WHAT IS YOUR BREAKING POINT?

Is it another stolen election? How about feeling, again, that you have to vote for the lesser of two evils, that you are locked in to a system that does not represent you? Or could it be voting for one of two candidates that are pro-war and boast about hunting and killing people?

Among Americans of all political stripes, one word has remained sacrosanct for over two hundred years: democracy. However, that word has only been meaningful in the context of struggle, not complacency. Over two hundred years ago, women, Native Americans, African Americans, and many non-property owners could not fully participate in American democracy. It took long social struggle by committed and courageous activists to overcome those ills of yesterday. Unfortunately today, the core value of democracy remains under siege, threatened by the very interests which claim to protect it. Despite the Bush Regime's rhetorical commitment to democracy in the Middle East, it has rarely been more tenuous here at home. The protectors of democracy have never been the political elite, but instead a caring and committed population that is mobilized to defend its interests.

With both increasing frequency, and increasingly disastrous results, our government has sacrificed transparency in favor of opaque, seemingly arbitrary policy choices. On the other side of the democratic equation, individual privacy has given way to increasingly pervasive surveillance. Widespread voter disenfranchisement in 2000 remains largely uncorrected four years later. Electronic voting implemented by vested corporate interests threatens to impede even the possibility of recounts. Furthermore, residents of the District of Columbia and other territories, like Puerto Rico, have no representation in Congress. And, as always, minor parties remain systematically excluded form the mainstream political process.

We might envision various potential scenarios in the wake of this November's election. Whatever your personal vision of the best case may be, take a moment to consider the worst case scenario. Make no mistake: if democracy is to survive the next succession crisis, the People (i.e. you, your friends, and your family) must be willing to take ACTION if called upon.

Please visit:

1) www.beyondvoting.org ; and
2) www.ttww.org (This Time We're Watching)
3) www.unitedforpeace.org (United for Peace and Justice)

November 3 will witness decentralized, creative, non-violent resistance across the nation by patriots demanding democracy here at home. Another round of election fraud, other potential electoral "irregularities," and the various structural problems plaguing American democracy -- even when operating as intended -- threaten to transform this country into precisely the sort of tyranny against which our founding fathers waged a revolution for independence.

Organizing is in full swing in several cities, including DC, which suffers colonial rule in a more overt form -- devoid even of merely formal voting rights, let alone constitutionally guaranteed rights to "full and effective participation" -- of any American territory on the mainland. At least 15 distinct local groups are already independently mobilizing, with regular spokescouncils beginning this upcoming Thursday, 10/14. Both individuals and groups are invited to participate. We stand strongest when standing together.

If you care, get out of your chair
If you give a damn, take a stand
This is a democracy
supposedly
It's up to you and me