VelvetRevolution.us ("VR") was formed to deal with the crisis surrounding the anti-democratric, anti-American takeover of the United States Government. In short, the present Administration and a large portion of the Congress is controlled by a cabal of nationalistic, fundamentalist, ideologues who are attempting to shape the United States and the world in their view through the power of the US Government and its military. VR considers this a grave threat to the United States as we know it, to the stability of the world as a whole, and to freedom for all of its citizens. VR believes that the way to combat this threat is through massive, coordinated, non-violent, action by concerned, progressive, secular and religious organizations, and also by millions of likeminded individuals here and abroad. VR's overall framework sets out and is intended to continue to set out clear goals that allow for collective action of citizens on a grand scale, based on the real needs and concerns of all people. As such, VR aims to embody the true spirit of American progress, continually seeking to improve society in order to reach a brighter, enlightened, prosperous and more diverse future.

The Role of VelvetRevolution

VR is necessary to

1. provide an aggressive and continuous opposition to a corrupt, elitist, corporate ideological agenda in the United States,
2. provide a means for all likeminded organizations and individuals to come together for concerted and coordinated action,
3. provide leadership in place of an otherwise fragmented and weak opposition,
4. provide an outlet for those who are disillusioned with the two party duopology to express their frustration,
5. provide an alternative to the mass corporate media with truthful and transparent information,
6. provide quick financial support to progressive organizations that are doing valuable work that supports VR's mission but cannot wait for traditional funding from other sources or where circumstances make such alternative financial arrangements a material barrier to the progress of goals endorsed by VR.

VR is not interested in duplicating the work of other organizations. Instead, VR will provide what other organizations do not. First, we are building a coalition that coordinates and supports the work of existing groups, we are forming bridges with groups that have previously been on their own, and we are facilitating communications among the leadership of those interested in VR goals. Second, we are providing a one-stop shop for those currently spending hours each day on the Internet trying to get information about socially and politically conscious groups that oppose the policies of a corrupt Administration and Government -- VR has information, news, a blog, action items and links to much of what is important to an informed citizenry. Third, we are using cutting-edge technology to spread our message, whether on the Internet, radio, or TV. VR will have a 24/7/365 rapid response war room that can deal with misinformation, propaganda and falsehoods of the ruling elite. We will send action alerts out to millions on our email citizens brigade, and place ads in all media where warranted to counter false information. VR will be an authoritative source of accurate information and will be a leader in this area. Fourth, we are preparing for and expecting the actions of corrupt leaders before they place a stranglehold on both the media and the truth! We are playing offense instead of defense.

The Goal Of VelvetRevolution

VR's main goal is to mobilize hundreds of organizations and millions of citizens into a massive force to change the direction of the United States from dishonesty, divisiveness, nationalism and war-mongering to transparency, pluralism, optimism and just conflict resolution so that the true potential of American community can be achieved. In order to achieve this goal, VR will use education, media, protests, boycotts, rewards, and technology in the broadest sense possible. We will focus on creativity and effectiveness, and provide the easiest ways for organizations and people to work together. Our tactics will be both revolutionary and evolutionary, and we will pride ourselves on our ability to quickly adapt, while remaining part of a progressive tradition that has lasted for centuries.

Action Items and Core Areas

VR believes that there are several overarching issues that need to be broadly and aggressively addressed in order to save our democracy. 

These are:

1. Electoral Reform - The past three national elections have been marred by voter suppression, gerrymandering, disenfranchisement and intentional electoral fraud. Therefore, VR is in the forefront of the election reform movement. VR affirms that the equality inherent in one person, one vote represents the true spirit of democracy where all are equal before the law and must have their rights of enfranchisement respected and not excessively regulated. Therefore, just as no person should have two votes in an election, no person should have their vote taken away or subject to challenge based on cynical legal technicalities or form or location. We are conducting a massive campaign against the nine major vote machine companies to pressure them into providing open software source code and a recountable, auditable paper ballot for every vote cast, or else face divestiture and litigation by members, affiliates and others. In addition, we are demanding a constitutional amendment recognizing that all adult American citizens have the right to vote, plus recommending a number of changes in the running of elections to increase accuracy and accountability, reduce fraud, and increase the availability of information and data about elections to all citizens prior to and during any possible recount. Finally, we are supporting litigation and legislation to require transparency and fairness in the voting process.
   
2. Media Reform - The mainstream corporate media is not doing its job with regard to investigations and truthfulness, and it is failing to inform the citizens in a dispassionate way about diverse points of view. It has become wholly delinquent for years now in their important role as watchdog for the citizenry. Instead, it is guilty of being a mouthpiece for the Administration and Government in power and the spreading of propaganda instead of truth. Therefore, VR will set the standard for transparency and honesty, and will demand that the mass corporate media follow suit. VR will set up a 24/7/365 war newsroom to counter the right, and will use TV, radio, Internet and alternative media to spread the truth. VR will use ads in all media to counter propaganda. News outlets that spew falsehoods and propaganda will be targeted by VR for action and/or divestiture. Indeed, we are the only organization to demand that more than 1000 TV networks and their affiliates institute internal policies against the use of government propaganda and government paid journalists.
   
3. Conflict Resolution - The present war in Iraq and the threats of wars elsewhere in the world are follies of a corrupt, fundamentalist, ideological, corporate, military-industrialist cabal, and are not in the long-term best interest of the United States and its people. Of course, VR believes in the use of the military where necessary for genuinely defensive action and for the security of the United States. However, we are opposed to the policies of the present Administration and Government which supports them and we believe that war must be a last resort after all avenues of just conflict resolution have been exhausted. Therefore, VR was a founding member of AfterDowningStreet.org, a coalition to demand an investigation into the basis for the war, which has gathered over 500,000 signatures, 122 Congress Members and 10 Senators. We also demand the withdrawal of United States forces from Iraq and the renouncement of the doctrines of so-called "preemptive war."
   
4. Civil Rights - The United States has lost its role as the world leader in the protection and expansion of civil rights. Millions of people are imprisoned and denied the right to vote, thousands of people are subjected to capital punishment, including the mentally ill, and the wars on drugs and terrorism have done much more damage than good to our nation and its security. Therefore, VR demands a stop to the continuing growth and privatization of prison construction, amnesty for millions of released and incarcerated nonviolent prisoners, the reinstatement of the right to vote for all felons, the repeal of other disenfranchisement laws, no more torture and the treatment rather than the incarceration of drug offenders.

Obviously, these goals are broad and ambitious.  VR will only initiate select actions that require our national power or materially benefit from the coordination of the unique skills and position of VR. However, VR can and will support initiatives and actions that our affiliates initiate, either through VR media or grants. Also, VR will endorse the activities of others that support the main goals set forth above.

For more on VR, please see:

• About VR...
• VR's Charter 05 Manifesto...
• VR's Strategic Framework...
• Recent VR Actions...