Like many here, I think an emphasis on civil liberties this election is going to be where the action is at. I believe the "Contract with America" that the Dems need to point to is the Bill of Rights...no need screwing with a classic. To that end, I'd like to point out some of the diaries in the last 48 hours that deal with civil liberties:
- Cybercrime Treaty Threatens The Internet And The Constitution by KingOneEye - this details the recently ratified "Convention on Cybercrime", which requires the U.S. government to help foreign law enforcement enforce foreign laws, even when no U.S. law has been violated.
- The War On Fear: the key to Democratic victory by ANKOSS - points out that the Republicans are "the party of fear", and implores us to start using this label. Reminds us that the only thing we have to fear is...well, you know.
- I've pledged to raise $250 for Democratic candidate Patrick Gardner by Yellow Dog Dem Woman - according to Republican Rep. Debra Maggart from the Tennessee state legislature: "We also have seen evidence that homosexual couples prey on young males and have, in some instances, adopted them in order to have unfretted (sic) access to subject them to a life of molestation and sexual abuse." Yellow Dog Dem Woman is trying to raise funds for Democratic opponent Patrick Gardner to take down Maggart in the upcoming race for the seat she currently holds.
- The New Generation by Da Economist - an experience this diarist had talking to ivy league educated friends, who describe themselves as conservatives, but believe that the Republicans are "evil", "incompetent", "power hungry", "dangerous" and "insane", showing there's hope to reach out to new voters by uniting around the social justice aspects of our platform, even if we continue to disagree on economic issues.
- Faking Security: Be Afraid Of Security Snake Oil by yobie - questions about why we should take off our shoes and surrender our toothpaste in an ineffective attempt to thwart a terrorist who will go through any measure to accomplish their mission, and proposes more effective means.
- UPDATED 11:32 PST Aargh! Aargh! Aaaaaargh! The excluded middle, and fear by Marc in KS - A letter to a Kansas newspaper editor in response to the false dichotomy of "civil rights or safety: please choose one". Another great diary that can be found with the fear tag
These diaries may not seem related at first, but I think in aggregate point to a strategy for winning. We need to emphasize this party's commitment to freedom and respect of civil rights, and abhorrence of government meddling in personal affairs.
Feel free to point out diaries that I missed in the comments.