Dems Get Pummeled At Home Over CAFTA

Last week before the vote on the corporate-written Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), I tried to predict which Democrats would face real trouble at home if they sold out and voted for it. This week, at least some of my predictions came true.

According to Crain's Insider newsletter, "Ten unions are planning a City Hall rally and press conference Sunday morning to blast New York City Democrats Rep. Ed Towns and Greg Meeks for voting for CAFTA."

Meanwhile, the Working Families Party - a statewide force in New York - has issued a press advisory about the event noting that "Meeks and Towns have drawn progressive wrath in recent weeks for voting in favor Central American Free Trade Agreement, as well as voting in favor of the recent anti-consumer bankruptcy reform bill (Meeks) and eliminating the federal estate tax (Towns)."

This, coupled with Paul Hackett's spectacular run for Congress in Ohio, is terrific news. Both examples show that there is real energy at the grassroots level to hold both Democrats' and Republicans' feet to the fire on a wide variety of issues. That energy is the first step to taking back our country.

If you live in New York City, make sure to go to the event on Sunday, August 7th at 11am on the steps of City Hall. Show these Members of Congress that they cannot continue to sell out to corporate interests - and sell out their constituents - without feeling some pressure back at home.

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