Reach out and touch progressivism. (New Blue America contest — Depeche Mode!)
by digby
Yesterday Howie announced the last Blue America contest of the year, this time to benefit Progressive hero congressman Keith Ellison and progressive challenger Mike Obermueller of Minnesota.
Keith Ellison stood out as a principled, values-driven progressive when he was a member of the Minnesota legislature. Blue America backed him back then, hoping for more of the same in Washington. And we haven’t been disappointed. Co-chair of the Progressive Caucus and Democratic Chief Deputy Whip, Keith is one of the only Democrats on a leadership track who speaks to the interests of ordinary working families. As Raúl Grijalva told us, “Keith, above all, isn’t posturing. He deeply believes in and relentlessly fights for progressive values and equality for all… He is a real person for these unreal times, and I support him every chance I get.”
Keith is one of the few Members of the House Financial Services Committee who doesn’t kowtow to the banksters and, unlike many of his colleagues, Wall Street doesn’t finance his reelection efforts. When Blue America offered to help him with reelection expenses, he thanked us and asked if we could also help Mike Obermueller, the progressive Democrat running against John Kline in the district next door. We are happy to oblige.
Today is the second day of a week-long drive to raise some campaign funds for Keith and Mike– and Blue America is going to give away a beautiful, classic, RIAA-certified double platinum award for the Depeche Mode album Violator. One lucky random donor on this ActBlue page will get that special prize as a gift from Blue America– regardless of how much you contribute. In fact, if a contribution is too much of a stretch right now, you are still eligible to “win” by sending a note to us at:
Blue America PO Box 271201
Los Angeles, CA 90027Easy rules, right? So is Keith’s proposed Robin Hood tax. “While the Tea Party pushes to slash government investment, Congress has ignored simple, progressive revenue options that could help us grow our economy. One solution would be my Inclusive Prosperity Act, also known as the Robin Hood tax, which will add a tax of a fraction of a percent on transactions made by the same Wall Street firms and stock traders who crashed our economy in 2008. Forty countries have a similar tax, as did the U.S. until 1966. “This tax alone will generate up to $300 billion a year in revenue, stabilizing the deficit and allowing us to invest in the things that matter– like roads and bridges, and health care for our seniors. “The American people stepped up to help Wall Street because they thought it would protect Main Street. But what has Wall Street done in return? Give itself bonuses and exorbitant pay? Tried to repeal Dodd-Frank protections? No, it’s time for Wall Street to help out with Main Street.”
And Mike sees eye to eye with him on economic justice. “Congressman Ellison,” he told us, “is talking about putting justice back in our system. I, too, want to make sure everyone has a fair opportunity in this country. Those who can afford to pay more should step up so that those who are less well-off have a chance at success. Congressman Kline wants to pad the pockets of the wealthy, while ignoring the inequality that still exists in this country. We can do better and I’m committed to making sure we actually do.”
I’m not saying Keith Ellison is our Personal Jesus. But I have faith that supporting him and Mike Obermueller is a good way to build progressive strength in the US House of Representatives. Whether you donate one dollar or (hopefully) much more, you might win the double platinum award for the Depeche Mode album Violator. And either way, you win, by supporting strong progressive leadership.