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I know there has been a lot of anger and bantering about between DLC, near-Republican Democrats and those who are on the left and liberal progressives. I know I have done my share of bashing the DLC and those who I feel betrayed the principles of the Democratic Party. It seems, semi-borrowing a phrase from John Edwards, we have two Democratic Parties instead of one.
On one side you have a group of people who are anti-war, anti-free trade, pro-people with jobs as opposed to careers, and pro-civil liberties. On the other side, you have those who seem to rationalize the political shift to the right and want the Democratic Party to be more like what the Republican Party used to be before the Reagan Cons and Neocons took it over. I am talking about things like supporting Free Trade, supporting the continuation of the illegal war in Iraq, the Patriot Act, and even flag burning. Can some pro-DLC person out there explain the reason for the Democrats to lean towards the supposed center which is in reality the right? Also, don't give me this nonsense that this is what mainstream America wants or this is another way to reach out to Middle America. That is bunk!
Those who tow the line of the DLC must be reminded that the Democratic Party is there not only for people who make more than $100K a year and have careers. The Democrats must also be there for those who work in blue collar jobs and must fight day in and day out to keep their heads above water. Some Democrats have forgotten this by agreeing with Clinton's support for globalization. We must get back to helping those who cannot afford BMW's and annual vacations in Australia or wherever. Frankly, I am tired of this bashing. It is counter to the what we all want. To get the Neocons out of the White House and take back control of Congress. While we on the left have been frustrated with the way Democratic lawmakers have been acting, and understandably so, those pro-DLC people have been doing their best in shutting us out from having a say in the Democratic Party platform. This is disturbing and will benefit only further victories for the far-right. Do we really want this to continue? This party is suppose to be a big-tent party right? How can we meet common ground? I see a slight impasse among many Democrats on both sides. I fear that Neocon animals like Karl Rove will expose this division to the hilt, thus making for Neocon victories in 2006 and 2008.
I suppose part of the reason I have not been posting very much around here lately is because I hate being drowned out by the DLC DUers whenever I post and criticize them. It has been happening a lot lately and I am becoming more than happy to simply "let it lie". My anger towards the DLC is more intense than anger at the Neocons. At least I know what I am expecting from them though the anger is equally intense. As for those DLC type Senators and Congresspeople, I only feel a sense of betrayal and contempt. It just makes it more difficult for me to support and vote for these people back into office. Doing so just becomes an insult to my intelligence as well as those think like myself.
I post this because I really want this be a meaningful and constructive dialog amongst all of us and in the hopes of finding a common ground. It isn't much to ask to look and listen to what everybody has to say. Supporting the Democratic Party should not be about a litmus tests or focus groups nonsense. It should be about bringing ideas and making life better for everybody and making for a better, smarter, and stronger Democratic Party and America.
John
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