History will look at the 2010 mid-term elections as the year when big business took sides, when the Chamber of Commerce declared war on President Obama, when the Supreme Court gave corporations the right to spend unlimited sums on their favorite candidates and issues. I want it to be remembered instead as the year when citizens fought back against this abuse and took a stand. This is my attempt at fighting back and I hope you join me.
You might be familiar with my new project, Barack's Backers. I want to bring together people from all across the country to fight for Democrats this November, as it may be the most important election in our lifetime. I have never seen so much extremism, racism and hatred so openly expressed by people on the right, in the media, and by candidates funded by billionaires, Wall Street and corporate America.
Today I want to talk about how I shall take on the corporations that decide to pick political sides and I need you. I've decided to hold a contest, the winner will be announced in November. The idea is this; the five corporations who give the most money to Republicans will be declared the winners. Their prize? Notoriety, publicity, and in recognition of their accomplishments the top five will be held accountable by the people they are working against. I am recommending a boycott of these five winners, their products, services, and related enterprises.
Is this too harsh? I don't think so. If the Supreme Court thinks corporations have the right to spend freely on their political friends, it is also my right to spend my money the way I see fit. If a business wants to get involved in the political process, they must know there may be consequences for their actions. It is the only way American citizens can fight back.
Normally, corporations have steered clear of politicizing their products because of fears of a backlash by consumers. This year it doesn't seem to matter. Their hatred of Obama and the Democrats have made many business executives irrational, and they've opened up their wallets. Also, the ability to hide their contributions behind shadow identities and large groups, like the Chamber of Commerce, have given them confidence to step over the line and funnel mega dollars to the right. Since I'm sure these companies would not be so reckless if they knew others were watching, I'm going to send them a warning shot across the bow, so to speak. Not only can they read about my plan right here, but I will notifiy some of these reckless companies in the next week to give them a chance to cut back on any plans they have.
I'd really appreciate help in picking the five winners. Who's in the lead now? Who should I be watching? I plan on coming back just before the election and running a poll where you can select the finalists. It should be fun. You can follow Barack's Backers on Twitter and Facebook. Thanks for joining the fight.