For fucks sake ...get out and vote Dem ...fuck Nate Silver!

[stillwaiting]

32. Hey there,

Don't get me wrong polichick. I am disgusted with how the Democratic Party has been invaded by corporate/wealthy interests. I just see value in harm reduction as a philosophy (much as clinical psychologists do), and I do believe LESS HARM will ensue if Democrats are in Congress and the White House. So, there is value in voting and campaigning for them on that basis while simultaneously increasing awareness of the corporate/right-wing takeover of the Democratic Party so that people are not devastated when many of their lives do not improve economically and progressive policies are not enacted. There is value in electing someone who will cause less harm and suffering in this country and around the world. And yes, I think it is a tragedy that I feel compelled to vote for someone who will cause further harm economically for the average American. It's still better than what the stated Republican agenda would do, and so I see value still.

I do not make any excuses or have strong expectations that elected Democrats are going to usher in a progressive era in this country if they do well in the 2014 election. Today it is still playing defense for me, and hopefully losing less ground than if the stated Republican agenda is ever validated at the ballot box.

Republicans in Congress and the White House will not end well for the things that I value most. With most Democrats I will probably be happy with their positions and actions on social policy. How they handle foreign policy will also be MILES better than Republicans in many/most instances.

What I'm saying is that I REALLY hope that when I vote for the Democrat that they are not DLC/New Democrat/3rd Way, but if they are I will vote for them and continue to criticize them whenever they deserve it (which will be often if they are 3rd Way Dem). I've just decided it's the best thing I can personally do in today's political climate. What I will never do is cheerlead a politician when they hold positions I don't agree with, pursue policies that I don't agree with, or betray promises they made when in campaign mode. I will never be able to do that.

I hope you're doing well!