Suggested Democratic strategy -- A Breath of Fresh Air

[Armstead]

Here's what IMO the Democrats ought to do right now.

Let Palmegate play out however it plays out without seeing it as a political silver bullet. Instead, come out as the alternative that offers a breath of fresh air, with a pro-active platform of real reform.

Come up with a REAL basic agenda that liberals and moderates can agree on. Not a bunch of centrist crap, but really calling out the whole moldy mess that has been taking over the country for the last 30 years.

Democrats should distance themselves from that moldy mess by realigning themselves with MODERATE BUT REAL AND CLEAR LIBERAL REFORM ON ALL LEVELS. Become the party of "fresh air, in contrast to the bi-partisan morass of corruption and special interests."

That means breaking the ties to the corporate power structure. I don't mean becoming "anti-business."

But what is "pro-business" is to encourage the restoration of a truly diverse and competative free enterprise system. STOP ENABLING THE OLIGARCHS WHO WANT THE WHOLE PIE TO THEMSELVES.

That would mean Democrats as the party of small business and mid-sized business. Democrats can also support big business but only when they agree to play be the same rules as everyone else.

The Democrats should also return to being the party that is for the rights of workers, including the middle and lower classes. Again, that's not "anti-business." It is pro-consumer, and recognizing that workers/consumers are necessary to a healthy economy.

That's not radical. Nor leftist. It is traditional American liberal Democratic values.

[JDPriestly]

1. How right you are!

And the shocking thing is that the oligarchs have so veered to the right and so propagandized the media and the public with their extreme right claptrap that the moderate agenda you are suggesting is viewed as extreme left. In fact, we of the "left" are the middle-of-the-roaders. We are the moderates. I feel certain that Americans will appreciate the wisdom and balance in the agenda you describe. This nation was built on common sense, and the platform you describe just makes sense. I agree with you 100%.

[Armstead]

3. Thanks. I suggest reading this 1980 speech by Ted Kennedy

It's amazing in that it could have been made yesterday. Too bad the nation decided to go in the opposite direction in the 80's and 90's. But maybe since the chickens have come home to roost. the public will listen this time.


Excerpt from Kennedy's 1980 speech at Democratic convention:
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/tedkennedy1980dnc.htm


"The serious issue before us tonight is the cause for which the Democratic Party has stood in its finest hours, the cause that keeps our Party young and makes it, in the second century of its age, the largest political party in this republic and the longest lasting political party on this planet.

Our cause has been, since the days of Thomas Jefferson, the cause of the common man and the common woman.

Our commitment has been, since the days of Andrew Jackson, to all those he called "the humble members of society -- the farmers, mechanics, and laborers." On this foundation we have defined our values, refined our policies, and refreshed our faith.

Now I take the unusual step of carrying the cause and the commitment of my campaign personally to our national convention. I speak out of a deep sense of urgency about the anguish and anxiety I have seen across America.

I speak out of a deep belief in the ideals of the Democratic Party, and in the potential of that Party and of a President to make a difference. And I speak out of a deep trust in our capacity to proceed with boldness and a common vision that will feel and heal the suffering of our time and the divisions of our Party.

The economic plank of this platform on its face concerns only material things, but it is also a moral issue that I raise tonight. It has taken many forms over many years. In this campaign and in this country that we seek to lead, the challenge in 1980 is to give our voice and our vote for these fundamental democratic principles.

Let us pledge that we will never misuse unemployment, high interest rates, and human misery as false weapons against inflation.

Let us pledge that employment will be the first priority of our economic policy.

Let us pledge that there will be security for all those who are now at work, and let us pledge that there will be jobs for all who are out of work; and we will not compromise on the issues of jobs.

These are not simplistic pledges. Simply put, they are the heart of our tradition, and they have been the soul of our Party across the generations. It is the glory and the greatness of our tradition to speak for those who have no voice, to remember those who are forgotten, to respond to the frustrations and fulfill the aspirations of all Americans seeking a better life in a better land.

We dare not forsake that tradition.

We cannot let the great purposes of the Democratic Party become the bygone passages of history.

We must not permit the Republicans to seize and run on the slogans of prosperity. We heard the orators at their convention all trying to talk like Democrats. They proved that even Republican nominees can quote Franklin Roosevelt to their own purpose.

The Grand Old Party thinks it has found a great new trick, but 40 years ago an earlier generation of Republicans attempted the same trick. And Franklin Roosevelt himself replied, "Most Republican leaders have bitterly fought and blocked the forward surge of average men and women in their pursuit of happiness. Let us not be deluded that overnight those leaders have suddenly become the friends of average men and women."

MUCH MORE

[JDPriestly]

6. Wonderful quote.

Thank you.

[mestup]

2. And package it all under one meme: "Had enough? - Vote Democratic." n/t

[Armstead]

4. Had enough GOP Bullshit?

Well, maybe that wouldn't make a good bumper sticker...

[Catchawave]

5. I want that bumper sticker!

I like it, I like it :)