Buy for Obama

[InternalDialogue]

A couple days ago, I started a thread about what I planned to do on November 5. My plans were inspired by a friend who has developed his idea a little further and given it a place to live:

http://www.buyforobama.org

Call to Action
By all accounts, the U.S. is leading into a historic election in which Americans are likely to prove their ability, late though it may be, to correct their mistakes. If we get the vote out, we shall.

The BuyForObama.org initiative was inspired in part by comments from “former” Republican advisor, Newsweek columnist and jolly vulgarian Karl Rove, as quoted on the left. If the source of this comment alone isn’t enough to make us believe the exact opposite, we’ve learned nothing. Just for good measure, let’s prove how wrong this notion is.

What we propose:
Should Obama be elected, we propose that you spend some money anytime in the five days following the election, Nov. 5 - 9. Buy something, invest in a company or cause or donate to a charity in President Obama’s name. If you do so, please return to BuyForObama.org and let us know what you bought by commenting below.

What's the objective?
American confidence in general is at its lowest ebb of our generation. While the markets swing up and down, consumer confidence has only fallen since George W. Bush took office and is now at its lowest point since tracking began in 1967.

Buying for Obama sends a multi-tiered message. It expresses:

* Confidence in the president and other men and women who will lead us.
* A celebration of citizens' ability — and responsibility — to effect change.
* Trust that our system, properly managed, can profit all.

What should we buy?
We're not here to give investment advice or endorse any company or organization. We humbly suggest that you support American companies and products (sadly a dwindling resource, and one we've collectively neglected) and that you invest in any of the politically progressive initiatives from the Obama platform, or any of the independent groups that you feel have helped propel us to where we are now. If you shop or dine locally, consider an independent establishment.

Who can participate?
While this call is for the American people, we encourage anyone anywhere who believes in us, or hopes to again, to invest in us as we intend once again to invest in the world.

Why only five days?
We're sending a message, not returning to the habits that brought us here. The economy is weak, and we can spend our way into trouble much easier than we can spend ourselves out of it. After the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, George W. Bush's advice to Americans was to spend, spend, spend. If that's not reason enough to rein it in, nothing is. These five days are a sign of our support – and a reminder that support begins and ends on our own schedule. Besides, W. is still in charge for now.

Are you suggesting that we not spend if McCain wins?
No. Suggesting that would be irresponsible.

Why buy something for Obama?
You're really only spending for Obama. You're buying something for yourself. You deserve it. The Obama campaign's staggering fundraising record shows that regular Americans are willing to spend for something they believe in. Together they can overcome the richest individuals and interests. If it isn't clear enough from the various institutional bailouts, past and pending, we are more powerful than they are. We owe them nothing. The missteps of others helped create this instability, but when economies collapse, it’s by the action or inaction of the masses.

What’s next?
We’re glad you asked, because it reflects your understanding that our five days of support is just a symbolic acknowledgment of our role in the work that has only just begun. A president alone can’t pull us out of a recession, create jobs, return equity to the classes, address energy and climate crises and repair our international image. We all are in for some work and sacrifice. To be clear, this is our vote of confidence, but a new president, even if it’s Obama, is on probation. Things got out of hand because we the people allowed it. If change is truly to come, we need to support our elected officials through action — and to make sure they remember for whom they work. We the people get the government and the media that we tolerate.

Who are we?
BuyForObama.org was originally two citizens who had been in a tailspin since George W. Bush took office, appalled that our country could fall even further than we had predicted and proselytized during the 2000 campaign. Now we are every person who has joined BuyForObama.com, be it in action or in spirit. We are the people. This initiative is sure to be deemed socialist by some parties – you know, the ones who revel in their own ignorance. No. This is Democracy. To deny it is unpatriotic, unAmerican, unacceptable.