Being a Democrat ain`t for sissies.

[democrank]

A couple of days ago I was thinking about what a crotchety old woman I`ve become. Although I mourned the loss of my idealism, I`ve accepted my low tolerance for BS. The older I get, the more I want to call a spade a spade. Time is precious so I don`t just want to hang around pretending there`s a miracle due any minute. That`s why I can`t just look at all this Democratic Party puff and fluff stuff and call it spine-tingling leadership. I can`t just latch on to some Democratic leader`s biannual courage flare-up and run to a DU poll to vote "YES" for that person in `08. I need to see some prolonged exhibitions of boldness, not some consultant`s tepid automaton or some bar graph illustrating how folks in Nebraska respond to the word flip-flop.

For those of you on this site who argue we should respect the DLC and stop yakking, I suggest you dig up Al From`s famous memo where he denigrated every anti-war Democrat. And, if you`re not too keen on the corporate takeover of our government, then reason says you ought to question the corporate takeover of our party. That would be the DLC. For those of you who get all twisted up because some of us can`t support a pro-Iraq War Democrat, grab a history book and read about the Vietnam War and the people who tried to stop it. Better yet, visit with some Vietnam Vets still confined to their wheelchairs and still arguing with the VA about their PTSD. If, in this country, you have to be willing to not bat an eye over a White Phosphorus drop, then count me out. If Hillary continues with her vote-grabbing glide to the right on the Iraq War, I won`t vote for her. There are some things I just won`t bend on, and this war is one of them.

We can`t just glom onto someone because he/she showed a little spine one Sunday morning on Meet the Press. Standing up for basic Democratic principles is what we sent them to Washington to do. We should expect more than them spending three minutes telling Chris Matthews about their friends across the aisle. They have hardly any friends across that aisle, but they`re too scared to say it.

We have to find someone who dares tell it like it is. No Senate-Speak, no nicey nice with Wolf Blitzer. Someone who doesn`t cower for a living. Someone who realizes that Wall Street isn`t Main Street. Someone who can chew up this dirty Republican machine and spit it out like it was a rancid
fruitcake.

[jaxx]

1. I'm old enough to be a crank too, and agree with you on this.

Don't be telling me we should stay in Iraq forever, get us the hell out of there. So far only Kucinich has said no to war, and he went nowhere last time. Maybe more people will be sick of it by 2008. You can bet we'll still be there, or some other mideast country.

[Olney Blue]

2. Thanks, democrank. I agree.

[madfloridian]

3. I will vote my conscience in the primary, but I will vote for the Democrat

in the general election. There is no organization yet capable of fighting back against this bunch but the Democrats.

I can not believe I have been so criticized here for supporting Democrats. I do criticize the DLC a lot, I have posted a lot of well-researched things against them.

However, I will not go along with the progressives who just want to hurt the Democrats. They have nothing to offer in place of it.

I will work to change the Democrats, but not voting for one in the general election will for sure give power back to the right wing. I refuse to do that.

[Iowa]

11. Well, not so fast...

I understand what you're saying: "...I will not go along with the progressives who just want to hurt the Democrats. They have nothing to offer in place of it... not voting for one in the general election will for sure give power back to the right wing."

Like the original poster, I, too, have reached an age where I have a much lower tolerance for BS. But another thing that comes after several decades of knocking around in the world is a tendency to have a longer view colored by a reality that comes from being burned repeatedly.

The reality is this: It is entirely possible that the Democratic party, by and large, is heading even further to the right. In other words, it may have a diminishing role as the voice of the average person. So I can understand why a true-blue progressive, like the original poster, might conclude that the progressive ideals we all share might best be served by refusing to support candidates who fail to espouse the values we believe in.

The longer view is this: If the "little guy's" representation at the table is to be greatly diminished in the future, it is reasonable to conclude that we might be better off in the long term (albeit worse off in the short-term) by withholding support from those who claim to be on our side, but fail to aggressively represent our interests (the BS). While that may very well produce some terrible republican gains in the short term, it is possible that the excesses they perpetrate will produce a backlash that will bury them for generations. It is also possible that the demise of the Dem party, as it exists today, just might result in something better that may rise up in its place - perhaps a stronger, more progressive Democratic party. It's a grim scenario, that would result in a lot of pain, but I can understand why a progressive might reasonably conclude that cold reality and a longer view might just call for dramatic action they wouldn't have dreamed of 20 years ago.

I'm not pushing this approach, but see it as a reasonable response to a lack of effective representation.

[Usrename]

19. I am no longer convinced that a partisan view is warranted at all.

I think the much touted "partisan divide" is but another propaganda farce perpetrated on the people. The majority of people, especially when you include those who don't vote, the old silent majority, are really thinking a pox on both your houses. Molly Ivins hints at this in her Hillary piece when she raises the issues of what the majority thinks:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/01/20/ivins.hillary/

Even though the OP is firmly anti-war, the important debate has moved far past any pro-war/anti-war sentiments. The Iraq war is now clearly just a subterfuge for an even more radical agenda. Although a lot of people caught onto this very early, the failure of any opposition party to acknowledge it at this late date is truly frightening. People don't understand it. But they are beginning to open their eyes more and more each day. The parties are meaningless. This path leads only to further enslavement of peoples though advancing the twin agendas of racism (through encouragement of strong nationalism) and fascism (through advancement of capitalist doctrine).

The world is watching.

[Imagevision]

24. OTHER THEN MURTHA PELOSI BOXER - WHO IS SPEAKING UP?

OOPS, FORGOT ABOUT KENNEDY KERRY & EDWARDS, IN ANY EVENT THERE ARE TOO MANY PUSSY DEM SENATORS AFRAID TO SPEAK UP FOR THE PEOPLE THEY SUPPOSEDLY REPRESENT...!

[democrank]

26. Iowa....

You wrote what is in my heart.

I`m not some closet Naderite out to sabotage the Democratic Party. I`ve been an active Democrat for over four decades.

What pains me is this notion that to be a Good Democrat, one must gleefully join in on the obvious march to the right. What? Start bellowing about Welfare Queens and anti-war protestors who aid our enemies? Provide proof that I attend church regularly?

Maybe it`s a generational thing, but the party we have today: the millionaire consultants, the wet-finger wind testers, the phrase specialists, the set designers, the advance teams seem light years away from the unemployed teenage dad living on the eleventh floor. While some of our leaders model their Princeton cap for the cameras or morph into the other half of bipartisan buddy twins on cable tv, many citizens are feeling more and more left out, forgotten like they no longer matter. They do matter to me and to many other Democrats I know. The base isn`t the problem. The leadership is.

[Iowa]

32. democrank, we think alike...

You and I have been around awhile. We've learned that there are very few things in this world that are good, enduring, and true... things like integrity, honor, loyalty, and others-before-self. We know what's possible and we're willing to hold out for it - if not for ourselves - for our children and our grandchildren. It's just too damned important to settle for "the millionaire consultants, the wet-finger wind testers, the phrase specialists, the set designers", as you stated so eloquently.

I would never question the motives of a progressive who choses to go this route. I can understand why others might fear that it could create some potentially devastating republican gains in the short-term. However, when I read your post I was moved by the ideals you espouse and by your willingness to suffer through some potentially terrible times (which might very well include all of your remaining years on this earth!) in a genuine effort to create a more progressive future for those who come after you. That is indeed quite noble, and deserving of the utmost respect by fellow progressives who may disagree.

[electropop]

4. Boxer & Conyers 2008!

In my opinion, they clearly meet the criteria you have laid out. They consistently speak and vote to defend and protect the Constitution and our right to vote. They are brave and clear. They will have my active support should one or more of them run for President.

[bonito]

8. My feelings as well. n/t

[Senator]

30. That's the ticket that could increase Dem-Base turnout by 15%

This is what the euphemedia-cated, get-that-last-half-a-percent, DLCers can't see with their heads stuck so far inside the large sphincter muscle that is the DC beltway.

As fond as they are of pointless, speculative TV discussions, you'd think they might have noticed by now that any talk of anyone the repugs might support, electorally or otherwise, always includes perfunctory "of course, they'll be a conservative" seal of approval -- more a prophylactic inoculation than anything else. (Neglect of the base is the real "third rail" of politics.)

This is not to say that they're bad people. They're just immersed in a barrage of non-reality, continually and willfully deployed by the neofascist Mightly Wurlitzer. It's very difficult to see over the castle walls of the DC/Euphemedia Analstocry.

As ridiculous as it sounds, there is really a concrete, physical dimension to this. Note how Kerry speaks a bit differently after returning from his latest out of town trip (actually called Rove a liar, instead of just thinking he did), and Gore has changed greatly since he's been physically outside the beltway. Howard Dean, however, is sliding the other way -- still great, but beginning to develop euphonic, analstocratic tendencies.

It has far less to do with issues, policies, and "electability" than it does will principles, honesty, and leadership.

And while it doesn't make them bad, it does make them ineffective at best, more likely counter-productive, and at worst the Achilles heel of our (once-great) nation.

A Boxer/Conyers '08 ticket would be just the right (opposite) message to send the nation and the world.

PS: A Conyers for Speaker, then Post-Impeachment President '07 would be better, mainly because we could get started right now.

---
www.january6th.org

[stillcool]

5. I must be getting crotchety too....

:toast: :hi: :thumbsup:

[bonito]

6. Wright on Democrank!

There are many of us out there that speak our mind in public, and its good to see it in print.
They can take there fear and bullshit with their next meal, because they are not fooling me either.
I'm only sucking air for a short time, and I'm real good in detecting bad gas, and will just turn the other away, until it keeps coming my way, then they better watch out, that all I gotta say!

[Imalittleteapot]

7. Agreed.

There are millions of us crotchey old woman (and men), the very group that the Dems ought to start serving. We are the biggest batch of voters.

[LiberalAndProud]

9. I might be crochety too. I absolutely agree with your sentiments.

Conviction and Courage.
not
Capitulation and Trepidation.

[NoFederales]

10. Well stated.

NoFederales

[Stockholm]

12. I think Molly Ivins says it best

AUSTIN, Texas — I'd like to make it clear to the people who run the Democratic Party that I will not support Hillary Clinton for president.

Enough. Enough triangulation, calculation and equivocation. Enough clever straddling, enough not offending anyone. This is not a Dick Morris election. Sen. Clinton is apparently incapable of taking a clear stand on the war in Iraq, and that alone is enough to disqualify her. Her failure to speak out on Terri Schiavo, not to mention that gross pandering on flag-burning, are just contemptible little dodges.

The recent death of Gene McCarthy reminded me of a lesson I spent a long, long time unlearning, so now I have to re-learn it. It's about political courage and heroes, and when a country is desperate for leadership. There are times when regular politics will not do, and this is one of those times. There are times a country is so tired of bull that only the truth can provide relief.

If no one in conventional-wisdom politics has the courage to speak up and say what needs to be said, then you go out and find some obscure junior senator from Minnesota with the guts to do it. In 1968, Gene McCarthy was the little boy who said out loud, "Look, the emperor isn't wearing any clothes." Bobby Kennedy — rough, tough Bobby Kennedy — didn't do it. Just this quiet man trained by Benedictines who liked to quote poetry.

more http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?ItemID=20250u

[DarkTirade]

13. I'm too young to be crotchety myself...

bud damned if I don't agree with you. :)

[Jeffersons Ghost]

14. Only some of what you say is true democrank

As a disabled Vietnam Vet. I'm old enough not to mince words. I meet lots of other vets at the VA when I go there for health-care. One of my oldest friends is in a wheel-chair from service connected disability. What you say about PTSD being "argued" about is absurd. It was recognized from the start. In fact, it was Nam' that changed the disorder to a recognized mental disability. In WW 2, it was called "shell-shock" a problem that only cowards experienced. I'm glad our generation at least fixed that misconception. What was highly debated and found to be "safe for humans" while it was devastating to plants was Agent Orange. I used to know a few Vets who "argued" about that with the govt. but they "argue" no more. None are alive today to debate.

I see what you mean about all our leaders that "cower" for a living. Many of those Democratic Party "cowards" won silver and bronze stars in Nam' for bravery, unlike our draft-dodging Repuke leadership, which is MUCH braver than our cowards when the camera is running, just as you can now be brave on a message board.

For all you brave souls who sit around attacking our ONLY leadership by calling them "cowards," I want you to know you still have a chance to show how "brave" you are personally and you don't have to support an illegal and immoral invasion to do it. Just move down here to Alabama and help me defend the Democratic Party and what it represents but you better be a bit more diplomatic because these red-neck Nazis will gang up on you a beat that brave ass. You might even consider helping me fight racism down here, that's always been a problem in the deep south. Racism is an issue that keeps very poor uneducated white people from supporting our candidates but talk like you just posted comes up too... They call our Dem leadership "traitors" but what you call them is about as good and I'm sure repuks will agree with you.

Hey, you can also fall out with those signs like many of us Vietnam "cowards" did after we served! That's like serving your country twice in a row: Any takers? I thought not.

I'm "cowardly" enough to follow people like Kerry, Feingold, Kennedy and Gore but I'm glad for all you "loyal" people still brave enough to undermine our leadership on message boards. You can also post exactly the same message at freeper sites for even more votes and brave supportive comments from people who never actually did anything but criticize and bitch.

[democrank]

16. Jeffersons Ghost....

Something went terribly wrong here. If I have offended you with my comments, I sincerely appologize. Perhaps you may have misunderstood what I wrote.

Since the 1980`s I have supported Veterans for Peace and continue to support many veteran`s organizations to this day. I`ve visited VA hospitals, was invited (by veterans) to sit in on a few peer to peer sessions and have STRONGLY supported issues involving Vietnam Vets through calls to the VA, letters to editors, emails and communications with my representatives. Nearly every anti-war march I`ve attended in my state has been led by a veteran`s group and I made it a point to shake their hands. A bumpersticker on my front door reads....HONOR VETS, WAGE PEACE.

The Wall in Washington includes the names of several of my blue collar friends who were not as fortunate as George W. Bush or Dick Cheney when it came to escaping the horrors of combat. Another friend, a "tunnel rat" in the Vietnam War spent years fighting for an official PTSD diagnosis and two others are still suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. My best friend is a Vietnam Vet whose medication costs have quadrupled in the last two years and whose doctor visits have increased by $50 each in the last year. All is not well.

It`s the cowardice in some of the leadership of the Democratic Party that bothers me. It hurts me to say it or even think it. I believe with all my heart that we must have leaders who are less willing to succumb to Republican scare tactics and smear campaigns and more willing to speak their minds on issues our party always stood for. Our party should be that giant hand that helps lift people up, a party that gladly gives voice to those too scared or too tired to fight for their rights. The days of rolling over in the name of commity....whether it`s on some cable news show or in the halls of Congress, should come to an end.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

17. we need more grunts...

and foot solders like you willing to march for peace... I said it long before Iraq, if you want to meet a future anti-war protester, look under a helmet... Hey, we don't have to agree at DU to be good Dems, diversity is what makes us finer and more powerful than the Nazi lock-step repukes if we become more openly active in local politics instead of letting opinions divide us at vote time. When I say you might consider running for local office I'm not being sarcastic. I want more people like ou in office. When I say let's be responsible when we post and write for the public I'm not telling you how to use your freedom either. Right now, Freedom in America is a use it or lose it proposition. I think our time is running out to use Amendment 1 and criticizing leaders for not filibustering is hipocracy if we're afraid to protest.

[democrank]

23. JG....

I appreciate your thoughtful reply. Thanks.

Take care~

[Jeffersons Ghost]

31. PLEASE CHECK

FOR MY PM REPLY TO YOUR ORIGINAL PM CRANKY LADY

[WildEyedLiberal]

27. I too am tired of hearing Dems called cowards

I hear it enough from the right wing smears, I don't need to hear the same smears on my liberal message board. There are plenty of courageous fighting Dems out there, and if you don't see any, YOU aren't looking hard enough. Jefferson's Ghost named several brave Dems in his post, but there are even more than that.

Unity wins elections, and this OP does not promote unity.

[zanne]

15. democrank, you just became my hero.

As one of the cranky old ladies on DU, I salute your stand against mediocrity.

[Warren Stupidity]

18. Great post!

I'm with you all the way.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

21. watch how a dem defends free speech even if he disagrees

KICK! THIS BOARD HAD TOTALLY DISAPPEARED FROM ALL PAGES NOT JUST PAGE ONE AT DU!!!

[iconoclastNYC]

20. I really hate that word.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

22. IT VANISHED AGAIN

HOW CUTE... LITTLE FRREPER ONLINE MAGICIANS ARE! THEY KEEP MAKING THIS BOARD GO AWAY

[iconoclastNYC]

28. Say what? n/t

[Jeffersons Ghost]

29. it happened right after I posted this

you know how message boards gradually slip down from top to bottom,,, then move to page 2 at DU right? well, when i posted the next message on a companion board with an oposite point of view at DU this board was no where to be found, without me using a shortcut I had to get back to in... I watched the boards steadily. Here's my message on the other board that never vanished:

35. I'm proving right now


Edited on Mon Jan-23-06 11:08 AM by Jeffersons Ghost

CLOSED MINDS ARE CLOSED MINDS! If I hold the unpopular opinion that we must support our Dem leadership look how closed minds react at this left-thinking, I hope, DU site. Check the posts you read here to see if some don't remind you of Reich Wingers <<but that's not what I set out to show you true blue types that disagree.>>

HERE'S THE LINK: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2385784&mesg_id=2385784
PLEASE KEEP KICKING BOTH BOARDS EVERYONE....

DID YOU GET MY PM CRANKY LADY???

[AX10]

25. Well said. The Senate is an elite group of speakers...

with too much power. Al From is a pig, to say the least. His attacks on the left are on the same level as Rush "Druggie" and "Hitler Hannity".