FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, September 25, 2008
Progressives Democrats of America to Lead Anti-Bailout Rallies
Today, Thursday, September 25th, Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) is joining True Majority, Code Pink, Backbone Campaign, UFPJ, USAction, Democracy for America, ADA, and several other organizations to take the debate about the proposed bailout into the streets. PDA members will attend and help plan rallies in high traffic locations to oppose the Bush Administration bailout, and to call for responsible, effective solutions to current economic problems. PDA members will also continue making calls to their Senators in opposition to the bailout. For a listing of rallies, please
click here.
Tim Carpenter, PDA Executive Director says, "The Bush administration has spent more than $800 billion for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now they're demanding a $700 billion blank check for Wall Street using the same old scare tactics and threats to avoid public debate and Congressional oversight. Our members are showing our support for a responsible plan by rallying against the Bush Blank Check Bailout. We say, 'Bring Home the Troops and Bail Out Main Street--not Wall Street!'"
Laura Bonham, PDA Communications Coordinator adds, "Any action must address our communities' needs. We have to uncover the roots of the meltdown, and impose guidelines to make sure the solution will benefit average working Americans. Progressive activists are making thousands of calls to Congress opposing Bush's Blank Check. Our sources tell us that the tide is slowly turning. We're leading the way, demanding accountability for the Wall Street Robber Barons along with help for average Americans in need. That's the real solution to this economic crisis."
PDA Board Member Congressman Raul M. Grijalva (D-AZ) also questions the $700 billion bailout. He released a media advisory earlier this week explaining, "Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's warning that 'the future health of the American economy depends on the swift passage of the $700 billion bailout for Wall Street' is ridiculous. ... I have serious concerns about this so-called plan. Every man, woman and child in America will ante up $2000 each to bail out the very people who created this crisis. ... I will only support a responsible package that will actually help the economy and protect the taxpayer. This package must be transparent, coupled with tough new oversight and regulations of our financial institutions."
Progressive Democrats of America is a grassroots PAC that works both inside the Democratic Party and outside in movements for peace and justice. Our goal: Elect a permanent, progressive majority in 2008. PDA's advisory board includes seven members of Congress and activist leaders such as Tom Hayden, Medea Benjamin, Thom Hartmann, Jim Hightower, and Rev. Lennox Yearwood.
For more information, see: http://pdamerica.org.