In
zenbowl's diary today, zenbowl said some things we've all been thinking and even diaried before, but I wanted to respond to Z's diary in a bit more detail after thinking about it.
Z has a very valid concern and viewpoint: the possibility of losing the majority again in 2006.
My response is a broad concern I have over thinking like this. Venting is an action I do all the time, so I respect that; however, there is a constant stream of diaries of how we are going to lose recently - versus diaries about how we are going to WIN. This diary is specifically about this very important debate.
And only YOU can decide if we are going to win - not the DLC, DNC or the RNC. More below.
Democrats in general are punch-drunk from losses, and yes the cards are stacked against us. However, beyond the very real actions Americans are taking we need to be focused on the goal in 2006: Winning.
There is a rule I try to live by - "You make your own future by your words and actions". This is hard to do when you're in the minority party - and when you add up the anti-Dem media, majority party anti-Dem demonizing, and the many other issues we all talk about.
But, I'm not talking about what is against us. We all know that, and we all recognize it well when we see it.
There is nothing wrong with constructive "devil's advocate" debate - we'll lose without it. But defeatist thinking is going to hamper you, personally. It will color whether or not you give that extra $10 to a needy Democrat hopeful, or make those calls for a candidate.
If you don't think it will hamper you, I beleive you're mistaken. I know myself, and I'm as human as the rest of us - and it's human nature to prefer the negative outlook, because it is inherently easier to accomplish.
So, if the big picture is disturbing you: focus on the little things instead. Stop reading and worrying about the big picture, and help out a local Democrat who needs help getting elected/re-elected. Ignore the news for a week - turn it off, don't check the websites or pick up a paper.
Focus on the positive things you can control.
#1 - Little wins = big wins when added up
Little win ideas:
- Talk to a friend who has been ambivalent about politics, and convince them of 2006's importance
- Pick a list of Dem candidates you believe in and donate a little bit each month, even $10 adds up on a national scale
- Call your local Dem candidate or incumbent to support their campaign with your time: GOTV walks; Calling campaigns; stuffing envelopes
#2 - Your attitude will change over time
This is a personal guarantee from ole Savvy. I've been there, been through it, and think of this as my promise and personal testimony old time preacher style!
#3 - When you find yourself getting pessimistic, look at the little wins you already have, and plan some more.
Have you ever gotten depressed about a passed away loved one? This is the same principle: by human nature, we can dwell on the loss of the person, or we can start remembering what we love about them and the fun memories. This is the same principle here.
Enough of my soapbox!
I've been in your state of mind. The day after Bush got re-elected was the worst day I'd had in a long time. I was completely depressed, and I felt like America was done. I even looked up how to move to Canada for about 10 minutes. :)
I don't pretend that I'm as eloquent or well-thoughout as teacherken and others, but this is a big concern for me:
We're sowing our own defeat if we dwell on this.
It's time to take positive action.
Then, I took a look at the real Americans I know, not the political landscape, and I realized it's for them - and for me - we are fighting for.
Learn from defeats - but do not live in them.
Act Blue Dem Donations for the whole US