Here's what we (Dem Party) NEEDS to do!

[never cry wolf]

Not that I have any standing in the Democratic party, I registered independent still, even though I have voted straight Dem for the last 4 presidential cycles. Nevertheless, here is my advice and I'd love your input and/or assistance in getting it to the right people.

There are TWO huge issues we must address and solve, without which we will contine to struggle to get half the vote:

1. Media bias

2. Black Box Voting

I have listed them in order of what I feel is an order of importance due to the fact that without popular support for any issue, nothing will get done on it. How do we go about changing policy on these issues? Any and every way possible!

First: ORGANIZE. One thing the repugs to VERY well is speak with one voice, everyone is on the same page from top to bottom. We have a nice little infrastructure started what with the PACs, the 527s, the lefty blogs, the internet, DU, AAR, etc. There needs to be someone with a master plan directing the orchestra. I know, I know, like herding cats, but it HAS to be done somehow.

Second: ATTACK. These issues ARE bi-partisan to the general public, everyone wants a fair, unbiased media and fair elections (except for the ruling elite, of course.) Every tool in our arsenal needs to be aimed at this. Every web site, every columnist, every LTTE. Every Dem in office needs to make these an issue. Every state legislature that is democratic should pass bills reinstating the fairness doctrine and requiring an auditable paper trail. Every Dem governor should propose a law restricting media consolidation. I don't care if it gets tossed in the courts, as long as it gets in the papers and the issues get in front of the uninformed masses. Appeal, get air time, make it a federal case! These things can be done on every level, even cities and/or counties.

Third: ECHO. Here's where the organizing pays off. All outlets scream and cry: "Who doesn't want a fair media and open elections? Why are they fighting this so hard?" These are legit issues, if we can bring them more into the public view soon moderate mass media will have to talk about them and how can they reasonably argue against them.

Without the media we are lost, 80% of the country form their opinions based upon the 10 o'clock news, and the neo-cons and corporatists control that. With BBV, we are lost. Elections are bound to continue to be close, a few percentage points here and there in a key state or precinct do make a difference.

Anyway, that's how I see it. The repugs reorganized 20 years ago and started on the local level, we need to do the same and use every damn tool in our toolbox. If we can get a semi-fair shake with the media and get rid of BBV, our policies and our candidates will have better than half a chance. We're standing in the middle of a prairie, box of matches in hand, we need to set the gressroots on fire!