Some Defend-President-Obama-no-matter-what-folks here will do anything to divert,

[BumRushDaShow]

171. I do agree with much of what you wrote

It's frustrating as heck to be told to "wait". And although I think pushing that pendulum back as much as possible should be done, it will still be a major job and will meet alot of external resistance (although there are times when the rubber band snaps and there's a sudden shift).

With respect to "compromise" - this is something that happens given the current toxic environment and lack of legislative options due to unprecedented obstruction. I.e., trying to play the cards you are dealt and minimizing the pain to make some gains rather than fold in order to wait for the right time with a stronger hand. In a different environment, this is when liberals need to push the party leadership to maximize the opportunity. And although many point to 2009/2010 as that time, the Democratic majorities were tenuous at best and brief in reality - occurring during a period of national collapse that demanded attention on extreme issues (financial collapse and 2 wars). The roadblocks include obscure legislative chamber rules (like the Senate cloture rules) that members are loathe to change but need to do so - with the caveat that major work needs to be done at the state levels for voter turnout to maintain a majority in a chamber. I think the "unrealistic" issue has to do with the current environment and how conducive it is to go full bore without a backup plan. I.e., I would say go full bore, but still have that backup plan and not keep insisting on all or nothing.

I think that liberalism needs to be modernized in terms of messaging the principles. The other side was successful at marginalizing liberal stalwarts like Ted Kennedy and Walter Mondale with buzz terms like "tax and spend", and this lead to the rise of the DLC. Messaging is important but then so is that megaphone to get that message out.

As a sidenote - I bank at a credit union and there are many that provide all the services that the rapidly consolidating banks offer, without the fees and gimmicks... which is why the banks are trying to go after them. So thankfully, there are alternatives out there.