Couldn`t DUers write their own manifesto?

[democrank]

I`m still seething about the DLC`s recent manifesto and the tendancy of many Democratic leaders to sign on to dangerous or idiotic Republican policies without so much as a temporary frown. I`m not going to hold my breath waiting for our side of the aisle to finally show some spine.

The base of this party has plenty of conviction. I see it here everyday as we discuss torture, unions, civil rights, economic justice, the environment and so much more. Here`s my question: why can`t we develop a platform in straightforward, plain language that we could submit to Howard Dean and the DNC? All we`d have to do is figure out the who, what, when and where...set a completion date and then go for it.

I think it would be an inspiring, uplifting exercise in democracy and I`ll bet we could come up with some terrific, meaningful ideas. I understand that the members here are a diverse group, but I`ve seen what we can do when we focus our attention and energy. I`d really like hear your opinion on this.

[wyldwolf]

1. SOME DUers could. But who/what would it represent except the authors?

[democrank]

2. I don`t have the answers.

All I can say is that I believe we could put something together that would be worthwhile, with maybe 10 people, maybe 110 people. Who knows? I`m willing to bet Dean would not only read it but also consider it.

[wyldwolf]

3. the problem is it wouldn't be a "DU manifesto"

...because DU is a HUGE tent that includes, among others, the DLC types you abhor. Good luck finding even 10 people to agree on a series of things.

[ulysses]

4. some of us tried something like that in 2001.

http://www.newtonsbaby.com/left/

edited to add that most of the folks who contributed were progressives, in spite of several open invitations to moderates/centrists.

[Hippo_Tron]

5. The only thing that we could agree on is that...

We don't like Bush. And then the GOP would just accuse us of bashing the president and his agenda without coming up with any real alternatives.