New Paltz Rally to Fight Washington Corruption!

Thanks to All Who Came to the New Paltz Rally Aug 10!

Thousands of people across the country took to the streets yesterday to protest the corruption and domination of multinational corporations in our government. Approximately 50 citizens attended the rally in New Paltz, NY, organized by the Ulster County MoveOn Council.


It was a spirited gathering with local musicians Bob Lusk and Gene Cotton providing music while people held signs demanding the overturn of Citizens United (the Supreme Court ruling that will allow corporations to buy our elections) and demanding passage of the Fair Elections Now Act (FENA)- so that grassroots candidates can compete against corporate backed/wealthy ones. Most there agreed that the overwhelming influence of corporate lobbyists, who push for more and more deregulation and higher profits at any cost are hurting hard working American families, our environment and the future of our nation.


Until we can restore the electoral and legislative processes to the people, we will have little chance of passing any meaningful reform- be it in healthcare, reining in Wall Street, clean energy, corporate accountability, or in putting an end to "endless war".

Participants were encouraged to call Congressman Hinchey's office- 845 331-4466 to ask him to sign the Fight Washington Corruption Pledge. It was noted that he has taken a leadership role in co-sponsoring legislation to overturn Citizens United and Fair Elections, for which he should be thanked. Now we just need him to join the many others, including Scott Murphy and Paul Tonko, representatives from the Albany area, in signing the pledge.


A new poll shows a majority of Americans agree with us. Seventy-nine percent (including 72% of Republicans and 75% of Independents) said it was important that candidates commit to reducing the influence of corporations over elections. A whopping 89% want to reduce lobbyists' influence over the way laws are written and 67% are more likely to vote for candidates who support a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United!

Please make sure you sign the pledge yourself! And stay tuned for next steps to make our elected officials answer to us, the voters- not to the moneyed special interests!