Noam Chomsky: The Democratic Party is now in the hands of Moderate Republicans.

[davidthegnome]

68. With respect to Mr. Chomsky...

There are many hands, that are not all that obvious, that are also holding up the democratic party. There are those of us who believe deeply in progressive and liberal ideals, thoughts and policies. There are those of us who are indeed much, much more to the left... who are doing all that we can to make the world a better place. We are not moderate republicans, or any kind of republican. We are democrats, liberals, progressives, independents, people with passion and compassion - with strong values, who are working to make the world a better place. We have succeeded, over and over again. Our passion and our beliefs are reflected in the accomplishments of those like FDR, like Ted Kennedy. In programs we inspired, like medicare, medicaid, social security, food stamps, welfare - and many, many other things.

Do not neglect our hands. Do not think that we are not there, that we do not watch, listen - and continue to fight for what we believe to be right. Yes, at times, we make common cause with moderates, centrists - and even conservative democrats. This is because there are goals that most of us have in common - despite our differences.

Better protection for the environment, better regulation of environmental policies and standards. Stronger financial regulation. A stronger social safety net for those who fall through the cracks. A nation in which there is greater equality for all, in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, financial status, or what have you. Civil rights that continue to march forward and do not fall behind. Better rights and opportunities for the working class and the working public. Fairer treatment for everyone.

We, most of us, in any event, agree on these basic things. There is some disagreement about how to accomplish them, but they are what we commonly want and are fighting for. We will have them in time, because we do not give up.

With respect to Mr. Chomsky, the democratic party is in millions of hands - and most of those millions are not, by any means, moderate republicans.