Looking at 2006, Congressional Dems should

[jmaier]

put together teams from both legislative branches and craft a specific legislative agenda before 2006 then let their candidates run on this is "what we propose to do if you allow us the opportunity to work for you in Washington." Put an end to this "obstructionist", "no ideas" bullshit. The agenda should contain both progressive and centrist populist elements crafted so that opposition would out the opposer as either 1) a wingnut demagogue or 2) a corporate raider.

What are some specifics they should look at?

- A balanced PATRIOT Act that respects privacy and aids law enforcement. Kills sneak and peeks and requires warrants for example.
- Restore funding for Clinton's COPS program.
- A cost constrained Energy bill focused on development of sustainable technologies and investment in cleaner coal technologies with incentives for hybrids and not SUVs.
- A working wage, minimum wage law.
- Something like John Kerry's health care plan.
- Repeal of Bush tax cuts for those earning over $200,000 coupled with targeted and limited tax for those in the $30-$75k family income range.

Any ideas -- the goal would be to get a strong majority of Congressional Democrats and new candidates to stand behind the agenda before the election cycle.

Right now you get a bunch of amendments being proposed by Kerry, et al, to Rethuglican legislation and the energy is largely wasted and diluted by all the individual action.

[Deep13]

1. promise not to change SS radically.

[jmaier]

2. Yep, good one.

[Grillydad]

3. Unfortunately, we should model such an effort after

the Rebulicans campaign in 1996. Couple that organization with a solid progressive message to benefit the middle and working classes. Things like legitamate social security reform (raising the social security tax income limit) sensible foreing policy (we'll actually practice diplomacy first), an energy policy that lowers our dependance on forieng oil (by R&D) balance the budget (eliminate the Bush tax cuts) minimize special interest influence (publically funded elections).

I'm sure there is more and perhaps better ideas.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

4. We should also emulate success.

And develop semantic skills comparable to those used by Rove, Gingrich and Luntz. Go right at them and frame them for what they are: bizarre radicals who are wrong for all but a few very wealthy Americans.

Also: Jobs. Bring the jobs back to these shores.

[andino]

5. Make that tax thing for

$350,000.00 and up and I'd be for it..