The process of maturation, at best, develops the faculty of self-awareness. The ability to assess oneself, compassionately and realistically, is not valued in our culture, which glorifies youth. It's too bad. We need the wisdom of maturity, as much as we need the energy of youth. A reliable awareness of your own state of mind and intent, your own capabilities and limitations, and curiosity about the effects of your behavior on others, are usually developed, if at all, in maturity. Without them, you can't intentionally improve.
The Democratic Party, by virtue of its size, age, name recognition, and funding, is the most mature progressive political party in the United States. Because of this maturity, flawed as it is, it is the party I see as best-suited to the advancement of progressive aims in a pluralistic society.
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