We need a new
We...
a way to be proud, Democrat, and politically left.
What's happening now....FMA, Nader, Dean's fade, Newsome's shot across the bow and Kerry / Herseth / Boxer's steps into "safe" territory....
has left large chunks of "us" looking out and saying...I'm a Democrat, and I know there's a ton of folks like me...
but I sure as hell don't feel at home anywhere.
Well, me too!
I don't have any grand designs other than to start a discussion of what the heck we can do to build some sort of new "we"...
name, organization...affiliation...etc.
that let's us be proud Democrats, savvy with our money, time and votes....firmly opposed to Bush and the Republicans and yet clear as hell that we need party REFORM now and have issues....civil rights for one...that we don't compromise on, waffle on, or coddle moderates on.
Yeah, candidates have to play politics with their ideals...but we sure as hell don't. And, frankly, as strong an apologist for Kerry's candidacy as I've been...my heart is just not there even though my brain and political gut instincts still are.
About me...I'm a Wellstone / Jackson style Democrat...who supported first Gephardt..and now Kerry for Pres. (Why I did not support Dean or Clark even though I found their candidacies valid is a whole nother story.)
For me, the core of a "new / left " platform would be:
-green / left politics
-racial and gender inclusiveness (enough of this 'white guy' stuff')
-equal rights and justice for all, period
-a sense of humor and an unapologetic use of oppositional culture
-savvy, clever, forward thinking political strategy that is flexible and principled at the same time, because at the end of the day...politics is about winning.
-some form of use of dual affiliation, so that we can vote Dem and....X....at the same time...
-and, finally, a grassroots movement not based on some one charismatic figure, that becomes a grassroots organization with money, power, clout and candidates for the long haul...
I'm 35 and have a lifetime of politics ahead of me....these are my values...and I am feeling more and more, like it's time to take a stand. I absolutely hate the Republicans. I've grown up and come of age under Nixon, Reagan, Bush I and Bush II, Newt, Trent and Tom...and I will do anything to oppose them. But I really feel the time is NOW to find a new way and a new We.
What do you think?