I almost don't know what to type, it's been a sad day for me in many ways. I first would like to apoligize for having a harsh tone on a previous thread but I don't apoligize for the message. Barak Obama wrote a thoughtful diary directed at this community and it contained some very cogent points.
It didn't go as far as many would have liked and it was picked apart. For anyone saying that Barak Obama is fair game just as anyone is ask yourself if just anyone else had posted that diary would there still be about 10 Diaries on the topic now? (mine included:) Ask yourself if anyone else on this site represents half the population of a state (there are a couple) and then ask yourself if we did our best as a community in using this chance to provide valuable feedback. Rena does a good job of it on the rec list....
Now to the point of this Diary: Attack Attack Attack: If Democrats attacked republicans over every scandal(what are we at 1000?) to the fullest and loudest ability America would push the mute button and democrats know this.
more below the fold.
I was one of the founders of a website called downingstreetmemo.com, for those of you that are new we had alot of succes through media leverage and having a message that didn't have the word impeachment in it. Democrats did not scream at the top of there lungs at least most didn't but Bush had bad media for months because of it....his numbers dropped in the polls and more people became more enlighted....It was a succes.
Think about this for a second what if Democrats did the following.
-Attacked republicans in harsh terms for all of the scandals
-Appeared in the media and continuously called for the resignation of various people
-delayed and slowed down the workings of congress.
The would be labelled as obstructionist and marginalised at ever level, from the media down to voters that don't want to see attacks. And please remember that if they attack full bore over these issues, who would investigate, who would pass the bills to hold Rumesfeld accountable? To be able to move the US forward the Democrats need to regain power. What is a loud voice if there is no real power behind it.
What I think I have seen on this site is people who have been starved for 5 years of any sort of compassion, logic and good governence from the Bush admin. There shortfalls and crimes are clear and based in fact, but very little can be done until Democrats are in power....and to do that we have to sway the public and hold there attention...The only way that we don't have 3 more years of Bush is if Democrats get the house in 2006....The only way we get a timeline for Iraq withdrawel is if Democrats regain power....When someone like Barak Obama comes on this site, ask how you can help, give your opinion do not belittle the advice he gives or the perspective he offers because it is truely unique.
Where I think Democrats need to improve is in there ability to respond. I think it should go something like this.
-Provide a vision and details on what you would have done differently.
-Call for investigations and bring republicans to task for what they have done....but always present a vision of how you are different.
That vision is lacking on Iraq, the enviornment, health care and other issues.....I don't believe that democrats are failing at attacking the GOP they are failing at providing an alternative to the GOP.
Much love and please think 3 steps ahead of not only what you want to happen but what can happen. Then if those don't match think of a way to make what you want happen.