A lot of Americans complain about the overpartisanship in American politics these days: both sides are more busy fighting and insulting each other, than persuing policies that are actually worthwhile. Sometimes, to an outsider like me, Washington seems to be ruled by little children, who all try to bully each other, and steal each other’s money, instead of by adults who believe in what they do and actually try get things done.
If there is one thing wrong with American politics – and, again, I am speaking from the perspective of an outsider looking in – it is that America is incredibly divided, that there are two sides constantly waging war on each other and that, in the end, partisanship always wins.
Furthermore, sometimes it feels as if lobbyists rule America, instead of the people. Again, this is from the perspective of an outsider looking in, which means that you all can easily dismiss it, but you can also understand that I really have no stake in this matter (at least no partisan stake), and am therefore more objective than many ‘insiders.’ If I were American, I’d say that something needs to be done against it. American politics need to be fixed. The system, perhaps, even.
If you agree with me, I greatly encourage you to check out Unity 08. Unity 08 is “a diverse group of Americans who believe that neither of today’s parties reflects the aspirations, concerns or will of the majority of Americans. Both parties have polarized and alienated voters. Both are unduly influenced by single-issue groups. Both are excessively dominated by money.”
Therefore, “Unity08 is committed to presenting a third presidential ticket and platform – one that addresses the issues and challenges of the 21st Century – to the American voters in 2008.”
Unity08 is the only organization that might actually have an impact in 08. I am sure that many of you have heard rumors that mayor Michael Bloomberg might join forces with Unity08. I do not know whether that is true or not, but I do know that these rumors alone, offer ample evidence of Unity08’s (predicted) success and impact.
There are several ways to support Unity08: you can become a delegate, you can donate money but you can also do something that is simple, yet effective: you can become a Trailblazer. What is a Trailblazer you ask?
Every Unity08 Trailblazer on every team makes two pretty simple but powerful promises: To find at least eight new Unity08 Delegates over the next two weeks—friends, colleagues, neighbors, tennis partners, or anyone else –and to turn at least two of them into Trailblazers themselves for the following two weeks.
Now, I would like to encourage all of you to join this program. It does not take that much time from you, but once everyone does her or his part, things will get going. I have to admit that I find it a pity that I am not American – if I were, I would become a trailblazer instantly. Sadly, because I’m not, I cannot be a trainblazer but I can inform you all about the work Unity08 is doing and encourage you all to join forces with them.
So – join forces with Unity08!
Of course, Unity08 does not just need trailblazers, Unity08 also needs people to spread the word: this is why it needs American bloggers to publish a post about this program and about what Unity08 is doing as well. I think – and hope – that, especially my TMV colleagues like Marc Schulman, Jason Steck, David Schraub, Joe Gandelman and Justin Gardner, and of course columnist at this blog, Richard Horton, are willing to help Unity08 out, by either signing up as a Trailblazer, delegate or (and) by publishing a post about this project.
Same goes for other bloggers and friends such as the Gun Toting Liberal, Libby Spencer, Michael Linn Jones, PatHMV and Dave Schuler.
It’s time for action, I’d say.
O, and if you design to sign up as a trailblazer you might just win:
Presidential Rewards
Grand Marshals: The top 1,000 Trailblazers at the end of the competition will be Grand Marshals of the Unity08 Inaugural Parade in January 2009.
Guests-of-Honor: The top 100 Trailblazers at the end of the competition will receive tickets to the Unity08 Inaugural Ball in January 2009.
Guest-of-the-President: The top 10 Trailblazers at the end of the competition will each spend fifteen minutes in the reviewing stand with Unity08’s President-elect on Inauguration Day, 2009.
Not bad. Not bad at all.
UPDATE
Also – watch The Colbert Report tonight: Steven Colbert will be interviewing Unity08 co-founder, Doug Bailey. If you miss the show, you can watch the rerun here.
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