Offense vs. Defense. -- A lesson from Cindy Sheehan

[Armstead]

Setting aside for a moment the specific issue of the war, Cindy Sheehan has taught us anotehr valuable lesson.

For too long, liberals/progressives and Democrats have been on the defensive. The right wing and GOP put things out there, and we all have to react on the defensive. "We're not communists." "We're not anti-business." "We're just as patrioitic as you are." "We're against the terrorists too." etc.

But, by accident or design, Cindy Sheehan has turned the tables. By stepping "outside the box" and taking a strong and dramatic stand on principle, she has put the other side on the defense.

The GOP has been put in the position of playing defense for a change. They are having to react, instead of initiate the terms of debate. They have to trot out "counter protestors" and "anti-Cindys" to try and catch up. And it shows.

Seerms to me there's a lseeon there, both in terms of grass roots advocacy and in terms of a strategy for Democrats within the more conventional partisan sphere. We should be looking for ways to put issues and ideas on the table, instead of always waiting for the GOP and right wing to start things.

Any thoughts?

[Child_Of_Isis]

1. I guess it is up to the people

to teach the Dems how they are supposed to act.

[opihimoimoi]

2. The Cindy Phenom has the Pubs in a tizzy, many now inhaling Prozac

the WH Basement crew weathering the Bush Tirades and trying to find answers for Bush is getting to them....very worried they are.

We grass roots have to follow her lead, get involved. at least talk to your friends/workers/neighbors....

[Armstead]

4. Hi Opi

:hi:

Good phrase for it. "Put them in a tizzy." They've had us in tizzies for too long.

[hippiechick]

3. We should not allow the GOP to define us ...

... with their outrageous platform stances & statements that the Dems scurry to align themselves with, or weakly counter. We are NOT the anti-GOP, but we are in opposition to a great majority of what they represent.

Dems need to have the courage to stand up and say 'This is who we are and what we stand for' just like the Pugs do, and not waver from that.

JMHO ~

[Armstead]

5. Yes, we should be putting big ideas on the table

Instead of reactively responding to things like GOP Medicare "reform," we should be out there pushing for ways to really expand coverage.