And now it's mobilization time.
Mr. Obama is seizing the chance to keep his election-year supporters animated.
With lawmakers scheduled to return to work on Monday to begin intense discussions before a looming fiscal deadline, Mr. Obama’s aides are trying to harness the passions that returned him to the White House, hoping to pressure Republicans in Congress to accept tax increases on the wealthy. The president’s strategists are turning first to the millions of e-mail addresses assembled by the campaign and the White House....NYT
Okay,your weapons aren't lethal and you won't have to go through basic. But there is work to be done.
Obama aides view keeping their grass-roots supporters energized as important to the president’s second-term success on broader tax changes, an immigration overhaul and efforts on climate change.
In his first term, Mr. Obama’s yearlong battle over health care failed to inspire the millions of activists from his 2008 campaign to put pressure on Republican lawmakers.“We were stunned that it never showed up,” said a senior member of a pro-health-overhaul interest group, who asked for anonymity to avoid angering the White House. “They had this thing built, and we were waiting for them to turn it on, and it just never came.”...NYT
If you still haven't got a clue about how to become an activist, try these:
Unions and progressive groups have made a Web site, theaction.org, calling for an end to “the Bush tax cuts for the richest two percent.” Supporters are encouraged to download an “action kit” that includes materials needed to make signs, letterheads and Web site banner ads — all arguing for an end to the tax cuts.
One sign that can be printed out says “Middle Class Over Millionaires.” Another says “Fairness & Progress from Congress.” A typical banner advertisement that supporters can download and post on their Web site says “End the Bush Tax Cuts for the Wealthy.”
Visitors to the site are also given the option of expressing their support for Mr. Obama with a single click that creates a Twitter message: “The election is over. Don’t rest. Join the action. The action to end the Bush tax cuts for the rich. #theaction.”
Another button on the site takes visitors to a Facebook page that can be used to organize meet-ups for the tax fight. ...NYT
Where would big-D Democracy be without electronics?
Is it enough that we're delighted the President got his second term in the White House? Do we sit back now? Or do we help him achieve, against all odds, a fair and productive tax system?
And how do we text "a graphic explaining the president’s tax argument"?
