That fact that Progressives represent such a small minority in the US

really indicates how out-of-step America is with the rest of the modern world.

There are issues that I can't believe are even up for debate, like:
GLBT rights
corporate personhood
torture
unwarranted surveillance
banking reform
offering basic social services
privitization of our educational system

There are issues that I can't believe are not up for debate, like:
Universal healthcare
cuts to defense spending
reassessment of our war on terror
election/campaign reform
Senate rules

There is no defensible policy position I can see on the other side of these issues. The arguments presented are motivated by greed, power, self-interest and bigotry - nothing much else. Progressives may not be as good at playing the game, but that's mainly because the game is rigged, and we're more interested in policy than politics. When is the rest of the country going to stop playing games? How much worse will it get?

People here are more hysterically attached to unbridled consumption than the rest of the world.

They think it's freedom. They have no sense of self without it.

And they will do whatever they have to do to keep this illusion alive.

the shame is that the country is too ignorant or brainwashed to realize it.

But if the people don't see that, what good does it do?

I think it's a combination of brainwashing and poor marketing skills on our part.

including especially the counterfeit Democrats, polluting the brand.

TeeVee tells America it's a Conservative nation or Centrist nation or Center-Right nation every hour of every day. What the fuck do you expect?

This has been going on since the 60's.

stupidest thing I've heard today.

But it makes more sense to say that progressives represent the interests of 90% of the country. Not that 90% identifies as progressive.