Yes, asking Democratic Party leaders to alter tactics is exactly why Republicans have full control of congress?
presented as an argument but really just a suggestion that rests on a false dichotomy. I have a hard time with the syllogism presented
Republicans pass damaging legislation
Democrats criticize their party for not doing more to stop it
Refusal to hold republicans accountable by Democratic Party voters has given them control of congress
The missing premise is “if citizen democrats would criticize the republican party more and leave their own party leaders alone, then republicans wouldn’t control congress today.” It’s really doing all the work here, the rest is designed to stir up emotion (also flagellate, refusal?). A rhetorical device for sure, but I’d rather hear the argument. The blue sky poster knows it reads better when implied than explicit. This isn’t an argument that the readers are wrong if they’re critical of your leaders, it’s simply asking them to shut up. I guess that’s okay with some, but I tend to demand more rigorous reasoning for my silence and acquiescence.
How is the average blue sky poster going to hold republicans accountable in an echo chamber of mostly fellow democrats? I’m not saying don’t hold Republicans accountable wherever you can, but if our leaders hold no power over them, what power do we have? Sometimes, you try to change what you can. Isn’t that the same argument given in defense of party leadership? I think when you’ve voted to give your voice to a representative, it’s okay to have to make suggest In how to use that voice to fight for our shared principals. It’s their right not to listen and all of our rights to vote our conscience. Collectively, we have a voice, but it will be better heard when lead by those who have daily access to the media? It seems the people who want Democratic voters to leave their representatives alone and direct their energies at republican politicians also would rather direct their energies at putatively recalcitrant Democratic Party voters. Or should I say progressives?
It’s hard to think this isn’t mostly an argument to silence the more progressive segments of the party just as the more progressive segments see the present as an opportunity to get their voices heard and gain more control. There is certainly an argument to be had there, but this isn’t it.
Edit history
= new reply since forum marked as read