For Kerry's To Do List if elected:

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

Promote laws and initiatives designed to protect the internet from the kind of coroporate monopoly influences that have ruined the rest of the media.

It's a lot easier to fight to preserve something that is still good (the internet) than to fight to neutralize and destroy a powerful force for evil that has already consolidated itself (corporate media). Although that task must be addressed as well.

I see the internet as an extremely powerful and important resource that primarily works in favor of Dem/progressive causes now, much more so than for conservatives and Repubs. The Repubs see that now (too late). They will no doubt take steps to change this. We must prevent it.

[pacalo]

1. I was thinking about this today & I agree.

It reminds me of the music sharing issue. The music corporations weren't forward thinking about the rising popularity of the internet. If they had anticipated the possibilities & how it would affect their industry, they could have had protected their properties more effectively.

Likewise, the Republicans weren't forward thinking about the political value of the internet. Hopefully, Kerry will put some safeguards into place.

[Kanary]

2. Shore up Section 8 housing, and the rest of the safety net

With all due respect, isn't the survival of the "least among us" a bit more important than music sharing?

Kanary

[CaTeacher]

3. I agree with Kanary.

There are many many issues that are CRUCIALLY important--I hope Kerry prioritizes to help people with more urgent needs.

I actually think that music sharing can probably be worked out without going to the very highest level. Why should the president jump in to fix this problem--he should give the courts, and concerned parties a chance to work it out.

There are issues that NEED the attention of the president urgently--I hope he concentrates his efforts where he is really needed.

[Kanary]

4. Thanks, CaTeacher! I'm really feeling isolated with this stuff!

What would have been so very obvious to DEMs 20 years ago, is now a lost issue.

There doesn't seem to be a sense of really looking out for those on the edge, just a sense of "Take care of me".

Actually, I have worries about the 'net, also, but as an organizing feature (like underground newspapers in the Vietnam days), rather than just a way to get entertainment. Especially after the thought-provoking posts in my thread about the media.

But, still -- people's very lives HAVE to come first. That means this damnable war, and the safety net.

If lives are no longer important, then to hell with the entertainment.

I'm really getting burned out with having to keep bringing this up, so I thank you!

Kanary

[CaTeacher]

5. you are not alone!

And trust me---I will work right beside you trying to keep President Kerry and the rest of the Democratic party sensitive to the things that really are important.

However, I do long for the days of FDR, when people understood that they needed to make personal sacrifices for the good of their society.

[Kanary]

6. We need the pinky handshake. ^_^

What can we do to make this issue high priority?

It's sunk into oblivion.

thanks again....... :hug:

Kanary

[kiahzero]

7. While we're talking about minor issues:

Subsidizing healthy food, so it costs less for the poor to eat healthy food than to eat crap like McDonalds. I'm not sure if there's been any research on the topic, but I'm pretty sure that's why there are high levels of obesity among the poor - they can't afford to eat a healthy diet.

[Kanary]

8. You're spot on with that one!

And, what a very smart approach......... *preventing* illness by making quality food available for all, rather than treating the results of unhealthy diets later on. What a concept!

And, yes, there is research to back you up. So, start pushing the idea!

Kanary