Ok kids...this is exactly what I was talking about in my other two diaries. We have an opportunity to shape our Party's direction over the next two years. These are going to be the worst two years in recent history. The world these fuckers knew is falling around them fast, and they're going to try to do everything they can to stop it, while they have power. Chief Justice Ashcroft? You better believe they'll try it.
What we need to make sure is that every step of the way, they'll be meeting resistance from the opposition party...OUR party. We need to pull the Democrats out of this rut its been in since about 1994. And it starts with the leadership. We need a leader who does not have to worry about moderate constituents who will pull him if he is too dedicated to our party's goals. That in mind, here's a letter you can send to your Democratic Senator(s) to let them now how you feel. Use it, or write your own.
Senator (
___):
It has come to my attention that when Congress reconvenes in January, the Democratic Party is leaning towards making Harry Reid Senate Minority Leader. This is, in a word, unacceptable.
First of all, Senator Reid suffers from the same problems that plagued Senator Daschle when he was Minority Leader. First and foremost, Senator Reid comes from a moderate state, one that forces him to be a moderate Senator, lest heface removal at the hands of his constituents. Obviously, this will hinder his ablility to lead our Party. Also, Senator Reid has expressed Anti-Choice views in the past - this is completely unacceptable for a leader of this Party. Now, I understand that we are the Party of the Big Tent, and Senator Reid's presence in the Senate is a blessing we all appreciate, but the fact remains that putting Senator Reid in a Party leadership position is simply making the same mistakes all over again. We don't need more of the same, we need something very different. And if you need proof, you need just look at the last election.
Over the next two years, the Republicans will try to pull every stunt they can get away with. They are desperate to cling to a way of life that is quickly disappearing, and no act will be out of bounds, regardless of how obscenely partisan it is. We need leadership that will stand up to that and paint a clear picture of where we stand for the 2006 election, not one that will always look to compromise and reach across the aisle first. The Republicans didn't get to where they are today by compromise, they got there by rallying around their base and sticking firmly to their positions. Since the world we would offer is so much more appealing, if we can make our differences clear to the public, they will come to us eventually. Through weakness and moderation, and a willingness to compromise our values, we have allowed them to distort our messages, we can do that no longer.
The change in our Party starts with leadership. We need a strong-minded, uncompromisingly Liberal Senator (and one who is not afraid of the word "Liberal", either), who does not have to worry about the security of his seat and, therefore, the wrath of his constituents if he acts in a way that is "too" Liberal, to lead our Party over the next two years; also, it is IMPERATIVE that this Senator be Pro-Choice. I believe, as do many of the other Democrats I have talked to, that Senator Durbin of Illinois is that Senator. I could review the Senator's qualifications, but I am sure you are well aware of them. Hopefully, many other Senators will be getting letters similar to this one in the coming weeks. Hopefully, many already have. If you can come together and agree to support Senator Durbin for the Minority Leader position, we can avoid a costly mistake before it is too late.
Please take this into consideration, Senator. Your Party needs you now, more than ever.
Signed,
(_____)
What do you guys think? If you have any ideas about things to add or subtract, then post them below.
Whatever you say, make sure you wrote these letters, and make sure all of your Democrat friends write them, too. This is our chance to make a difference in what happens in Washington, as well as an opportunity to test whether we can make the Democratic Party truly a bottom-up organization. Don't let it pass.
BTW - Also, write letters to Senator Durbin. Let him know whjat you wrote to your Senator, and that others like you all over the country are writing similar letters. Tell him not to give up his pursuit of the Senate Minority Leadership position, because the roots of the Party are about to make a big push for him.