(Bumped. The Plan for World Domination takes another step forward. - promoted by Bob)
At long last, we're rolling out our Political Action Committee. That means we’re going to raise money and send it to candidates for office that we think worthy. We hope you’ll contribute – up to the maximum of $500. There's a Google Checkout box in the left hand column.
Why BMG PAC? Why now?
Politics in Massachusetts is in a state of particularly low repute. Three House Speakers in a row have been indicted. Despite the passage of an ethics reform bill, we so often receive only reluctant half-measures from a legislature that seems more interested in protecting special interests -- including its own institutional prerogatives.
The political danger in Massachusetts is not one of wild-eyed ideology. Rather, it is complacency. Without a regular challenge, elected officials become too comfortable, and do not fear that next primary challenge or election; or when they fear a turf-protecting special interest more than the wrath of the voting public. Furthermore, pressing issues often simply get pushed to the sideline, and difficult choices are deferred. Where’s the courage? Where’s the imagination?
To counter this, we wish to pull leaders to a new center of political gravity, and to encourage political entrepreneurship, both of careers and in ideas. We will use a traditional and rather blunt instrument:Campaign money. The PAC is an attempt to provide some small counterbalance to the established interest groups, and to reward vision and courage. We want to steer leaders to act in the broad public interest. We wish to encourage challengers of integrity and imagination to challenge lackluster incumbents; and to reassure courageous incumbents that someone’s got their backs.
This community consists of a good cross-section of politically-involved citizens. We are the taxpayers and users of government services: We are the ones with kids in the schools; we drive the roads; we take the T; we have family members with special needs. We want the best value for our tax dollar. Our interests are in effective and efficient government.
So, what kind of candidate are we looking for? BMG PAC candidates will possess:
- Broadly progressive values: BMG PAC candidates will favor policies that are inclusive, just, and compassionate.
- Integrity: They will follow the letter and spirit of the law; and have an innate sense of mission and decency that pre-empts temptations to use the office for personal gain.
- Independence: Our candidates will represent the broad public interest at all times. They will not be intimidated by special interests, nor serve the institution of Beacon Hill at the expense of sound policy. They will disdain the “seat-at-the-table” mentality that privileges the insider, lobbyist culture; rather, they will encourage citizen engagement.
- Imagination and Boldness: A BMG-PAC candidate will bring bold, innovative, well-researched, and feasible ideas to the table, expanding the conversation and the range of possibilities. The candidate will not shrink from difficult decisions.
- Accountability: Our candidates will understand that a dollar of revenue must produce a dollar of public value.
What kinds of policies might a BMG PAC candidate champion at the state level? Just by way of example ...
- Progressive taxation
- Innovation in education; addressing inequities
- A real, long-term solution to MBTA woes, including debt
- Real, ongoing pension reform
- Encouraging entrepreneurship; cutting unnecessary red tape
- Boldly addressing health care costs
What’s the difference between donating directly to a candidate, and donating to BMG PAC? It’s pretty simple: Power and Clarity. When a person donates money, it could be for any number of reasons. BMG PAC gives money to a candidate with the expectation that your values will be represented.
We welcome your suggestions for candidates worthy of BMG PAC support -- let us know in the comments! And we will doubtless submit questionnaires to prospective candidates.
And right now we need your financial support, up to the amount of $500, in order to give this new organization the clout it needs to encourage reform. Donate securely by credit card via the "Support BMG PAC" box in the left-hand sidebar, or send a check to BMG PAC, PO Box 877, Medford, MA 02155. Thank you! |
