Citizens of Kitsap County gathered at the Poulsbo Library Community Center via MoveOn.org on May 4 to discuss an action plan to combat corporate dominance in America.
MoveOn is a progressive, nonprofit, internet based network of organizations, responsible for more than 100 community forums taking place throughout the country. Approximately 50 people turned out at the Poulsbo forum.
Paul McCollum agreed to host and lead the event. As he said, he was “the one who clicked the button.”
His personal history with corporate influence comes from environmental studies he had performed on Unocal in Alaska. He presented a short testimony on how the corporation lobbied its way around discharging restrictions.
Participants were divided into groups. Discussions ranged from the financial crisis and the banking industry, to campaign financing and corporate lobbying in the scope of democracy, to methods of organization and engaging other community members.
Referring to the financial crisis, Robert Kuchman, an independent financial adviser, said it was his opinion that “It’s far worse than what they’re talking about. We all want to blame the Republicans, but the Democrats are equally involved.”
Kuchman spoke out against President Barack Obama’s efforts to remedy the situation, saying that the current bill will only make superficial changes unless crucial amendments are included that address the central flaws responsible for the collapse.
Participants were in general agreement that the economy has to be brought back to the local level.
Channie Peters, a former banker, said, “large banks are not in our best interest.”
Her suggestion was “banking locally with respect to credit unions. They are nonprofit and owned by their members.”
Peters also talked about campaign finance reform, saying that “reform has to come from grassroots at the state level.”
She spoke of a movement currently under way in Washington state to have publicly financed elections, organized by Washington Public Campaigns. Similar movements are taking place in other states.
The general recognition was that we cannot stand by idly and hope Washington will solve our problems. Civic organization and action are required.
While the participants were predominantly liberal, many expressed a desire to reach across party lines to their friends on the right side of the spectrum. It was suggested to create an organization separate from MoveOn and their progressive stance, one exclusive to Kitsap County and more party neutral.
“‘Progressive’ is a tarnished label. We should be gathering under the label of ‘citizens,’” said Chris Henry, a research and development engineer. “The dividing line is citizen sovereignty versus corporate sovereignty.”
The level of participation and enthusiasm were beyond expectations, and it is likely there will be future gatherings of this nature.
“I was completely blown away as to the great energy and ideas,” said McCollum in a follow-up email to the participants. “Looking forward to keeping in touch and keeping things going.”
Hildi Flores
Poulsbo
