URBAN PERSPECTIVE - Congresswoman Karen Bass hosted an intimate session with young leaders in the 33rd Congressional District on Saturday. About 100 people were present for an opportunity to share concerns about the economy, jobs, housing, education, prison re-entry, and student loans.
Congresswoman Bass welcomed the attendees and opened the floor to questions.
The prevailing questions related more to job creation and access to opportunities by small business owners. To which, she responded candidly by saying that government has to play a role in moving the economy forward.
Interestingly, she said something that hit home about the political stalemate in the Washington. She said, “You can’t rely on politicians for change. Change requires a movement by the people to put pressure on the elected and this country.”
As she mentioned movements including the Civil Rights Movement, my head started thinking in scale the mass community mobilization effort needed to influence the activities in Washington beyond our vote. Next, I thought what it would look like.
I totally agreed with Congresswoman Bass’ statement.
The Tea Party movement hijacked the decision-making in Washington and caused the downgrade of America’s credit and market uncertainty.
Similarly as the Tea Party mobilized to push their agenda, an independent Come Back America Party movement to put the interest of the country and the American people first is the solution to “politics of the moment” agendas that have left Americans angry and disgusted with government.
As the 2012 elections are approaching fast, independent movements may be the best course to get our country back on track and ease anxiety.
(Janet Denise Ganaway-Kelly offers more than a decade of accomplishments in the housing and nonprofit sector. Janet brings valuable insight in the areas of community and economic development. Additionally, she brings knowledge regarding the leadership and management challenges faced by large and small nonprofits that are struggling or growing organizations. She blogs at jdkellyenterprises.org ) –cw
Tags: Karen Bass, Tea Party, politics, political crisis
CityWatch
Vol 9 Issue 71
Pub: Sept 6, 2011