Can you be progressive and pragmatic? I think so.

[onenote]

I view myself as a progressive Democrat.

I opposed the Iraq War from the outset.
I support a woman's right to choose and oppose any SCOTUs nominee unwilling to state support for Roe.
I oppose efforts to restrict or ban gay marriage.
I oppose drilling in ANWR and other assaults on the environment.
I support raising the minimum wage and real health care reform.
I support investigations and oversight hearings into the mis- and mal- feasance of this administration.
I support meaningful ethics reform and restrictions on lobbying (even though I engage in lobbying myself).
I support stem cell research and oppose amendments on flag burning.

In 35 years of voting, have never cast a ballot for a Republican candidate for office at any level of government.


Here is what I don't believe:
I don't believe that Osama was captured years ago and that the administration is waiting to announce his capture until the time is right.
I don't believe that every time the price of gas goes up or down it is at the direction of Karl Rove.
I don't believe that American Airlines Flight 77 just disappeared and didn't really hit the Pentagon.
I don't believe that somehow the administration "got to" Fitz.
I don't believe that being politically astute automatically makes you a DINO.
I don't believe that helping a republican get elected in 2008 by voting for a 3rd party candidate with no chance of winning or not voting at all is preferable to electing (choose any) Al Gore, John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, Dennis Kucinich, Bill Richardson, John Kerry et al. (Personally, I'm undecided at this point, but leaning towards Edwards).

I guess I'm just a pragmatic progressive. I suspect I'm not the only one here, even if sometimes it feels like you get drowned out if you don't have an ax to grind.

[deutsey]

1. That's the only effective combination, imo n/t

[galadrium]

2. I'm with you

I think the Democratic Party is a big tent party and there is plenty of room for people with a vast diversity of beliefs.

You don't have to believe in whacked out conspiracy theories to be a progressive.

[Upfront]

3. You are far from along.

I am with you but am still hoping Gore will run.