Which comes first, the leaders or the plan?

The Reptilican takeover of our government was not the result of a sudden wave of popularity, but a carefully scripted, step-by-step process, following a written plan. This is one of the things we learned in the 21st Century Democrats seminar...no campaign should go forward without a clear and concise plan, in writing. It should be so clear that if the campaign manager dies or quits, the campaign can move forward undisturbed if everyone sticks to the plan.
Thus we heard constant references during the reelection campaign of WarChimp to "stick to the script," and they did so obsessively, i.e., Cheney insisting almost to election day that there was definitely a Saddam/9/11 connection. It was a lie, but it worked, because it gave the uninformed electorate the comfort of consistency.
Few of us, myself included, are willing to step forward and take on the burdens of leadership without a plan to win. It must be step-by-step, and not all over the map. This is especially important when we are at a funding disadvantage. My own idea for step #1 is to secure the voting process by going back to total paper ballots. All of our energy expended and money spent against WarChimp was wasted since the Dems didn't secure the voting processahead of time, IMO.

:-)

The leader shows up with a character, a set of beliefs. But the campaign itself needs a detailed writen plan and usually the Campaign and the leader do that together.

to come together. Now, whether that comes from the DNC, or some other umbrella organization, or even an influential individual, it needs to happen.

SOMEONE OUT THERE, I KNOW YOU"RE OUT THERE, CAN YOU HEAR US? STEP FORWARD!

Waiting to see which way the Democratic leadership <smirk> will do on any given thing at any given time is a fool's errand. It is up to all of us to BE the party that we want to be. Let WE THE PEOPLE LEAD...and a good and wise leader will rise to the top. The grassroots efforts of many groups beat the evil ones, save for their..I'll say it GOD damned machines. If we let go of what we started it will be our fault. Let the Leadership follow for a change. Starting now.

... who are willing to work like hell to help that idea gel is the best way to start.

I've found that those who are willing to work together without titles or power-trips are in it for the greater good, and are willing to step aside once the movement takes root and natural leaders emerge (and they always do).



:hippie:

:hi:

It really is a chicken-or-egg, isn't it.

I love Dean, but I am feeling more cautious than ever about putting all my energetic eggs (hope, money, but especially hope) into one basket, especially after being burned so bad on the presidential debacle. I think leadership is important, clearly. We need a voice with a face to it as well as the grassroots. no question. Dean's terrific for that. There may be others as well.

otoh, pinning all our hopes on one leader coming to power and saving us all, which i do feel has been happening a lot on all sides (in myself included), and understandably...maybe, you know, that isn't such a hot idea.

I'm starting to think that actually, besides Dean, we need a *spiritual* leader. a MLK. they don't come around so often, though.

but, I'd be open to looking to places besides traditional politics for inspiration as well...

it isn't the most important thing I want. If an overwhelmingly attractive articulation of a plan for the U. S. can be made, I don't think voting fraud could erase the votes for it. The real problem is that the plurality in that last two presidential elections has been within the margin of error of the overall voting system.

I think a winning plan will have to have a more enticing #1 - 4. Good government is a concept that most Americans cannot imagine. What's in it for them is the question.