Reply #143: Wow, that was a powerful articulation of the left's "case"

[moggie12]

I think it's a shame the left/center "divide" came to this -- I do see a rift developing and it didn't have to. There are certain true, huge problems that we have to deal with, but there is more agreement than disagreement, especially between the "grassroots" people on each side.

The name-calling is horrendous and you're exactly right -- it's not going to move us to where we need to be. I find myself in the middle between the two camps. I was pro-invading Afghanistan, but anti-invading Iraq. I was pro-welfare-reform, but wished it had been grandfathered in so the women who'd known nothing but welfare their whole lives hadn't been thrown out into the cold (I worked in local government for many years and, oh boy, that system truly needed reform). I think the government needs to take into account the legitimate business concerns of corporations, but I hate the corporate give-aways sanctioned by some Democrats. I'm not reflexively anti-Wall Street, but I think some Dems have gotten into bed with the Wall Street crowd and failed to crack down on all the abuses and shenanigans.

I think there's way too much concern with labels these days. If the center and the left could talk about some basic, practical realities and specific proposals, maybe the differences could be better ironed out.

One last thought in regard to your well-taken point about the Dems needing to solicit input: I haven't seen anything in the newspapers about the Senate Dems agenda. Maybe they're actually going to work on the agenda based on the comments they've been soliciting? Possible?? Maybe. Likely?? Well, probably not. Thought I'd hope for the best.

Anyway, I'm hopeful they don't put that "no left turn" sign out. On the bright side, I don't think they can, not with Boxer seeming to be leading the somewhat more timid-seeming men these days. Go, Barb!