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Editor, Vermont Commons:
The media are saying, in the words of Hearst employee Stewart Ledbetter, "Vermont does not have the same backlash against the two-party system as other states." Still, the corporate media paint a false picture to portray the FORTY-ODD independent candidates in Vermont as nonexistent or "fringe." Yet the broadcast media get a tax break from the incumbent Vermont Legislature estimated at $375 million per year (UVM/Gund Institute, Vermont Green Tax and Common Assets Project, based on The Citizen's Guide to the Airwaves by New America Foundation).
The media work with the well-paid managers of nonprofits and other partners like VPR to lock independents out of the debates and public forums. No wonder independents get so few votes come November. Then the media and nonprofits turn around and say that since independents have no chance to win, why invite them? Not only is this a self-fulfilling prophecy but circular reasoning at its worst.
There is a political machine in Vermont. We must replace it. We can stand against the wars, and against Vermont's continued financing of those wars, as kids come to school hungry and vital programs are being cut, not to mention the loud exchange about curing the $150-million budget shortfall. Charging broadcasters for the use of our airwaves would balance the deficit 2.5 times! Based on information and belief, the Gund report was submitted to the Vermont House Ways and Means Committee. Response? Zero.
Representative democracy has two minor shortcomings: it is not representative and not democracy. Members of the professional career-politician class are concerned with their re- election, not the public interest and public will. A single two-year term limit would replace that class with independents not controlled by party apparatchiks.
The U.S. and present Vermont self-perpetuating political class, supported by media and nonprofits, has created “incumbentosis,” an emotional disorder that is part of the political-conservatism syndrome. Albert Einstein defined irrational as doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result. Reminds me of demopublican voters. They are not irrational but brainwashed to such an extent that they appear and act irrationally.
Peter D. Moss
Fairfax
Mr. Moss is an independent and “independence” candidate for the Vermont Senate and the U.S. Senate.
The media are saying, in the words of Hearst employee Stewart Ledbetter, "Vermont does not have the same backlash against the two-party system as other states." Still, the corporate media paint a false picture to portray the FORTY-ODD independent candidates in Vermont as nonexistent or "fringe." Yet the broadcast media get a tax break from the incumbent Vermont Legislature estimated at $375 million per year (UVM/Gund Institute, Vermont Green Tax and Common Assets Project, based on The Citizen's Guide to the Airwaves by New America Foundation).
The media work with the well-paid managers of nonprofits and other partners like VPR to lock independents out of the debates and public forums. No wonder independents get so few votes come November. Then the media and nonprofits turn around and say that since independents have no chance to win, why invite them? Not only is this a self-fulfilling prophecy but circular reasoning at its worst.
There is a political machine in Vermont. We must replace it. We can stand against the wars, and against Vermont's continued financing of those wars, as kids come to school hungry and vital programs are being cut, not to mention the loud exchange about curing the $150-million budget shortfall. Charging broadcasters for the use of our airwaves would balance the deficit 2.5 times! Based on information and belief, the Gund report was submitted to the Vermont House Ways and Means Committee. Response? Zero.
Representative democracy has two minor shortcomings: it is not representative and not democracy. Members of the professional career-politician class are concerned with their re- election, not the public interest and public will. A single two-year term limit would replace that class with independents not controlled by party apparatchiks.
The U.S. and present Vermont self-perpetuating political class, supported by media and nonprofits, has created “incumbentosis,” an emotional disorder that is part of the political-conservatism syndrome. Albert Einstein defined irrational as doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result. Reminds me of demopublican voters. They are not irrational but brainwashed to such an extent that they appear and act irrationally.
Peter D. Moss
Fairfax
Mr. Moss is an independent and “independence” candidate for the Vermont Senate and the U.S. Senate.