I'm a far-liberal independent who has generally been working with democrats, insofar as the 2000 election is concerned up to the present. I've worked mostly on Senate and Presidential races, but I've somewhat helped on Congressional races. Now, my problem is, supporting Democrats is all well and fine for me at the presidential level, because hey, there is no real option at the moment to sway enough people to vote more liberal then democrat. Its either Republican (evil) or Democrat (not-evil-but-at-the-moment-mehhhhhhhhhhhhh), so I vote Democrat. Honestly, this is my view of Presidential politics right now. Republicans will NEVER, EVER, receive my vote, but Democrats aren't really politically the same as me to really earn my vote, but I can't let Bush stay. I'm an Anybody But Bush Voter.
But should I vote for Democrats in Congress instead of a more liberal party like the Greens.
So Let's take a look at the Party Platforms...
Jump with me won't you......
Green Party
1. GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY
Every human being deserves a say in the decisions that affect their lives and not be subject to the will of another. Therefore, we will work to increase public participation at every level of government and to ensure that our public representatives are fully accountable to the people who elect them. We will also work to create new types of political organizations which expand the process of participatory democracy by directly including citizens in the decision-making process.
2. SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
All persons should have the rights and opportunity to benefit equally from the resources afforded us by society and the environment. We must consciously confront in ourselves, our organizations, and society at large, barriers such as racism and class oppression, sexism and homophobia, ageism and disability, which act to deny fair treatment and equal justice under the law.
3. ECOLOGICAL WISDOM
Human societies must operate with the understanding that we are part of nature, not separate from nature. We must maintain an ecological balance and live within the ecological and resource limits of our communities and our planet. We support a sustainable society which utilizes resources in such a way that future generations will benefit and not suffer from the practices of our generation. To this end we must practice agriculture which replenishes the soil; move to an energy efficient economy; and live in ways that respect the integrity of natural systems.
4. NON-VIOLENCE
It is essential that we develop effective alternatives to society's current patterns of violence. We will work to demilitarize, and eliminate weapons of mass destruction, without being naive about the intentions of other governments. We recognize the need for self-defense and the defense of others who are in helpless situations. We promote non-violent methods to oppose practices and policies with which we disagree, and will guide our actions toward lasting personal, community and global peace.
5. DECENTRALIZATION
Centralization of wealth and power contributes to social and economic injustice, environmental destruction, and militarization. Therefore, we support a restructuring of social, political and economic institutions away from a system which is controlled by and mostly benefits the powerful few, to a democratic, less bureaucratic system. Decision-making should, as much as possible, remain at the individual and local level, while assuring that civil rights are protected for all citizens.
6. COMMUNITY-BASED ECONOMICS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE
We recognize it is essential to create a vibrant and sustainable economic system, one that can create jobs and provide a decent standard of living for all people while maintaining a healthy ecological balance. A successful economic system will offer meaningful work with dignity, while paying a "living wage" which reflects the real value of a person's work.
Local communities must look to economic development that assures protection of the environment and workers' rights; broad citizen participation in planning; and enhancement of our "quality of life." We support independently owned and operated companies which are socially responsible, as well as co-operatives and public enterprises that distribute resources and control to more people through democratic participation.
7. FEMINISM AND GENDER EQUITY
We have inherited a social system based on male domination of politics and economics. We call for the replacement of the cultural ethics of domination and control with more cooperative ways of interacting that respect differences of opinion and gender. Human values such as equity between the sexes, interpersonal responsibility, and honesty must be developed with moral conscience. We should remember that the process that determines our decisions and actions is just as important as achieving the outcome we want.
8. RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY
We believe it is important to value cultural, ethnic, racial, sexual, religious and spiritual diversity, and to promote the development of respectful relationships across these lines.
We believe that the many diverse elements of society should be reflected in our organizations and decision-making bodies, and we support the leadership of people who have been traditionally closed out of leadership roles. We acknowledge and encourage respect for other life forms than our own and the preservation of biodiversity.
9. PERSONAL AND GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY
We encourage individuals to act to improve their personal well-being and, at the same time, to enhance ecological balance and social harmony. We seek to join with people and organizations around the world to foster peace, economic justice, and the health of the planet.
10. FUTURE FOCUS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Our actions and policies should be motivated by long-term goals. We seek to protect valuable natural resources, safely disposing of or "unmaking" all waste we create, while developing a sustainable economics that does not depend on continual expansion for survival. We must counterbalance the drive for short-term profits by assuring that economic development, new technologies, and fiscal policies are responsible to future generations who will inherit the results of our actions.
Now let's look at the Democratic Platform
Democratic Party
Ok...so I tried to find a concise message on the DNC website of what the party stands for, and all I found was the old 2004 Campaign Party Platform. Which is basically as labyrinthlike as the worst of sites to discover all the basic GENERAL viewpoints. As a person who likes politicians to be specific I am happy that what the democrats spefically stand for is out there and on the record. But seriously, GET SOME BULLET POINTS FOR PEOPLE TO READ!!!!
ITS FREAKING 43 pages long. That does not work for the average person's attention spans, although we readers of blogs are probably a bit better.
Here's the Link.
Zee Link
I feel like the Democrat's are basically Green Party Politicians who are willing to sell out some views to win elections. That doesn't work for me. Democrats better find a message soon, to start hammering home with, instead of: "WE DISAGREE WITH EVERYTHING THE REPUBLICANS JUST SAID". And of course I know they have to pick their battles, but just saying. Hey we support Civil Unions couldn't hurt. Or saying, hey we support Leaving Social Security the fuck alone. Or saying we support helping the poor better themselves. Or we support Affirmative Action, cuz ya know, racism STILL EXISTS. Or that we support PLANNING for WARS. FOR FUCKS SAKE.
I'm gonna be voting Green for Congress, until the Democrats start fucking saying what they want and what they are gonna do about it. But like I said in the last lil' blurb I wrote. Maybe they are going to surprise and come back sooner then I think.
I'm not afraid to take my knocks. Come yell at me and tell me you disagree. Or tell me I am your god and that you totally agree. Or say nothing you cute little lurker you...gaww so cute, (pats your head). I'm going to slumberland folks. Let's give me some reading material to wake up to....and now for a fun poll!!!!