The Power of Protest
The budget debate

There is a ray of hope highlighted in a WP article on the objections to the Republicans’ tax cut proposals in GOP Budget Cuts Face Varied Opposition

"They are a long way away from getting the votes," said Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.). "Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps, whatever -- for every person, there's an issue."

Such misgivings are being exploited by liberal activists, who have organized protests in House members' home districts, phone campaigns and e-mail blitzes. The same umbrella organization of liberal groups and trade unions that helped stymie President Bush's Social Security proposals has turned its attention to the budget plan.

"It's a different group every week, coming in here, making calls," said John Gentzel, communications director for Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.), whose suburban Philadelphia district has been "saturated" with budget protests. "It's just one group after another."

Let's hope we can keep up the good work and expand our efforts in this vital endeavor.