Is Kerry Freedom Tour a Gimick OR Start of Real Grassroots Mobilization?

[WiseMen]

Grassroots Mobilization Under the Banner of Freedom

Kwacha! Uhuru! FREEDOM!! The revolutionary movements that toppled colonial rule organized under the banner of Freedom. It is a great sign that Kerry’s trek to the convention is trumpeted as the American Freedom Tour. I, for one will be urging the campaign to rally Dean, Kucinich, and Clark activists who may feel a little alienated, under the revolutionary Freedom banner all the way to November 2.

In April I sent a memo to the campaign proposing FREEDOM as the “Overarching Concept” that defined the grassroots mobilization effort. I don’t know whether my idea got any traction then, but perhaps it did. Perhaps we are now ready to rip the flag of freedom from the limp hands of the right-wing Republicans. The People For People Freedom Forum was a grassroots mobilization proposal which would feature honored musicians and artists bringing the messages of loving and responsible change, and of sustainable stewardship of the planet. The campaign would seek to bring people together in a movement for truth, respect, justice and an honorable return of our nation to the principles of authentic freedom and democracy. In each community, the tour would promote an open stage for local people to share their vision for the future of their communities.

Premise: A Need for An Inclusive Vehicle for Mass Mobilization

There is still a desperate, crying, need for a broad-gauged effort of mass mobilization for societal renewal. The traditional political rally does not meet the need of many across the nation are who incensed by the Bush administration. Typical fundraising events are even more limiting, with access and patronage going principally to those who are willing to donate amounts that the average voter cannot afford.

Four years of Bush Administration manipulations has muzzled the free voice of the American people. Many who are otherwise cynical about elections and politics are now passionate about their right to protest and speak freely. They are passionate about freedom from the strangling tentacles of the Bush regime.

Proposal: Mass Mobilization Under the Banner of Freedom

Mobilization for political change can be galvanized under the banner of reclaiming the peoples most cherished right – the freedom to safely speak and express their outrage and hopes and to demand a better America. The call to vote is imbued with meaning as redemption of the right to protest the manipulation by deceit and the governance by fear that is the method of the Bush administration. The vote becomes a raising of a beacon of freedom in the nation and the world with the bold new leadership of John Kerry.

The Freedom Forums will provide a safe place for peoples to express their emotions, their concerns, their fears – their rage and outrage at the failure and fraud that they witness and their collective vision for a better way -- a better America for children, for women, for men, for the family, for the environment, for the earth.

To quote MLK: "Let Freedom Ring!"

[JI7]

1. it's a strategy to build up momentum leading to the convention

he did a similar thing in iowa and elsewhere. he often does these type of things leading up to major events.

[Massacure]

2. The longer he can sustain the energy, the better the long term effect.

It's probaby easier to build it up before the convention than after. Especially with that $75 million dollar cap.

[WiseMen]

3. We need mass energy not Kerry energy, but there is too much

special interest lobbying rather than patriotic passion.

[sandnsea]

4. Too many egos

That's what I see. Amongst some other things.

But I see the vets are really starting to get organized now and I can damn well guarantee you nothing will take ego and self-importance out of this campaign quicker than the vets. Doncha' think?

[WiseMen]

5. With the future of the planet at stake, you would hope crass political

ambitions could be subsumed by magnitude of the task.

[John_H]

6. Here's how DUers can help.

The national media will give these events their customary 11 seconds of a mediawhore talking over soundless video. What we can do is check to see if the Freedom Tour is stopoping near us, helping build a huge crowd by attending and bringing some friends and, most importantly, calling the local media urging them to cover it. Remember, lots of people watch the local news, even people who don't tune into CNN long enough to see the bullshit coverage they give Kerry.

[WiseMen]

8. Great idea. A coordination of all efforts will multiply the impact

of the tour. These are the most important 2 weeks of the campaign comming up.

[maxanne]

7. gimmick

Bold new leadership? gimme a break. Supporting Ariel Sharon, continuing the war, and the defense budget, and walking away from Kyoto - that's bold leadership?

That's someone who will say anything to get elected. That's not someone interested in hearing what the common folk have to say.

[Sensitivity]

9. Please let it be the start of a wave of grassroots energy.

Wonder it some of the rock-stars at the NY fundraiser tour with Kerry.