Democratic Base......The DLC`s indentured servants

[democrank]

Like little poodles on a leash, the base of the Democratic Party seems willing to obey the DLC`s commands...."Sit", "Beg", "Roll over" without so much as a feeble attempt to exercise the power we have. Even though the party can not win without our support, we timidly wait for our instructions while we mull over a move to the center in exchange for a pat on the head. We`re even willing to do penance in response to corporate media`s merger of the words liberal and wicked.
Yes indeedy. We`re going to highlight that little element called "Joementum" and build on that with our friends across the aisle. Give me a break.

Perhaps it was the DLC`s famous memo that sent so many of us running scared, the one that called anti-war folks "liberal elitists" like we were supposed to believe Jesus loves depleted uranium and torture. Now we`re once again allowing the message to dictate actions as we spend hour after hour debating the newest issue....red state vs. blue state, moral vs. immoral. It`s so twisted.

Here`s my plan: I`m going to continue with my boycott of corporate media. I couldn`t care less about the foolishness on Crossfire or Chris Matthews` warm and fuzzy exchange with some Pentagon spokesperson on Hardball. Next, I`m going to continue with every possible anti-war activity I can think of....protests, letters to editors, petitions, bumperstickers. Also, every single time the DNC asks me for money, my answer will be the same...NO. My dollars will go to groups who actually care, like MoveOn, ACLU, Free Speech TV, etc. I`m going to stay away from any business that I know supported George Bush. Every single time I hear a person speak in favor of the war in Iraq, I`m going to ask them if they`ve signed up to serve or if their kids have.

I have been a loyal Democrat for more than four decades and have watched this party increasingly turn away from its base and transform itself into mini-Republicans. Fewer and fewer Democratic leaders are willing to stand up and speak the truth and support causes our party has always fought for. For me, there will be no more lesser of two evils, no more voting for the person that has the best chance of winning. From now on, I will vote my conscience. Period. Any actions I take will reflect my deep concern for social and economic justice. I`ll leave the bogus Renaissance Weekend Retreats to the millionaire sellouts in Washington and follow Howard Dean`s approach....little by little, step by step, taking my power and using it for the common good.