NY Times Magazine - Wiring the Vast Left-Wing Conspiracy (LONG)

[mandyky]

By MATT BAI

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/25/magazine/25DEMOCRATS.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5088&en=13ada638bbe542f0&ex=1248494400&partner=rssnyt

<snip>
Andy Rappaport made his millions as a venture capitalist,searching out what he calls ''ideas that change the world.'' About six years ago, for instance, when most everyone else in the high-tech industry thought wireless communication was going to depend on new, exotic semiconductors, Rappaport threw $2.5 million into a start-up called Atheros Communications, whose founders were focusing instead on building low-cost radios using common chip technology. It was a smart move. When the company went public last February, the initial investment by Rappaport and his partners was worth more than $60 million.
</snip>

[BlueScreen]

1. This article is a must-read, in my opinion

It provides a glimpse into the future of the Left in our country, and even paints a picture of the day when progressive candidates may be able to run for higher office without the support of the DNC.

Very, very illuminating article. One that reminds you how much fun it is being on the Left-- even without George W. Bush occupying the White House.

Sagar

[scottxyz]

2. I agree - this is a must-read

Anyone who is interested in DemocraticUnderground should be interested in this article.

This article, in a way, is ABOUT institutions such as DemocraticUnderground (and a new group of venture capitalists) who may be threatening to replace the old "Party" apparatus.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

3. Agreed. Kick it.

:kick:

[Burma Jones]

4. Here's the big message I got from this

We're just going to have to buy the country back. There's more than enough money for it.




<snip>

how conservatives, over a period of 30 years, had managed to build a ''message machine'' that today spends more than $300 million annually to promote its agenda.

Rappaport was blown away by the half-hour-long presentation. ''Man,'' he said, ''that's all it took to buy the country?''

<snip>

[mandyky]

5. It's not buying it back, political change uses money

I don't see the investments as buying back anything - just the opposite - being able to raise funds will allow Democrats to work outside of the DNC and the DLC, and come up with a better message.

[Tatiana]

6. Phenomenal article.

I have no words, other than this definitely is a must read.

[Kire]

7. 'The deterioration is steady, and it's spreading like a cancer'

''If you've been able to discern a direction on which to be skeptical or optimistic, then you're doing pretty well.''