General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsIs there an effort to take over the Democratic Party by someone outside of our Party?
I think this is a valid question so that we know what is going on with our party. If not, fine. If so, we can be honest about the take over attempt so that we can have legitimate and pragmatic strategic planning on how we want to address a takeover of our party so the Democratic Party is not weak in 2018. I think we have to be ahead of the eight ball on this. I would prefer not to be caught with my pants down.
I do not believe this is frivolous or conspiracy question. If so, let me know. Fine.
I have been hearing the last week from different sources that Sanders is the voice of the Democratic Party. Those are strong statements. If people and Sanders truly feel he is the voice of the Democratic Party, as a Democrat and life time member of the Democratic Party, I need to know.
That is all. A simple question. Is Sanders trying to take over the Democratic Party? Is he the voice for the Democratic Party?
HopeAgain
(4,407 posts)pirateshipdude
(967 posts)I prefer to deal with listening, processing, and then going from there to find solutions.
HopeAgain
(4,407 posts)"I do not believe this is frivolous or conspiracy question. If so, let me know. Fine."
I'm letting you know.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)musette_sf
(10,184 posts)regardless of what "some say".....
Samantha
(9,314 posts)Schumer thought he (Sanders) could bring back a lot of Democrats who had left, and he also thought incorporating Sanders' message would help heal the two divides. I hear what he says as constructive criticism but many people here just hear it as criticism.
The divide already existed in the party between the New Dems (Third Wayers) and liberals before Sanders took the position. We see that now becoming more apparent inasmuch as the publicity concerning "Democrats see the Blue Dogs as the key to winning the House." For example, they think budging on abortion might be a good thing for some red state seats. I do not agree this compromise should be made.
So I do not think he is trying to take over the party; I do think he is trying to change minds on some of the important issues. And I also think some Dems are staying in the party as opposed to leaving because Sanders is working with it. JMHO
Sam
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)"For example, they think budging on abortion might be a good thing for some red state seats. I do not agree this compromise should be made. "
I do not understand this point.
And thank-you for your post.
I am having a tough time with defining Democrats with 3rd way, corporatists, neo. I have not had well defined description of who these Democrats are and where they stand.
Samantha
(9,314 posts)restrictions. They are, after all, politicians, not doctors. Some of these restrictions are literally deadly. I think all of these decisions properly belong to the woman and her husband (or significant other) and the doctor. That is it.
It might surprise you to learn when I arrived at this decision. As a child, I lived in a red state (Tennessee). My mother had heart problems and became pregnant with twins. The doctor told her carrying the pregnancy to term could easily kill her by putting too much strain on her already weakened heart. She told the doctor she could never abort her child, she would take the risk. Months later she delivered my twin brothers and made it through the pregnancy and childbirth. She did pass away two years later from her damaged heart problems.
I learned all this when I was 19 (as opposed to 6 when it occurred) from my aunt. The fact that a physician in the state of Tennessee in 1952 advised a woman to terminate a pregnancy was mind-boggling to me. But suddenly I realized this is exactly why these decisions belong to the woman, because the consequences can be so extreme. And politics has zero to do with it.
Sam
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)and the affect to her health, personally. These stories matter.
I agree with you of course.
WhiteTara
(29,676 posts)she is a true Democrat and a very smart woman.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)WhiteTara
(29,676 posts)tired of being run by old white men. Bernie may think he is the Party, but I'm not on his bandwagon.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)they see.
Towlie
(5,307 posts)pirateshipdude
(967 posts)WhiteTara
(29,676 posts)that by changing things around, we'll have different outcomes. If we continue on the same path, we'll have the same results.
The definition of insanity...doing the same thing over and over.....
PoliticAverse
(26,366 posts)WhiteTara
(29,676 posts)Thanks for your concern.
saidsimplesimon
(7,888 posts)I look more "tan" Asian than white or of color.
In my opinion it is best to go "color blind" in any election process.
Ms. Harris has a record of accomplisments to stand on.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)I also know women's org feel the same way, about all being "gender-blind". I imagine most all oppressed groups would disagree with you. But, I will let them explain it. I will support them though, when they do explain it.
WhiteTara
(29,676 posts)you were replying to a different post?
Ron Green
(9,821 posts)pirateshipdude
(967 posts)voice. I think he creates problems and I think most of our Democratic Party has better ideas.
Ron Green
(9,821 posts)country, and the world, toward a better, more survivable future?
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)because I really have no interest in putting out what we already know.
Climate Change. The Democratic Party address, and are looking for solutions. That is a pretty big one for our young.
Health care
Civil rights
Strong fiscal foundation allowing jobs to increase, wage to increase and a healthy economy.
Pell grants
Our National forests.
Really, these are all our progressive goals that we continuing moving forward and so much more. I do not get why on a Democratic board, a list is needed.
beam me up scottie
(57,349 posts)pirateshipdude
(967 posts)beam me up scottie
(57,349 posts)Proud Liberal Dem
(24,353 posts)Dunno why he doesn't actually officially join us? I think that he probably feels like he gets more "street cred" as an Independent and it allows him to blast both parties?
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)actually think they are the voice for the Democratic Party. I think that is important to know. Thank-you.
Gothmog
(143,998 posts)There are attempts being made but there is also many who disagree with these efforts
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)I want to clearly hear if this is what Sanders and his supporters goal is. If they have decided this is a goal. Then we as a party can address it now, before this weakens us for 2018. From what I have been hearing this last couple weeks, I think Sanders and his supporters have stated this ass their intent.
My questions is, am I right? Or am I wrong? I do not know. I am asking.
Gothmog
(143,998 posts)I agree with you that they are trying
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)I am good with anything, as long as I am addressing reality. Not a fabrication or illusion> I do not do well with that. A waste of my time.
I appreciate your opinion.
Voltaire2
(12,610 posts)what will you do?
leftstreet
(36,076 posts)Wow, you must have inside intel!
beam me up scottie
(57,349 posts)It's a seeeeecret.
leftstreet
(36,076 posts)This kind of insider information could be valuable
beam me up scottie
(57,349 posts)But it's encrypted so you need the right sunglasses to see it.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)Sanders is the voice of the Democratic Party. It is in media and msm. It is being discussed in written media.
So I am asking. Isn't that what we are suppose to do in order to educate ourselves and be informed?
It is a question. I do not know. I am asking a question.
leftstreet
(36,076 posts)You do realize that Sanders ran as a Democrat in the primary?
That's probably why people are talking about whether or not the party will embrace his 'platform' moving forward
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)Thank-you for your opinion and how you see it.
brush
(53,467 posts)He ran. He took his shot, a divisive one, but as far as him running again, that window has closed.
Nobody wants all that division and bad blood again as that will just usher in another trump win, maybe Pence.
Plus Sanders will be pushing 80 in 2020. With trump showing signs of dementia, age will be a big issue so it makes no sense to run someone even older than trump.
We have a good crop of much younger, attractive candidates Warren, Harris, Newsom, Castro, Brown, Bacerra, Kennedy.
It's time to move forward, not backwards.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)I am not concerned, but I would like to address this as a member of the party. So, we can move on for 2018, instead of waiting to address it closer to that election causing us problems unnecessarily.
Eliot Rosewater
(31,096 posts)purity agenda he seems to have.
Very dangerous, if you want to get GOP out of power, that is.
brush
(53,467 posts)Petrushka
(3,709 posts)Thank you.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)you.
Petrushka
(3,709 posts). . . because I haven't heard such a conversation, it's on me? Of course it is! It's on me that I bothered (in Reply #85) to ask that you provide links. Don't you have any? I'm just asking.
"So I am asking. Isn't that what we are suppose to do in order to educate ourselves and be informed?"---pirateshipdude
Me.
(35,454 posts)But in my opinion, he doesn't walk his talk. If he wants to be a major influence on DEms, he should join the party and work from the inside out. Otherwise, he needs to get his own party. Also, he would have to adjust his message to be more mindful of the concerns of women and minorities. In addition, I'm hearing that he's edging towards centrism which considering his rhetoric would be confusing as to where he actually stands.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)It would not be Sanders adjusting his message to be more mindful of the concerns for women and minorities, but for the women and minorities to accept the focus is in a different direction.
Thank-you for the conversation. I am just exploring thought on this because I am concerned or at the least curious what is happening with our party. I would think everyone on a Democratic board would be curious, also. Wanting to be informed, educated and knowledgeable.
If we are trying to make a major change to our party, I want to know.
Me.
(35,454 posts)By that I mean, this is a popular board and there are a number of Sanders supporters here as well as at 'other places'. But how big of an influence are they really and how many Our Revolution people are there? Percentages would be helpful but there really are none. One indicator would be how many more votes HRC received. There was a 'DNC' tour w/3men earlier this summer but there was a lot of push back to the fact that it was designed as an all male tour and that the focus wasn't inclusive. Also, AM Joy has good discussions regarding the voting power of black women who are the most consistent of Dem voters and they are currently holding Perez's feet to the fire. I think once the Dems make an effort to recognise who truly makes up their base, their focus will be determined. After that, outreach to those who have similar goals can be enacted.
There was an article about the extreme left recently where it was said that the Dem party would have to bend the knee to them. A smug and arrogant thing to say. People sometimes overestimate themselves and their influence.
I think the only sure thing one can say is..."we'll see".
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)klook
(12,134 posts)"Let's you and them fight!"
Trashing thread.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)so I will be informed. I am really not understanding the hostility. I am open to the very real possibility I am wrong. I stated that in my OP.
KTM
(1,823 posts)Because we have seen all your other posts ? You are very active in what many see as Bernie-hate threads, and have not been shy as to your feelings about the Senator and his supporters... why would you be suprised at pushback on this thread ?
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)Discussion about the position of the Democratic party and what is happening with it. To clearly see, we will know how to address it. I think that is a smart thing to do. Be informed. I like being informed. I get informed asking questions. Listening. Processing. Think them thru to find solutions.
KTM
(1,823 posts)You dont like Senator Sanders personally, but this idea that he as an individual is trying to "take over" is silly. He is advocating for the same things he always has, and a lot of people are responding well to it. He is out fighting the same fight he always has, speaking out in favor of UHC, about the 1/99 split, about support for unions and working class voters regardless of the desires of moneyed interests. None of that is new to him, he just gave voice to a sentiment that is shared by a growing portion of Democrats.
HE isnt "taking over" but those that support the ideas he gave voice to ARE trying to influence the party, as they should.
The Democratic Party has *already* been taken over, by those that moved us to the center - and at the time that was neccessary - but we gave them too much free rein and are now percieved by many as having left behind a lot of the folks we used to support. It seems to many of us that now, having witnessed some of the failures of that move to the center and of Republican policies over the last 30 years, that a growing backlash has engendered more support for some Left positions than existed then.
The real disparity is between those who look at the past and say "those ideas will never work" and those who look at the present and say "the populace has come around, now IS the time to push leftward again."
Sanders didnt even want to run. He wanted someone else to be that voice, and when nobody else stepped in he did, because he felt "the fierce urgency of now." I still think he was hoping Warren would join the race and be that alternative voice. I wish she had, I think many saw his run as an old white guy running against a woman and that got everyones defenses up.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)There are times people are asking a question because they actually what another's opinion or information, or facts to base their own conclusions.
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)It's not working. Sanders has clout for the first time in his long political career. He is figuring out how to use it. For the most part, he knows his base and plays them well.
I have a dirty little secret for you. The Democratic Party currently has some rock stars and some rising stars. The BoB'ers completely ignore them when selling their false narrative. First clue to note who they are... They reference the party as if Joe Manchin is the standard.
We really should stop helping to promote this rift. It is what the HA Goodman and Stein crowd are attempting to do. They are mentally and morally bankrupt. Most people to this day who are Sanders supporters are also great democrats. Always have been. The Sanders/Clinton thing is a false dichotomy being used by ratfuckers.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)I like our Democratic Leaders. I think they are smart, competent and work for us.
I do not think I am kidding myself. Like this Op, I like to look at the whole picture. I too like a lot of our up and coming. I too think we have a lot of talent, smart.... And more to come.
Edit: I do not know Goodman and that issue much. I never bought into him from the start and simply have not stayed up with anything he says.
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)There will always be people on the outside kicking the tires.
defacto7
(13,485 posts)and I like this one. And the tires are kicked to make sure they are functioning properly. No taking for granted that they just roll down there without fail.
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)Allowing the tire kicking to continue, often embracing it, is how third parties have been marginalized almost to the point of insignificance.
defacto7
(13,485 posts)But in doing so they can make the base more aware, stronger, and motivate political change. We just have to make sure the tire kicking doesn't end up knifing. There is a point at which all drivers and tire kickers have to unite. That's the big problem, when people become too proud to see the end game and make necessary decisions.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)"That's the big problem, when people become too proud to see the end game and make necessary decisions."
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)That's about it. There should be little unification outside of that in a two party system covering this many people. The span of possible ideologies is simply too great.
I do overall agree with what you have said.
m-lekktor
(3,675 posts)because one side of the rift pretty much fled DU. Leave DU and go out in the general population and the rift is alive and well and it isn't just the HA Goodman/Stein people promoting it. People who were for Hillary Clinton in the primary are some of the biggest promoters of this rift out there.
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)It's more about individuals and personalities, as highlighted in your post here.
"People who were for Hillary Clinton in the primary are some of the biggest promoters of this rift out there. "
I thought that is who I was telling to stop.
ismnotwasm
(41,916 posts)A lot of rising stars, and while I hate the wait--it gives me hope
global1
(25,166 posts)1. Who is currently the voice of the Democratic Party?
2. What is the Democratic Party's current platform?
3. If we can't agree as to who the current voice of the Dem Party is - isn't it ripe to be taken over by someone who is willing to become its voice?
4. Right now do you believe that the Dem Party is organized enough and speaks as one voice to be strong in 2018?
5. Should the Dem Party run on an anti-Trump platform or should it be an anti-Repug platform?
6. Why doesn't the Dem Party hold a 3-day retreat somewhere and hash out all these issues and come out with one cohesive platform to make us 'strong in 2018'?
7. What constitutes being strong in 2018? And why aren't we coming up with this answer right now instead of waiting for 2018 to creep up on us and take us by surprise again?
This is more than just a simple question as to who is trying to take over the Dem Party. This is a more complicated question as to what the Dem Party stands for; how they are going to mobilize - sooner rather than later. How they are to become a more cohesive voice so that they can begin soon to campaign for 2018.
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)You will also be able to learn who some of the party leaders are.
The platform for our party can also be found at that link. I truly didn't know du'ers were not aware of our platform. It was put together during a multiple day "retreat" called a convention.
What's with the one voice? That's not necessary or even wanted. It would make no sense in a two party system covering millions of people.
lunasun
(21,646 posts)Many people here now seem very unaware yet they are posting on a site called Democratic Underground
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)Some points more than others.
ismnotwasm
(41,916 posts)Then you have grassroots organizations such as BLM. They are not Democrats--but they can certainly affect votes. We will need to listen to them and take into consideration their goals. We need to identify reach out to and listen, really listen to diverse communities--some who may have many members who do not vote, can't vote or are told their vote doesn't matter.
In fact, I am far more afraid of the pandering to clearly non-Democrats, who simply want to make a lot of noise, been seen on TV and get nothing of use done.
As far as Bernie Sanders--he is who he is, but the political playing field is now wide open, and I hope to see the diversity of the Democratic Party step up and shine--
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)This is very doable. I also like your points about BLM. I can see a lot accomplished in the manner you address it. I think we will see actions from Democratic leaders addressing just this. I hear Obama is stepping back in to take an active role. Clinton is starting something up. I heard one other Dem addressing this with a doable plan. This can all connect and make us that much stronger. Thank-you for your post.
ismnotwasm
(41,916 posts)They way to win is intersectionality at its very best, at its most inclusive. There are a lot of activists groups--many who can't afford to vote third party or even want some sort of political shakeup at this point in history because it's their very lives at state. They will vote Democratic if we do the work. Our platform is a good one. Our Senators--my Senators, Murray and Cantwell, are stepping up, and working hard. There is lots going on in city and town communities. I was in a Trump stronghold on the Olympic Peninsula, in the tiny town of Forks--and saw Trump protesters. I can't begin to describe how happy that made me.
Pulling this together takes all people of good will who want our progressive, humanitarian values to continue to go forward. Right now, with the election of Trump, is like being stuck in a sewer of human waste. There a lot of stink to get through until we reach fresh air.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)This is huge and the answer, in my opinion and we are that capable, I believe.
I was in Portland the other day, and I loved how BLM signs were everywhere. Businesses, businesses were plastered. In yards. It was wonderful. The best of inclusive.
I see it the way you do. I am excited also.
Cary
(11,746 posts)I have a problem with people talking that talk, but not walking the walk. If they are going to take over, then do it. If they're not going to do the things they have to do, which are a lot of things, then they need to just shut up.
Talk is cheap.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)I just want to know if that is the goal.
Cary
(11,746 posts)FTR I have no confidence that the radical left can tie their own shoes, let alone run a real political party. I don't think there's any chance, but if the radical left could run the party better then by all means they ought to do so.
I think there are good reasons why they're just wannabes.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)agrees with me as we see in votes.
I am curious if a created battle is going to hit the party and I would rather take it on now, instead of a mess of 2018 when peoples lives are at risk, with our vote.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,267 posts)disparate and disorganized as the Democratic Party. It's just a huge cat herd.
WinstonSmith00
(228 posts)And the DINOs in the party than Sanders.
Any member beholden to banksters, wall street, multinational corporation and lobbyist need to be shunned from the party.
Sanders has a strong message and more Democrats should follow his lead we need leaders offering a new way not the old ways of corruption and exploitation but one of equality and liberty from the bonds of corporate oppression.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)Sanders takes money from corporations also. Who is a politician that does not take any money from corporation, which is really people for those industries contributing, not corporations.
defacto7
(13,485 posts)Is he taking corporate money now?
Yates Amatitio
(13 posts)as a Democratic Party member since 1976 I welcome Sanders as an important voice for the Democratic Party.
delisen
(6,039 posts)and empty out Starbucks.
That'l be the day!
H2O Man
(73,308 posts)MuseRider
(34,057 posts)Starts out as a little trickle then becomes an ocean.
Innocent, lol.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)effect the 2018 election?
MuseRider
(34,057 posts)I do not believe your motive was to be informed about anything but to create discord as if there was not enough already. This is not new and this is not helpful. You can say what you want about me not believing in those things but it does not matter one tiny bit to me. I find it amusing but in a very tiresome, boring, unhelpful and disruptive way but then some people roll that way and roll that way and create more ways to roll that way.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)your opinion.
m-lekktor
(3,675 posts)But the money people who fund the party to do their corporate bidding would NEVER let that happen.
ismnotwasm
(41,916 posts)Sanders has been most effective as an independent in liaising between Democrats and Rebublicans, quite successfully at times--he was known for it. He has never expressed a desire to take over the party, only ran as a Democrat because that's how our system is set up. He is not shy about criticizing it. He left it as soon as possible after. Interestingly, he has attracted at least one big Democratic donor, who is interested in his influence and his message. So he has a role to play for sure.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)Always curious.
KTM
(1,823 posts)pirateshipdude
(967 posts)ismnotwasm
(41,916 posts)pirateshipdude
(967 posts)But then, I am not one that has an issue with politicians with billionaire donors. I get it takes money.
LisaM
(27,758 posts)We've traditionally been a party that encompasses a wide range of views. I see a lot of attempts that go against that philosophy.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)if the goal is merely to divide. That is lives lost.
LisaM
(27,758 posts)the Democratic party. I also see that it's working. Which is truly unfortunate.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)What would be the purpose? For Republicans to always have control of it all?
That one floors me if it is the case.
LisaM
(27,758 posts)The strongest criticism of the Democratic party, it seems to me, is coming from the left. I consider myself a progressive. Do I think that elements more moderate than I should be in the party? Absolutely, especially in red states.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)I think that one alone is one we need to work on. Thank-you LisaM, I appreciate the conversation, your perspective.
Demsrule86
(68,347 posts)pirateshipdude
(967 posts)But yes, I get your point. Thank-you. And if you can define what I am thinking, then I can put that to rest, .
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)You can't just do a quick hostile take over because it's a totally Democratic organization. First you have to take over a majority of county executive committees. And through them a majority of the state executive committees. Then you would have to elect Congress people. And finally take over the national Democratic committee. That's not called a take over, that's called democracy.
And it's the reason Bernie's people will never take over the party. In many states are party is made up of women and minorities. Plus Bernie's people don't seem to play well with others.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)"I think this is a valid question..."
You will then supply specific and objective evidence supporting the validity of the question, yes?
Otherwise, it's not really a valid question, but rather simple speculation lacking any support, regardless of your pants.
David__77
(23,214 posts)I think that it should optimally be the home of progressives of various sorts, and of those who will support the political objectives of this progressive coalition.
I would definitely, here in California and locally, support election of Democratic leaders who share a similar viewpoint to my own. There have always been various groups with different viewpoints contending for influence and power.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)loyalsister
(13,390 posts)There are people who didn't join a sorority or fraternity, and have no interest in country clubs. We have membership in name only advocates for financial interests that have been screwing over people who were once a core constituency. But, we've gotta win!!!!! People aren't inclined to join if they don't feel represented. People want Democratic party to be a big tent with open arms to people who will benefit us financially, but have no interest in people who question the values of leadership when they feel left out.
I say worry less about membership and more about commitments to people and principles. If we build something that represents more people, maybe they will vote for us even if they don't become card carrying members.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)and what we will present in 2018. My concern are people's lives.
loyalsister
(13,390 posts)pirateshipdude
(967 posts)loyalsister
(13,390 posts)to you worries.
pirateshipdude
(967 posts)my money into the Democratic Party because I think they are far superior to anything else out there and it is aligned with the progressive advancement I hope for our nation.
Does that work for you?
Ken Burch
(50,254 posts)The working class of ALL races.
The only way we can BE that party is to stand, when it really comes down to it, with the working class against the rich.
If we can do that, we can create a long-term coalition for progressive, egalitarian, anti-oppression politics.
It's not about any one person taking over the party. This isn't a party that CAN be taken over.
If Bernie is anything, he is the voice of those left out in the cold by the horrible economic changes that have been imposed from above in this country since 1981. He has his flaws and deserves specific criticism ON those flaws. His economic vision is not flawed, though-and, coupled with the greater public emphasis on fighting social oppression that some of his opponents hold, is a necessary part of Democratic revival.
He's not going to run for president again, and none of this is about his ego.
seaglass
(8,170 posts)pirateshipdude
(967 posts)addressing the issue. They also actually accomplish the means to the end goal.
Other than that Ken Burch, I cannot converse with you. You are the only one I get a hide with. So, I will leave your posts alone here on out. Thank-you for your opinion.
Ken Burch
(50,254 posts)I don't think you SHOULD be censored. While we disagree, you've said nothing that to my mind deserves censure.
What I'm saying is that the changes we should make as a party are not about Bernie, or Hillary, or any individual.
They are about a small number of common sense realizations and ideas.
All of us here, I think start from the realization that women, LGBTQ people, people of color, immigrants and religious minorities are in danger, that there is a climate of hatred rising all through this country and that we need to stand with them and with each other against all forms of repression and persecution. We are right to center that.
But we ALSO need to acknowledge that a lot of people, of ALL races, genders, orientations, identities, got the shaft in a massive way with the Reagan and Bush economic changes(none of which were necessary to the achievement of any greater good), and that we, as a party, have a special obligation to reach out to and heal the wounds of those who were the victims of those changes.
We can't recreate the exact way things were in the industrial areas of this country, but we, as a party, need to intervene to at least give those who were cast aside, those who were thrown out in the cold, those who were treated as if all they had done in the workplace was of no value, and create something that brings them back in and restores, to as great a degree as possible, what was taken from them.
We will need to be open to intervention in the economy, to support for efforts to humanize the economy from the bottom up, and even to take some aspects of the economic structure out of the short-term-profit-for-the-few-at-all-costs.
And by that I mean restore it in the economic and human dignity sense, and, despite the myths, not in any sense at all what was changed by the end of Jim Crow.
There were two backlashes that happened in this country in the second half of the twentieth century and the early part of this century:
1) A white male backlash, on both the grassroots AND institutional levels, against the social gains made by those not white and male;
2) A corporate backlash against the relatively modest gains made by working people as a result of the rise of the labor movement, in which the wealthy manipulated and deliberately inflamed the first backlash to prevent their victims from uniting against them.
What OUR task is as Democrats is to be the party that fights BOTH backlashes, that rejects the idea that those not white and male should have to defer to those who are, AND also the idea that those not lucky enough to be wealthy should live at the mercy of those who are.
This doesn't mean assuming that both groups of backlash victims suffered equally-it means that there can be alliances between both groups on issues of common interests, and coalition between both groups in which each would mutually support the other groups particular causes.
If we can reshape the party in this way, we can create a long-term alliance of the many against the few.
And if you don't like Bernie, it can be done without him.
We can come together and do it ourselves, from below.
lunamagica
(9,967 posts)Did you see him on the view?
saidsimplesimon
(7,888 posts)No.
Why not start a Progressive Democratic Party? Are you the voice of the Democratic Party? Neither am I, just a cheerleader and opinionated lover of our existing Republic.