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John --
Among
many issues with broad consensus in the U.S. is the importance of repairing
our infrastructure. Why? Because it affects everyone almost daily, and
when it has deteriorated, it has a tendency to stop any forward
progress in its tracks.
America
has an infrastructure problem, but not just a physical one. For
every degraded rail line or crumbling bridge, there’s a closed primary
and a gerrymandered district. And then there’s our rigid, outmoded
two-party system at the root of it all. We have a political infrastructure problem, too.
Think of
it this way: What will get you to your destination faster—a worn-down
two-lane road full of potholes, detours, and closures, or a brand new,
multi-lane superhighway? Right now, America is stuck on a political
two-lane road. There’s not enough room for a lot of drivers, so many
give up and stay home.
At
Forward, we think there should be room on the political road for
everyone, to help us all get where we
need to go. That’s why we’re building the superhighway.
Speaking
of building political infrastructure…who knew it could be so fun? This
past weekend, we celebrated our progress in Phoenix with our
Forward-thinking friends in Arizona. What a blast we had!
Over food
and drinks, and in between games and entertainment, we heard from
Forward founder and co-chair Andrew Yang, Arizona Secretary of State
Adrian Fontes, former independent Congressional candidate Clint Smith,
Forward CEO Lindsey Williams Drath, and other compelling speakers.
Four local elected leaders joined our coalition by
becoming "Forward Democrats." And we enjoyed invigorating
conversation as we charted the path Forward together for a new way of
doing politics in Arizona.
Here’s
what some Forwardists had to say…
“The
kickoff of the Forward Together tour in Arizona was inspiring to see.
So many Arizonans came together, all wanting the same thing: an
improved government with elected officials who work for the people. It
was very motivating to see so many people who care enough to show up
and do what it takes to make change happen.” —Janelle I.
“As a
100% committed supporter of the Forward Party, I felt that this event
was the biggest, best, and most fun get-together we have had in
Arizona. The speakers were phenomenal and inspirational! I love to see
the traction and exposure that our movement in gaining, and because of
this event, I believe the Arizona Forward Party will continue to
flourish with new members and volunteers. Thank you, Forward HQ, for
throwing such an amazing event!” —Evan O.
Thank
you, Arizona, for being fantastic hosts! And to everyone
else, keep an eye out...we may
be hitting your city next.
OTHER NEWS &
VIEWS
Why we focus on election
reform
“Rather than
relying on a small group of mostly out-of-touch politicians to make
decisions for the entire nation, Forward is focused on systemic reform
that will empower citizens to take an active role in shaping the
policies that affect their lives. Additionally, Forward is heavily
focused on reforms that address the issue of political polarization.
The current two-party system often pits Americans against each other,
creating a toxic political environment that is not conducive to
meaningful dialogue and compromise. By promoting electoral reform and
greater citizen participation in the political process, Forward helps
to break down the barriers that divide Americans and instead bring
them together around common goals and values.” —Ali Backscheider in
The Topline
More ranked-choice voting
news:
Let open primaries bill be
heard
“Increasing
participation in voting will only strengthen our electoral system,
restoring trust in the political process and ensuring that the men and
women who win office have the backing of a majority of citizens, not
just primary voters. Open primaries will force politicians to stop
pandering to extremes.” —Santa Fe New Mexican
More open primaries
news:
Congress is stuck in a prison of
its own making
“Constrained by offsetting dynamics, neither party appears well
positioned to break into a clear lead in the House. The two sides look
more likely to remain trapped in a grinding form of electoral trench
warfare in which they control competing bands of districts that are
almost equal in number, but utterly antithetical in their demographic,
economic, and ideological profile.” —Ronald Brownstein in The Atlantic
More gerrymandering
news:
We close
today with these sage words from David Nevins in The Fulcrum: “We will continue to have our share of
crises in America but unfortunately one of our most looming is a
leadership crisis. Unless something changes when the next crisis
emerges so will the dishonesty, misleading statements, and the
demonization of opponents that are all used to serve a political
interest.
As the
old adage says: ‘Never let a good crisis go to waste.’
This
approach is totally understandable since it works so well and
certainly much easier than seeking the truth by analyzing new
information, allowing the data and circumstances to lead one to the
proper conclusion.
It is up
to us to see through the charade or nothing will ever change. The
Greek philosopher Plato was so right when said many years
ago:
Those
who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed
by those who are dumber.
I’m tired
of being punished. We must demand a new responsible political system
focused on making the tough decisions regardless of whether it appeals
to one's base or not.”
That’s
what we’re building.
All the
best,
The Forward Party Team
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