Open Access for Vermont Politics
Target:
Vermont Residents
Sponsored by:
This petition is to request that all candidates for Vermont governor's office be allowed to participate in all public debates.
This petition is to request that all candidates for Vermont governor's office be allowed to participate in all public debates.
We signed the "Open Access for Vermont Politics" petition!
# 60:
7:11 am PST, Nov 4,
Kevin Hurley, Vermont
Any candidate who has qualified as such should be included in the debates.
Any candidate who has qualified as such should be included in the debates.
# 59:
7:16 pm PST, Nov 3,
Robert Seese, Vermont
I believe all candidates that have made the effort to have their name appear on the ballot should have open access to the debate process.
I believe all candidates that have made the effort to have their name appear on the ballot should have open access to the debate process.
# 58:
6:42 pm PST, Nov 2,
Neal Yurick, Vermont
yay sam! We missed Cris at the supersunday debate. Also, why don't they display her political party's name (marijuana party) I bet she got elbowed out. Keep working for vt!
yay sam! We missed Cris at the supersunday debate. Also, why don't they display her political party's name (marijuana party) I bet she got elbowed out. Keep working for vt!
# 57:
9:22 am PDT, Oct 14,
Luke Paquette, Vermont
# 56:
8:54 am PDT, Oct 14,
Cliff DesMarais, Vermont
Democratize this Union.
Democratize this Union.
# 55:
2:54 am PDT, Oct 11,
Name not displayed, Greece
# 54:
2:10 am PDT, Oct 10,
Geoff Hill, Vermont
Being a populist, I would like to see more open and transparent activities around the gubernatorial race.
Being a populist, I would like to see more open and transparent activities around the gubernatorial race.
# 53:
4:30 pm PDT, Oct 7,
Name not displayed, Vermont
The fact that the Untied States government doesn’t allow all participates to take part in public debates is simply a form of class discrimination.
The fact that the Untied States government doesn’t allow all participates to take part in public debates is simply a form of class discrimination.
# 52:
5:15 pm PDT, Sep 21,
Nathaniel Frothingham, Vermont
Nothing is of greater importance than the widest and most adventurous discussion of public issues without regard to party manipulation or dollar bills.
Nothing is of greater importance than the widest and most adventurous discussion of public issues without regard to party manipulation or dollar bills.
# 51:
10:10 am PDT, Sep 21,
Lou Magnani, Vermont
Besides being allowed to participate in the debates, there should be a facility for feedback from the public. Debates broadcast on VPT and/or PEG are good but the public needs to have access to these unedited debates so they can be viewed at their pleasure. That may already be the case but does the public know it? I don't. If the general public knew where to have access to the debates in the format they chose to see it (e.g. podcasts, Comcast On Demand) and could then provide feedback it would change the dynamic of electoral politics. Instead of hearing the viewpoint of "who won" from a half dozen editors and anchors the news might instead reflect the sentiments of the populace.
Besides being allowed to participate in the debates, there should be a facility for feedback from the public. Debates broadcast on VPT and/or PEG are good but the public needs to have access to these unedited debates so they can be viewed at their pleasure. That may already be the case but does the public know it? I don't. If the general public knew where to have access to the debates in the format they chose to see it (e.g. podcasts, Comcast On Demand) and could then provide feedback it would change the dynamic of electoral politics. Instead of hearing the viewpoint of "who won" from a half dozen editors and anchors the news might instead reflect the sentiments of the populace.
# 50:
8:34 am PDT, Sep 21,
Sheila Samples, Oklahoma
If you are a candidate for office and you are not allowed to participate in debates, then you are not a candidate for office. Recall the sorry way candidates running for president were weeded out of the running early in the race. Rep. Kucinich was forced to sue a major network in an effort to be included in the debates -- and lost. Honest debates -- is that lipstick on a pig, or whut?
If you are a candidate for office and you are not allowed to participate in debates, then you are not a candidate for office. Recall the sorry way candidates running for president were weeded out of the running early in the race. Rep. Kucinich was forced to sue a major network in an effort to be included in the debates -- and lost. Honest debates -- is that lipstick on a pig, or whut?
# 49:
5:51 am PDT, Sep 21,
Dennis Morrisseau, Vermont
Anyone who denies participation in any debate for public office to any person qualified to serve in said office by law, is a criminal, is in violation of Constitutional protections known as Equal Protection, etc. and in violation of Federal Laws generally labelled "Civil Rights Acts" Candidates who participate in debates that discriminate against other candidates as above are themselves guilty of these crimes. No citizen should tolerate any such debate being held or broadcast.....
Anyone who denies participation in any debate for public office to any person qualified to serve in said office by law, is a criminal, is in violation of Constitutional protections known as Equal Protection, etc. and in violation of Federal Laws generally labelled "Civil Rights Acts" Candidates who participate in debates that discriminate against other candidates as above are themselves guilty of these crimes. No citizen should tolerate any such debate being held or broadcast.....
# 48:
5:39 pm PDT, Sep 20,
Keith Stern, Vermont
The voters lose when they don't get a chance to hear something from all the candidates and hear all the ideas. When they are limited to the same cookie cutter ideas election after election they don't realize there are better ways of doing things and better people to make it happen.
The voters lose when they don't get a chance to hear something from all the candidates and hear all the ideas. When they are limited to the same cookie cutter ideas election after election they don't realize there are better ways of doing things and better people to make it happen.
# 47:
12:11 pm PDT, Sep 15,
Peter Moss, Vermont
Once people understand that the only decider of U.S. policy is the Bohemian Club (google it), Demopublican party bullshit will decline and disappear.
Once people understand that the only decider of U.S. policy is the Bohemian Club (google it), Demopublican party bullshit will decline and disappear.
# 46:
11:01 am PDT, Sep 1,
Katie Smith, Vermont
The two party system is not working to our advantage, but those individuals who try to change our political system have a steep upward climb against some severe disadvantages. Access to debates/forums is one; another is the campaign finance law. Major party candidates can receive twice as much in donations than 3rd party or independent candidates. Both issues need to be changed.
The two party system is not working to our advantage, but those individuals who try to change our political system have a steep upward climb against some severe disadvantages. Access to debates/forums is one; another is the campaign finance law. Major party candidates can receive twice as much in donations than 3rd party or independent candidates. Both issues need to be changed.
# 45:
7:04 pm PDT, Aug 31,
Marek Hirsch, Vermont
Vermont sets a great example for the country with its ballot access laws for the general election -only 3 signatures needed- we should lead the way with open debate policies too.
Vermont sets a great example for the country with its ballot access laws for the general election -only 3 signatures needed- we should lead the way with open debate policies too.
# 44:
10:30 pm PDT, Aug 26,
Dennis Steele, Vermont
This is a free country right? Then let everyone participate.
This is a free country right? Then let everyone participate.
# 43:
7:32 am PDT, Aug 26,
Rachel Sherman, Vermont
This is Vermont! All viable candidates must have equal opportunity to make their voices heard. Here is a young Vermonter who understands and cherishes his heritage as a Vermonter of the Northeast Kingdom, has achieved an education and seen the world and has Vermont's best interests at heart. He deserves to be heard.
This is Vermont! All viable candidates must have equal opportunity to make their voices heard. Here is a young Vermonter who understands and cherishes his heritage as a Vermonter of the Northeast Kingdom, has achieved an education and seen the world and has Vermont's best interests at heart. He deserves to be heard.
# 42:
11:02 am PDT, Aug 22,
Kimberly Crady-Smith, Vermont
# 41:
2:25 pm PDT, Aug 17,
Name not displayed, Vermont
# 40:
12:39 pm PDT, Aug 10,
Bethany Knight, Vermont
# 39:
10:28 am PDT, Aug 8,
Sean Noyes, Finland
# 38:
1:24 pm PDT, Aug 7,
Name not displayed, Vermont
# 37:
10:46 pm PDT, Aug 6,
Morgan Brown, Vermont
If a candidate qualifies to get on the ballot for the political office they are seeking, then they should have the same opportunity to debate as any other candidates vying for the same office, whether the event is termed a debate or a so-called forum. The voters should be allowed to hear from all candidates running and no one else as well as nothing else should impede a candidate from having an equal, fair and balanced opportunity to be heard. Otherwise it is not only unfair to the candidate being excluded, but to the voting public as well. Either they all deserve the exact same chance and opportunity to be heard during the same event being held or there should be none held at all.
If a candidate qualifies to get on the ballot for the political office they are seeking, then they should have the same opportunity to debate as any other candidates vying for the same office, whether the event is termed a debate or a so-called forum. The voters should be allowed to hear from all candidates running and no one else as well as nothing else should impede a candidate from having an equal, fair and balanced opportunity to be heard. Otherwise it is not only unfair to the candidate being excluded, but to the voting public as well. Either they all deserve the exact same chance and opportunity to be heard during the same event being held or there should be none held at all.
# 36:
1:44 pm PDT, Aug 6,
Sophia Patenaude, Vermont
# 35:
12:30 pm PDT, Aug 5,
Beth Young, Vermont
I demand open access to all political candidates in future debates.
I demand open access to all political candidates in future debates.
# 34:
12:06 pm PDT, Aug 3,
Name not displayed, Pennsylvania
# 33:
2:50 pm PDT, Aug 1,
Joshua Pfenning, Vermont
It's a violation of this gentleman's rights to not be given his voice. He's not some left field crackpot, he's a serious candidate w/ grassroots support and a great platform, and I think the ol' "1-2" donkey and elephant boys are scared of more like he, and Polina for that matter, coming out and spoiling their monopoly on "Democracy".
It's a violation of this gentleman's rights to not be given his voice. He's not some left field crackpot, he's a serious candidate w/ grassroots support and a great platform, and I think the ol' "1-2" donkey and elephant boys are scared of more like he, and Polina for that matter, coming out and spoiling their monopoly on "Democracy".
# 32:
9:08 am PDT, Jul 31,
Matthew Cropp, Vermont
This will insure that the vital issues are discussed, not just inane partisan feuds.
This will insure that the vital issues are discussed, not just inane partisan feuds.
# 31:
9:34 pm PDT, Jul 30,
Jackie Massey, Oklahoma
All candidates should get to participate in public debates for a public office.
All candidates should get to participate in public debates for a public office.
# 30:
7:20 pm PDT, Jul 30,
Karey Young, Vermont
ALL candidates for Vermont Governor's office should be allowed to participate in all public debates.
ALL candidates for Vermont Governor's office should be allowed to participate in all public debates.
# 29:
3:16 pm PDT, Jul 29,
Meredith Louise Jones, Vermont
Hear the voices- let freedom ring!
Hear the voices- let freedom ring!
# 28:
1:55 pm PDT, Jul 28,
Darcy Gagne, Vermont
The voices of all our candidates need to be available to the public. How else can we move away from partisan politics? Independent candidates resonate with me more than any party is capible of doing. I want to hear these voices to be heard.
The voices of all our candidates need to be available to the public. How else can we move away from partisan politics? Independent candidates resonate with me more than any party is capible of doing. I want to hear these voices to be heard.
# 27:
12:01 pm PDT, Jul 28,
Sarah Macy, Vermont
# 26:
8:24 am PDT, Jul 28,
Erik Rabinowitz, North Carolina
It is a shame that in a state that touts to promote democracy would limit the number of individuals in a political debate. If you are going to be on the ballot you should be in the debate.
It is a shame that in a state that touts to promote democracy would limit the number of individuals in a political debate. If you are going to be on the ballot you should be in the debate.
# 25:
1:51 pm PDT, Jul 27,
Megan Harlow, Vermont
# 24:
7:05 am PDT, Jul 27,
Carina Berg, Vermont
# 23:
7:41 pm PDT, Jul 26,
Justin Parmett, Vermont
i believe it to be an absolute shame to think that in a progressive state like vermont, the political process would be one that closes out voices and not allow ANY candidate to participate in a healthy debate. how could we expect the public to make a knowledgeable choice if candidates are being silenced? there is NO excuse for such an action.
i believe it to be an absolute shame to think that in a progressive state like vermont, the political process would be one that closes out voices and not allow ANY candidate to participate in a healthy debate. how could we expect the public to make a knowledgeable choice if candidates are being silenced? there is NO excuse for such an action.
# 22:
5:41 pm PDT, Jul 26,
Silas Clark, Vermont
Everyone's voice should be heard, the more the merrier
Everyone's voice should be heard, the more the merrier
# 21:
4:58 pm PDT, Jul 26,
Edward DuFresne, Vermont
What are the major party candidates afraid of...let all candidates into the debates...
What are the major party candidates afraid of...let all candidates into the debates...
# 20:
12:45 pm PDT, Jul 26,
Andrew Gibson, North Carolina
# 19:
12:43 pm PDT, Jul 26,
Helen Morgan Parmett, Vermont
Vermont espouses itself as one of the most open and progressive states in the country. How can this be so if the state denies access to public political debates for some candidates but not others? The decision to exclude Sam Young from these debates is clearly rooted in political thinking that privileges those with money, resources, and connections while disempowering those at the grassroots--the very people the political process claims to represent. This action creates a feeling of disempowerment and disenfranchisement to all voters and citizens in the stae of Vermont. Vermont should set a standard for what freedom and democracy SHOULD and CAN mean for the nation in these troubling times. We should demand open access to all debates for ANY and EVERY candidate.
Vermont espouses itself as one of the most open and progressive states in the country. How can this be so if the state denies access to public political debates for some candidates but not others? The decision to exclude Sam Young from these debates is clearly rooted in political thinking that privileges those with money, resources, and connections while disempowering those at the grassroots--the very people the political process claims to represent. This action creates a feeling of disempowerment and disenfranchisement to all voters and citizens in the stae of Vermont. Vermont should set a standard for what freedom and democracy SHOULD and CAN mean for the nation in these troubling times. We should demand open access to all debates for ANY and EVERY candidate.
# 18:
12:42 pm PDT, Jul 26,
Nicole Richter, Florida
Public debate is the foundation of democracy. Open access in Vermont politics is critical to public discussion.
Public debate is the foundation of democracy. Open access in Vermont politics is critical to public discussion.
# 17:
11:48 am PDT, Jul 26,
Madeline Murphy Hall, Vermont
# 16:
10:57 am PDT, Jul 26,
Meghan O'Rourke, Vermont
Everyone on the ballot should be part of the debates. No questions, no brainer. Getting on the ballot is a job in itself and all candidates have a right to be heard, if people don't want to take the time to listen, so be it, but forum organizers should respect democracy. Otherwise they, the forum organizers, should work to change the system and limit the number of candidates allowed on the ballot, I mean, really. A candidate is a candidate and a candidate forum is for candidates.
Everyone on the ballot should be part of the debates. No questions, no brainer. Getting on the ballot is a job in itself and all candidates have a right to be heard, if people don't want to take the time to listen, so be it, but forum organizers should respect democracy. Otherwise they, the forum organizers, should work to change the system and limit the number of candidates allowed on the ballot, I mean, really. A candidate is a candidate and a candidate forum is for candidates.
# 15:
10:27 am PDT, Jul 26,
Christopher Langone, Illinois
Open access to debates is crucial if we are to have an active and informed citizenry.
Open access to debates is crucial if we are to have an active and informed citizenry.
# 14:
8:33 am PDT, Jul 26,
Marnie Ritchie, Massachusetts
# 13:
8:10 am PDT, Jul 26,
Alfred Snider, Vermont
I want to hear a wider variety of voices.
I want to hear a wider variety of voices.
# 12:
1:54 pm PDT, Jul 25,
Leanne Gibson, Vermont
# 11:
11:08 am PDT, Jul 22,
Patricia Bermon, Vermont
Imagine stifling full and fair debate in Vermont of all places! I'm shocked!! Let's open up the discussion, shall we? We need all the help and thoughtful ideas we can get.
Imagine stifling full and fair debate in Vermont of all places! I'm shocked!! Let's open up the discussion, shall we? We need all the help and thoughtful ideas we can get.
# 10:
10:20 am PDT, Jul 15,
Name not displayed, Vermont
As a Vermonter I am surprised that all candidates are not allowed to participate in all of the public debates.
As a Vermonter I am surprised that all candidates are not allowed to participate in all of the public debates.
# 9:
2:56 pm PDT, Jul 13,
Greta Quintin, Vermont
i want to hear how candidates measure up to each other.
i want to hear how candidates measure up to each other.
# 8:
4:13 am PDT, Jul 13,
Name not displayed, Germany
... AND MORE MISTAKES!
... AND MORE MISTAKES!
# 7:
2:59 am PDT, Jul 12,
Steve Klein, Canada
# 6:
10:17 pm PDT, Jul 10,
Pam Boland, Georgia
# 5:
9:30 pm PDT, Jul 10,
David Norkeveck, Vermont
# 4:
6:31 pm PDT, Jul 10,
Nicole Colston, Vermont
More candidates, more voices, more debates
More candidates, more voices, more debates
# 3:
6:30 pm PDT, Jul 10,
Steve Dale, Australia
# 2:
5:02 pm PDT, Jul 10,
Name not displayed, New York
# 1:
11:10 am PDT, Jul 10,
Samuel Young, Vermont
Open Government!
Open Government!
- View Signatures:
- |<
- <
- 60
- >
- >|
