It seems that the DNC is doing an excellent job at motivating the masses to get out and participate in this election cycle. Grassroots activist have done there job well, Obama and Clinton are pretty much in statistical dead heat as Super Tuesday approaches. That, to me, shows that the all is progressing well.
With all that said, I am concerned. Why? I watched a good and solid grassroots movement with Dean back in 2004. After the dust settled the grassroots activists seem to be stifled in favor of some political machine that let all democrats down in that election. Down so bad that Bush won handily.
I am just afraid that if Clinton is the nominee the same will happen again. The DLC will take over and try their antiquated magic. That they will totally ignore the grassroots organizations.The DLC says they stand on progressive principles, but as a long time progressive, I do not see any progressive ideas in the platforms of the two major candidates for the Democrats. As a matter of fact, I see very little difference at all. IMO, the DLC is just a corporate front to try and control the Democratic Party.
A few years ago, I got a memo written by comedian George Carlin to political activists. It read:
Dear political Activists,
All the chanting, marching, voting, picketing, boycotting, and letter writing will not change a thing; you will never right the wrongs of this world. The only thing your activity will accomplish is to make some of you feel better. Such activity makes powerless people feel useful, and provides them the illusion that they're making a difference. But it does work. Nothing changes. The powerful keep power. That is why they are called the powerful.
Love, George
Do I agree with him? Not sure. For years I have been one of those activists that he writes about and for years nothing has changed. Will it this time? I pray it does and there is some promise on the political horizon.