I've said this before but we still need to discuss it

[ewagner]

We need to start preparing for AFTER George Bush....

In just over three years, he won't be on the public stage. We need to present the public with an alternative vision to the Neocon's vision of America. We need both the message and a messenger. (Paul Hackett jus gave us a sneak preview of what the public wants in a messenger...we'd better be paying attention)

There is only one purpose for us to pursue Bush's crimes: If the man leaves office unindicted, he will be cannonized by the Republican party just like Reagan. The man must leave office either in disgrace or under a cloud of scandal or we'll have to live with his "legacy" forever.

Aside from that, our efforts should be on 2006 building toward 2008. Message is the key.

This post is meant only to kick off a discussion, not as a definitive statement about the future of the party.

Can we discuss this?

[bufffbison]

1. I'm for it.

Lets start by prioritizing issues that are the most important, address the problems, then find solutions to the problems.

[bufffbison]

6. I believe the most crucial issue we must work on is.......

connecting with the people and ensuring them the democratic party is all about, "by the people, for the people." In the last four years, the republicans has steered this country away from that philsophy and it is destroying the true meaning of a democratic country and the freedoms it comes with. THAT my friend is what we need to work on. We must let it be known to the american people, the republican party has mislead them and not representing the american people the way they are suppose to do. If we can grasp on this crucial issue and fix it, I believe the american people will wake up and realize they have been mislead. This will allow the people to connect with the democratic party and voice their opinons and needs to their democratic candiate. This will increase our creditability and will ensure clear victories in both the housse, senate, as well as presidency.

[ewagner]

7. I think that's the "vision"

I was referring to.

The basic ideals of the party, including "We the People" are values that the vast majority of Americans can and do agree with. We need to communicate that and not let the Repubs define our message for us...

[Booster]

15. Let's start by having the biggest blow-out party this country has

ever seen, then we can move on to more serious stuff after we get over our hangovers. Can't be too soon for me.

[bunkerbuster1]

2. well, without a Dem majority in Congress in 2006 you can kiss your dreams

goodbye.

We have to Chimpeach. We must visualize Chimpeachment.

Without a certified blemish on this ratfucker's legacy, you're right. He's destined for Ronnie Raygun treatment.

Here is our message:

1) We believe in justice.

2) Even though it's not specifically mentioned in the Constitution, we believe all Amreicans have the right to vote.

3) Even though it's not specifically mentioned in the Constitution, we believe all Amreicans have the right to healthcare.

there, that's simple enough that a Kansan can understand it.

(I was born in Kansas, spare me your flames.)

[ThoughtCriminal]

3. I don't think we can let the crimes slide

like we did after Reagan/Bush I.

[cssmall]

4. That's something that I've been saying for a long time.

We have to codify our beliefs and present them to the American public, instead of appearing fractured and scrambling for every scrap of a paper trail to indict Bush on. Unfortunately, we may be looking for a needle in a haystack when it comes to an indictment on Bush. And, I'm not being pessimistic.

It has to be proven that we are a party that cares.

Abortion: Is anyone truly pro-abortion? I don't think anyone is pro-abortion because it does involve the destruction of a "bundle of cells" or a human life. However, we are pro-choice because we want women who need abortions for whatever reason to not resort to using a coathanger or other deadly technique to aborting a fetus.

Economy: The economy works best when power is more in the hands of the consumer than the company. Undo the "trick-down" effect, kill CAFTA, and state that any business that is in a protectorate, territory or state of the US must pay their workers the US minimium wage. Yes, this will cause clothes to go up in price; however, it would be proof to the world and ourselves that we are an enlighened people.

Social: Let us follow the guidelines of the Constitution: Article 4, Section 8: The US shall have power to levy any tax, excise or duty to promote the defense and general welfare of its people. Social security as it is, universal health care, and retain the current social net of food stamps, welfare, WIC, etc.

This is mainly the gripes I have with the current adminstration. Just a little statistic: Did you know that only 0.02% of those on governmental aid ACUTALLY cheat it?

[ewagner]

8. Good post

I'm going to have to digest it a little bit.

[fishnfla]

5. I think circumstances will form the rules

Foreign oil dependence and altenative fuel sources
global warming
health care
stem cell research
the iraqi quagmire


the cards will be shuffled our way

Forget about bush, he is so last year

[ewagner]

9. Hi Fish!!

good to see you!

Don't think we can write him off just yet...unless we really want to start pushing the "lame duck"/Bush is irrelevant theme early and often...mixed of course with the message that the Democratic Party is the only party for "real" Americans.....

[ewagner]

10. oops gotta run

will check in later...

[Alcibiades]

11. One thing about Hackett

... and Kerry, and Gore: he's a veteran, an actual war vet. Our record with veterans, however, is abysmal. The Republicans have shown that they will slander any veteran who runs for national office as a Democrat. The problem is that anyone's war record is ultimately questionable, i.e. "He may have been slightly less heroic than we were led to believe!" Unless we nominate a non-vet, it will turn into another pissing contest over the candidate's war record.

[On Par]

12. I Have A Question...

How do we get a fair count of the ballots?

As you see, I ain't over it.

[JayVotes]

13. Hackett is no SNEAK PREVIEW

Where do you live?
Yeah you may know about all of the great ideas about Hackett but the voters of OHIO do not. I live just across the river and not a single ad run by hackett did ANYTHING major to separate himself from BUSHIE. Heck even 2 of his radio ads started with BUSHIE TALKING and then Hackett slurps his every work up.

So what are you saying the public wants a man who hugs bushie, never mentions the fact he not so much a liberal ( when did this become a bad word ) or even a democrat or a progressive. A MOVEMENT will never be started this way. The neocons have a MOVEMENT the progs have some people running tight elections by acting like Jello.

If you want change, express clear ideas and make an alternative choice. don't A Say I'm not Bush, Or B like Hackett say NOTHING IN ANY ADS ABOUT YOURSELF

Focus on creating alternative energies sources for the AVERAGE MAN ( maybe low interest loans similar to a HUD loan but for anyone to put solar panels on your house. Embrace actual change that anyone can like.
Embrace the repeal of laws that encroach on our civil liberties.

Stop bitching and cheering over junk races that mean nothing and create a platform that john public can embrace. So the majority of americans are scared of gay marriage. Then focus on clean energy or feeding the rural poor in AMERICA instead of BFE. May a clear plan that can be embraced and then the side things that arnt as popular can be accomplished on the side. Hell that is what a recess nomination is for.

[newyawker99]

14. Hi JayVotes!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[kentuck]

16. We need to say what we are for ? Not just what we are against ?

For example, we are for protecting Social Security, not trying to destroy it like the Republicans. For example, we are for a strong defense, not tearing it down like the Republicans are doing. We are for providing a strong safety net for our most needy citizens, not jerking it from under them. We are for everyone paying their fair share of taxes, especially during a war, and not giving away the Treasury to the wealthiest in our country. We are for keeping our jobs, even our lowest paid jobs, in this country - rather than sending them to Central America or China. We are for a sane immigration policy, that addresses illegal immigration, rather than turning our backs and pretending there is no problem...