Bill Meyers for Congress!Bill Meyers for Congress!
1. Move the district representation towards fair economic policies and environmental responsibility.
The district is currently represented by Mike Thompson, who runs as a Democrat but votes in Congress like a Republican. The active 1st District Democrats mostly claim they are progressive - why can't they elect a Democrat who would be a member of the Progressive Caucus in Congress? Thompson misrepresents the district on major issues: education, taxation, trade policies, war and peace, and budget issues.
I believe that if publicly challenged on these issues, Mike Thompson would have to change his positions or lose his seat (if not in this election, in 2006). He might even have to switch some of the terrible votes he has made during his terms in Congress.
2. Educate the citizens on issues and politics.
Out district is a classic case of gerrymandering (see district map). Like most of the nation's congressional districts, it is "safe" for one political party. This means the corporate interests that use the Democratic and Republican parties as a tag-team against the American people can easily buy favors from whichever Democrat is sent to Congress from our district.
This presents an opportunity to progressives because it means the Green Party can't spoil anything - the district is designed to be rotten. To get enough votes to throw the district to a Republican congressional candidate, a Green candidate has to get enough votes to win the election outright.
I'll also educate citizens about the tricks used by political parties and elected officials to make sure special interests, in particular wealthy people, get what they want, but politicians have voting records that seem to satisfy their particular constituencies. I'll illustrate the difference between fighting for a result in Congress and merely expressing an opinion.
Citizens need to understand the issues and how they are manipulated by corporate and political interests. My campaign will develop methods to clarify issues for our voters.
3. Build the Green Party in our district.
At this time the only hope I see for bringing social justice and environmental responsibility to the government is the Green Party. I will be using this campaign to build the Green Party into an organization ready to govern California and the United States.
4. Prepare for a "race to win" in 2006.
Very few people in our district know Bill Meyers as this campaign begins. Very few people know how Mike Thompson has been misrepresenting them in Congress. I'm not going to be washed into office with a tide of TV and radio spots: I will be building a grassroots organization of informed citizens who know the future of our country and our world are at stake. By 2006 we should be ready to give the Republicans, including their Democratic-branded sidekick Mike Thompson, a real race for this critically important office.
