​Delivering for Constituents and Building Power

 I was going to write about the defecting pool- see what I did there. Of course, we at DSOT won’t be sidetracked from the real issues. We still want answers about the illegal and immoral war that Trump is losing/has lost to Iran. And his million + inclusion in the Epstein Files.  Plus his corruption/cruelty/stupidity/ and massive incompetence. The now green, poisonous, once-beloved National Monument is emblematic of this man and his administration: Done without following mandated procedures. Using a mob boss in lieu of experts.  Both eschewing and being rabidly ignorant of science. Dangerous. Poisonous.  Ugly.  Blame shifting. 

But let's reflect and then celebrate.  Currently the entire elected portion of the GOP has surrendered to Trump.  Is it the money/power or do they just hate America?  Opposing him after you lost an election is weak tea...i.e. soon to be ex-Senator Cassidy.  BTW you are a doctor, and yet you confirmed Bobby Jr. to be head of HHS.  Shame.

Trump(ism) has devoured the party and nothing will change except the PR window dressing unless they are removed from power. So, we turn to the Democrats.  Just Kill Me Now.  Calling Trump a fascist and running against him is not enough.  (but hey Tim Walz- calling them weird was perfect.  So sorry you were sidelined and then besieged by Trump.  Trump or at least the people around him recognized what a powerful candidate you always are.  IMHO - Barrie) But I digress.

Look at NYC.  Mamdani is amazing.  He went from 1-2% in the polls to winning the mayoral race.  Phew.  On the issues.  And honesty.  Next, he began delivering on his promises to help all New Yorkers. 

How dare you, squealed the billionaires.  Children can starve.  People are unhoused but it is never enough for me. I paraphrase their thoughts but actions speak louder than words.

  Next Mamdani handled the Knicks' victories and parade like a pro. Even with the disruptive and condescending presence of Trump.  Mamdani's grace was/is in sharp contrast to the nepo baby billionaire team owner. Start taxing the Dolan controlled corporation that owns Madison Square Garden. The rich are always threatening to leave NYC if they are fairly taxed.  Doesn't happen. In fact, working class folks are more likely to be forced to leave the city than the wealthy.  Madison Square Garden pays ZERO property taxes.   What is James Dolan going to do- uproot and transfer MSG to New Jersey?

 But I buried the lede.  All three very progressive Congressional candidates that Mamdani endorsed and campaigned for/ WON.  Two beat incumbents.  And there is more change throughout the country…Texas.  The smear campaign against Graham Platner did not prevent him from crushing the primary vote in Maine. Alaska, North and South Carolina- pick the right person. Georgia- stay strong. David Hogg who was booted out of the DNC for whatever stated or real reason- is starting to get progressives elected.  Both for Congress and state legislatures. What if we had a government that focused on important issues, found solutions to problems and represented everyone.

Instead of letting fear mongers ring their hands that Mamdani is a Muslim, an immigrant and (cue scary music): a Democratic Socialist...rather let's focus on how are you helped by....  fill in the blank.

 Bring the conversation down to basics.  

• We will fund and prioritize schools and learning

• Sorry you have cancer- or list any disease- but you will receive the medical care you need and you won't lose your house or be evicted.

• The rivers/lakes/ oceans near you are dying or poisoned.  Experts and scientists will work nonstop to heal our waters.  And corporations dumping their poisons anywhere will be fined.

• Our planet will be protected.  No one owns the earth

• Roads and bridges will be repaired

• DOGE damage will be reversed and criminal charges will be levied.  OK- that might be a tad esoteric but everyone is feeling the ramifications of that insane temporary  government takeover.

• White collar crimes will be prosecuted.  And if you have been cheated, there will be restitution.

And so on. 

How much more compelling is that than hate and fear? The GOP are in meltdown because they and their media realize that helping people is a winning strategy.  While pointing at and demeaning someone who is different is not enough any more. 

And the Democrats.  Not being a pedophile can't be the sole message.  Um James Carville- you helped elect a moderate Democrat decades ago.  Who started the whole pivot to the right dance. NO!  The Democratic Socialists should not be broken off into a separate party.  Do you ever want this party to win another election? Your idea is to keep the corrupt centrists and remove the progressives so the GOP can keep winning without cheating or voter suppression. You haven't been relevant in years. Go away.

In fact, everyone start helping or start leaving. We can do this. Vote on the basis of the issues.  And yes, your self-interest. No one is benefiting long term from Trump. Even rich folks need food and water that doesn't kill them. The rest of us/ a huge majority of us are simultaneously horrified/worried/and losing financial ground. Vote. Know who you are supporting and if there is a dearth of good candidates/ then run for office.  Hold our elected employees accountable.  I honestly don't know how to stop an illegal, corrupt regime protected by courts and a spineless Congress in the short term- so go after their money. 

Use consumer power to show we are united and powerful.

  Don't Shop on Tuesday

.#DSOT. #UPM