The Frightened Democrat

[JFN1]

He sits in silence, nursing political aspirations.

Gone are the days of idealism, when being an elected Representative of the People of the United States of America was an honor and the highest expression of duty.

Forgotten are the causes which inspired him to enter the fray of politics to begin with, leaving only undirected ambition in its wake.

Abandoned are the People who trusted him, who believed in him so much they cast their only vote in his favor.

He only fights for those things which aid him in retaining his office. Dreams of power still beckon, but they are darkened by the climate of the times, and the wolves that stalk the halls of Power, where once human beings proudly strode in service to something larger than themselves.

The Frightened Democrat is more alone than any other political animal in America. He is constantly afraid to act.

He is constantly afraid to speak. No matter what he does, doom seems to stalk his heels. So he does nothing significant, quietly caving in to those who promised him personal peace in exchange for his political soul.

Once, being a Democratic Senator or Representative had its own purpose, in service to a constituency.

Once, the People’s business was paramount, and personal considerations did not dominate every moment.

Once, fairness had a place, and even the most severe opponents worked to find common ground.

There is nothing left for the Frightened Democrat, except fear, and the personal ambition which drives it.

Keeping the job, rather than doing the job, is all the Frightened Democrat knows. Re-election is coming, and the wolves have darkly promised to slay all who oppose their hunt.

Though it is within his power, the Frightened Democrat does not rise up against the wolves, for to do so entails unacceptable personal risk.

He cannot conceive of a duty beyond personal political survival, and has cast aside the very tools at his disposal capable of beating back the wolves.

To the Frightened Democrat, the People’s business and the constituency which empowered him have long been forgotten.

Originally posted at Justice For None

[joefree1]

1. Lead, follow, or get out of the way

Self flagellation is a waste of time. And stay hungry.

[Individualist]

2. Some call him/her frightened

I call him/her cowardly.

[zanne]

3. That was eloquent,JFN1

I think the main gist of that post is about political courage. If they're not willing to lose their political positions over controversy, they're not worthy of their office.

[JFN1]

9. Yes

That is exactly what it is about. And, it is a warning, about character, and who the Democratic party seems to value in office...

[orleans]

4. brilliant. and, unfortunately, so horribly true. n/t

[meganmonkey]

5. Very good post

I think another important aspect, though, isn't fear.

It's about who they are working for. And politicians in the US right now do not work for the American people. They work for corporations and special interests.

And they are being found out, and that is what scares them.

[reelcobra]

6. they say fight or get out of the way

sort of like George Clooney moving with Sean Penn to Europe.

I say stay and fight for what's right.

[meganmonkey]

7. LOL

You don't think George Clooney and Sean Penn are fighting anymore?

Go see Syriana or Goodnight and Good Luck

Read Sean Penn's articles about his time in Iraq and New Orleans.

They are most certainly doing more than most people!

(Maybe I misunderstood your post?!)

[Cocoa]

8. filibustering the Patriot Act will cost dems votes

but they did it.