NOTE: This posting has been updated from a 2014 blog, posted just before that election. The content is still appropriate in 2017, although the data is still from 2014.
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The answer is simple:
The most important action anyone can take to save the planet and move the country forward is to vote.
But it is likely equally important to vote into office as many Democrats as possible (and the small handful of Independents - they usually align with Democrats). This may sound biased and extreme, but...
Over the years a far radical right is increasingly gaining control of the Republican party and creating gridlock, refusing to let beneficial policies move forward, or even to be brought up for a vote at times. Republicans who are moderate are now few or are being controlled by this radical element.
The bottom line is this (with much evidence to back this up):
1) Most Democrats in Congress have demonstrated the sincere motivation of helping all, and protecting our environment. They show that in their actions – their voting records, which are on-line*.
2) These records also show that most Republicans in Congress act in the best interests of the powerful/wealthy - and vote against the environment (with one green-leaning exception - see below).
The evidence:
The League of Conservation Voters compiles “report cards,” on environment-related voting. In 2012**:
- The majority (183) of Democrats scored 77%-100%.
Only 9 scored below 50%.
- The majority (227) of Republicans scored 0-29%.
Only one scored above 46%. That was a Senator from Maine, with 71%, and now at 69%.
As for helping the average citizen: On the 2013 vote to merely discuss extending unemployment benefits, all voting Democrats voted “Yes.” The majority of Republicans voted “No." On an actual vote to extend the benefits, a Republican majority also voted "No," and they won.
In 2013 Congress voted on the “budget extension” (really the “government shutdown”). A Republican majority would not pass a budget that included funding for Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act). All voting Democrats voted to keep the government going, but the Republicans held more elected seats - and won the shutdown.
The shutdown cost our economy billions of dollars. The alternative budget that House Republicans proposed included deep cuts to social safety nets, college student grants, infrastructure spending and more.
They have also killed minimum wage increases, and supported higher tax breaks for the wealthy. But helping those in need is what boosts the economy. Spending by the middle-class creates jobs. This is proven; and “trickle-down” by giving benefits to the wealthy instead has proven not to work. Helping low-income citizens directly allows them into (or back into) the middle-class, boosting spending and jobs.
Another strategy has been to sabotage any initiatives that may make President Obama or Democrats look good (even if it's something the Republicans previously said they want, or would benefit them), then blame the Democrats when nothing is accomplished. President Obama calls this “obstructionist tactics.”
24 states (all with Republican governors and/or legislatures) refused billions in federal support for Medicaid expansion for their lowest income citizens, resulting in many with absolutely no medical coverage; hospital closures; and predicted rising premiums for all.
WHAT'S NEEDED:
We can move the country forward greatly in upcoming elections. What we need is our 3 main decision-making offices to be led by Democrats (President, Senate, House).
What we need is a large number of Democrats (and Independents) casting their ballot in the first place. Unfortunately, records show that Democrats don't usually show up for midterm (non-presidential) elections, which is what we will have in 2018.
In midterm elections, all 435 seats in the House and a number of the 100 seats in the Senate are “up for grabs” - as are state governors' seats, attorneys general and other key offices (also best for all if filled by Democrats). So it's a big opportunity, for both sides.
To complicate things, voter “photo ID” laws (and other disenfranchsement regulations) have been put in place in many states where Republicans hold a legislative majority. These actions are known to negatively affect low-income voters (who usually vote Democratic).
WHAT WE CAN DO:
1) VOTE. (Here are voter ID laws by state, with a map to scroll over: www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/voter-id.aspx. Or call or Google your county Board of Elections to ask.)
2) Spread the word. Maybe write op-eds for local papers, post on Facebook, etc.
3) Contact Democratic candidates' offices to volunteer, or local Democratic party offices to help. (Google "Democratic Party Office" and your state, county or city name - or call 202-863-8000 with questions.)
4) Join “Get Out The Vote” efforts (Google “Get Out The Vote 2017 or 18)” or add other words, such as your town).
- Official initiatives are on this site: www.democrats.org. Visitors to this site will also be given screens at times, asking for donations, but there's no obligation to do that; involvement is the true goal. Phone: 202-863-8000
- Also, “Move-On” offers many opportunities: front.moveon.org
- Young folks (of all ages) may like: RockTheVote.com. Phone: 202-719-9910
Other Trusted Information Resources:
1) For the facts about candidates, or about any issues: MSBNC is great, especially the Rachel Maddow Show - also posted on-line for free. Libraries have computers to use for free. Go to www.MSNBC.com. Click "Explore" for topics. Or click "Watch" for Rachel's show and others (Chris Matthews, etc.).
2) For true but humorous coverage, watch The Daily Show, late nights weekly, and Samantha Bee Full Frontal on Wednesdays. For those without cable, you can watch "re-runs" online after the fact. Stephen Colbert is on regular stations.
3) When searching other websites: To check a website's legitimacy, click on their “About” link. Organizations hiding up their funding sources may not have this "About" link. Find who funds them, and who the leaders are, and their backgrounds – which should also be included on legitimate sites.
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(*One source of on-line voting records: www.govtrack.us/congress/votes.)
(**Votes were only compiled here for Congress members who were still in office as of January 2014, at the time I did this work – and only if they voted. Historical report cards will also show a split between high-scoring Democrats and low-scoring Republicans. Source: www.lcv.org.)
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