Berkeley v. Big Soda spun some gold too

Berkeley v. Big Soda chose a brilliant name for their campaign to get a sugar tax passed in Berkeley. Their choice of name reminded every Berkeley voter that big, anonymous, dark money, corporate money wanted to control the outcome of a race in Berkeley.

When I was canvassing every Sat and Sun for Tony, I listened to anger about money in politics over and over and over.

I hope other progressive groups study what Berkeley v. Big Soda and Tony Thurmond's campaign just did. Also, the Richmond Progressive Alliance (RPA) defeated Chevron on every single item on the ballot that Chevron cared about. Chevron hoped to put in their hand-selected mayor and council but the RPA spun some gold in Richmond through good old, old fashioned, boots on the ground, grassroots organizing.

If a small group of progressives defeated the millions spent by Chevron in Richmond, and a small group advocating for a tiny sugar tax defeated the millions spent on tiny Berkeley for a tiny sugar tax and if Tony could defeat the dominator political machine's hand-picked candidate. . . well, I feel hopeful for the first time in a long time.

These positive, grassroots, inexensive campaigns spun gold and, just as the Japanese beleive a pot repaired with gold makes the pot stronger and more valuable, I believe we can keep spinning grassroots gold and take back our democracy.  at least I sure hope so.