LINES HAVE BEEN DRAWN; THE CHOICE IS CLEAR

Washington, D.C.-- Yesterday, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce -- which is a thinly disguised right-wing political action group representing large corporations-- proposed what it's calling an economic recovery plan. Take a look at these talking points:

*Privatize Social Security

*Cut taxes for the rich

*Log the national forests

*Expand offshore gas and oil drilling

*Privatize highways and waterways

*Eliminate the Employee Free Choice Act

*Stop Unemployment Benefits to qualified Americans

Look familiar? That's what the agenda of a Republican Congress looks like and the Chamber of Commerce plans to spend more than $50 million to make it a reality.

Earlier this year, in the case known as Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that corporations have the right to spend unlimited amounts of money to influence elections. If corporations have more influence, they're going to continue to rig the system to create even larger profits for their CEOs at the expense of taxpayers, labor unions, environmentalists and civil rights advocates.

Only people-powered campaigns can compete against that sort of money -- they're the only thing that ever have. CSEA and the labor movement need to counteract these efforts and start mobilizing around progressive candidates now.

The Chamber can run ads now through Election Day, but nothing is more effective than committed volunteers and union members talking to their family, co-workers and neighbors about how the Conservative Republican platform will derail any chance of economic recovery.

As we look ahead to November, voters now have the ability to stay on the path to change America or look back to the failed policies of the past. As of today, we now have a clear defining line in the sand. Working families should be dedicated to supporting candidates and lawmakers who vote to create jobs and hold Wall Street and big business accountable for their actions.

Voters now have a clear picture of those who stand on the side of working families and those who choose instead to stand on the side of Wall Street, big oil and inequality.

Commentary and photo by Ove Overmyer.