In These Times: Dems, You Have the Power!

Views » August 11, 2009
Dems, You Have the Power!

By James Thindwa


Last November, at one of the most perilous moments in U.S. history, Americans gave Barack Obama and the Democrats a mandate to change the direction of the country. They wanted to turn a page from eight years of failure on almost every front.

Majorities favored a strong government hand in healthcare, more investment in infrastructure, aggressive action to combat global warming, tough measures to rein in corporate corruption, stronger enforcement of food and drug laws, protection of workers’ rights, an end to wars of aggression, better race relations and a humane immigration policy.

It was an opportunity for Obama and the Democrats to deliver bold and far-reaching policy changes. Yet the Democrats continue to cede political space to Republicans, even as the GOP teeters on the brink of self-destruction.

This Republican disarray means that the policy debate in Washington is for the Democrats to lose. But first, in order to win, Democrats must acknowledge the root of the problem. For more than 30 years they have failed to defend the state in the face of conservative attacks. This failure has facilitated a dangerous expansion of corporate power and weakened public confidence in government. .........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/4724/dems_you_have_the_power/