Hello, 'lo, 'lo, 'lo. Is there an echo in here?
In Congress and the State Senate, I am represented by corporate shill Democrats. I voted for them both and will do so again. In the White House, I am represented by a very moderate individual whose Administration has steadfastly supported actions and programs and initiatives that I personally abhor. I voted for him twice and, under similar circumstances, would do so again. Why? Because they aren't Republicans. When these Democrats are in heated campaigns against Republican challengers, I avoid acting to undermine those campaigns. If I see others on this blog striving to undermine the candidacies of such Democrats, I am prone to speak out against such political sabotage. It's not because I don't cherish progressive, even socialist ideals. It's not because I want to see those ideals sold out. It's because those candidates aren't Republicans.
Some writers here decry that Daily Kos is a site created by its founder for the purpose of increasing the political power of the Democratic Party's power in Washington and the several United States. They cannot abide supporting Democrats who believe and act in ways they personally find morally repugnant. They utterly reject the practice of realpolitik.
Party politics, however, is about political power and only about political power. We must battle through election cycles with the parties and candidates we have, not the ones we wish we had. There are times on this blog to speak up for Medicare for all, against the Surveillance State, against austerity budgets, etc. There are times on this blog to criticize, castigate and decry ideologically inadequate Democrats, but not when they are locked in electoral battle with Republicans.
I wanted Medicare for all. Democrats delivered federally regulated private health insurance. I wanted peace in Iraq. I got three more years of war. I wanted peace in Afghanistan. I got five more years of war. I want, have wanted and still want a lot of things from Democrats. I don't get very much of it. But that doesn't make me forget that while not all Democrats are good, all Republicans are bad for America.
I am free at Daily Kos to speak up for the things I want and believe in. I am free to criticize bad action by the Democrats who represent me. But when those Democrats are locked in electoral battles with Republicans, I will not undermine them, not here, where my privilege to blog exists for the purpose of electing Democrats, even poor ones.
If that means that sometimes I want Daily Kos to be an echo chamber, so be it.
Goodbye, 'eye, 'eye, 'eye.