General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Two Different Mindsets at DU [View all]Marr
(20,317 posts)'people who stand with other segments of the Democratic coalition when it matters', and 'people who only do so when it's convenient'.
For instance, few years ago, there was a very strong trend among the "pragmatists" around here to put off gay marriage because it was just 'too unpopular'. They urged others to accept civil unions, or even nothing at all-- and not to express any anger over things like Rick Warren's prayer during Obama's inauguration. Phrases like "fabulous pink pony" were tossed about by these political "realists" without a hint of shame or irony.
Gay rights activists needed their support then, and the "pragmatists" dropped them like a hot potato.
Fast forward a few years, and these "idealogues" have won their fight-- and the "pragmatists" can't express their solidarity enough.
And this same dynamic plays out on a whole range of issues, from privacy rights to whistle blowers to drone attacks to trade deals and on and on and on. And always, there are party-focused "pragmatists" who cannot wait to kick this or that segment of the coalition for actually pointing out that it's being trod upon.
You cannot keep a party together with that approach. Bullying demands for loyalty simply won't cut it. You have to earn it.