Do you prefer to be led or to lead?

[mmonk]

With all the attacks I see as I come back to DU targeted at FDL (I've been gone a few days), I have to wonder. Remember, the term "professional left" was coined by professional politicians. Ever wonder why? I understand unity and unity is important to the fight in November. But it is also important if you want to get what you want as a citizen. Don't waste your time on actions that defeat where you want to end up.

[stray cat]

1. It depends on the area and the competence of leaders

I do not like following an incompetent egotistical idiot over cliffs for example

[leveymg]

2. Time to start building an alternative party structure. Attacks on FDL are a preemptive strike

by the party Olde Guard.

[yurbud]

11. that makes sense.

[mmonk]

12. You are correct in my opinion.

Their attacks against the left are about control rather than substance.

[EFerrari]

15. If you think about it, while the DLC was developing their thing

small d democrats were developing structures that really do forward progressive goals. Media Matters, CREW, F.A.I.R., Human Rights Campaign, NARAL, even MoveOn and TrueMajority and their descendants. The structures are there. They need to be better networked, maybe.

[MineralMan]

3. If you have arguments to support FDL, why not post those?

Why not show us how FDL is leading the way to real results somehow? This is your post, you can say whatever you want in it. So, why not lay out the ways FDL is helping to actually achieve your goals? Wny not show us how what they recommend will result in actual changes right now?

[mmonk]

5. Read my post and you'll know why.

My post wasn't a defense or attack. Do you really think attacking FDL is productive going into the fall or getting out the vote for your local candidate that you support?

[HughMoran]

14. I read your post as a passive-aggresive move to explain not defending FDL in MM's thread

Clearly you used his thread and one of my responses to form this thread.

[mmonk]

17. I actually noticed more than one and also a claim about FDL

and a dump Obama movement and a website. I was trying to address that with has been a theme in the last few weeks. I've also been absent a few days and this morning, that is what jumped out at me. Hence this thread and question.

[old mark]

4. I prefer to lead, but I don't want any followers - I like to do my own thing,

as people used to say, but have no desire to be emulated...
Pretty much of a hermit except when I used to perform onstage.


mark

[mmonk]

8. By leading, I mean getting others involved, not creating followers.

Creating followers by marketing and branding is what political parties do. One has to know the difference between what is in their own best interests and verbalize and fight for it and what politicians think is in the best interests of their party, largess, and jobs in office.

[seabeyond]

6. neither. i prefer to wander off on my own. nt

[Fumesucker]

7. +1

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

9. I stroll to the beat of my own drum.

[mmonk]

10. Your surroundings can affect your ability to beat it and be heard.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

16. That's very true.

[EFerrari]

13. I'm fine with leading or with following but not fine with authoritarianism

of either stripe. And yes, that segments of our party have adopted the authoritarian tactics of the right wing disturbs me.

[Cleita]

18. Neither.

I don't like to be told what to do, nor do I want the responsibility of telling others what to do.