face, often in extravagant and waste- characterized by simplistic “Don’t since its premise ignores entire- ful ways, via tax deductions, tax tread on me” memes, it is argued ly the extreme power disparity breaks, subsidies, exploitation of that individual freedom is max- between “one person” and “one public services, and the dumping imized, when in fact it becomes corporation”. “Adherents to the of externality costs onto society, severely myopic and limited. economic liberty myth talk about which taxpayers must ultimately The notion of “freedom”, George individual initiative, responsibili- deal with. Further, they often con- Lakoff writes (paraphrasing be- ty, and freedom, but their policies solidate their sovereignty over an low), “is one of the most contested apply overwhelmingly less to in- industry and then, with competi- words in political discourse and dividual people than to individual tion highly restricted, can set high has become the central weapon corporations and the people who prices justified not by costs but by on the front lines of everything own and run them.” In his chapter a desire for higher profits. from the war on terror to the bat- titled, “Assault of the Corporate This is operation outside of the tles over religion in the classroom Libertarians” (When Corporations market, like a private govern- and abortion… Should Social Se- Rule the World), David Korten ment. When this happens, cor- curity, for example, be privatized points out that “free-market ide- porations have, essentially, the and taxes for the wealthy cut in ology reshapes our institutions power to tax citizens, with money order to enhance individual free- of governance in ways that make going to corporate profits—a form dom? It is a high-stakes war over our most urgent problems more of taxation without representa- the most central idea in American difficult to resolve. And the neo- tion. Beyond that, they determine life.” (Whose Freedom? The Battle liberal free-market mythology has a great deal about the everyday over America’s Most Important Idea, reduced economics to an ideologi- lives of citizens, from possibili- 2006, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, cal shield against intelligent intro- ties for health care, kinds of news NY) spection and civic responsibility, available, kinds of energy used, which in most university educa- type of transportation available, tion makes for a strong element of what food is available to eat and Corporate Invasion and ideological indoctrination, with how safe it is.” Oligarchic Control of the sanctification of greed; actu- Government and Society ally betraying the intent of their intellectual patron saint, Adam Reclaiming the Regarding the “personhood of Smith.” Politics of Freedom corporations” sham that has been In fact, whereas democratical- used to co-opt our Constitution, ly accountable governments are Cory Robin addresses (para- and the associated “economic lib- ostensibly instituted by and ac- phrased below) the centerpiece of erty myth”, Lakoff makes clear countable to the “will of the gov- conservative ideas that have dom- that corporations are not per- erned”, and represent the vehicle inated American politics for 30 or sons, but behave more like gov- through which people can direct more years (“Reclaiming the Poli- ernments. “Under the economic the character and future of their tics of Freedom”, The Nation, April liberty myth, corporations, via society; corporations are not dem- 25, 2011, paraphrasing). “The cen- the corporations-are-persons met- ocratically accountable, via elec- terpiece of that dominance is the aphor, are seen by corporate lib- tions or openness of operations, narrative that the market equals ertarians as deserving of freedom to the general public; and thus, freedom and government is the and liberty, and subject, like peo- Lakoff argues, the “economic lib- threat to freedom. When in ac- ple, to the oppression of govern- erty” myth should not be applied tuality, the market is a source of ment—rather than being part of to them. “Far from operating as constraint and government an in- the oppression of government.” a real and genuine market econ- strument of freedom. It centers on © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 49 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine an issue of power and the ability ing the Postmodern Divide, 1992; to own one’s agency in the pro- Holding On to Reality, 1999; all cess of reclaiming one’s power.” of University of Chicago Press) “Without a strong government asks us to reevaluate our role in hand in the economy, men and the making of American values women are at the mercy of their and consider what we have in employer, who has the power to common. “A nation,” Borgmann determine not only their wages, writes (paraphrasing his points benefits and hours, but also their below), “provides a fair scope for working conditions and lives and ethics. We tend to be the spoiled those of their families, on and off beneficiaries of our ancestors. the job.” For example, how many America was built, to be sure, on people have to be available on the destruction of Native Ameri- their cellphone 24/7 in order to can culture and the subordination respond at the whim of the em- of African Americans and wom- ployer? This is not freedom!” en. But in the end, it has worked to make for the inclusion of all We must change the false fram- over the expanse of a continent.” ing of the argument about govern- Image 68. Albert Borgmann, professor of ment. “Government need not be a philosophy, University of Montana. “The great virtue of a nation source of constraint, as conserva- “Armed with universal health- is that the people comprising it tives claim. Nor is it designed to care, unemployment benefits, take responsibility for one an- protect citizens from the vagaries public pensions and the like, I am other and for what they have in of the market, as many liberals less vulnerable to the coercions common. ‘Taking responsibility’ claim—a formulation that depicts and castigations of an employer in a patronizing way is clearly citizens as needy and passive and (or partner). Not only do I have unacceptable. But taking respon- opens liberals to the charge of the option of leaving an oppres- sibility for what we obliviously paternalism and condescension. sive situation; I can confront and and perhaps detrimentally do to When government is aligned with change it—for and by myself, for one another is recognition or re- democratic movements on the and with others. I am embold- alization rather than intrusion. ground, as Martin Luther King ened not to avoid risks but to take What do all these people of one Jr understood, it becomes the in- risks: to talk back and walk out, to of the most diverse societies in dividual’s instrument for liberat- engage in what John Stuart Mill the world have in common? They ing herself from her rulers in the called, in one of his lovelier phras- share a vision of the good life, re- private sphere, a way to break es, ‘experiments in living’”. gardless of their station in life— the back of private autocracy. The the cleaning woman or the Wall politics of freedom is a politics of Street financier. There is mobility individual and collective emanci- in society, yet not as much as the pation.” Taking Ethical rich like to claim to give their sta- Responsibility for our tus the glow of hard-earned mer- “The politics of freedom does not it and less than the lower classes dismiss the value or importance Country imagine so they can allow hope to of state resources. But rather than prevail over realism. What social Modern era philosopher of tech- conceiving of them as protections and economic mobility there is, at nology and reality, Albert Borg- against the hazards of the market any rate, should build a highway mann (Real American Ethics: Tak- or indices of public compassion, it of common understanding across ing Responsibility for Our Country, sees them as sources of power, as the thickets of diversity.” the tools and instruments of per- 2006; Technology and the Character sonal and collective advance.” of Contemporary Life, 1984; Cross- The crucial point is that “we are

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 50 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine always and already engaged in forget the poor and neglect the them. Ethics has to become real as drawing the outlines of a common environment.” well as theoretical and practical. It way of life, and we have to take “The reality of moral standards has to become a making as well as responsibility for this fact and ask have been articulated by modern a doing. Real means tangible; real whether it is a good life, a decent theories of ethics. The landmarks ethics is taking responsibility for life, or a lamentable life that we of decency and the virtues of ex- the tangible setting of life. Real have outlined for ourselves. Ours cellence prominently include also means relevant, and real eth- is a decent society. But it has trou- equality, dignity, and self-deter- ics is grounding theoretical and bling features. The common lack mination. The notion of dignity practical ethics in contemporary of knowledge of physics, biology, gives equality substance. Dignity culture and making them thrive geography, history, and politics is as a moral landmark is inalienable again.” embarrassing. Average health is dignity, the kind that need not Borgmann summarizes by point- declining and physical fitness is be acquired and cannot be lost ing out that “American ethics” poor. Civic engagement and per- though it can be violated. Equal- has to be relevant to our people in sonal relations are ailing. Knowl- ity and dignity circumscribe jus- the context of a relatively young edge and command of music and tice in its least requirements—that country. “Virtues that we and the the arts, whether popular or elite, everyone in this country be fed, people in other nations take to be are stunted. Awareness of Chur- clothed, sheltered, educated, and characteristically American are chill’s principle is dim. (In 1943, given medical care, and that we distinguished by two such virtues: when the House of Commons had make every effort to extend this generosity and resourcefulness, to be rebuilt due to Nazi bomb- kind of justice to everyone on the when we as individuals and as a ing, Winston Churchill reminded planet.” nation have been at our best. Gen- the Members of Parliament: “We erosity is the characteristic way in shape our buildings, and after- which we have fused the virtues wards our buildings shape us.”) Virtues that we and the people in other nations take to be of friendship, grace, justice, and Public support of the poor in this stewardship. Resourcefulness is the country and around the world is characteristically American are generosity and resourcefulness American fusion of the virtues of the most miserly among the in- wisdom, courage, economy, and dustrialized countries. Our stew- design. Technology as a form of Moral standards founded on ardship of the environment is in- culture that has shrunk the phys- a framework of decency—e.g. different. The public realm of this ical largeness of our country, also equality, dignity and self-deter- country is busy and messy, and has a corresponding tendency to mination—are fleshed out by most of the public places of rec- let generosity and resourcefulness practices and norms of person- reation and celebration we owe to shrink as well. Of course, the vir- al moral excellence, including our great-great-grandparents and tues of this country have always the traditional virtues of wis- are always under assault.” been imperiled, and sometimes dom, courage, friendship, grace “The troubling features we they have crashed and burned, and the economy implicit in the share in the public realm are sim- but the danger that now besets Churchill principle. We need to ply the lamentable outside of the them is unusually subtle and dif- add to that the political virtues of deplorable inside. In order to put ficult to counter.” care—justice in caring for equal- all the consumable treasures of ity; stewardship in caring for the my home within easy reach, the environment; and design in car- public realm favors utility—that Foundations of the ing for the quality of Churchill’s is, transportation links and shop- Moral and Political Divide principle. “Ethics is being equal to ping facilities along with the utili- —A Family Affair the claims of persons and things, ties to support them. The trend to in particular to the claims that push production, consumption, George Lakoff analyzes the make us lesser people if we ignore and affluence, in turn, makes us source of our moral and politi- © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 51 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine cal divide, which we character- meaning of these words, because starts with the idea that God is a ize by the labels “progressive” they give deference to the promi- strict father: Under the theology and “conservative”, and clarifies nent conservative framing.” of Paul, you obey his command- it by examining how our values Notions of justice, equality and ments, and you go to heaven as are framed by our experience and fairness are linked to freedom, your reward; otherwise, you are understanding of family and our as Borgmann has illustrated; but, punished with eternal torture in related perceptions of spirituality without a deeper understanding, hell. With Christ, you get a sec- and “God”. “Our country is divid- all of them are subject to high- ond chance, but again, it is heaven ed by two dramatically different ly contested meanings in all but if you believe and obey and hell moral and political worldviews.” the most trivial cases, depending if you don’t. Going to your re- Whereas, on the one hand, the on one’s worldview frame. La- ward—to heaven—is the ultimate traditional progressive ideal of koff’s analysis goes to their core freedom.” freedom has resulted in a long with the foundational constructs history of an expansion of Amer- of one’s worldview regarding an Freedom and the ica’s most treasured freedoms by idealization of family life. This Progressive View a nation of activists. For example, encompasses not only the ideal- by increasing inclusiveness and ized nature of “family”, “family The “progressive” view of free- protections with the expansion of values”, and “nation-as-family” dom is organized around the citizen participation and voting metaphor, but even one’s spiritu- “nurturant parent model” of the rights, expansion of opportunity, al conception of “God”. This takes family, which centers on empa- worker rights, knowledge, public us to our very upbringing; and thy, responsibility, and strength. health, consumer protection, di- these worldviews differentiate This idealization goes as follows: versity of media and free speech, into two broad conceptions, we “Both parents (if there are two) and access to capital. label “progressive” and “conser- are equally responsible. There is On the other hand, that has been vative”. no gender hierarchy. The job of a hijacked by the rise of radical con- parent is to nurture his or her chil- servatism and the right-wing, ef- Freedom and the dren, to raise the children to be fected by its devastatingly coher- Conservative View nurturers of others! Nurturance ent and ideological redefinition of involves the virtues of empathy freedom, repeated over and over; The “conservative” view of free- and responsibility (for both one- while progressives have not only dom arises from the conservative self and others), as well as every- failed at every turn to counter this worldview, whose underpinning thing that responsibility requires: attack, but also have failed to rec- is the “strict father family model”, strength, competence, endurance, ognize its nature and, even worse, with associated values applied to and so on. Nurturant parenting is have failed to articulate their own politics via the “nation-as-family” the opposite of permissive parent- intuitive understanding of free- metaphor. The idealization goes ing, since it stresses caring about dom. The constant repetition of as follows: “There are two par- others, responsibility for oneself, the words “liberty” and “free- ents, a father and a mother. Mor- and responsibility for others. dom” by the right-wing message ally, there is absolute right and Nurturant parents are authorita- machine is one of the mechanisms absolute wrong. The strict father tive without being authoritarian. of the idea theft in progress. The is the moral authority in the fam- From empathy and responsibility, right wing is claiming these words ily; he knows right from wrong, all progressive values, both with- as their brand leading to cultural is inherently moral, and has the in and outside the family, follow. and political domination. It serves authority to be head of the house- In traditional Western religions the purpose of the right when the hold, and to mete out punishment (and analogously in Eastern spir- public believes that conservatives and rewards. ituality and philosophies), God is and progressives share the same Fundamentalist Christianity seen as a nurturant parent, offer- © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 52 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine ing unconditional love with a nur- Lakoff emphasizes. “It is tied, turant morality, calling for empa- fundamentally via metaphor, to thy with responsibility for those our ability to move and to inter- less able to take care of themselves. ference with moving. The met- Spiritual freedom lies not in heav- aphor of freedom as freedom of en but living a moral life on earth. motion thus has two important For progressive Christians, more parts: freedom from and freedom than focusing on beliefs and re- to. Freedom requires not just the wards and punishment regarding absence of impediments to motion the afterlife, it means following but also the presence of access. In- and emulating the teachings and hibiting freedom is, metaphori- exemplars of the paradigmatic Je- cally, not just throwing up road- sus of compassion, love, care and blocks, holding one back, taking concern for the wellbeing others.” away power, imposing burdens Image 69. President Franklin Delno Roos- The conservative view is more or threats or harm; but also failing evelt. Four Freedoms and a Second Bill of Rights. individualistic, self-centered and to provide access. Why is there a focused inward; while the pro- program called Head Start? Be- pursuit of happiness… We the People gressive view is more collective, cause of the metaphor that life of the United States… A new birth other-centered and focused out- purposes are destinations to be of freedom… and Government of the wardly. reached. Freedom is the freedom people, by the people, for the people… to go as far as you can in life, to get Articulating Americans’ grandest what you want in life, or to achieve ideals and strivings past and pres- The Commonwealth what you can in life.” ent, Roosevelt defined a cause and Principle a generation:” FDR: Four Freedoms In the future days, which we seek From this progressive ideal, to make secure, we look forward to a the infrastructure of freedom is and an Expanded world founded upon four essential hu- founded on the ‘commonwealth Bill of Rights man freedoms. principle’. “A nurturant family Freedom of Speech President Franklin Delano Roo- uses its resources for the good Freedom of Religion of the family as a whole—for sevelt famously pointed to four the common good—so that each freedoms, on “the path to a fre- Freedom from Want member can have the freedom er, more equal and democratic Freedom from Fear to pursue his or her individual America.” (Harvey J. Kaye, The goals. There is a version of this at Fight for The Four Freedoms: What the heart of progressive politics, Made FDR and the Greatest Gener- FDR’s Four Freedoms an idea as old in America as the ation Truly Great, 2014, Simon & colonies: pooling the common Schuster, NY) wealth for the common good so “On the afternoon of January 6, Freedom of Speech: that individuals can have the re- 1941, FDR went up to Capitol Hill The first is freedom of speech sources to be free to pursue their to deliver his Annual Message to and expression—everywhere in individual goals. The idea is that Congress. He not only proceeded the world. the central role of government is to propose measures to address to use the common wealth for the the growing threat of Axis pow- common good to make individual ers—Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, Freedom of Religion: freedom possible.” Imperial Japan—he also gave dra- The second is freedom of every “Freedom is a visceral concept,” matic new meaning to All men are created equal… Life, liberty, and the person to worship God in his own

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 54 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine gress was not moved. It not only freedom from harm via disease, un- Contrary to the conservative passed a Revenue Act, which he healthy food, dangerous pharma- “deification” of the all-knowing would dub in his veto message a ceuticals and pesticides. “Founding Fathers”—and the ‘tax relief bill providing relief not This list goes on and is long, related false frames of standard for the needy but for the greedy.’ including: transportation, com- self-righteous arguments regard- It overrode his veto… where he munication, public education, ing “judicial originalism”, “ju- wrote: ‘We yearn to renew Amer- government funding of R&D, dicial textualism”, “judicial re- ica’s purpose and promise and banking and finance (the federal straint”, “strict constructionists” reinvigorate America’s strength and state banking systems, the to which conservatives juxtapose and prosperity. And yet we have SBA, the Commerce Department, and project on others the false seemingly forgotten how we and the FTC), the courts, the SEC, frame of “judicial activism”—free- might do so. We sense that we, and environmental freedom (both dom is by its very nature a dynam- too, have not yet fully explored freedom to, say to connect with the ic concept with roots in our dy- the democratic way of life, but natural world; and freedom from, namic founding documents. seem to have forgotten that De- say from the imposition of indus- mocracy is never given. It must be trialization, noise, pollution, war, Rigor mortis—or— taken… It is time for the country crime, unscrupulous businesses, to become fairly radical for a gen- and all the rest).” Imbued with the eration.’” Spirit of Life

Local Durango attorney and The Common Good Freedom and former State Legislator, Michael and Our The Constitution— McLachlan, a Marine Vietnam Common Needs— Veteran and member of the U.S. Infrastructure for Freedom The Dynamic Supreme Court Bar, wrote (paraphrasing) in a recent op-ed (The Drawing on FDR, Lakoff states Living Foundation Durango Herald, May 27-28, 2017) the collective: “The common of Our Country that Originalism is a derivative of wealth builds the infrastructure religious fundamentalism, based for freedom. This includes things on faith alone. Originalism as a required for physical security— constitutional doctrine only sur- freedom from fear—such things as, faced in 1980, and it challenges the say firefighters for fire, police for entire range of precedent not in order, army for defense, FEMA accord with originalist thinking. It and the National Guard for disas- was a different world with a dif- ters and emergencies, the criminal ferent state of knowledge when justice system, and on. It includes framers, mostly wealthy lawyers, things required for family secu- wrote 230 years ago. No woman, rity—freedom from want—such child, Native American or minori- things as Medicare and Medic- ty group wrote or signed the orig- aid, Social Security, food stamps, inal Constitution. No tenant, em- unemployment insurance, dis- ployee, developmentally disabled ability insurance, public housing, child or landless person was a and homeless shelters. It includes framer. things required for public health; Image 70. Our Constitution — a dynanmic The question is whether our such societal protections as food living document undergirds our progressive judges are bound to view the inspections, the FDA, the CDC, dynamic freedoms. Freedom is realized in Constitution through the fram- the EPA. Public health provides its expansion over a long time. ers’ eyes only or is it an evolv- © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 55 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine ing document which changes conservatives. They go against turies about how the notion of its meaning over time to reflect the grand tradition of progressive liberty balances with equality and our history, experience, scientific freedom in this country.” what values ought to be guiding facts and the exponential growth The framers of the Constitu- decisions. Transcending even of knowledge we have acquired tion knew they were fallible and that, a broader frame can be built since 1787? Originalism is a gran- built that understanding into the around the normative notions of ite wall erected to perpetuate the structures of our foundation and liberty and equality, with fair- values, prejudices and limited governance, as noted earlier by ness and justice central elements. state of knowledge available to the reflective quote from George This runs throughout the points the framers 230 years ago. It is an Washington at the 1787 Constitu- of Korten, Lakoff, Borgmann and unrealistic view of today’s world, tional Convention, “Let us raise Roosevelt noted above. As a so- outdated and elitist. It is gender this standard to which the wise ciety consisting of communities, biased, it disrespects minorities, is and the honest can repair.” Jus- we can claim that government undemocratic, gives judges great- tice Oliver Wendell Holmes put ought to show equal concern and er power than other branches of it best when he said, “A word is respect for all citizens beyond just government and gives excessive not a crystal, transparent and un- liberties, such as the good of each meaning to words of the framers. changed; it is the skin of a living citizen in terms of opportunity, It is a mindset intended to obscure thought and may vary greatly in resources, wellbeing, and capa- the basic legal rights of those who color and content according to the bility. On one side, values point were not the framers. circumstances and time in which to individualism and concern for McLachlan concludes that the it is used.” self; on the other, values point to egalitarianism, community and appointment of strict originalists George Lakoff sets the notion should be challenged by all who concern for others. Where is the of freedom in the context of our moral compass? believe the Constitution is a living history. “Progressive freedom is document to be viewed according dynamic freedom. America has But does this duality not miss to the circumstances and time in always been a progressive coun- the point of what our nation is, as which it is used. That time is now try, and the progressive ideal of characterized by the three most 2017 America. freedom has been cherished, de- important documents in Amer- Regarding justice, we need “free- fended, and extended over more ican history: the Declaration of dom judges”, Lakoff emphasizes, than two centuries. Freedom is re- Independence; the Constitution; who are “judicial expansionists alized not just in stasis, or at a sin- and the Bill of Rights? who have expanded our freedoms gle moment in history, but in its Indeed, every 4th of July, we cel- based on ideas implicitly there in expansion over a long time. What ebrate our declaration of free and the Constitution. These include contemporary conservatives call independent rule, formally be- the expansion of voting rights; of freedom is a radical departure ginning our quest for liberty and public education; of public health; and threatens freedom as we have equality as a nation. Although all of protections for consumers, known it. Radical conservatives three documents were drafted by workers, and the environment; of work on contracting American educated white men of property, science; and so on. Radical con- freedoms; progressives work to many of them slave owners; they servative judges are anti-freedom expand them.” are based on the essential idea judges. Do they want to take us that all people have certain fun- back before the expansion of our damental rights that governments freedoms or forward to a greater Liberty, Equality, Fairness are created to protect. Some rights expansion of our freedoms? Are and Unfinished Work were deemed intrinsic, inherent they profreedom or antifreedom? in all people by virtue of their Antifreedom bills are legion in the Of course, political philosophers being human and that certain of Congress as controlled by radical have argued throughout the cen- these rights are unalienable—they

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 56 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine cannot be surrendered to govern- selves and our descendants. regarding the enduring value of ment under any circumstances. But there were growing pains for our government as being a “gov- The Declaration and Bill of our nation in what and for whom ernment of the people, by the peo- Rights set limitations on govern- it meant to be free; and what the ple, for the people.” The essence ment; the Constitution was de- essence of government was about. of his statement is a democratic signed both to create an energetic That made these foundational government focused on the needs government and also constrain it. documents a “living documents of people. The Constitution empowered the standard” for which “the wise This fractured history has hurt central government to preserve and honest” would from time-to- our country a great deal, and as these blessings for “We the Peo- time, depending on circumstanc- is clear from recent events it has ple of the United States…” with es, need to repair and update. left us with a legacy of unresolved the stated purpose to form “a The circumstances we face now institutional racism, fear, blaming more perfect Union, establish Jus- put the question of a viable future of “the other”, and resentment, tice, insure domestic Tranquility, directly in our collective faces, which has prevented us from provide for the common defense, regardless of our differences. We moving forward on so many cru- promote the general Welfare, and must recognize, acknowledge, cial needs. I doubt it will ever be secure the Blessings of Liberty to and understand our collective un- entirely “laid to rest”; but it’s time ourselves and our Posterity…” In finished work. to step out of the false duality of the minds of Americans, they are It took the Civil War, which liberty and equality, and tran- symbols of the liberty that allows President Lincoln in his short Get- scend its shackles. us to achieve success and of the tysburg Address called “a new In 2017 we arrive at the precipice equality that ensures that we are birth of freedom”, “dedicated to… of an ominous and uncertain fu- all equal in the eyes of the law, unfinished work… so nobly ad- ture. We must refocus our ener- moral agency, and our rightful vanced”; and uttered perhaps his gies on a viable future, regardless claim on a viable future for our- most quoted and famous words of our legacy of differences.

Image 71. “Strategic Vision for Viable Future” poster showing key program elements © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 57 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine Strategic Framework — Analytic Structure examination of reality. I’ve de- its under their control, which they Taking Stock— bunked the overall efficacy of can then focus on increasing their Recap of Context these various themes and the wealth, increased oppression and ability of this mindset to actually criminalization of dissent against address real problems with real the corrupt system, militarization Politics, Values, solutions. They do nothing but of our society, and projection of Beliefs, Ideology, Money promote self-interest domination military power and global reach, and Taxes and control of the world by the while extracting their largess and plutocratic financial elite. Like a eliminating public participation Mr President, if you’re still with relentless plague of parasites, this in power—participation that is me, let’s step back and take stock corrupt self-serving system con- the essence of democracy. of where we are. I’ve spent the tinues its single-minded focus of All this while wreaking hav- first part of the letter to this point extracting ever more real capital oc on the environment and bur- addressing anticipated counters wealth from nature and the econ- dening ordinary people who are to this strategic program, which omy, artificially amplifying it into simply trying to make a life in an are all based on various aspects ridiculously absurd amounts of economy that doesn’t serve their of self-interest—not the interests phantom wealth built on a corrupt needs. Now please stay with me, and needs of the American peo- financially engineered pyramid of Mr President, because we need to ple. Whether its you personally, debt, and increasing its concen- ferret out root causes of our pre- Republican dogma, or the capital- tration and power in the hands of dicament: namely the concentra- ist worldview of the “Corporate a few oligarchs as they skim off tion of income and wealth, and R&D” political duopoly’s focus obscene amounts for themselves, the co-opting of our tax policy in on more money for corporations, having learned very well how to favor of corporations and the über financial capitalist and the über- game the system. rich who manage and own them. rich; whether it’s the privatization It has produced multi-billion- We need to understand what and austerity of neoliberalism, the aire families racing to become the classes get most all of the econo- impossible “perpetual growth” first trillionaire phantom wealth my’s income money and where paradigm of the capitalist suicide concentrator, while claiming suit is becoming concentrated. We economy, the ignorant “govern- preme capitalist feudal dominion also need to understand how this ment is bad” frame, distraction over as much of our dying earth is affecting our tax policy and the by the false liberty-versus-equal- as possible. They are the ones relative contribution of this class ity duality, or misunderstanding who push their ignorant follow- to our overall tax revenue. This is of the very nature of our Consti- ers to keep singing the “govern- especially timely, given that your tution as a living breathing doc- ment is the problem” meme so words indicate “tax reforms” that ument—none of it carries water they won’t notice or complain will only exacerbate the problem. when we come up against the about their complete corporate problems that portend existential takeover of government. It’s not Concentration of threats to the viability our very “government vs private”; it’s big future. “corporate-government” cap- Income and Wealth I don’t care about what your italist establishment vs small ideology is, Mr President; in fact, true-market local economies and Strategic Threat to fuck your morally vacuous Re- a populist uprising of ordinary publican ideology, however it is people who are getting left out. America’s Future presented or argued. It’s a ruse The billionaire class oligarchs tru- To claim that the oligarchs and to divert attention from serious ly love “big government” when corporations need yet more tax

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 58 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine relief and to label that as “good” bound up with how the other 99 has led to scores of financial cri- in order to “grow the economy percent live.” ses, of which the crisis in 2008-09 and create more jobs”, like you Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz was only the worst. These mar- and your Republican henchmen writes, (2012, The Price of Inequali- ket failures were not corrected always do, Mr President, is the ty: How Today’s Divided Society En- because the financial sector used continuation of a tired and fraud- dangers Our Future, Norton, NY), its political muscle to make sure ulent lie, and it’s a moral abomi- “A major theme of this book is that the sector’s private rewards nation, which only exacerbates that inequality is the result of po- remained well in excess of their the concentration of wealth, in- litical forces as much as economic social contributions—one of the creasing inequality throughout ones. Progressive tax and expen- factors contributing to the bloat- our population. diture policies (which tax the rich ed financial sector and to the high Earlier we examined the impact more than the poor and provide levels of inequality at the top.” on those who are struggling at systems of good social protection) This phenomenon is an attack the margin of minimum wages can limit the extent of inequality. on our country, Mr President; and (Image 61 and Image 62 on page By contrast, programs that give it has deep roots going back de- 38). This is not an economic sys- away a country’s resources to cades tied to a few oligarchs and tem that serves the needs of ev- the rich and well connected can their disciples under the guise of eryone or nature; it serves the ac- increase inequality. Our politi- “libertarianism for capital”. In her cumulation of more wealth by the cal system has increasingly been most wealthy among us. It’s able working in ways that increase to do that by controlling govern- the inequality of outcomes and ment and the legislative process. reduce equality of opportunity. This increasing concentration We have a political system that and inequality has very negative gives inordinate power to those at impacts on our economy. “As the top, who use that power not those at the top continue to enjoy only to limit the extent of redistri- the best health care, education, bution but also to shape the rules and benefits of wealth, they of- of the game in their favor, and to ten fail to realize that their fate is extract from the public what can only be called large ‘gifts’.” “Economists call these activities rent seeking—getting income not as a reward to creating wealth but Image 73. Nancy MacLean on Democracy by grabbing a larger share of the Now! Author: Democracy in Chains: The wealth that would otherwise have Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America been produced without their effort. Those at the top have learned how to suck out money from the 2017 book, Democracy In Chains: rest in ways that the rest are hard- The Deep History of the Radical ly aware of. In the process of tak- Right’s Stealth Plan for America (Vi- ing wealth away from others, it king, NY), author Nancy MacLean subtracts, not adds, to society for researches and writes a deep ex- in the process of taking it away amination about what is really Image 72. Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate in via rent extraction on capital, so- happening to American politics. Economics. Author of dozens of books and cietal wealth gets destroyed.” Paraphrased from her synopsis, hundreds of articles; including The Price of “Behind the headlines of billion- Inequality: How Today’s Divided Society En- “The process of financial dereg- aires taking over our government dangers Our Future. ulation, beginning in the 1980s, is the surprising story of deep and © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 59 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine troubling roots, where the well- our public life.” pling division among the people heeled radical right’s vast network This is not what American de- so as to end any interference with doesn’t want simply to change mocracy is about, Mr President; what those who held vast power who rules, but to fundamentally just ask your supporters. It is an over others believed should be alter the rules of democratic gover- all out attack by extreme right- their prerogatives. Its leaders had nance as we have known it in the wing oligarchs on America. Evi- no scruples about enlisting white United States. While billionaires dently, people like the billionaire supremacy to achieve capital su- like Charles Koch now drive the Koch family elites think America premacy. And today, knowing effort, they did not start it; a white should be exclusively for them that the majority does not share intellectual in the embattled Jim and their financial interests; while their goals and would stop them Crow South did.” the rest of the country just goes if they understood the endgame, MacLean’s new exposé brings along for the ride. This is what the the team of paid operatives seeks this serious attack on America, Republican Party has become— to win by stealth. Now, as then, and its racist roots, to light by the essence of its moral failure. the leaders seek Calhoun-style documenting for the first time, liberty for the few—the liberty “Without Buchanan’s ideas and to concentrate vast wealth, so as “the strategy Nobel Prize-win- Koch’s money, the libertarian ning economist James McGill to deny elementary fairness and cause would not have succeed- freedom to the many.” Buchanan and his collaborators ed in its stealth takeover of the developed over six decades to dis- Republican Party as a delivery “The real public choice is wheth- empower the majority. Buchanan mechanism. With longtime loy- er or not this is the country we was making a last-gasp attempt to alists now in the administration, want to live in and bequeath to preserve the power of the white backed by a phalanx of fighters in our children and future genera- elite in the wake of Brown-v-Board the House, the Senate, a majority tions. If we delay much longer, of Education, the Supreme Court’s of state governments, and many those who are imposing their attempt to desegregate education courts across the country, their stark utopia will choose for us. in America. Right-wing corpo- agenda includes: measures calcu- There will be no going back.” rate donors and their foundations lated to kill off unions, keep mil- were only too eager to support lions of citizens from voting, pri- his work in teaching others how vatize everything from schools to to divide the citizenry into ‘mak- highways to Medicare and Social ers’ and ‘takers’. His billionaire Security, stop any action on cli- Koch brother disciples exploited mate change—and transform the the utility of Buchanan’s ideas by legal system and amend the Con- deploying a vast, many-armed stitution to lock all of this in place apparatus to carry out a strategy permanently.” Your supporters steered by it. While employing would want to know, Mr Presi- language and strategic moves in Image 74. Thomas Piketty, Capital in the dent: Is this really what you are a Twenty-First Century. “Questions about the order to hide its true intentions part of? The deceit of this system long-term evolution of inequality, the con- from even its own base of sup- begs for maximal exposure. centration of wealth, and the prospects for port, and using dark money and economic growth lie at the heart of politi- radical right politics, Buchan- MacLean concludes her exposé cal economy. Piketty’s findings will trans- an figured out a way to prevent with a sobering commentary: “The form debate and set the agenda for the next those without great property or libertarian cause, from the time generation of thought about wealth and in- power from using their majority it first attracted wider support equality. The main driver of inequality—the during the southern school crisis, tendency of returns on capital to exceed the votes to better their lives. There rate of economic growth—today threatens can be no denying now the logic was never really about freedom as most people would define it. It to generate extreme inequalities that stir and the endgame of the capitalist discontent and undermine democratic val- right’s relentless push to remodel was about the promotion of crip- ues.” (from the book cover) © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 60 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

Income Concentration: Who’s getting the income?

Let’s actually look at this question. This has been examined recently in great detail with scholar- ly rigor by Thomas Piketty, in his acclaimed 2014 book, Capital in the Twenty-First Century (Harvard University Press); and explored further along with his colleagues Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman in recent publications, including “Wealth Inequality in the United States since 1913: Ev- idence from Capitalized Income Tax Data”, in The Quarterly Journal of Economics, May 2016, and in a Image 75. Income Growth Rate vs Income Percentile (income class), over two 34 year pe- recent working paper, “Distribu- riods, labeled: 1980, the post-war growth period (1946 to 1980; gray downward sloping tional National Accounts: Meth- curve); and 2014 (1980 to 2014; red upward sloping curve), the era of the Reagan-Thatch- ods and Estimates for the United er neoliberal economic agenda—“supply-side” economics, meaning tax and subsidy poli- States“, July 6, 2017. This work has cies that favor owners of (“supplied”) capital, with its fraudulent “trickle-down” promise. Three things to notice: The post-WW II income growth rate prior to 1980 (gray curve) was been widely reported on in vari- higher for lower income levels, meaning lower-wage labor-productivity gains were being re- ous publications, blogs, magazine warded along with favorable progressive income taxes, than that of the higher wage earners and journal articles, and it is the (downward sloping gray curve); whereas since 1980, income growth was non-existent for low source of the wealth and income income families (near 0%) and income grew faster and faster the higher the income level (up- distribution graphs to follow. ward sloping red curve). In the post-war growth period to 1980, even the top 5% had a lower income growth rate than the rest of the population, which can be seen with the sharp drop off in the gray curve from the 95th to the 100th percentile. Secondly, for 95% of the population, or we could say for all “middle income class” levels (income percentiles on the x-axis) up to about the 95th percentile (that level of income demarking the top 5%), the post-war income growth rate was higher than that of the recent 34-year period from 1980 to 2014 (red curve); in fact holding an income growth rate between 2% and 3% for the lower half of the population (below the 50th percentile), with the lowest incomes reaping the highest growth rates. From 1980 on, however, the greatest transfer of wealth from the poor and middle class to the rich can be seen not only from the extremely low growth rates (<0% to <1%) for the lower half of the population, but the rapidly increasing growth rates for those at the top. This is the effect of “supply side economics”, where it all “trickles up”. Finally, for the richest of the rich—the 1%—since 1980 the growth in income skyrockets from about 2% per year for the top 1-out-of-100 (1%) American households, to 4% per year for the top 1-out-of-10,000 Amer- ican households, to 6% per year for the top 1-out-of-100,000 (the richest 2500 households). This represents not “reward for merit” as the right always claims in their “maker” vs “taker” narrative; but the active on-going theft Image 76. Top Marginal Tax Rates and Tax Brackets. Note and concentration of societal production and wealth—this extreme growth the severe rate drop from 1982 on as the Reagan neoliber- is the phantom wealth the financial institutions of Wall Street, including al policies take effect; this low of top marginal rates have hedge funds, “create out of thin air” and concentrate from speculative bets not been seen since the 25% of 1925-1931, when the capital on fraudulent financial devices, like those derivatives that caused the 2008 markets crashed in 1929, leading to the Great Depression. crash based on a massive debt pyramid of 100s of trillions of dollars.

Mr President, may I assume, petrating on the American people “Which people truly are ‘your given your Wharton education for decades now. It’s societal theft people’, Mr President?” Because in finance, that you like charts, by the billionaire oligarch class what you’re trying to sell the graphs and maps as much as I do? and doesn’t work for the vast American people is a crock of shit In order to understand how ex- majority of the American people. with a slogan; while the billion- treme the concentration phenom- “Just keep them ignorant, in the aire oligarchs will yet again run ena is let’s walk through a few dark, and with mere ‘socially con- away with the store. of the images to illustrate to you servative’ platitudes, they’ll keep The red curve in the Image 75 and your supporters the nature of voting their ‘Republican identity’ graph clearly shows how the rich- this concentration of income and like they always have and the 1% est of the rich financial, real estate wealth, starting with income. can steal it all for themselves.” and corporate barons are again Image 75 shows how the growth My intent, Mr President, is to taking it all for themselves. Look in income is distributed across wake people up! Including you, at the red curve, Mr President! income level over two periods of your supporters, and anyone else Where are you on that curve? time: the post World War II growth who are uninformed about these Most all of the income gains have years, 1946-1980 (gray curve), facts. Enough is enough! already been going to the very top! when the top marginal tax rates If your favorite slogan “make This is not only morally repug- on the rich (Image 76) were above America great again” connotes nant; as these economists point 90% from 1944 to 1963, remaining anything meaningful for the out, it is severely damaging to our at 70% or above until 1982, when American people, it must mean a economy and our democracy. It’s President Reagan’s “supply-side” shift in policies that would result just more theft by the top. tax policies dropped it drastical- in bringing back the higher and ly to 50%, then below 30%. And more progressive income growth Enough is enough, Mr President; overall our economy was doing rates (gray curve in Image 75) for people are waking up! quite well for the middle class in the masses—the 99%; while reduc- the three decades before Reagan, ing it “greatly” for the billionaire Do you think people won’t no- was it not? class of oligarchs, one of whom is tice the continued theft? Do you Image 75 also shows the reverse, you. But that’s not what you’ve think they are not already waking once the neoliberal policies and been putting out about your par- up? I think what got you elected the “supply-side” tax rates for the ty’s plans for a total reform of our to office is that you co-opted this rich in the Reagan-Thatcher years tax code, is it Mr President. You deep-seated populist anger over took hold, 1980-2014 (red curve) cannot gut our government by the establishment elite taking ev- where growth in income for most saying, “Well, everyone will get a erything for themselves, while of the population had become tax cut, with the most going to the leaving at most crumbs for the anemic; while it began to scream richest of the rich so they’ll create rest of us. for the richest of the rich as they more jobs.” That line of bullshit The big question now is what took in an ever larger share of our is simply so the uniformed will you will do about that anger. Be- economy. This graph in itself de- think it’s all good. Those fraud- cause, if all the Republican Party bunks the absurd notion that “fur- ulent claims must be over, Mr can come up with are tax policies ther lowering taxes on the rich” President. The American people, that even deepen the gouging of will benefit the middle class. It including your supporters, need our economy, while claiming yet won’t; in fact, it will only exacer- effective policies that actually help again the fraudulent narrative bate the concentration shown at them and our economy; not more that “it will all grow the economy the high end of the red curve. bullshit and empty platitudes. faster”, they will pay the price That’s the farce of the fraudulent In fact, your rhetoric to your come the elections of 2018 and lie the Republican Party and Wall base of supporters and the rest 2020. Street Democrats have been per- of America begs the question:

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 62 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

Wealth Concentration: Where does the money go?

Top 10% of Wealth:

Now let’s examine the end result in terms of accumulation and concentration of wealth. We’ll parse out the top wealth and see that it is truly the tiny few at the very very top who are getting most of it all. We’ll also see how the total wealth and composition of mid- Image 77. Wealth Inequality in the United States since 1913 - Top 10% & 1% dle class wealth has decreased and shifted over time for all but the top few. Let’s begin by looking at how concentration of wealth has shifted over the major events of the past 100 years, which is illustrated by a successive breakdown of wealth concentration in Image 77, Image 78 and Image 79. The top graph shows that of the top 10%-to-1%, the wealth share by those from the 90th percentile to the 99th percentile (all but the top 1%) was about 35% from the mid-1920s through the mid-1930s; Image 78. Wealth Inequality in the United States since 1913 - Top 1% & 0.1% while the top 1% share peaked above 50% of all wealth just before the infamous 1929 capital market crash and subsequent collapse of the economy. While the top 10%- to-1% wealth share increased and held a relatively stable share of between 40% and 45% from the pre-war years all the way to the Reagan years, the share of the top 1% dropped steadily and drastically from 1929, through the depression to the post-war period, leveling at about a 30% share of all wealth, to even 25% through the 1970s. That means there was Image 79. Surge in top wealth shares are concentrated in Top 0.1% and Top 0.01% less concentration at the very top

that middle-class wealth throughout this period is mostly held in the net equity (market value less mortgage) people have in their homes (black shaded area); with some holding additional wealth in capital equities, business assets and pensions. This means that policies favoring those who hold most of their wealth in financial capital securities (the top 10%, say) do not favor the middle class, most of whose wealth is held in the American dream of owning their own home. Image 80. Wealth Inequality in the United States since 1913 - Composition of bottom 90% Notice also that total middle-class than we have now. wealth share by about 15 points, wealth of the bottom 90%, the top As the bane of the Reagan neolib- three times as much. And the bot- cumulative line, increased sharp- eral “supply-side” policies began tom graph breaks that out even ly and steadily from about 15% of to manifest negatively for most further to show that of the top 1% total household wealth (with the of the middle class, the wealth of the surge in wealth growth is con- richest 10% holding the remain- even the top 10%, all but the top centrated in the top 0.1%-to-0.01% ing 85% of wealth) as we came 1% (90th-99th percentiles), actu- (blue line); and even greater rate out of the Depression of the 1930s ally dropped as well back to the of increase in the very top 0.01%, on into the mid-1950s. It then pre-Depression level near 35%; or the top 1-out-of-10,000 house- climbed throughout the 1960s and while the top 1% share increased holds (red line). The richest of 1970s to over 35% of total wealth from below 25% in the mid-1970s the rich did extremely well under due largely to union-negotiated to over 40% and still climbing as Reagan policies while the mid- increased wage income and bet- wealth concentration continued to dle-class didn’t fair well at all. ter pension benefits. The wealth increase into the new millennium. This is the manifestation of ever accounted for by pension funds This illustrates the ever increasing increasing wealth concentration and pension annuities increasing- concentration of total wealth into into fewer hands as time moves ly became the next largest share fewer and fewer hands as time on, while the bottom 90% gets left of wealth holdings, beyond home moves on. further and further behind. That ownership. Again, this is what is, beginning with the Reagan era “middle-class wealth” mostly But the next two graphs show means; it is not made up of “ex- that even that is still deceiving, we’ve experienced the greatest mass transfer of wealth in modern cess discretionary cash” that mid- because the top wealth is not dle-class people might “invest” in evenly distributed among those of times from the middle-class and poor to the ultra rich. financial capital equities. It’s day- the top 1%. In fact, it’s still highly to-day living wealth—real wealth. skewed to even a tinier fraction Home ownership wealth held of 1%. From the middle graph we Bottom 90% of Wealth: can see that the top 99th-to-99.9th fairly steady at a little over 10% of percentile (all but the top 0.1%) Image 80 shows what has hap- total U.S. household wealth from increased wealth share steadily pened to the wealth share of the the 1950s to the late 1980s, when by about 5 points over this peri- bottom 90% of households during it declined steadily through the od of the Reagan years to now; this same period, basically the Bush I and Clinton years, with whereas the top 0.1% increased its broad middle-class. First note a temporary revival in the late

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 64 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

1990s through the Bush II years, ifested largely due to loss of total the rich get richer; they hurt the before crashing to less than 5% as home ownership value, and later broad middle class of our society Wall Street institutional excess- the value of middle-class capital and the poor get poorer. es wrecked the economy again, equity holdings that got wiped causing the “Great Recession” of out during the Bush II years, when 2008. yet again Republicans took a bud- Income Composition Consequently, total middle-class get excess and shoveled it out in of the Top 1% wealth began to drop steeply as massive tax breaks for the rich. It becomes clear that neoliberal pol- Now let’s examine the composi- the neoliberal “supply-side” Rea- tion of the top 1% of income; that gan policies began to take their icies, especially tax policies favoring the elite, aren’t just helping is, from where it is derived, be- toll on the middle-class. This man- cause this has huge implications regarding tax rates and where our tax revenue actually comes from. This class of people, from which the Republican oligarch base comes, by co-opting government power has managed to get policies in place that tax “capital rent” income, from unproductive “do nothing” activities except moving money around, at a much lower rate than even their own productive labor income (being paid for doing something productive). Image 81 shows how most of the income of the top 1% for the past century has come from “capital returns” rath- Image 81. Share of capital and labor portions in income, top 1% wealth class. er than from their labor to produce something useful. Progressive post-war policies through the 1970s led to a growing economy from which the middle-class benefited by earning a fairer share of productivity gains; while it actually suppressed both labor and capital income of the top 1%. But now in fact, one can see that the “capital rent” portion is only increasing well into the second decade of the new millennium, while the portion from their salary compensation for their labor has leveled off. This is why multi-billionaires like Warren Buffet of the Berkshire Hathaway Image 82. Share of “capital rent” income in total pretax income by wealth class. investment firm actually pay a © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 65 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine lower tax rate than his wage-earn- rectly be called speculation on the The threshold income for the ing secretary; an absurdity he so phantom wealth of unproductive Top 10% income group is $119,000 publicly and famously pointed financial instruments. It grows with an average group annual in- out. more phantom money (numbers in come of $304,000. That means the Again, the same extreme concen- some computer account) for the “lowest annual pretax income” of tration phenomenon manifests for extremely rich, but does nothing that group is into a six-figure in- the very top. Note in Image 82 for to help the economy for every- come. To make the Top 1% group all income (black line), the share one else. It is “undergirded” by requires a minimum income of of capital returns income has run a house-of-cards debt-pyramid $458,000; while the average in- pretty steady at between 20% and on the order of several hundreds come of that group is $1.3 million. 30% for the past century. But that of trillions of dollars, far exceed- That is, the “1-percenters” make one line hides the skewed distri- ing by orders of magnitude any at least almost a half million dol- bution of capital rent income. The real capital assets upon which it is lars a year, averaging $1.3 million. middle-class (bottom 90%) has supposedly based. And this is the Thus “The 1%” would include had only 10%-15% of their income sandbox where the top 0.1% play; many successful small business from capital returns, because most as can be seen by the immediate owners and professionals, such of the working class gets 85%-90% jump in the share of their income as doctors and attorneys. And of its income from wages and sal- that comes from captial when for the Top 0.01% income group, aries. these “make money out of noth- shown in some graphs above, the ing” laws were passed as we en- threshold annual income to make The top 10% (line with white-cir- tered the new millennium. that group is $9.6 million, with an cle data points), however has average income $28.1 million. been getting from 40% to 50% of Finally, to get a feel for what lev- its income from capital returns. els of actual income these various Compare that with the bottom The skewing gets more extreme percentages (10%, 1%, 0.1%, etc) half of the country, 117 million for the top 1% (gray-circle points) relate to, Piketty et al (noted ear- Americans, whose average in- and top 0.1% (red-circle points). lier), provide a table showing the come is an abysmal $16,200. Even The top 0.1% (1-out-of-1000 distribution of national income in the “upper middle-class”, the 50th households) has gotten most of the United State in 2014. The table to the 90th percentile (94 million its income, between 60% and 90% below is an extract showing pre- people), starts at just $36,000 with of it, from capital returns; again, tax income groups. an average income of $65,300. taxed at a much lower rate than labor income. This is the level of income that Republicans claim is still taxed too much. It is true that some of this capital income would come from actual investments in productive capital, like plants and equipment—that would correctly be called investments in real capital. But, we know that from the late Clinton years on, that Congress passed laws de- regulating financial institution so that they could create more loans to place more speculative bets on convoluted derivative financial instruments—and that would cor- Image 83. Piketty, Table 1: The Distribution of National Income in the United States in 2014. © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 66 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

Income Taxes and reported that at least 1-out-of-5 A variety of loopholes and Capital Wealth profitable corporations pay no tax-dodging methods are em- income taxes (“20% of big com- ployed to reduce their effective tax And so we are continually fed panies pay zero corporate taxes”, rates, including executive com- the fraudulent “supply-side” CNN-Money, 4-13-2016). “Prior pensation in stock options where dogma that if we just give cor- to 2012, the GAO estimated that the companies get to deduct huge porations (and the rich who own 24% of profitable large corpora- “payout losses”; shifting activities and run them) more tax breaks it tions owed no income tax in 2011, offshore and booking profits over- will grow the economy and cre- 22% owed nothing in 2010 and seas out of IRS reach (one five-sto- ate more jobs. This is a myth that 21% owed nothing in 2009.” ry office building in the Cayman seems to be self-perpetuating. Islands is now the ‘home’ to more than 18,000 corporations); and The focus of capitalists is ever to Many large profitable Fortune various tax subsidies. The biggest maximize returns to their owned 500 companies pay no income beneficiaries of tax subsidies over capital by reducing overall labor taxes, yet want more tax breaks the 8 years of the study include costs and the share of production the following: revenue returned to workers who A recent study by the Institute actually make and produce the of Taxation and Economic Policy ■ AT&T ($38.1 billion) products. This they accomplish of 258 profitable Fortune 500 com- ■ Wells Fargo ($31.4 billion) by sending jobs overseas and/or panies, reported on by the New ■ JPMorgan Chase ($22.2 billion) replacing labor by automated cap- York Times (“Profitable Compa- ital equipment; so that in both cas- nies, No Taxes: Here’s How They ■ Verizon ($21.1 billion) es the owners of the capital reap Did It”, NYT, 3-9-2017), showed ■ IBM ($17.8 billion) a greater portion of the returns that even though those companies ■ General Electric ($15.4 billion) on what the firm produces. That earned more than $3.8 trillion in is why for the past three decades, profits, overall they paid an aver- ■ Exxon Mobil ($12.9 billion) improved labor productivity has age effective tax rate of just 21.2%. ■ Boeing ($11.9 billion) not gone to workers; the owners And this varies by industry sec- ■ Procter & Gamble ($8.5 billion) of capital have taken it all. tor; for example utilities paid an average tax rate of just 3.1%; in- ■ Twenty-First Century Fox But the Republican claim is al- ($7.6 billion) ways that America’s “top margin- dustrial machinery, telecommu- al tax rate on corporations” is too nications and oil, gas and pipeline ■ Time Warner ($6.7 billion) high; in fact, “one of the highest companies paid roughly 11.5%; ■ Goldman Sachs ($5.5 billion) of all industrialized countries” and Internet services paid 15.6%. Of the 258 companies studied By keeping the uninformed at about 39% (combined Federal masses focused on the “taxes are and State), “hurting our compet- over the 8-year period between 2008 and 2015, 100 of them, near- too high” myth of top marginal itiveness.” However, the top rate corporate (or individual) tax rates, is not actually what most corpora- ly 40%, paid no total income taxes in at least one year of the 8-year people miss the opportunity to tions pay; overall the average ef- understand how it relates to our fective tax rate is much lower, run- period; including firms like Exx- on-Mobil, Verizon, and Boeing. economy. They then get bamboo- ning about 27.9% now. And some zled into supporting politicians very large multinational corpora- The co-author of the study point- who push legislation to give more tions pay no U.S. income tax at all, ed out that: “When the biggest tax breaks to corporations and the including such big names as GE, companies aren’t paying their fair rich; because, they are told, it will PG&E, Pepco Holdings, Interna- share, that means the rest of us are help more investments grow the tional Paper, Priceline and many left to pick up the slack. It means economy and create more jobs. others! small business and middle-in- We need to look at it differently. For example, it has been widely come families are paying more.” © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 67 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

Benchmarking Tax Revenue by the Size of the Economy

Economist and former Secre- tary of Labor under the Clinton administration, Robert Reich, makes a clear and cogent argument that the proper way to determine whether or not our tax structure is too large is not by looking at the top marginal tax rates; but by benchmarking tax revenues, by various sources, against the size of the economy, and examining that comparative- ly across multiple industrialized economies. He points this out in his 2015 book, Saving Capitalism: For the Many, Not the Few, (Knopf, NY). And in his online blog, The Resistance Report, posted by The Reich Report, he sets it in the con- Image 85. Tax Revenue benchmarked by size of the economy (% of GDP); comparison of text of recent tax reform propos- industrialized OECD countries. Note that the U.S. has the 4th lowest taxes of all 35 OECD als by Republican law makers. countries at 26% of GDP, with only Korea, Chile and Mexico lower; and it is well below the OECD average of 34% of GDP. Even Germany, the U.K., Japan and Canada tax revenues are all above 30% of GDP. Reich makes the point that, not Reich points out that both the only is the average effective tax Reagan and Bush II administra- rate of all U.S. corporations, af- tions made the same weak argu- ter tax deductions and tax cred- ment to implement huge tax cuts; its, 27.9%, much lower than the which made for huge deficits top marginal bracket of 39%; harming both our economy and when compared with the size of government revenue and pro- our economy, the U.S. already grams. The wealthiest 1% in the has the fourth lowest taxes of all U.S., he emphasizes, already pay OECD industrialized economies. the lowest taxes as a percent of Further, the typical effective tax their total income and wealth as rate among all advanced nations any major countries, and the low- is 27.7%. And yet, Republicans est in the U.S. itself. continue to use the ruse of top Further, amnesty for global marginal tax rate to perpetuate corporations sheltering income the myth that our taxes are much abroad won’t help the economy. higher than other competing in- A Wall Street Journal article titled, dustrialized countries; and there- Image 84. Robert Reich, author of many “Report: Repatriation Tax Holi- books, including Saving Capitalism: For the fore we need to “cut taxes”. This day a ‘Failed Policy’” (WSJ, 10- Many, Not the Few; and his popular blog The is how the very rich keep getting 10-2011, Kristina Peterson) point- Reich Report and The Resistance Report. away with taking more and more. © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 68 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine ed out that when it was tried in ic pictures of the 2004, corporations used the extra data tell the real cash to pay shareholders more story. And when dividends and buy back shares of we add in the tax stock to boost stock prices, thus revenue from In- benefiting only the owners and dividuals (Image the executives, who held stock op- 87), we can see tions to buy stock at much lower that the U.S. is rates, thus a windfall for their in- among the low- dividual “capital income”. Corpo- est of industrial- rations did not use the tax holiday ized countries. windfall to invest in productive To demon- capacity, R&D, or jobs. Profits are strate that this is at all time highs and corporations not some recent are flush with cash. There is abso- fluke, examine lutely no reason to lower corpo- these rates for rate taxes, Reich emphasizes. the selected five Mr President, yet again you countries and Image 86. Tax Revenue on corporate profits as % of GDP, by are dealing with a non-problem, Country. Note how low the U.S. corporate tax revenue is com- OECD average while ignoring the biggest prob- pared to all other OECD countries. over time, from lems. Corporate taxes and taxes 1965 to 2014 in bers on this Corporate Tax Rev- on the wealthy are not too high; Image 88, Image 89, and Image 90. enue picture further (Image 86). in fact, they are not high enough. For total tax revenue compared to Looking at tax revenue from cor- The only way to deal with our the size of the economy (percent porate profits as a percent of GDP, problems, like inequality, is to in- of GDP), the top graph shows we readily see that the U.S. is less vest in the American workforce; that the U.S. had a lower tax rev- than 2%; only five OECD countries that is, education (including early enue than Canada, Germany, are lower: Turkey, Germany, Lat- childhood education), job train- and the U.K. throughout, except via, Slovenia, and Estonia. Graph- ing, and infrastructure that links for Japan, which Americans together and improves was consistently the productivity of Americans. lower only from You invest in people, Reich says. 1965-1980. The view is further muddled Of particular by these “deficit scolds”, like the pertinence to so called “Freedom Caucus” and the fraudulent what’s left of the Koch-co-opted Republican ar- “Tea Party”, do not distinguish guments for the between spending on today and need to lower investing in the future. Reich de- corporate taxes mands that, instead of following yet further, note the “deficit scolds” or the corpo- that the middle ration and Wall Street tax cutters, graph shows that we need to stop this madness. We the U.S. tax rev- need to fight for public invest- enue from cor- ments in our future. porations (blue To underscore Reich’s points, curve) dropped Image 87. Total Tax Revenue—Corporate and Individual, sorted sharply as Rea- let’s break out some actual num- by corporate tax revenue— shows the U.S. taxes are not too high.

gan policies kicked in, De-concentration of and holds low mostly be- Income and Wealth low 2% of GDP; whereas it was twice that in the The overall strategy to address 1960s when marginal tax the problems we face, especially rates were much higher. inequality, is to deconcentrate glob- Yet during the same pe- al income and wealth in a way riod of post Reagan neo- the improves life on this planet. liberal policies the aver- The continued fraudulent narra- age tax revenue of OECD tive and lies, Mr President, which countries (black line) ac- even you yourself propagate, tually increased above are being exposed for what they U.S. levels. are—empty ideological promises Finally, the bottom for which the current system will Image 88. Total Tax Revenue % of GDP, 1965-2014. graph breaks out tax reve- not deliver. They only further en- nue from individuals and rich corporations, their executives corporate profits for the and the 0.1% oligarchs who make U.S. and average of OECD millions and tens of millions of countries. Comparing to dollars every year. Once the pop- corporate tax revenue ulation awakens from the fog and history, noted above, stupor of its ignorance and con- individual tax revenue fusion to see the true light of this fluctuates considerably, horrifying reality before them, dropping in conjunction they will not readily be induced with the corporate rate to go back to sleep with yet more at the start of the Reagan bullshit. They will fight for what’s era, then jumping sharply right. Isn’t that what your sup- in the mid to late Clinton porters have indicated to you? era, and dropping again drastically when Bush II What we need is to Image 89. Tax Revenue from Corporate Profits % of instituted huge cuts; but GDP, 1965 - 2014. deconcentrate global income had to be raised yet again and wealth in a way the due to the severe deficits improves life on this planet. To the Bush cuts caused. claim that the oligarchs and The meta “big” picture corporations need yet more tax here is that, based on con- relief is the continuation of a tribution to tax revenue, tired and fraudulent lie. as a portion of the size of our economy, and com- Think about it, Mr President; pared both to other major while you and the Republican countries and over time, Party are preparing yet another the problem is not that massive tax giveaway to the rich our taxes are too high, es- with a fraudulent argument that pecially for corporations; everyone will “win”, everyone but that tax policy needs else is actually losing out. But you to be focused on working say, “Hey, everyone will get a Image 90. Tax Revenue from Individuals and Corpo- people in the middle. ‘tax-cut’, so don’t look too closely rate Profits, 1965-2014. © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 70 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine at what the rich are getting, be- of your administration is in denial problems our nation faces don’t cause they are the ‘makers’ and and efforts relentlessly to keep a get addressed with real solutions ‘job creators’.” It’s bullshit, and lid on the facts of reality and keep that work is because our current your Republican Party hacks who the population in a state of wide- crop of politicians, in particular sell out their integrity to corporate spread ignorance, using worn out Republicans and their cohort of donars damn well know it. threadbare tactics in order to re- Wall Street Democrats, lead with “Worker income”, where wages tain its grip on power for the über ideologies that don’t address real are compensation for effort, carries rich; I fight the battle of truth. societal problems, as much as the greatest tax burden; whereas, My goal is to pull back the cur- they argue otherwise. Instead, the “do-nothing income” from rent- tain on this systemic fraud en- endless ineffectual and rancorous ing concentrated capital is taxed gulfing the American people and debate and arguments all revolve at lower rates, because there is a wrecking our environment and around issues of power and con- vortex of money and power that chances for a viable future, by trol based on ideological dogma. has seized control of our politi- leading them out of this valley of They simply push their failed cal system. The rentiers get out- ignorance and enlightening them ideological belief system, instead sized returns due to ownership; to a different and better future of understanding and solving not because of anything they do. that is still fully possible. The oli- problems. “Hey, let’s just give This leads to poverty in the midst garch elite count on the people not everybody a tax cut; won’t that of riches. In the long run, Stiglitz looking, and especially not under- be great? That’ll keep the masses discusses at length, “this leads to standing, while they further har- satisfied and quiet... for a while massive inequality and unequal vest our society for themselves. anyway... maybe through the next societies, which are not efficient, election cycle, so we can retain But the window to a viable fu- our positions of power.” are not stable nor sustainable, ture is fast closing, Mr President. and are not democratic due to Again, I ask you, what side of They are solicitous of ideological the concentration of power. We eternity do you want your legacy purity and how that is defined; have macroeconomic policy and to be a part of: a one-way decent they make acquiring and retain- a central bank by and for the 1 into the hell of suicidal planetary ing power the goal, regardless of percent.” We need to change our destruction; or a path of life-af- what happens to their country. world view. firming hope and collective ef- Those who play this game may fort to preserve the blessings of claim they care about their coun- Tapestry of a Creation and a viable future for try; but they are not patriotic everyone and the rest of nature? Americans if that means looking Life-Affirming These choices are not mere labels out for the best interests of the Future — amenable to manipulation by American people. They are sim- your grandiose bullshit, because ply scam artists intent on seizing Fighting the Battle frankly Mr President, it is becom- and retaining power, control and for Truth ing ever more clear that you don’t more personal wealth. know what you’re talking about. Problems go wanting for lack of In contrast, I’ve woven a tapes- They represent the reality of par- proper definition and serious at- try of a new life-affirming story allel universes; only one of which tention—even while their impacts and conscious progressive values will manifest. are hammering us in the face with and ethics that offer hope for a vi- unfathomable suffering and eco- able future, built on a solid frame nomic loss. This is undergirded by that carries the burden of enlight- Problems and Solutions— immense fear on the part of poli- ening not only you, Mr President, Why Nothing Gets Done ticians, media and financial insti- but your supporters and anyone tutions, that if the dots are con- else who cares to take the time to Mr President, the reason real nected, and root causes identified address our future. Whereas most

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 72 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

gy” how we are using the words er the integrity of our elections, desired outcome is a viable future “strategic” and “viable future” thus descending into the likes of a for us all. (page 36 and page 39): corrupt third-world dictatorship The strategically urgent gate- Strategic connotes great importance, where only money and oligarchs way elements fall into four de- comprehensiveness, integrated whole, rule and we are never able to fined strategic outcomes: Healthy time-critical urgency and long-term -re “vote out” such corruption once it Democracy; Healthy Popula- sults, and broad scope and seriousness is entrenched. The will of the peo- tion; Healthy Environment; and of threats and impacts—especially ple becomes a meaningless cliché. Healthy Economy. when crucial to our survival. It is strategically urgent we fix We can keep beating around the Viable future means manifesting our democracy first; else, “we the conditions for our country, and the people” will never be able to cor- bush about everything else while broader relational contexts of civiliza- rect the system in order to address getting mired in the quicksand tion and the rest of nature that we ex- anything else that besets us. of endless ideological marketing ist within, that provide for the capabil- (i.e. “Privatization and more tax ity of living, growing and developing, Likewise, our planetary climate breaks for the rich will save us of working and functioning adequate- system is breaking down and will all!”), like we’ve done for at least ly, and having a reasonable chance of soon reach, if it has not already, four decades. But the outcomes survival and succeeding as a self-sus- tipping points of no return. To face have demonstrated its ineffective- taining living system on out into an in- runaway global warming, with all ness in addressing these strategi- definite and uncertain future. A viable its permanent consequences, is to cally crucial goals: our democracy future should hold even the potential face ominous strategic urgency. of thriving and flourishing under diffi- is not healthy, as even corruption cult and uncertain conditions. in our primary elections have proven that it is not responsive With this understanding we in- Strategic Goals and Desired Outcomes: to the will of the people, if it ever clude such threats as moneyed was; we don’t have a healthy pop- corruption to the health of our de- ulation; we don’t have a healthy mocracy, the means by which peo- Problems need to be defined in terms of desired outcomes and re- environment; and we don’t have ple have power. And the health of a healthy economy. our population; the health of our lated goals. That is the only way environment; and the health of of properly focusing strategic pol- And it cannot be emphasized our economy. icies and measuring their success, enough—it’s not because corpo- in terms of their design to address rations and the rich don’t have Strategic threats make for gate- the desired outcomes and our enough money and pay too much way issues; because unless they ability to implement them effec- in taxes. The opposite is true; they are addressed in time, they block tively. Currently, politicians just have too much money and don’t our future ability to address not say, “We’ll do this... or that... for pay enough in taxes, while the only those strategic issues, but ev- the American people,” whether population ends up paying too erything else. it’s tax breaks, health, immigra- much for things like health care tion, or whatever. Rarely do we and medicine. Strategic Urgency: witness them defining a problem, proposing policy legislation and Some threats are so serious their stating how it solves the problem, Strategic Opportunities: and identifying measures of out- consequences are irreversible. If, Sometimes solutions that ad- come by which the success of the for example, our democracy is dress strategic threats are staring policy will be measured. about to be fully stolen through us in the face, if we’d only look the corruption of our election This is why I’ve organized this and recognize them. For example, process by various means, our “Strategic vision for a viable Amer- we already have a very popular voting becomes meaningless and ican future” around four strategic single payer health insurance sys- we may never be able to recov- elements. Of course, the overall © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 73 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine tem that has been working for de- Mr President. Are you a politician, ating these kinds of dogmatic lies! cades, although it has aspects that who merely pushes ideologies; or Our country will not survive need to be improved so health are you a manager, who seeks ef- this; the physical, mental and eco- care is truly comprehensive in fective and easily implementable nomic health of our population health services covered, full pop- solutions to serious problems? will continue to deteriorate and ulation coverage, easy accessibil- Instead of this effective and eas- we will all suffer because of it. ity, and that addresses any form ily implementable solution to our of corruption. We need a public- Similarly, our economy does not health care coverage, the Repub- incorporate the full cost to society ly financed, privately delivered licans and Wall Street Democrats health care system, based on the of carbon-based energy sources. forgo this strategic opportunity We can address this simply with morality of care giving—not the by insisting on some sort of Rube profit motives of corporate cap- a revenue-neutral “cost of carbon Goldberg system dominated pollution” at the source, where italists. It needs to eliminate pri- and controlled by private health vate premiums, deductibles, and carbon enters our economy, with insurance, which is too costly, a “carbon fee and dividend”. The co-pays. Working people should doesn’t cover what we need, is pay no more than they already fee is like a knob on the economy discriminatory, doesn’t improve that can steadily be increased to do in payroll deductions for these access to health care, and is main- public benefits. It should be fully force the economy away from fos- ly designed for capitalists to get sil fuels, making for realistic alter- financed by a focused progres- rich off of people’s suffering due sive tax structure that funds it all native energy choices that incor- to their lack of affordable access porate full societal costing. by deconcentrating income and to health and medical services. wealth at the top levels, where all The ideologues merely push “pri- The typical ideological response the money has gone over the past vatization” as the only approach that it would somehow “hurt the several decades. Simultaneously allowable, supposedly because economy” is another fraudulent eliminating the waste and over- “they hate government” and lie; the economy is what we make head of private health insurance, view all “government solutions of it, not some “stand alone nat- as well as empowering the system as bad.” They are not interested ural phenomena” that we “might to negotiate fair costs for drugs in more cost-effective solutions injure”. In fact, shifting away and medical equipment, will low- that address serious broad scale from our carbon-energy addic- er overall health care system costs problems. They make every effort tion would massively expand the by at least a third. to resist opening up the feasible economy into other areas. Those It is called MEDICARE FOR solution space to allow for pub- collective fees can then be redis- ALL, Mr President. The struc- licly based solutions through our tributed to the population through ture, systems and processes are existing governance structures. a flat dividend that by its nature in place; people are easily en- is progressive, because, although And yet as much as you pro- the cost of hydrocarbon-based rolled and the provider payment claim to be speaking on behalf system is in place. All we need to products will increase, most of the of the American people, includ- population will receive more div- do is expand the system capacity ing your supporters; out of your to cover everyone and empower idend money than the increased ignorance and in your typically cost of these products. the system to negotiate treatment ineffective bombastic blustering and drug costs. A comprehensive style, Mr President, you continue These are examples of strategic “Medicare for All” system lever- to make ridiculously uninformed opportunities we simply need to ages off of existing management statements, like: “Single payer move on. We can lead the world, structures and processes, which will bankrupt the country. Believe Mr President; instead of letting makes it pragmatically imple- me; it’s very bad for our country. other countries like China “eat mentable in a management sense. Very bad.” Bullshit! And shame our shorts” while they run away It’s a management no-brainer, on you, Mr President, for perpetu- with the renewable energy economy and we go with dirty energy. © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 74 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

Strategic Policies and are other choices, Mr President. door to exceptions for everyone’s Leadership: But it will take courageous, fo- favorite moneybag lobbyist; or if cused, and wise leadership to politicians want to commandeer a These policies need to be focused bring them to fruition. portion of the dividends, making on addressing strategic threats to it a tax; it will be problematic in its implementation and fail. the strategic goals that must be Pragmatic Implementation: achieved for a viable future. Ev- erything needs to be seen through Strategic policies should be Gateway Issues First the lens of what facilitates and concise and focused on strategic furthers a viable future; and what threats impacting desired out- As noted throughout, there are threatens it. comes. They should be free of lots of important issues we need Again and again, we have to largess and all the various ideo- to deal with as a society. Howev- keep reminding ourselves and ev- logical and private-interest “ex- er, there are these few issues that eryone else, the policies need to ceptions” and “political favors” have such a major impact and if transcend failed and immoral ide- crap that politicians typically bur- they are not adequately addressed ologies that keep us mired in the den every bill with. That may be first, we will never be able to ad- suicide economy, where neoliber- the way sausage-law is made; but dress the rest of what ails us effi- al captialist privatization muscles it is not the way strategic prob- caciously and sustainably because out publicly focused strategically lems are solved. the viability of our future will effective solutions. It’s strategically urgent we drift evermore out of reach. The So, the leadership for the de- abandon the business-as-usu- future becomes more problemat- sign and implementation of these al approach to writing law; and ic; not more viable. These are pri- policies must have the integri- the horse-trading bullshit riders ority core gateway issues that must ty and courage it takes to break to appease ideologues in order be addressed in order to have a the shackles of these privatizing to “get something—anything” chance to address anything else. ideologies, where “you can have passed. If what’s passed is not If our democracy doesn’t work, anything you want, as long as it is effective in addressing the stra- the American people are robbed based on private ownership and tegic problem; it’s meaningless of their right to be engaged and increasing the profits for the own- to pass it. You can’t bullshit the effect policies that address their ers of capital.” This is a failed sui- public into believing you’ve ac- needs. Who controls us then are cidal belief system and will never complished something “great”, corporate capitalists whose ener- get us there, because by its very Mr President, if all you have is a gies will forever remain focused nature it cannot prioritize the Republican sows ear and trinkets merely on growing more money public good as its focusing goal. to work with. Trying to do so sim- for themselves; fraudulently sold The system design is strategically ply further degrades your integri- to the rest of us with lies, without flawed when it comes to serving ty and leadership. Its design will regard to what happens to people the needs of society. fail upon efforts to implement it and the rest of nature. There will The system is locked into serv- and your bullshit will be exposed. be no reprieve from this situation ing the money growth interests of For example, a fee-and-dividend and our planet will die from vari- capitalist owners and corporate bill could be written in, say, three ous ills initiated and perpetuated executives. Hence they have to pages, and be designed to take by a suicide economy. continually create and sustain the advantage of existing accounting If we don’t have a healthy popu- fraudulent myth that all good for systems to collect the fees and lation, people will suffer and our society will drop out of that fore-distribute the dividends. It’s society and its economy will con- cus and that, to recall the Thatch- simple accounting math. Howev- tinue to be degraded. The same er-Reagan propaganda, “there is er, if it is loaded up with any ex- for a healthy environment and a no other choice”. There certainly ceptions, because that opens the healthy economy.

What “swamp” did you tion in combat during the Viet- who want it all for themselves, intend to drain, Mr Presi- nam war. Regardless of the plati- regardless of who gets hurt or tudes you or anyone else offers to destroyed in the process. The dent? veterans, you have no sense how cruelty and mean-spiritedness of placing your life on the line for so-called Republican “leaders” in Further, and more crucially to your country affects one’s sense Congress appears to be endless. our future viability, although you of patriotism and ownership of promised to “drain the swamp”, In the wake of Hurricane Ka- the wellbeing of their country. It’s whatever you meant by that, your trina 12 years ago, and the abys- hard enough these days to even administration has been filled mal response by the then Republi- get people to take enough respon- with the ultimate establishment can administration under Bush II, sibility for their country to vote; swamp rats, from whom, it has I wrote a 40-page essay, titled: The let alone stand up for it and de- become clear with their actions, Grand Theft of America, September fend it with their lives. behaviors, words and policies, 21, 2005. It is worth offering again, they do not have in mind the best So, when I witness the subver- Mr President, my impassioned interests of the American people, sive undermining and outright opening words in the following nor the future of our country. sabotage of our government and sidebox, which I meant to inspire, the honorable institutions of our and call forth action from any and We are going backward under democracy we’ve developed over all citizens who come across them. your administration, Mr Presi- decades, by people—traitors—in dent; not into “greatness”, but The theme of the Grand Theft of your administration and this cur- into madness and the ultimate America essay differentiates the rent Republican Congress, there is demise of our country, its insti- focus of “government”, “private” no more accurate characterization tutions, values and its very social and “corporation” in civilization; of it than treason (see page 41 structure. What’s at stake is the then examines the root causes for meanings). The overt betray- future of America for all of us; of systemic government failure al of our values and principles is even for you, your children, theirs to provide the governance and heart-wrenching. and for all of our posterity. As services the people need and de- we witness this farcical effort by We’re not talking about mere mand. Drawing from some specif- this morally bankrupt Republican policy differences, Mr President; ic quotes entirely relevant to our Party to gut our revenue and by we’re talking about undermin- current discussion, it identifies borrowing heavily, into deficits of ing our “sacred voting process”, the goals and mechanisms of this well over a trillion dollars, mere- the outright theft of votes from grand theft; and it underscores ly to pay off their donor class of American citizens, the subversion the earlier development and the billionaire oligarchs in order to of our healthcare system, the un- damage your administration is continue receive their future cam- dermining of our protections, the doing to our country and how it is paign favors and largess so they gutting of our revenue and subse- doing it, Mr President. can retain power, we find our so- quent theft of our benefits (“now Government—the realm of ciety, our people, and all the good no money to pay for them”), our people in civilization: The focus we have built up for America uncommon infrastructure, and on. of government is people. It is the der attack on multiple fronts. This is not the first time I’ve writ- corruption of government that ten about this in an impassioned is disabling and disastrous, not Grand Theft of and methodical way; because this “government.” Government is the is an ongoing theme for the Re- name we give to the people, struc- America publican Party—a party that has tures, and entities that civilized Mr President, as you already become nothing more than the en- societies and their communities know, I am a war veteran, having emy of the American people and set up to “govern” various collec- served my country, the United our democracy, while in service tive functions of their societies— States of America, with distinc- of an oligarch class of billionaires, for the mutual benefit of all.

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 78 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

From The Grand Theft of America, by Root, September 21, 2005

I am an American. I am an American citizen. I am an American patriot. I write what I write because I love my country, the principles upon which it was founded and because my country faces ominous threats to its very survival as we know it—threats that are never more pressing than this very moment. I write what I write and say what I say because it is the right thing to do when one is called to a higher moral purpose. Our country and its constitution are in the process of being stolen by the very people in “formal charge” of its protection. Democracy is indeed fragile and by its very open, diverse and diffuse nature it is ever vulnerable to perversion, corruption, oppression and ruin. It is readily undermined by subversion, if not subject to blatant robbery, from power structures that relentlessly effort to steal power from the people, thus co-opting the essence of democracy—saving, perhaps, a residual bone left as its faintest resemblance in the now discredited farce of “the vote.” If we citizens do not stand up to protect our constitution and democracy through our words and non-violent actions, in short order we will see the last of its powers and protections wane into the dry ink of hence meaningless and impotent words on old parchment paper kept under lock- and-key that once represented a dream for a free people at the birth of our nation. We will continue to see these powers subsumed and exploited by a tiny minority of power-wielding people who represent nothing but their own agenda—and that agenda is readily apparent as the domination and control of the planet and all aspects of planetary life ... As they smile and shake your hand, offering you reassurance, they amp your fears while they gut your country and the livelihoods of its people, its future and that of the generations that follow. This is the state of an infamous perversion of democracy to which the neo-Republican Party has descended. Yes, yes, they paint themselves over and over with these words “democracy, growth, jobs…” and tell you relentlessly that it’s all about the “freedom” of “your” money and “your vote” that they placate you with. But it is not their words by which they should be judged; it is their decisions and actions, and the subsequent outcomes that have real effects on real lives of real people for which they need to be scrutinized and held accountable. When it comes to their choices between money, property and people, most of the people lose every time. These people are traitors to the principles that form the foundation of our country, who masquerade themselves as owners of the name “United States of America” and who commandeer and exploit the American Flag, wrapping themselves in it as if it were their own personal corporate logo. Upon that image, they project their private agenda as the “American agenda” and go about their criminal takeover, domination and exploitation of the world, leaving ordinary Americans the options of apathetic and cynical resignation; cheering them on in ignorance, fear or greed; or, struggling to counter this behemoth monstrosity with minimal means, if terrific courage and purpose. These people disgrace my country before the world. When I served my country as an officer and Vietnam combat veteran in the United States Air Force, I took an oath to uphold and protect the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies—domestic as well as foreign. I internalized it as a lifetime oath and I live it every day of my life. Being a free patriot means supporting the core aspects of our Constitution, including its checks and balances on power, and a vibrant free press on behalf of the people. Yet I even have a higher moral calling than this. I am one of several billion human beings on this planet we call Mother Earth. Like all other human beings, my soul has manifested from the spiritual realm into the physical form of my body. Together, my soul and my body become “I”. It is my body—a gift from God, if you will—and it is my soul that is empowered to make moral choices about what I do with my body, naked in my soul before God and all of creation. The essence of human morality is embedded in choice. The denial of choice is the amoral, if not immoral, imposition of domination and control—by someone else’s choice. I can choose to waste this blessed life I am granted or I can choose to serve a higher purpose. As my soul is blessed with the gift of my body, I am simultaneously called to purpose and responsibility as a human being, beyond all boundaries, beyond all borders, beyond all allegiances, beyond all beliefs, beyond all dogmas… to serve the best interests of humanity and the planet we inhabit. My words are my sword and with this sword I will tenaciously endeavor to cut through the ignorance upon which this paradigm of domination and control depends to acquire, hold, sustain and entrench its power. With my words I will continue to focus the brilliance emanating from the light of truth and understanding in ever increasing intensity on the forces and constructs that underpin this destructive paradigm.

Private—the realm of self in quately for themselves. It’s called called the financial capital market. civilization: The focus of private is civilized progress; it’s known as This device seeks and rewards self. What’s wrong with that? Well compassion. But all this they bash entities that are better than others nothing in some contexts and a as “waste” and then grab it for in growing money—the more the whole lot when it comes to the na- themselves and let the rest of us better, the faster the better. ture of what we call civilized soci- live with the costs—we usually In a collective sense, the corpo- ety. If it relates to education of our refer to that as greed. ration device is the underpinning people, for example, or providing Corporation—the realm of the of capitalism. In harmony they core infrastructure services or the device in civilization: The focus constitute “a single world-domi- management of our national trea- of corporation is leveraged power. nating order,” and even though it sures and resources, “private” The corporation device is the ulti- still has not reached everywhere, means transferring control from mate lever of power with its own it cannot be reformed, cannot be public decision making by public paradigmatically innate agenda satisfied with less than every- institutions, whose mission and of growing money, increasing thing, and has the institutions in focus is directed at serving the power and ensuring its survival in place for its purpose. interests and needs of the people, perpetuity. Any functionary par- Without a drastic change in its to private decision making by a ticipant not acting in line with the few to serve their selfish interest driving purpose, the restructur- paradigm of this device is ejected ing of its power and influence, of growing money and dominat- from the system—no rebels need ing others. But more than that, it and the reestablishment of socie- apply. Which CEO is going to tal control of this device, it sets the means the invasion of the domina- stand up and say for the sake of tion and control paradigm into all modern-day benchmark for what civilization, “enough is enough!” we might call an evil force. It is out sectors of public life. It means the and still keep his job? seizure of the freedom for public of anyone’s control and heading involvement in decisions crucial The corporation is a self-select- the planet toward catastrophic to the well-being of people’s coming device that underpins the failure of its ecological and socie- munities, public institutions and domination and control para- tal systems. society at large. The result of “pri- digm. It is a concentrator of cap- Capitalism is not what most vatization” is a gutting of public ital and power for the device it- people take it to be. It is not a ra- institutions and the waning of de- self and a concentrator of wealth tional system of markets in which mocracy since democracy needs and power for the relatively few freely constituted individuals cre- to be implemented through more dominant owners who control the ate wealth in healthy competition; effective redistribution of concen- device and wield it as their lever which is the garb its adherents trated wealth—not magnifying its of global influence. Its dominance try to clothe it with. It is, rather, concentration. The power of scale leaves no room for any other a device-driven construct that in- (and leverage through the corpo- guiding philosophy for humanity tegrates earlier modes of domina- ration device) represents a struc- than the growth and accumulation and generates a gigantic force tural antithesis to democracy. tion of money. Such a device that field of profit-seeking that polar- has no self-regulating mechanism izes all human activity and sucks Society needs funds from the results in the cancerous expan- economy and a balance of wealth it into itself. We might also prop- sion of financial capital, and this erly label that an evil force, around distribution commensurate with relentless and expansive pressure the overall well-being of human- which all the rules of the system leads to ecological and societal have been rigged. Isn’t that the ity. Public funds need to be put destabilization and destruction as into public services that the peo- essence of the claim you made its ultimate outcome. It is the fo- that got you elected, Mr Presi- ple decide they want and need to cal device of the domination and enhance the general well-being dent? What did you mean by “the control paradigm. It only answers system is rigged”? You’ve never of society as well as caring for to another device, an epidevice those who are unable to care ade- been clear about that. © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 80 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

But this is in fact what the Re- (modus operandi, or method of written by highly respected and publican legislative effort is all operation), is it not, Mr President? prominent political economists, about, Mr President; to rob us of “Facts are mere ‘white noise’,” policy experts and political phi- affordable healthcare and rob our as one of your operatives put it, losophers about this phenome- treasury and our earned Medi- when the goal is simply to keep non. There exists a struggle over care, Medicaid, and Social Securi- the public in a state of confusion the name and meaning of “capi- ty benefits; and privatize it all in so they don’t know what to be- talism”; and the same for “democ- order to dominate it and harvest lieve. Thus you can keep putting racy”. Some want to hang onto its cash flow that should be re- out lies to muddy the waters of the word and a positive notion of turned to the people. Regardless truth, with the intent of flooding “capitalism”, drawing from the of what you campaigned on, your the channels of public discourse way it performed in earlier times. current fraudulent lies about it so much that it becomes of game Some argue that words like “cap- all being good for working peo- of “what words the public hears italism” and “democracy” have ple, jobs, pay and the economy, most often and loudest, that affect been so co-opted, or challenges and not being designed to further what they believe.” So, it becomes to their meanings so tainted by enrich the richest of the rich, in- who controls the meaning of what negative connotations of Marx- cluding yourself, will come crash- words—not the truth—that is im- ism or Communism, for example, ing down upon you as more and portant. This is the tactic of public as if there’s no other choice than more people wake up to the grand thieves. That is why I’ve been so capitalism, that you can’t engage theft of America. Saying, “here’s a clear about the definitions of the in a conversation about either of few bucks for you, middle Amer- words I use. them, without clarifying terms at ica;” while this oligarch class runs As an aside, my 2nd Edition of the outset. Again, we cannot as- away with the greater wealth of The Unheard Herald was exactly sume the same shared meaning in the store will only enrage broader about taking on a marketing shy- debate without clarification. America as they wake up and re- ster who, as the board chair of our alize how they are being conned local natural food co-op led an ef- Capitalism: and fleeced—sold to them byyour fort to try and sell our $2 million words, Mr President. co-op out from underneath the co- Eminent public policy expert, While my claim is that the cor- op members to a corporate entity Robert Reich, from whom we’ve poration device, manifested col- hell bent on buying little indepen- drawn earlier, in his 2015 book lectively as capitalism, is inher- dent co-ops, for the mere price of and recently released Netflix ently driven purely by the goal to assuming the $275,000 mortgage. movie, both titled Saving Capi- grow money for its owners, thus He had no rational argument; he talism: For the Many, Not the Few, subverting true market forces simply kept asserting, “It’s an in- argues not that capitalism can or wherever feasible; others argue credible deal for the members; it’s can’t be reformed; but that in- about meaning of words and the an incredible deal!”—based on deed, it is such a powerful force rules of capitalism as the heart of nothing for the member-owners! that it needs to be constrained by the problem—and who has the And he got the rest of the board to the rules that govern the markets power to make them—that form keep repeating that meme. That’s within which it operates, else by the basis of our socio-economic it; they had nothing else! So, sev- its very nature it is a rampant run- structure and its regulating mech- eral of us led a member revolt to away device that imposes disas- anisms. recall the entire board; and we trous results on society. And it is saved our local co-op from being not only what the rules are that is stolen by taking them head-on. important; but who has the pow- Sustained Confusion and And that’s the kind of thing hap- er to control and define them. If the Struggle Over Words pening to America, Mr President. we’re going to have a “capitalism” that serves our economy This is the essence of your MO Multitudes of books have been

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 82 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine outcome of the myopic notion of offering an antidote to central- tify expending the energies and “ideologically managed democ- ized power, one of Adam Smith’s wealth of our citizens and asking racy,” which is the only vision fundamental contentions for it to some of them to kill and sacrifice that emanates from the “free- work was that individuals were their lives while the destiny of dom-for-money” Corporate Polit- capable of making rational deci- their country is fast slipping from ical Complex assault on America, sions about the management of popular control.” while it simultaneously character- their own capital only on a small izes the decision-making impo- scale. But the rapid emergence of tence of the general public in our the business corporation device A Benchmark for “Evil”: modern-day political world. In opened forms of concentrated What if, in the evolution of hu- fact, these ideologues like to keep interconnected power structures manity, well-meaning rational the masses confused by equating that marked the presence of pri- experimenting human beings the meaning of the two words as vate power on a scale and in num- created a technological device, an empty mantra: “democracy = bers previously unknown.” which they expected to serve lim- capitalism = democracy”; where This is resulting in a concentra- ited well-defined and valid needs the rich control and grow while tion of private power that is un- for humanity in a beneficial way? the lower classes consume and connected to a citizen body and Yet, over time human control of fume. thus only has one agenda, pre- the abstract device subtly slipped It’s a “totalizing ideology” in viously stated as growing and away as the device morphed and the sense that corporations and concentrating money, regardless coalesced into a complex of devic- billionaire oligarchs, and their of the impact on others. “As the es that not only escaped human Republican political hacks, are momentum of political and so- control, but actually comman- obsessed with control, expansion, cial democracy of the U.S. in the deered it by design into complicit superiority, and supremacy. It’s 1930s waned with the outbreak of single focused service to the de- what political philosopher Shel- World War II, the merger of state vice through its motivation, eval- don Wolin calls “inverted total- and corporate interests resulted in uation and reward system for the itarianism,” but is only partly a an unprecedented combination of human element? What if humans state-centered phenomenon in power with totalizing tendencies then realized too late that this that it primarily “represents the whose very nature is to continual- device complex, now becoming political coming of age of corpo- ly challenge established political, evermore free from constraints rate power and the political demo- moral, intellectual, environmental and systemically compelled to bilization of the citizenry. It suc- and economic boundaries. It also enlarge itself with its insatiable cessfully projects power inwards created and promoted a consum- drive to grow, accumulate and by encouraging and exploiting er culture that focused the nation concentrate money, finds itself a symbiotic power relationship on private pleasures while accept- consuming anything and every- between traditional government ing political passivity.” thing on its horizon. Those with- and the system of private gov- “A major consequence,” Wolin in the device complex who are ernance of the modern corpora- writes, “is the construction of a best at promoting its paradigm tion.” (Sheldon S. Wolin. 2008. new imperial identity that is less are rewarded by contractual en- Democracy Incorporated: Managed democratic. That new identity in- gagements allowing them to skim Democracy and the Specter of Invert- volves questions of who we are off obscene amounts of personal ed Totalitarianism. Princeton Uni- as a people, what we stand for wealth from unfathomable mon- versity Press.) as well as what we are willing ey flows. But the device complex “Although the intellectual con- to stand for, the extent to which is designed to eject any individ- struct of ‘capitalism’ was con- we are committed to becoming ual who questions its legitimacy, ceived in the late 18th Century as involved in common affairs, and the impact of its excesses, and in- a decentralized power structure what democratic principles jus- deed the paradigm of growth it-

Image 91. Healthy Democracy

Image 93. Healthy Environment

Image 92. Healthy Population Image 94. Healthy Economy © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 85 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine Strategic Success Program — Core Policy Elements Healthy Democracy Leadership: Larry Lessig, Ari Berman, Greg Palast, David Cobb

Image 95. Lawrence “Larry” Image 96. Ari Berman, Inves- Image 97. Greg Palast, Inves- Image 98. David Cobb, Green Lessig, Harvard Professor of tigative Journalist for Mother tigative Journalist for Rolling Party presidential nominee in Law. Author of: Republic Lost: Jones Magazine and The Nation Stone Magazine, BBC, The 2004; Jill Stein campaign man- How Money Corrupts Congress— Magazine; Fellow at the Nation Guardian, and Democracy Now! ager 2016; and co-founder of and a Plan to Stop It (2011); and Institute. Author: Give us the Author and Film Producer: Move To Amend, which calls for the new edition (2016), Republic Ballot: The Modern Struggle for The Best Democracy Money a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Lost: The Corruption of Equality Voting Rights in America (2015). Can Buy: A Tail of Billionaires Constitution to prohibit equat- and the Steps to End It. Also pro- Interviewed several times about & Ballot Bandits (2016) and ing money with speech, and for ducer of many videos. Lessig ran election integrity on Democ- its 2017 post-election release limiting constitutional rights to briefly for President in the 2016 racy Now! This October, 2017, The Case of The Stolen Election. “natural persons only.” Cobb has Democratic Primary, under the Berman wrote a feature Mother Palast has been investigating led multiple vote recount efforts notion of a “referendum presi- Jones article, titled: “Rigged: vote thieves and ballot bandits and was the manager of the dent” to restore the principle of How Voter Suppression Threw and the billionaire dark money 2016 recount on behalf of the political equality and un-rig the the Wisconsin Election...” behind them, all the way back to Green Party. He wrote in Mother rigged system—until the DNC the theft of the 2000 election by Jones last year that “recounts at shifted the goal posts to prevent Bush II and before. their core are about ensuring him from participating in the confidence in the integrity of the Primary Debates. voting system.”

Strategic Threats: Stolen elections; Subversion of Democracy; Corrupting influence of money on elections and policy legislation serving only the rich; Degradation of news and information—sources and access—in coverage and accuracy of content Measures of Outcome for a Healthy Democracy: Verifiability of accurate elections, election processes and equipment; Guarantees all citizens will be able to easily exercise their voting rights and that their votes will be accurately counted in a timely manner; Citizen equity in campaign finance through public financing, eliminating corporate and big money lobbying contributions, closing revolving door; Equal representation via elimination of gerrymandering, and providing for ranked-choice voting; Guaran- tees that election results will be determined by popular vote count; Media independent of corporate influence; Free, fair, open and neutral Internet services for everyone

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 86 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine Leadership address our inherited traditional structure of our two-party system The leaders who have the crucial with a recent report on the duopo- expertise, courage and tenacity ly itself; identifying where and needed to address these strate- how our politics has morphed gic threats; who have researched, into a political industry. investigated, spoke, written and know the most about the strategic threats to our democracy Problem: Image 99. “In the U.S. there is basically one and how to go about fixing it are: Our democracy no party—the business party. It has two fac- Larry Lessig—Corruption of tions, called Democrats and Republicans, longer represents or which are somewhat different but carry money in politics, equal rep- out variations on the same policies. By and resentation, electoral reform, serves the interests large, I am opposed to those policies. As is and campaign finance law; most of the population.” Noam Chomsky Ari Berman—Election justice of the people and election integrity, voter sup- By that they mean, paraphrasing the IVN article and Harvard pression, ballot and vote theft; Two Party Duopoly and Greg Palast—Influence of billion- authors, “the Republican and aire money on elections; election Government Dysfunction Democratic Parties are just like justice and election integrity, voter the major players of any other pri- The Independent Voter Net- suppression, ballot and vote theft; vate industry: they act out of their work (IVN), which emphasizes David Cobb—Election integrity, private and rational self-interest.” the importance of “being awake” voting system integrity and au- And because the private politi- over blind support for either the diting, voting recount process, cal industry controls our public Democratic or Republican Parties, new Constitutional Amendment election process: “Politicians have reported on a “ground breaking to strip corporations of “person- little incentive to put the public new report” out of the Harvard hood” and the equating of money interest first if they believe that Business School about underly- with speech, thereby undoing the blocking legislation is rewarded ing causes of our government disastrous SCOTUS decision. by their party and inaction is not dysfunction: “Harvard Study: penalized by voters.” Most every- The links in the above box, as Two-Party Duopoly to Blame for thing necessary to run a modern well as a simple online search, Government Dysfunction”, Sep- campaign and govern is tightly lead to the wealth of profession- tember 20, 2017. The authors of connected to—and often con- al work these democracy integri- the September, 2017, Harvard trolled by—the duopoly. “Rath- ty leaders have produced. They, study, Katherine Gehl and Mi- er than supporting solutions and and in their judgment whomever chael Porter, titled, “Why Com- finding common ground, sup- only they refer as trusted gateway petition in the Politics Industry pliers to the industry, supplying leaders to help in this effort, are is Failing America: A Strategy for most everything necessary to run the key sources of integrity for in- Reinvigorating Our Democracy“, a modern campaign and govern, sights and policies on achieving a define politics as an industry. make partisanship worse.” healthy democracy for the American It’s an actual “industry”, most of “Citizens are beginning to un- people and restoring its integrity. whose key players are private, derstand that something is deep- gain-seeking organizations; with Lessig has presented powerful ly wrong with our democracy. “groups of professional politi- talks that bring forth work by oth- Our political system has become cians and key operators who have ers who carefully and methodi- the major barrier to solving near- a natural self-interest in aligning cally examine the plight of our ly every important challenge our themselves with one of the two current crisis in democracy and nation needs to address. Our po- major parties; including the lob- lay out a vision to correct it. Two litical system is not a public insti- of his Harvard colleagues even byist-politician revolving door.” © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 87 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

tution but a private industry that for non-major-party candidates, Lessig identifies and defines our sets its own rules. In the process, and other rules like the sore loser election funding process. In par- it has fundamentally diminished laws … [election rules and prac- ticular, how it presents a money our democracy. Actually, our po- tices] … create major disadvan- filter through which all candi- litical system isn’t broken; it is de- tages for third party candidates, dates of either party must success- livering exactly what it is current- independents, and even moder- fully pass; and the impact that has ly designed to deliver. The real ates within the major parties.” on our representative democracy. problem is that our political sys- Yet, like their colleague Lessig, Lessig also presses us on the ur- tem is no longer designed to serve they put forth optimism that the gency of our situation; as we are the public interest, and has been system can be reformed and re- fast losing our representative de- slowly reconfigured to benefit the structured. “The purpose of our mocracy. “It is the moral issue of private interests of gain-seeking work was to analyze the sys- our era.” organizations: our two major po- tem—not to comment on it, but in litical parties and their industry order to figure out how to fix it. Two Stage allies. The evolving structure of We wanted a method to identify the politics industry has led to the reforms and innovations with the Election Process failure of political competition to greatest probability to change the serve the average citizen—and to “Boss” Tweed: William Tweed system. Many of the approaches was a politician most notable for the antithesis of the outcomes we we have described are beginning need to achieve. By nearly every being the “boss” of Tammany to gain traction, as evidenced by Hall, the Democratic Party polit- measure, the industry of politics, the progress in moving to nonpar- itself, is thriving. There’s just one ical machine that played a major tisan primaries and ranked-choice role in the politics of the mid-19th problem. The people whom the voting, as well as the gerryman- politics industry is supposed to century New York City and State, dering and presidential debate as well as being elected a Con- serve have never been more dis- litigation.” satisfied.” gressional Representative in 1852. “The result of our duopoly is that despite all the commentary and attention on politics in recent years, there is still no accepted strategy to reform the system and things keep getting worse. We need a new approach. Our political problems are not due to a single cause, but rather to a failure of the nature of the political competition that has been created. This Image 100. “A rising proportion of Amer- icans identify themselves as Independents. is a systems problem. It is up to As of 2016, nearly 4 in 10 Americans iden- us as citizens to recapture our de- tify as Independent, relative to roughly 3 in mocracy—it will not be self-cor- 10 for both Democrats and Republicans. recting. Today the challenge for There is increasing desire for a third major Americans is to participate not Image 101. Boss Tweed - Stole as much party.” Gehl & Porter as $200 million from New York taxpayers. only as voters, but also to partic- Convicted of fraud and sent to prison. ipate in the reform of the political Third parties are effectively system itself. This is our democra- At the height of his influence he boxed out. “The effect of partisan cy, and the need is urgent.” was the third-largest landowner primary elections, compounded Let’s begin by examining how in New York City. Tweed is infa- with gerrymandering, onerous mously known for this Tweedism: general election ballot access rules their Harvard colleague Larry © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 88 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

“I don’t care who does the voting, as behavioral psychologist B.F. Skin- Page, titled: “Testing Theories of long as I get to do the nominating.” ners experiments, they learn what American Politics: Elites, Interest Stage 1: The Primary buttons to push to get rewarded. Groups, and Average Citizens.” It “Tweed” Filter They acquire a “6th sense” about covered 1779 policy issues over a whose interests to support; they 40 year period, examining a mul- Stage 2: The Election quickly learn to “lean to the green titude of key policy variables. Stage 1, where the viable can- (money)” in order to survive on They found that policy decisions didates for elected office get the political stage. correlated well with the interests “picked”, represents an extreme- of economic elites and organized ly biased filter that is dominated groups representing business and controlled by a tiny few big Who Funds Elections? interests; but not with the inter- funders representing the business If this is the structure of our elec- ests of average American voters. and political elite classes. Regard- tion process, we should interro- These two interests “have sub- less of the general election, where gate who the funders are. For ex- stantial independent impacts on everyone theoretically “gets to ample, Lessig points out that in the U.S. government policy, while av- vote,” assuming all the problems 2014 election the total number of erage citizens and mass-based in- with that go away, we are not a all the people who gave the max- terest groups have little or no in- functioning democracy because of imum amount of $5200 to at least dependent influence. The results the structure of fund raising that one candidate was 57,874 people; provide substantial support for has morphed into a cancer on our or only 0.02% of Americans giv- theories of Economic-Elite Domi- democracy. ing $300 million. Candidates are nation and for theories of Biased presumed and perceived as not Pluralism, but not for theories of credible unless they get their dol- Majoritarian Electoral Democracy lars from big funders. But it’s not or Majoritarian Pluralism.” just the biggest funders; it’s the That is, after accounting for these most relevant funders to whom the two influential sets of moneyed candidates place their focus. How interests, the so-called “1%”—cor- much is big enough to be rele- porations and ultra rich oligarch vant? (“How much do the 1% of elites—the preferences of average the 1% control politics? The elite Americans, the “99%”, have only takeover of American politics.”) a minuscule, near zero, statistical- Now, after a serious of disastrous ly non-significant impact on pub- court decisions, we find that at lic policy; regardless of how much this point, prior to the 2016 elec- the masses call their Congress Image 102. Boss Tweed — ”As long as I tion cycle, a mere 400 families are members, what the polls show, or count the Votes, what are you going to do giving fully half or more of the all the protests in the streets! about it?” campaign contributions! Guess The recent passage of the exclu- whose interests get the attention? sively Republican 2017 Tax Scam Funding is its own contest, with “Christmas present” to this class the consequence being a system of Tweeds, including you Mr responsive to the “Tweeds” only. Whose Interests Get Atten- President yourself, exemplifies It is a money primary. It is well tion? and instantiates this paradigm known that members of Congress to a tee; irrespective of their vig- must spend between 30 and 70% The most comprehensive empir- orous fraudulent claim that “it’s of their time “dialing for dollars” ical study ever done to date on the on behalf of and for the Ameri- in order to get back to Congress or influence of Americans on policy can people and will help spur the get their party back into power. As legislation was published in 2014, economy.” It is well known and they do this, like the chickens in by Martin Gilens and Benjamin © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 89 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine widely reported that their big- communication among equals; not the gest, richest, and most politically one-way dictatorial expression of an influential mega funders simply elite narcissistic autocrat. told their Republican Party appa- “by”—meaning people running the ratchiks that if they did not pass government have the same experienc- this disastrous tax scam bill, their es as ordinary people; which, we don’t funds would dry up. The worn have with billionaires and their court- out, stale and bankrupt “trick- iers running our government on their own behalf for their own benefit. le-down” claim with which they try to sell it to the American pub- “for”—government’s job in a democ- lic is pure fraud; it never has and racy is to take care of the people; care never will create an economy that is part of democracy. Under a progressive world view, citizens care about works for all of us. Robert Reich other citizens, pay their fair share of makes that abundantly clear in taxes for our mutual benefit, and en- his most recent Reich Report vid- sure there are resources for everyone. eo, “The Big Picture”. It is simply Image 103. James Madison (1751-1836) a means for the greatest wealth ”Father of the Constitution”. Fourth Presi- transfer from the middle class and dent of the United States, 1809-1817. poor to the most wealthy class of ed States Constitution and the Americans in the history of the Bill of Rights, regarding his state- world. And it does severe dam- ments in the Federalist Papers, age to our country in a multitude 52 and 57. Madison said that our of ways. system of government would be Lessig emphatically points out one that has a branch of the feder- that in a so-called “democracy,” al government which ought to be which is the product of Tweedism, “dependent on the people alone”—an this is a corruption of the origi- exclusive dependence; not what nal design of our representative we have now, with the people democracy. That in itself doesn’t and the Tweeds. Madison explic- mean “criminal,” which we know itly stated that, by his words “the also goes on, but the corruption of people”, he meant “not the rich, a system where even meaningful more than the poor.” decent people, Democrats and Re- publicans alike, who come to Con- Image 104. Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) Abraham Lincoln philoso- Defying Lincoln’s prediction that “the world gress to try and do the right thing phy on Government: will little note, nor long remember what we find themselves bent to do what say here”, his Gettysburg Address became the Tweeds demand, because it’s Lincoln’s words, reflecting on “a the most quoted speech in all of American the only way they can survive. new birth of freedom” regarding history. the enduring value of our govern- Not What Our Founders ment, referred to it as a “govern- Philosophy of a People- ment of the people, by the people, Intended: Focused Government: for the people.” The essence of his Lessig underscores the words of words reflect a democratic gov- Under the philosophy of a dem- Founding Father James Madison, ernment focused on the needs of ocratic government focused on hailed as the “Father of the Con- the people. the needs of the people, those stitution” for his pivotal role in “of”—meaning the same people in- shared resources that our taxes drafting and promoting the Unit- side and outside, reflecting two-way pay for include such things as

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 90 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine medical science, from NIH, for ex- already sucked up and concen- ample; computer science that has trated most of the capital of the come out of basic research fund- flows and stocks of the economy; ed by NSF and DARPA; satellite they have no moral conscience communications that are root- or sense of responsibility to their ed in research and development country or its people. It operates by NASA and NOAH; and cell as an untethered, unaccountable, phones, GPS, and the Internet that and ungoverned device chewing got their starts in the Defense De- up our livelihood. The dividends partment; among so many other we’ve earned are the health care things. And of course most all of and other public benefits, we’ve our public infrastructure; and the already paid for as dividends. public education of our children, The rightwing hierarchical au- now under severe pressure by thoritarian paradigm of “god over capitalist thieves. With the privat- man over nature;” of “rich over ization attacks by your adminis- poor;” of “strong over weak;” of tration, they even want to pollute “Western culture over non-West- the minds of our children from ern culture;” of “white over non- the beginning with their failed white;” of unique domination by Image 105. “If we could address and re- oligarch ideology and dogma. the claim of “exceptionalism;” move that fundamental inequality, neutral- Tax resources of ordinary citi- needs to be abandoned and re- izing the Tweedism, then we could crack zens are supporting the system placed by a genuine democracy. the corruption.” Larry Lessig and maintaining the economy We need our representative de- wealth inequality at the core of of the world with these benefits; mocracy back to save our country this problem of democracy, which while corporations and oligarchs from this gross, obscene and im- is another matter we’ve covered withdraw ever more from their moral corruption of Tweedism. earlier that needs to be addressed responsibility, harvesting the as well; but the equality we must proceeds while dumping the re- have as citizens in order to have a sponsibility for it all on the mid- Corruption: representative democracy that is dependent on the people alone. My dle class and poor to cover the Tweedism is a corruption, Lessig question to you, Mr President, on shortfall. Next in line due to their points out (again, paraphrasing behalf of all the promises you’ve self-created shortfall, according to his talk throughout), caused by a made and your supporters be- Republican leaders, is the gutting basic inequality that we’ve allowed lieved in, is this: When are you of our most basic protections and to evolve inside of the representa- and your Republican Party going benefits: Social Security, Medicaid tive system. Today, it is the tiny, to demonstrate your support for and Medicare. You won’t even get very tiny fraction of people, the American representative democ- that, America, from Republicans. richest of the Tweeds, who have racy by your actions? Thus far, This theft is high treason against immensely more power. If we it’s been pure oligarchy to enrich America and its people. It needs could address and remove that yourself and the class of 1-percen- to be said that taxes are not the fundamental inequality, neutral- ters you represent. “evil baby to be thrown out with izing the Tweedism, then we could the bathwater,” as you portray it. crack the corruption that makes it This shouldn’t be a partisan is- Progressive taxes, Mr President, impossible for our government to sue; ordinary Americans of all per- are an investment in our society do any of the things we want it to suasion want this representative and country over time. Corpora- do. This would achieve a system democracy as their own means of tions and the 0.1%, even more the dependent on the people alone. sharing equally as citizens in elec- 0.01%, billionaire oligarchs have We are not talking here about toral power. They want Congress

young Millennials, have to believe Policy: Part 3. Equal Right to Vote: All they can do something to revive Citizen Equality Act citizens deserve equal access our democracy. We older Ameri- to the ballot box. cans have failed it on our watch; Lessig proposes comprehensive There have been other projects which means we have failed our policy that would address not in the works fighting for simi- children and theirs. only this campaign funding issue, lar repairs to our democracy, in- Just what is one’s obligation as but other points we cover below. cluding: Fair Elections Now Act, a citizen, as a patriot regardless He presents the “Citizen Equality introduced in Congress in 2009; of political leaning, as someone Act” on the webpage of the non- Government By the People Act, who loves this country? “This profit organization he founded, introduced in Congress in 2014; corruption of our representative “Equal Citizens” (https://equal- and The American Anti-Corrup- democracy is the moral question citizens.us/). There are three tion Act, crafted in 2011 “by a for- of our age,” is Lessig’s key point; parts: mer Federal Election Commission because accomplishing anything Part 1. Citizen-Funded Elec- chairman in consultation with else depends on it. That’s why, tions: All citizens deserve an dozens of strategists, democracy “Fix Our Democracy First”, is equal ability to choose our reform leaders and constitutional listed in this Strategic Vision for leaders. attorneys from across the political a Viable American Future as the spectrum, including Lessig. Part 2. Equal Representation: leading “strategic gateway issue.” All citizens deserve equal rep- We will bring the Citizen Equal- This is revolutionary thinking; a resentation in elections. Elimi- ity Act, Parts 2 and 3, up later af- complete transformation of our nate gerrymandering. ter we explore the problems they country. We could do something about it; we can reclaim our democracy. The only question is, will we do it in order to have a viable future? Time is fast running out; we need to overthrow this entrenched Republican Party in the 2018 and 2020 elections to provide enough breathing room to give birth to its manifestation. But it’s not just the entrenched Republicans; it includes restruc- turing the corporate R&D duopoly control of our election processes. That requires independent thinking and allegiance, not to a Party, but to America. That’s why this letter-essay is focused on the Image 107. “So, wealthy individuals and corporations are able to spend unlimit- interests of disaffected Americans ed amounts of money to influence the political process? This sounds like an oligar- from any and all political persua- chy.” Indeed! Jimmy Carter stated that “the billionaire class now owns the economy, sions. and they are working day and night to make certain that they own the United States We are literally “birthing the government.” The problem is, of course, that it amounts to what Bernie calls ‘legal- future” together. And the time is ized bribery.’ Senator Bernie Sanders wants to move toward public funding of elections to promote a more even playing field where all Americans can participate.” now. http://feelthebern.org/bernie-sanders-on-political-and-electoral-reform/

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 94 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine address. This Citizen Equality Act is very hard. It would require 2/3 Already, 10 States and the Dis- was the centerpiece referendum of of the House and Senate to pass an trict of Columbia have passed Lessig’s brief campaign for presi- amendment; and 3/4 of the State laws to do exactly this. Award- dent in the 2016 election cycle. Legislatures to ratify the amend- ing all their electoral votes to the Part 1, Citizen Funded Elections, ment. But Lessig points out that candidate who wins the popular is the part relevant to the current difficult approach is not needed. vote; as soon as the 270 elector discussion. Lessig says briefly Article 2, Section 1 of the Consti- goal is met that candidate wins. that we must have citizen-fund- tution allows the States to award Together these 10 States and D.C. ed primary elections, where the their electors any way they want. total 165 electoral votes. So, all funds come from all of us through Article 2, §1 states: we need now it some additional proposals like those of the various states with 105 electors to pass the “[The] President of the United States projects noted above. It is only same law, agreeing to award all of America... together with the Vice by restricting Congressional and President... [shall] be elected as fol- their electoral votes to the winner Presidential campaigns to small lows:” of the popular vote. And it’s done! dollar citizen funding, and pub- We’ll never again elect a President “Each State shall appoint, in such licly funded elections, that will who loses the popular vote. Manner as the Legislature thereof may prevent them from being depen- direct, a Number of Electors, equal to dent on the tiny few “Tweeds”. the whole Number of Senators and Policy: This is the critical first dimension. Representatives to which the State may be entitled in Congress...” National Popular Vote Problem: So, all that is needed is for states Interstate Compact with a total of at least 270 electors Electoral College— The National Popular Vote In- to agree to award all of their elec- terstate Compact was established toral votes to the Presidential can- Popular Vote in February 2006. As of December didate who wins the popular vote. 2017, the 11 signatory bodies who Winner Can Still If they do that, then automatically have enacted it into law are: Cal- the winner of the popular vote Lose Election ifornia; District of Columbia; Ha- gets the 270 electoral votes he or There are four times in the his- waii; Illinois; Maryland; Massa- she needs to become President. tory of our country where the chusetts; New Jersey; New York; elected presidential candidate lost Rhode Island; Vermont; and the popular vote: 1876, 1888, 2000, Washington. and 2016. There are another 10 states, The United States Electoral Col- with a total of an additional 139 lege is the mechanism established electoral votes, where the law is by the Constitution for the elec- pending in legislative sessions: tion of the President and Vice Alaska; Florida; Georgia; Kansas; President. There are a total num- Minnesota; North Carolina; Ohio; ber of 538 votes; one for each Sen- Pennsylvania; South Carolina; ator and one for each Represen- and Virginia. tative. So, anyone who gets 270+ The Washington Post reported votes wins, regardless of the pop- the results of a poll in 2007 that ular vote total. support for direct popular vote The Time Has Come: Reform the in future presidential elections Electoral College Now. A Consti- Image 108. Time to End the Electoral Col- lege. New York Times Editorial Board, De- showed that the idea is very pop- tution Amendment could change cember 19, 2016 ular among all political party the rules of election; however that identities: (%support/%oppose)

Democrats (78%/16%) reporter for The Intercept journal, Republicans (60%/35%) states it as a pithy wakeup call in the recent 2016 film honoring in- Independents (73%/23%) dependent journalism in the spirit The National Popular Vote of truth-exposing muckraker I.F. (NPV) effort is supported by the Stone, All Governments Lie: Truth, nonpartisan nonprofit initiative Deception, and the Spirit of I.F. Make Every Vote Count (MEVC). Stone. “If we don’t get to the heart of the fact that there was long ago Problem: a coup in this country—a silent coup—where corporations took Republican Election total control of the process of se- Fraud lecting the leaders in this country, then nothing is going to change.” Image 109. The “Boss Tweed” effect: Sin- To emphasize the stealth nature Limiting Choices gle-minded focus benefiting the 1%. of this coup, and perhaps tacitly If the 1% were their only voting understanding the corporation Republicans primarily represent base, however, it is not possible device as an evil force, which I a very small group of moneyed in- for them to get anywhere near described in the section “A Bench- terests, as demonstrated not only enough votes to seize and hold mark for “Evil”:” on page 82; Sca- by the overall legislative influence political power on behalf of the hill quotes a well known line used study, regardless of party, noted 1% by merely winning fair elec- in the 1995 movie, The Usual Sus- earlier in the section “Whose Inter- tions. They don’t represent the in- pects: “The greatest trick the devil ests Get Attention?” on page 88, terests of the 99% ordinary Amer- ever pulled was convincing the with these being large corpora- icans. Yet, they know minimally world he didn’t exist.” tions and wealthy elites; but seen informed voters tend to vote their “All the conspiracy stuff is a to- as well in blazing neon lights with identity attachment, not their ra- tal side show; the coup already the recent one-sided Republican tional interests. happened. And the most brilliant tax scam legislation they had to part of this is that none of these quickly rush through before any- So, the Tweedism primary elec- people seem to realize it.” one could examine the implication filter is employed up front by tions of the details, with no public big money interests to pick the pri- We have noted earlier, on page input, no hearings and no analy- mary establishment candidates, 82, that this phenomenon is sis. Not even time to read the fi- from whom the nominee will run what Sheldon Wolin identified as nal bill, with all its last minute in the general election; also from “inverted totalitarianism.” It “suc- deal-making scribbles, before vot- whom any of them would be be- ceeds by encouraging political ing on it. It was a demonstration holden to the Tweeds, regardless disengagement rather than mass of pure party politics on behalf of election outcome. With the re- mobilization, that relies more on of their Tweeds. Their entire em- freshing exception of Bernie Sand- ‘private’ media than on public phasis is focused on benefiting the ers, virtually all politicians take agencies to disseminate propa- “1%”; tossing insignificant bones big private money to fund their ganda reinforcing the official ver- to the rest of America accompa- election efforts. This Tweedism at sion of events... The United States nied with a fraudulent sales pitch the beginning of the process is a has become the showcase of how about “what an incredible deal it strategy of limiting choices. democracy can be managed with- is for everyone.” They count on a This, of course we know, is al- out appearing to be suppressed. strategy of sustainable ignorance to ready a long-entrenched phenom- Managed democracy is centered get people to buy it, because they enon in our election system. In on containing electoral politics. know that works. fact, Jeremy Scahill, investigative Voters are made as predictable as

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 96 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine consumers. It is a political form important to them, if not import- potential salvation on this “Re- in which governments are legiti- ant to the 1% elites. They bring publican” name-label; and on you mated by elections that they have them aboard, while conning these personally, Mr President. This is learned to control.” (Page 44 and typically “low information vot- the gullibility the master con ex- 47, Democracy Incorporated: Man- ers” to not only vote against their ploits; but like the “staunch Re- aged Democracy and the Specter of own economic interests; but to in publican” identity groups above, Inverted Totalitarianism, 2008) fact, out of ignorance, memorize, much of this populist group is fast repeat and champion the ideo- waking up and abandoning the logical dogma they feed them as Republican Party when they be- Padding their Voter Base part of their overall identity at- gin to see through the fraud and with Cynical Hypocrisy tachment. They count on exploit- a better alternative presents itself. ing their emotional attachment Still, even Tweedism doesn’t to the “Republican Party” label; create additional votes to insure even though this party has long Subverting Democratic the power results they want. Re- abandoned the ideological roots Elections publicans employ a collection of that their forefathers believed in different strategies to pad their decades ago. The name-label “Re- But yet still, it’s not enough to voter base to overcome this small publican” has become their in- assure majority wins in properly number of voters in their 1% class. group social identity and it is ex- designed and managed fair elec- This includes false promises to tremely hard for them to wake up tions where the whole popula- the white professional suburban to what it has become and whose tion of citizens gets to participate class regarding their economic in- interests it has come to solely rep- equally. They simply do not repre- terests; along with propaganda to resent over the past 40 years. It sent the interests of a majority of convince them their interests are certainly doesn’t resemble even eligible voters. So, Republicans the same as the ultra rich elite. Ac- a hint of Abe Lincoln’s vision for employ a multitude of tactics to complished, for example, with the America and the Republican Par- steal elections. The ostensive pur- enduring myth of “trickle-down” ty vision of his time. pose of elections is to take an accu- economics, for which economic rate measure that reflects the free facts show “tax cuts for corpora- Your supporters include not expression of the will of the peo- tions and the very rich” has nev- only these groups, Mr President, ple. So, they work to sabotage and er resulted in economic growth but also the populist wave of an- undermine the election process in “that pays for itself” because sup- gry Americans who were disillu- every and any way they can. ply of capital is not the limiting sioned precisely with how they’ve been getting ripped off by this Ask any war veteran, Mr Pres- constraint when corporations and ident, if this is what they risked the 1% are already awash in cash. establishment class of elites. This is initially what the so-called Tea their life and limb for. To see a Re- It’s the stagnant, even declining, publican assault tear at the very purchasing power of the poor and Party revolt represented several years ago, until it also was quickly foundational fabric of our repre- middle working classes, which sentative democracy, as if it’s all hasn’t increased at all since it all and underhandedly co-opted by the coin-operated Koch Machine nothing more than a cynical dirty started with the Reagan-Thatcher tricks game where it’s open sea- era tax policy 40 years ago. and steered toward the interests of the 1%; to which the “Tea Par- son on the rules, which they think But more importantly, it in- ty” didn’t seem to even notice don’t apply to them. I’m more of volves drawing in single-issue or wake up to. They simply be- an old fashioned conservative in voters from the so-called identity gan to incorporate corporate and this regard; I think that everyone politics groups of “social and reli- oligarch dogma into their rabid who’s eligible should vote, or at gious conservatives” with Repub- proclamations. This rising pop- least have an equal opportunity to lican-stated support for isolated ulism of the disaffected also has vote; and that all the votes should special interests they know are been duped into projecting their count. I’ll tell you where I am; I © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 97 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

Image 110. Our National Election Process — What we need; What we have view these traitors who under- Constitutional democracy. And the reason for this lengthy open mine the American people’s right that includes anyone who aids letter-essay to you. And that’s the to a meaningful vote, paid for in and abets them, including you. reason I’m pressing you on your blood, with equal representation In case you haven’t yet taken so- own lies and fraudulent claims. and have their vote counted, re- ber account of what I’m about, Mr Let’s examine our national elec- gardless of their demographic President; please know that I’m a tion process itself, and talk about and geographic status, as treason- patriotic American veteran who a few aspects in more detail. I’m ous domestic enemies who are is tenaciously fighting for a via- a systems engineer by profession, attacking the very essence of our ble future for his country. That’s so I’ve laid out our National Elec-

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 98 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

tion Process as a system flow dia- This includes intentional conduct gram in “Image 110. Our National by officials that undermines the Election Process — What we need; government, sabotage its prop- What we have” on page 97. Before er functioning, or undermines its we examine a few aspects in de- core institution of trust—meaning tail, it’s worth taking a few min- a properly functioning democra- utes to read through this chart, cy. starting on the left with “Ameri- Image 111. Greg Palast Logo: Old fash- can People”. The up arrow leads Purging Voter Rolls ioned gum-shoe investigative journalist. one through the political candi- course, which are all identified The first and most egregious is date selection process. The down in the above chart. In fact, it is the purging of likely Democrat- arrow leads through the voter mostly from the work of the four ic leaning voters from the voter process. They meet and interact in Healthy Democracy leaders, I’ve rolls. This would of course include the phases where “Voter Choice identified as “Leadership: Larry students, minorities, the elderly, Expression” becomes engaged. Lessig, Ari Berman, Greg Palast, Da- the economically disadvantaged Each process phase is shown by a vid Cobb” on page 85, that I’ve and poor, and geographically labeled box, with the inputs and endeavored to make sure the Na- marginalized Americans, includ- outputs identified as the labeled tional Election Process chart cov- ing those living in urban lower arrows going into and out of each ers most of everything. class areas and rural areas. This box. Further, each process phase purging has happened historical- Palast has written many books has attributes, color identified as ly with two key tactics, each em- and produced many films, but either Election Integrity or Elec- ploying lists of registered voters in particular his most relevant tion Corruption. A red circle with and comparing those with lists effort in this regard is his recent an X in it represents people who of supposed “ineligible” voters: film and associated book, titled: get “Excluded” from the process. Felons or ex-felons, in states where The Best Democracy Money Can Thus, one can get an overview, that status results in the perma- Buy: A Tail of Billionaires & Bal- along with a lot of detail, of our nent loss of Constitutional voting lot Bandits (2016), a pre-release election process. It shows what’s rights; and Cross-Check Lists, the of which I’ve shared on my Face- working or could be working; and infamous method used to identify book page (above link); and it’s what’s not. Now lets look at why supposed “Voter Fraud”, man- 2017 post-election release, The many aspects of our election pro- ifesting as “double voters”, or Best Democracy Money Can Buy: cess are not working and some of “improperly registered” voters, The Case of the Stolen Election, the treasonous Republican claims or perpetrators of “identity theft”, the update of which, along with designed to limit choices and ex- or “undocumented aliens”, “zom- all the previous content, specifi- clude segments of our population bies” or by some other claimed ne- cally refers to the election fraud of from their right to vote. farious means. We’ll look at each your campaign and election, Mr For clarity and precision, lest of these in more depth below. President. But hey, look, you’re readers reject this claim as “over already president, so if I’ve con- But this is the appropriate place the top”, let’s recall the generic vinced you and your supporters to introduce another one of our dictionary definition I’m pointed- that this is such a crucial issue, Healthy Democracy leaders, inves- ly using and referring to, on page please just set your ego aside for tigative journalist Greg Palast. 41, when I employ the word 2 hours while you watch this film Palast has made it his mission to “treason”. Treason by dictionary and see how your Republican ferret out, identify, investigate definition is in fact, “the betrayal Party and its henchmen are de- and expose the criminal “ballot of trust; the offense of attempt- stroying the foundational integ- bandits and vote thieves” and ing by overt acts to overthrow the rity of representative democracy. their moneyed backers. There are government of the state to which Serious stuff, Mr President. As a so many ways this happens, of the offender holds allegiance.” © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 99 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine patriotic veteran, it fucking pisses election where this fraud took up with substantial evidence to the me off, big time! But Palast’s film place. First was the distracting contrary in order to “disprove” is really quite enlightening, as cover story of the claimed win and the rhetorical assertion. More well as frightening, if you value the denied full recount in an elec- on this logical fallacy later. But the foundational essence of our tion with an infinitesimally small it was kind of like pre-declaring country. Let me summarize a few raw count margin of victory. that “Bush is presumed to be not points, paraphrasing from Pa- Bush II “Wins” the 2000 Elec- guilty” of just grabbing the elec- last’s film narrative, because this tion in Florida: In the 2000 election for himself, “I win the 2000 goes all the way back to the stolen tion, as you may know, Mr Pres- election;” even though they just election by Bush II with the help ident, Bush II won the raw count simply did that. of his brother, former Governor of by a mere 537 votes out of almost Florida; and here’s how. 6 million votes cast (5,825,043); that is, by only 0.009%, or 1 out Felony Voting Laws of 11,000 votes cast. But before the results could be validated and Purge Lists by a proper recount, the Florida In some states, in particular Flor- Secretary of State prematurely ida, Iowa and Virginia, felons and announced that Bush II was the ex-felons permanently lose their winner. right to vote, ever again, regardless of the dues they’ve paid back to society and any desire they might have to reintegrate with society as full citizens. In other states, including Maine and Vermont, felons never lose their right to vote, even while they are incarcerated, which one might argue is a way of keeping them engaged with some sense of social responsibility. Nineteen states require not only that incarceration/parole if any Image 113. Florida Secretary of State de- be completed, but also that any clares Bush winner of 2000 election. St Pe- probation sentence (which is often tersburg Times, November 17, 2000. These an alternative to incarceration) is newspaper images are part of a special re- complete; the states of Alaska, Ar- view of the 2000 election by the Tampa Bay kansas, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Time, November 5, 2015, “Perspective: Re- Image 112. Time Magazine Cover Decem- counting the 2000 Recount”. Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, ber 4, 2000. and Nebraska require completion of probation plus 2 years. That claim became the presumed So, if you think he’s “guilty”, “truth” as perceived by a popula- you have to prove it. How did But the point here is not whether they ever turn an extremely close or not felons or ex-felons should tion of lay people, which was re- iterated and reinforced when the election crying out for an accurate retain their right to vote; it’s the recount, into the presumption that Republican exploitation of sup- statement was broadcast widely by the media. It also imposed the Republican candidate won it? posed felon lists to fraudulently Even these recount efforts were remove non-felons from the vot- the “burden of dis-proof” on the Democratic Party; that is, to come challenged and undermined by ing rolls. Let’s look at the 2000 Republican Party hacks who ha- © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 100 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine rassed and intimidated the staff der the brother of Bush II as gov- up the Florida recount as a victo- doing the recounting. ernor, created a false list of sup- ry for President Bush. But how- posed felons, who by law were ever one reads the ballots, Bush’s not eligible to vote. The Republi- win would certainly have been Felony Purge List Fraud: can operatives then made a slop- jeopardized had not some Florid- The cover narrative of a Bush py comparison of that list with a ians been barred from casting bal- II win in Florida helped bury the list of voters, most of whom were lots at all. Between May 1999 and real truth of election fraud. Here’s Black people, and proceeded to Election Day 2000, two Florida how Palast describes what hap- disenfranchise thousands of legit- secretaries of state, both protégées pened in 2000. It involved a secret imate registered voters who were of the brother Governor, ordered list of 94,000 voters tagged for not felons. Palast writes: “In No- 57,700 “ex-felons,” who are pro- elimination from the voting rolls. vember of 2000, the U.S. media, hibited from voting by state law, The Florida governor’s office, un- lost in patriotic reverie, dressed to be removed from voter rolls.

Image 114. Palast spreadsheet: The Great Florida Ex-Con Game: How the ‘felon’ voter-purge was itself felonious, by Greg Palast in Harper’s Magazine Friday, 1 March, 2002. Together the “scrub lists”, as they call them, comprised nearly 1 percent of Florida’s electorate and nearly 3 percent of its African-American voters.

Palast dug the list up and pub- Palast continues, “Johnny Jack- over and the damage done is per- lished it in Harper’s Magazine, son Jr. (4), thirty-two, has never manent. In this case the ultimate March 1, 2002. been to Texas, and his mother damage includes an invasion of a “Most of the voters were select- swears he never had the middle sovereign country that had noth- ed because their name, gender, name ‘Fitzgerald.’ Neither is there ing to do with the 9-11 attack, birth date and race matched - or evidence that John Fitzgerald Iraq, based on weapons of mass nearly matched - one of the tens of Jackson, felon of Texas, has ever destruction hysteria driven by millions of ex-felons in the Unit- left the Lone Star State. But even circular lies in a media-adminis- ed States. There was a hand-writ- if they were the same man, re- tration amplifying feedback loop; ten note on the State’s list, ‘Don’t moving him from Florida’s voter and the subsequent genesis of the need to verify’.” rolls is an unconstitutional act. ISIS terror group as a result of Texas is among the thirty five the invasion and the bungling of Palast identifies examples with states where ex-felons are per- its management aftermath. Does circled numbers in the spread- mitted to vote, and the ‘full faith anyone recall the period before sheet (Image 114 on page 100) and credit’ clause of the U.S. Con- that invasion, when we were only and describes some of the vari- stitution forbids states to revoke dealing with one dictator thug ous problems. “David Butler (1) any civil rights that a citizen has who was the head of Iraq? My is a name that appears 77 times been granted by another state; in god; the ramifications of Repub- in Florida phone books. Thomas fact, the Florida Supreme Court lican election fraud are unfath- Alvin Cooper (2), twenty-eight, had twice ordered the state not omable! Until, that is, we actually was flagged because of a crime to do so, just nine months before witness the horror of the ultimate for which he will be convicted in the voter purge. Nevertheless, at results. And then chalk it up to the [future] year 2007. According least 2,873 voters were wrongly something else, call it all “policy to Florida’s elections division, this removed.” differences” and in a state of am- intrepid time-traveler will cover “Wallace McDonald (5), six- nesia move on to the next Repub- his tracks by moving to Ohio, add- lican election fraud. ing a middle name, and changing ty-four, lost his right to vote in his race. In fact, the list of felons 2000, though his sole run-in with So many names didn’t match itself was so fraudulent that some the law was a misdemeanor in up, Palast found as he dug deep- showed conviction dates well into 1959. (He fell asleep on a bus-stop er and deeper into this Republi- the future, with years like 2020, bench.) Of the ‘matches’ on these can election fraud; which he has 2024 and 2071. Thousands on the lists, the civil-rights commission done for subsequent elections as list showed no conviction date.” estimated that at least 14 percent well, which we’ll get to below. - or 8,000 voters, nearly 15 times Other examples include a voter “Rev. Willie Dixon (3), seventy, Bush’s official margin of victo- named Jonathan L Barber, a Black was guilty of a crime in his youth; ry - were false. When warned by man with DOB 2/5/1966, who but one phone call would have the company the State contracted was matched from the list of fel- told the state that it had already with to build the purge list that ‘a ons with Vincent Barbieri, a white pardoned Dixon and restored his significant number of people who man with DOB 5/3/1962; and right to vote. Upon suing the State were not a felon would be includ- thus Barber lost his vote. Palast of Florida and its Secretary of ed on the list’, they were told they found thousands of mismatched State, the NAACP found that Af- ‘wanted there to be more names birth dates and names. In fact, it rican-Americans, who account for than were actually verified’.” turns out that the number of real 13 percent of Florida’s electorate It is so important to illustrate criminals on the Florida gover- and 46 percent of U.S. felony con- nor’s list was actual zero; none victions, were four times as likely some specific details of these list frauds, because by the time any- were actual felons! The entire list as whites to be incorrectly singled was a fraud. out under the state’s methodolo- one can recognize and complain gy.” about it, of course, the election is Even so, voters that were purged

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 102 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

just didn’t match up with the sup- ing the recount was unfair. This tographers and researchers from posed “felons” claimed to be the is in violation of the 10th Amend- around the world. It’s a very pain- same person. But most of those ment of the Constitution, since it less, entertaining way for anyone who lost their votes because of was a State of Florida issue, with to get “un-stupid”, Mr President, this list were Black—thus, more the recount ordered by the Flor- about the kidnapping of American likely to vote Democrat. This is ida State Supreme Court. SCO- democracy. It’s a crime story; the a criminal travesty for represen- TUS had no business doing that. I perpetrators of which are a pack tative democracy and our coun- guess Republicans are only about of Republican political operatives try. They included veterans, like “states rights” when it serves their and the billionaires in the shad- Willie Steen who served in the racist purposes. In any event, how ows behind them. You, and every Gulf War, purged because he was can an accurate hand recount be one of your supporters, owe it to matched up with supposed felon “unfair”. What’s unfair is Repub- America to watch this film. Willie O’Steen. Is this what we lican election fraud. fought for, veterans? Again; all the Republicans have Subsequent Yet, in the year 2000, Republican to do is force a fraud through and Bush II won by only 537 votes. The be done with it. They seem never Election Fraud situation screamed the potential to be held accountable during or In 2004, the White House was for fraud and a full recount. But after the act of fraud. Valid elec- stolen again with a close race in vote counts went unvalidated due tions need to incorporate the right the swing state of Ohio. Using a to the intervention of the United to challenge the election; and peo- caging list tactic, Republican op- States Supreme Court on behalf ple who perpetrate election fraud eratives prevented more than of the Republicans and Bushes, need to be prosecuted as a deter- 350,000 voters from casting their shutting the recount down, claim- rence; regardless of their formal ballots. The margin of victory that or informal position in the polit- year for Bush II was 118,775 votes, ical power structure. less than half the number purged. This tactic of purging legitimate eligible voters from the voter rolls Caging has become a cancer on our representative democracy, Mr Pres- Robert F. Kennedy Jr, a voting ident. Think about it; this entire rights attorney, describes caging fraud in the 2000 election operat- as an illegal felony tactic with seed under the absurd presumption vere penalties, yet is still used by that tens of thousands of convict- Republicans, whereby they can ed ex-felons would even consider target entire cohorts of voters trying to put in each their single likely to vote Democrat and ex- vote, thereby risking going back clude them from the voting lists. to prison. It’s patently absurd. Of course, they target Blacks and Watch the Palast movie to see other minorities. They will get ad- how he obtained the lists, which dresses of Black voters in a par- the State of Florida would not ticular state, as an example of one release. And also so many sub- caging tactic, and mail certified sequent Republican attempts to letters to each of those homes. If purge voters with bogus purge the voter is not there at the time lists, which Palast uncovered. The of delivery to accept and sign for Palast team includes dozens of delivery, the Post Office will au- Image 115. St Petersburg Times, December expert investigators, licensed de- tomatically send that letter back 13, 2000. Republican Supreme Court facili- to the sender—in this particular tates the 2000 election theft. tectives, combat-trained cinema-

votes; i.e. “check Republican candidate a supposed box for Dem- 10,700 margin to win Michigan. ocratic ticket vote.” But then, should I also be Limiting Polling Locations safe and select and Voting Booths — the individual Differential Allocation of candidate name Voting Resources as well? Not sure; because it’s not clear? Is it a potential suck- er ploy? Vote for “Democrat- Image 118. “Placebo Ballots: Stealing California from Bernie Us- ic Party” and ing an old GOP vote-snatching trick.” Dusultory Heroics, June also vote for the 7, 2016, by Greg Palast with Dennis Bernstein. “If you’re regis- Democratic can- tered as an independent voter in California, you have the right didate, your vote to vote in the Democratic Presidential Primary. Just ask for the can be tossed in ballot. Alert! Some California poll workers have been told to Image 119. Long voting lines due to insuffi- give “provisional” ballots, as opposed to regular ballots, to all the “spoilage” cient voting resources. independent (“No Party Preference” or NPP) voters in Tues- bin, not count- day’s Democratic Party Primary. Do NOT accept a provision- ed, because they Another Republican tactic is al ballot. As one poll worker told me, ‘They simply don’t get can decide later, to restrict polling locations and counted.’ I’m not promoting Bernie, I’m promoting democracy. arbitrarily, that voting resources. This causes ex- So one way to steal the election is to make sure those in- you “over-vot- dependent voters’ ballots end up in the garbage, un- tremely long lines and long waits counted. You can bet that the GOP will be shunting voted”–that is, you for some, thus discouraging those ers to these placebo provisional ballots in November. “voted twice”— from voting, especially working In the last presidential election, over two MILLION voters, over- on the same bal- people who can’t take time off whelmingly voters of color, were shifted to these rarely-count- lot! This is noth- from work. This happens in heav- ed ballots. That’s how they steal elections. “Provisional” bal- ing less than the ily Democratic leaning areas. lots were created by George Bush and Karl Rove as part of the Republican dirty Help America Vote Act (HAVA) after they swiped Florida in trick machine to 2000. The Black Caucus won the right to a provisional ballot, but didn’t win the right to have them counted. They rarely are. steal votes. Let’s make sure your vote counts.” Palast saw that is supposed to be done in reg- the “over-vote” ular early voting; but the Repub- spoilage trick eliminate 700 Dem- lican Secretary of State of Ohio ocratic votes in Gadsden Coun- did it anyway. A judge who was ty, Florida in 2000. (That’s more asked about the situation said it than the 537 votes that supposed- was absolutely uncommon and ly elected Bush II.) And he saw it again in November 2016 in De- he suspects it was an overt effort Image 120. Long voting lines in Los Ange- to defraud Black people of their troit, Michigan, where 70,355 bal- les due to insufficient voting locations and vote. lots were not counted (in part, be- resources. cause of the same over-vote trick, A technical gotcha that is used which could have easily been selectively, i.e. against Black vot- Voting resource allocation is of- correctly understood with a hand ers, is the potential confusion ten differential, with restricted re- recount). Throwing out those 70 around a box for “party-line” sources especially in minority and thousand Detroit ballots gave the © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 105 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

lican leaning cently your administration imme- suburbs, where diately congratulated the losing white people authoritarian oligarch incumbent vote, there typi- candidate in Honduras, right af- cally are no lines. ter he simply stole the election; a Back in Ohio, guy who is a legacy from the Clin- the Secretary of ton-supported coup years earlier. State shut down One of the poorest nations in the almost every big Americas, Honduras has been city polling sta- blighted by years of gang violence, giving it one of the world’s Image 121. For Black voters, mostly long lines and long waits due tion. In Dayton, to limited polling locations and voting resources. there was one highest murder rates. The turnout voting place for for the vote appeared to be heavy low-income areas. But they ensure over 80,000 voters. A half million across the country, with relatively there are ample resources in sub- people encountered this situation. minor irregularities reported. urban white areas. And it makes it easy for others, especially in Re- This is nothing less than an all publican leaning suburban areas. out institutional racist war on American voters.

Republican Election Theft: Our Own Banana Republic Image 124. Thousands of Salvador Nasral- So, Mr President, we know that la’s supporters are shown holding a demon- the only strategy Republicans stration in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on De- cember 3, 2017. Image 122. White suburban voting with have to obtain enough votes to ample locations and early voting resources . win, after their hardcore sup- However, after polls showing porters get them close enough to the people-supported populist Outside the city in the Repub- steal elections, is to exploit every candidate, Salvador Nasralla, scheme they can was ahead of the U.S. backed to limit the flow oligarch by 5 percentage points, of Democratic the unpopular dictator stopped votes onto offi- the counting, closed all access for cial ballots and three weeks, kept everything in into the official secret, and then declared himself vote tally pro- the winner. No recount; no re-do- cess. ing the election, no outside obser- Are we nothing vation, no oversight; just another more than a Re- pure and simple U.S. supported publican banana election theft in Latin America. republic, Mr Your administration behaved just President? Are like the immediate Clinton sup- you a Banana port for the Honduras coup sever- Image 123. Massively long voting lines outside polling location. Republican? I al years ago that put these brutal Miami, Florida, had the longest waits in the country. mean, just re- regime oligarchs in control in the © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 106 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine first place. Again, against the pop- would include the absurdity of so- Even you, Mr President, put this ular will for the democratically called “illegal aliens” intentional- bullshit out as your “opinion”; elected president, Manuel Zelaya, ly risking exposure and deporta- which is all it takes for that to be- who was ousted in a U.S. backed tion, whom they claim would be come the presumed truth among 2009 coup. There’s no difference rushing to the polls by the tens of the uninformed masses. You have between you and Clinton in this thousands in some sort of mass said in your campaign: “You have regard, is there, Mr President. Not conspiracy to “undermine our people, that in my opinion are vot- good for our international integri- elections” by voting fraudulently. ing many, many times. We may ty and reputation as “the great de- The motivation premise of voter have people vote 10 times.” And, fender of democracy around the fraud doesn’t pass the smell test “You’re talking about probably globe,” eh Mr President? even at the start. It’s a make-be- over a million people that voted I’ve commented on several of lieve problem, formed by Re- twice in [the 2012] presidential the election theft tactics above publican operatives out of whole election;” citing a statement by the that were brought forward in the cloth, in order to filter out mil- Interstate Crosscheck Program as Palast film; these and more are lions of these supposed fraudsters “the first concrete evidence we’ve identified in the National Election in a way that is blatantly focused ever had of massive voter fraud.” Process chart on page 97. Look on likely Democratic leaning vot- Opinions are not facts, Mr Pres- for the points in the process where ers. They do it with a compliant ident, even if you claim they are. Republican operatives can inter- media to amp up fear among the And later you asserted that 3 vene and fraudulently restrict masses that there is a conspiracy million votes were fraudulent- the flow of valid votes. We need among Democratic leaning voters ly cast by undocumented aliens election quality controls with au- to corrupt our elections. So all Re- and other “cheaters”, which is the dit and recount validations at all publicans cheer whenever it gets reason you claim is why you lost points in the process where the reported that these scoundrels the popular vote. “In addition to potential for election fraud is high. are about to purge and block the winning the Electoral College in votes of massive segments of our a landslide, I won the popular The Myth of society; unless, of course, they vote if you deduct the millions just go ahead and do it in secret, of people who voted illegally.“ Voter Fraud which they do. More of your disgraceful bullshit, We now expose this myth and Mr President, in order to con and hysteria about so-called “voter scam the American people. You fraud”. Through which, by the don’t seem to be aware of how exploitation of their self-gener- thin that is wearing. ated fear, they intend to outright steal the voting rights of millions of voters to participate in our rep- How it Starts resentative democracy and have and Propagates their participation count through their voting activities. It’s abso- But why the lies? It begins with lutely galling. the demands of a few billionaire oligarchs, fearful of real democra- But how does this happen? cy taking away their power and How do they get away with it? control, who provide the intellec- I mean, who in their right mind tual cover and money to imple- would vote twice, or try to vote ment it through various networks as non-citizens, and risk 5 years of think tanks and dark funding in prison if they got caught? Well, Image 125. The motivation premise doesn’t organizations. Who’s got the mil- according to Republicans, that pass the smell test. lions of dollars to promote this

voter vanishing game? Watch the Of course, the Palast film to find out; he dogged- fact that the sky ly lays out the trail of money and “could be fall- billionaire influence right to their ing” might also doorsteps and elite dinner parties. be “an enormous threat to our Con- stitution.” Hey, just make up the threats of a scary man “wizard” behind the current; and use it to frighten people Image 126. The Palast film is a must watch! into believing and doing any- Image 128. The Republican voter fraud farce. So it starts with people like the thing you want scheme: “In 2010 there were ap- Kochs and their minions yelling them to. To the Republican mind- proximately 50 Somalians steal- “voter fraud!” The media eats it set, apparently it doesn’t make ing my vote. But we [Kansas] any difference if you begin with are number one when it comes an absurd hypo- to guns and protecting elections. thetical premise, Take double voting; it’s a slam staking it out as dunk to prove that. A guy’s voted some sort of fear- in Kansas and he’s voted in Colo- ful “truth”. It’s rado. It’s a state crime and also a the premise that Federal crime.” needs to be at- You see? Is he not surely the real tacked; less than traitor; the Republican criminal the “therefore committing treason against the we should purge core of our representative democ- all these voters,” racy—people’s right to vote? Or which of course is he that “true Republican patri- is a fraudulent ot” who is just trying to “protect response itself. our elections?” Which ever he is; Image 127. The Koch Billionaires are behind the voter fraud myth And the farce either way, millions of people are and the attack on the Voting Rights Act of 1965. goes on, “There being disenfranchised from their are 12 million right to vote and have a say about up. Palast has video clips of false aliens in the U.S. who could vote their country, and Republicans scare-tactic headlines, like: Fox without proper ID.” And more are stealing elections because of News in 2014, “35,000 people vot- scary sensational headlines like this rampant Republican voter ed in North Carolina and in some this, “Georgia Secretary of State fraud scheme. other state. There are over a mil- is investigating allegations of vot- They simply assert the allega- lion people that voted twice in er fraud; mass voter fraud.” And tion as a pretext and watch it this election. It’s the first concrete this by the Kansas Secretary of dominate the news propagan- evidence of massive voter fraud.” State and currently on the farcical da cycle, in an attempt to justify And this, “The fact that voter “Presidential Election Integrity their purging with mass hysteria. fraud could be happening is an Commission”, who is the origi- So, why is it so hard to find these enormous threat to our Constitu- nator and promoter of the fraud- criminal “double-vote” perpe- tion and we must uncover it.” ulent “Interstate Crosscheck List” © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 108 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

trators and prosecute them? It’s “James Evan Johnson” in Virgin- about so-called voter fraud].“ The because they don’t really exist; ia to prove that he is not “James P depths to which the Republican and any evidence from these so- Johnson” in Kansas? Where’s the Party can sink into the cesspool of called cross-check lists would be presumption of guilt here? “Hey fraud is why it’s so important to dubious at best, once one found buddy, we gave you a chance to teach our children how to become and spoke to the persons iden- prove you’re a valid voter; but critical thinkers; and certainly tified. That’s not the reason for you blew it. You didn’t return the to be skeptical of anything that this entire scam. They don’t want fucking card; so, the presumption comes out under the name “Re- to find real matches; because that is, buddy, that beyond a reason- publican”. isn’t their intent. Their intent is to able doubt you’re a lying, cheat- They claim their are millions of create the appearance of a valid ing double-voting scoundrel; and dead voters, felon voters, ghost excuse in order to remove minori- although we’re not going to check voters, alien voters. It’s all lies. ties from the voter rolls and there- into it further and prosecute you, But, as an example to “prove by steal elections; not prosecute the Republican Party is definite- their point,” one news channel voter fraud. ly going to remove you from the obsequiously reported they even voter rolls... but found the name “Adolph Hitler” we won’t tell you on a vote card. Well, there you we just stole your have it; the smoking gun! voting rights.” The purpose is to claim “plausi- ble deniability” of malfeasance while stealing the voting rights of tens of thousands of Amer- ican citizens. It’s called fraud, which remember from our glos- Image 129. So, why is it so hard to find these criminal “double-vote” perpetrators and prosecute them? It’s because they don’t sary of terms really exist. That’s not the point of the hunt. “Fraud, Malfea- sance, Treason, Image 130. The smoking gun of The tactic of Kansas is to send a Traitor, Faithless, Disloyal, Betray- voter fraud: Hitler’s name found card to the name and address; if al:” on page 41, although all on a vote card. the card is not returned, they pre- these terms apply here; specifi- sume that as enough evidence, cally “fraud” means: “intention- It’s a propaganda model, where not to prosecute but to wipe out al perversion of truth [claiming the compliant, if not complicit, their voting rights by removing there is massive double voting media echo chamber creates the them from the voter rolls. What’s fraud, which is threatening our “hysteria of mass voter fraud” to the point of sending an innocu- elections] in order to induce an- facilitate the subversive Republi- ous card, that doesn’t claim any- other to part with something of can theft of elections. I’ll cover a thing serious like suspected vot- value [e.g. their right to engage bit later how we can scientifically ing fraud and looks like junk mail the process of democracy] or to expose this fraud and pull the rug likely to be immediately tossed surrender a legal right [e.g. their right out from under it and the (meaning high probability of not right to vote]; an act of deceiv- criminal perps who engage in it. being returned, by design), to ing or misrepresenting [the facts © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 109 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

But there’s more; this directly lenged. illegal; he’s counting on bigotry to from a North Carolina elections In Ohio in 2012 and 2014, again get away with it. He doesn’t want office official who claimed they the ultimate swing-state, the so- to actually match people to find have found over 35,000 suspects of called cross-check list produced and prosecute the perpetrators criminally voting more than once. 497,000 suspected double voters, of voter fraud; he wants to purge “Our efforts yielded a number of and 43,000 Black voter names sim- Blacks and Hispanics. So he picks individuals we wanted to look ply vanished, with the help of the only first names and last names to into further. Suspects! It’s part of Koch Machine directed Tea Par- match, not even using the middle an ongoing criminal investigation, ty. The ACLU sued the Ohio Re- name. He’s trying to make Ohio partnering with other states to get publican Secretary of State over unwinnable, and the only way he the cross-check information, that removing masses of voters from knows how is by stealing Ameri- if there was any type of inappro- the rolls; the biggest purge in the can citizens’ votes.” priate behavior we would be able nation. Headlines read: “It’s of- But how do they target voters of to send the right evidence to the ficial: Ohio signs on to Tea Party color? DA, who would decide whether voter ‘purge scheme’.” Well over or not to prosecute.” Sounds like 100,000 voters are gone due to it’s just some good old boys trying Ohio’s error-riddled voter purge Targeting Voters of Color to protect America from criminal list. activity, doesn’t it? Palast, a statistical expert himself, takes a deep dive into the This false tactic, of course, is data with the help of other pro- merely setting up the bogus pre- fessional database analysts. He sumption of guilt against ordinary reports in his film, and his Au- Americans wanting to participate gust 24, 2016, Rolling Stone article in their democracy. It has nothing “The GOP’s Stealth War Against to do with actual voting fraud. It’s Voters”, that they came up with like the “no-fly” list; you don’t lots of interesting findings. Mark know you’re on it until you want Swedlund, a database expert to fly [vote]; and you don’t know whose clients include eBay and how you got on it or how to get American Express, looked at the off it. But once on it, you are al- data from Georgia and Virginia, ready and always presumed to and he was shocked by Cross- be suspected of something wrong check’s “childish methodology.” [double-voting]; you can call that The most common surnames “freedom lost”. list at an incredibly high rate on And lest the Republican goal cross-check databases in multiple not be readily apparent, a chief states. For example, if your last Republican strategist said: “If name is “Garcia”, of which there the Black turnout drops by just are 858,000 in the U.S., and your 1 point in North Carolina, Dem- Image 131. “The Secret Origins of the Tea first name is Jose or Joe or Joseph, ocrats’ winning margin there is Party: How Big Oil and Big Tobacco part- by this cross-check logic you’re wiped out.” nered with the Koch brothers to take over probably suspected of voting in This cross-check scheme would the GOP”. Time Magazine review of 2016 27 states. If your name is “Jack- book by Jeff Nesbit. purge 10% of the Black voters in son”, it’s likely you’re African North Carolina. And if Virgin- American. 90% of all people with ia’s 13% wipe out is any indica- Voting experts told Palast during the last name “Washington” are tion, almost 1 million Americans his interviews that: “The Secretary Black. Garcia’s are 91% Hispanic. will have their right to vote chal- of State knows what he’s doing is Kim’s, 94% Asian.

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 110 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

Image 132. The voter fraud gauntlet. Image 133. If you manage to escape the “voting denied” scrub list, There is huge ethnic bias in AP, reported the Republicans still want to see your ID because you still might cross-check lists, where people that “Native be a perpetrator of “voter fraud”. with minority last names are over- Americans have represented. A full 20% of minori- encountered a Americans to serve as poll work- ty voters in these these states are wide range of obstacles to voting.” ers. In the 2016 general election, on the cross-check list. Whereas (“Groups record voting rights voting sites on reservations were whites are 8% underrepresent- abuses against Native Ameri- open less than eight hours and ed in these lists; Blacks are 45% cans,” republished in The Durango voters elsewhere had days to cast overrepresented, Hispanics are Herald.) Tribes say several barri- ballots.” 24% overrepresented and Asians ers still exist. In a hearing at the “Our Native American voters by 31%. This cross-check scam is Sandra Day O’Connor Indian Le- take great pride in voting and cel- nothing more than a cheap rac- gal Clinic, representatives from ebrate it by making it a commu- ist voter suppression trick. These the Native American Rights Fund nity event. They have had to fight documents, Palast and his an- testified: “What we’re trying to hard for their right to vote and alysts find, show literally hun- show is people don’t have equal those in election administration dreds of thousands of Hispanics opportunity to vote, to register to need to dedicate the necessary supposedly voting more than one vote and to participate in Indian resources to protect the voting time. Asians are the fastest grow- Country than you would see in rights of all of our citizens.” ing electorate nationally, increas- maybe a more urban setting.” ing their political power; 1 in 8 “Native Americans didn’t be- Asian Americans are suspects on come U.S. Citizens until 1924, but Voter ID Laws the list. Democrats capture 3 out some states restricted who was of 4 Asian American votes. This hysteria of voter fraud has entitled to vote up into the 1960s. led to all sorts of “creative ways” Names like “Maria Isabel Her- Southwestern states were the to suppress the voting popula- nandez” of Georgia is shown to last holdouts. Barriers to voting tions that typically do not vote Re- have “criminally” voted a second persist, including long drives to publican. Requiring a “qualified time in Louisiana as “Maria Cris- polling places, laws that ban col- voter ID” in order to vote severely tina Hernandez”. lecting ballots for others, mistreat- impacts minority voters, includ- But the various tactics of dis- ment and intimidation of tribal ing Blacks, elderly, and poor. criminatory targeting hits Native members at polling sites, voter identification requirements and Republicans go to especially ab- Americans as well. On January surd lengths to prevent students 11, 2018, Felicia Fonseca, of the unequal opportunities for Native

and more states voters. By 2010, several had ad- to restrict stu- opted laws that were harmful for dent voting. student voters, and many other Guess who’s switched from good laws to neu- behind that ef- tral laws. By 2012, proposed legis- fort? Generation lation (the article was dated 2011) Progress pro- produced an increasingly grim duced a report, outlook for student voting. March 9, 2011, All of this is why the Republicans titled: “Conser- work so hard to suppress the vote vative Corporate in so many ways. Our election Advocacy Group system is very racist, very biased ALEC Behind against young voters, and very ill, Voter Disenfran- Mr President. And your ethical- chisement Ef- ly challenged Republican Party, forts”. The report in actuality, is morally bankrupt. exposes “The Why wouldn’t what they are do- American Legis- ing to steal American votes and lative Exchange their voting rights, which remem- Council (ALEC), ber we veterans of all colors, races a conservative and ethnicities, including proud organization Native American veterans, and linked to corpo- especially young veterans, sup- rate and right- posedly fought and died to pro- wing donors, tect, be considered high treason? Image 134. Graphic by Campus Progress, based on data from Fair including the How are you personally not com- Elections Legal Network. “Since 2002, there has been a trend of billionaire Koch plicit, Mr President, by putting states proposing and passing legislation that makes voting more difficult for students. brothers, which this “double-voter cross-check” has drafted and scam artist from Kansas in charge from voting. Students go to uni- distributed model legislation, ob- of your so-called “election integ- versities in-state and out-of-state tained by Campus Progress, that rity” commission? And yet, you as a normal college education appears to be the inspiration for make hypocritical fawning state- routine. Why make it so difficult bills proposed by state legislators ments over veterans and “our for them to vote, wherever they this year and promoted by Tea precious election process.” happen to be? Who was the 26th Party activists, bills that would Amendment, which lowered the But you are not alone in this rac- limit access of young people to voting age from 21 to 18, for if not ist Republican attack against the vote.” for students? Why are Republi- Constitutional rights of so many cans comfortable allowing “gun Shereen Hall of Campus Prog- millions of minority and young registration IDs” but not “student ress presents a graphic showing Americans. So, before we take a IDs”. Oh, of course; because once the growth in restrictive student closer analytical look at the un- students become more educat- voting laws from 2002 to 2012, derlying fallacious reasoning ed its more difficult for them to based on data by the “Fair Elec- behind the myth of this “voter be susceptible to the Republican tions Legal Network,” which fraud” scam; let’s look at the insti- strategy of “sustainable igno- works to make it easier for stu- tutional racism of the Republican rance”—they’re better adept at dents to vote. dominated Supreme Court of the seeing through the ruse. Republi- In 2002, no states had laws that United States of America (SCO- cans have manged to to get more were explicitly bad for students TUS).

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 112 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine Republican unprincipled and dangerous all members of Congress, both Re- ideologically driven actions with publican and Democrat. Corruption at the immense and scarcely understood In a 1993 address, President Bill United States ramifications for our country and Clinton said: “Today we celebrate its democracy. They violate any our noble tradition by signing our Supreme Court sense of wise principles of sound newest civil rights law; The Na- governance. tional Voting Registration Act of The Republican 1993.” Single-Vote Margin In a 2006 ad- Destroying America dress, President George W. Bush This attack on our voting system said: “Today we even reaches the highest levels of renew a bill to jurisprudence. That has blatant- help bring a com- ly manifested with the Republi- munity on the can Court Citizen’s United v FEC margins into the 5-to-4 decision in 2010 (pro-corpo- life of American ration and big money campaign democracy. I am financing; money is same as free proud to sign the speech; corporations are people); Voting Rights and their 5-to-4 Shelby County v Act Reauthoriza- Holder decision in 2013 (gutting tion and Amend- the 1965 Voting Rights Act). ments Act of 2006.” As an aside observation, Mr President, so many disastrous The restrictions decisions impacting our country on voting, it was in monumental ways and under- Image 135. Voting Rights Act violations from 2000 to June 2013. widely said, are mining our democracy, are made a direct response by Republicans with single-vote The Gutting of to America’s first black president; margins; or by at most a couple President Barack Obama, elected Martin Luther King’s overwhelmingly in 2008. Immedi- of votes. These are not decisions Dream that favor or are supported by the ately rightwing pundits claimed it was the result of voter fraud and people. This includes the closely President Lyndon Johnson, failed attempt at destroying the started the drum beat to restrict standing before Congress in his voting access. Affordable Care Act; and the tax 1965 State of the Union address, bomb you and the Republicans set regarding the 1965 Voting Rights On June 25, 2013, the Republi- off recently by a 51-49 margin. Act (VRA), stated: “I speak to- can controlled Supreme Court of This tax bomb sent a massive re- night for the dignity of man and the United States took Martin Lu- verberating shock wave into the the destiny of democracy. What ther King’s Dream and the Vot- middle of our economy—without happened in Selma is part of a far ing Rights Act (VRA) of 1965 and data, without analysis or review. larger movement, which reach- “burned out its heart.” That key Like these SCOTUS decisions, es into every section of America. provision being the section that there is virtually no understand- This bill will strike down restric- held the historically justified pre- ing of all the harmful ramifica- tion to voting in all elections.” Im- sumption that southern states are tions these decisions have and mediately after that statement, he still hell bent on preventing Black will produce. These are reckless, received a standing ovation from people from voting—a right Black people have paid for in blood and © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 113 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine life. Thus since 1965 until 2013, In the Court’s view, the very success War Amendments... The Court makes whenever these southern states of §5 of the Voting Rights Act demands no genuine attempt to engage with proposed any voting law, it was its dormancy. Congress was of another the massive legislative record that presumed that it would be biased mind. Recognizing that large progress Congress assembled. Instead, it relies against Blacks and other minori- has been made, Congress determined, on increases in voter registration and based on a voluminous record, that turnout as if that were the whole sto- ties, so under the doctrine of “fed- the scourge of discrimination was ry... eral preclearance” the State had to not yet extirpated... And [here being prove that it wasn’t biased. Since The sad irony of today’s decision lies the crux of the Republican efforts to in its utter failure to grasp why the you couldn’t trust these legisla- gut the VRA,] in assessing the overall VRA has proven effective... The VRA tures, the burden of proof was on effects of the VRA in 2006, Congress is grounded in Congress’ recognition the State Legislature. found that “significant progress has of the “variety and persistence” of been made in eliminating first gener- measures designed to impair minority ation barriers experienced by minority voting rights. In truth, the evolution of voters, including increased numbers voting discrimination into more subtle of registered minority voters, minority second-generation barriers is powerful voter turnout, and minority represen- evidence that a remedy as effective tation in Congress, Sate legislatures, as preclearance remains vital to pro- and local elected offices. This progress tect minority voting rights and pre- is the direct result of the Voting Rights vent backsliding. Thanks to the Voting Act of 1965... Yet voting discrimination Rights Act, progress once the subject [with second generation barriers] still of [MLK’s dream] has been achieved exists; no one doubts that.” and continues to be made... But the Court today terminates the Throwing out preclearance when it remedy that proved to be best suit- has worked and is continuing to work ed to block that discrimination. The to stop discriminatory changes is like Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) has throwing away your umbrella in a worked to combat voting discrimina- Image 136. Supreme Court Justice Ruth rainstorm because you are not getting tion where other remedies had been wet. Bader Ginsburg, wearing her black and gold tried and failed. Particularly effective “dissent jabot”. She wears this jabot when is the VRA’s requirement of federal Kate Sheppard, writing about she presents her dissenting opinion from preclearance for all changes to voting the decision and the dissenting a majority decision being handed down laws in the regions of the country with opinion for Mother Jones on June by the Supreme Court. See the interview the most aggravated records of rank with the co-directors, Betsy West and Julie 25, 2013, “The Best Lines From discrimination against minority voting Cohen, of the documentary film RBG, at Ginsburg’s Dissent on the Vot- the 2018 Sun Dance Film Festival by Amy rights... ing Rights Act Decision,” quoted Goodman: “RBG”: New Documentary Cel- It is well established that Congress’ Ginsburg, stating: “Hubris is a fit ebrates Life of Groundbreaking Supreme judgment regarding exercise of its word for today’s demolition of the Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The power to enforce the Fourteenth and VRA.” Ginsburg’s dissent rattled film looks at the groundbreaking life of the Fifteenth Amendments warrants sub- off eight examples of race-based nearly 85-year-old Supreme Court Justice stantial deference. The VRA addresses voter discrimination in recent his- Ruth Bader Ginsburg. 2018 marks her 25th the combination of race discrimination tory, which Sheppard listed. year on the court, and she has no plans to and the right to vote, which is “preser- retire. In recent years, Ginsburg’s public vative of all rights...” The 2013 Supreme Court VRA profile has soared as the court has swerved decision reversed the burden of to the right. Ginsburg often now finds her- It cannot tenably be maintained self on the dissenting side of opinions. that the VRA, an Act of Congress ad- proof—a seismic shift, opening opted to shield the right to vote from the gates to an immediately resur- racial discrimination, is inconsistent gent flood of voter suppression In her 37-page dissenting opin- with the letter or spirit of the Fifteenth attacks on minorities, the elderly ion, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Amendment, or any provision of the and the poor. The presumption joined by Justices Breyer, Soto- Constitution read in light of the Civil became that the southern state mayor and Kegan, wrote: © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 114 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

legislatures were in fact now “un- biased”; and that, in the words of the 5-4 Republican Party line ruling, “racial voting trickery is gone; blatantly discriminatory evasions are rare; and Jim Crow practices have been eradicated.” Well, none of that was true; they were simply held at bay because of the 1965 VRA. The statement was instantly proved false by the response from those states. Immediately, Texas, Mississip- pi, Alabama and Florida respond- ed with votes to restructure their laws. Headlines read, “Florida steps up efforts to scrub illegal voters”; and they began a purge of 181,000 Hispanics from the voter rolls as illegal aliens. States start- Image 137. The Attack on Voting Rights, State-by-State voting map, 2012-2016. Ari Ber- ed imposing voter ID laws of all man, Mother Jones, Nov/Dec 2017 issue. sorts, with blatantly biased rules, like: student IDs don’t count, but gun licenses do. Just hours after icans with surgical precision.” representing Selma had been on the SCOTUS gutting of the VRA, The current Republican Supreme the ballots for years as an elected Palast goes on, Alabama passed Court, with its vacant Court seat state senator; but when he went to a law requiring voters to have a stolen from President Obama vote, he found that his name was drivers license or a state photo filled with a right wing Republi- no longer on the voting list. Sel- ID in order to vote. Then the state can, put a stay on that decision. ma, of course, has a long history shut down most of the motor ve- We are still struggling for a de- of suppressing the Black and poor hicle offices in the 10 Black belt mocracy in which everyone can vote. But now that is being mul- counties. The 1965 VRA banned participate and be treated equally. tiplied by these various scams. all forms of trickery in voting The SCOTUS decision flipped Almost overnight the cross-check like this. States could never adopt the “null hypothesis” presump- scam, with its presumptive prem- something like this cross-check tion from one of bias by the state ise that there is a wide conspiracy scheme unless the state could against Black voters, to a pre- of minority and poor voters trying prove that it didn’t discriminate sumption that Black citizens had a to undermine our election process against voters of color. Not many bias to commit voter fraud. Now, by voting more than once, spread states would dare even try. Now whenever these states passed any into other states like a virus. All they don’t have to. voting laws, the burden of proof these modern subversive Repub- In 2017 North Carolina, regard- that the laws were discriminatory lican tactics are divisive ways of ing their restrictive redistricting landed on those who were disen- diminishing voter participation— and voter identification law, the franchised. The presumption be- restricting the flow of Democratic 4th Circuit issued a decision that came that these states didn’t dis- votes into the final count. struck down the law, stating it criminate. So they just go ahead In 2016, the Republican presi- was clear that the intent of the law and do it without sanction. dent-elect, while “winning” the was to “targeted African Amer- One attorney and State Senator Electoral College count, lost the

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 117 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine and democracy an immense ser- a hot topic in the field, with the Yet, you know you can exploit vice by digging deep to find and basic premise being: “Marketers the ignorance and gullibility of expose all these nebulous cases. [of anything, products or ideas] your base, who will believe any- This is the logical fallacy of weak should try to occupy a specific po- thing you say, and drive the daily induction, which appeals to igno- sition in the mind of the consum- media cycle with this tactic. And rance; and it gets played all the er. In other words, you’ve got to with a supportive media echo time in political rhetoric. It con- knock out the enemy before you chamber, you are able to pollute stitutes what is technically called can occupy the position,” (“How the political dialog enough to re- the “fallacy of acceptance of the Al Reis Positioned the Positioning frame at least one perception of null hypothesis” (the claim that Concept”, Ad Age, September 26, reality—yours. From observing Bush II won, for example), when 2016). “The biggest mistake mar- almost a year of your performance the data does not provide for a se- keters make is focusing on the and statements, the presumption vere enough test for that claim. It creative advertising and not the needs to be that whatever you ignores entirely the role of error marketing. Marketing is not logi- say is more likely than not, pure in the inference; and thus cries for cal; you’ve got to win in the mind, bullshit. Why you do that is an- validation (through a full hand and you can only win in the mind other question. But, this is cer- recount, in the Bush II case for ex- with a narrow idea.” tainly the consequence of a life- ample). Let me point out here, that this long self-destructive pattern, Mr also constitutes the fallacy of your President, where you continually In plain English, to the unin- undermine your own integrity. formed mind the fallacy means own rhetorical strategy, Mr Presi- dent; where you know you must Nobody of consequence believes that the one first out with their you. Does that not matter to you? narrowly focused narrative spin grab everyone’s attention with regarding some result or claim some simple narrowly focused As a nation, our people do not (”Voter Fraud”, or “I Won”, for comment. You cynically make appear to be well versed in criti- example) grabs the “high ground” false claims and toss things out cal thinking, which is why these of “presumed truth”. All others into the media cauldron as “true”, fallacies seem to be so effective must then endeavor to counter, or that are not true; causing every- in confusing the populace while “dislodge” the notion; as opposed one else to run around chasing stealing the store of democracy. to starting with no bias, and then their tails to “prove” that the pre- People may sense that there’s asking what is the most likely sce- sumption of truth of the claim is something wrong with a rhetori- nario and how to decide. pure bullshit. That includes your cal argument; but they don’t seem direct attack on our Constitution- to be equipped with the tools, or Marketers call this “positioning”; ally protected press; you and our even desire, to expose it as falla- which was made famous with the minions just keep repeating over cious. That appears to be partic- marketing classic, “Positioning: and over that everything the press ularly true with your supporters, The Battle for Your Mind—How to is putting out is “fake news”. I Mr President, who either believe be seen and heard in the overcrowded know that’s the underhanded most everything you say, or out marketplace,” by Al Ries and Jack tactic you learned growing up of loyalty make excuses for you, Trout, two New York City adver- in your own business and media simply ignore your false claims, tising gurus. Their idea first hit world. But, that behavior is de- or are ever forgiving of your the scene with their 3-part series structive to the very foundations weaknesses. of articles 45 years ago in Adver- of our representative democracy, tising Age in 1972. Their classic which requires some level of trust book was first published in 1980, in our democratic institutions, es- Voter Fraud in General: which I read as an MBA student pecially a free press. You’re really Non-Existent in the early 1980s, but it is still in doing a lot of damage to our core Let’s dig deeper into the veracity print with its latest copyright 2001 institution of democracy, Mr Pres- of the details regarding the “vot- by McGraw-Hill. And it’s still ident. © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 118 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine er fraud” claims and how they er studies that have reached the Database: An Assessment“points are structured. Voter fraud could same conclusion. out “the Heritage Foundation come in many forms, including The Center completed an exten- document claims of voter fraud voter impersonation, voting de- sive analysis of voter fraud, pub- are grossly exaggerated and despite being ineligible (i.e. non-citi- lished on January 31, 2017, citing void of context.” Their research zen voting), or double voting, the numerous studies and articles. Ti- “confirms what numerous studies last of which occurs when an indi- tled: “Debunking the Voter Fraud have consistently shown: Voter vidual casts multiple ballots, each Myth“, the analytical report states fraud is vanishingly rare, and im- under a different registration re- that: “Sensationalist claims have personating a voter at the polls is cord, in the same election. circulated this election season less common a phenomenon than about the extent of voter fraud, being struck by lightning.” The Brennan Center: with some politicians going so “There is nothing in the data- far as to tell voters to fear that base to confirm claims of rampant The Brennan Center for Justice this November’s election will be voter fraud. In fact, it shows just at NYU School of Law, a nonpar- ‘rigged.’ Because electoral integri- the opposite. The Heritage data- tisan law and policy institute that ty is one of the elements necessary base includes an assortment of seeks to improve our systems of to making America the greatest cases, many unrelated or tangen- democracy and justice, has exten- democracy in the world, claims tially related, going back decades, sive resources on the issue of vot- like this garner media attention, with only a handful pertaining to ing fraud. In their “Issues Note”, and frighten and concern voters; non-citizens voting or imperson- titled “Myth of Voter Fraud”, while the President has continued ation at the polls. They add up to they emphasize that, “We must to claim voter fraud was a prob- a molecular fraction of the total be careful not to undermine free lem in the 2016 election. But put- votes cast nationwide. Inadver- and fair access to the ballot in the ting rhetoric aside to look at the tently, the Heritage Foundation’s name of preventing voter fraud. facts makes clear fraud is vanish- database undermines its claim of Examination after examination ingly rare, and does not happen widespread voter fraud. This is of voter fraud claims reveal fraud on a scale even close to that neces- the report the President’s ‘Fraud is very rare, voter impersonation sary to ‘rig’ an election.” Commission’ members are rely- is nearly non-existent, and much Exploring multiple studies, court ing on.” of the problems associated with cases, and government investiga- alleged fraud relates to uninten- tions, the concluding statements Kris Kobach: Fraudster tional mistakes by voters or elec- topics are: “Studies Agree: Im- Attacking Democracy tion administrators.” personation Fraud by Voters Very The Brennan Center focused Rarely Happens. Courts Agree: This past spring and early sum- their semiannual report on the top- Fraud by Voters at the Polls is mer, several articles were pub- ic, titled: “The Truth About Voter Nearly Non-Existent. Govern- lished specifically taking on the Fraud“. The report conclusively ment Investigations Agree: Voter menacing aspects of Kris Ko- demonstrated “most allegations Fraud Is Rare.” bach’s efforts to massively disen- of fraud turn out to be baseless— As part of their in-depth inves- franchise voters with the “Cross- and that of the few allegations tigation, the Center has done a check” scheme he has been selling remaining, most reveal election detailed examination of a data- to states around the country. irregularities and other forms of base produced by the conserva- Souther Poverty Law Center election misconduct. Many of the tive Heritage Foundation, which on Kobach: The Southern Poverty claims of voter fraud amount to a claims “almost 1,100 proven in- Law Center (SPLC), “dedicated to great deal of smoke without much stances of voter fraud.” The Sep- fighting hate and bigotry and to fire. The allegations simply do not tember 8, 2017, Brennan Center seeking justice for the most vul- pan out.” It cites numerous oth- report, titled, “Heritage Fraud nerable members of our society”, © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 119 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine in a June 17, 2017, article titled, he calls ‘non-citizens’ from voting nationally, the status quo favors “Kris Kobach wants to decide is intimately related to his fight to the Republican Party. While Ko- who has the right to vote“, writes: restrict immigration to the United bach searched for fraud cases, his “Kansas Secretary of State Kris States. “Years before the president SAFE Act had blocked the regis- Kobach has long had an appetite began talking about building a trations of 35,000 Kansans by Sep- for nativist, anti-immigrant think- wall, the fate of America’s white tember 2015.” ing. It led him to work as the legal majority was a matter of consider- Berman ties Kobach’s efforts to counsel to a hate group. It led him able interest to Kobach, who once what the VRA tried to prevent. to become the architect behind agreed with a caller to his radio “The Voting Rights Act of 1965 harsh anti-immigrant laws. And, show that a rise in Latino immi- outlawed tactics that prevented recently, it led him to champion gration could lead to the ‘ethnic blacks, Hispanics and other mi- an anti-voter fraud effort at a time cleansing’ of whites.” nority groups from voting. But when restrictive voting laws fre- “Kobach’s chilling narrative of for decades, Republicans have quently disenfranchise minority deceitful foreigners subverting fought to circumvent the law by voters.” democracy has served him well. describing their proposed restric- “Kobach began removing peo- Making people believe that vot- tions—requiring specific forms ple from his state’s voter rolls in er fraud is rampant builds public of identification to vote, prevent- 2015, making anyone who did support for policies that restrict ing early voting, purging voting not provide proof of citizenship access to the ballot. And claims rolls—as colorblind security mea- within 90 days ineligible to vote. of illegal voting by non-citizens sures, even though there is little However alarming his claims, help justify Kobach’s hard-line evidence of any individual voter Kobach has successfully convict- anti-immigration agenda.” fraud in the United States.” ed just nine people of voter fraud “The ACLU has filed four suits “The ACLU has repeatedly ar- since 2015—primarily senior citi- against Kobach since he was elect- gued that the Kansas law discrim- zens who own property in more ed in 2010. All of them challenge inated against minorities, young than one state. The reality – only some aspect of his signature piece people and low-income people, all one non-citizen conviction – hard- of legislation, the Secure and Fair of whom are more likely to be reg- ly resembles Kobach’s alarmist Elections Act, or SAFE Act, a 2011 istering for the first time and less claims. But Kobach has built his state law that requires people to likely to have immediate access to career on his descriptions of such show a birth certificate, passport citizenship papers, because they imaginary treachery by minority or naturalization papers to regis- can’t afford them or were more groups.” ter to vote.” transient and don’t have copies of Air Berman on Kobach: Ari “Kobach has long argued that their documents at hand. No state Berman, another of our Healthy such a law is necessary to prevent has been as aggressive as Kansas Democracy leaders, wrote a major non-citizens from registering to in restricting ballot access, and no piece in the New York Time Maga- vote, a phenomenon that he has elected official has been as dogged zine on June 13, 2007, titled: “The repeatedly claimed is both per- as Kobach. Tens of thousands of Man Behind The President’s Vot- vasive and a threat to democracy. Kansans have already been pre- er-Fraud Obsession: How Kris The ACLU has countered that the vented from registering to vote Kobach, the Kansas secretary of real purpose of the law is not to because of this requirement, one state, plans to remake America prevent fraud but to stop the ex- in seven new registrants. Close to through restrictive voting and im- isting electorate from expanding half of those were under 30. Ko- migration laws.“ Berman writes and shifting demographically. bach wants proof-of-citizenship about Kobach’s desire for white Even a seemingly small imped- laws to be adopted in every state.” rule and his fear of immigrants. iment to registration, like a new Berman, a senior contributing For Kobach, he points out (para- ID requirement, favors the status writer for The Nation Magazine, phrasing), the fight to stop what quo, and in Kansas, and indeed a fellow at The Nation Institute,

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and the author of Give Us the Bal- Logical Fallacy: Data Level have claimed this is the source lot: The Modern Struggle for Vot- of millions of fraudulent votes. ing Rights in America, continues Thus enters the infamous “In- to write a long stream of articles Voter Impersonation & Alien terstate Crosscheck Program”; a about Kobach and his influence on Voting Fraud: Non-Existent voter-suppression scheme men- the current administration. Nota- tioned earlier on page 107, de- bly, “The President’s Commission Extensive audits by researchers signed and instituted by the most on ‘Election Integrity’ Will Lead have “found essentially no voter culpable and influential vote theft to Massive Voter Suppression”, impersonation fraud, since it is so scam artist of politics, Republican May 11, 2017; “The Administra- easily detected. The second possi- Kansas Secretary of State, Kris tion is Planning an Unprecedent- bility, voting despite ineligibility, Kobach; later chosen to co-lead ed Attack on Voting Rights”, June is also unlikely to purposeful- the farce called the “President’s 30, 2017; and “Meet the Vote Sup- ly happen because the risk of an Election Integrity Commission”. pressors and Conspiracy Theo- undocumented immigrant sub- Let’s cut to the chase and sum- rists on the President’s ‘Election jecting himself to detection is not marize the conclusions of the Goel Integrity’ Commission”, July 11, worth the low potential reward of et al. researchers, (“One Person, 2017. a single extra ballot cast for one One Vote: Estimating the Prev- Politico Magazine on Kobach: side. Although one academic ar- alence of Double Voting in U.S. Politico columnist Ben Strauss ticle claimed to show that some Presidential Elections”, October wrote an article, published May non-citizens vote, those claims 24, 2017), who with their detailed 21, 2017, about Kobach, titled: have been widely debunked. And study of various types of voting “The President’s pick to investi- votes cast twice within the same fraud, with a particular focus on gate his theories about voter fraud state are easily detected and elim- double voting made these sum- has a record of targeting older inated by state voting adminis- mary statements: “We looked at conservatives.” He describes how trators. There is little evidence of 130 million ballots from the 2012 Kobach aggressively went against such efforts.” These are the lead- election and found practically conservative seniors, even for ing remarks by a group of five zero evidence of fraud. Where- honest mistakes. Kobach’s efforts highly qualified researchers who as Crosscheck flagged more than produced just 9 convictions, while have investigated the voter fraud 1.4 million registrations as poten- disenfranchising over 35,000 vot- issue (“Chasing Electoral Ghosts”, tial duplicates that member states ers. “Most of them were not illegal November, 2016, Slate Magazine, should further scrutinize and po- immigrants but rather older reg- by Sharad Goel, Stanford Univer- tentially purge. Our analysis of istered Republicans. Nearly all of sity; Marc Meredith, University Crosscheck data makes explicit the perpetrators have been found of Pennsylvania; Michael Morse, the large trade-off in voter acces- using his Kansas proprietary da- Harvard University and Yale Law sibility sacrificed in an admin- tabase called Crosscheck.” “He School; David Rothschild, Micro- istrative environment that only promised he was going to deliv- soft Research; and Houshmand focuses on maintaining electoral er all these illegal alien voters in Shirani-Mehr, Stanford Universi- integrity.” ty). Kansas, but we’ve got nine people The tactics Republicans insist in two years—and most of them on using to, they claim, “prevent are law-abiding United States cit- Double Voting Fraud: voter fraud”, including poll mon- izens, who just need better educa- Non-Existent itors to thwart ineligible voters, tion.” stringent voter identification laws Kris Kobach has created a false That leaves interstate double to block voter impersonation, crusade called “voter fraud”. He voting as the most promising and ending early voting to pre- is not a protector of voting; he is route for intentional voter fraud. vent double voting, are false as- an enemy of democracy. Pundits and political operatives surances for a non-problem. The

authors emphasize that while it’s 2012, in which Crosscheck han- turned by Crosscheck are likely been demonstrated that there is dled more than 45 million voter not actual double registrations. little voter fraud for these tactics registration records and flagged While 3,047,626 pairs of 2012 to prevent, such rhetoric and pol- more than a million potential vote records in a national voter icies disenfranchise actual voters. double voters. file share these three FN/LN/ Election rigging is not the prob- A participating state receives all DOB attributes, which is likely lem. Our electoral integrity is pairings in which a registrant in the source your henchmen found not threatened by the little voter their state and a registrant in an- for your claimed “3 million dou- fraud that may occur, but rather other participating state share the ble voters”, Mr President; their by the disproportionate response same first name, last name, and analysis shows that although two that makes it harder for so many DOB; and that’s all we can ob- randomly selected vote records eligible Americans to vote. serve from vote records in multi- are extremely unlikely to share ple states. Some states even report a common first name, last name, Fallacy in the Crosscheck just age or year of birth instead of and DOB, a sizable number of Comparison: The Evidence of DOB, which substantially increas- matches will occur naturally once es the chance of two records shar- we aggregate over the quadril- Aggregate Data ing common identifiers. lions of pairs of vote records in Here’s the problem with Cross- What about Social Security the population. check’s approach: In a country Number (SSN), or just the last four Measurement error in voting where 130 million votes are cast in digits (SSN4)? Only 1 in 10,000 records, such as dormant “dead- a presidential election, there is a distinct people with the same first wood” registrations of people surprisingly high chance that two name, same last name, and same who moved to, and voted in, a ballots cast under the same first DOB would also share the same different jurisdiction, can also name, last name, and date of birth SSN4 by chance. Although some affect the frequency of false dou- actually belong to two different Crosscheck data contain, when ble voting comparisons. In fact, people. available, the last four digits of their audit of poll books finds that The Goel et al. investigation re- each registration’s Social Securi- measurement error could explain ports that vote records only con- ty number; when using this the many apparent double votes. sistently report first name (FN), investigators found that, in the Since even minor errors in the last name (LN), and date of birth smaller set that had all of these recording of votes in a voter file (DOB). Data generated by the fields, virtually all (99.5%) of the could generate a substantial num- Interstate Crosscheck Program, potential FN/LN/DOB parings ber of cases of illusory double vot- compares individual-level voter had different SSN4 numbers. The ing, the investigators accounted registration records across partici- others had to do with the differ- for that in their analysis. pating states to aid in the purging ence between early and later reg- In summary, the authors state: of duplicate records and prosecu- istration by the same person. In “The evidence compiled in this tion of double voters. Participat- fact, they found that about two- paper suggests that double voting states upload their voter regis- thirds of potential double regis- ing is not carried out in such a tration data each January. Kansas trations identified by Crosscheck systematic way that it presents a administrators return to each have at least one unknown SSN4. threat to the integrity of American participating state a list of regis- Thus, more often than not, an elections. Thus, there is almost no trations in that state that share the election administrator will not chance that double votes could same first name, last name, and have enough information to dis- affect the outcome of a national DOB as a registration in another tinguish good and bad matches. election.” Based on the subset of pairings participating state, which they re- The perception of Americans is fer to as “potential double voters.” with SSN4 data, one in four potential double registrations re- different, due to the sources of Most of their analysis focused on meta-level logical fallacy noted © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 122 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine earlier. And this is the cover Re- plicate registrations were used to concluding a problem exists when publican operatives use to fraud- cast a ballot twice.” it doesn’t, i.e. a suspected fraudulently steal millions of votes and “In both 2012 and 2014, Cross- ulent vote) in order to protect win elections; and get away with check flagged more than 100,000 against extremely rare false neg- it. It’s perceived as a problem due Iowa registrations as potential atives (“Type II error”, failing to to how often the meme is repeat- duplicates, with a matching reg- detect a problem when it does ex- ed. The authors report that studies istration in another state. In only ist, i.e. an actual fraudulent vote). “find that about 25% of the public about 5 percent of these cases The standard statistically correct believes that voting more than were both registrations used to approach is to set an acceptable once happens either commonly cast a ballot. And in all but six to- false positive rate (technically re- or occasionally (as opposed to in- tal cases (in both years combined), ferred to as “a“; often set a 5% or frequently or never), while anoth- the two registrations used to cast 1%, depending on the phenome- er 20% report being unsure how a ballot had inconsistent middles non in question) and devise a test often it happens. Such beliefs are names or different Social Security that minimizes the false negative likely driven, at least in part, by numbers, indicating they are like- rate (technically referred to as media stories that conflate the ly different people. If Iowa used “b“) for that given a. number of observed cases of voter Crosscheck’s guidelines for purg- There are economic and mor- records sharing the same observing registrations, as some counties al ramifications associated with able characteristics with double have done, about 1,200 registra- each type of error. Kobach’s mor- votes.” tion records used to legitimate- al argument is that it is worth de- The North Carolina head- ly cast a single vote would have stroying the Constitutional rights line noted earlier on page 107, been purged in order to prevent of millions of people to vote, to “35,000 people voted in North these six potential double votes.” prevent that extremely rare po- Carolina and in some other state“, “This suggests that both the tential fraudulent vote. Obvious- was based on Crosscheck’s find- number of registration records ly, that just a bogus argument; his ing that the 35,750 North Carolina that share common observable intent is to wipe out non-Republi- vote records from 2012 shared the characteristics and the number of can votes. same first name, last name, and duplicate registrations are poor It would be wise to acknowl- date of birth with registrations proxies for the number of dou- edge, the authors emphasize, that used to vote in other states. Such ble votes. Reporting the first two there are trade-offs between ac- media stories demonstrate the im- quantities in place of the last risks cessibility and integrity when ad- portance of clearly differentiating confusing the public about in the ministering elections. In the case between (1) registration records integrity of American elections.” of Crosscheck’s proposed purging that share common observable Confusing the public, of course, strategy, this means knowing how characteristics, (2) duplicate regis- many times the duplicate registrations, and (3) double votes. is what Republicans are all about. This is what they want to do. Kris tration with the earlier registra- Regarding duplicate registra- Kobach contends that it is better tion date is used to cast a second, tions, they found in their study to disenfranchise hundreds of illegitimate, vote, relative to the of Iowa “that roughly three-quar- thousands of voters than to risk number of times it is used to cast ters of the registrations flagged by allowing any fraudulent votes, a single, legitimate vote. Based Crosscheck were in fact duplicate stating, “one case of voter fraud on the data from Iowa, they find registrations, although election is [one] too many.” He does exact- “Crosscheck’s proposed purging administrators often lack the nec- ly the opposite of what standard strategies would eliminate about essary SSN4 to determine wheth- economical business quality as- 300 registrations used to cast a er a particular match is good or surance practices recommend: his seemingly legitimate vote [false bad. More importantly, fewer methods incur an extremely high positives] for every one registra- than 10 of the known 25,987 du- false positive rate (“Type I error”, tion used to cast a double vote.”

Fallacy in the Crosscheck (or your manager would), be- ciently severe for functionality. Comparison: The Evidence of cause you’d be wasting the com- We refer to this setup technical- Faulty Logic pany a lot of money. ly as the “null hypothesis”, or Ho; We would refer to finding a tru- and we refer to its complement as Examining the logic of how the ly bad part from your production the “alternative hypothesis”, or comparison details are carried out line as a “positive” result because Ha. The idea is to have a “Test of exposes the fallacy of their meth- it failed the functional specifica- Ho” that “probes” the veracity of odology. To do this, we need to tion test, irrespective of its color. the hypothesis based on the mea- look at the structure of individual But if all those other parts passed surement data the test produces. comparisons for each name from inspection, yet because color was For each individual test the setup multiple lists of supposed dou- easily and cheaply observable, might be designated as: ble voters, and ask how severe the they were tossed anyway being Ho: The part is within spec comparison test probes the ques- found to be a bit off-color, making (Parts are presumed to be tion of its veracity. As well, we them suspicious looking, then we “good” and any test result that need to ask what the “null” pre- would refer to the 35,000 wasted declares a part “bad” is due sumption is. The “null” means parts (less 9) as “false positives”. to random chance noise in the the presumption that the phe- We would have an extremely process, the part, or the test) nomenon observed (possible dou- high rate of false positives where ble voting) would happen just by good parts were eliminated be- Ha: The part is out of spec random chance, say, rather than cause they were falsely thought to The second issue of interest is, fraudulent intent. be bad. That’s a very costly error. what is the proportion or frequen- Without diving too deep tech- This presents two issues in un- cy of “false positives”; that is, false nically, yet with the goal of some derstanding the logical structure test failures, rejecting a good part acceptable level of precision and of the problem: First, what is the as bad? How often does that error clarity, let’s make a simple man- presumed “null” assumption occur and what are the implica- ufacturing analogy with Kobach’s about the parts before any visual tions of this error rate, in terms of purging strategy and his Kansas or functional inspection is done? its costs? numbers, where 35,000 voters That they are “good” parts (would These are standard structural are purged to find and eliminate pass inspection, even though they concepts in statistics that have 9 possible actual double voters might look suspicious) or “bad” been well established for decades (that’s all he found, most of those parts (would fail inspection, be- (typically based on samples from a not even fraudulent as we noted cause they look suspicious)? process or population). But when earlier). The correct null assumption in they are not properly understood Suppose you were a production proper industrial process manage- and applied, they can lead to in- manager making widgets and ment would of course be that the correct conclusions. Often, peo- you suspected that some “off-col- process is in control and capable ple like Kobach want to presume or” looking parts were also func- of producing good parts, with the the “bad parts” (double voter) tionally bad due to some possi- occasional bad part being a ran- null hypothesis, thinking they bly related manufacturing flaw, dom anomaly; unless, of course, can dodge the “burden of proof” but all you looked at was the we found some special cause that question and get away with as- color; would you toss out 35,000 consistently produced bad parts. suming its true with less evidence good parts whose color was a bit Further, in testing each part we required to “prove” it. We dis- off to make sure you found and would want our test procedure cussed earlier how flooding the eliminated those 9 bad parts? If to be “severe” enough that when media with that propaganda be- you did, I think you’d either get the test declares a part “bad”, it is comes the underhanded tactic to trained better, get reassigned to very likely correct; the color test convince uninformed Americans dumpster inspection, or get fired would not be considered suffi- we are under a “voting fraud” at-

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tack and induce an atmosphere of With respect to the “bad parts” so would be flagged as potential hysteria about it. That’s how they question, where Ho presumes the double voters under Crosscheck’s sow the theory of voter fraud and parts are good, the “color test” methodology. But in a group of use that to eliminate millions of fails even this weak severity prin- 141 people, you would in fact ex- valid votes. ciple, because even if the part is pect to see 27 pairs that share the Deborah Mayo, a philosopher “bad”, there is very little chance same birthday by chance alone.” of science and statistics at Virginia the color test would provide suffi- This phenomenon is what stat- Tech, in her ground-breaking and cient evidence that is “bad”. isticians refer to as the “birthday prise-winning work, has strength- With respect to the “double vot- paradox”. Randomly gather just ened these structural concepts ac- er” question, where the proper Ho 23 people in a room, and there is cording to how well they produce presumes the vote is valid and not a 50:50 chance that at least two of reliable knowledge in the face of a double vote (no voter fraud ex- them will have the same birthday. error; which obviates this false ists), the question is whether the When one looks at all the possible tendency, that we noted earlier comparison of records with the parings of names and birthdays on page 116 is a logical fallacy at fields FN, LN, and DOB, provide across a nation of 100 million the meta-level. Her recent 2010 insufficient evidence of a fraudulent voters, one would find at least depth compendium on the state “double vote”, even if the same 720,000 matches by random chance. of this field, co-edited by Aris voter is voting more than once in These authors conclude that: Spanos, Virginia Tech professor more than one state. Recall, those “Nearly all purported double vot- of economics and philosophy, is three fields are typically all that is ing can be explained by the birth- titled: Error and Inference, Cam- available on Crosscheck lists, as day paradox coupled with mea- bridge Press. noted earlier in the section “Fal- surement errors in the voter data, The key question is this: When lacy in the Crosscheck Comparison: such as errors in the electronic re- does the data provide a good test The Evidence of Aggregate Data” cords, indicating someone voted and evidence for Ho? This is the on page 121, “vote records only when the poll book revealed they severity question. The correct ap- consistently report first name had not. Our estimate for double proach, Mayo teaches the broader (FN), last name (LN), and date of voting approaches zero.” scientific community, is to deny birth (DOB)”. If these three fields do provide sufficient evidence, Yet by the propaganda put out the data is sufficient evidence under the theory of “voter fraud”, against Ho, if the test procedure there would be very few “false positives”; meaning rejecting the this corruption of minds has con- has very little chance of providing vinced tens of millions of Amer- evidence against Ho, even if Ho is vote as coming from a fraudulent voter, even when there could be icans to “believe” voter fraud is false. Stated more formally, “The a serious problem. Once that be- data do not provide good evidence many matches of the data in those three fields just by random chance. comes their “null” presumption, for hypothesis Ho if the data re- the people are not convinced by sult from a test procedure with The Goel et al. authors of the science and statistics to the con- very low probability or capacity above study give the following trary. This is the difficulty of “dis- of having uncovered the falsity of example. “In the 2012 presiden- lodging” the preset “voter fraud Ho (even if Ho is incorrect).” This tial election, for example, 8,575 positioning” in one’s mind, noted is what she calls the weak severity ballots were cast under the name earlier on page 117. principle. “Such a test, we would John Smith among the votes say, is insufficiently stringent or we analyzed. Just considering Purging people with the same severe. The onus is on the person people born in 1970, 141 votes FN, LN and DOB on more than claiming to have evidence for Ho were cast by people named John one voting list is a logical fallacy to show that the claim is not guilty Smith. And among these 141 John and to use it to purge voters is the of at least so egregious a lack of Smiths, there were 27 pairs that outright fraud of stealing millions severity.” had the exact same birth date and of votes and voting rights, by this scheme in the aggregate, from © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 125 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

honest American citizens who with purge strategies, can be noth- publican criminals, waves a big simply want their “one person, ing other than purely to eliminate flag to warn us “not to be fooled”. one vote” say in elections. people of “the wrong color” from The President is “not ending the But, as Greg Palast pointed out the voting lists—by the 10s and Kris Kobach scheme to attack, from the lists he acquired, they 100s of thousands in each state; he’s moving it into Homeland don’t even match those fields i.e. Blacks, Latinos, Asians and Security as per Kobach’s origi- properly; because the compari- Muslims, who more often than nal plan. Kobach claims DHS is sons are so sloppy. They claim not don’t vote Republican. exempt from FOIA requests and as matches LN only, not even ac- It is clear your so-called “Ad- public hearings. Further, Kobach counting for father/son “Jr”, mid- visory Commission on Election claims Homeland Security can dle names or initials when avail- Integrity,” Mr President, was set REQUIRE states to turn over vot- able, or even whether the names up to lay the groundwork for a er records and can secretly gather have the same spellings! And it’s massive push of voter suppres- lists of ‘double’ or ‘alien’ voters— not evenly distributed, because sion laws and policies on a na- this is Kobach’s ‘Crosscheck’ on names like Jackson, Garcia, Kim, tional scale, in anticipation of the steroids,” Palast exclaims. “Ko- Abadi, Mohammed, Hernandez, 2018 and 2020 elections. Your Vice bach will be advising Homeland Park and Brown, are all over-rep- President, the titular head of this Security and that’s MORE dan- resented in their associated eth- commission, is no better. Ari Ber- gerous than operating through nicities and races; that is, they are man reports in an interview on the an open committee. This is not a very common names within their NPR program Fresh Air, May 17, win for Progressives. A Democrat ethnic and racial populations and 2017, that as governor of Indiana on the original committee stat- are not randomly distributed he led a movement to restrict voted: ‘Homeland Security operates amongst the voting population, ing rights. He even had his state very much in the dark; and I think which is yet another fallacy in police raid an office registering people should be, frankly, fright- the Kobach Crosscheck system. voters, leading to the elimination ened by that.’” Recall that’s how this fraudulent of possibly thousands of regis- Republicans can’t win legitimate system targets specific ethnicities trations. Imagine the chilling and elections; the only way they can and races; see “Targeting Voters intimidating effect on voter regis- seize and retain power in a sup- of Color” on page 109. tration, Berman points out, of the posed representative democracy Further, neither are birthdays potential that state police might is to steal elections. This is how and names randomly distributed show up. He simply wants to keep they do it. across 365 days; they get clumped alive the idea that voter fraud is That is a crucial moral point for at various points throughout rampant and vigilantly needs to all the state governments, includ- the year; so for some birth dates be addressed. Even the U.S. Attor- ing my supposedly more con- and some names at some points ney General has a lengthy record scious state of Colorado, that have during the year, the probability of of hostility to voting rights back been conned and suckered to get matches by chance is even high- to the 1980s. He prosecuted civ- on this “Crosscheck” bandwag- er. For example, if a female was il rights activists on voting fraud on and drink the snake oil poison born in June, there is a much high- charges; because they were “ille- sold to them by this unpatriot- er likelihood she was given the gally helping African Americans ic traitor, known as Kris Kobach name “June”; same with “Carol”, vote.” All defendants were found and his henchmen. Regardless of “Autumn”, etc. not guilty. his stature as the Kansas Secre- The entire Kris Kobach Cross- Even though it was reported in a tary of State, Ivy League degrees check scheme is a total criminal, January 3, 2018, statement by the and whatever, and his efforts to logically flawed, sham on so many press secretary, that the commis- further poison your administra- levels. The intent of its design and sion “has been dissolved;” Palast, tion’s integrity, Mr President, the way its use is recommended, ever hot on the trail of these Re- with his role on your supposed

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“Election Integrity Commission,” With very high probability, the ly applied it is generating hun- until recently abandoned, Kobach test would have produced a result dreds of thousands of false posi- is nothing more than a criminal that accords less well with Ho tives, introducing wreckage and fraud who is, on behalf of the Re- than does the data, if Ho were carnage into our election system, publican effort to steal elections, false or incorrect. including the blood and bodies of trying to steal the voting rights of “The severity is not a character- so many African Americans who millions of Americans—rights all istic of a test in and of itself, but have fought so long and so hard veterans have supposed fought rather of the test, the specific data for this basic right of citizenship. and died to protect, goddammit! result from the test, and a specific Regardless of whether or not the In my book, this is high treason inference being entertained. Why null presumed hypothesis Ho of against my country, the United this is new statistical ground dif- a comparison match is pre-struc- States of America! fering from traditional methods, tured as “invalid double vote” Flipping the Null Hypothesis: is that existing formal statistical or correctly as “random chance But wait! Isn’t that why they want testing does not include severity match”, the Crosscheck scheme the null hypothesis to be the oth- assessments. The severity princi- readily succumbs to the fallacy of er way around; that the matched ple underwrites traditional inter- acceptance or fallacy of rejection, voter names do indeed indicate pretation and addresses chronic respectively. The fallacy of accep- they are the same voter, by pre- fallacies and well-rehearsed crit- tance is interpreting “accept Ho” sumption, and thus their votes are icisms associated with the tradi- [no evidence against Ho: invalid fraudulent (the parts are indeed tional methods of statistical test- double vote] as evidence for Ho. presumed to be “bad” because of ing.” The fallacy of rejection is interpret- the color)? What does that mean “Probative or severe tests are ing “reject Ho” [evidence against for the severity principle if the tests that would have unearthed Ho: random chance match] as evi- null hypothesis is flipped? some error in, or discrepancy dence for Ha: invalid double vote. Ho: The part is “bad” from, a hypothesis Ho, were Ho The Kobach Crosscheck scheme Ha: The part is within spec indeed false. Without this severity fails the test of logic. It does not requirement for the test, one read- pass the burden of proof; and it After introducing the “weak ily falls into the fallacy of what is imposes an extreme cost on Amer- severity principle” above, Mayo commonly referred to as the sins ica when one weighs the relative states the full severity principle as of confirmation bias; that is, read- severity of wrong conclusions. In follows. “Severity Principle (Full): ing one’s preferred view into the Kobach’s distorted and perverse The data do provide a good indi- accounts of historical figures, say, conception of American values, cation of or evidence for hypothe- even where this reconstruction is the risk and consequence of elim- sis Ho (just) to the extent that the at odds with apparent historical inating the rights of thousands of test that produced the data has evidence. Genuine evidence is valid voters is far outweighed by severely passed Ho.” That means, data that actually discriminates the risk and consequence of allow- “the reliability of the rule or test between the truth and falsity of ing an invalid voter. He claims, used to infer Ho is at most a neces- the hypothesis. It is able to dis- “Even one case of voter fraud is sary and not a sufficient condition criminate a ‘true signal’ from too many.” to warrant inferring Ho.” Mayo ‘random noise’; real effect from It is incumbent upon any and all states the meaning of passing a se- artifact.” vere test more formally as follows: state governments whose lead- The fraudulent Crosscheck ers have a conscious conception A hypothesis Ho passes a severe scheme does none of this. It is not of morality and an inner sense of test with the data if: a severe test; it is primed to reject and commitment to deep patrio- The data agrees with Ho, (for voters that show only a positive tism toward the principles and a suitable notion of “agree- comparison on the three fields laws of America, to rid themselves ment”) and FN, LN, DOB; thus, when wide- and their populations from the

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cioeconomic disparities among turnout decreased by 1.7 percent and Wisconsin.” those impacted by the voter re- in the three states that adopted “Wisconsin had a particular- striction law. “The burdens of stricter voter ID laws but increased ly proud history of high voter voter ID fell disproportionately by 1.3 percent in states where ID turnout and expansive voting on low-income and minority pop- laws did not change. Wisconsin’s laws, but when Republicans took ulations. More than 20 percent of turnout dropped 3.3 percent. If control of 26 state legislatures in registrants coming from homes Wisconsin had seen the same turn- the wave election of 2010, they with incomes less than $25,000 out increase as states whose laws passed a slew of laws making it say they were kept from voting by stayed the same, ‘we estimate that harder to vote. Twenty-two states the law; 8.3 percent of white vot- over 200,000 more voters would have adopted new voting restric- ers surveyed were deterred, com- have voted in Wisconsin in 2016,’ tions since then, more than half pared with 27.5 percent of African the study said. These ‘lost vot- of which first went into effect in Americans.” See Image 139 and ers’—those who voted in 2012 and 2016, a pattern which Wisconsin Image 140 below. 2014 but not 2016—’skewed more followed.” African Amer- ican and more Regarding Wisconsin’s draconi- Democrat’ than an voting restrictions and in re- the overall vot- sponse to a colleague challenging ing population. the restrictions, a Republican for- The GAO report mer State Senator and now a U.S. found that strict Congressman, stated as a mat- voter ID laws in ter of fact: “What I’m concerned Kansas and Ten- about is winning. We better get nessee had de- this done while we have the opportunity.” Other GOP politi- Image 139. “Breakdown of eligible nonvoting registrants by race creased turnout by roughly 2 to cians and operatives were “gid- & income.” Source, Berman, September 25, 2017, Mother Jones dy” about the bills restrictions, article: “A New Study Shows Just How Many Americans Were 3 percent, with Blocked From Voting in Wisconsin Last Year”. the largest drops including ”the board chair of the among black, conservative Koch funded Ameri- young, and new can Legislative Exchange Council voters.” (ALEC), which had helped draft voter ID laws in Wisconsin and Another com- other states. Wisconsin’s Legisla- prehensive study ture cut early voting from 30 days found that “an to 12, reduced early voting hours estimated 16 mil- on nights and weekends, and re- lion people—12 stricted early voting to one loca- percent of all tion per municipality, hampering voters—encoun- voters in large urban areas and tered at least one sprawling rural ones.” Image 140. “Breakdown of eligible nonvoting registrants by race problem voting & income.” Source, Berman, September 25, 2017, Mother Jones in 2016, resulting This is obviously a direct attack article: “A New Study Shows Just How Many Americans Were on working people, Mr President. Blocked From Voting in Wisconsin Last Year”. in more than 1 million lost votes Does your party not understand “Another post-election study,” due to ID laws, long lines at the that it’s extremely difficult and Berman points to, “whose conclu- polls, and difficulty registering. costly for hourly wage workers sions were consistent with a GAO The Republican candidate won to vote during the work day? Of (Government Accountability Of- the election by a total of 78,000 course the do, because the pur- fice) report, found that in 2016, votes in Michigan, Pennsylvania, pose of this Republican attack on © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 129 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine our country is to do exactly that publican-controlled statehouses There were more than 13,000 out- in order to steal elections. Didn’t have already passed more voting of-state students at UW-Madison you claim to be the very one who restrictions in 2017 than they did alone who were eligible to vote would represent the interests of in 2016 and 2015 combined. Tak- but couldn’t do so without going hard working hourly wage Amer- en together, there’s no doubt that through this byzantine process if icans? Why don’t you stand up for these election changes affected they lacked a Wisconsin driver’s their voting rights? Why are you the turnout among young voters, license or state ID.” targeting voters with Latino sur- first-time voters, voters of color, “The roster of people denied IDs names; which it was recently re- and other members of the Obama bordered on the surreal: a man ported, your Kobach-led commis- coalition that overwhelmingly born in a concentration camp in sion specifically requested Texas supported Hillary Clinton.” Germany who’d lost his birth cer- to do (“Sham voter commission Berman warns, “Control of tificate in a fire; a woman who’d asked Texas to flag ‘all Hispanic Congress in 2018, not to mention lost use of her hands but was not surnames’ in voter records”). the presidential election in 2020, permitted to grant her daughter Or, are you part of the suppres- hinges in part on states like Arizo- power of attorney to sign the nec- sion, Mr President, by enabling na, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, New essary documents at the DMV; a and abetting this unconstitution- Hampshire, Ohio, Wisconsin, and 90-year-old veteran of Iwo Jima al Republican crime of election Virginia that have put new voting who could not vote with his vet- theft? The cat’s out of the bag and restrictions in place. The lesson eran’s ID. One woman who died you can’t hide it anymore. For from 2016 is terrifyingly clear: If while waiting for an ID was listed your own good and that of the voter suppression can work in a as a ‘customer-initiated cancella- nation, Mr President, you need to state like Wisconsin, with a long tion’ by the DMV.” fire this unpatriotic crook Kobach progressive history and a culture The Judge ruling on the chal- and his henchmen as a severe lia- of high civic participation, it can lenge to the restrictive laws, stat- bility. Tell him, that “He’s a fraud, work anywhere. And if those who ed: “The Wisconsin experience you’re sick of it, and he’s FIRED!” believe in fair elections don’t start demonstrates that a preoccupa- You can do that, can’t you, Mr to take this threat seriously, histo- tion with mostly phantom elec- President? What do you owe him ry will repeat itself.” tion fraud leads to real incidents anyway? Does he have something “The U.S. District Judge who of disenfranchisement, which un- on you personally? oversaw the implementation of dermine rather than enhance con- “The 2016 election was the first the voter ID law, found that Wis- fidence in elections, particularly presidential contest in more than consin’s process for issuing IDs in minority communities.” 50 years without the full protec- was a ‘wretched failure’ that ‘has Mr President? Fair elections? tions of the Voting Rights Act, disenfranchised a number of cit- which the Supreme Court gutted izens who are unquestionably in 2013. Arizona made it a felony qualified to vote.’ Eighty-five for anyone other than a family percent of those denied IDs by member or caregiver to collect a the DMV were Black or Latino, voter’s absentee ballot, dispropor- he noted in his ruling. It wasn’t tionately hurting Latino and Na- just poor African Americans who tive American voters in the state’s were disenfranchised. Most col- rural areas. States, including lege IDs were not accepted un- Wisconsin, are making maverick der the law because they didn’t changes that have a significant require signatures or have the impact on populations that have state-mandated two-year expira- been historically disenfranchised. tion date—a criterion that made Emboldened by these efforts, Re- little sense at four-year schools.

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2018 and Beyond millennials could cast a majority signed to support Bernie Sanders of votes in every election — but for President. Gabbard has served So, what does the future hold for only if they vote. Turnout among two Middle East deployments as our country with the vicious at- African-Americans, for example, an Army Captain soldier, now a tack on our representative democ- fell by 7 points, from 66.6 percent war veteran and Major in the Ha- racy through our election system in 2012 to 59.6 percent in 2016. The waii Army National Guard; she by the Republican Party? Who biggest common denominator is a member of the House Armed will the political power structure among voters who shifted from Services Committee and the end up “representing”? How will Democrat to Republican votes for House Foreign Affairs Commit- the “countervailing” forces re- the 2016 election is a view that tee. On October 30, 2017, she respond to it; or will they? Will the the political system is corrupt leased an important video titled, Democratic Party, yet again, shoot and doesn’t work for people like “Tulsi Gabbard Calls for Real Re- itself in the foot, like they did by them.” form to the Democratic Party.” ignoring, then sabotaging Bernie “Democrats allowed themselves The point of Tulsi’s video was Sanders in 2016; before the people to become the party of the status to “shine light on the most recent even have a chance to have their quo — a status quo perceived to actions by Tom Perez, Chair, and say in who they want to represent be elitist, exclusionary, and dis- the Democratic National Commit- them in the 2018 primaries? connected from the entire range tee (DNC) to cast out those who The troubles the Democratic of working-class concerns, but want to strengthen and reform the Party has been facing have been particularly from those voters in party, while continuing to allow common in news and comment white working-class areas. But, lobbyists and consultants a prom- for some time. A New York Times why are Democrats losing sup- inent seat at the table. As she has op-ed, “The Democratic Par- port and seeing declining turnout been calling for more than a year, ty Is in Worse Shape Than You from working-class voters of all Rep Gabbard again called for Thought“, states, “Sifting through races in many places?” ending the undemocratic system the wreckage of the 2016 election, of super-delegates and putting a Democratic pollsters, strategists stop to the issues surrounding a and sympathetic academics have National Democratic Party lack of transparency and inclu- reached some unnerving conclu- Doesn’t Yet Get It: sion that has plagued the par- sions. What their autopsy reveals ty. Instead, she says, ‘The party There is a ground swell of pop- is that Democratic losses among should be enacting open or same ulist anger, that even the Demo- working class voters were not day registration in Democratic cratic Party seems to be ignoring limited to whites; that crucial con- primaries to ease and encourage regarding the upcoming 2018 stituencies within the party see voter engagement.’” elections. The DNC, the Demo- its leaders as alien; and that unity cratic National Committee, has It’s about opening the doors and over economic populism may not been purging progressives from windows; it’s about inclusive- be able to turn back the conserva- their top level ranks in favor of ness; it’s about inviting people in; tive tide.” their neoliberal Wall Street es- it’s about sharing power with the “A consistent theme is that the tablishment operatives, lobbyists people, not hording it at the top focus on white defections from and consultants. More of the same ranks of the national Democratic the Democratic Party masks an elite. Amazingly, they just don’t Party. even more threatening trend: get it. In an accompanying Medium declining turnout among key el- Let’s hear from popular progres- essay with the same date, “Don’t ements of the so-called Rising sive Democratic Representative Let the Party Insiders Decide,“ American Electorate — minority, Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii since Gabbard “elaborated on the deep young and single voters. Unmar- 2013, formerly a DNC Vice Chair divides within the Democratic ried women, people of color, and from 2013-2016, when she re- Party and the importance of re- © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 131 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine forming the DNC. In her video, Committee, is already ignoring not learned their karmic lessons Tulsi Gabbard says the DNC must what the people want and they in democracy, and are sticking put people over profits and prog- are grasping to retain their over- with high-priced “30-something” ress over special interests.” As a lord power-broker status to steer establishment political consul- case in point, she reminds us that, and control even who the prima- tants and lobbyists at the national “A little over two years ago, I was ry candidate “winners” will be to level rather than listening, with dis-invited from the first Demo- represent the people in the 2018 some modicum of humility, to cratic presidential primary debate general election—before the people the people at the grassroots level. after publicly disagreeing with have their say in the primaries. This They still seem to think the win- the Chair’s decision to limit rather is angering many people who dening strategy is to always move than expand the number of Dem- mand an effective involvement. toward some mythical middle ocratic primary debates. We con- It’s an unbelievably hypocritical ground, and reject or even “fight tinue to see deep divides within outrage; because the DNC and off” progressives. But the center is the Democratic Party that go far DCCC together are responsible not holding in today’s American beyond substantive issue differ- for the loss of over a thousand politics. And progressives contin- ences. I wish I could tell you that seats up and down the Democrat- ue to be a rapidly and massively things have gotten better — that ic ticket during the Obama years. rising emergent force. Who is the the Democratic National Commit- It’s past time for them to wake Party’s base; and where is its heart tee has listened to voters across up and loosen their tight grip on and soul? the country and has returned to dictatorial election power. Let the In this time of political tur- our roots as an inclusive party people in; let the people decide. moil they could yet destroy their of the people. But that’s not the chance to offer real alternatives, case.” by listening to the people. It’s like “Recently the DNC Chair, claim- A Broad Progressive Wave: they have a political death wish; ing diversity, removed a number At the local level, which I am the arrogance at the national lev- of people from the Party’s Exec- part of as a member of the Colo- el could yet destroy the party. Let utive Committee, including Jim rado La Plata County Democrats democracy breath, for god’s sake! Zogby, the only Arab American, Executive Committee, in District The growing progressive masses while allowing lobbyists and 3, and the Colorado State Demo- are outraged. We are in political consultants to keep their posi- cratic Party Central Committee, turmoil all the way around. Indi- tions. What did those who were there is a huge push for more visible resistance groups witness removed have in common? They progressive candidates. This past their ranks swelling, with two or either supported Bernie Sanders year we elected progressive state more groups in every Congressio- in the 2016 Primary, supported Democrat Morgan Carroll to nal district. Thousands of groups Keith Ellison in the Chair race, or Chair the Colorado Democratic across the nation are taking Indi- both. The DNC’s approach of cast- Party. But where is the “democra- visible action in every single con- ing out those who haven’t fallen cy” in the Democratic Party at the gressional district in the U.S. “We in line with the establishment and national level? are relearning democracy.” Wom- who are demanding real reform The national Democratic Par- en and men together are march- is destined for failure and further ing on behalf of women. Move- losses.” ty establishment is back to their undemocratic tricks of trying to ments are growing stronger and The National Democratic Party pre-pick winners and losers, even stronger, and they are coalescing power structure continues to ig- before the people have their say in complementary ways. Democ- nore the progressive uprising at at upcoming party caucuses and racy is on the move. their own peril, indeed peril for assemblies. Why not simply facil- Intersectionality is a term now all of us. The DCCC, the Demo- itate the people’s ability to have in common usage. Through an cratic Congressional Campaign their say? Evidently they have awareness of intersectionality,

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 132 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine we can better acknowledge and primary election. We invite and lis- uprising taking America by storm ground the differences among us. ten to all of them. at this incredible moment of op- Intersectionality views the vari- Even though there are multiple portunity. The more they grasp at ous aspects of humanity, such as primary challengers in each of their last vestiges of attachment class, race, sexual orientation and these districts, Sainato has inter- to centralized power, the higher gender, as not existing separately viewed many of the candidates the risk of losing again, and again, from each other, but are complex- and reports the DCCC is picking and again, and destroying the op- ly interwoven, and their relation- and funding their establishment portunity before us. ships are essential to an under- favorites in at least Utah, Illinois, The testimonials of progressive standing of the human condition. Colorado, Minnesota, New Jer- candidates, Sainato has found, It helps us better understand sey, New York, Iowa and Neva- convey similar messages. “It’s systemic injustice and social in- da, where he has sought out their about the DCCC not trusting the equality. Belief-based bigotry and thoughts and comments. judgment of their own people, not persecution, and the system of op- trusting the efforts of local party pression they create, do not act in One of the primary challeng- er candidates for Congress ex- officials who have worked as- independent ways. At their own siduously to make sure it’s a fair peril and that of our country’s pressed his dismay with the national party: “The DCCC has been fight,” a progressive candidate future, the Wall Street establish- points out. “It’s about a systemic ment national Democratic Party is recruiting nationwide, moderate/ centrist candidates. It’s a policy effort to disenfranchise Demo- out of touch with this people and cratic voters.” Another said, “The community centered reality. which they believe will attract moderate Republican voters to real tragedy of this type of collu- switch sides. Unfortunately we sion is that it ignores the needs DCCC Stuck in the Past: believe that it further ignores proof the voters of this district, who gressives and minority voters that have been forgotten by the Wash- Michael Sainato, in his January are looking for candidates to get ington establishment. Our com- 12, 2018, “The Real News” article, behind and participate in the pro- munity deserves to have its voice “Democrats Openly Back Estab- cess with. Any pre-primary en- heard in Washington, not the oth- lishment Candidates for 2018 Pri- dorsement by the establishment er way around.” And another, “It maries“, writes: “The DCCC is in contested races is disappoint- is absurd and disheartening for already deciding primary races in ing and misses an opportunity for the DCCC to formally endorse a favor of the candidates they pre- Dems to fire up the base with ear- candidate before the local Dem- fer.” Their support for establish- ly primary participation.” And, I ocratic Farm Laborers members ment candidates “comes before might add, the “move to the cen- get through the endorsement pro- the candidates have even won ter” strategy misses entirely the cess.” their primary races, in many cas- populist outrage the Republican The anger is pervasive; “It is a sad es against progressive candidates. Party has so effectively exploited. day when party elites in Washing- Despite the competitive prima- Even current Congressional ton do not let voters decide who ries many of their backed candi- leaders are calling challengers and should represent our Democratic dates face, the DCCC is pouring encouraging them to drop out be- Party in the General Election in resources and funding into their cause the DCCC is backing some- November... Our grassroots cam- campaigns before voters can even one else. The center is not holding paign is strong. Our positive mes- decide on who to nominate.” This and the DCCC will be left with sage is bringing people together is the opposite from what our lo- their “corporate establishment to fight for our common values. I cal county-level Democratic Party moderates” trying to “lean a bit am not trying to win over a party, understanding is; we aren’t sup- towards Republicans” standing I am trying to win for the people... posed to place our support be- on the sidelines if they yet again I don’t think the DCCC should be hind any candidate until after the do not wake up to the populist weighing in on primary contests.

It’s inappropriate. We have a dis- New Mexico, New York, Neva- ternalizing the same lesson, hav- trict organized for the party, and da, Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, ing organized a subcommittee of the DCCC could be helping it pre- Texas, California, Iowa, Colora- the La Plata County Democrats, pare for whoever wins the nomina- do, North Carolina, Tennessee, which they call “The Club—La tion... One example of the corrupt- and Illinois. The big question for Plata Dems on the Move.” They ing influence of money in politics the DCCC is always, “How much look to “make elections fun by is the Democratic Party support- money can you raise for the par- hosting community events that ing candidates because they can ty?” encourage people of all ages to fund their own campaigns, have Their investigation digs into learn more about and participate wealthy backers, or are friendly why “the DCCC’s failure to unin the democratic process.” Peo- to corporate donors—even if they derstand the shifting progressive ple are hungry to find a place they have no published platform. My electorate is costing the party,” can go and meet district is a crucial one in the bal- and why it matters. “Prioritizing like-minded peo- ance of power in the House and fundraising, as Democratic Party ple. In a rural we should allow people to decide officials do, has a feedback effect county of 55,000 the nominee without interfer- that creates lawmakers who are people, with the ence.” The secretive DCCC seems further and further removed from City of Durango to be a power-broker who is ever the people they are elected to rep- at its heart, pop- hiding behind the proverbial cur- resent.” Well that’s Larry Lessig’s ulation only 18,500, The Club’s tain. Sainato concludes with this point regarding the “Tweeds” to monthly $20 luncheon meetings statement: “The DCCC did not a tee, isn’t it. (Recall: “Two Stage now attract more that 80 peo- respond to multiple requests for Election Process” on page 87.) ple, and a growing number each comment on this story.“ month, who come to hear candi- But candidates are now open- But for all these grassroots cries dates and invited speakers. Their ly rejecting the DCCC. One latest speaker is Heidi Steltzer, a for real democracy in our election Congressional candidate said, processes, for the national Demo- local Fort Lewis College ecology “At this point I’m not interested professor whose topic is: “To- cratic Party Tweeds, like the Re- in having the DCCC, which has a publican Party Tweeds, money ward Resilience: Valuing People, proven losing record, try to come Place, and Science in a Changing seems to rule over people. In an- run my campaign.” other explosive article, January World.” The ground is shifting 23, 2018, in The Intercept, “The People are standing up and right under the national party’s Dead Enders”, investigative reforming independent local groups feet. porters Ryan Grim and Lee Fang across the country. “In the wake of the 2016 election, a group of conclude that “candidates who “If you’re disappointed by despairing Democrats in Lancast- signed up to do battle against the your elected officials, grab a er, Pennsylvania, formed a new Republicans must get past the clipboard, get some signatures, political group, which came to Democratic Party first.” and run for office yourself.” — call itself Lancaster Stands Up, to Barack Obama To the list of district candidates ensure that they would never be Sainato investigated and inter- out-organized locally again. Faith viewed, they expand the story leaders, small-business owners, “With their newfound confi- of the national DCCC “resisting social workers, nonprofit leaders, dence, Lancaster progressives the resistance” with expansive in teachers, and students joined to- looked toward local and feder- depth insights from around the gether as part of the historic dust- al elections. The group’s town country. They report on progres- ing-off that was taking place all halls and protests began to draw sive candidates for Congressional across the country.” eye-popping numbers of people Districts in Pennsylvania, Vir- and even attracted national atten- ginia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Here in Colorado’s La Plata tion.” (“Is This Small City the Fu- County, local Democrats are in- © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 134 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine ture of Democratic Engagement of these new candidates for Con- Anderson, mentioned earlier on in America?“) gress, publicly backing their more page 91, “Move Over, Corpo- Now what do you suppose Pres- established opponents, according rate Democrats; A New Wave of ident Obama meant by that mes- to interviews with more than 50 Left Populists Is on the Rise—It’s sage? “Run for office yourself; but candidates, party operatives, and 2018 and candidates don’t need in the end let the lobbyists and members of Congress.” the establishment anymore.” “In consultants of the DCCC decide “In district after district, the na- the process of confronting corrup- before you even get into the pri- tional party is throwing its weight tion in U.S. politics, this new elec- mary if you get to be a viable can- behind candidates who are out toral infrastructure is clarifying didate or not?” No, I don’t think of step with the national mood. what it means to be a progressive. that’s what he meant. In many of those districts, there For progressives, there is the bit- is at least one progressive chal- ter irony that the primary poten- Last June, one of Lancaster pro- tial vehicle for reforming the sys- gressive’s own, Jess King, who lenger the party is working to el- bow aside, some more viable than tem—the Democratic Party—is heads a nonprofit that helps strug- entrenched in and dependent on gling women start and run small others. It’s happening despite a very real shift going on inside the that system of big money donors, businesses in the area, announced and is deeply suspect among not that she would be running to take party’s establishment, even as it increasingly recognizes the value only progressives but the general out the Republican incumbent. “It public.” turned out the Democratic Party of small-dollar donors and grass- had other ideas—or, at least, it roots networks.” “A CNN poll released in early had an old idea. As is happening November 2017 showed that 54 percent of respondents had an in races across the country, party Shedding the DCCC: leaders in Washington and in the unfavorable view of the party— Pennsylvania district rallied, in- “But change is hard, and it isn’t its worst showing since 1992. (Six- stead, around a candidate who, happening fast enough for pro- ty-one percent had an unfavor- in 2016, had raised more money gressive candidates. So a con- able view of the GOP.) Only 36 than a Democrat ever had in the stellation of outside progressive percent of registered Democrats district... and suffered a humiliat- groups are stepping in, seeing said they were extremely or very ing loss anyway.” explosive fundraising gains while enthusiastic about voting in 2018, one point lower than the level of Apparently, DCCC has trouble the Democratic National Com- mittee falls further and further enthusiasm expressed by regis- seeing the writing on the wall. In tered Republicans.” addition to interviewing multi- behind. The time between now ple progressive candidates, Grim and July, by which most states Will the Tweeds prevail, given and Fang reported on loss after will have held primaries, will be the DCCC money-focused pattern loss after loss of DCCC estab- among the most important six of priorities once elected repre- lishment supported candidates, months for the future of the Dem- sentatives get into office, whoever backed with lots of money, to ocratic Party, as the contests will they are? Grim and Fang report Republicans. “The simultaneous decide what kind of party heads that, “In 2013, the DCCC offered announcement of endorsements into the midterms in November a startling presentation for incom- from the top elected officials in the 2018. The outcome will also shape ing lawmakers, telling them they party is a way to send a signal that the Democratic strategy for 2020, would be expected to immediate- the party has chosen its candidate which in turn will shape the par- ly begin four hours of ‘call time’ against populist progressive can- ty’s agenda when and if it does every day they were in Washing- didates. Across the country, the reclaim power.” ton. That’s time spent dialing for DCCC, its allied groups, or lead- Many are not waiting. Recall the dollars from high-end donors. ers within the Democratic Party January cover story of In These Spending that much time on the are working hard against some Times, January 4, 2018, by Theo phone with the same class of peo-

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 138 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine the Republican preparations for mobilization on behalf of the the ballots of dozens of states. yet another election theft 18 years Democrats. They abandoned their Whereas if we got five percent, hence in the 2018 election: “The base and policies directed toward six percent of the vote they would national news media also showed making life better for their base.” be under great pressure to change little regard for the fundamental It became a TV ad money game, their leadership and change their principle of democracy: that lead- where “the Democrats began the practice because there would be ers derive their just powers from process of message preceding pol- enough American voters who say the consent of the governed, not icy. Focusing on bringing in more to the Democrats, ‘We do have from legalistic tricks, physical in- TV ad money means they kept some place to go,’ a viable third timidation and public-relations saying how bad the Republicans party. Vote your conscience; not maneuvers.” are.” (See also: “Democrats: A your fears.” Nader points out the difficul- Party of Beggars”, DC Report, Jan- “If you put Republican politi- ty in dislodging the entrenched uary 29, 2018) cians today before the ghosts of Democratic establishment and Even this 2017 “contract” the Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisen- the futility in even trying that as a DCCC wants all Congressional hower, and “Mr Conservative” potential path for change. “There candidates to sign, handing over Senator Robert Taft, they’d roll are some people who think the control of their campaigns to their over in their grave. That’s how Democratic Party can be reformed clueless consultants, states: “The radically extremist, cruel, vicious, from within by changing the per- Candidate agrees to focus on Wall Street, and militarist the Re- sonnel. I say good luck to that. preserving at least 75% of funds publican Party is. Which means What’s happened in the last twen- raised for paid communications,” that the Democrats should have ty years? They’ve gotten more en- that the DCCC consultants will land-slided them. Not just beat- trenched.” control. No “independent think- en them, land-slided them in And, he makes a key point about ing” candidates need apply. legislatures around the country, the party’s continual slide, that the governorships, president and the “Now once they say message Congress. But instead, they keep money-for-advertisement DCCC should precede policy,” Nader could well learn from: “The Dem- scapegoating others for their fail- points out, “they trap their pro- ures.” ocrats decided to campaign by gressive wing, because their pro- TV, with political consultants in- gressive wing is the only segment “Unfortunately, to put it in one fluencing them and getting their that’s going to change the party to phrase, the Democrats are unable 15-20 percent cut. When you be a more formidable opponent. to defend the United States of campaign by TV you campaign Because they say to their progres- America from the most vicious, by slogans, you don’t campaign sive wing, ‘You’ve got nowhere ignorant, corporate-indentured, by policy. As a result they took to go, get off our back.’ Instead, militaristic, anti-union, anti-con- the economic issues off the table they blame progressives for inter- sumer, anti-environment, an- that used to win again and again fering. They never look at them- ti-posterity Republican Party in in the thirties and forties for the selves in the mirror. The Demo- history.” Democrats. No; policy precedes crats want uniformity, they want What Nader says is historical- message.” to shut people up.” ly true, and the above discussion “Even as labor unions, a tra- “They make sure by harassing about the DCCC validates his ditional Democratic base, were progressive third parties that the point to this very day. Yet, in the getting weaker, the Democrats third party never pushes them. face of such a daunting task, be- insisted on a TV war strategy, I’m an expert on that. They try to cause of the rising potential for a where labor began shelling out get them off the ballot. We had progressive revolution, I remain huge money to the Democrats for twenty-four lawsuits by the Dem- hopeful myself that progressives television. And as they became ocratic Party in twelve weeks in can take over this lost and un- weaker they lost their grassroots the summer of 2004 to get us off focused party and instill some © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 139 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine desperately needed progressive other realistic choice. Look how writes Trevor Timm, last spring, vision for the future. Was it not bad the alternative is, don’t throw March 17, 2017, in The Guardian, Churchill who said: “Success is your vote away on some progres- “Everyone loves Bernie Sanders. going from failure to failure, with sive who can’t possibly win. The Except, it seems, the Democratic no loss of enthusiasm.” But then only progressive alternative you’ll party”. again, maybe it was Einstein who ever get is the corporate neoliber- Sanders recently conducted a said, “The definition of insanity al establishment we give you. We “Medicare for All” town hall style is trying the same thing over and own progressive votes; they’re meeting, which completely cir- over and expecting different re- ours by default.” That’s why the cumvented the corporate media. sults.” DNC & DCCC: Either help party has been such a failure in On January 24, 2018, one of the re- progressives win, or move over recent years. ports stated, CNN released a poll and get out of the way. You’re I now call myself an “Indepen- showing Sanders with a 57 per- hopelessly lost in your own Belt- dent Progressive Democrat” (in- cent favorability rating. Among way bubble of power delusion. dependent in lots of ways, but Democrats that number was 82 You’re hurting not only the pros- independent of the DNC and percent. Do you still plan to fight pects for Democratic Party wins; DCCC, in particular). From that this wave, DNC and DCCC, back- you’re hurting our country— position, let’s continue to exam- ing establishment candidates for America! ine “the most vicious Republi- 2018 Congress and 2020 Congress If you don’t let go, the prospects can Party in history” and how it and President , instead of pro- are not bright, as Nader makes keeps winning, because as Nader gressives; or join a winning grow- note; we will only get more of says: “the Democrat Party, as it’s ing movement? (“Bernie Sanders the same corporate ideological constituted right now, is unable to summons team to discuss 2020“, dogma from the Corporate R&D defend the United States of Amer- Politico, January 25, 2018: “Sen. duopoly. And it needs to be said ica from this vicious Republican Bernie Sanders has remained to- that if these corporate forces and onslaught. The progressive wing ward the top of polls surveying concentrated money, the Dem- is the only segment that’s going the potential Democratic field ocratic Party establishment is so to change the party to be a more without fail after his stunning indentured to, can’t let go of their formidable opponent.” 2016 bid.“) grasp on the party power, their Will the party wake up to reality The day after the event, January very patriotism for our country is in time? But wait, there is hope! 24, 2108, it was reported every- in question. Time’s up! The time is now! Let’s where, except the corporate me- Until I changed to a registered hit the ground running! dia; in the Huffington Post (“Bernie Democrat in order to support Sanders’ ‘Medicare For All’ On- Bernie Sanders and run to be a line Town Hall Draws Over 1 Mil- Democratic National Delegate for Political Revolution is On lion Live Viewers”) and In These him, I was a lifetime Independent. the Progressive Horizon: And I have voted for Ralph Nad- Everywhere you turn you see er for president all three times he the rising force of progressive ran because he had the right in- populism. And no one better cat- sights and knew what we had to alyzes those forces than the most do to save our democracy and our respected and trusted politician in country. I voted my conscience the country, Senator Bernie Sand- for my country’s sake, not my ers. “A new poll found he is the fears. Fear is a ploy the Democrat- most popular politician in Amer- ic Party typically still plays to try ica. But instead of embracing his and keep Democrats and Inde- message, establishment Dem- pendents thinking, “You have no ocrats continue to resist him,” Image 141. Sign at the Town Hall meeting. © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 140 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

Times (“Bernie Sanders Just Side- of our political system. Sanders’ “In order to achieve these rad- stepped Corporate Media to Pro- cry for “political revolution” has ical policy changes, Sanders has mote Medicare for All to 1 Million always been more about process made it a priority to educate Viewers“) and on January 25th than specific policy—multiplying Americans on both the profound in The Wisconsin Gazette, “View- and opening up the channels of challenges we face and how we ership for Sanders’ Medicare for information and fostering robust can take them on. He has shown All Town Hall reaches prime democratic engagement.” a stubborn belief that the people, time number.“ All sources report- “The Medicare for All town hall supplied with the true facts of the ing that over 1 million viewers may have been but a small step, situation, will choose to build a watched the event live online, in yet it confirmed that Sanders— better democracy.” addition to the capacity packed who has about 7.5 million Face- The future for the Democratic auditorium of 450 people. This is book followers, hosts a podcast, Party is not in DCCC chosen cor- an entirely new phenomenon. and regularly creates polished and porate establishment candidates, Sanders opened with these re- shareable video content—recog- based on their money raising po- marks: “This is the first Medicare nizes the promise of the burgeon- tential. It is in furthering and sup- for All town meeting held in our ing new media infrastructure and porting a progressive revolution nation’s capital. This is the first is moving quickly to take advan- based on what the people want. nationally televised town meeting tage of it. Which is a wise move The national Democratic Party on Medicare for all. And very im- if you say you want a revolution. doesn’t yet get it. This is about portantly, this is the first national- By engaging these audiences di- the heart and soul of the Party. ly televised Senate town meeting rectly, Sanders is reaching a large Where do its values lie—money that is taking place outside of cor- pool of potential voters who seek or people? Is its base establish- porate media.” their news outside of traditional ment or progressive? The “Sacred HuffPost noted, Sanders said outlets. It’s Sanders’ devotion to Money and Markets Story” on it “demonstrated that a lengthy ideas and policy that distinguish- page 24; or the “Sacred Life and seminar on the complicated top- es him.” Living Earth Story” on page 25? ic of single-payer health care can “Sanders is well known for de- draw a crowd as large as many crying the billionaire class and the primetime cable news shows. sad state of American democracy. Republican Strategy— What makes the current moment But what’s made him so popular Steal More Elections different, he argued, is that the isn’t anger or cynicism. It’s the fact same digital revolution that made that he seems to have a stubborn Ari Berman has come out with a his campaign possible also allows faith in people, genuinely believ- comprehensive look at the Repub- progressives to communicate di- ing that core values of equality lican election corruption today in rectly with the public.” and fairness are what drive most his January 24, 2018, Rolling Stone article, titled: “How the GOP Rigs In These Time commented, “The Americans, rather than simply the pursuit of power and profits. Elections“. The subheading states: democratic socialist senator’s “With a combination of gerry- town hall on universal healthcare To address the deep problems in our country and society, he has mandering, voter-ID laws and marks a new phase in the politi- dark money, Republicans have cal revolution. Sanders’ town hall proposed bold solutions that challenge entrenched power while tipped the political scales in their showed the senator—current- favor. Will it be enough to keep ly the most popular politician in providing a higher standard of living for the majority of people, Democrats from claiming victory the United States—freed from the in 2018?” confines of traditional mainstream whether through Medicare for media and able to dig in to issues All, a $15 minimum wage, free Well, if the national Democratic ranging from healthcare to cam- public college or reform of our leadership wakes up quickly to paign financing to the corruption broken criminal justice system.” the possibilities with a progres-

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 142 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

Image 142. “The Most Serious Challenge to Gerrymandering in Modern Times Reaches the Supreme Court. A Wisconsin case could break the grip of partisans on the process that defines whether elections are competitive. The Supreme Court will hear arguments over claims that Wisconsin Republicans intentionally drafted state electoral districts in 2011 to drown out the voting strength of Democrats.” John Nichols, October 2, 2017, The Nation. years from now,’ a legislative aide Democratic voters concentrated for our representative democra- told the Republican caucus. ‘We in the urban centers of the two cy, as he was drafting our Con- have an opportunity . . . to draw counties.” stitution? (Recall “Not What Our these maps that Republicans ha- “Most of the state Legislature’s Founders Intended:” on page ven’t had in decades.’ There was Republican majority has been 89) No! Is this “just the way one public hearing, two days secured. In 2012, Obama carried politics us supposed to work, one later, and the reshaped districts Wisconsin by seven points, and dirty tactic after another as if it’s were approved the next week Democratic legislative candidates all just the way the nasty game of on a party-line vote. One district received 51.4 percent of the state- politics is played; just get used to had been radically transformed, wide vote, but Republican can- it?” No! “Is this just a friendly dis- from a 50/50 swing district to one didates won 60 of 99 seats in the agreement between one set of pol- that favored a Republican by 16 Statehouse. Under the Republi- iticians and ‘our good friends on points. Both this and the neigh- can map, the number of safe GOP the other side of the aisle’ bullshit boring senate district were polit- seats in the 132-member legisla- line we so often hear, like they’re ically competitive before the lines ture increased from 55 to 69, and all just part of one big private con were redrawn. ‘For the citizens, the number of swing districts de- club—some wearing blue jer- their vote really mattered,’ said creased from 24 to 13. It’s a practi- seys, others wearing red?” Hell a former state senator. ‘That’s the cally foolproof system: No matter no! When are Democrats going way it ought to be in every single what happened nationally, Re- to quit whining about “voter sup- district in America.’ As a result, publicans would maintain control pression”, as if it’s just a political Republicans gained at least two of state politics.” dirty tricks phenomenon and start seats in the state Legislature, with calling this out as what it actually Is this James Madison’s vision

“Nationally, Democrats must “Instead, poll workers gave her win the popular vote for the a provisional ballot. It would only House of Representatives by count if she went to the DMV to eight points to get a bare majori- get a new license and then to the ty of seats. That might be doable board of elections to confirm her given the unpopularity of Repub- vote within 72 hours of Election licans, but Democrats still worry Day. But she worked full time about facing a rigged system. ‘If and couldn’t get away. ‘I showed you have a wave election in 2018, them so many different versions it’s entirely possible Democrats of me, I felt like they were trying could win a significantly greater their hardest for me to not vote.‘” number of votes and not have the Recall that Greg Palast pointed Congress that reflects that wave,’ out “provisional ballots are rarely says Holder. And that’s not how counted” anyway (page 104). Image 146. Stop the Republican hijacking democracy is supposed to work. It’s Republican election fraud to of elections! Hanging in the balance are basic its core, which we’ve introduced supporters are “conservative” rights for millions of Americans – in depth earlier; and it represents or “anti-establishment indepen- the right to vote, the right to fair blatant systemic racism. Recall dents”; I know damn well they representation, the right to not that voter IDs are supposed to want their votes to count! It’s high have elections auctioned to the prevent “voter fraud of imper- time for you to separate yourself highest bidder. Welcome to the sonation,” which is non-existent. from the hypocrisy of your Re- 2018 election season.” (See “Voter Impersonation & publican Party, Mr President. Alien Voting Fraud: Non-Exis- Come clean for your supporters Exhibit B: Wisconsin tent” on page 120.) “After the and the rest of America, espe- Voter ID Laws Legislature passed the law in May cially underrepresented and sup- 2011, a federal court found that pressed minority voters. You say Wisconsin’s election fraud goes nine percent of registered voters you love them too and that you well beyond gerrymandering. in the state did not have the re- are not a racist. Then act like it! “The 2016 election was Wiscon- quired forms of ID. Black voters, Actions speak louder than words; sin’s first major election that re- who overwhelmingly supported don’t you know that? quired people to show govern- Democrats in Wisconsin, were 50 “We see these restrictions ment-issued photo ID to vote. percent more likely than whites sprouting up like mushrooms in One young working woman went to lack such IDs. According to the battleground states with large to cast her ballot at a library in Brennan Center for Justice, up to minority populations,” says Dale Milwaukee’s Washington Park, 11 percent of Americans do not Ho, director of the Voting Rights a working-class, predominantly possess government-issued photo Project at the ACLU, which chal- African-American neighborhood IDs, including 25 percent of Afri- lenged Wisconsin’s law in court. northwest of downtown. She was can-American voters.” “Laws that require you to have registered in Wisconsin, but had Who’s country is this, Mr Presi- a particular ID to cast a ballot misplaced her driver’s license be- dent? Please, clarify that for your disproportionately impact cer- fore the election; so she brought supporters. Is it simply open sea- tain groups of voters, particular- her student ID from Milwaukee son for Republicans to keep on ly poorer voters who don’t have Area Technical College, a copy stealing it on behalf of the Koch the same access to documenta- of her energy bill and a picture of machine? Is that what veterans tion and IDs as the rest of us.” In her driver’s license on her phone. like me and others, fight and die a few pages, we will cover how None were accepted as a valid for? Is this what makes America the ACLU is taking on this at- voting ID under the law.” great? I don’t care whether your tack on the integrity of our coun-

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 146 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine ty’s democracy (“A Groundswell Republican cynicism is relent- licans won enough electoral votes Movement” on page 154). less, as illustrated by what one of in the 2016 election “by a mere Ho continues, “Yet no evidence Wisconsin’s Republican Congress combined total of 78,000 votes of fraud turned up when the members said about the 2016 in Michigan, Pennsylvania and county sheriff and district attor- election: “I think Hillary Clinton Wisconsin. Since the election Re- ney, both Republicans, launched is about the weakest candidate publicans have accelerated their a month-long investigation, nor the Democrats have ever put up, efforts to make it harder to vote. did Republicans present any cas- and now we have photo ID, and I They have repeatedly spread false es of voter impersonation when think photo ID is going to make a claims about voter fraud in order the law was challenged in court. little bit of a difference.” to pass policies that restrict access (The law, initially blocked for vio- The Republican strategy worked to the ballot.” lating the Voting Rights Act, was as intended. Turnout decreased It’s only getting worse. “Repub- reinstated in 2014 by a panel of sharply, especially in Black neigh- lican-controlled statehouses have conservative judges.)” Yet again, borhoods. “After the election, passed more new voting restric- “Studies show that the kind of registered voters who didn’t cast tions in 2017 than in 2016 and fraud that these laws are suppos- a ballot in Milwaukee and Mad- 2015 combined. ‘It’s not a coinci- edly enacted to prevent happens ison, the state’s two most Demo- dence that states that were badly less frequently than Americans cratic areas, were asked why. One gerrymandered during the last being struck by lightning,” says in 10 nonvoters said they were round of redistricting, like Texas, Ho. blocked or deterred by the state’s Wisconsin, North Carolina, Penn- ID law, according to a University sylvania, also passed some of the of Wisconsin study. ‘Thousands, most oppressive voter-ID laws,’ and perhaps tens of thousands, of say Holder. ‘They are two parts otherwise eligible people were de- of the same attack by the Republi- terred from voting by the ID law,’ cans: They have systematically at- said University of Wisconsin po- tacked Americans’ right to vote.’” litical scientist Kenneth Mayer.” Mr President, our country is un- (See Image 139 and Image 140 on der attack. This Republican elec- page 128.) “That’s why Repub- tion corruption is not designed licans passed the law in the first to make our country “great”; it’s place. One state senator, arguing designed to steal elections—and in favor of the bill in close door such corruption definitely does session, said: ‘We’ve got to think not “make America great”; it de- about what this could mean for stroys our “greatness”. Tell your the neighborhoods around Mil- supporters what your involve- waukee and the college campus- ment in this is; because you swore es.’” an oath, stated in Article II §1 of Berman writes, “According to the Constitution, to “faithfully ex- Image 147. Millions of Americans can’t a study by MIT, an estimated 16 ecute the Office of President of the get there from here. Republicans want to prevent American voters from having pro- million people – 12 percent of all United States” and to “preserve, portional representation. They want to voters – experienced at least one protect and defend the Con- seize power and restructure the rules of problem voting in 2016. There stitution of the United States.” our “representative democracy” in order to were more than 1 million lost Do you not believe in uphold- permanently steal our country, take away votes because eligible voters ing, protecting, preserving and “representation”, and hand it over to their didn’t have the right ID or they executing the laws of the United Tweed oligarchs. This is not what is meant encountered long lines at the polls States? Or, do you support the by the phrase in common use by libertarians, “Don’t Tread On Me”. Berman’s Image. or couldn’t register.” Yet, Repub- theft of America by the Republi-

can Party, undergirded by a cor- ganizations and political groups for poisoning from known car- rupt Supreme Court, on behalf that propped up Walker and the cinogen products they produced. of their Tweeds? Where do you state’s Republican majority.” The manufacturer’s billionaire stand, Mr President? “Walker asked a major fund-rais- owners had contributed checks er in September 2011 how he totaling $750,000 to Wisconsin Club for Growth. Exhibit C: Wisconsin Tweed could raise enough money to sur- Factor — Dark Money vive the recall, despite intense “It was among the 100 ‘worst’ public opposition to his full-scale pieces of legislation passed “In January 2010, a conserva- attack on unions, the number-one during Walker’s tenure, accord- tive Republican majority on the funder and organizing ally of ing to a 2016 Wisconsin Democ- Supreme Court radically rewrote Democrats. ‘Corporations. Go racy Campaign report.” This America’s campaign finance heavy after them to give,’ wrote money corruption subsequent- laws to allow mega-donors and his fund-raiser Kate Doner. ‘Take ly led into the state’s judiciary corporations to contribute un- Koch’s money. Get on a plane to (State Supreme Court judges are limited sums, often in secret, to Vegas and sit down with Shel- elected in Wisconsin) and subse- political action committees. The don Adelson. Ask for $1m now.’ quent weakening of environmen- Citizens United v. FEC decision Walker did just that, but instead of tal protection laws by the state’s gave wealthy donors unprec- raising money for his campaign, legislature. And, “bills passed in edented influence to buy elec- he steered wealthy donors to the the middle of the night” moved tions, which Republicans quickly pro-business Wisconsin Club into more corruption in the states used to their political advantage. for Growth, which was run by a campaign-finance system of laws. Thanks to the Citizens United Republican operative and Koch It even “prevented investigations decision, Republican committees associate. Unlike Walker’s cam- from focusing on political crimes could accept unlimited donations paign, Wisconsin Club for Growth like bribery and misconduct in from corporate interests like Koch could accept unlimited donations office; and dismantled the state’s Industries and tobacco compa- and didn’t have to disclose its do- watchdog agency. ‘It was just nies.” nors. ‘The Governor is encourag- a systematic destruction of the ing all to invest in the Wisconsin good-government democracy Regarding Wisconsin, Ber- Club for Growth [which] can ac- that Wisconsin had enjoyed up to man describes how serious the cept Corporate and Personal do- the election of Scott Walker and problem is. “Scott Walker took nations without limitations and the Republicans,’ says Jay Heck, this fundraising strategy to new no donors disclosure,’ wrote Do- executive director of Common heights when he faced his own ner. Walker’s fundraising spree Cause Wisconsin.” recall election in 2012. Walker gave the governor and his allies had long been close to GOP bil- a huge advantage over his Demo- lionaires like Charles and Da- cratic opponent, Milwaukee May- The Tweed effect goes well vid Koch, who gave $9 million or Tom Barrett – $58.7 million to beyond Wisconsin: to Walker and his allies between $21.9 million – and he easily won 2010 and 2014. ‘We’ve spent a lot Expanding the perspective, Ber- the recall by seven points.” of money in Wisconsin,’ David man says, “Nationally, $3 billion Koch said in February 2012. ‘We Berman describes in detail a sto- in outside money has been spent are going to spend a lot more.’ The ry of how, after Walker’s recall since the Citizens United deci- Kochs and other like-minded con- election in 2013, this kind of dark sion, according to the Center for servative donors made Wisconsin money led to “Republicans in the Responsive Politics, with at least their guinea pig for destroying Wisconsin Legislature inserting a $800 million of it from entities the progressive movement, fund- late-night provision into a budget that don’t have to disclose their ing a sprawling network of foun- bill that blocked Wisconsin resi- donors (hence the term ‘dark dations, think tanks, media or- dents from suing manufacturers” money’). The Koch brothers have

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 148 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

already pledged to spend $400 public release about super PACs: would conclude that Congress million on 2018 races.” “Today we’re announcing a set should have the power to limit “Of course, this money doesn’t of lawsuits designed to give the super PACs. We want to take that just help elect Republicans, it dic- Supreme Court — especially the SpeechNow excuse to the United tates their legislative priorities. conservatives on the Supreme States Supreme Court, and ask the Before the release of the tax bill, Court — a chance to say “no” to justices — what would the Fram- Speaker of the House Paul Ryan super PACs. I’m writing today ers say about super PACs? Be- invited Corry Bliss, head of the to explain the case, and to ask for cause we believe that any honest American Action Network Super your help in spreading the word. read of the Framers’ views would PAC, to address a closed-door As you may know, the Supreme yield one clear conclusion: super meeting of the House GOP cau- Court has never ruled on wheth- PACs are not required by the First cus. Bliss previewed an ad cam- er super PACs are required by the Amendment. There’s no reason an paign in support of the tax over- Constitution. The case that creat- originalist on the Supreme Court haul (the group plans to spend ed these disasters for democracy should take any different view.” $100 million backing the Repub- was a lower court case, decided lican agenda). The message was shortly after Citizens United — a case called SpeechNow.” Perils for Democracy clear: Support the bill and you’ll in the Upcoming be rewarded. Don’t and you’ll be “But as many have argued, Cit- Decennial Census: targeted. ‘Like a teacher showing izens United does not require su- the kids a paddle on the first day per PACs. And in particular, for Ever on the attack against mi- of class, the blatant implication the conservatives on the Supreme norities an immigrants, the Re- was that those who misbehaved Court — if they interpreted the publicans now want to add a would be spanked,’ one member Constitution to give Congress the question to the upcoming 2020 of Congress told HuffPost. (The power to protect against the kind 10-year census: “Are you a U.S. Koch brothers’ political network of corruption the Framers were Citizen?” But that is not a rele- chipped in another $20 million for most concerned about, then they tax reform.)” “The tax bill was a shameless giveaway to the wealthiest Amer- icans. Eighty-three percent of the benefits will go to the top one percent by 2027, according to the Tax Policy Center. The bill is deeply unpopular, with only a third of the public approving of it. But Re- publicans admitted they passed it because their donors told them to. ‘My donors are basically saying, Get it done or don’t ever call me again,’ said Rep. Chris Collins of New York.” But on a hopeful note, Democ- Image 148. Larry Lessig video (full version 3:31) on ending Super PACs, February 2, 2018. racy advocate and Harvard law “What would Hamilton think about super PACs? What you might not know is that Citizens professor Larry Lessig, found- United did not create the super PAC. Instead, the super PAC was born when a lower court er of Equal Citizens, which we reasoned that if you spend unlimited amounts to support or oppose a political candidate introduced on page 93, made (Citizens United), you should be able to give unlimited amounts to a committee who would support or oppose a political candidate. That case was SpeechNow. We believe SpeechNow this February 2, 2018, email blast is just wrong. © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 149 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

ed across the country and where word that determines how dis- hundreds of billions of federal tricts are drawn, how $600 billion dollars are spent. That will lead in federal funding is spent. This is to fewer seats, fewer resources, one of the most important things for areas that have lots of immi- the federal government has done, vant question for the purpose of grants, particularly Democratic every 10 years since 1790. And the census. The census was Con- areas, places like New York and it’s facing unprecedented threats stitutionally mandated in 1790 California. And it will shift pow- from the Republican administra- in Article I §2, amended by §2 of er even more to Republican areas, tion, from lack of funding, to the the 14th Amendment in order to that are whiter and more conser- people that might run it, to this determine how representation vative. So, this has very, very, question about citizenship. It’s a “shall be apportioned among the very profound implications for perfect storm facing the census several states according to their our democracy. And the 2020 cen- right now.” respective numbers...” It is sup- sus is already facing an extreme Amy Goodman asks, “Who is posed to estimate the total popu- number of problems, and this will behind this?” To which Berman lation of the United States, and its just make it that much worse.” responds, “Well, I think if you geographical distribution, regard- “The census is supposed to count look at who the request is coming less of ethnicity, race or from, it’s coming from citizenship status. the Department of Justice, In a January 29, 2018, run by Jeff Sessions. And interview on Democracy they say they need this Now!, Ari Berman points question to enforce the out the extreme distor- Voting Rights Act, which tion such a question will is hysterical, because the imbue the census with, Justice Department has especially in this time of no interest in enforcing rampant fear regarding the Voting Rights Act, immigration status. He and, in fact, is actively makes clear that it will trying to subvert the Vot- deter involvement; in Image 149. United States Census Bureau. U.S. population counter ing Rights Act. This is a fact, it “will destroy and at 327,155,700, on February 7, 2018. “The Census Bureau’s mis- smokescreen to try to de- sion is to serve as the leading source of quality data about the na- press responses from im- sabotage the entire cen- tion’s people and economy. We honor privacy, protect confidenti- sus. It will massively de- ality, share our expertise globally, and conduct our work openly. migrant communities, so press responses. Nobody, We are guided on this mission by scientific objectivity, our strong that immigrant commu- particularly immigrant and capable workforce, our devotion to research-based innova- nities get far less resourc- groups, both non-citizens tion, and our abiding commitment to our customers. Decennial es than other communi- and citizens, want to an- Census of Population and Housing: The U.S. census counts every ties, with the census.” resident in the United States. It is mandated by Article I, Section 2 swer the question, out of the Constitution and takes place every 10 years.” Goodman explores of fear the government further, “How do you could use the information answer those who say, ‘Well, if against them.” every person in America, non-cit- this is about congressional repre- izen or citizen. And it’s really a Of course, this is exactly what sentation, they shouldn’t have it. constitutionally mandated accu- Republicans want, because it will They are undocumented, or they rate count. So, if the census is ma- shift more power to typically Re- are not U.S. citizens. If it’s about nipulated for political purposes publican areas. “The population federal aid, they shouldn’t have or the count is done wrong, there count is used to determine how it, because they’re not U.S. citi- is no way to fix that, because the congressional seats are distribut- zens?’” census is supposed to be the final © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 150 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

Berman responds, “Well, first be prescribed in each State by the agree we need. But, to this point, off, the Constitution very clearly Legislature thereof; but Congress I’ve not asked or spoken to any of says, with regards to the census, may at any time by Law make or them about this; in fact, none of that all persons should be count- alter such Regulations.” them even know I’m writing this. ed. Secondly, there was a Su- This of course has led to a mul- So, let’s call this a “fantasy dream preme Court case in 2016 called titude of election approaches and team” for a Healthy Democracy. the Evenwel case, that came out rules that depend on what each of Texas, where they dealt with state has set up. However, it also Leadership Team: this question. The Supreme Court allows Congress to alter any such very clearly said, in an 8-to-0 rules and processes, which would Let me be clear about my point unanimous opinion, that dis- include imposing national elec- of audaciously identifying such tricts should be drawn based on tion standards that improve the a team of four experts as our all people, because everyone here integrity and quality of our elec- “healthy democracy leaders” deserves representation, every- tion processes; i.e. the 1965 VRA. (“Leadership: Larry Lessig, Ari one here counts. When someone As we have seen from the lengthy Berman, Greg Palast, David goes to a hospital, they don’t ask discussion regarding all the prob- Cobb” on page 85). To recap, you, ‘Are you a citizen or not?’ lems we are facing, this is desper- all four are nationally recognized, Everyone deserves to be treated. ately needed for some sense of established and acknowledged And this would radically rede- consistent quality set at the na- experts. I do know their work; but fine American society by asking if tional level, to guarantee uniform none of them do I know personal- you’re a citizen or not on the cen- election integrity across all states, ly, nor have I reached out, asked sus.” districts and territories. or spoken to any of them about Welcome again to the 2018 and That is what this section is about. such a role. But somehow, given 2020 election seasons. How much First, from my years of concern as their work and dedication to the will Republican election corrup- an educated engaged patriotic cit- cause of democracy, I do believe tion prevail? How many elections izen following this issue about en- they would agree to participate on will they be able to steal? What suring a healthy democracy, and such a non-partisan “dream team” are we doing about it? its ramifications for our election to craft strategically comprehen- process (“Our National Election sive and focused legislation that Policy: Process — What we need; What addresses the systemic illness our we have” on page 97), I have country faces regarding its de- Independent started this entire strategic sec- mocracy and election processes. National Election tion, “Healthy Democracy” on Because currently, Mr President, page 85, by identifying four in- we do not have a viable democra- Standards dividuals who I am confident hold cy for our future—by design! The the expertise, passion and interest billionaire oligarchs want it that Election Process Quality, in addressing what is needed— way and have been spending a lot Monitoring, Technology, because that’s what they’ve been of money to fuck with the rules in doing; which I’ve drawn from. order to undermine democracy End-to-End Auditing Let’s begin by reviewing this and keep it that way, as if no one and Recount Processes Healthy Democracy strategic will notice. But, games up! We know they despise democracy. Regarding elections, the U.S. leadership that would be fully capable of taking their own works We also know they are not in tune Constitution, Article I §4, states with what our Founding Fathers that: “The Times, Places and Man- in this area and synthesizing some semblance of an Indepen- had envisioned, as we’ve made ner of holding Elections for Sen- very clear throughout. Again, ators and Representatives, shall dent National Election Standards Policy, which I’m sure they would begging the question: “Whose

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 152 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine this letter-essay—as long as you proactively takes measure of the pedia of Elections, information on end up doing what’s truly right quality of our system, making electoral assistance, observation for us all.“ continuous quality improvements and professional development, This is about strategic thinking, a crucial element of its system de- region- and country-specific re- Mr President; not ego-reactionary sign? sources, daily electoral news, an thinking. It means seeking princi- There are ample resources to election calendar, quizzes, ex- pled wisdom on behalf of the people; draw from regarding election pert networks and more.” They not partisan power on behalf of integrity. Along with those al- have comparative election integ- continued domination and con- ready mentioned, the interna- rity data from around the globe. trol over our society by the mon- tional organization ACE Electoral They have encyclopedic depth on eyed elite. Just what do you think Knowledge Network, originally electoral integrity topics, includ- is “precious,” meaning “highly established in 1998, “promotes ing: principles of election integri- esteemed and cherished,” about credible, and transparent electoral ty (ethical behavior, fairness and our election system, if not having processes with emphasis on sus- impartiality, transparency and every effort be made to ensure its tainability, professionalism and accountability); legal and insti- genuine integrity? Remember, Mr trust in the electoral process.” tutional frameworks for election integrity; monitors and enforce- President, you are not the source Shouldn’t the U.S. hold its own of wisdom and you cannot define ment of election integrity (includ- on the international stage, when it ing audits, a complaint system, what “election integrity” means; comes to election integrity? I think because you lack not only the ex- and investigations); and integrity President Jimmy Carter would in election administration. pertise, if not even the interest; agree with that, as the founder of due to your own making, you The Carter Center, which proclaims But I am pointing to David Cobb lack “integrity” itself, which is it is “Waging Peace Through Elec- to help us address this election one of your strategic weaknesses tions“. Since 1989, The Carter quality assurance issue at the sys- (recall the section where I covered Center has observed 107 elections tems level, identifying all points strategic weaknesses, “Weakness: in 39 countries. The Carter Center within the election process where Integrity, Credibility and Trust” observers “bring a reputation for quality assurance measures must on page 15). You cannot repair impartiality, and their presence be and can be implemented; refer our system; but you could support helps to reassure voters that they to the system diagram, “Image those who do know how to do it. can safely and secretly cast their 110. Our National Election Pro- And that would be a refreshing ballots. As the eyes and ears of the cess — What we need; What we move on your part, in the direc- international community, observ- have” on page 97. Cobb, who is tion of wisdom for our democracy ers also help deter fraud.” Ameri- described as a “people’s lawyer,” and our country. ca could use this help. Jimmy also has lots of experience with elec- “felt the Bern” and back in May, tions, election auditing, election recounts and the reason we must Assuring Election Quality: 2017, he revealed that he backed Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders have them built into our system. Should we, as America, not have over Hillary Clinton in last year’s Cobb was the 2004 Green Party an election system “second to Democratic presidential primary. nominee for President; he served as Jill Stein’s 2016 campaign man- none?” This is what I think your Right now, however, we’re more supporters would agree we might ager; and he headed up manage- like a 3rd rate banana republic in ment of the recount process, de- demand for our “great country,” election integrity; where elections no Mr President? How can we as- manded by the Greens in 2016. He are routinely stolen, often with is also co-founder of the effort to sure that our country has a high the backing of the United States quality election system; one that end corporate rule and to legalize government. The ACE website democracy, through the Move to strives for accuracy, timely and “contains in-depth articles, glob- easy access, and simultaneously Amend proposed 28th Amend- al statistics and data, an Encyclo- ment to the Constitution, referred © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 153 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

to as the “We The People Amend- “duopoly politicians have proven ty recount efforts helped to nur- ment,” which was introduced in they do not have the interest of ture a nascent ‘election integrity’ Congress on January 30, 2017. American people at heart“ when movement.” In his Nation Magazine article, in it comes to election integrity. Yet, 12 years later during the the midst of the recount process Although those investigations 2016 presidential recount, “we shortly after the 2016 election, did not change the election re- see many of these same ingre- December 21, 2016, titled, “Why sults, Cobb points out the glaring dients—proof of election irreg- the Green Party Continues to De- problems with our voting system ularities, mistreatment of the is- mand Presidential Recounts,” he that they did uncover. This story sue from major news media, and writes about “how we are work- will not go away. “A status report negligence from Republicans and ing to make our electoral system of the House Judiciary Commit- Democrats alike.” work for all of us.” Presidential tee, titled “Preserving Democra- “In the three days of recounting recounts, Cobb emphasizes, “are cy: What Went Wrong in Ohio”, that took place in Michigan before not about changing election re- that he links to in the article, a state judge shut it down, it was sults. At least, that is not their found “conclusive evidence that revealed that a shocking 87 optical primary purpose. At their core, more than 100,000 voters—many scanners in Detroit alone broke on recounts are about ensuring con- concentrated in communities Election Day, causing erroneous fidence in the integrity of the vot- of color—were disenfranchised vote counts. Moreover, 24%, or ing system.” during the election. Among the 128 out of Detroit’s 534 precincts But the Corporate R&D duopoly irregularities caused by the in- had discrepancies between the chose to “stand in the way of these tentional, illegal behavior includ- number of names listed in the pre- grassroots-demanded recounts— ed some 90,000 spoiled ballots, cinct’s poll book and the number in the case of the Republicans, ac- the improper purging of tens of of ballots in the ballot box.” tively blocking them in the courts; thousands of voters by election officials, and improbably high Recall, the total winning margin in the case of the Democrats, ca- of votes in the three crucial Elec- pitulating in their refusal to push turnout in certain counties, even surpassing 100 percent in some toral Vote count states, Michigan, for them. In an election marked Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, was by so many irregularities, public cases. Yet the findings were met with a near-total reporting vacu- only 78,000 votes. “In Pennsylva- distrust, and outright evidence nia,” Cobb continues, “where the of hacking, Americans deserve um; even as two Republican operatives in Ohio were convicted and vast majority of voting is done on to know now more than ever that machines that leading computer the election was accurate and se- sent to jail for their misconduct.” In fact, I recall the CEO of one of scientists agree are unreliable, an- cure. That is the ultimate goal of tiquated and easy to hack, voters this and every recount: to restore the “voting machine” companies, based in Ohio, making the outra- do not even receive a paper ballot confidence in our elections and to verify their vote. In Montgom- trust in our democracy.” geous statement that he “would do whatever it takes to ensure ery County, for example, the ma- Cobb has been in this fight a long Bush II gets re-elected.” What?!? chines claim that more than 7,000 time. He led the 2004 efforts to or- That’s criminal fraud! voters took the trouble to go to the ganize recounts in Ohio and New polls, but then didn’t vote for any- Mexico in the wake of widespread But the results did lead several one for president. In Wisconsin, complaints about the obstruction states to take greater caution re- instead of hand-counting paper of legitimate voters, mostly in ma- garding computer voting; with ballots—the ‘gold standard’ of jority-Black precincts, and tam- three states, California, Mary- election auditing—many ballots pering with computer voting ma- land, and Virginia, taking moves were fed into the same electronic chines on Election Day. Again, the to phase out or ban touch-screen machines used on Election Day, Democrats were silent. This un- voting machines altogether. “It is which would produce the same derscores my point on page 151: fair to say that the 2004 Green Par- potentially faulty results.”

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 154 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

“The recount, simply put, has and where every vote counts.” resentative.” It is put forth with a been one in name only. In fact, Cobb then lists 14 bullet-point plan, and a coordinated national perhaps the biggest revelation to demands to improve our voting call to action; along with a series emerge from the recount process process; all of which I’ve made of state-specific calls to action, be- is the sheer extent to which our sure are identified in the National cause much of important policy political and election system is Elections system process chart on is set at the state and local level. broken. The forces trying to stop page 97. The ACLU will partner with the the recounts—and succeeding, in David Cobb ends the article people and organizations to have several cases—are the same ones with a poignant observation of state-specific goals and calls for that have been undermining our truth regarding the dominance of action in each state and the Dis- democracy and disenfranchising our Corporate R&D duopoly: “In trict of Columbia. These partner voters for decades. Whether it’s a today’s America, there is only one organizations include many of the court in Pennsylvania demanding political party leading the fight social movement organizations, $1 million before even listening to for such a voting-justice move- as well as efforts like “Let Amer- the voices of ordinary voters, or ment: the Green Party.” ica Vote” that works toward win- an attorney general disregarding ning the “right to vote” political the rule of law in Michigan to do argument, through “online and the Republican’s bidding, our de- A Groundswell grassroots organizing, an aggres- mocracy is being stolen from us in Movement sive earned media strategy, and plain sight.” advertising, and play a crucial “The recounts are about much The ACLU’s “Let People Vote” role among the existing network more than verifying the vote. movement (#LetPeopleVote) is of organizations fighting for vot- They are a way for Americans of just getting underway. Launched ing rights.” all backgrounds and political per- in October, 2017, ACLU’s Vot- The ACLU road-map to victory suasions to demand fundamental ing Rights Director, Dale Ho, involves opening and aggressive- social change. Let the lesson from declared, “We have to attack the ly moving forward on four strate- this effort,” Cobb pleads, “be just system as it exists.” He empha- gic attack fronts: sizes that, although the defensive how far the political establish- i. Voting Rights Restoration: ment went to use America’s bro- moves of legal challenges in the courts to disparities will continue; This includes restoring the voting ken political, economic, and legal rights of convicted felons in as systems to override the will of the “We need to be on the offensive. With our supporters, we will be short a period as possible after people and suppress the vote. For being released; and in no sense, if we are going to effect the real, fighting on the ground. This is a long haul effort, for as long as taking their right to vote away structural change that millions of forever. Americans are demanding, we it takes. The key to going on the must first understand how power offensive is to turn the work over ii. Election Reform: This in- operates, and recognize the crit- to local communities, who have cludes breaking down barriers ical role that a movement cam- huge capacity and are ready to that make it too difficult to vote; paign like this one by the Green work. People Power! Raise the such as allowing Election Day Party can play. Our drive for a volume! We are a family of com- registration, at least two-week world that puts people, planet, mitted determined people who early voting, and being able to and peace over profit is growing are going to change the world!” register to vote online. stronger every day.” The mission of the “Let People iii. Districting Reform: This “It’s past time that we make real Vote” (LPV) campaign is: “To requires independent redistrict- the promise of our democracy. mobilize, to organize, and take ing commissions in all states And that’s why we call for a sys- action to expand access to the ballot across the country to eliminate tem where we count every vote, and make our democracy more rep- the gerrymandering of bizarre district boundaries. This gross © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 155 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine abuse of power by state legis- earlier; but equal representation So, if you’re a minority party lators is a system that ends up and equal right to vote, as well. of this, you don’t matter. He or allowing the legislators to choose Lessig has been speaking and she doesn’t need your vote. The their voters, not the other way writing extensively about this is- astounding conclusion of that is around. It is a system where the sue. that 89 million Americans are not controlling duopoly party in the On equal votes, regarding the represented in this system because state legislature, Republican or legal case Lessig and an “all star we’ve structured it in a way that Democrat, gets to determine how legal team” filed in court to chal- makes sure these people don’t district lines are drawn, which lenge our currently corrupt sys- count. That is inequality! ultimately determines who votes tem, Lessig states: “In a Democra- The “Fair Vote” proposal incor- for which member of Congress cy, all votes should count equally. porated into the Citizen Equality and State representatives. Many In our democracy, when voting Act is intended to change the way states have so manipulated the for the president, they do not. these districts work to ensure we processes that states where the Because of the winner-take-all al- have proportional representation electorate is split virtually 50:50 location of electoral votes, if you across the country. between Republicans and Dem- don’t vote for the candidate who ocrats, are represented by, say, a Equal Right to Vote: The equal wins your state, your vote counts freedom to vote challenges the 70:30 or even 75:25 split in favor for nothing. That violates the Con- of the gerrymandered party; typi- absurd ways we make it hard for stitution’s “one person, one vote” people to vote, which are not ac- cally a Republican tactic, but both principle. parties are guilty of it. cidental. The Brennan Center for To recap the Citizen Equality Justice report, “Election Day Long iv. Combating Voter Suppres- Act: Lines: Resource Allocation,” has sion: This is a full-blown effort found that 10 million people had to take on Kobach’s racist and Part 1. Citizen-Funded Elec- tions: All citizens deserve an to wait more than 30 minutes to treasonous tactics to take away vote. This is extremely hard for American citizens’ right to vote. equal ability to choose our leaders. (See page 93) working families to afford; mak- Whether its requiring a voter ID, ing it a “poll tax too high for birth certificate, or removing eli- Part 2. Equal Representation: many.” gible voters because they didn’t All citizens deserve equal rep- vote in the last election, meaning resentation in elections. Elimi- This poll tax is closely related to the ‘occasional voter’ has their nate gerrymandering. race. It is correlated strongly with black and brown districts, which rights are stolen, or the infamous Part 3. Equal Right to Vote: All voter name matches. are less likely to have the resourc- citizens deserve equal access es necessary to make it possible With the help of multiple organi- to the ballot box. to vote easily. That itself is more zations, the people are rising up. Equal Representation: Inside directly correlated with party, be- We must take our country back. of our system of gerrymander- cause black and brown districts ing, we find “crimes against ge- tend not to vote Republican. Ber- Policy: ography.” It’s a system where the nie Sanders has proposed a “De- politicians are picking the voters; mocracy Day”, where voting is Citizen Equality Act the voters are not picking the pol- moved to a holiday so working On page 93 we introduced iticians. They pick voters to create people can vote just as easily as Larry Lessig’s proposed “Citi- “safe seats”; both Republicans anyone. zen Equality Act,” intended as a and Democrats play this game. The Core Fight: Lessig con- comprehensive policy that would The end result is that there are cludes his TED Talk, from which address not only the campaign only 90 seats out of 435 that are these paraphrased words come, funding issue, which we covered competitive; meaning there are with the key point that this is the 345 safe seats. core fight we ought to have, over © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 156 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine and above all things. Why? tions: That all are created equal.” they’re in charge of, or even vow First is the practical reason, in Whatever the creator meant, the to destroy it. They are thought- that we will get nothing from this reality is that we are not equal in lessly privatizing anything and government, until we get this. We America today. The reality is that everything intended for public won’t get climate change legisla- we do have second class citizens welfare. This is a complete aban- tion until we address this funda- in America today. And the reality donment of public trust and rep- mental inequality in this broken is that until we confront the fact resents the subversion, sabotage democracy. You want Congress to that this ideal that “all are creat- and grand theft of our country. ensure the safety of Social Securi- ed equal” is a fantasy in America Oligarchy is rule by the few. ty? We will not get a government today, we will not begin to have a Plutocracy is rule by the wealthy. to address that problem until we democracy that represents us. Corporatocracy is a society gov- fix this democracy. Student debt, We need to learn from our erned or controlled by the corpo- and on? Not until we address this brothers and sisters 50 years ago rate-political complex they have problem of democracy. who risked their lives to fight for subsumed under their control. It’s not that this is the most im- equality, from those before us and Kleptocracy is a society whose portant problem or issue; it’s just those all around the world who leaders make themselves rich and the first issue. This is the issue are risking their lives now to fight powerful by stealing from the we’ve got to solve if we’re going for equality, that we need to fight rest of the people; a society ruled to have any chance to solve the for equality, to love for equality, by thieves. We have all of this in long list of critical problems we as to sacrifice for it. Because if we America today. a nation must address. don’t, how will we look at our Without a strong and indepen- But it’s not just a practical children, who look back at us and dent media, called for and pro- problem; it is a moral problem. say, “Look at what you inherit- tected in our very Constitution, Now 400 years since slavery was ed; and then squandered. Look a media independent of both po- brought to our shores, it’s time we at what you had; and then left to litical government and corporate have a peaceful fight for equality. us.” “Because,” Lessig concludes, forces, we are at the mercy of the That we have a national campaign, “we were given a nation with the propaganda these forces employ involving everybody who rallies potential to be the greatest democ- to pull this grand theft off. This around the idea that it’s finally racy in the world—and we have is why the ideal of a free press is time we stand up for this idea of allowed that potential to die.” the essence of sustained indepen- equality. It is an embarrassment dence in a democracy. to our traditions that at this point Problem: It’s existence is often character- in time we need movements to as- ized by what is referred to as the sert that #BlackLivesMatter. How Media Integrity “fourth estate.” The intent of a could that possibly be? free press is not only to inform us, It’s because we have a politi- Betrayal of Trust: but to get us to think about what cal system that doesn’t count as is going on. It is contrasted with Nobel Economist Paul Krugman equally; we have a political sys- the phrase the “fourth branch” has commented multiple times tem that counts some more than of government, which represents in interviews on the loss of pub- others. We have a political sys- a propaganda machine that not lic trust in our institutions. Public tem that betrays the fundamental only is not independent, but does trust is an essential element of de- idea of a representative democra- the bidding of the administra- mocracy. Krugman bemoans the cy. Martin Luther King said that tion. The result is to confuse the mentality of nihilism exhibited “America is essentially a dream. people and flood the public dis- by your administration, Mr Pres- The substance of the dream is ex- course, not with fact and analysis, ident. You’ve installed depart- pressed in these sublime words, but with fabrication and opinion. ment heads who revile the agency words lifted to cosmic propor- The intent is to get the people to © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 157 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine comply with what the rulers want that mercury is not really bad for process itself ceases to function as them to think and to control their you, despite the common knowl- a means for citizens to effectively behavior. It’s strategy is sustain- edge since the 19th century that control leaders and to guide gov- able ignorance; and it works well the substance, which caused Mad ernment policies. It solidified the with an uncritical and marginal- Hatter’s Disease, is a powerful power of a new class in American ly informed, if not misinformed, neurotoxin.“ politics: the fabulously wealthy populace. Lofgren concludes by pointing individuals and corporations who Mr President, you have attacked out that the implications of mass are radically redefining our pol- the very foundational institution ignorance were well known to itics in a way that, failing a dra- of a free press; while you’ve en- the framers of the Constitution. matic intervention, signals the listed the rightwing press and In 1822, James Madison wrote, end of our democracy.” media as your “fourth branch” “A popular government with- “It is the world of Dollarocra- propaganda mouthpiece to do, out popular information, or the cy. The pay-to-play billionaires say and propagate your bidding. means of acquiring it, is but a and corporations, and the pol- Your very rhetoric and actions prologue to a farce or a tragedy, iticians who do their bidding, are undermining our democra- or perhaps both. Knowledge will have been freed to buy the media cy; making it difficult for you to forever govern ignorance, and a conglomerates that blow off jour- convince your supporters and the people who mean to be their own nalism while raking in billions rest of the American people that governors must arm themselves airing intellectually and morally you actually care about our de- with the power which knowledge reprehensible political advertis- mocracy. Your staffing decisions gives.” ing. It makes a mockery of polit- are a disaster for our country and John F. Kennedy expressed his ical equality in the voting booth. they betray the trust your sup- thoughts on truth this way: “For What has emerged is a mon- porters placed in you. the great enemy of the truth is very ey-and-media election complex. Mike Lofgren, a former career often not the lie—deliberate, con- This complex is built on a set of Republican Congressional staff trived, and dishonest—but the commercial and institutional remember, in a piece titled, “Re- myth—persistent, persuasive, and lationships connecting wealthy publican Experts,” writes: “The unrealistic. Too often we hold fast donors, corporations, lobbyists, nightmare of this administra- to the clichés of our forebears. We politicians, coin-operated ‘think tion is where wildly incompetent subject all facts to a prefabricated tanks,’ beltway pundits, and now pseudo-experts run riot through set of interpretations. We enjoy super-PACS. These relationships the government and endanger the the comfort of opinion without are not just eviscerating demo- well-being of the general public. the discomfort of thought.” cratic elections, they are benefit- America has become a laboratory ing from that evisceration. The to test whether its institutions can complex does not just endanger weather the present flood of Re- Consolidation and Control: electoral politics; it poses a chal- publican expertise.” He goes on lenge to the DNA of American Award-winning communication democracy itself.” to list example after example, and and media experts John Nichols shows the damage being done. and Robert McChesney, in their In the Foreword to the book, “At the commanding heights 2013 book, Dollarocracy: How the Senator Bernie Sanders writes: of capital, do plutocrats like the Money and Media Election Com- “The full promise of a free press Koch brothers want an EPA that plex is Destroying America, with in America must be seen as the forcefully curbs the prerogative forward by Senator Bernie Sand- founders saw it: as a way of proof extractive industries to exter- ers, write that it was back in the viding the information and ideas nalize their costs upon society in 2012 election, that “America’s first that sustain democratic discourse the form of pollution? Hence the $10 billion campaign hurtled us and enable citizens to cast in- new finding of an EPA adviser toward a point where the election formed votes. Recent times have

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 158 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine been rough on democratic dis- campaign finances.” popular will as the military-in- course and on democracy itself. Nichols and McChesney make dustrial complex is. Any ‘insider Local newspapers have closed or a powerful case, Sanders states, fix’, by Republican or Democratic been downsized. Coverage of po- “for why it is necessary to amend operatives, will be insufficient to litical institutions has declined. the Constitution to tackle the address the pathologies inherent Resources for real journalism are Money Power that the Progres- in ‘one of the worst election pro- scarce. An information void has sive reformers of a century ago cesses in the world—ours.’” developed; and it is being filled warned would replace democracy “The change must come from the by political advertising and pub- with plutocracy. Further, they ar- people, with a bold willingness to lic relations spin. Thirty-second gue that America is ripe for a new subvert the dominant paradigm commercials shout down anyone age of reform that focuses on re- and to begin the world over again. who disagrees, diminishing hon- newing democracy and that takes America is a progressive nation, est debate and turning voters off as its foundational premise an and it is time, once more, for it to to the political process. This is the understanding that the essential progress.” threat we now face.” act of democracy, voting, must Sanders goes on, “With the de- be protected and made meaning- cline of independent journalism ful by legislation, statutes, and Facts, Opinions and as a primary source of information amendments.” Fake News: about elections and governing, “John Nichols and Bob Mc- What can one say? Let’s at least and its replacement by now-om- Chesney call us, as Tom Paine did point out the false “fact-opinion” nipresent political advertising, more than two centuries ago, to logical dichotomy. The distinc- especially since the Supreme turn knowledge into power. We tion is not only confusing, it is Court’s Citizen United v. FEC rul- can and must respond to our con- pernicious and harmful to ratio- ing, we have seen the develop- temporary challenges as a nation nal discourse and debate on any ment of an electoral equivalent to by rejecting Dollarocracy and re- issue; and there is a better way to the self-perpetuating military-in- newing our commitment to De- address important issues than this dustrial complex that Dwight Ei- mocracy.” false dichotomy. senhower warned us about. The money-and-media election com- Martin Luther King once said, Opinions: The world does not plex, producing a slurry of nega- “When you’re right you cannot be conveniently partition itself into tive ads, spin, and obstruction, is too radical.” The authors go on, either “facts” or “opinions”. That not what the founders intended.” “It is necessary to reach a radical dichotomy does not logically ex- recognition of the scope of the cri- haust the categories. Not only are In congruence with David sis, to understand that a discus- situations overlapping, “know- Cobb’s “We The People Amend- sion of a ‘broken system’ must ing” something is one thing; be- ment” (page 152), Sanders points identify the points of rupture: ing “true” is another thing. Take out that this is why in 2011 he in- special-interest influence on our the statements, “Well, it’s just troduced a “Saving American De- politics, to be sure; but also the your opinion; you have your mocracy” amendment that, with collapse of a journalism sufficient opinion and I have mine. It’s true a parallel purpose, says “corpora- to name and shame the influence for me and not for you.” These are tions are not persons with consti- peddlers; the abandonment of ba- merely confusing conversation tutional rights equal to real peo- sic premises of democracy by par- stoppers. There ends up being no ple, corporations are subject to tisans who are willing to win at reasonable discussion; no debate regulation by the people, corpo- any cost; and the rise of a consult- and important things simply get rations may not make campaign ing class that makes ‘win at any swept under the rug. We need to contributions or any election ex- cost’ politics possible by shaping block this escape route, because penditures, and Congress and the a money-and-media election com- those using it are trying to com- states have the power to regulate plex every bit as dismissive of the municate something else regard- © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 159 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine ing “their truth” being out there. ing: Independent Journalism: It’s close-mindedness. Fact: A true claim. A Paradigm of Trust Proof: To claim something is a Belief: Something a person In the recent film, “All Govern- fact only when it is “proven” or thinks. “provable” is wrong. This fetish- ments Lie: Truth, Deception, and the es the notion of “proof”. Proof is Evidence: A reason to think a Spirit of I.F. Stone” (introduced on ambiguous. One simply invokes claim is true. page 95), Jeremy Scahill points the version of “proof” they want, Knowledge: To know something out that most all big media is cor- using it as a rhetorical bludgeon. is to hold a justified true belief. porate-owned. Corporate media Take this statement, for example: “Fake news” is simply a claim responds not to a desire to seek “A claim is true only if it is empir- put out in order to get people to and report truth, but to advertis- ically provable.” That statement believe the claim; and thus disre- ing, weapons manufacturers, big itself is not provable, so it fails gard the supposed “fake news” oil, the insurance and drug in- its own test. That statement is source, and divert attention away dustries. Corporate media is all false. Other than the narrow and from it. But when is such a claim about investors, the stock market, well-defined realm of mathemat- ever supported with evidence? It advertising, entertainment and ical proofs, we need to steer clear is simply a rhetorical assertion; sensationalism to sustain high of these notions of “opinion” and and “belief that it is a true state- viewer ratings. Their business “proof”. It’s more fruitful to avoid ment,” in the minds of the intend- model is the standard corporate this kind of talk. ed audience, is based only on who model of growing money for the owners and executives; the il- Facts and Truth: Facts are truths said it—unaccompanied by evidence. lusion of providing “news” is about the world that are out there. Collectively, such statements, in merely the vehicle through which The idea is to try to determine conjunction with a steady stream they accomplish that goal and, as what they are. Science and critical of “tweets” and “media blitzes”, servants of power, to “manufac- “evidence-based thinking”, for devoid of significant truthful con- ture consent,” as Noam Chomsky example, doesn’t trade in proofs, tent, divert the attention of cor- has so profoundly noted. Corpo- but reason and evidence. The porate journalism and thus the rate subservient media, and the fact-opinion distinction under- public, away from the ability to rightwing media boutiques that mines the ability for science to an- “break through” the shit storm service the powerful, act as con- swer questions. It doesn’t do sci- with any reasonable discourse veyor belts for lies—and lies take ence the credit it deserves. That is on important matters. This is an lives. Wars come from media that different from “hypotheses” and accurate characterization of the doesn’t challenge the lies. “conjectures” that can be investi- tactics of your administration, Mr gated. Empirical issues don’t need President. Yet, like Joseph Stalin Another intrepid investigative to be discussed as “opinion”. The and other tyrants of yore, you reporter, Glenn Greenwald, of false fact-opinion dichotomy is a have the gall to attack the institu- The Intercept, comments that “con- dramatic failure in getting peo- tion of “the press” as an enemy of ventional wisdom,” being similar ple to think. We need to tie these the people. Look in the mirror, Mr to the persistent insider myths concepts together with a different President. Let me remind you, the Kennedy spoke of, we might ob- more fruitful framing. purpose of this open letter is to serve, “is the great enemy of great reporting.” Although there are a Evidence: Evidence is where the help you refocus on strategic issues few good reporters working for action is. Evidence connects facts and strategic thinking, if you wish corporate media, they must ac- to beliefs. The question needs to to have any modicum of a chance cept the corporate framework and be framed as: “What reasons do for success and recover from the rules; thus all they are able to pro- we have to believe some state- disaster your presidency is rapid- vide is a veneer of objectivity and ment or proposition?” ly becoming. truth. To summarize the proper fram- So who can you trust for news? © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 160 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

And if they buck that system too dia” environment, where funding So, I will point up two insti- vigorously, like the story of James is hard to come by, do it not just tutions and three independent Risen, formerly with The New York because its a career or profession; journalists who have earned our Times, they get ejected from the but because its a way of life. trust and exemplify the courage it system. See this amazingly cou- The film, produced with honor takes, in the face of adversity, to rageous national security inves- and respect to I.F. Stone’s spirit, seek out, analyze, and report the tigative reporter, Jim Risen, who quotes this truth-exposing muck- truth to the world. While I point risked being sent to prison to keep raker on what he thought journal- out these specific examples, I wish his sources secret, tell his story on ism was all about. Stone answered: to do it in a way that honors the Democracy Now! The broadcast “To write the truth, to defend the incredible work their staffs and was January 5, 2018, in segments: weak against the strong, to fight colleagues perform to support “The Biggest Secret: James Risen for justice, to bring healing per- them; and all those who struggle on Life as a NY Times Reporter in spectives to bear on the terrible as independent journalists and in- the Shadow of the War on Terror” hates and fears of mankind, in the dependent media institutions and and “How the NY Times & U.S. hopes of someday bringing about who work so hard to shed light on Government Worked Together to a world in which man will enjoy crucial, often unseen and ignored, Suppress James Risen’s Post-9/11 the differences of the human gar- issues that should concern broader Reporting”. Risen is now with The den, instead of killing each other society. Their work is to dig deep, Intercept, and his interview with over them.” ferret out the truth about what’s Amy Goodman was about his going on, who it affects, and why 15,000 word Intercept article, ti- it’s important to bring it to light; tled: “The Biggest Secret”. In it he Exemplars of Trust and and to speak truth to power. lays out how the corporate media Intrepid Courage: The principle two key media in- suppressed any of his reports that stitutions I wish to recognize, rep- Having wrestled with this sec- might have questioned the post- resent bright lights in my world. tion in my mind, I find myself 911 decision making by the Bush These award winning organiza- hesitant to point to specific exam- administration, including reports tions not only help keep me in- ples of the courageous heroes of on the Bush administration’s war- formed, but inspire me to reach independent media, because there rantless wiretapping program, for higher. They are Democracy Now! are so many, past and present; in- which Risen would later win the and The Intercept. Pulitzer Prize. cluding, for example Greg Palast and Ari Berman, whose work I’ve But that immediately seems to Independent media is the only drawn heavily from in order to fall short, because I look forward equalizing force to the corporate share their investigative reporting every week to David Barsamian’s media juggernaut. It is about, with you. So I cannot dodge the Alternative Radio, a weekly 1-hour what Greenwald described as risk of leaving out someone who program sharing talks by progres- The Intercept mission, “adversar- rightfully should be mentioned, sive authors and commentators, ial fearless journalism.” With a which is ever present. and interviews with major pro- new media ethos, it works as in- gressive thinkers of our time. And However, I when I teach in col- dependently as possible from all of course, there’s the indomitable lege or industry, I teach with par- power centers and factions. This broadcast journalist for more than adigmatic exemplars. Exemplars allows the alternative indepen- four decades, earlier with CBS are the concrete examples that not dent media to produce real jour- and PBS, Bill Moyers, who with his only exhibit the pattern that char- nalism; the only counter balanc- familiar soft yet penetrating voice, acterizes a paradigm, they instan- ing voice to those in power. With has retired from reporting and in- tiate it in a way that makes the no advertising or corporate dona- terviewing, but still has a strong pattern shine brightly and clearly tions, it is able to provide a sanc- web presence as managing edi- so that others may follow it. They tuary of dissent. The people who tor. And, I’ve followed TruthOut work in this often “poverty me- represent the best. © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Tuesday, November 7, 2017 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « 161 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

and TruthDig. There are so many, Edition of The Unheard Herald as otic decision to expose how we and let me not exclude NPR news “A Paradigm Case of Board vs De- were all being illegally surveilled. and Terry Gross’s interview pro- mocracy: Pacifica Radio, WBAI, About The Intercept: “After NSA gram Fresh Air, which although FSRN & Democracy Now!“ whistleblower Edward Snowden are not independent of corporate These are some of the trusted came forward with revelations of sponsors, are public and I listen giants among the independent mass surveillance in 2013, jour- to them for daily happenings and media community. If you want nalists Glenn Greenwald, Laura interesting interviews. to be informed about the world Poitras, and Jeremy Scahill de- And let me wrap up with Free around us by trusted professional cided to found a new media or- Speech Radio News (FSRN), which independent sources, you need to ganization dedicated to the kind I used to listen to daily for news dump the corporate media chan- of reporting those disclosures re- from independent reporters nels, and be regular listeners, quired: fearless, adversarial jour- around the world; but like other readers and viewers of programs nalism. They called it The Inter- independent media, it struggled and sources like these. cept. As an award-winning news financially to keep its daily half- organization that covers national The people from these organi- security, politics, civil liberties, hour program on the air. FSRN zations who have moved me, in- began in 2000 as a renegade or- the environment, international af- spired me, and have earned my fairs, technology, criminal justice, ganization, when freelance corre- deepest respect and trust, are: spondents then filing for Pacifica the media, and more; The Intercept Amy Goodman, Jeremy Scahill gives its journalists the editorial Network went on strike against and Glenn Greenwald. the Pacifica Network, due to the freedom and legal support they attempted corporate board coup Again, there is no appropri- need to pursue investigations that that tried to stifle controversial ate separating line to be drawn; expose corruption and injustice news and even sell off the assets there are just so many shining wherever they find it and hold the of Pacifica’s five radio stations. exemplars that represent what powerful accountable.” They took over management and it takes. Immediately, I think of Glenn Gre- even locked the doors to keep the experienced reporter and author enwald is a broadcasters out! FSRN was born Juan Gonzáles, who co-founded journalist, out of “their belief that in order to Democracy Now! with Goodman constitution- promote and support nonviolent (see my 2nd Edition report men- al lawyer, social change, citizens need hon- tioned earlier). I think of Ner- and author of est, critical, in-depth reporting on meen Shaikh, who is a producer four New York struggles for social and economic and co-host of Democracy Now! Times best-sell- justice around the world.” And Sharif Abdel Kouddous of ing books on Democracy Now! who returned Pacifica, which has an incredible politics and to his homeland of Egypt in 2011 law. He was the debut winner, news and story archive, survived to report on the Arab Spring up- the corporate board coup attempt, along with Amy Goodman, of rising and continues to report on the Park Center I.F. Stone Award and has sustained itself as a the middle east from Cairo. broadcast network for grassroots for Independent Journalism in community radio. The attempt- And Laura Poitras, who with 2008, and also received the 2010 ed corporate coup also affected Glenn Greenwald and Jeremy Online Journalism Award for his the then nascent Democracy Now! Scahill, are the founding produc- investigative work on the abusive program that was distributed by er-editor-journalists of The Inter- detention conditions of Chelsea Pacifica. Its intrepid creator and cept. Poitras and Greenwald pro- Manning. For his 2013 NSA re- leader, Amy Goodman, went un- duced the film that documents porting, he received the George derground to keep broadcasting, how they came to interview NSA Polk award for National Security which I wrote about in the 2nd whistleblower Edward Snowden Reporting. The NSA reporting he about his risky and deeply patri- led for The Guardian was awarded © 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 162 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for public in Nigeria’s Niger Delta in 1998 won numerous awards, including service. The film Laura Poitras did to investigate Chevron’s role in the George Polk Award, Robert F. with Greenwald about receiving a massacre of civilians protesting Kennedy Prize for International the NSA documents from Edward the company’s pollution of their Reporting, and the Alfred I. du- Snowden, Citizenfour, received an living environment. Together Pont-Columbia Award. Academy Award for Best Docu- with Amy Goodman, they pro- Having visited East Timor for mentary Feature in 2015. duced a one hour audio documen- the first time in the summer of Jeremy Sca- tary, titled: “Drilling and Killing: 1990, 16 years after the Indone- hill, one of the Chevron and Nigeria’s Oil Dicta- sian invasion, they went back; three founding torship“, available on YouTube. and on November 12, 1991, Good- editors of The Amy Good- man and Nairn documented Intercept, is an man co-found- Indonesian troops armed with award win- ed Democracy American-made M16 rifles firing ning journalist Now! with Juan on a crowd of several thousand and author. He Gonzáles in unarmed East Timorese civilians has fearlessly 1996, and has gathered at the Santa Cruz cem- gone directly been its host etery in Dili, East Timor. At least to where the war news originates. and executive 271 people were killed that day Scahill is an investigative report- producer since and more later as they sought er, war correspondent, and au- then. The Nie- medical treatment in local hos- thor of the international bestsell- man Foundation for Journalism at pitals. They were almost killed, ing books Dirty Wars: The World Harvard honored Goodman with with soldiers coming forward, Is a Battlefield and Blackwater: The the 2014 I.F. Stone Medal for Jour- their American rifles pointed at Rise of the World’s Most Powerful nalistic Independence Lifetime them. Goodman and Nairn were Mercenary Army. He has reported Achievement Award. She is also both badly beaten, but not execut- from Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, the first journalist to receive the ed, when they kept shouting they Yemen, Nigeria, the former Yu- Right Livelihood Award, widely were from America. The soldiers goslavia, and elsewhere across known as the ‘Alternative Nobel kept hitting Nairn’s head with ri- the globe. Scahill has served as Prize’ for “developing an innova- fle butts, while he laid over Good- the national security correspon- tive model of truly independent man to protect her. dent for The Nation and Democracy grassroots political journalism They produced a documentary, Now!. that brings to millions of people Massacre: The Story of East Timor, Scahill’s work has sparked sev- the alternative voices that are of- on the Santa Cruz massacre and eral congressional investigations ten excluded by the mainstream the history of Indonesian and and won some of journalism’s media.” She is the first co-recip- U.S. involvement in the Southeast highest honors. He was twice ient of the Park Center for Inde- Asian nation. They’ve since re- awarded the prestigious George pendent Media’s Izzy Award, turned and have produced anni- Polk Award, in 1998 for foreign named for the great muckraking versary Democracy Now! specials reporting and in 2008 for Black- journalist I.F. Stone, and was lat- on the massacre in 1996, 1997, water. Scahill, who got his start er selected for induction into the 2002, 2006, and 2016. Park Center’s I.F. Stone Hall of in journalism at Democracy Now!, Time Magazine named Amy’s De- is a producer and writer of the Fame. Goodman has co-authored six New York Times bestsellers. mocracy Now! its “Pick of the Pod- award-winning film Dirty Wars, casts,” along with NBC’s Meet the which premiered at the 2013 Sun- A fearless journalist for decades, Press. PULSE named Goodman dance Film Festival and was nom- Amy Goodman’s reporting on one of the 20 Top Global Media inated for an Academy Award. East Timor, with Allan Nairn, and Figures of 2009. I’ve been listening He and Amy Goodman traveled Nigeria, with Jeremy Scahill, has or watching since its 1996 debut.

Problem (page 86): exercising power Problem (page 95): Our democracy no longer C. Reform Money in Politics Republican Election Fraud represents or serves the 1. Citizen funding systems Policy (page 150): interests of the people a. Incentivize small donors Independent National Policy: b. Government matching of Election Standards small private donations Restructure the A. Let People Vote Politics Industry 2. 100% transparency in political spending (elections & 1. Voting rights restoration Systemic changes that address governance) 2. Election reform root causes of poor political out- 3. Eliminate funding loopholes 3. Districting reform comes; and hold election officials that favor existing parties accountable for delivering desired 4. Combat voter suppression over independents outcomes in politics: solutions, ac- B. Election Process Quality tions, and broad-based consensus. 4. Constituents over donors 1. Monitoring a. Dramatically reduce ROI that A. Restructure Election Process 2. Technology donors currently receive 1. Nonpartisan Top 4 Primaries 3. End-to-End auditing b. Increase incentives to re- 2. Ranked Choice Voting with spond to constituents 4. Recount processes Instant Runoff D. Open up near-term compe- Election Process chart, page 97 3. Nonpartisan redistricting tition without waiting for 4. Rewrite debate access rules structural systemic reforms Problem (page 156): B. Governing Process 1. Reduce barriers to new par- Media Integrity 1. Rewrite legislative rules — ties and independents Independent Legislative Reform 2. Funding pools and shared Policy: Commission infrastructure Break Up 2. Day-to-day legislating 3. Swing coalitions of indepen- Media Conglomerates a. Liberate process of law-mak- dent candidates ing from partisan control Policy: over governance Policy (page 93, page 155): Internet & Communication b. Support and encourage truly Citizen Equality Act Constitution Article I §8: Con- democratic and solution-ori- A. Citizen-Funded Elections gress empowered to establish ented debate post offices and post roads. B. Equal Representation c. Truly democratic vote-taking C. Equal Right to Vote A. Net Neutrality and legislative solutions B. Free and Open Internet 3. Intense public pressure Problem (page 94): C. Blanket Country with Public a. For a process for rule change Electoral College Internet Infrastructure b. For a process of legislating to D. Regulate bot technology serve the public interest Policy (page 94): Policy: 4. Commit to democratic norms National Popular Vote Support Independent a. Mutual toleration Interstate Compact Journalism and Media b. Forbearance: Restraint in

© 2017 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment 164 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine Defining Success and Accountability for Results

Measures of Outcome for a Healthy Democracy: Verifiability of accurate elections, election processes and equipment; Guarantees all citizens will be able to easily exercise their voting rights and that their votes will be accurately counted in a timely manner; Citizen equity in campaign finance through public financing, eliminating corporate and big money lobbying contributions, closing revolving door; Equal representation via elimination of gerrymandering, and providing for ranked-choice voting; Guaran- tees that election results will be determined by popular vote count; Media independent of corporate influence; Free, fair, open and neutral Internet services for everyone

Taking back our representative democracy from the unpatriotic thieves who stole it: Modern day Republican Party Republicans can only win by gaming the system in order to steal elections. They do not have broad appeal amongst Americans because they are the representatives of the wealthy oligarch class and corporations. They are not advocates of democracy for the people; they are advocates for their primary funders. The evidence shows that every counter argument made to that can be demonstrated to be false and propagandistic. American working people are being cheated out of their fair participation in their democracy due to the extensive influence of big money in politics and a broken election system. These are threats to our democracy that are exacerbated by a variety of tactics employed by big money interests, political operatives, and incumbent politicians. Today’s two-party political duopoly is sick and does not serve the interest or needs of the people. It does not serve the common good; it does not “promote the general welfare,” one of the purposes stated in the Preamble for “ordaining and establishing the Constitution for the United States of America.” It’s important to recognize that much of what constitutes today’s political system has no basis in the Constitution. For the Republican oligarch class, and the political industry, it’s working as designed, and they like it that way; they do not want it “reformed” on behalf of the people. So, “there is still no accepted strategy to reform the system and things keep getting worse.” Katherine M. Gehl and Michael E. Porter emphasize that “we need a new approach. Our political problems are not due to a single cause, but rather to a failure of the nature of the political competition that has been created. This is a systems problem. It wasn’t always that way. America’s political system was long the envy of the world. It advanced public interest and gave rise to a grand history of policy innovations that fostered both economic and social progress. Today, however, our political system has become the major barrier to solving nearly every important challenge our nation needs to address. The structure of the politics industry, and the nature of the competition that has been created, have failed to serve the public interest and deliver the outcomes most citizens want and need. Politics has become a private industry that sets its own rules, allowing it to pervert some of the basic principles of what most of us think we know about representative democracy.” “One thing has become abundantly clear: Our political system will not be self-correcting. The problems are systemic and structural, involving multiple factors that are self-reinforcing. Today the challenge for Americans is to participate not only as voters, but also to participate in the reform of the political system itself. This is our democracy, and the need is urgent.”