07/15/2008
Are you concerned about rising energy costs, high taxes and a broken healthcare system? Now you have a chance to let the presidential candidates and national parties know exactly how you think these problems affecting small business should be solved.
Recently, both the Democratic and Republican national parties revealed initiatives that invite citizens to directly submit their ideas and suggestions on a variety of key issues. Both parties will take into account these submissions when crafting their official party platforms, to be unveiled at their respective conventions being held at the end of summer. The parties are taking separate approaches to soliciting input from the public: Republicans are asking for feedback online, and Democrats will hold a series of local town hall meetings.
The Republican Party unveiled a new Web site, GOPPlatform2008.com, that solicits ideas on seven key issues affecting America. After registering on the site, users can submit their thoughts through text or video, and the party will work to incorporate these suggestions as they write their official platform. The party platform will be revealed at the Republican National Convention, held Sept. 1 to 4, in St. Paul, Minn.
Similarly, the Democratic National Committee and Obama for America jointly launched "Listening to America: The Democratic Platform for Change," a series of town hall meetings to be held in all 50 states from July 19 to July 27. Participants can host their own meetings or attend one in their area. Written summaries from all meetings will be produced and possibly included as the Democratic platform is fashioned, in anticipation of their national convention August 25 to 28 in Denver, Colo.
This is an important opportunity for you and your fellow small business owners to ensure that the issues that matter most to you are addressed. The national parties need to hear about the struggles you face every day in order to run your business, and your unique perspective can offer the best solutions to these major national problems.
Don't miss out on a chance to take part in writing history and ensure that key small business issues are addressed in the 2008 elections. If you don't speak up for small business, who will?
Visit www.GOPPlatform2008.com and Listening to America: The Democratic Platform for Change for more information.
