politics 101 - political pragmatism and reality in 2009 america.

[RepublicanElephant]

how does one get progressive measures passed in this united states of america,
where repubs, who are only about 25-20% of voters:

control almost half the committee seats in congress;
can pretty much kill legislation in the senate;
usually bend the supreme court to their political will;
are the political party of choice of the very rich and powerful elites who want to maintain, even increase their power in this democracy;
control almost all media outlets that propagandize/scare the american public into opposing their own best interests;
use race and every other kind of phobia to keep the working class constantly at each others' throats;
put party loyalty above all else, even the success of this country under an obama administration.

how does one try to successfully deal with the REALITIES of our current political environment?

[pinto]

1. Move bills out of committee on a majority, pass legislation over dissent (snag a few R votes),

keep proposing legislation that's in our best interests (the House is the tempest for this), tie legislation to a big picture - Obama is doing this well, imo, and beating the Repubs at their own game - and win more (D) seats in 2010.

Off the top of my head. I'm sure there are more suggestions here.

[RepublicanElephant]

2. but with bayh and other dem backstabbers in the senate, won't obama's dems have to water-down such

legislation?

[pinto]

3. They may have to make some compromises, that's a possibility.

Whether we like it, or not. It's a part of passing a bill.

Congress doesn't storm the ramparts as we here may wish, whatever our affiliation on the political spectrum. The House remains a good grass roots base for legislative action. The Senate seals the deal - and sometimes it is a deal. We need to realize that in our advocacy, imho, and work with that reality.

I always think the key is watching committee actions. Bills die there, get tweaked there, and get to the floor from there.

Thanks for your post. :hi: