My Reasons Why Today Was or Can Be Wildly Successful

Pacifist Patriot

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Thu Jan-06-05 07:13 PM
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My Reasons Why Today Was or Can Be Wildly Successful

We must face reality. As distasteful as it is, we are the minority party in all branches of government so there is only so much we can accomplish, none of it along partisan lines. Because of the percentages in congress, there was absolutely no way the objection was going to be upheld. As hard as it is to swallow, we cannot afford to alienate more moderate members on the other side of the aisle. They do exist. Therefore, the democrats made a prudent decision.

They needed exactly one Senator to force the debate and that’s what they presented. The eloquent Senator Boxer who can easily hold her own becomes the “go-to guy” and the focus of Republican scoffing and derision. A handful of Senators and Representatives speak in favor of election reform and open the door for Republicans to turn up their noses at the subject thereby positioning the Democratic party as the one that cares about voters’ rights. Every single Senator standing in opposition to the certification of Ohio really wasn't necessary as much as it would have been fun to watch.

Again I think they made a prudent decision by focusing on election reform and voters’ rights rather than the outcome of this particular election. That makes the issue even bigger and can appeal to every American of any political affiliation. Most importantly can bring moderate Republicans on board. This posture probably gives us a better chance of avoiding a stonewall into an investigation of the election. Less incentive for defensiveness.

This is where we come in and I think it ties into Senator Kerry’s letter of January 5. At this point we become not only important, but absolutely key. We must keep the dialogue going and keep it visible. I suggest everyone do the following:

1. Write a non-partisan letter to the editor that does not hint at your party affiliation expressing dismay at the republican response to the very basis of a legitimate democracy. Point out the discrepancy between the democrats talking about election reform and the republicans talking about the outcome of this election, particularly the irony with respect to the Washington gubernatorial race.

* Feel free to post sample letters here for ideas to share. There are two here. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=203&topic_id=255746&mesg_id=255746

2. Write letters to your two senators and your representative. If they rose to speak in favor of election reform, praise them. If they rose to speak in opposition, chastise them. If they chose not to speak, inform them that you watched the proceedings with interest and side with those who would protect and defend our democracy.

* Special note to those in the Florida 8th. Please write Rep. Keller and ask him if his advice of “let it go” is the same advice he is giving his fellow Republicans in Washington state.

Encourage sympathetic friends, relatives, co-workers and acquaintances to do the same by sharing what you sent and showing how much you care.

3. Keep active in local democratic politics as much as you possibly can to reclaim local positions eroded over the last three decades. If it is realistic, become a precinct captain and have house parties, first for issues and then ultimately in 2006 for candidates. Take the opportunity to meet fellow democrats in your precinct who may not be informed.

4. Do not lose hope. As frustrating and disappointing as the election outcome is, we did accomplish something today. We lost, but we know we won. We are not alone.