I got a letter from Claire McCaskill today. Actually, it was one of the many fundraising letters I get as a result of doing some heavy lifting last year - I gave big time to President Obama's campaign and gave to several Senatorial and Congressional campaigns. I have been ignoring these letters for the most part, but today something in me decided that I needed to stop.
Here is the fundraising email I got:
Dear nsfbr(not really what it said),
I'm an optimist. That's why I have to shake my head at some of our Republican friends, who have turned negativity into an art form.
But I've said it once, and I'll say it again: Never bet against America. Never.
Here's what I think: This is the best chance we've had in generations to get America back on the right track. We have a new President in the White House. Now we need a stronger Democratic Senate to pass President Obama's agenda: better jobs, a robust economy, clean energy, health care choices and an education system worthy of our children.
But accomplishing these goals requires more than optimism: it takes early money. Senate Democrats need your help. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is coming upon an important fundraising deadline, and it has $199,543 left to raise to stay on track to its goal. If you donate today, a group of Democratic senators will automatically match your gift two-to-one, effectively tripling your contribution. You'll also receive a free "Change Starts With Me" car magnet if you donate $5 or more. Show your pride in being a voice for positive change!
Nobody knows the power of the DSCC's team of grassroots supporters better than I do. The assistance I received from the DSCC was important in 2006, and you can bet it will be just as important for others in the coming election, too.
It's crucial to re-electing the 18 Democratic senators who will be defending their seats in 2010. We've seen how good the Republicans can be at gumming up the legislative process. The loss of Democratic seats would make it all that much harder to bring about the positive change we voted for in November.
It's also crucial to electing great new senators. In my home state of Missouri, the retirement of Republican Sen. Kit Bond means we Democrats have the chance to gain another vote. Giving great candidates early support is an important part of the DSCC's winning strategy, but all the strategy in the world doesn't mean much unless the DSCC can meet each and every fundraising deadline with the help of generous contributions from people like you.
One of the best parts of my job as a United States senator is the chance it gives me to work hard every day for the people of Missouri. Thank you for everything you do to make our country and world a better place. And always remember, America's best days are ahead of us.
Sincerely,
Claire McCaskill
Sen. Claire McCaskill
Now, I'm not going to argue with the premise that early money is important, or that we need good candidates. Hell, from what I've seen we need better Senators and Congress critters. I've just had about all I can take with the complete lack of leadership out of the entire bunch. It boggles my mind that Senator Kennedy has to watch his legacy teeter on the brink while he battles brain cancer. I see one or two of our Democratic Senators and Representatives showing some backbone, but as a group they are the most disappointing collection one could imagine. I mean of the 59 senators on our side, I'd say I'm truly happy with maybe two dozen, if that. It doesn't look much better in the House. Really.
So here, without further ado, is my response:
Dear Claire,
I gave to the president's campaign in large amounts last year, and made contributions in somewhat smaller amount as well to senatorial and congressional races. Both of these were first of a lifetime things for me. I have been completely disheartened by the results of Congress so far and while I do see myself participating in President Obama's re-election, unless I see a complete turn-around from Congress, there will be no more money coming from my pocket to elect anyone to either the Senate or the House. I'm particularly disheartened by Kay Hagan - it is as if her positions on health care were left behind by her predecessor.
So, good luck on your fund raising, but please don't bother looking my way until we address the following:
A STRONG public option on health care - Remember, this IS the compromise. A single payer system is what we wanted, having a public option without triggers is not negotiable.
Repeal of DOMA and DADT - You all should be ashamed that you are dropping this on the President's shoulders. Repeal them this session or you have yourselves to blame for the wrath of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. I'm tired of apologizing to them for you and your colleagues.
Real action on reducing our use of Carbon based fuels. A tax on its use is the only sane path forward. Is there a reason the rest of the world builds the vehicles that make sense? Yes, because rather than fight wars over oil, the have chosen to tax its use in a way that causes alternatives to be pursued. If Congress makes gas carry a 100% tax, I'm pretty sure the rest of the problem solves itself - you can use some of the money to make sure the lower income groups don't suffer, but for me - I'd much rather pay a tax on gas than pay for defending oil fields.
This isn't hard. I will give money to support change. It is what I voted for.
Best regards,
nsfbr(still not really what I said)
Here is the crazy thought I had. While it may not be totally effective for me to hold back my contribution because of the piss poor job I see the congress doing. It could be effective if a large number of people who receive these emails reply back and explain why we aren't giving. I intend to reply to each and every one of these I get, and while doing so referencing the previous emails. Eventually, it might get through that they are turning away large $$$ by not acting.
So, what are your thoughts? Will you join me? Am I delusional to think that I can convince my fellow Kossacks to do this? Your letter doesn't need to agree with mine - It SHOULDN'T agree with mine necessarily. But I'll bet that my top issues are close to your top issues.