Sam Rasoul is brightest hope for change

Submitted, letter to the editor
Published: October 29, 2008

“[T]he 20th century,” writes Alex Carey, “has been characterized by three developments of great political importance: the growth of democracy, the growth of corporate power and the growth of corporate propaganda as a means of protecting corporate power against democracy.”

If we are to meet the challenges facing our country, from achieving energy independence and arresting the course of global warming, to providing health-care coverage to all Americans, to drafting a fair farm bill that gives small farmers from Virginia to Africa a fighting chance and consumers real choice, we must at long last take seriously the need to protect our democracy against the stranglehold of corporate power and the lobbyists who do its bidding.

Gratefully, there is a movement afoot to change Congress, with office seekers such as 6th District Democratic candidate Sam Rasoul pledging to only accept contributions from individual citizens (no lobbyists or political action committees), to support the fundamental reform of congressional earmarks, to increase congressional transparency and to support public financing of public elections.

Barack Obama has galvanized millions with his message of hope and change, but he can’t make good on his many campaign promises alone. To realize real change, he will need a Democratic Congress that shares his vision and his commitment to change – to draft and pass legislation that turns rhetoric into reality and good intentions into the law of the land. Sam Rasoul is the 6th district’s brightest hope for change. If you will work for him this fall, I know in my heart of hearts that he will work for us for years to come.

Constance Merritt
Lynchburg