am I an extremist?

[ulysses]

I believe in economic justice - which means limits on corporate power.

I believe in the education of all people.

I believe in people over money.

I believe in live and let live.

Yet I believe in the need to help those who are disadvantaged.

Am I an extremist?

Perhaps more to the point, can I call myself a Democrat?

I'm 36, and I've called myself a Democrat as long as I can remember because of these things. Yet, to many, they're liabilities.

Am I an extremist? Am I a Democrat?

[bryant69]

1. Rush Limbaugh once defined a Liberal Extremist

The exchange was something like this

Rush - Are you a liberal extremist?
Caller - I'm a proud Democrat.
Rush - Then you are a liberal extremist.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[CBGLuthier]

2. You are killing the party

How dare you have convictions and values. :-)

But I know where you are coming from and why you had to post this. I hope some take heed.

[ulysses]

4. raving bastard that I am.

(thanks) :)

[yurbud]

21. no shit. things are getting weird here.

[melody]

3. anybody who disagrees with RW extremists = liberal extremist to them

The regressives are simple-minded people. You're either for them or you're against them. It's as simple as that.

[fujiyama]

5. Do you consider yourself an extremist?

This is a meaningless word. It's all relative.

You sound like a mainstream Dem to me.

[ulysses]

9. no,

yet I've been labelled such by those with agendas.

[crispini]

27. What? You don't sound extremist to me.

Still, context is everything. I have a feeling there's another thread here you're not telling us about. :)

[ulysses]

28. there probably is. :)

I'm not hiding it, if so. :D

[afdip]

6. i'm almost sixty and pretty much meet your criteria

i used to be a democrat but nowadays they call me a commie. fuck 'em and feed 'em grits (y'all know what those are, don't ya?)

[AllyCat]

46. I like grits. And they don't have to be smothered in cheese either

Have family in SC...that would be a really red state. They are all blue folk. Welcome to DU, Commie!!

[DarkTirade]

47. Eww. I never got the whole grits and cheese thing

Butter for me, thanks. :) Just as unhealthy, but goes down smoother.

[afdip]

49. grits with cheese are great,

and being a leftist, i like garlic in mine as well.

[AllyCat]

55. Well, one can never go wrong with garlic...unless it's time for dessert

[Double T]

7. You're a commie, pinko liberal and you get my vote

A JUST extremist. A LIBERAL Democrat.

[Jersey Devil]

8. No, but if you think you are you may be

paranoid, like those who are shrieking about Chuck Schumer suddenly morphing into an evildoer.

[Mr_Spock]

11. Uh, oh

:rofl:

Trouble maker :D

[Jersey Devil]

14. my bad

Sometimes the immediate hysteria here tweaks my naughty streak.

[Mr_Spock]

17. lol

:rofl: "naughty streak" :rofl:

[Mr_Spock]

10. I would say "mainstream" Democratic values...

Those seem like "mainstream" Democratic values to me.

Those values speak for me too - which makes me a Democrat too - or at least a liberal - though I believe that most "mainstream" (whatever that means) Democrats have those values you listed.

In my opinion, extremists shout their ideals at you and don't accept comprimises of any sort. And get angry at people who do compromise with the "enemy".

:shrug:

[ulysses]

12. what compromises should we be accepting?

I'm asking specifically.

[Mr_Spock]

16. Now THERE is a question where I will have to waffle!

I hate to say this, but there is a always some give and take involved in getting anything accomplished politically. When you are the majority party, you expect to get most of what you want, but will compromise for political points with your constituency when required. The minority party has a much tougher job - they have to be more savvy than the majority to get things they want - it's the old numbers game fight every time. Sucks being the minority.

Of course the question was asked in order to get me to commit as to what I think Senator Schumer (and other Dems) should do WRT this crony hack that Dumbya nominated. I wish I knew where the weak spot with her was at this time. Until I know more about her, I'm going to go out and assure everyone that she will get the most fair treatment of any nominee in history. I certainly don't want to appear to play politics when I just don't know much about her at this time - perhaps she'll nudge me when we meet and tell me she's a closet liberal - I don't know. I will reserve judgment until later. If she's as bad a hack as she seems to be initially, then I will likely support a filibuster - it's a wait and see on that issue.

Is that enough of an idea of what I mean by "knowing when to compromise"?

[ulysses]

25. you're thinking too much.

We've given enough.

[Greyhound]

13. Good question. I think it makes you similar to most people that call

themselves Democrat, the democratic party however, hasn't supported those things for many years.

[GreenPartyVoter]

15. I sure don't feel like an extremist

[LincolnMcGrath]

18. Yes, you are an extremist!

:eyes: Get out of the party and let the 4-5% in the *center* run things. :crazy:

[jzodda]

19. more shumer bashing

and when he used the word extremist how do you know he meant YOU

[me b zola]

29. Schumer used very similar phrasing as the dlc/rnc

"The left-wing extremist of the party" meaning those of us who are informed and are working our asses off to not lose every inch of ground that we have made as a party since the New Deal.

I call bullshit on Schumer. If he wants to explain himself it would be welcomed. If not, well, been there done that.

[marions ghost]

34. Divisive and insulting

Schumer needs to explain himself. Maybe he should get a few emails....polite, intelligent emails

Yeah politicians say stupid things sometimes, even those you want to support. This is one of those times. Schumer needs to get the picture. The 'left wing conspiracy' might be a little more inclusive than he realizes....how do you count a group out who has been silenced for so long you don't have any idea how big it is? Dumb, really dumb. I say we who want CHANGE are the majority now...forget the labels.

[me b zola]

36. I agree. Polite, intelligent e-mails--also phone calls

Sometimes I think those (some) in elected office really have no idea about their constituents if it doesn't come from a push poll. What info they do not receive from those push polls is the number of educated, informed, & motivated masses who not only vote but raise money and campaign for them.

If we must hold their hands to bring them along--so be it, so long as they come along.

[ulysses]

30. I don't.

Dem centrists tend toward that, though.

Who *did* he mean?

[bonito]

20. You my friend, are awake

and it's not easy making your way among the sleeping, in that sense you can be viewed as an extremist, but I think those who view you that way are stirred, and can eventually wake up themselves, it's contagious and your spreading it!

[Pepperbelly]

22. Hell, yes, you're an extremeist!

:P

[ulysses]

26. in present company, I damned well hope so!

:)

[tnlefty]

23. Not in my book, and this is one thing that just pisses me off more

and more during the last couple of years!!! The repugs have given the democrats a great gift and they refuse to use it. To be on the side of TRUTH doesn't make one an extremist...imagine that. These asses who screech constantly about 'values, morals and ethics' have none and the democrats refuse to use this and then slap those of us who fight for this, and the other traits that you mentioned in your OP upside the goddamned head for actually having the nerve to stand up and state loudly 'hit back on the hypocrisy' are to be ignored? It boggles my mind at times.

[KoKo]

37. Mine too! ... and well said, what you say.

When folks who stand up for "values and principles" and care about their Country and are horrified to see it dismantled by the Repugs are called "Extremists" then we know we are in deep, deep trouble. :-(

[Crunchy Frog]

24. Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.

And moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.

That being said, I don't see you as an extremist.:P

[Pastiche423]

31. In the 3+ years that I have

thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts, I believe you have shown yourself to be a liberal Democrat w/an old soul.

;-)

[Just Me]

32. No. You are a compassionate human being AND a Democrat.

I consider you a PURE Democrat.

Don't let the right-wing destruction machine mischaracterize you or the rest of humanity who happens to care about fellow human beings.

[charlie]

33. Too lovable

You're not an extremist, just an annoying hardhead. One day you'll accept that the Vital Center is 20 yards from the Republican end zone, has always been 20 yards from the Republican end zone, and the Bliss of Triangulation will be yours.

[Broken_Hero]

35. No, you are not an

extremist, you are a democrat, everything you believe in (that you stated) I also believe in...:)

[existentialist]

38. "Extremism

in defense of liberty is no vice."

Barry Goldwater, acceptance speech, 1964 Republican convention


It seems to me that the things you support are necessary components of a nation that supports freedom.


I guess that makes you an extremist.


Join the club.

[hopeisaplace]

39. it appears

imho...conservative=intolerance, hate, death, war, rich, corporations.

Congratulations you're officially a liberal :) :)

[Douglas Carpenter]

40. some top Democrats would tell the MSM that you are

I remember when Howard Dean started to pull into the lead in late 2003-- I started hearing (even on the BBC) that he was "far left" and completely unelectable. The sources they ALL quoted were not Karl Rove or the RNC. Their sources for this "info" were leading D.C. inside the beltway Democrats.

When the question is put, "just what does Howard Dean advocate that is by any wild stretch of the imagination "far left" ", nobody knows. In other words, these sources were lying. They just made it up.

You may have heard the cliche that Mondale and Dukakis lost because they were too far left or "ultra-liberal". Again, when the question is asked, "well what positions did Mondale or Dukakis hold that were "ulta-liberal" or "far left" "--nobody knows. Again more lies certain top Democrats just made up.

No wonder the Republicans are able to put out their message. They get a lot of help.

[willing dwarf]

41. Not so much an extremist as a true patriot

If this were 1955 you would be a garden variety democtrat, but today,yes, perhaps you are an extremeist. The party has has left you and moved over to the right. We need a new people's party

[Douglas Carpenter]

42. I like the idea too. but trust me -- it's not going to happen

been there. done that

Changing the Democratic Party into a truly progressive Party will not be easy. But it is possible. Putting together a new, lasting and viable political party is simply not. Our system is not set up that way. Changing to a parliamentary system with proportional representation is about as likely as George Bush appointing Noam Chomsky to replace John Bolton as U.N. ambassador.

[Blue_Tires]

43. wow

i'm on the same page of what you posted, but i'm even farther to the left, and even i don't consider myself extreme; so you should be fine

[Writer]

44. One may consider you far left or extremist if...

you decide never to compromise, to waver, nor to permit consensus with your political opponents. If you decide that a specific staunch agenda transcends discussion and debate.

In other words, it may be an issue of approach, not beliefs.

But, to answer your question, I give your list above a thumbs-up and don't consider it "extremist" in the least! :thumbsup:

[Douglas Carpenter]

45. Amen!

It's time people stop labeling and name-calling as a tactic to silence progressive ideas.

Again I say Amen!

[LWolf]

48. Extremist?

Yes. Values like justice, truth and equality are now "extreme."

Any person who does not obediently follow the "leaders" is an extremist. Anyone who questions, speaks out, or, heaven forbid, drives against the flow of traffic is definitely an extremist.

[Brewman_Jax]

50. Yes

you're an extremist for wanting fairness in government and society. We could use more extremists.

[turbo_satan]

51. Your pre-9/11 mindset shows that you...

...clearly hate America and are giving aid and succor to the evil-doers.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

52. You Could Probably Get Large Majorities Of Americans To Endorse Those

Broad Principles...

The challenge is to translate those principles into actions...

That's where the division occurs...

[txaslftist]

53. You bomb throwing anarchist!

[Festivito]

54. If you think about it from their side, I think it'd be a yes...

Not from me, I know what you mean. They don't. The RW disinformation machine has people shell-shocked with what they think liberals are.

What limits on corporate power? I know you mean well. But, to RWers it sounds like wild abandon.

Educate all people, means perpetual students with no sensibility.

People over money (aside from being a lovely warm dish -- to them, to them!) means no limit to insurance liabilities leading to untimely deaths shortly after signing said insurance policies.

Live and let live then becomes never fight back.

And helping disadvantaged means to induce laziness.

Thus, you're extreme, to them.

We need dialog, we need media, we need each other, and we're not getting them. You think you're fine (I hope). I think you're fine. DU thinks you're fine.

But, they don't think we're fine, and they are the ones we need to reach.

[geniph]

56. Honey, if you're an extremist,

then there ARE no words for me...because I believe I'm rather a bit to the left of y'all.

By the way, good to see you around here again. :hi:

[ulysses]

65. heh - didn't know this thread was still around

Reminds me of our first conversation over four years ago. Some shit never changes, does it?

Good to see you around too, Geni! How's life?

[geniph]

67. Life's good, John

and I'm running for office this November, so life is also crazy!

:-)

[JanMichael]

57. You're a Conservative.

Since you're to the Right of me:-)

[Shakespeare]

58. aaaahhhh--yer a big ol' commie!

And so we all are, it seems. ;-)

Any time anyone wants to throw that word "extremist" around, they need to be tied to their chair and forced to explain EXACTLY what they mean, because I'm guessing most of them have no idea.

[KG]

59. remember: ideals are for losers, bro.

[ulysses]

66. I keep forgetting that...

:hi:

[entanglement]

60. You have my support

Check my sig line for the reason
:-)

[converted_democrat]

61. No your not, and either am I.

I have the overwhelming feeling we are about to get screwed from both sides. I love the ideals that make the Dem party what it is, but our leaders are selling us out. Anyone that thinks I'm wrong needs to reread The Bankruptcy Bill, The Patriot Act, The Energy Bill, and The Transportation Bill.

[kjwood]

62. Am I?

I believe in the right of people to defend themselves from criminals.

I believe that those who work hard and make good choices will succeed in life, and they shouldn't be forced to support those who don't.

I believe homosexuality is a choice.

I believe abortion is wrong.

I believe abstinence is the best form of birth control, and I think parents, not schools, should teach sex education.

I believe affirmative action is racist because it concentrates solely on race, not qualifications.

Am I an extremist? I am 19, and I've already been called every name in the book. Guess either I'm not doing something right, or people calling me names are crazy themselves.

[Irreverend IX]

63. Those beliefs are totally mainstream...

as far as I'm concerned.

In my experience, the real extremists on the left are a breed often encountered within organizations like ANSWER and at the fringes of some college political groups. They talk about Marxist revolution and guerilla tactics in preparation for the day the Feds come to shut them down. I haven't seen many on DU; indeed, these sorts tend to fare poorly in discussions of current events and national policy. Like the freepers and the KKK, their politics is founded on shapeless emotion. I suppose you could say that's what defines an extremist.

[tlsmith1963]

64. You Are Not an Extremist

What you stand for is what I stand for. And last time I checked, I wasn't an extremist. I haven't been plotting to blow up anything or trying to kill any leaders. Yep, not an extremist.

Tammy

[H2O Man]

68. I hope so.

We are in an extreme situation. The country needs some good extremists.

[Pushed To The Left]

69. I agree with all of the views you listed

If you're an extremist, then I must be one too!

[Flying Dream Blues]

70. What a loadashite! Just kidding...I'm right there with you!