How You Can Help Set the Domestic Jewish Agenda for 2008

If Jewcy had a politburo, this would be its first diktat. If we issued encyclicals, this would be the first to go out under the waxy Shin seal. Our communiqué to all Jewcers: please get behind the Domestic Jewish Agenda 2008.

In America, self-anointed ethnic leaders make smashing careers out of speaking on behalf of enormous constituencies to which they have dubious claim. Jewish America is no different. For too long, presidential candidates have assessed the concerns of the Jewish community by bending down and inviting professional Jewish gasbags such as Abraham Foxman and Malcolm Hoenlein to flatulate into their ear. Never heard of ‘em? Tough shit. They’re speaking on your behalf anyway.

Until now. Jewish Funds for Justice and JSpot have teamed up with Jewcy and a slew of other worthy partners to harness the decentralizing power of the internet and run an end-around of Organized Jewry in the upcoming presidential election. We’re canvassing all Jewishy people with an internet connection, and asking them to fill out this online petition.

The petition describes ten domestic issues—child care, civil rights, education, environment, health care, housing, immigration, Katrina/Rita, seniors, and wages—and asks you to identify the five that will have the greatest influence on your presidential vote in 2008.

On May 29, the votes will be tallied and sent to every presidential candidate under the names of all signatories. We'll request a written explanation as to how that candidate will address the concerns of the American Jewish community. As candidates reply, their answers will be publicized here at Jewcy and at other partner websites.

So help us show that there's a bigger, broader Jewish agenda than is evident in the plenary meetings and press releases of a handful of sclerotic old Jewish organizations. Add your voice to the Domestic Jewish Agenda 2008.