To: The United States House of Representatives and The United States Senate
Pledge for Legislators
I would like to put all narrow minded legislators (state and Federal) between a rock and a hard place. Grover Norquist essentially forces almost all Republican elected officials to sign a pledge that forces them to vote a certain way on every single tax issue regardless of how smart it is. This is ludicrous and bad for society.
I would like to petition that all legislators sign the following pledge. It is essentially the opposite of what Republican legislators are force to sign by Grover Norquist in order to get financial help to be elected.
A Pledge to Serve and Lead With Intelligence
As a candidate for a political office, I, ________________________ (print your name) acknowledge that it is my obligation to retain the option to support and/or vote for any possible alternative that may prove to be the best way to help all (and/or the majority) of people in my constituency and across this state and country.
I also promise to avoid and denounce any associations or individuals or groups who seek to limit my capacity to support any intelligent solutions (especially due to their narrow self-interests) that may best meet the needs of the majority within my constituency and amongst citizens impacted by my decisions.
I acknowledge that as times and national issues change, the options for best solutions also may change and that it is my job as an elected official to consider and remain open to all such options as I try to do what is best for the American People.
________________________________________
(Print Your Name)
_________________________________________
(Signature)
I would like to petition that all legislators sign the following pledge. It is essentially the opposite of what Republican legislators are force to sign by Grover Norquist in order to get financial help to be elected.
A Pledge to Serve and Lead With Intelligence
As a candidate for a political office, I, ________________________ (print your name) acknowledge that it is my obligation to retain the option to support and/or vote for any possible alternative that may prove to be the best way to help all (and/or the majority) of people in my constituency and across this state and country.
I also promise to avoid and denounce any associations or individuals or groups who seek to limit my capacity to support any intelligent solutions (especially due to their narrow self-interests) that may best meet the needs of the majority within my constituency and amongst citizens impacted by my decisions.
I acknowledge that as times and national issues change, the options for best solutions also may change and that it is my job as an elected official to consider and remain open to all such options as I try to do what is best for the American People.
________________________________________
(Print Your Name)
_________________________________________
(Signature)
Why is this important?
Almost all Republican legislators are coerced to sign a pledge to vote no on any tax legislation. Our tax code needs to be fluid so it can meet changing needs of our country, and legislators need to work together so that it is fair. Any financial crisis needs to be solved with a combination of refined strategies for revenue AND reduced spending. Most republicans know are fully aware of this but cannot vote intelligently because of the pledge they signed for Grover Norquist. It is crippling our governments ability to function intelligently on behalf of society. See 60 Minutes' piece on Grover Norquist. It's appalling.