Reply #37: Without conflict?

[Redneck Socialist]

We can't. With compromise we can.

The "Naderites" abandoned us because, in their view there is no real difference between the pubs and Dems and many of them still feel that way. In some ways I sympathize. After the debacle in 2000 I was ready to abandon the Democratic party because I was (still am) disgusted by how the party folded like a wet paper bag and offered no opposition to the criminal bush regime. I say this as someone whose paychecks use to come from the Democratic Party. I am recovering, but the green critique of the party that says we are too solicitous of corporate interests is largely correct. As a party we can correct this and woo back the naderites by being stronger on environmental issues, support labor and fight the corporations.

The biggest issue that kills us with the nascar crowd is gun control. When we get rid of the image that we want to take everyones guns away many of those voters will come home. On almost every issue except guns those voters are (should be) Democratic.

These two positions are not inconsistant. The more we fight for individual liberties, the more we stick up for the "little guy" the broader our base becomes. The only way the party will grow it by expanding our appeal in both directions. I can be done and it must be done.