Katrina vanden Heuvel is editor and publisher of the Nation, a left of center magazine, and writes a weekly column for The Washington Post. Today she wrote about progressive disillusionment and the way forward.
These prospects should concentrate the mind. This is indeed a choice election. We're not talking about a simple change of power in Congress, we're talking about a fundamental reordering of America in terms of its priorities and possibilities.
Of course, there is an alternative. Rather than sitting out, progressives can sit in. We can channel our disappointment and anger (and fear of a GOP takeover) into organizing and campaigning for the principles we believe in, as the One Nation march on the Mall in Washington will seek to do on Oct. 2. After all, the change we seek isn't going to come through one election, or one president. It will come from building coalitions, supporting progressive candidates and organizing independently.
Eat, pray -- and vote
I ask folks to read her entire column, especially those who don't understand why many progressives don't see things as they might do, those who see progressives or leftists or whatever as the enemy. To create a winning coalition, each of us needs to see from the other's perspective, not agree, but see. See the other as human and decent, and find ways to work together for the greater good.
She starts by talking directly to those who are disillusioned and lack enthusiasm, thinking of sitting this election out. Note that she does not attack, but approaches with understanding, perhaps because she feels many of the same things:
You are a progressive voter, and you are disillusioned. So much so that you are thinking of sitting this election out.
Well, think again. Take a deep breath -- then eat, pray, vote.
She lists many things that people are disappointed in. If you've been around Daily Kos, you've read them, argued them pro or con, etc. No need to list them all, or relitigate each issue, but you can read a few in her column if you want.
It's no wonder so many progressives have demobilized. Note to politicos: If you diss your base, your base might just diss you, too.
Eat, pray -- and vote
She identifes what is at stake. Again, many of us have had this conversation:
Meanwhile, according to Bloomberg, "Wall Street is preparing for a Republican surge in Congress that could help it block proposed taxes on banks and investments, blunt new financial regulations and regain some of the lobbying firepower it lost."
Eat, pray -- and vote
She notes that "[t]he administration also needs to step up and rally its demoralized base. President Obama's appointment of Elizabeth Warren to run the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a great start . ..." Eat, pray -- and vote
This to me is key:
The Democrats should also welcome a debate with Republicans on ending the Bush tax cuts for those making more than $250,000 a year. This is an issue that demonstrates which party is still in the pocket of Wall Street, and which is willing to extend at least some effort on behalf of a struggling middle class. It also exposes the hypocrisy of Republicans who rail against the deficit but would add nearly $4 trillion to it -- at least twice as much as any program Obama has passed or proposed -- to cater to their wealthy base.
Eat, pray -- and vote
I point to her fundamental answer above:
Rather than sitting out, progressives can sit in. We can channel our disappointment and anger (and fear of a GOP takeover) into organizing and campaigning for the principles we believe in, as the One Nation march on the Mall in Washington will seek to do on Oct. 2.
Eat, pray -- and vote
It's a long struggle. We cannot let the failings of some deter us. We cannot let the meta wars on Daily Kos deter us. When the President doesn't get why progressives are upset, and makes statements some don't like, we can't let that deter us either. We need to get active. Electoral activism for progressive candidates. We cannot afford to give up.
After all, the change we seek isn't going to come through one election, or one president. It will come from building coalitions, supporting progressive candidates and organizing independently.
- Building coalitions. People can do it at Dkos, and they can participate on the ground in coalitions. We need each other.
- Supporting progressive candidates. See below.
- Organizing independently. That means many folks are part of issue alliances, DFA, MoveON, and not just the DNC or OFA. Organize around issues both on-line and on the ground. There are lots of issues. And march on 10/2 if you can.
Here's a diary that needs recommendations:
10.1.10 DC Friday Night Hook Up
This is an effort to try to keep the effort to have a Friday evening hook-up for Kossacks and friends.
The diaries scroll off so fast, perhaps this format could work to keep the plans moving forward.
Hook-up details are below. Sounds like fun. Fuel the rally Fervor!
Not everyone can go there on 10/2, but for those that can, it's a good choice.
So is this:
Contribute to Barbara Boxer for Senate
Alexi Giannoulias for US Senate
I agree with Katrina.
Update I: Russ Feingold needs our help:
Contribute Russ Feingold for US Senate