Given the scope of the situation we face, all of the move right-move left repositioning, (re-)packaging, campaign strategy pitching being discussed amounts to no more than nibbling around the edges of what must be done to defend our democracy. A truly effective response requires enormous financial resources coupled with a wide-spread and effective grassroots movement with strong structures to support and enable both.
There is already a reasonably robust grassroots support structure in place in the form of MoveOn, ACT, True Majority, Democracy for America and Progressive Democrats of America. Greater coordination and perhaps some consolidation is in order, but the ability to support and grow grassroots participation is there.
A structure to enable, support, direct and grow the financial resources, however, is not.
For my thoughts on such a structure, keep reading...
What is needed is one or more entities to provide this structure, and I believe the first and most important is a media holding company. The primary purpose of this company would be to acquire media outlets, TV, radio, print and on-line, that once acquired would restore integrity to broadcast and print journalism and ensure an honest and truthful presentation of what is happening in government and politics at the local and national level.
Creating this company will require two funding steps; first a substantial base of capital investment - at least $200 - $300 million - made by a core group of progressive financial leaders with the available resources to accomplish this step, and second an IPO that would give millions of Americans the opportunity to provide their financial support for this venture. Such an IPO would quickly double perhaps triple the assets available to begin acquiring media outlets.
My previous diary entry describes three strategic imperatives that must be addressed if we are to succeed in turning back the right-wing, corporate funded tidal wave; Media, Message and (grassroots) Infrastructure. A media holding company would be the basis for addressing the first strategic imperative, Media.
IM (professional) O, unless this imperative is successfully addressed, virtually all other efforts, no matter how well done or individually successful, will for all intensive purposes be immaterial. No matter how great a message we can muster, whether by upgrading existing progressive think tanks or creating additional ones with resources equal to those of the right, it won't do any good if the message can't get out because it is overwhelmed by the right-wing owned media onslaught.
So, does this make sense or am I all wet?
If it makes sense, who do you know who can take steps to make it happen?
FYI, I sent a version of this to a few people who know some people who... in late November. To my knowledge, nothing has yet happened.