The Plan

~ susie

I have this idea for a new organization (I’ve been putting a few feelers out there), and I’m interested in your feedback.

I’ve given up on the idea of making substantial change through either party, primarily because of corporate money. So my idea is a populist organization that will focus on strategic consumer issues — that will have the effect of undercutting corporate influence.

For instance: Suppose Kabletown wanted to buy a television network. If they have the money and enough lobbyists, there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell the FCC will deny them the opportunity, right? Right! (And of course they’re not going to see things our way on net neutrality, for instance.)

But suppose a non-partisan consumer organization puts together a successful national campaign against monopoly cable rates? This has several benefits: 1) People are working together against corporate control and not being fractured along party lines 2) It’s getting consumers in the habit of fighting back and 3) It undermines the political power of large corporations by making them radioactive to politicians.

Ideas? Funding leads?

Published by susie

12 thoughts on “The Plan”

  3. Scuze my ignance, Suze, but what’s the diff between your type of consumer advocacy and all the rest that are out there. Hey, I’m with you on anything that moves us progressively away from where we’ve been stuck for the last 3 decades; you DO want devil’s advocates, right? Yea, I think so, too.

  4. Dandy: I think Suzie is talking about monopoly/price issues rather than product safety, which is usually the focus of consumer advocacy (as I understand it). I think it’s a good idea.

  5. Mine would be strategic — that is, it would have political effects that were not possible through the political process.

  7. Sort of an illegitimate third party. Who or what will be the evil genius at the heart of the plan?

  8. Would you consider the grassroots support of Elizabeth Warren to head the CFP thing a model structure?

  10. I generally like the idea and I think I get how it would be different from the already existing efforts, but boy howdy, talk about “herding kittens.” In today’s cultural/political climate you’re gonna find yourself building coalitions out of some pretty diverse populations. They may all share a common goal on one topic but that’s where it starts and ends. Evil genius indeed. You’ll be working overtime to keep them all on the same page long enough to accomplish something. I suggest you invest in some stainless steel underwear before you start.

  12. Good, I am extremely pleased that you are moving over to the offensive. You have good sense. You have a clear view of what is going on. You communicate your thoughts very clearly.

    Ah, thank you, Susie, best news in months.

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