The Age of Reform
The 1890s was a time of huge industrial trusts and monopolies with such great concentrations of wealth and power that "We the People" no longer called the country a democracy, but rather a plutocracy, a government of, by and for big business. That was the "Age of the Robber Barons," a tiny few who held more power over governments, communities and the Nation than the entire American People.
"We the People"
And in that time, farmers, small shop owners, artisans and industrial workers coalesced to form the Populist Movement, and a new party, the Peoples Party, to challenge the theft of government by the Robber Barons. The Populist Movement and its party held a cherished principle, that "We the People" - the first three words in the U.S. Constitution - are the rightful heirs to self government.
The Populist Persuasion
They grew a potent third-party movement to challenge the power of the Democrats and Republicans who represented big business. The result was an "Age of Reform" out of which came anti-trust laws and laws aimed at putting the people back in charge.
Paycheck Politics for the New Century
Once again, at the dawn of the 21st century the right of the people to govern ourselves has been usurped by big business. In response, a new progressive Populist movement is emerging to oppose the concentration of too much power in the hands of too few and the damage it has caused to our paychecks, our democracy and our environment.
A Populist Party for Marylanders!
Here in Maryland, the legislature in Annapolis has been run by Democrats for decades as a virtual ONE-PARTY STATE. They promised to serve the interests of working families and small business owners, but their campaign coffers overflow with the contributions of big businesses, often multi-national corporations with no loyalty to Maryland or even to the United States. With impunity they ship our jobs and the wealth we create off-shore, shifting profits out of state to avoid the taxes they rightfully owe.
We've all heard the old saying, "he who pays the piper calls the tune." Who do you think is calling the tune in the Maryland State Assembly today?
If you've had it with:
-Living paycheck to paycheck;
-Waiting on the hollow promises of your Democratic and Republican Legislators and Governor;
-Chafing under a state tax code that puts the greatest burden on middle-income families while giving those with the most a free ride;
-Suffering for decades without the Universal Health Coverage they promised;
-Big business turning the Chesapeake Bay and many of your own neighborhoods into toxic cesspools;
-State government of, by and for big business, and you think we need to "clean house" in Annapolis: Then Maryland's new Populist Party - the "Paycheck Populist Party" - is your party.
As our first act, we've nominated "Public Citizen Number One" as our presidential candidate. Ralph Nader, and his running mate, Peter Miguel Camejo, have dedicated their lives to fighting for "We the People's" right to govern ourselves democratically and force the Corporate Masters to serve the Will of the people. Maryland and the Nation deserve nothing less.
Please join us in our dream of a State and Nation of, by and for, "We the People." As a first step, register Populist Party of Maryland and become part of the 21st century Populist Movement.
Sincerely,
Chris Driscoll
Chairman, Populist Party of Maryland - September 27, 2004
