Rahm, Biden and President Obama started calling me names and talking down to me. Look, I am often accused of being a troll, Repug plant. At first, I didn't know what a troll was. I have been fighting against Republicans for 35 years. I am proud to be a liberal. I am not a blue dog. I would rather cut my arm off than use it to vote for a Republican.
But I do have some pride. I saw my father put it on the line for Civil Rights and as an adult joined him to help end the Vietnam War, I think it is pretty obvious that our leaders have a lot of contempt for those of us who do not see the splendor of their achievments. Here are the things that impress me:
- Be willing to fight for a principle. I didn't say win the fight, but at least get in there and fight. We gave up without a fight on: Single Payer; Public Option; Improving the Infrastructure; Medicare for everyone; Dorigan reimportation amendment; Extending middle class tax breaks. I should say we were unwilling to fight Republicans for these things. The Obama administration caved in on all of them without a fight. But when it comes to dealing with liberals we seem to be looking for a fight. Don't believe me? Ask Dennis Kucinich.
See? Grayson is pug ugly but is leading in a Red district because he will fight. Even though the health care bill is not a big step forward, he wins because he is willing to fight. As for Single Payer and the Public Option? Heck, I think our leaders fought against them.
- Show some pride in liberalism. Where would we be without it? Freeing slaves, Women's sufferage, Ending Wars, Making outward discrimination illegal, balancing budgets, helping the unemployed, veterans, disabled, the poor. I am proud of these things. How did we let a jackass like Ronald Reagan convince us that this is weak and shameful?
- If you abandon your core, you lose. Republicans do not go after the middle at the expense of their core and they are going to win big in November. Democratic leaders should hate liberals at their own peril. If we continue to support them while they rub our nose in the dog shit, we will get more of the same.
I don't know if I can really sit this one out. I like my Dem congressman and Senator and the thoughts of being represented by their Repub opponents is scary. But I don't like Obama and Biden talking down to me. Last time I checked, I was helping pay their salaries.