The Ball is Rolling!!
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Ok everybody, the ball is now rolling on getting our presidential candidates on the bandwagon for change! Demands for the Candidates has opened up shop as a group on WeCanSolveIt.org. I am very excited about the possibilities here.

So far there have been over 1.4 million members sign up on the We Campaign, all of them calling for change in our energy policies. Imagine now if we got some of those people calling for Obama and McCain to ramp up their energy policies or risk losing votes. Do you see what I see? I see both candidates scrambling to try and gain votes by doing exactly what I suggest and trying as hard as they can not to lose any votes by ignoring the issue.

We need to make this election revolve around one thing... climate change! And the only way we are possibly going to be able to do this is by using our power as individuals in a democracy, the power of the VOTE!

Let's send a message to the candidates telling them we demand, not want, but DEMAND that they pay attention to the millions of people out there wanting a shift in the way America works.

Join Demands for the Candidates and help me put some real pressure on those who want the White House.

Thanks,

Michael

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wow
By catzluv Jul 20th 2008 at 6:27 pm EDT
you've got high great ideas and a lot of work ahead of you. One thing take a good hard look at the people you're going to be dealing with.
They all say what you want to hear when they're running and when they get in everything changes
Re: wow
By Michael Jul 20th 2008 at 6:38 pm EDT
I definitely agree with you on that. I am hoping to do primarily two things: 1. Bring media attention to the matter and therefore put pressure on the candidates to address the issue (and 50,000 people saying they won't vote for a candidate accept under certain conditions would DEFINITELY get some media attention, lol) ; and 2. Actually get the candidates to increase what they are promising to do to reverse the trends of climate change ( a promise to follow in Al Gore's footsteps and set a deadline for 2018 would be optimal).

And even if their promises come up lacking, I still think that an improvement in the candidates' energy policies would still be effective.

Don't forget though to join us at Demands for the Candidates and take a hand in the action.

Thanks,

Michael
Re: wow
By catzluv Jul 20th 2008 at 9:32 pm EDT
still sounds good. Have to get the goverment and the people to get with new ideas.They like the way things are now. Americans are wasteful and lazy people. Some don't believe there is a problem. It's hard to get everyone on board with this. It's been like this all through history. The polar caps have to be saved. We're loosing animals and ice caps at a faster rate then thought before. The weather changes are bad. Global Warming is not coming. IT'S HERE.Pickens has the right way to go.
  
Importance of "Netroots"
By Jesse Jul 20th 2008 at 7:21 pm EDT
Building on what has been said prior, the single most important aspect of climate change is AWARENESS. That's why the concept of netroots today is vital! Spreading the ideas of climate crisis via the web is the most effective method. I keep looking at the success that Obama has had in receiving mass web support-that is working!
Re: Importance of "Netroots"
By Michael Jul 20th 2008 at 7:34 pm EDT
You are absolutely correct. That's why I think we all need to work hard to capitalize on the great organization that has been built here at WeCanSolveIt.org. We could very easily amass in a matter of weeks thousands of individuals willing to hop on board with the rest of us at Demands for the Candidates.

I implore all of you, spread the word. Get as many people as you can to come and sign up with us both here at WeCanSolveIt.org. And of course, while you are at it, tell them about Demands for the Candidates, we could really turn up the heat for the candidates on this issue.

Thanks again,

Michael
  
I Agree!
By Richard Jul 20th 2008 at 7:31 pm EDT
I belive thier are many ways to tip the scale in are favor this would happen to be 1 of them. I think that oil companies as it is have got a strangle hold on the government no not government but the world. We have seen this in many places including in the Middle East and several other places some even in the U. S, like the West Coast.
Re: I Agree!
By Michael Jul 20th 2008 at 7:53 pm EDT
Your words are very true my friend, and the only way to stop those who have interest in profits from oil and not in the safety of our climate and citizenship is to stand up and use the only power we have and ordinary citizens. The power to vote.
Re: I Agree!
By the hippie vegan chick Jul 20th 2008 at 8:19 pm EDT
Not so simple. Take a look at our government leaders. Within that safety net you will find owners of big oil corporations on shore and off. Their interest is not in 'going green by 2018' - their interest is in having more green in their pockets by 2018. You're barking up the wrong tree.
And the press? Well, there are unspoken rules in government journalism and one of them, during this campaign, is to avoid the 'green' questions. Our government leaders know beforehand what questions will be asked by the press and strike the questions they want to avoid. There have been very few questions regarding global warming addressed at press conferences; just enough to pacify the majority of Americans.
Going green is a win-win situation for everyone (except for the above mentioned). Jobs won't be lost, more jobs will be created. Al Gore has promised to see to it that the coal miners all get good jobs in a clean-air environment. And they deserve that!
Right now, going green is an issue that is simple but complicated for our government and they aren't willing to put in the time to set agendas on the who, what, when, where, why & how's of this necessary change. Boils down to who's pockets will get filled, in my humble opinion.
The scientific data is plain to see. If Noble prizewinner Al Gore cannot convince our government to act now then who can? and how?
I am ready, willing and able to do my part. Hopefully we can all put our heads together and come up with a solid plan.
Peace
  
Wrong approach
By Wayne Jul 21st 2008 at 1:45 am EDT
Look, it's nice that you feel so strongly about promoting change, but making demands of candidates is not a viable solution. Are you a one issue voter? I'm not, and most other people aren't either. I do not care what Obama or Mccain promise on this issue. If I vote at all it will be for the lesser evil of these two losers, Obama, and not because I want him in, but because I do not want that other clown and his VP in.

If you want to do something to convince them to support Gore's challenge, then how about something more positive. Write, call, or email your senators and congresspeople and tell them to use thier influance through the party to get the candidate to put Gore in the cabinet.

Again, do you really think demanding a person do something, support your cause, by threatening to vote against them if they do not is a reasonable stance? Any wimp of a candidate that would actually bow to such tactics does not deserve to be elected. You think it is OK, because your cause is just? Yeah, right, like the "Right to Lifer's" cause is just? Or like the Women's Right's cause is just? Face it, as much as we believe this should be priority number one, others legitemately disagree.

Personally, I believe we can do what Gore suggests, but I don't think the way to get people on board, even candidates, is bydemands and threats, but by example. Besides, they would only lie about it to get your vote anyway, so how would you pick a candidate then if they both say they endorse it. You don't really believe their promises do you? It seems a waste of effort and energy that could be better used elsewhere.

I knowas a practicle matter one of these yahoo's will be handed way too much power in a few months, and that it would really help if they were on our side, but still, a part of me screams the other, higher thruth, voting for these idiots only encourages them.

How about we bypass these irrelevent guys and get on with answering the challenge which was made to America after all, not to, pardon the expresion, politicians.

Maybe if they see millions of Americans moving away from them to actively pursue worthy goals, one of them will get the idea and come running to catch up with all those lovely voters. It could happen.

Thus endeth the rant.

I will be withdrawing from this group after I finish this comment since I do not support it's methods for advancing our cause. The only reason I joined was so I could comment.
  
Did Obama accept Gore's challenge ... entirely?
By UncaDoug Jul 21st 2008 at 2:22 am EDT
May 25, 1961, President Kennedy established the goal of exploring the moon.

July 17, 2008, will either be a day to remember as the day America changed course on climate change, or a day America shamefully turned away from the challenge that Al Gore delivered eloquently and with passion: "I ask you to join with me to call on every candidate, at every level, to accept this challenge - for America to be running on 100 percent zero-carbon electricity in 10 years. It's time for us to move beyond empty rhetoric. We need to act now."

It is reported that Barack responded to Mr. Gore's challenge with "I strongly agree with Vice President Gore that we cannot drill our way to energy independence, but must fast-track investments in renewable sources of energy like solar power, wind power and advanced biofuels, and those are the investments I will make as president."

"100 percent zero-carbon electricity" is the central goal -- seems Barack is silent on that part.

It was obvious that Gore has been doing is homework, preparing for this milestone event, talking with a wide network of influential people, gaining commitments and widespread support before sticking his neck out. It is clear that he has made the climate a major issue among politicians, and especially put both McCain and Obama in the hot seat ... both have responded and acknowledged that they must take a lead on urgent actions once they take office, irrespective of who wins in November. A few clues in his speech indicate that some of his discussions were unresolved as to 100% acceptance by many of his "supporters." Admittedly, one can never expect to get unanimity, especially on a matter as complex as the one that faces us now -- not even with allies with whom agreements are strongest. The question in my mind is whether Barack supports all of Gore's challenge. Subtle wordsmithing in his published response indicate that there is wiggle room -- possible unresolved issues.

The Coal Conundrum ... Ol' Kaine Coal's no merry old soul

Read and see videos at Link and at Link

Barack is seriously considering a pro-coal governor as his running mate. Governor Tim Kaine has aggressively pushed a huge new coal-burning power plant in Wise County, Virginia this year. He has actively supported the plant despite the fact that it has no capacity to capture carbon and spews mercury and other pollutants into the air, and despite loud public outcry against it. Because of his support of the plant, he was named a "Dirty Rotten Scoundrel" by Washingtonian Magazine. He's pro-coal now, and he'll be pro-coal in the future as a "solution" to our energy problems.

Barack surely is weighing all the considerations that go into selecting a running mate. But the political arena is full of compromises. It would be unspeakable if he were to select Tim Kaine! A pro-coal governor is NOT the right choice for America's next Vice President.

How could Barack campaign seriously on climate issues with such a skeleton in his closet ... heck ... standing in the doorway?

How, indeed, could Al Gore campaign for Barack with Tim Kaine on the ticket ... supporing dirty coal?

(This was also posted at BarackObama.com at Link . Comment over there and build a movement. There will soon be a group on this issue to join. Stay tuned.)
  
Platform Participation Opportunities
By Press to Digitate Jul 21st 2008 at 11:41 am EDT
Both parties have opened their 2008 Platform composition process to the digital environment. It is where everyone in WE should focus their attention over the next few weeks.

Give your input to John McCain's Republican Party Platform at:

Link

Give your input to Barack Obama's Democratic Party Platform at:

Link

If all 1.4 Million WE Members hit those sites, demanding they endorse the Gore Climate Challenge, the political battle will be OVER.

Is there a way to spread these links to everyone?
Re: Platform Participation Opportunities
By Richard Jul 21st 2008 at 2:20 pm EDT
Just though I would throw in this 2 cent idea incase this doesn't work out in are favor.

How about we start are own car company with a new type of car that wouldn't rely on any form of fuel other then solar and wind and or heluim energy?

Of course we would have to patent the car so no automotive or oil company could produce it but are selves I have already myself come up with an engine idea.
Re: Platform Participation Opportunities
By Lauren Jul 25th 2008 at 5:51 pm EDT
Hi!
I'm Lauren, and I manage this social networking tool here at the We Campaign. I wanted to say that I love your group and this idea of targeting the candidates' platforms, in particular! Discussing and acting on great ideas like this is exactly what wecansolveit.org is intended to facilitate. Thank you and let me know what I can do to help!

Lauren
  

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