General Discussion

Maedhros

(10,007 posts)

50. Maybe it's not a "purist attitude?"

Thu Apr 3, 2014, 07:34 PM

Apr 2014

Right now, Democrats have absolutely no incentive to fight for liberal or progressive solutions. They know that they can go along to get along because no matter how far short they fall from the promises they make, year after year, their liberal base has no choice but to vote them in again. This makes it very easy on them to take corporate money and deliver on the promises made for that money, because there is essentially no risk involved.

At this point it's somewhat comical, if it weren't so infuriating. 2006: Give us subpoena power so we can hold the Bush Administration accountable! 2007: Impeachment is off the table! Keep our powder dry! Like Lucy and the football, we're all just Charlie Browns to them.

The only way this will change is if we stop giving Democratic politicians our votes without expectation that they will fight for our cause. I don't have millions of dollars to contribute, so the only leverage I have over them is my vote. I dislike having it coerced from me. I'd rather the Democrats earn it.

That said, I plan on voting for Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) because I believe he's earned it.

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My response to one NY Times reader regarding the Supreme Court . . . [View all] markpkessinger Apr 2014 OP

Nice job as usual mark. Doctor_J Apr 2014 #1

K&R. Well said. Overseas Apr 2014 #2

We see that same insane mindset here on DU regularly. JoePhilly Apr 2014 #3

Well, I think in some areas, there is some validity to the charge . . . markpkessinger Apr 2014 #5

I'm talking specifically about the notion that ... JoePhilly Apr 2014 #9

Agree with you there n/t markpkessinger Apr 2014 #11

We need to amend the Constitution to define "person" as a human being. JDPriestly Apr 2014 #53

The arguement over voting for the lesser of two evils is one of my real fears. If you do not vote jwirr Apr 2014 #4

People that won't vote for the lesser of 2 evils are just plain stupid. AAO Apr 2014 #23

Example: riqster Apr 2014 #29

Great analogy! n/t markpkessinger Apr 2014 #44

democrats=scalding water. tomp Apr 2014 #66

prefect. mikeysnot Apr 2014 #6

I wonder what their DU name is. sufrommich Apr 2014 #7

Good one It's sad, but true. nt okaawhatever Apr 2014 #52

Well done mcar Apr 2014 #8

Excellent response, but I wonder whether ... frazzled Apr 2014 #10

That's certainly a possibility . . . markpkessinger Apr 2014 #12

That too ... frazzled Apr 2014 #14

I think that the old adage about never ascribing to malice Fortinbras Armstrong Apr 2014 #67

Excellent Response Liberalynn Apr 2014 #13

Absolutely markpkessinger Apr 2014 #41

One of the Professors of European History Liberalynn Apr 2014 #55

Heinlein said... Wounded Bear Apr 2014 #15

You realize that Heinlein's personal politics were a bit problematic, Maedhros Apr 2014 #33

Yes, I know about his politics, in general... Wounded Bear Apr 2014 #36

True. [n/t] Maedhros Apr 2014 #40

I'm not much on either. riqster Apr 2014 #47

Maybe it's not a "purist attitude?" Maedhros Apr 2014 #50

I hear you, and agree in principle. riqster Apr 2014 #54

Don't get me wrong - I vote in every election, and never advocate staying away from the polls. Maedhros Apr 2014 #58

No argument with any of that. riqster Apr 2014 #64

The revolution has already occurred Augiedog Apr 2014 #16

what a good post tishaLA Apr 2014 #20

I agree .. there was a coup in 2000 sunnystarr Apr 2014 #32

Paranoia? Not a bit of it. riqster Apr 2014 #48

We've reached this sorry state because we stopped expecting our elected representatives Maedhros Apr 2014 #34

True. Sad indeed. riqster Apr 2014 #49

excellent post.. wish I could rec too.. 2banon Apr 2014 #60

Right. If we stop voting you better believe that the right wing will continue to vote totodeinhere Apr 2014 #17

Great reply ... 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2014 #18

K&R stage left Apr 2014 #19

Impeach Clarence Thomas!!!!!! chuckstevens Apr 2014 #21

And, before that, some of the DC Dems need to call for that Doctor_J Apr 2014 #25

Of course, not voting is not the answer dotymed Apr 2014 #22

Look at the ages of these Justices... Trust Buster Apr 2014 #24

Good point. I'd add that 2014 is also crucial. riqster Apr 2014 #30

Well said Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin Apr 2014 #26

I agree that we shouldn't just stop voting illachick Apr 2014 #27

I agree--Excellent response emsimon33 Apr 2014 #28

K & R riqster Apr 2014 #31

great response! BlancheSplanchnik Apr 2014 #35

Thanks! But understand . . . markpkessinger Apr 2014 #45

oh, I see--thanks for clarifying! BlancheSplanchnik Apr 2014 #46

if one agrees that we have a government bought and paid for by a small group of wealthy people, Warren Stupidity Apr 2014 #37

Oh, I'm in full agreement with you on that! markpkessinger Apr 2014 #39

If they had total control BlindTiresias Apr 2014 #56

Thanks, everyone, for the nice feedback -- here's a link to the published comment markpkessinger Apr 2014 #38

+1000 lark Apr 2014 #42

Wow, awesome! Thank you! nt Sarah Ibarruri Apr 2014 #43

Thank you. Cha Apr 2014 #51

Post removed Post removed Apr 2014 #57

Nicely done Bobbie Jo Apr 2014 #59

K & R SunSeeker Apr 2014 #61

Thank you very much... Bookmarking. n/t freshwest Apr 2014 #62

I would bet money that poster is not a Democrat. DCBob Apr 2014 #63

one should also ask... tomp Apr 2014 #65

Original times comment writer responds. Terence Stoeckert May 2014 #68