The two Democratic Parties: corporate Dems versus progressive Dems

[unhappycamper]

http://www.opednews.com/articles/The-two-Democratic-Parties-by-Don-Smith-Anarchism_Anarchy-Anarchism_President-Barack-Obama-POTUS_Progressives-140921-116.html

The two Democratic Parties: corporate Dems versus progressive Dems
By Don Smith
OpEdNews Op Eds 9/21/2014 at 17:16:59

On facebook, in comments to articles, and in person I often hear socialists, anarchists, and independents say things like "The Dems are as bad as the Republicans" and "Trying to fix the Democratic Party is a hopeless task."

Such views represent a gross exaggeration or distortion of the facts, but they contain a kernel of truth.

The reason such views are dangerous is that the progressive wing of the Democratic Party desperately needs the help of socialists, anarchists, and independents to win back the Democratic Party from corporate Democrats, to defend the US Senate from extreme Republicans, and to win back the state senate.

There are, in fact, two Democratic Parties. On the one hand (the left hand), there's the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, consisting of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, most of the grassroots activists, and associated groups such as PDA, MoveOn, DFA, and DailyKos. On the other hand (the right), there's the corporate wing or "centrist wing" of the Democratic Party, consisting of the White House, members of the House New Democrat Coalition, many governors (including Gov. Inslee), and numerous officeholders.

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

1. Speaking of corporate Dems, the Clintons still don't get it.

Bill was just shown on MSNBC in a clip throwing what I consider 'RW' rhetoric, saying 'Democrats care about everyone having 'a shot' at prosperity'. (slight paraphrase, I didn't catch the exact wording, since I didn't have a window open to type in.) They then followed up with the President of Emily's List who made sure she used the same messaging about a 'shot' at prosperity a couple of times in her support of Hillary.

I'm sorry, but that's not Democratic rhetoric, that's the same Republican rhetoric Chris Christie and Paul Ryan have used extensively in the past.

Democratic rhetoric is simply about lifting EVERYONE out of poverty, not about some sort of opportunity lottery. 'Opportunity' is code for corporate-friendly social-darwinian ideology that promotes 'the job creating entrepreneurs' and leaves some people to slide into deeper poverty if their 'shot' at 'opportunity' comes up short.

Corporate Dems need to return to the side of the people, ALL of the people. Not just those who get lucky when their 'shot' at opportunity comes along, as Republicans desire.

[rhett o rick]

2. I've had people tell me that should know better that the American Dream means"A shot at prosperity."

I read that to mean, play the lottery and pray. I believe the American Dream used to be, "My children will succeed better than I did." And it didn't mean in material goods. It means security, a good family, health care, education, a career, own your own home, and a reasonable retirement.

The wealthy elites (Clintons included) believe the lower classes should accept conditions as long as they have "a shot at prosperity."

[truedelphi]

3. But in California, due to Diane Feinstein's iron fist and how she controls

Almost ninety eight percent of who gets to run in an election with a "D" behind their name, then how do we change things?

When Steve Westley ran for office, seeking the Democratic Party's top leadership's approval, he had backing of quite a bit of money - his own.

But even that pile of money PLUS the voters approving of him didn't secure him jack shit. Feinstein was right there saying that he had not served the Party as long as Phil Angelides, so Angelides should be the candidate for the guberatorial election.

You can imagine how hard it is is for anyone not worth a lot ofmoney to get anywhere inside this state.

And I am pretty sure this state of affairs is not unique to California - it is just that somewhere else, it is some other Party big wig that is in charge, making sure that only very conservative Dems get to run.