There has been a lot of wailing and teeth gnashing on this site and others about how so-called "moderate Dems" like the DLC don't represent the party. People point out that such Democrats sell out the party's principles for corporate cash. There is talk about punishing moderate Dems for their positions to force the Democratic party in a different direction.
I understand the position and the frustration of people who advocate such action. I have one question, though: what are you doing to support progressive politics? Are you volunteering for campaigns; running for office yourself; starting progressive organizations; getting involved in party organizations; donating; or are you just bitching on blogs and walking away feeling morally superior?
Politics is hard work. It is hard to put yourself, your beliefs, and your money on the line and run the risk of failure or rejection. I know because I have been involved in politics since 1976. I have run for office six times, winning four elections and losing two. I have managed campaigns. I have held party positions and I am currently an elected official in a red state. So I know how hard politics can be. It takes more than just bitching to win in politics.
I heard a story on public radio this summer about a young man from Georgia who died in Iraq. His friends talked about his spirit of service. He had a saying that he practiced "IDWIC", which stood for "I do what I can." I thought that young man had it right. All of us who passionately believe in progressive politics should be asking that question of yourselves.
The next time you are tempted to come on this site and post an entry decrying some "moderate Democrat" for selling out the party, ask yourself this question: "Am I doing all I can do to support progressive politics?"