I just heard the perfect example of why we're being hosed by both parties on another thread

[MrSunNShineNYC]

56. To be a Democrat or Not a Democrat

I am left of the Democrat Party in my own idiosyncratic way. I face the temptation of not participating in the party because I don't like how they operate frequently and don't endorse my policies at other times. I see the hypocrisy of Democratic leaders but know that no one is immune to hypocrisy, except those caught in the bubble of "I".

I also realize the world isn't perfect, but have noticed a new focus on economic concerns in the Democratic party, led by a resurgence of unapologetic progressives like NYC Mayor De Blasio. I embrace that he is practical and believes a bigger and dramatic vision of the future can only be reached step by step, as attitudes change and people awaken to social realities they ignored or were obscured. Capitalism cannot be retooled in a day or even perhaps a generation.

My hope is to slowly leverage the party, evolve from the inside. History always bend to the more effective movements, so one sees how in under a decade the legalization of marijuana and gay marriage have become a growing piece of the Democratic agenda. In the past, my opinion is that progressive activism has been less open minded and more dismissive rather than strategic. I believe that is changing as we are building more bridges to all kinds of communities. These communities are finding out how we all agree and we are cutting through the noise of angry pontificators.

Right now, I would not fret, only realize that there is work to be done, and that the party needs to be recaptured by progressives. The unions of America used to form the economic policy of the party, but they are only a shell of their former power. This means that progressives have to unify, work together, build bridges and reclaim the initiative. The alternative is that the Democrats will sell out to campaign donors and the plutocracy will continue unchecked.