Two Different Mindsets at DU

[Maedhros]

87. I get the need to push back against the Republicans.

Last edited Tue Apr 1, 2014, 05:15 PM - Edit history (1)

But there is also a need to push back against many policies to which the current Administration hews:

* Constant, ever-increasing drone violence
* Giving cover to an out-of-control intelligence apparatus
* Using the Espionage Act to criminalize adversarial journalism
* Executing citizens declared to be Enemies of the State without due process
* Indefinite detention of suspects that have not been charged with a crime
* Damaging, ineffective educational policies such as "Race to the Top" ("Fight Amongst Yourselves for the Scraps?&quot
* Pushing for secret negotiations of trade agreements that greatly harm American workers

These are not policies rammed down their throats by Republicans, and Republicans are not standing in the way of the Administration changing these policies. The Administration is advancing these policies on its own.

In effect, you are arguing that we should keep silent about these things because talking about them may generate bad feelings for the Administration among the electorate. I'm arguing that it is vital to criticize the Administration for these policies because otherwise they will take our silence as tacit acceptance and even approval. If they think we approve, and if it doesn't cost them at the ballot box, then they will continue to advance bad policies.

I am against these bad policies, and I want the Democrats to know that I don't approve. If they want my vote, they will have to abandon these policies. My vote is the only leverage I have over them, and I intend to use that leverage. If enough Democrats demand better policies in return for our votes, we stand a much better chance of getting them. If we demand nothing, we'll get nothing.