THE LINES HAVE BEEN DRAWN; THE CHOICE IS CLEAR

Rochester, N.Y.--  With the Primary and General Election looming, I wanted to share some information with you before you submit your voter's ballot.  Back in July, 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. The reality though, is a plan that will keep the wealth of our nation in the hands of just a few billionaires and you should be justifiably outraged. 

Take a look at these talking points: 

*Privatize Social Security

*Extend the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy

*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

*Repeal advances of the Healthcare Bill

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. Do we want to revert back to failed policies that got us into this mess in the first place?

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 and shareholders 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 lawmakers more than ever. It's also why you should support AFSCME and CSEA endorsed candidates this election cycle.

The Chamber of Commerce and a whole slew of 527's 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 and Republican platforms will derail any chance of economic recovery.  Your financial wealth depends on who's in charge.  Take a look at this graph:

Source: Larry M. Bartels.
Chart by Catherine Mulbrandon of VisualizingEconomics.com.
Click on image for a larger view.

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. Middle class and working families should be dedicated to supporting candidates and lawmakers who vote to reverse income inequality, make the rich pay their fair share, create living wage jobs and hold Wall Street and big business accountable for their actions.

This argument should be viewed for what it is--  self interest and profit over the general welfare and common good of ordinary citizens of a civil society.  What is so disturbing is that Republicans make no bones about their failed and flawed ideology.  They continue to use trickery and sleight of hand to convince well meaning average Americans to vote against their own best interest-- mostly using ignorance, fear and hate as motivators.

Recognizing the problems that plague us as "One Nation" is one thing, but having the will and energy to move our country forward is another. It's up to each member of every middle class family in America to vote this year and recognize a "sense of urgency."  If history has taught us anything, it's high time for union households and everyday working Americans to once again have ownership over the destiny of our own lives.

Commentary by Ove Overmyer