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Dear MoveOn member,
In Tuesday’s State of the Union address, President Bush led with war and terror – which wasn’t surprising. It’ll certainly be a big theme for an administration that has used fear again and again for partisan political gain. The agenda is clear: permanent war, permanent abridgement of freedom, permanent tax cuts for big campaign contributors. Worse, the right has clearly decided to pursue a strategy of dividing America. In his speech last night, Bush tried to open a new front in the culture wars, calling for a constitutional amendment to “protect the sanctity of marriage.” We have to ask: from whom?

But what was clearly missing in the speech was any vision for the future of our country, which probably explains why early reports show that the speech left people cold. Where are we going as a nation? What’s the plan for fixing health care? What’s the plan for getting out of Iraq? What’s the plan for staunching the hemorrhage of high quality manufacturing jobs, and now even service and professional positions? What’s the plan for stopping the flood of red ink from irresponsible tax cuts?

Together, we can do better. It’s a New Year – time for a new start. We need your help.

We’re asking MoveOn members to sign up to help develop a real, uniting American vision – a 100% America plan. To be a part of this work, go to:

http://www.moveon.org/mission/

In this coming year, candidates for President will be looking for great ideas that can truly inspire Americans to build a positive future for us and for our children. Last year, we asked MoveOn members to talk to each other about values and key issues facing the country. We got 100,000 pages of interview feedback from thousands of people across the nation.

What are we for? The themes were universal. Americans want true security based on working with allies and the rule of law – not an American empire. Americans demand corporate and individual responsibility – greed is not good and we’re all responsible to future generations. Americans want everyone to have a real opportunity to do well in our country and live the middle class dream – we will not be divided into haves and have-nots, or by race or gender or lifestyle. Americans believe that we are the beacon of freedom and democracy – the Bill of Rights is non-negotiable and democracy is not a partisan game. The themes that emerge are: Freedom, Opportunity, Responsibility and Security.

As a start, we’ve been collecting ideas for possible “strategic initiatives” based on these themes. To suggest your own ideas, and to be part of building a 100% America plan, go to:

http://www.moveon.org/mission/

The Bush administration has cynically used fear to drive its special interest agenda. But Americans won’t be cowed by fear and we won’t be divided by cynical politicians.

Now is the time for us to build a positive future -- together.

Sincerely,
- Adam, Carrie, Eli, James, Joan, Noah, Peter, Wes, and Zack
The MoveOn.org Team
January 21st, 2004

P.S. For excellent in-depth coverage and analysis of the State of the Union speech, go to today's issue of the Progress Report.