The "liberal elite"

[H2O Man]

86. And now,

to respond to the points you make after the incorrect first sentence .....

In my opinion, the Women's March on Washington/Trump is a wonderful example of the power of the grass roots. I have been involved in many marches, demonstrations, and rallies over the years -- including several supporting Bernie or other good candidates -- and I hold such events in high regard. I note that the message of that Women's March in no manner included any "rule" that individuals were requited to join or attend republican meetings. Yet, they communicated the power of the grass roots --0 which, by definition, is distinct from the power of the elite. It's when the power of the grass roots is not reflected by the power of the elite that confrontations take place, no matter if one is of the same party as the other.

Another power belonging to the grass roots far, far more than to the elites is that ability to go door-to-door in any and every political contest, or on any and every social issue. While the elite have a more limited ability in this respect, the obvious goal is to have both groups coordinating their efforts. To the extent that happens, Democrats win; to the extent it doesn't happen, we lose. In light of the number of loses in state and national contests in the past few years, it would be difficult to pretend that the party is doing a good job there.

All of my contributions to this thread have addressed the issues raised in the OP. Anyone who reads them will clearly see that the second sentence in your last paragraph is glaringly false. What I said was that the grass roots has power -- but it is a collective power, that involves a group effort. It is exercised in settings distinct from a DC cocktail party, for example. Please make a sincere effort to respond to what I'm actually stating here, so as to not close the door on a potentially worth-while discussion. I have not twisted your words here; have the same respect for mine.