An Open Letter to Obama

(via TalkLeft)

Concerned about his "shift" on certain key issues, The Nation has composed an open letter to Barack Obama which will be delivered to the nominee at the convention. The letter calls on Senator Obama to stick to his campaign promises.

We urge you, then, to listen to the voices of the people who can lift you to the presidency and beyond.

Since your historic victory in the primary, there have been troubling signs that you are moving away from the core commitments shared by many who have supported your campaign, toward a more cautious and centrist stance--including, most notably, your vote for the FISA legislation granting telecom companies immunity from prosecution for illegal wiretapping, which angered and dismayed so many of your supporters.

We recognize that compromise is necessary in any democracy. We understand that the pressures brought to bear on those seeking the highest office are intense. But retreating from the stands that have been the signature of your campaign will weaken the movement whose vigorous backing you need in order to win and then deliver the change you have promised.

The letter then goes on to list the campaign promises that Obama must keep in order to keep his coalition. According to Jeralyn, more than 13,000 people have signed the letter. Follow this link if you want to read the full letter and add your signature.

Personally, I'm not going to sign the letter (and for similar reasons, neither is Big Tent Democrat). If his feeble efforts as "party unity" are any indicator, Senator Obama isn't worried about worried about losing Democratic votes. I don't think the letter will do any good. But it will be interesting to see what action the prominent signatories take if Obama does not adhere to his campaign promises.