By Rachel Edelman
As the election season heats up, progressively minded entrepreneurs
are combining their politics, creativity, and business savvy in an
all-out effort to defeat George W. Bush in 2004.
"Vote for Anyone but Bush 2004," says one slogan. "Not my President,"
reads another. This year, many activists are taking politics into
their own hands and computers, by designing their own political
merchandise and marketing them online. This election season has seen
an increase in the number of such websites û as well as an increase
in the internet traffic/visitors to the websites.
Activists are marketing everything from traditional tshirts and
bumper stickers, to less conventional items like baby bibs and
clocks. This grassroots effort is an attempt to reach out to reach
out to those angered by the dismal state of the economy, the constant
attack on civil liberties, and the manipulations behind the war in
Iraq.
While progressive organizations have created and sold their
merchandise for years, this year marks a huge rise in the number of
websites/merchandise designed and self-funded by individuals.
"People are fed up with the Bush administration, and want to express
that," said Adanjesus Marin, who created a line of "Vote Bush Out"
products. "This is an easy and fun way for people to do that, and
hopefully make people think about things in ways they haven't before."
Marin decided to create his website after growing frustration with
the policies of the Bush administration. "It was clear to me that
Bush stands in the way of some many things this country needs, and
the only way to move forward was to vote him out."
His line has gained in popularity since the election season began in
earnest, with the first rounds of caucuses and primaries. Over 8,000
people have visited his website in January alone. His line can be
found at http://www.cafeshops/com/votebushout .
Similar websites are popping up all over the internet û with similar
goals. "Two Unemployed Democrats," at http://www.seeyageorge.com ,
based in Texas explain on their website," We exercise our 1st
amendment right to "poke fun" and challenge those who we feel have
little business holding positions that govern."
"A Rose is a Rose," at http://www.cafeshops.com/aroseisarose ,
proclaims to be the "Anti-Bush, Anti-Right-Wing Headquarters." The
website sells original artwork exposing President Bush's long history
of mistruths and lies. New slogans and designs are frequently added
to the website.
While gaining in popularity, the websites are much more than just an
internet business. They provide a much-needed outlet to liked-minded
people looking to express their political beliefs.
"This isn't about making money," he said. "This is a way to provide
people with the tools and resources that they need to work for social
justice and democracy."
Marin says that his merchandise isn't partisan, and doesn't endorse
one candidate or political party. Rather, his goal is to produce and
sell items that encourage people to support political candidates and
ideas that support workers' rights, health care, and education.
"I want to do whatever I can to make sure that those issues û issues
that make a difference in working people's lives û are on the
forefront of people's minds this year," he said, "Wearing political
gear is the easiest way to spread the message without having to say a
word."
Marin's website includes links to educational resources, political
websites, and activist tips. Marin said that in addition to selling
his merchandise, he also wanted to provide the tools people need to
get involved in activist political work.
Resource Box:
Rachel Edelman is a freelance journalist residing in New York City.
The author may be contacted at rachel_790@...