I'm all for grassroots political funding but squeezing the Golden Goose repeatedly is a mistake. Below is an example of just such a mistake. I have given to this campaign on numerous accounts because my perception was the need (use of proceeds) was real, the candidate was real, and the consequences for not making dramatic game-changing changes were too dire. As a result, I have been forgiving on dismissing as a necessary evil the incessant barrage of request for funds throughout the primary and general election campaigns. I figured the net needed to be thrown wide.
Now however, the campaign and election are over. I raised an eyebrow with recent requests for transition and inauguration funds - I didn't contribute. I'm cringing with the requests now.
For sometime I've kept an eye on Obama's grass-roots/social network machine. Why? Because I'm hoping he is going to do something truly special and revolutionary with it - use the machine/process to mobilize armies of citizens to good causes. To allow ordinary people to do extraordinary things on a massive scale. With Obama, I've learned it is a good thing to look over the horizon because every time, I see that he has already been there.
Imagine what Obama's engine could do for spot crisis such as Katrina? Imagine using messages below as a call for citizens to be prepared. To pay into a fund for future or current deployment at the discretion of the President. Imagine the power of citizens en mass responding to a crises because they already funded a response with their own money pre-positioned for just such an event? Imagine Red-Cross 2.0? This is just an idea on how to use the power of the people for good causes.
Using this very special machine to lure funds with cheesy calendars for a purpose unidentified is simply disappointing at best and insulting at worst. This is not horizon work.
Please do not misuse and squander the goodwill created by empowering ordinary people to participate in performing extraordinary acts. Show me a higher purpose and I'll show you funds and I'll show you feet on the ground where needed.
John Haggard
John --
This holiday season, celebrate the historic accomplishment of our movement for change. Treat yourself or a loved one to a limited edition four-year calendar featuring some of the best images from the campaign trail.
Make a donation of $35 or more right now and get an official Obama calendar to mark an amazing year:
Items purchased by December 15th are guaranteed to be delivered before December 25th.
When you make your donation, you'll be supporting the Democratic National Committee. The resources they invested in the 50-state organizing strategy made this movement possible -- help us build for future victories together.
Share this amazing moment with your friends and family. Thanks to supporters like you, we all have the opportunity to bring real change to America.
Get your holiday Obama calendar today:
https://donate.barackobama.com/calendar
Thank you,
Obama for America
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