Reply #117: The Pitfalls of Being A Majority Party...

[KharmaTrain]

You ask a good question about Democratic Party principals vs. those of Progressive or Liberals. The two have common ideals in many areas, but not all, nor in the priorities. Thus when you mention "principle" it has never been articulated in anything but abstracts. Healthcare was one example as there's an agreement in the need for reform, but there wasn't a clearly defined party "principal"...most never thought there'd be a serious debate and now that it's happened many are disappointed as the legislative process is both messy and time consuming. So many had their own ideals of what reform meant, but again, in abstracts. Instead we are now dealing with specifics and being a majority party that means several different sets of principals.

To those who think the Democratic Party has or is the 'liberal' or Progressive party set themselves up for a fall. It has been a party that has been sympathetic, yet never have I seen a set of "principals" such as what we see on the right. This isn't pushing anyone under the bus, just a realistic observation from a lifetime of observing our political system.

For those who think a third party will either be the solution or "teach" the Democrats a lesson, then that's a set up for another fall as it will open the door for the rushpublicans and right wing to divide and conquer as they did in the 80s and 90s...wedging Democrats and or liberals/progresives against one another. Right now we're seeing the GOOP do it to its own and to what effect? Its alienated moderates who a party needs to win a national election and alienating and eroding the party into factions that are doing more to harm themselves than to regain power.

Those who are "running out of the party" or feel run out weren't really prepared to fight in the first place...or assumed that the Democrats were going to be the ideological mirror image of the rushpublicans. I sure don't want a party where there's a "my way or the highway" attitude...I worked hard for 8 years to get rid of the unitary executive concept...something that I see those who are "disenchated" with President Obama would like to see him become. They've become impatient for changes when the cold realities are changing such an entrechened kleptocracy as we have can't be done by one person no matter how big a bully pulpit he or she has. It takes perseverence...and not frustration. If there are Democrats who put special interest ahead of their constituents or "principals" (whatever you deem them to be), then the work is to elect more and "better" Democrats or to get in the faces of our elected representatives and show them our votes and money mean just as much as one from a corporate. Running off to a third party defeats any ability to reform from within and in the end leaevs you on the outside. We're seeing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to move this country in a more progressive direction, but it won't happen if party leaders see many ready to attack, condemn or jump ship cause they're not "pricipaled" enough.