David Sirota: Why Is Progressive Money Being Spent Promoting Grover Norquist?

[babylonsister]

http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/14651

Why Is Progressive Money Being Spent Promoting Grover Norquist?
by David Sirota | May 15, 2008 - 3:55pm



The New America Foundation brands itself as a vaguely progressive organization that exists to "bring exceptionally promising new voices and new ideas to the fore of our nation's public discourse." The organization raises funds from progressive donors -- funds that could go to all sorts of progressive causes. As a progressive you may be fine with that, except when you read this invitation:

Grover Norquist on the Next Republicanism

Sign up to Attend this New America Event.

Of the two competing coalitions in American politics -- the "leave us alone" coalition and the "takings" coalition -- Grover Norquist argues that the "leave us alone" coalition is growing in both power and size and will continue to do so with the next generation. The debate stretches beyond the role of taxation and government to the heart of U.S. foreign policy and its role in the world.

Please join us for this provocative discussion, which will be moderated by American Strategy Program Director Steven Clemons.

Copies of Norquist's book, Leave Us Alone, will be sold at the event.

Start: 05/15/2008 - 12:15pm
End: 05/15/2008 - 1:45pm

Look, it's one thing for precious progressive resources to go to fund fellowships for elitist commentators like Michael Lind who deny that racism plays a major role in American politics. But it's a whole new level of craziness for progressive resources to go to promote Grover Norquist -- a shady operative who has been pushing some of the most pernicious right-wing policies out there.

And let's be clear - New America isn't hosting a debate. They are hosting a promotional event, that not only helps Norquist sell books, but helps reestablish his credibility and whitewash his history as the close confidante of convicted criminal Jack Abramoff. Additionally, Norquist isn't a "new voice" and he's not promoting "new ideas" -- last I checked, he's been a Washington insider for more than two decades, pushing the same "leave me alone" crap for his entire career.

New America has some solid individuals working there like Steve Clemons. But this example highlights a much bigger -- and almost completely taboo -- problem on the Left. Lots of progressive money is going into organizations that seem happy to promote right-wing frames -- whether it's Third Way or New America or other Washington-based organizations of that ilk. This is money that could be spent on real progressive organizing and work. Just remember, when you are out there toiling away trying to make progressive change in your community and scratching and clawing to raise resources, progressive cash is going to organizations that hold events designed to help Grover Norquist sell books and rehabilitate their image.
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[Warpy]

1. Anything that gets this vile man out into the open

and allows him to dig his grave with his tongue is fine with me.

I'm glad he's out there flogging a self serving and ugly book.

He's needed to be more in the public eye for a very long time.

[babylonsister]

2. But why are Dems enabling him? It's not to air his dirty laundry, but

I don't have an answer as to why this guy should be front and center at any progressive function.

[Robbien]

3. New America Foundation is not progressive

It is DLC/Blue Dog

It has never ever come out on the left side of any issue. It has always been the centrist's centrist go-to think tank.

[Grinchie]

5. I just discovered the "Blue Dogs" the other day when they wouldn't support a new G.I. Bill

I had to do a double take and research this group before I became infuriated with them.

After reading the positions from both sides, I found I didn't have enough information to make an informed decision.

It did however make me put a mental flag on the behavior of these so called Democrats for future scrutiny.

[yurbud]

4. Third Way, DLC, etc. are Trojan horses for business agenda

when and where conservative parties can't win, the Chamber of Commerce hedges their betters with fifth columns in center left parties.

In New Zealand, they voted in a labor government only to see education and social services gutted, and in Britain, Labor PM Tony Blair dutifully followed the neoliberal (which is neither new nor liberal) economic plan.

So voters and politicians of good conscience are left with two unattractive options: move to third parties or split the existing party, thereby giving power BACK to the openly reactionary party.