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DanTex

(20,709 posts)
21. Thanks. About that...
Tue Feb 12, 2019, 10:21 AM
Feb 2019

I got out of hand many times, clearly. I never really had an issue with Bernie's policy positions, although I do recall making some posts critical of single payer. The issue I had was with the so-called "Bernie or Bust", and also what I felt was over-the-top criticism of the Democratic Party, which I thought could come back to hurt us in the general election. A lot of my frustration was motivated by bad memories of 2000, which was my first election as an adult. That experience has left me very little tolerance for the whole "there's no difference between the parties" thing. And, without re-fighting the past, I still feel that Bernie could have done a better job of bringing his wing of the party into the Democratic fold towards the end of the primary.

But, like I said in the OP, Bernie definitely deserves huge credit for bringing to the forefront of the conversation ideas like single payer, financial transaction tax, etc., things that were unspeakable until he showed how popular they are if only politicians had the courage to actually talk about them. I didn't actually think that was possible, and he went and did it, which is awesome. I've actually had the pleasure of having an entire conversation with Bernie (and his wife, who is great), and I have huge respect for him and what he's done throughout his career.

Also, one thing I really like about AOC is that she is doing a great job of both being an unabashed progressive and Democratic Socialist, while still understanding the importance of working within the Democratic Party and winning elections. It's actually a very tricky position she's in. Certainly part of her supporters would like to see her go Green and trash the Democratic Party -- I remember her getting criticism from some on the left (e.g. Jimmy Dore) when she endorsed Cuomo for Governor in New York (in the general election, not the primary). But she's managing to both hold true to her beliefs while also playing the necessary politics. And making right-wingers' heads explode. Go AOC!

I was expecting a link at the bottom it's so professionally-written ... well-done my friend (nt) mr_lebowski Feb 2019 #1
K&R. Well stated, spot on and damn straight DanTex! KPN Feb 2019 #2
Great OP Midnightwalk Feb 2019 #3
Use the term Democratic Socialism to get rid of the baggage on the term Socialism onit2day Feb 2019 #9
Well said, good summary. 'Soc. dem.' or 'dem. soc' is more accurate. appalachiablue Feb 2019 #15
The real takers in our society: CrispyQ Feb 2019 #4
As if the one percent actually did anything to earn capital gains pecosbob Feb 2019 #5
Good article. I am tired of paying a hidden tax, that is, the tax that supports these ... SWBTATTReg Feb 2019 #6
Isn't it funny these billionaires want everything rolled back , EPA standards, workers rights,more duforsure Feb 2019 #7
Baby boomer feed GOP is still using Soviet Union as an example of socialism to a generation born Johonny Feb 2019 #8
anyone who has ever played "monopoly" Locrian Feb 2019 #10
Never thought about "Monopoly" that way. ooky Feb 2019 #12
it was desinged that way Locrian Feb 2019 #17
Very cool article. Thanks. ooky Feb 2019 #22
Excellent OP. ooky Feb 2019 #11
Reps love to quote Adam Smith's "invisible hand" but Smith wrote capitalism requires a tiered tax. TheBlackAdder Feb 2019 #13
FDR saved capitalism through robust social spending and giving Labor more rights Yavin4 Feb 2019 #14
People love socialism The Mouth Feb 2019 #16
I always ask "are YOU ready to write the checks for your parents that Medicare has been writing?" oldsoftie Feb 2019 #19
A 70% rate is still not going to raise nearly the amount of money to support new programs. oldsoftie Feb 2019 #18
I recall plenty of OPs from you during the 2016 primary season...and all bullwinkle428 Feb 2019 #20
Thanks. About that... DanTex Feb 2019 #21
No worries at all!! I totally appreciate your expansion of thoughts regarding Bernie and all bullwinkle428 Feb 2019 #25
I agree with you about Bernie in 2020. DanTex Feb 2019 #26
I'm not a socialist and have read very few post on DU advocating for it. GulfCoast66 Feb 2019 #23
The word "socialism" has been defined in this country in a certain way. Honeycombe8 Feb 2019 #24
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Taxes on the wealthy, eve...»Reply #21