PDA 2006 Election Video
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This is Mimi Kennedy speaking on behalf of Progressive Vote. As a student of nonviolence, I've realized that in fact our electoral system, with all its flaws, is a perfect nonviolent organizing tool.
It's we who must learn to use it as intended, for self-government.
All progressives don't march in lockstep; all progressives probably don't call themselves 'progressives' yet. But we're the people who listen to each other, talk to each other, remain open to information, respect the Bill of Rights, and work for nonviolent consensus.
As "Abby" on Dharma and Greg, I made America's culture wars seem funny and charming. I loved making you--and myself--laugh. But America's polarizing culture war was not so funny in the way it turned out. The results, as we can see them, are disastrous.
As an actress, I understand that it's a longing for drama and sensation in a world of controlled information that allowed people to cheer for war. The ugly reality--which always emerges--shocks and depresses us. Progressives are people who are doing the work that will stop this cycle. Progressives understand that the work of peace is dramatic, because there's plenty of conflict to resolve.
My lawyer father once told me the two party system, though far from perfect, was, in his opinion, worth keeping, because it gave the parties a way to hash out internal differences and come up with a candidate and platform they could approve. Usually, between the two, there was one the country could live with. It was a pallid endorsement, and in my lifetime, the process has become even more pallid--so narrow that almost half the country doesn't vote. Political leaders have been idealized and dehumanized. It's time to get back to reality. We've been polarized and paralyzed. Let's break the cycle and get to work--check out Progressive Democrats of America [note: was Progressive Vote!-.