Beware of False Choices Between Progressivism and Appealing to Moderates

[Yavin4]

The Democratic majority (God, I love saying that) can do both. The Democrats can implement progressive policy WITHOUT alienating moderates and independents. How? Easy. Focus the legislation on the very popular initiatives:

1) Raise the min. wage. Simple. Progressives want it. Moderates and Independents want that.

2) Pass comprehensive legislation to aid and assist veterans of this war, esp. wounded veterans. Progressives will be for that, as well as moderates.

3) Tax the oil companies' obsence profits and fund alternative energy. Progressives and Moderates will be for that.

4) Tax credits for higher education. Progressives and moderates will be for that.

I can go on, but my point is that if the Democratic majority focus on legislation that can appeal on moderates and progressives, then they will be successful and build up a future base that can enact more progressive policies like a national health care policy.

It's like the SAT exam. Questions in each section get progressively harder. So, as the SAT prep courses will tell you, always focus on the first half of each section and make sure that you get them correct. Then, you go after the harder questions.

[meti57b]

1. Excellent points and well-said!

I liked your analogy at the end of your post!

[gully]

2. Unfortunately it will never be enough for some, regardless.

But, I agree this is what needs to be done.

[Armstead]

3. I agree but I think a broader framework has to be set up

In terms of action, I agree with you. But I also believe that the Democrats should set up a larger framework for what needs to be done by embracing economic populism. That means
pointing out the real causes of our problems, which is the concentration of Wealth and Power and the overbearing dominance of the Corporate Oligarchy.Der,mocrats also have to align themselves with the alternatives to the "greed is good" values and Markets Uber Alles facism that has caused the American populace to fatalistically swallow this.

That's not as radical as it sounds. It is actually what most Americans realize in their guts.

My model of the ideal Democrat is Paul Wellstone. Although he was painted by the pundits and DLC types as a "far left" liberal who was out of touch with the mainstream, he actually stood for moderate liberalism in the truest sense.

IMO all Democrats should get reflect the same kind of clear-cut progressive economic populism that he represented, even if their short-term goals are moderate.

[theHandpuppet]

4. Translation: All Us Queers To the Back Of The Bus Now

Yep, don't call us, we'll call you. Oh -- and thanks for your support.

I get it.

:sarcasm:

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

6. So gay marriage is now the only issue that defines us as liberals?

Thanks for letting the GOP get away with that shit.

[theHandpuppet]

10. We've heard the code words before from fellow Dems...

... ie, implement policies that won't "alienate moderates". You don't like what I said, then you don't like the truth. Deal with it.

You think I haven't been out there fighting for some 54 years on this planet for labor rights, the environment, reproductive choice, affirmative action, etc, etc, etc? I also know when I'm being told to get to the back of the bus, and not by the GOP.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

13. I didn't say that at all.

I just felt you were taking a shot that might not have been justified in this case. we're all on the same side here. And lord knows I empathize with your position.

Anyway, I wasn't talking about policies that wouldn't alienate moderates. I was talking about policies that were agreeable to both the base and this weird new moderate faction we seem to have acquired. I wasn't suggesting we abandon all issues but for those I cited.

Nobody is telling you to get to the back of the bus. Fuck, we're not actually even the majority in congress yet. We don't even have the the bus until next year.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

5. Here's a few more.

Fiscal responsibility!!!
Ethics reform.
Implementing the reccomendations of the 9/11 committee.
Port security.
Protecting and preserving national parkland.
Fixing this bullshit the GOP did with the Clean Air / Water acts.
Social Security preservation
Energy independence (which has the added benefit of being an enviornmental concern.)

People around here seem to forget that most Americans agree with us on the issues.

[Selatius]

7. We should talk about universal health care as well.

Polls show like 60 percent of Americans would support giving health care to all Americans.

[Matariki]

8. Whenever I hear a distinction between the two, I wonder what it means

I wonder if 'Moderate' doesn't mean that equal rights for ALL americans - like gay marriage for instance - are just 'too out there'?

I'd really like to hear a definition for those terms when people toss them about.

[Yavin4]

9. Gay Marriage Is Not An Issue for the Congress

It's a state by state issue and for the courts. Nominate and appoint liberal judges, and win the Gay marriage issue.

[theHandpuppet]

11. Uh-huh

And how many Dem candidates will openly support gay rights as part of their campaign? Got one hand? I thought so. Don't scare the moderates!

[Yavin4]

12. To Be Honest, A Few

But that's still far more than the Republicans. Before you win the Superbowl, you have to make the playoffs. It took progressivism 60 years before they could get the Civil Rights Acts passed. It took 70 years before women got equal rights.

We have to build up the credibility of the progressive movement before we can make major social changes. No one is saying, "Get to the back of the bus." What we're saying is give the progressive movement some time to re-establish itself.