November 17, 2010
Dear Representative Woolsey,
The election early this month might have been more disheartening to people who want to see movement toward economic justice, a clean planet, and fair elections if not for the fact that the Democrats voted out of office by and large were the ones that more closely adhere to the “business as usual” model in Washington, DC. Those voted out seem to support corporations and the wealthy more than the people who are their constituents.
In contrast, as you know, most members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) held onto their seats. They are the ones who are working for the people’s interests, not the corporations’. That they were reelected is as much of a mandate for changing how the business of Washington, DC, is conducted as any Tea Party votes.
Although the radical right may not realize it, progressives are working for change that will benefit all people—including the most politically conservative of Americans. What we want is for job retention and creation to matter more than the comfort of the banks and Wall Street. What we want is for our future—near and distant—to be lived on a planet that can begin to heal itself through a reduction in carbon dioxide pollution. What we want is for all Americans to feel secure in their being able to have a home, feed and care for themselves, and live with the dignity they’ve earned from a lifetime of work.
In an effort to achieve these goals, voters changed the face of Congress. We hope that you take to heart this message for meaningful policy changes that will improve the well-being and security of your constituents and America’s working families.
This month we thank you for supporting two important pieces of legislation and are asking you to support a third. We also want to thank you for your pledge to protect Social Security and we strongly urge you to stand firm in a determined effort to protect the social safety net that is one of our country’s finest achievements:
• Cosponsor America’s Energy Security Trust Fund Act, HR 1337. Do this by contacting Rep. John Larson’s office at 202-225-2265 and declaring your support.
• Thank you for cosponsoring the Local Jobs for America Act, HR 4812.
• Thank you for cosponsoring the Fair Elections Now Act, HR 1826.
• Thank you for your commitment to protecting Social Security and your promise to oppose any cuts to it, via your signing on to Rep. Raul Grijalva’s letter to the President. We strongly urge you to hold firm to this commitment.
These requests have nothing to do with party or ideology. These bills and protecting Social Security have only to do with the well-being of all Americans. To ensure the future for all Americans, they need to have jobs, be able to live in health, know that their votes count, and be confident that they will be secure in their old age.
We’re counting on you to continue to take the action to make this happen.
For a better America,
Progressive Democrats Sonoma County
PDA Chapter
