If criticism and verbal attacks don't hurt their target

[NJmaverick]

why does the GOP and the right spend every waking hour criticizing and attacking the Democratic party? Surely they wouldn't spend that sort of time, effort and resources if the criticism didn't actually produce the desired result of undermining support for the Democratic party.

[zeemike]

1. Who said it didn't?

Anyone who knows human nature will tell you that if you repeat something over and over enough that some will come to believe it is true no matter how outrageous it is.
Propaganda works, especially when you have control of the media...and we have seen it in action

[Bitwit1234]

11. This is the truth 100% the republicans OWN the country

because they OWN the media. And why do you think they repeat over and over liberal media. To convince the dumb ignorant Americans that the Media is not republican owned and operated and spews republican facts.

[Tansy_Gold]

2. You're absolutely correct

We should shut up and follow our leaders. We should never question them or complain about anything they do. They are perfect and know best what we should do, what we should think, what we should say, what we should believe. They are never wrong. They never make bad appointments or bad decisions. They are perfect in every way and we have no right to criticize anything they do. Not ever, not under any circumstances, no matter how disastrous the results.

Is that better?

[druidity33]

4. my main criticism is here...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9474077

and i posted precisely because of the go arounds with folk like the OP of this thread. There are valid criticisms of President Obama. They should be aired, especially when they are truthfully spoken. It's not denigrating when you are trying to improve the Democratic Party. And most critcisms coming from the left actually have suggestions (see the FDL series "10 things Obama could do right now") as to how to improve our chances in coming elections.

It's frustrating being here sometimes. We're all Democrats, and we all want whats best for the Party. But shit, sometimes i rue that it's such a goddamn big tent...

;)

[treestar]

8. Black and white thinking here

OP was talking about the constant criticism by the Rethugs, who have nothing positive to say for themselves. How does that mean anything about never criticizing any leader ever?

And when the leaders are Democrats we get enough from the Rethugs, then we have Democrats who criticize constantly also.

[Tansy_Gold]

10. Because with that logic (?). . ..

If the puke criticize, then we should not. We should support our party as blindly as they support theirs.

Of course it's "black and white" thinking, and therefore it's not usually either very smart thinking or very productive thinking.

But the thoughtful and sincere and rational DEMOCRATIC critics of the administration are often hounded on this very site and by some of these very posters every time a criticism is voiced. We're labeled PUMAs or Clintonistas or whatever, and told that every word of criticism is a knife in the back of our fellow Democrats.

So -- take your pick: You can have blind unquestioning loyalty or you can have sincere and loyal criticism. If you pick the former, then you have to shut up and enjoy whatever comes your way, because you've ceded all authority and all decision making to your "betters."

If you pick the latter, then you have to stop telling the critics -- and I'm talking about the loyal, sincere, well-meaning, rational Democratic critics, not the corn flake brained pukes -- to shut up and stop calling them names.

Sometimes the truth hurts, but sometimes you need to see and hear the truth before you can start fixing problems.

If you honestly believe that Barack Obama and the congressional Democrats and the professional party leaders have never made a mistake, never made a wrong choice, never made a bad appointment, then that's your choice. And if that's your choice, then you have to believe in that kind of black-and-white assessment.

If you DON'T believe it's been a perfect administration, then you have to be open to criticism as a way of determining what the problems are, what caused them, who is responsible (if anyone), and WAHT CAN BE DONE TO FIX IT. If you can't acknowledge problems, you'll never be able to fix them.

The OP may have been addressing the puke critics, but I read a subtle message to those of us -- and I am not ashamed to include myself -- who have leveled criticisms against the Obama administration. the suggestion seemed to be that if the puke assault us, we must band together in absolute unity and never voice a word of dissent.

I'm not a PUMA. I don't believe in blind uncritical loyalty. But I do believe that just as the pukes have achieved remarkable success through unity, we should take a few pages from their playbook and tailor their tactics to our special needs (big tent, diversity of opinions) and our special strengths (fairness, critical thinking). Not black and white, but various shades of grey AND all the colors of the rainbow.


Tansy Gold, NTY

[treestar]

12. If we don't support ours as "blindly" as they support theirs, we

cannot complain that they win and we lose or that when they win they get more of what they want than we do.

Politics is about this. It isn't like you can work for a politician and expect repayment, or claim they have to earn your vote. We have to elect them and support them. Without support and with constant criticism from their own side, they are weakened. It is so hypocritical when people around here call them spineless after doing all they can to weaken them. This is politics, not some sort of personal relationship.

Constantly carping against your own side weakens your own side. A general cannot win a battle is the army behind him is falling back, giving up, constantly criticizing and not lending any support. This is not "blind" following, it is just getting behind what we say we want.

[Tansy_Gold]

13. But you've just said we must blindly support them

Is that what you mean or isn't it?

Black and white. Simple answer. Can we criticize or can't we? Yes or no?


TG, NTY

[Toots]

3. Right so everybody just sit down and shut up because these people have a D after their name.

I criticize actions and statements that I feel are worthy of criticism. If I see a thief I say so and if that thief happens to be a Democrat so be it.. You want to sweep things under the bed if it's your side doing the deeds. I find that attitude fairly repulsive, sort of Republican in fact..It is what Republicans have done forever..IOIYAR, They rail against Democrats but virtual silence when a Republican gets caught...I am sorry but I don't follow those type of rules..

[treestar]

9. Seems you enjoy cutting people down

And can't get yourself to support any politician.

It does seem in vogue to be above it all and do nothing but have contempt for those you and your fellow citizens elected. It makes you one of the cool people. But accomplishes nothing.

[KharmaTrain]

5. Cuase It Makes People Rich...

All a rushpublican has to do is put the name Nancy Pelosi in a letter and the money starts to roll...or President Obama or George Soros or (put your demonized Democrat's name here). It stokes a machine built on hate and Democrats make for a stead stream of villians...and when they haven't done anything wrong, just make some shit up.

Hate radio thrives on this industry since they have hours of airtime to fill and its poutrage that drives the machine. In their polluted world every problem revolves around a Democrat. For example, the alarm clock didn't go off this morning, it's those damned Democrats moving Daylights Savings time to blame.

It fits the needs and personality of people who thrive on being selfish and arrogant.

[Brickbat]

6. There's a big difference between criticism and a verbal attack.

Sometimes there isn't, but often there is.

[pgodbold]

7. Drop the "Circle D", it didn't work then and it ain't workin' now. nt

[Bobbie Jo]

14. It's a frickin' logo.

Wooooosh!

[HughMoran]

15. I agree

DU

[gulliver]

16. It does work, which is why the left should criticize Republicans

And with all of the devastating, valid criticism Republicans are sitting ducks for, why would we choose any other leisurely pastime. They are like deer feeding placidly on "C'mere Dear" in a forest full of Ted Nugents.