Seriously, folks: what's a conscientious liberal to do?

[Atticus]

I guess this comes down to the same old question we've wrestled with for decades: should we vote for a Democrat who is clearly the lesser of two "evils" or should we simply refuse to vote for anyone who hasn't demonstrated a commitment to putting liberal values into practice when given the opportunity?

While I certainly agree that Barack Obama has accomplished some positive things in his not quite 18 months in office, he has absolutely disappointed me, even disgusted me, with some of his actions or failures to act.

I strongly favored a public option. While it may be technically true that Obama the candidate never actually promised a public option, he sure seemed to favor it and said so. What happened?

He DID say he'd close Guantanamo when he was a candidate. It's still open with no firm end date in sight. What happened?

Ending Don't Ask, Don't Tell; passage of the Employee Free Choice Act; reversing most of the Patriot Act---What happened?

And, endorsing off-shore drilling? Whose ass did he pull that out of?

All of the above, and more, make me want to at least consider encouraging and supporting a primary opponent to the president in 2012. I know it would be a lost cause, but it might make me feel better about my vote.

And, when President Obama is again the Democratic candidate? What then?

I don't care who the Republicans nominate. They will either be "much worse" than Obama or "Holy Shit! You can't be serious!"
So, the question is: should I cast a "protest" vote and write in Kucinich or Sanders or vote Green?

I am aware that President Obama is about to nominate his second Supreme Court Justice and that a third Justice might be named before his first term is up. And, I literally shudder to think what our country would be like with two or three more like Scalia, Roberts and Alito.

I believe that there must be a way to expand our choices beyond "vote for a corporate candidate who takes us for granted" or "waste a vote and risk allowing the election of a Limbaugh-approved candidate". But, what is it?

I am frustrated by the fact that we seem to be effectively boxed in to the "same ol' same ol'".

"Work harder", we're told. "Sign petitions. Call and write your elected officials." "Contribute to progressive candidates. Volunteer your time in support of liberal candidates." That's all fine and many of us already do most of that. And, many of us who "busted our ass" to get Barack Obama elected still wound up with a President who apparently has to stop and think when the choice is between ordinary individuals and mega-corporations.

I know many here are totally pro-Obama and may view this post as heresy. That would be foolish. The issues I am raising are, I am convinced, issues that many in our party are struggling with.

I really don't expect any specific formulas or instructions. I'm hoping for some intelligent comments.