Why Likes & Shares Won’t Win This Election

I’m not usually an emphatic donor to political campaigns. In past years I’ve made my token donations to my candidate, but nothing big.

This year, however, I’ve donated more than I have in any previous election. With one side attempting to legislate women’s wombs, and three Supreme Court justices turning 80+ in the next term, the stakes are incredibly high (not to mention all the other targets of legislation we can’t anticipate).

If you’re paying attention to what’s going on, then don’t just “like” and “share”. Money wins elections. Vote with your credit card and donate. And not just the week before, when we all get a little scared. Months before. Right now, when that money can be used to buy air time in key states, hire staff and make a real impact.

Of course, I like and share like everyone else. But I also imagine a fictitious person on “the other side”. I imagine them rallying behind a statement that makes me want to puke, or seething at a platform item that I think is totally rational and befitting of thinking humans. I imagine them donating to their guy in response, and it makes me completely freaked out. It makes me donate.

Here’s what I’ve donated to, and why:

Barack Obama 2012: http://contribute.barackobama.com

I’ve donated to Barack Obama on numerous occasions and for a number of reasons, but they all ladder up to my belief that he is by far the best person to lead our country. I believe that he represents my interests and the interest of most Americans, and I believe that he is not a puppet of corporate interests. I would trust him to drive my grandmother to a doctor’s appointment and hang out with her for the rest of the afternoon. I can’t say that about the other guy.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee: http://www.dccc.org

I donated to the DCCC because I believe that Democrats are the new centrists, and I want to see their policies of social equality enacted. I believe that over the last four years, we’ve been dominated by the “No” Congress. The only recognizable platform of the Republican party is stonewalling any progress by this administration in order to prevent any positive direction that could be seen as being “as a result of Obama.” I want less whining and more action.

Emily’s List: http://emilyslist.org

I donated to Emily’s List because they support pro-choice Democratic women running for Congressional and gubernatorial seats, and 100% of donations go directly to candidates. Enough said. Women’s issues affect all women, even conservative women. Women’s issues affect all families, even conservative families. It freaks the shit out of me that a group of men wants to do things to my health, my future, and my family. And not just when it comes to laws, either – when it comes to the Supreme Court rulings too (and that stuff lasts). I’m surprised that there aren’t more women outraged at what we’re very close to losing.

The Lesbian Super PAC: http://www.teamlpac.com

I donated to LPAC because they donate to pro-lesbian candidates at the federal and state level (you can see our other article about the LPAC here). Candidates don’t have to be gay, they just have to support an end to discrimination against LGBT individuals, as well as support reproductive rights and access to healthcare for all individuals, and social, racial and economic justice. Personally I wish there were more candidates for the LPAC to support. The LPAC gives lesbians a seat at the table when people are discussing our lives and the issues that affect them. Plus, Jane Lynch. I mean really.

 

It’s a tough race, and an expensive one. As always, The Onion provides food for thought: “Americans Pool Together $945.23 To Combat Corporate Money’s Influence in Politics“. If you care even an ounce, on either side of this race, don’t just “like” and “share”. Vote with your credit card before it’s too late.

 

Related Posts

• Get Ready World. The Lesbian Super PAC is Here.
• Help Elect Progressive Leaders At The LPAC SF Fundraiser
• Infographic: A Shocking Look at Who’s Quoted on Women’s Issues
• What a Difference Four Years Makes

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