Retrenchment

The Iraq bill was like a slap in the face to many of us, who hoped that after the 2006 elections, the Democrats which we worked so hard to elect would happily implement the will of the people instead of chickening out.  

I admit I was excited by our 2006 victories.  "It's all going to change, FINALLY" said the little voice in my head, and I walked around with a little extra strut to my step.  Not a swagger, but a strut of expectation that we were going to show the world what American values were really all about.

Then came the Iraq Supplemental fiasco.

The disappointing votes of our Senators and Reps remind me that the Democratic Party still has a lot of growing to do, from within, in order to become a party that truly reflects our values, and has the strength of character to stand up for what the people want.

I admit that I, for one, got ahead of myself.  

So today, I sat down and thought--its back to brass tacks.  A majority doesn't mean squat if its not going to execute.  And the solution is always the same--work from within, keep rebuilding the party from the ground up, into a party we can be proud of, win or lose.  

What does it serve, for us to gain the world but lose our souls?

So what does this mean?  More primary challenges.  Redoubled efforts to influence "our" Congress. Securing commitments on policy before shelling out the $$$ and the time.  Rebuilding the policy infrastructure that will last for decades, for centuries.

But I still believe its all worth it, not because its such a great bargain, or so terribly efficient, but because we have no choice.  It's either: work to rebuild the world, or suffer a self-imposed exile within a fascist state.

Dean said it would take at least a couple decades to get the party we deserve.  To build it from the ground up, and perhaps he was even too optimistic.  In some ways, that's discouraging, but part of the process is fun, too, if we look at it that way, and enjoy each other's company. Its not all sweat, blood and guts.  

Doing it--working every day.  And not letting the "results" (like a 2006 victory, or one in 2008) go to our heads.