Reply #162: The DLC (NDN) and the neocons (PNAC) are of similar origins and converging

[tommcintyre]

The DLC was founded in the 80's by Reagan democrats (new republicans) who could've easily (logically)switched parties (like so many other southern Dems did), but decided to stay in the Dem party and turn it conservative.

The neocons (PNAC founders) actually were democrats (claim: some are even still registered as such); and originally switched to the repub party because they were unhappy with the "doveish" stance of the Dem party (McGovern time).

So, in effect, conservative democrats are in control of both parties now. This helps to explain the current GOP lack of fiscal restraint, internationalism, etc. (no wonder the paleocons are so pissed off ;) ). This also helps to explain why there are so many perceived similarities between the Dems and Repubs now; and why they even seem to be working for similar ends now.

If you have the time, here are some links that will help to get "up to speed" on this situation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoconservatism_%28United_States%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_for_the_New_American_Century
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Democrats
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Leadership_Council

If you want to check out individual affiliations (like Will Marshal, Al From, Bradley Foundation links to DLC, Leo Strauss, Irving Kristol, etc., the following sites are very good for this:
http://rightweb.irc-online.org/search.php
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=SourceWatch
http://www.namebase.org/n2search.html
http://www.nndb.com/
http://www.politicalfriendster.com/

other interesting links:
Who funds the DLC?
http://spacetimecurves.blogspot.com/2004/12/unsurprising-bedfellows.html
Strange Bedfellows: Republican Donors fund DLC meeting
http://lists.democracygroups.org/pipermail/rightwatch/2001q2/000103.html
Behind the DLC Takeover - Democratic Leadership Council
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1295/is_10_64/ai_65952690

The Suckering of Howard Dean
http://www.counterpunch.org/frank02022005.html
The Hogtying of the Deaniacs
http://www.counterpunch.org/frank02172005.html
Howard Dean named Democratic chairman: cosmetic change for a right-wing party
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/feb2005/dean-f15.shtml