by Jose Gutierrez, Coffee Party Board of Directors
When I signed up to become an official member of Coffee Party USA a year ago, I couldn't have imagined I'd soon have the the incredible honor of being elected to our Board of Directors. How I got here is a whole story in itself. Why I am here is what I want to talk to you about.
Growing up as the son of an undocumented immigrant to this country, I recognized injustices amongst all walks of life. While I am continually struck at how many people aren't able to voice their concerns, I am surprised that others who can, don't. One current concern is the purchase of our government by large corporations. Our politicians continue to squander money on costly legislation that benefits those corporations — leaving millions of Americans to fend for themselves. I've seen veteran employees of 20 years laid off from what they thought was a secure job and hopeful university students graduate only to struggle to find a job.
I was a senior in college when I heard about the Coffee Party. I signed up for their email alerts to learn more. For the first time, I found an organization that really thinks about all sides of the story, and promotes logical answers to the tough questions and issues we face today. Finally, I'd found a community of people who think outside of partisan or ideological lines. The truth is, both within our membership and within our Board of Directors, we don't agree on everything. But there are a few fundamental things on which we can agree. One of them is money. More particularly, the corrupting influence of money in politics — we don't like it.
We refuse to see our elected leaders cater to corporations and their proxies, who in return donate millions of dollars to politicians who support laws in that bend economic forces to the advantage of a few while hurting everyone else. It's a vicious cycle of corruption, and we are here to take a stand against it.
In such a critical election year, corporations and other special interests will do their best to sway the outcome their way. And although we haven't met, we can spread the word about the Coffee Party, together. Because regardless of whether you are a Democrat, independent, or Republican, money in politics affects us all. But we can take a stand against this cycle of corruption. Be sure to keep up with our emails, and you will meet my fellow Board of Directors who feel the same way. Also feel free to reach out to any of us should you have a question, comment or concern.
Thank you,
Jose
PS: We truly appreciate your support. Please join the Coffee Party "Class of 2012." And/or click here to join our email alerts.
