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(67,441 posts)Wounded Bear
(58,707 posts)Democrats don't need synchophants. We need workers who will get things done.
As the old song goes, we don't need another hero. I ain't looking for a "Democratic Trump."
bigtree
(86,005 posts)...I see advocates, activists, and a progressive pol. There's no need to cheapen this action of theirs with this forced cynicism.
I want America to be inspired and enthused by our party. Projecting 'hero' worship and the rest onto what I posted is just wrong and unnecessary.
There's nothing about ALL of these individuals pictured that doesn't just scream 'working to get things done' so you're really off the page on this one.
H2O Man
(73,605 posts)Thank you for this. I'm happy that Alexandria is part of the new Congress.
It's funny -- on FB, a group of the people I went to high school with talk politics, among other things. Two days ago, a guy who has deteriorated from a good friend to a bitter republican was ranting about Alexandria. He was sure she posed as much a threat to western civilization, as some of our friends here are convinced she poses to the Democratic Party. I was happily surprised by the responses of my old classmates
.all of whom have children about Alexandria's age, and hence have an understanding of and appreciation for what she is saying.
bigtree
(86,005 posts)...I had a conversation with my wife about Nancy Pelosi, and we agreed that she's more likely to want AOC to succed than not, but probably is in earnest for AOC and like-minded supporters to view the Democratic party as a place where their views can be heard, and hopefully, have their ideals and initiatives advanced into action or law.
This is the time to step forward and seek the recognition of the Speaker. She'll be prioritizing issues in the upcoming Congress, and this is exactly the time to step forward and insist the party make legislative room for concerns and interests which propelled these freshmen (and women) into office.
The Speaker is understandably gracious and has made an excellent embrace of this group and the issues they represent. That is the essence of our democracy: 'agitation into action,' as the late Bayard Rustin wrote.
I'm certain these incoming Democrats will be working hard to make progress on what they campaigned on. Those like AOC, who chose a decidedly more progressive and challenging set of goals in the election, hope to be the dynamism and enthusiasm which propels our party into leadership into the future. That should be exciting to watch and support.
I like and respect Nancy Pelosi. Although I've disagreed with her in the past, there is nothing that makes me think that she is not the obvious choice for Speaker. That doesn't mean that I won't listen to what the younger Representatives that may want someone to replace her have to say. But it does mean they would need to identify a mighty good reason for advocating someone new. And that doesn't include her age. I've grown to appreciate the experience that old folks have, especially now that I'm so old myself.
Small-Axe
(359 posts)bigtree
(86,005 posts)...
In It to Win It
(8,283 posts)eleny
(46,166 posts)Not a carbon copy. They're different generations, after all. But AOC is an unapologetic liberal with boundless energy who can raise funds like the wind.
Sure, AOC has a lot to learn about getting things accomplished in Congress especially when there's a strong or unpredictable opposition. She probably doesn't even have a staff in place 100%. She's rough around the edges. But what you see is what you get and I like that in liberals. Now to hone herself so she can see her vision for her district and the nation become reality. I wish the best for her because her policy objectives are sensible.
bigtree
(86,005 posts)...and I don't believe AOC regards Nancy Pelosi as a rival or anything like that.
Mentor.
Autumn
(45,120 posts)Blue_true
(31,261 posts)There are some big differences, but they have similar political DNA, when Pelosi was young, she was part of the restless young, now AOC is. Nancy Pelosi seems to be a sage person, she likely sees a lot of her young self in AOC.
pwb
(11,288 posts)I say go girl. I am with you.
Response to bigtree (Original post)
rusty fender This message was self-deleted by its author.
Claritie Pixie
(2,199 posts)I don't quite get what you're saying. Please elaborate on your interpretation of their 'looks'.
If it's inspiration, great. If it's idol worship, no.
We need serious leadership - not drama, not cult of personality.
bigtree
(86,005 posts)...I posted a thread about 'idol worship.'
What is it about these individuals which would lead you to believe this was about 'idol worship?'
I see activists, advocates, and a pol. Try the post without projecting the worst of your imagination on it. I'm not responsible for any of that.
Claritie Pixie
(2,199 posts)A lot of praise and attention have been given to Ms. Ocasio-Cortez for winning an election, and rightfully so. However, there seem to be some here who are going beyond that, gushing over her for emotional
reasons (and yes, projecting) when this young lady has yet to prove herself in the job. Which is what she's been elected to do.
bigtree
(86,005 posts)...don't project all of that nonsense you're burdening yourself with on me.
Claritie Pixie
(2,199 posts)bigtree
(86,005 posts)...I obviously don't subscribe to it.
I'm not buying it. It has nothing, whatsoever, to do with what I posted, and it is an insult to everyone involved to talk about 'idols,' as if there's something wrong with being inspired by someone or something.
Claritie Pixie
(2,199 posts)Your statement:
"I want America to look at Democrats the way these young folks look at AOC."
This is a purely subjective statement, your opinion. I simply asked you to elaborate, since there's no way I can know what you're thinking.
Instead of explaining, you assume the worst about me and accuse me of projecting (I have no idea what).
You seem to have an agenda. If you want others on board, don't attack.
bigtree
(86,005 posts)...but you obviously came to this post with a derisive view of what I wrote.
Why isn't it clear to you that I not only reject your derisive premise, I'm objecting to the mere thought that I, these individuals, or AOC are participating in idolization of ANY sort?
Why that's not clear to you has everything to do with my refusal to participate in this charade of yours.
OBrien
(363 posts)Guard were respected. When they werent we lost elections. We change within not from without.
bigtree
(86,005 posts)...especially a presumptive one.
Viewing this action on climate change as some affront to Nancy Pelosi as Speaker is all your own interpretation, not actually matching the reality of the event.
Rep. Pelosi certainly didn't see it that way:
Nancy Pelosi @NancyPelosi5h5 hours ago
Deeply inspired by the young activists & advocates leading the way on confronting climate change. The climate crisis threatens the futures of communities nationwide, and I strongly support reinstating the select committee to address the crisis.
Nancy Pelosi @NancyPelosi 5h5 hours ago
We welcome the presence of these activists, and we strongly urge the Capitol Police to allow them to continue to organize and participate in our democracy.
Pelosi Statement on House Democrats Commitment to Addressing the Climate CrisisWashington, D.C. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on House Democrats plan to take action to address the climate crisis:
We are inspired by the energy and activism of the many young activists and advocates leading the way on the climate crisis, which threatens the health, economic security and futures of all our communities.
I have recommended to my House Democratic colleagues that we reinstate the select committee to address the climate crisis. House Democrats ran on and won on our bold campaign for a $1 trillion investment in our infrastructure that will make our communities more resilient to the climate crisis, while creating 16 million new good-paying jobs across the country.
We welcome the presence of these activists, and we strongly urge the Capitol Police to allow them to continue to organize and participate in our democracy.
workinclasszero
(28,270 posts)While the GOPers and their Big Oil money men laugh their asses off!
FAIL!
bigtree
(86,005 posts)...at the very least, uninformed about standard political advocacy.
Certainly out-of-step with the view of the Speaker, who welcomed their activism.
workinclasszero
(28,270 posts)You know, the people that are actually destroying this world with their flat earth, Big Oil agenda and protest/sit-in/what the fuck ever, outside Nancy Pelosi's door?
Good to know I guess.
bigtree
(86,005 posts)...whew!