Here’s a wacky, radical idea: why not let the 13 million members of the affiliated unions of the AFL-CIO vote on the competing proposals put out by the two main camps in the past couple of weeks? There’s a debate going on about which side has the best ideas or strategies—but it’s a debate within a relatively tiny circle. So, let’s see what the members think. Yeah, real-live members, you know, the ones that pay the dues who are always poetically referred to by the leaders (it’s our version of the broader political salute given to “the troops”—just invoke them and you can cover your ass on everything from war-profiteering to poorly armored vehicles).

I don’t know if the vote could be made binding—you’d probably need a constitutional change in the AFL-CIO charter or, at least, an agreement by the Executive Council, which might be tough to get (can’t lose control, baby). But, having the debate wouldn’t be hard to do. And it could be done, thanks to the Internet, pretty swiftly and, certainly, before the AFL-CIO convention opens at the end of July. Here’s how it might work in very general terms:

• A special website would be put up with each of the major proposals; advocates for each of the proposals could put up an authorized explanation and arguments for their proposal and/or a critique of the alternative. The website would be managed by a group of individuals who are as unbiased and independent as possible. To focus the discussion, I’d suggest that a “major” proposal be one that has the support of unions representing at least 20 percent of the Federation’s membership. But, the website should also include any other proposals or ideas that have been drafted since the debate began (many already exist in the SEIU and AFL-CIO sites devoted to the discussion). Let it get wild and crazy.
• Treat this just like a political part primary season. Beginning in mid-June, schedule public debates in at least 10 locations featuring two proponents on each side. Pick the locations most likely to reach the most union members, either because of sheer numbers or density (e.g., Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, New York). Each debate would have at least a web-cast, if not media coverage such as C-SPAN. Try to recruit high-profile moderators (maybe Jon Stewart or Bill Maher). No disrespect meant to the always-interesting, talking-head labor leaders but I’d suggest adding a fun component, like a concert or dance party to attract people.
• The Dean-MoveOn model. The website would also encourage union members to gather in smaller “meet-ups” and house parties to listen to the debates or just discuss the ideas on their own.
• At the end of the period, all 13 million members would be asked to cast a vote through a secure Internet site.

Let’s be honest: this isn’t going to be sexy enough for all 13 million members. But, if it was taken seriously, it could catch on if each union felt it needed to get its members out to vote to tip the scales towards one proposal or the other.