Could Sarah Palin lead the way for OWS to forge a Congressional Reform Act?

I think your logic makes sense. For me, the fact that Sarah doesn't really have an "agenda" anymore, makes her less suspicous. But even so, your point is valid. she can reach some audience that otherwise would not available to the movement.

Maybe I'll ask her to join PETA. Too soon?

Do you have any idea how to go about bringing a referendum to the voters? Do you know the process the people of Washington St. went through to have their say directly? This is something I could definitely get behind, but I have no clue as to how best support such a measure.

After having a look at the piece on your blog one question sprung to mind instantly. It is said that the content has been taken from an email of Warren Buffet's and I wonder why if he is the author of, or supportive of this Reform Act, why is he not actively pushing it? He certainly has the resources to make it happen I would think.

Forget about the messenger, what is wrong with the message? Who cares who is saying it, what was said has real value. Has partisanship infected everyone to the extent they will ignore common sense out of spite?

I see your point Robert. But what happens if Sarah Palin serves Sarah Palin instead of the movement? All of her political jockeying has been self serving. I think I would be very suspicious of her motives because of her past. YET. Her value is that the media loves to follow her. That is some good exposure. The question is, how do we keep her on task serving others instead of serving her self?

On the other hand, she has nothing more to gain in politics. Maybe her interest in equality is real and we should embrace it.

I am just seeing this as an opportunity to bridge the gap across the partisan divide among the people. When it comes right down to it the supporters of the GOP and the supporters of the Democrats all want essentially the same things in life, freedom, prosperity and a brighter future for their children. The animosity and hatred between the differing ideologies has been fanned by the media on both sides to the point where people no longer discuss issues, they tend to shout each other down, to insult the intellect and integrity of the other rather than working together to find a common ground upon which progress can be achieved. I would hope that this piece by Sarah can provide a bit of common ground for all the people to stand together on. Neither contingent has all the answers, the correct solutions and it is my opinion that until we can get back to true compromise and reasonable discussion that we are doomed to keep fighting this endless partisan battle that only enables those in power to continue to serve a single agenda, the agenda of entitlement for the wealthy and the oppression of the masses.

It is impossible to know what her true intent is, nor do we have any influence to keep her on the task of serving to greater good. I would just hate to see an opportunity lost to ideological based hatred, self righteousness and ignorance. Whatever Sarah is up to, let us make the best possible use of her while she does command the media spotlight. And I guess it is possible that in abandoning political ambition that Sarah has discovered a new purpose in her life, but I would not bet on it and it is certainly wise to remain skeptical of her motives

Earlier I spoke with a knowledgable friend who said that Sarah was a progressive Republican when she was in Alaska government. He said that she did some good things for Alaska. He felt that she got herself turned around when the national spotlight hit her. In his opinion, she probably had/has some ideas that are similar to those of the 99%. So your point is well taken Robert.

Thanks for that bit of background Maurice. I cannot say that I am that familiar with the internal affairs of Alaska, but I do recall that when her nomination to be on the ticket was first announced that there was some pretty good press about her governance. And positive press from all the media, not just from Pox News. I don't think it is much of a stretch to imagine that the nomination went to her head, and then found herself floundering when realizing that she was in over her head. All in all, I find this to be a fascinating turn of events and will be interested to see how it plays out

I too find it fascinating. That is why I posted the story in the first place! I will say though that most people are highly suspect of her intentions. In the final analysis, time will be the teller of all things.

I have been giving this some more thought... I think she may be trying to find the next gravy train to which she can hitch her wagon. I am highly suspect of her actions, though I agree completely with what she said. Having said that, I tend to think she is more self-serving than serving selfless.

Yes, that is likely the case, but I am finding the partisanship exhibited on this story rather disheartening. Its as though people are willing to ignore common sense because they do not like the source of it. Of course she is self serving, but I think everyone is missing the boat on this. Sarah's self serving actions should be taken as a means to quell the bitter partisan squabbling that only enables Washington to ignore the needs of all of us.

True true. My first reaction was to slam her, the easy target and all that. But you are right, we are all in this together and we will have to work together to fix the country.

Whatever her motives, maybe we can use her, in a good way of course, to effect change?

Ya know, olblue, that was my first thought: maybe we can use Palin somehow. But the overwhelming response has been, "What is she up to?" "I don't trust her." I am succumbing to the notion that she is trying to hitch her wagon on the next best media gravy train. I don't want to believe that, but, what other options does sh have? She is OUT of the political arena and the only thing available is left wing christians, or, this massive ground swell called OWS. Media-wise, this is a good move on her part. I think we need to be suspicious of her.

She has been bought and paid for like a two dollor whore

I think you grossly underestimate Sarah's price

Ok so she is a high priced whore but a whore none the less.

That should still not be used as reason to discredit or ignore what was said.

There is something I think you have overlooked here, and that is the current batch of representatives don't need to be bought buy the 1%, they are part of the 1% themselves. As long as people continue to send only wealthy elites to Washington I do not think they should expect legislation that does not favor the wealthy.

If there is to be a referendum, I would suggest it be one to impose complete public funding of all campaigns, with strict rules and harsh penalties (jail time, fines mean nothing to these elites) for anyone who violates the rules. That is a way in which we can return power to the 99%, fpor then the possibility of serving in government is open to anyone with good ideas rather than only to those who can afford to campaign

You are correct. Thus sending a new batch of players to DC would be counter-productive. Therefore a Congressional Reform Act with the idea added about public campaign financing that you just suggested would be the most likely way to effect radical change. Footnote: it shouldn't have to be radical- except that Congress is completely out of control. Thank you Robert. These are the kinds of conversations that need to be shaping the action for a national referendum.

Its a pleasure to engage in conversation that extends beyond "you are an idiot" or "If only we could get rid of the Rethuglicans". Venting frustration may be fun, but it accomplishes little

I agree completely. Even if there are the odd decent representative in Congress, get rid of ALL of them and send a clear and unmistakable message to those who are elected. Either represent OUR interests, or start looking for a new job because we will vote your sorry ass out of the one you have now

If someone doesn't recognize the message, they're not listening. If someone feels a 'mockery' has been made of the movement, then they should stop listening to 'political pundits'.
The movement is stronger than ever, but I believe it is time to metamorphose into something less about occupying space and more about changing the landscape.

And you found this to be clear and cohesive?
I read 21 bullet points about acts perpetrated against the American public.
Things i already know.
Is it really that critical of me to want to see demands made of Corporations and Government?
Like actually doing something about the national debt.
Or congress introduce a bill which prohibits credit card companies and banks from raping the middle class.
Or introducing Lobbyist Reform.
ANYTHING!
People are so excited that they only see what they want to.
I am telling you friend.
This is quickly spinning into mayhem and nothingness.
Save this post for 6 months from now and read it again.

did y ou read my whole post? "then feel free to browse the various work groups that are writing the proposals that go before the GAs. people just arent doing their homework, preferring to have their info spoon fed as the old paradigm is very happy to do for you"

Palin is indeed an opportunist, but your comment comes across like a Democratic campaign attack ad, offering nothing but criticism and no ideas. At least Palin is offering real, concrete actions to be pursued here

well said sir. I agree that many of the names would likely support a Congressional Reform Act. The question is, how do we create a national referendum?

He did say something important: that there are those in power that would support a Congressional Reform Act.

That is true, but I do have to seriously question what kind of reform we can actually expect to come from those already in office, who have gotten used to making platitudes to the public which offer no real effect. Look at the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform, it sounded good but in reality did absolutely nothing.

I believe the only way of ever seeing serious reform is through electing new people to Congress with a mandate to impose such reforms. And to discard them immediately if they do not fulfill that mandate. We should expect nothing from the current crop of representatives, they have shown already by their actions that the interests they serve are not ours

I haven't yet read the article, but I'm not so prejudiced I could not
believe that to be true. I simply meant with all the baggage Palin
is carrying, she might not be the one to run with it. But then who
knows ? You must understand that as a community member I
belong to a group headed up by JanforGore. During the 2008
election Microsoft sponsored an hour featuring Palin advocating
Why don't we drill for oil in our own back yard ? She meant her
back yard. Palin is in the Big Oil camp. They have to be one of
THE most corrupting parts of the .001%. I'm just saying she can't
wear 2 hats at the same time.

If it were possible to vote out ALL incumbents, then that could work. However, without REFORMS to the lobby system, the amazing perks and other benefits, newbies will succumb to the bribes and benefits. Thus I think the people need a true reform referendum.

In this I completely agree with you. Her baggage is immense and there is no way that she herself could lead a movement that would gather widespread support. I am just hoping that she may lead some of the conservative minded people who listen to her to get behind a non-partisan movement, and despite all of her baggage, all of her campaign idiocy there is something of real value in this editorial from her that should, in my opinion, become the backbone of such a movement. I did not intend for anything I've said on this page to be an endorsement of Palin herself

I agree with you. She writes this now ( that is, if she even wrote this herself) yet didn't seem to mind being in that same system not that long ago when it suited her ambitions.

Stunned is an understatement! WTF was my response. And yet, strangely, I felt that maybe there is something humanized about Palin. Her comments are spot on.

I agree, she is right on target. I hope that some of the conservative minded voters are still listening to Sarah, if she is going to begin talking real common sense like this she may actually be able to be a positive influence. I'm glad you posted this piece and I hope that it gets a little attention here