Does DU stand for Defensive Underground?

[senseandsensibility]

It's time to look in the mirror, folks. I know it's not easy to see yourself objectively, and I hate to do it as much as anyone. But after one and a half fruitful years as a DU member, I've come to the conclusion that we need to do so.

Here's the deal. Many DUers, including myself, have called on the Dem leadership to "grow a spine", "be a real opposition party" and "stand up for what's right." We are justified in doing so. But have we examined our own role in the passivity of the leadership?

Yes, we have a role. Every time the leadership caves in to another * demand, we have a choice. We can react as strongly or as mildly as we choose. The strength of our reaction will determine what effect, if any, the reaction has. For example, how many of you e-mailed your representative about the bankruptcy bill, or the budget bill? We have thousands of members here. If everyone wrote a letter, it WOULD have an effect. How many of you participate in local efforts to stop *'s attempt to privatize social security? Yesterday I was at a Schwab protest against the plan that drew thirty people. I say this not to cause anyone to feel guilty, but simply to point out that our energy, and our strength, are not focused on what is truly important.

This brings me to the title of my thread. We are indeed becoming "defensive" on Democratic Underground. We are letting the repugs set the agenda. They decide to distract the people from DeLay's very real ethical problems and their own unpopular agenda by screaming about the Shaivo case 24/7. How do we respond? How should we respond? I'll let those of you that visit this board as often as I do answer that for yourselves.

Now imagine this. Instead of letting the repugs distract us with all Terri all the time nonsense, we kept pushing the DeLay matter and our opposition to their social security and bankruptcy plans. What if we refused to be sidetracked? What if we screamed loudly that the repugs were trying to distract from their misdeeds?

We have more power than we realize. We don't have to talk about what the corporate media and the repugs want us to talk about. We don't have to play defense. This board consists of thousands of well informed, educated, and "street smart" people. When we learn to ACT, instead of react, we will be a force to reckon with.:dem:

[slor]

1. Amen!

I am ready, when do we start?

[senseandsensibility]

6. Now!!

Anytime!:)

[mattclearing]

2. I see your point, but...

...opposition to their plans is still defensive.

We need to be pushing our own policy initiatives. Something beats nothing every time, and the Dems haven't been putting many ideas forward lately.

I agree with the gist of what you're saying though.

[TheFarseer]

3. You're totally right

Let them squable about Terri Shiavo if they want. To be honest I don't care all that much what they do about her. I think all the dems should be having a fit over our oil crisis. This is popular legislation. Who supports $2.20 gas??? No one except maybe oil companies themselves. And if those guys on the other side of aisle won't support our efforts, then we can crucify them with the $3 gas. If this isn't the big issue of 2008, something is horribly wrong with this country.

[paineinthearse]

4. "learn to ACT"

What do you recommend? I myself have become in my town committee and do all I can to raise community awareness. What esle do you have in mind?

[senseandsensibility]

5. I have decided to take fifteen minutes a day

from the time I find to read DU each day to e-mail my representatives about the atrocities being committed by this congress against the working people of this country. I have also decided to participate in every protest against these actions within forty miles or so of my home. It's easy to get discouraged, and I can be very cynical as well. But I honestly believe that if we all did that, we could make a difference.