Rootstrikers

Rootstrikers
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Name	Rootstrikers
Formation	2011
Founder	Lawrence Lessig, Aaron Swartz
Type	Political activist group
Purpose	Anti-corruption, campaign finance reform
Location	United States

Rootstrikers. Rootstrikers is a political activist group founded by Lawrence Lessig and Aaron Swartz in 2011, with the goal of reducing the influence of money in politics and promoting campaign finance reform. The group's name is derived from the idea of striking at the roots of corruption, rather than just its symptoms, as described by Theodore Roosevelt in his New Nationalism speech. Rootstrikers is often associated with other organizations, such as Mayday PAC, RepresentUs, and Common Cause, which share similar goals, including the promotion of transparency and accountability in government, as advocated by Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama.

● Introduction to

Rootstrikers Rootstrikers is a non-partisan organization that seeks to address the issue of corruption in politics, as highlighted by Watergate and Iran-Contra affair. The group's founders, Lawrence Lessig and Aaron Swartz, were inspired by the work of Ralph Nader and Public Citizen, as well as the Occupy Wall Street movement, which drew attention to the disproportionate influence of special interest groups and lobbyists, such as K Street and Chamber of Commerce of the United States. Rootstrikers aims to create a more democratic and equitable system, where the voices of all citizens are heard, as envisioned by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. The group's efforts are often compared to those of Campaign for America's Future, Democracy 21, and Public Campaign, which also advocate for campaign finance reform and voting rights, as protected by the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

● History of

the Movement The Rootstrikers movement has its roots in the anti-corruption and good government movements of the early 20th century, as led by Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. The group's founders were also influenced by the work of John Gardner and Common Cause, which has been a leading advocate for government reform and transparency since the 1970s, including the Watergate scandal and Church Committee. In 2011, Lawrence Lessig and Aaron Swartz launched Rootstrikers as a grassroots effort to mobilize citizens and promote campaign finance reform, as supported by Russ Feingold and John McCain. The group's early efforts were focused on supporting legislation such as the DISCLOSE Act and the Fair Elections Now Act, which were introduced by Congress in response to the Citizens United v. FEC decision, as criticized by Justice John Paul Stevens and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

● Key Issues and Goals

Rootstrikers is focused on addressing the issue of money in politics and promoting campaign finance reform, as advocated by Brennan Center for Justice and Demos. The group's key issues include the need for transparency and disclosure in campaign finance, as required by the Federal Election Campaign Act and Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. Rootstrikers also supports the creation of a public financing system for elections, as implemented in Arizona and Maine, and the overturn of the Citizens United v. FEC decision, as sought by Move to Amend and Free Speech For People. The group's goals are aligned with those of other organizations, such as Public Citizen and Democracy 21, which are working to promote government reform and accountability, as envisioned by Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

● Notable Members and Supporters

Rootstrikers has a diverse range of members and supporters, including activists, academics, and politicians. Notable supporters of the group include Lawrence Lessig, Aaron Swartz, Russ Feingold, and John McCain, as well as organizations such as Mayday PAC, RepresentUs, and Common Cause. The group has also received support from celebrities such as Mark Ruffalo and Susan Sarandon, who have used their platforms to raise awareness about the issue of money in politics, as highlighted by The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. Rootstrikers has also partnered with other organizations, such as Sunlight Foundation and MapLight, to promote transparency and accountability in government, as advocated by Sarah Kendzior and Glenn Greenwald.

● Criticisms and Controversies

Rootstrikers has faced criticism and controversy from some quarters, including special interest groups and lobbyists who oppose campaign finance reform, such as Koch brothers and American Legislative Exchange Council. Some have argued that the group's efforts are unrealistic or misguided, and that money in politics is a necessary part of the democratic process, as argued by Federalist Society and Cato Institute. Others have criticized Rootstrikers for its tactics, including its use of grassroots organizing and social media to mobilize citizens, as used by Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter. Despite these criticisms, Rootstrikers remains a prominent voice in the anti-corruption and good government movements, as recognized by Transparency International and Global Integrity.

● Impact and Legacy

Rootstrikers has had a significant impact on the national conversation about money in politics and campaign finance reform, as reflected in the 2016 United States presidential election and 2020 United States presidential election. The group's efforts have helped to raise awareness about the issue and mobilize citizens to take action, as seen in the Women's March and March for Our Lives. Rootstrikers has also inspired other organizations and initiatives, such as Mayday PAC and RepresentUs, to work towards campaign finance reform and government reform, as advocated by Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The group's legacy continues to be felt, as citizens and organizations across the United States work to create a more democratic and equitable system, as envisioned by Thomas Paine and Martin Luther King Jr.. Category:Political organizations in the United States