What Should Democrats Be Doing?
This article was forwarded to me by my friend David. It criticizes those Dems that voted for Iraq war funding, the patriot act, etc. It seems to totally disregard any political realities (the importance of compromises, the fact that the Dems are in the minority, the fact that the American people want their congresspeople to "do something", i.e. not simply obstruct and the fact that people are up for re-election. What would the writer suggest?
I do wish the Dems had a more unified front, and to define better and stand for their principals, but it just seems that this article (and many arguments by the farther-left make) come from an ideal that isn't rooted in reality. It is much easier to stay outside of the process and lob attacks rather than work from within to effect change. What about critiquing the farther left for not participating constructively to work for the things they want, rather than spewing these sorts of articles and attacks? What has John Nichols - the writer of the article, done for the cause? Certainly this article could get people talking etc., but does it help? What are the constructive ideas he has for changing things given the system of government we have and the vast majority of Americans want?
posted by P-Daddy at 1:13 PM
4 Comments:
I think one of the differences stems from how one views America..I think those of a more "liberal"persuasion view America as basically a good country with a few flaws,while those more of a"progressive"view look upon America as a land built upon domination and slavery.When I look at history,I see many of the changes have started with those on the outside,and only adopted from the inside when the alternative was chaos. I share the more progressive view with one caveat,many leftist types tend to hate America and wish for its downfall.I view that as a form of self hatred..Not good to hate one's birthplace..While I feel outside of structural changes we are headed for downfall,I'd rather support Third Parties and Independents as a way of being outside,yet being inside as well
2:51 PM
Upon reviewing my post, when I said "reality" I meant "political reality". I have voted third party as well (Moderate/Independent), but any movement that was starting has died. It seems when you look at third party movements they are rather short-lived and are based around personalities/egos who have no interest in actually building on what they start.
I know it can be argued that third parties have gotten good things on the table, that may not have been otherwise, but I don't see any use for it right now. There are Dems that are fighting for all of the things the Greens are asking. I argue people that feel the way you do should be helping them stay in office and get their message out.
8:54 AM
Seems to me like instead of featuring Dennis Kucinich prominently,the Democrats wish for him to go away..He was one of the few Democrats who didnt bash Ralph Nader
12:02 PM
Kucinich was only getting about 1% of the vote in the Primaries. There is a desire to back a front runner quickly in both parties right now because it is felt that an ongoing "battle" will result in losing votes to the other party. Why would a party feature prominently someone who wasn't getting much vote? He was in every debate. Are you refering to the time slot he was given to speak at during the convention? I am not sure what you are refering too.
8:02 AM
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