2012 Graduation Ceremony

[H2O Man]

“More than at any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly.” – Woody Allen; My Speech to the Graduates.



The current discussions, on this forum and elsewhere, about the upcoming 2012 presidential elections remind me of a discussion I heard at a social gathering more than thirty years ago. A group of people were talking about the level of dissatisfaction some had regarding the limited choices voters had in an upcoming election.

One fellow expressed his dislike of “Candidate A.” Another person stated, “Then that means that you like 'Candidate B'.” The first fellow responded by pointing out his thinking was not limited to two options, even in a situation where only two candidates' names appeared on a ballot.

There are, of course, people invested in disrupting the Democratic Party's base. Perhaps their most effective weapon is mimicking those democrats in comfortable, plush offices who berate the Democratic Left, and insist that we have no option but to follow them down that path to despair and utter hopelessness. And that the ONLY other option is following Michelle Bachman's Christian crusade unto extinction.

I'm also reminded of 2010, when those same voices said that the Democratic Left was NOT a significant part of the party's base, and needed to shut up, and fall in line. Weeks later, all democratic loses were attributed by them to none other than the disloyal Democratic Left.

If the democratic establishment wants our loyalty – meaning our votes, our financial donations, and our investment of time in campaigning – they need to show some loyalty to us. Clearly, those democrats in the plush offices have more in common with their republican counterparts, than with the democratic left. We aren't so stupid that we can't see where their loyalties lie.

H2O Man
Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party

[mmonk]

1. I have always been perplexed by the notion that if one is dissatisfied

with a particular candidate's performance (or party), then that means they support another paricular candidate for the job which that person despises. It is an emotional explanation but not a rational or thought out explanation. I personally do not want to keep voting out of fear of a candidate or party, but instead, for a candidate or party that I feel represents me. When choices are limited, I believe that is when people must take matters in their own hands to make their neighborhoods better places. I also believe that is when people have to, reluctant or not, begin to generate movement politics. It is sometimes inconvenient but sometimes necessary. Recommended (though it isn't showing up).

[H2O Man]

5. Thanks.

I assumed that this OP would get a lot of "unrecommends." That's fine by me.

[canoeist52]

2. You're right. Which ist it?

"the Democratic Left was NOT a significant part of the party's base" or is to blame for all Democratic election losses.

Can't be both at once.

[KoKo]

3. K&R!

[rosesaylavee]

4. K & R

[susanr516]

6. k&r

I wish I could vote for someone, rather than just voting against the alternative.