When will it be the "right time"?

[He loved Big Brother]

I'm only 24. 2000 was the first presidential election I could vote in.

I heard it in 2000, I hear it now...

"Now is not the right time for third-parties/leftist candidates/progressive ideals," etc.

I am just wondering, when will it be the right time? At what point in American history will we decide that it is finally the right time to start demanding more progressive candidates?

Because I don't want to wait forever. I have a lot of years of voting ahead of me, and I'd like to not have to vote out of fear for the rest of my life, or allow a candidate to get my vote purely by default instead of earning it fair and square.

Older DUers, I welcome any perspectives you have to share?

[librechik]

1. It's always time for progressive ideals

but we will need some serious election restructuring (run off ballots, for instance) to get third parties a chance. This will be difficult with the entrnched leadership we have in the parties now.

Keep campaigning for justice (maybe run for office yourself! and maybe the next generation of kids your age can see big changes on the horizon.

It's frustrating, I know, but change is very difficult to bring about when most people are either complacent or frightened. Keep hopeful and talk to as many people in your life about what you dream of for America as you can. There will be hard work and ups and downs, but keep up the struggle.

[a kennedy]

2. I'm with you HLBB

I hate to say this, but I've voted for and have written in Ralph Nader for the last three elections, I also ask when is the right time to vote for a candidate that sounds like Dennis Kucinich? I've got a Kucinich bumper sticker, hat and have handed out Kucinich fact cards. We should have been going the progressive way a long time ago. I did not vote for Bill Clinton, he was way to the center for me, and I feel Kerry, to get the votes, will be there soon. D*mn. Really, when will the time be right right??? I was hoping Dennis would catch fire and he did with a small minority, but he's not the people's choice. I will vote for Kerry, but I agree with you HLBB, when is the real progressive wave going to come out on top. I really hate being in the middle. *sniff*

[newyawker99]

4. Hi a kennedy!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[LTR]

3. Start with the local level

Alderman, state offices, maybe even congress. Maybe volunteer to work for a third party.

Many of these parties are pretty disorganized, and don't really seem serious. The Libertarian Party ran a tavern owner (Tommy Thompson's brother) for Governor of Wisconsin a few years ago.

Before I vote for these guys for a major office, they really need to put more effort into a true agenda, instead of just being a spoiler.

[muriel_volestrangler]

5. when the bedrock support for the far right wing drops below 30%

then you'll be able to have a centrist and left-wingers (or whatever) compete without handing power on a plate to the right wing. Until then you have to educate people out of right wing brainwashing, and hold your nose while you vote for a viable candidate.