It's a shame that Democratic abandonment of anti-war has left the door open to Ron Paul types

[Douglas Carpenter]

149. there simply is no "vision thing" about the Democratic Party these days. At least in 1964 we were

going to end discrimination, end poverty in American, end the risk of nuclear war and build the great society. By the beginning of the 70's we were going to do all that as well as end hunger in the world and bring an end to war. However misguided libertarianism is and however absolutely terrible their positions are on any number of issues - they inspire a vision of new America albeit a false vision. The inspire hope for a better and more prosperous future - albeit a false hope. The Democratic vision of today is, "let's be socially liberal while only gradually making minor cuts in the social safety net. Let's reduce the debt burden of the young who have to enter the workforce buried hopelessly in debt to buried in debt with a glimmer of hope. Let's have the strongest military and intelligence network the world has ever known - But let's be more pragmatic about it than the Republicans." Is this a vision people are going to sing folk songs about? Is this a vision that can inspire a young person who has to enter a bleaker and bleaker looking work force without much of a scenario of ever getting out of debt and building a prosperous future?

There simply is nothing inspirational, idealistic or hope building about the Democratic Party's message or agenda these days. The false hope and false inspiration and idealism of American libertarianism is attracting lots of young people and will continue to attract lots more - until the message of hope and change can be shown to be a real vision - not just an empty and cynical campaign slogan.