From an e-mail sent this evening by Howard Dean:
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This morning, on the Democratic Party's brand new web site, I made my commitment to reform the political process and change the way political parties are financed.
I bought my Democracy Bond.
A Democracy Bond is the way for you to take control of our party's future. It's a monthly commitment to invest a small amount -- $20, $30 or whatever you can afford -- to build a sustainable Democratic Party in every state and win elections at every level of office.
More important, Democracy Bonds are the start of a community of Americans with a stake in our common future. We, the people, have the chance to reclaim our government and rid politics of special interest money once and for all:
http://www.democrats.org/democracybondIt's going to take more than you and me to make this happen. That's why, on your new site, you will be able to ask your friends and neighbors to join us. You'll also be able to track your progress as you build your own network of people committed to shaping the future of our party and our country.
If our party is going to both compete in the short term and build for the long term, we're going to have to do things differently.
The Republicans raise more than $10 million a month in huge checks from special interests and lobbyists. They have created a money-for-influence machine unlike anything our country has ever seen.
A million of us contributing $20 a month can double their total. To do that, every single one of us will have to take ownership of this party. And that's exactly the point -- by making your Democracy Bond commitment, and encouraging people you know to do the same, you can shift the balance of power in our political process.
You can start by getting your Democracy Bond now:
http://www.democrats.org/democracybondI want to be straight with you -- there will be times when we all have to make additional investments in our work together.
But the Democracy Bond is a core commitment to our party and our values that every Democrat should embrace. We will only create lasting change if that sense of obligation and responsibility becomes a permanent part of our lives.
If you can't make a monthly commitment now, please make a one-time contribution to support building our party for the future:
http://www.democrats.org/contributeThe other side has its game plan to win. They will divide America by race, religion, class, sexual orientation and any other way they can if it means a political advantage -- they will even exploit the sacred memory of September 11th. They will shamelessly appeal to the worst in us -- exploiting our fears and scapegoating the most vulnerable. And while they stoke resentment among the people, special interests and ideologues will bankroll their party and set the agenda.
The way to beat them is simple. We will unite and empower people everywhere. By doing so we will ensure that the Democratic Party is beholden to no one but the people -- and that when we govern, the concerns of ordinary Americans are our priority.
Thank you for all that you do.
Governor Howard Dean, M.D.
Chairman, Democratic National Committee
P.S. -- You can track the progress of the Democracy Bonds project and read about others who are making the commitment every day on our new web site:
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http://www.cafepress.com/kickindemocrats