I have given much thought to history of the Democratic Party. I am a Democrat, a Progressive democrat and I see the party not doing what was intended when it was founded. I worry that we are losing the party of the people. This next general election will determine what will become of the party. I just hope it is something I can live with.
It began in 1980’s, with the crushing defeat of Mondale by Reagan. Al From founded the non-profit organization that would become know as the Democratic Leadership Council. He wanted to move the Dem. Party away from traditional populist positions and towards a more central stand on issues. To establish this organization From went to his friends in corporate America for funding. The DLC uses BS to push its agenda. For instance this is a quote of what the DLC is all about. The DLC states that it "seeks to define and galvanize popular support for a new public philosophy built on progressive ideals, mainstream values, and innovative, non-bureaucratic, market-based solutions.". How has that approach worked out?
Are you a progressive? Does anything DLC stand for represents your progressive ideals? The DLC's distaste for what they refer to as "economic class warfare" has allowed the language of populism to be monopolized by the right-wing. Many argue that the Democrats' abandonment of populism to the right-wing, shifting the form of that populism from the economic realm to the "culture wars", has been critical for Republican dominance of Middle America. The attempt to turn the Dem. Party to the right has been a disaster for the working majority. NAFTA comes to mind, that was a biggie for the Clinton administration. But most seem to forget that it was the ideals of the Left that made the Dem Party, the party of the working people. It is just silly to abandon those ideals for the sake of a few votes more than the GOP. If you are a progressive, then why would you support anyone that stands in direct violation of progressive principles?
Beginning in 1992, the hand picked candidates began their rise to dominance in the Dem. Party. It began with Clinton, then Gore, next was Kerry, and now the other Clinton. All were members of the DLC. Think about that for a moment, since the first Clinton, they have been losers. Apparently the message of a move to the right is not playing well with the voter.
Can this chain be broken? Good question. Obama is not a member, although he was listed as a newbie in Congress by the DLC. But will he be influenced by the organization? He is a prime candidate for influence and IMO, his choice, if nominated, will answer that question. If he chooses a member of the DLC as his running mate, then the FIX will be in and we will see more of the same worthless crap we have had since 1992.
The voter can break this chain of events, but the question needs to be asked, do they truly want to break it? It is time to move past looking for Camelot. Time to remember that if it was not for the labor in the US there would be no Dem Party. The old saying, "power to the people" is being resurrected and we shall see if it is only a whimper or will it be a scream.