I just saw "Inside Job" this afternoon.

And it was horrific. Anyone wondering why the Dems have failed in the last two years to fight for progressive government should go and see this movie. We have "Representative Government" and it represents the "Financial Industry" and the Republicans and Democrats have been colluding since the 1980's to give it to them. I have been a registered and voting Democrat for 36 years (voted straight Dem just a week ago here in Maryland). Tomorrow I'm going out to change my registration from Democrat to Independent (or Unaffiliated here in MD) and I'm not looking back.

We have to start somewhere. We need a new party. We need a new chance.

If we can't discuss any of this on DU .... it will have to be discussed somewhere?

I'm waiting to see the movie -- will check again for it -- I'm in NJ.

Thinking about the registration, as well --

We have to really be kidding ourselves to think that Democrats have been the opposition!!!

This battle looks very one-sided to me -- two corporate parties vs us!!

In my state (PA) registering Independent only means that you have no say in which candidates run in either party (or in any third or other party). It seems to me this is a decision to relinquish one small way to influence what happens. It may make more sense to register to one party or the other and vote strategically for candidates in each election. This includes the option to vote for an alternative candidate who actually represents your views (say writing in somebody, or voting for Kusinich in a primary), or to vote against someone. I don't see the advantage in giving up one option to vote.

Remember, this also includes local elections, where small numbers of votes may make a difference. Not saying you vote for the Democrat, but there may be SOMEONE you want to vote for or against in a local primary. Or you could register Green or Socialist Worker, or whatever.

If there's a Dem with a primary that I like, I can always change back before the primary.

But it does work if you have the focus.

will be interpreted as a rightward shift. "Independents" are always pictured in the media as being in the middle ground between the two parties. If you must leave, and I don't recommend that, then at least find a leftist party to join.

Hail Jesse!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIdkq4ax4bY

He did a hell of a job exposing Goldman Sach$ on Conspiracy Theory on Tru TV two weeks ago.

More likely, a rashly put together movement like the tea party will split the 2012 vote and well then we're really screwed.

Yes, the administration is in their pockets but I don't think we stand a chance going outside of the party. I think, and please show me wrong, that within the party (given that we do in fact have real progressive members) is the best and most viable option.

It's an eye-opener.

The last part about the economists is just chilling. Is there any hope? Where are the people with integrity?

I am looking forward to seeing this movie. Did the movie show you that by calling some of us "Professional Left" seem unreasonable? I've been a lifelong democrat, but recently voted for John Gray, a green, rather than voting for Blanche Lincoln, a dem who's a corporate shrill. When we try to push our party back to left when they moved to the right (blue dogs) we're called "Professional Left", "f-king retarded"... Our Social Security/Medicare are under attack and now they may cave in to give the rich extended tax cuts...this is NOT the democratic party I knew so I cannot support any dem. doing this to regular American people who aren't rich.