I’m Almost There!
After more than 3,000+ miles of walking across the United States, I
reached the outskirts of D.C. yesterday – Monday, November 25th.
I’m now pausing the walk to take a well-earned holiday break at home with friends and family in Vermont before returning to finish the last 12 miles of the walk. My tentative plan is to arrive at the Capitol about January 3rd when the newly elected Congress is sworn in and remain in D.C. through inauguration day on January 20th. I want you to be a part of that, but more on all that later.
What Have I Learned?
I’ve asked hundreds of Americans this simple question:
“How well do you feel the majority of those we’ve elected and who’ve sworn an oath to “promote the general welfare” of “we the people,” have done to effectively address the biggest issues that affect us all over the past several decades?
Whether Democrat, Republican or independent, almost all agree that those we’ve elected should be working for the common good of ALL of us, and that a majority of them are not! lnstead they are prioritizing their personal interests their donors, or their party’s agenda.
That’s Why Voters Were So Angry on Election Day
Year after year, our elected representatives have all taken the same oath to represent us. But regardless of which party has been in power over the past several decades, their inaction and misguided actions on the biggest issues we all face – fair wages, quality healthcare, affordable housing and more — resulted in the mess so many of us face today.
It’s now the Trump Republicans’ turn to improve the lives of everyday Americans. But if the lives of most don’t dramatically improve — and fast — there will likely be a another big backlash in four years. Everyday Americans want to be heard, and they want action to improve their lives, not nonsense. The clock starts ticking January 3rd.
There is no good reason why, in one of the richest countries in the world, we can’t:
Have an economy, based on capitalism, that broadly benefits us all. We CAN ensure that if one works a full work-week, every family can feed themselves and have a roof over their heads.
Have good quality health care for ALL of us at the least, total, systemwide cost. Other countries do it — we can, too.
Have elections that are fair, equitable, inclusive, and competitive – and not owned by corporations or special interests. We CAN legislate the end of Citizens United and end the grip that corporate and special interest money has on Congress, and we CAN pass the 28th Amendment. We CAN pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and protect the freedom to vote of ALL Americans. And we CAN & MUST pass the Freedom to Vote Act.
All of these and many more can be accomplished by enacting effective law and policy, IF our elected representatives DO what they swore an oath to do.
Walk With Me As I Enter Washington
Let’s take that message directly to Congress! My tentative plan is to walk into Washington to the Capitol on January 3rd. Will you walk the last few miles with me from Georgetown into DC? We’ll do a small — peaceful — rally in front of the capitol, then disperse to our new representatives’ offices. Details will be forthcoming, but plan on coming to Washington to make your voice heard!
Until then, I’m THANKFUL for all your love and support!
Happy Holidays.
Rick
Rick Hubbard
Walking To Fix Our Democracy
https://www.fixourdemocracy.us/