I was in Modesto canvassing in my Dem Make Life Better t-shirt. After canvassing, I went to dinner with friends, still in my t-shirt. One man kept looking at me and smiling, and later the woman he was with came over and said how much she agreed with me. I received one glare as I was leaving, but that was not a problem for me. As Kathy said, wearing these t-shirts in red or purple areas is really good, because it shows we are proud of being Democrats and not afraid to show our support.
Great to hear, Steve! I was canvassing this weekend in Tulare and also wore my DMLB t-shirts - one day the English version and the next day the Spanish version. It helped kick of conversations with voters, and I even chatted amicably with a MAGA supporter at a restaurant. One conversation at a time, we can make a difference!
Awesome to see a smiling pic of our “friend” Shawn wearing his t. He convinced me months ago and I’ve been wearing a t since February .Not a single, negative response in my MAGA Florida county! PLEASE join us, especially if you live in a RED area. As Simon Rosenberg says….We need to be loud and proud !!
THANK YOU for the How Dems Make Life Better SUMMARY!! I own a "Dems Make Life Better" t-shirt but was hesitant to wear it to the grocery store because I might be unprepared for the ensuing discussions. I was seriously starting to build my own list inspired by Simon Rosenberg's graphic description of how many relative jobs have been created by Democrats (Biden, Obama, Clinton) vs Republicans (Bush, Bush, Trump) https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/saturday-roundup-new-2024-election?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2
Marsha , I just started wearing some pro abortion and vote tee shirts so when I saw this one I quickly ordered mine. I’m tired of being angry and I’m looking forward to more positive interactions which I hope this T-shirt will start.
Sharon, I’ve been wearing a Biden/Harris t since Feb in my MAGA FL county. I’ve not had a single,negative response or conversation. It’s empowering !👕🛒
T shirts are fine, but how about something much larger?
Can We Harness Lightning and Transform the Political Landscape?
The Great American Democracy Experiment survived the 2020 Election, but barely. A few less votes in Georgia; a few less principled Republican state election officials, and it might have ended. Who would have thought that possible? But even if you think the Democrats will win the 2024 Election, there is no reason to think it will be decisive or transformational, and something
as simple as a third party candidate, a Biden health event, or a dip in the economy could jeopardize even a close win. We need something transformational. And we need it now.
Republicans promise specific actions if elected, and it works!
In 1994, Newt Gingrich’s Contract With America gave the Republicans their first majority in the House of Representatives in 40 years. In 2009, the carefully and deceptively created Tea Party was far more effective than the number of its supporters. In 2016 and 2020 Trump promised to appoint specific Far Right Judges, and did. And now the MAGA cult, unfazed by sedition and 91
felony indictments, has created Project 2025, a detailed and harrowing plan to dismantle our Democratic Government. Now Trump is promising dictatorship “from day one”, and a host of harrowing promises no one should doubt he would love to enforce.
Meanwhile Democrats keep doing the same old, same old, unwilling to change, making only the vaguest of promises, and unable to connect with many of the voters who would most benefit from their policies.
Could it finally be time for People Fed Up With Both Parties to try something new? Like the Republicans, make specific promises if elected, but, unlike the Republicans, choose equality, truth, Science, harness the power of social media to create broad voter enthusiasm for very specific, very popular goals, and tie candidates’ future success to actually working to fulfill those promises.
Harness Lighting: Imagine if a variety of influencers could create the viral social media energy and enthusiasm of an Occupy Wall Street, Taylor Swift Concert Tour, or “Rich Men North of Richmond” but harness it to power a clear and focused plan to transform the political landscape , finally improve a host of problems, and benefit a huge majority of Americans. Here is how:
How a Contract For Fed Up Voters (or a better name) could work:
1. Create a website which explains the Contract, how it works, what is promised, and allows (almost) anyone running for any elected office to pledge to do everything in their power to achieve the goals of the Contract if elected.
2. The website would also allow voters to see the issues, and pledge to vote for all candidates in their voting districts who pledge to try to achieve the goals of the Contract.
3. All Candidates pledging support of the Contract would be displayed on the Contract’s website, and voters could enter their zip code to see all of the pledged candidates in their local, state, and national voting districts.
4. Only the zip code of pledged voters would be shared with anyone, but Candidates would know how many voters from each zip code in their district supported the Contract.
5. Use influencers and social media experts to make the concept go viral. As millions of voters sign up, new and existing Candidates with similar beliefs, will choose to endorse also. Candidates from all parties are welcome to sign, but ban those who clearly have no intention of complying.
Some Issues which might be included:
(Final included issues and specifics TBD)
Emphasis on preserving the best of our traditions: Equal rights under the law for everyone, and reliance on Science, Truth, and Tolerance, as fundamental to our governance; rather than hierarchical autocratic rulers with grievance based followers imposing their values on others. For example:
Reproductive Rights
This is probably our strongest issue. Millions of women unlikely to vote for Democrats realize their personal health decisions are in real jeopardy. It is far past time to propose a comprehensive, clearly stated, reproductive health policy, and make sure all women (and men) are aware of it
Make Abortion unnecessary and obsolete, not illegal; Make Contraception, Plan B, condoms, etc., so encouraged, available, and affordable that the vast majority of women choose whether to have a child BEFORE they get pregnant.
Some Abortions would still be necessary: rape, incest, contraception failure, health of baby or mother, etc. But have as a goal an 80–90% reduction in Therapeutic Abortions. (abortion rates now are about 50–70% of their peak)
We can be Pro-Choice to an unprecedented degree. At the same time we can decrease abortions more effectively than the forced-birthers, without their draconian laws, and dangerous interference with medical care and personal decisions. We can eliminate their coercion, shaming, cruelty, undue cost, risk, and inconvenience to women, Encouraging universal family planning, would also provide better primary care to many underserved women and families, should decrease our shameful black maternal mortality rates, and more than pay for itself in decreased future costs.
These laws should be nation wide, and lawmakers should be broadly banned from limiting Doctors’ Standard of Care actions and overriding FDA decisions.
Ethics
Supreme Court
The incredible egregious and arrogant actions of Justices Alito and Thomas should prompt maximal Legislative actions even before the election to try to force their recusal from any Trump related cases. They also make the lack of Supreme Court ethics a powerful issue for this contract. It is imperative that Democrats win the Presidency and both Houses of Congress and radically reform the Supreme Court.
Ethical Rules for Congress
There was a time not too long ago when paying lawmakers to get laws you wanted was called “corruption”. Now it is called “business as usual”. Some changes, like banning individual stock ownership, better discouraging insider trading, stopping the “revolving door” between legislators and lobbyists, etc., seem relatively easy but are not happening now. More powerful rules, like forced recusal from votes benefitting your donors above a certain amount are trickier, but worth considering. But now, lobbying is immensely cost effective, is generally favorable to some group at the expense of the general public, and hugely undermines citizens’ faith in government. And there are legal ways we could lessen its effectiveness.
Voter Rights and Functioning, Ethical, Governance
Protection of election workers; Ban all voter discouraging actions; Encourage easy voting; ; Mail in ballots; Election day holiday? Longer voting hours; Paper trail for all voting;
I was in Modesto canvassing in my Dem Make Life Better t-shirt. After canvassing, I went to dinner with friends, still in my t-shirt. One man kept looking at me and smiling, and later the woman he was with came over and said how much she agreed with me. I received one glare as I was leaving, but that was not a problem for me. As Kathy said, wearing these t-shirts in red or purple areas is really good, because it shows we are proud of being Democrats and not afraid to show our support.
Great to hear, Steve! I was canvassing this weekend in Tulare and also wore my DMLB t-shirts - one day the English version and the next day the Spanish version. It helped kick of conversations with voters, and I even chatted amicably with a MAGA supporter at a restaurant. One conversation at a time, we can make a difference!
Awesome to see a smiling pic of our “friend” Shawn wearing his t. He convinced me months ago and I’ve been wearing a t since February .Not a single, negative response in my MAGA Florida county! PLEASE join us, especially if you live in a RED area. As Simon Rosenberg says….We need to be loud and proud !!
👕🛒🪧
THANK YOU for the How Dems Make Life Better SUMMARY!! I own a "Dems Make Life Better" t-shirt but was hesitant to wear it to the grocery store because I might be unprepared for the ensuing discussions. I was seriously starting to build my own list inspired by Simon Rosenberg's graphic description of how many relative jobs have been created by Democrats (Biden, Obama, Clinton) vs Republicans (Bush, Bush, Trump) https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/saturday-roundup-new-2024-election?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2
Marsha , I just started wearing some pro abortion and vote tee shirts so when I saw this one I quickly ordered mine. I’m tired of being angry and I’m looking forward to more positive interactions which I hope this T-shirt will start.
Sharon, I’ve been wearing a Biden/Harris t since Feb in my MAGA FL county. I’ve not had a single,negative response or conversation. It’s empowering !👕🛒
Hi Marsha - I'm so gratifed to hear that the DMLB summary is helpful for you!! You're ready for the grocery store now:)
Fantastic! I already have a long sleeved tee shirt and need a short sleeved one. Will share widely!
I wish you had chosen the term Reproductive Health.
T shirts are fine, but how about something much larger?
Can We Harness Lightning and Transform the Political Landscape?
The Great American Democracy Experiment survived the 2020 Election, but barely. A few less votes in Georgia; a few less principled Republican state election officials, and it might have ended. Who would have thought that possible? But even if you think the Democrats will win the 2024 Election, there is no reason to think it will be decisive or transformational, and something
as simple as a third party candidate, a Biden health event, or a dip in the economy could jeopardize even a close win. We need something transformational. And we need it now.
Republicans promise specific actions if elected, and it works!
In 1994, Newt Gingrich’s Contract With America gave the Republicans their first majority in the House of Representatives in 40 years. In 2009, the carefully and deceptively created Tea Party was far more effective than the number of its supporters. In 2016 and 2020 Trump promised to appoint specific Far Right Judges, and did. And now the MAGA cult, unfazed by sedition and 91
felony indictments, has created Project 2025, a detailed and harrowing plan to dismantle our Democratic Government. Now Trump is promising dictatorship “from day one”, and a host of harrowing promises no one should doubt he would love to enforce.
Meanwhile Democrats keep doing the same old, same old, unwilling to change, making only the vaguest of promises, and unable to connect with many of the voters who would most benefit from their policies.
Could it finally be time for People Fed Up With Both Parties to try something new? Like the Republicans, make specific promises if elected, but, unlike the Republicans, choose equality, truth, Science, harness the power of social media to create broad voter enthusiasm for very specific, very popular goals, and tie candidates’ future success to actually working to fulfill those promises.
Harness Lighting: Imagine if a variety of influencers could create the viral social media energy and enthusiasm of an Occupy Wall Street, Taylor Swift Concert Tour, or “Rich Men North of Richmond” but harness it to power a clear and focused plan to transform the political landscape , finally improve a host of problems, and benefit a huge majority of Americans. Here is how:
How a Contract For Fed Up Voters (or a better name) could work:
1. Create a website which explains the Contract, how it works, what is promised, and allows (almost) anyone running for any elected office to pledge to do everything in their power to achieve the goals of the Contract if elected.
2. The website would also allow voters to see the issues, and pledge to vote for all candidates in their voting districts who pledge to try to achieve the goals of the Contract.
3. All Candidates pledging support of the Contract would be displayed on the Contract’s website, and voters could enter their zip code to see all of the pledged candidates in their local, state, and national voting districts.
4. Only the zip code of pledged voters would be shared with anyone, but Candidates would know how many voters from each zip code in their district supported the Contract.
5. Use influencers and social media experts to make the concept go viral. As millions of voters sign up, new and existing Candidates with similar beliefs, will choose to endorse also. Candidates from all parties are welcome to sign, but ban those who clearly have no intention of complying.
Some Issues which might be included:
(Final included issues and specifics TBD)
Emphasis on preserving the best of our traditions: Equal rights under the law for everyone, and reliance on Science, Truth, and Tolerance, as fundamental to our governance; rather than hierarchical autocratic rulers with grievance based followers imposing their values on others. For example:
Reproductive Rights
This is probably our strongest issue. Millions of women unlikely to vote for Democrats realize their personal health decisions are in real jeopardy. It is far past time to propose a comprehensive, clearly stated, reproductive health policy, and make sure all women (and men) are aware of it
Make Abortion unnecessary and obsolete, not illegal; Make Contraception, Plan B, condoms, etc., so encouraged, available, and affordable that the vast majority of women choose whether to have a child BEFORE they get pregnant.
Some Abortions would still be necessary: rape, incest, contraception failure, health of baby or mother, etc. But have as a goal an 80–90% reduction in Therapeutic Abortions. (abortion rates now are about 50–70% of their peak)
We can be Pro-Choice to an unprecedented degree. At the same time we can decrease abortions more effectively than the forced-birthers, without their draconian laws, and dangerous interference with medical care and personal decisions. We can eliminate their coercion, shaming, cruelty, undue cost, risk, and inconvenience to women, Encouraging universal family planning, would also provide better primary care to many underserved women and families, should decrease our shameful black maternal mortality rates, and more than pay for itself in decreased future costs.
These laws should be nation wide, and lawmakers should be broadly banned from limiting Doctors’ Standard of Care actions and overriding FDA decisions.
Ethics
Supreme Court
The incredible egregious and arrogant actions of Justices Alito and Thomas should prompt maximal Legislative actions even before the election to try to force their recusal from any Trump related cases. They also make the lack of Supreme Court ethics a powerful issue for this contract. It is imperative that Democrats win the Presidency and both Houses of Congress and radically reform the Supreme Court.
Ethical Rules for Congress
There was a time not too long ago when paying lawmakers to get laws you wanted was called “corruption”. Now it is called “business as usual”. Some changes, like banning individual stock ownership, better discouraging insider trading, stopping the “revolving door” between legislators and lobbyists, etc., seem relatively easy but are not happening now. More powerful rules, like forced recusal from votes benefitting your donors above a certain amount are trickier, but worth considering. But now, lobbying is immensely cost effective, is generally favorable to some group at the expense of the general public, and hugely undermines citizens’ faith in government. And there are legal ways we could lessen its effectiveness.
Voter Rights and Functioning, Ethical, Governance
Protection of election workers; Ban all voter discouraging actions; Encourage easy voting; ; Mail in ballots; Election day holiday? Longer voting hours; Paper trail for all voting;
Eliminate Gerrymandering