Our two major political parties in the U.S. have never been very creative regarding policy choices. They typically adopt the policy ideas of third parties. In Boulder County, we have an inspirational third party (Green) candidate for commissioner named Cliff Wilmeng. He stands alone, or is certainly the most aggressive, in speaking some hard truths to power. Such as:
• "Power concedes nothing without a demand." (Frederick Douglas) Far too many Boulder policymakers want to play "Kumbayah" and ask, "Pretty please, will you stop fracking us?" As the Parkland students are showing us, a demand is the more appropriate action.
• Our U.S. Constitution has a couple of dynamics which give businesses more rights than communities. One, the Supremacy Clause, says that the federal government is at the top of the food chain. Two, it gives the U.S. Congress the power "to regulate commerce." Of course, the Congress is bought by the moneyed interests so that any regulation often benefits the business interests rather than constraining them.
• All levels of the Democratic Party have done a lot of "sheep dogging." This is where leaders corral/persuade popular opinion to accept abuses by the moneyed interests. Corruption becomes acceptable. Poisoning for profit becomes acceptable. Abusing consumers/workers/taxpayers becomes acceptable.
• In our nation's history, social progress has occurred after something bad has happened. But, the "something bad" usually isn't what actually drives the change in governmental policy. Civil disobedience has actually been the driving force behind positive change. Research labor issues, ADA, treatment of minorities, and now gun violence. You will see that this is true.
Cliff Wilmeng deserves your vote for Boulder County commissioner.
Cliff Smedley
Lafayette