We are completely out of power now. However, a coalition with moderate Republicans could give us some legislative muscle. Moderate Republicans are quite concerned about the deficit, as they should be.
We won't gain any momentum on stem cell research, the war in Iraq or gay marriage. But a war on the deficit is the fight we can fight, a fight that we may win, although winning is not as important as the fight.
Will the Democrats in Congress have the guts to declare a war on pork as well? Doubtful. Our 'leaders' are gutless and rudderless. But ideas are like viruses - let's get infected with action-oriented ideas.
Specific suggestions are here:
http://vodp.blogspot.com/
Things must get much worse before they get better
Let's encourage the Republicans to be as extreme as they want to be.
The first step is to push hard for a balanced budget. Scream it from the hilltops. Align with moderate Republicans who agree that W's spending is out of control. Then Norquist the government to balance the budget. Things must get much worse before they get better.
Let's encourage privatizing Social Security. This can't be done without cutting seniors' benefits. Sorry, but they voted for Bush (60 and older, 53%/46% for Bush). You can no longer rob Peter to pay Paul (balanced budgets and all). Therefore, first cut COLAs entirely. Then we'll see how much more we need to cut to offset the private savings accounts. Remember, the young voted for Kerry (18-29 year olds, 54%/44% Kerry). Why should they support the old fogies who voted for Bush? Now, I know that you'll say, "They worked for it, they earned", but it's not like they weren't warned (what do you think 'private savings accounts' means?). A few years eating dog food might make them reconsider 'Moral values' as their top issue. Sorry, but things must get much worse before they get better.
Medicare? You get a set amount of cash. Once you exhaust that, f***ing die already.
Welfare (AFDC)? Medicaid? On the chopping block. Transfer a small amount to faith-based programs. This will hurt our core Democratic voters a lot, but again, 36% of those making under $15,000 a year voted for Bush.
Overtime pay? Unions? You should be grateful to have a job (38% of union members voted for Bush).
Bankruptcy? Not on your life. Unlike the federal government, you have to pay your debts.
Dept. of Education? Eliminate it. Education is a local issue.
NASA? Gone. NASA doesn't in any way bring us closer to Jesus Christ.
Etc.
Let the people see what small government looks like. Things must get much worse before they get better.