General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The "extreme left" didn't give us Trump. The path to hell was paved by [View all]PatrickforO
(14,479 posts)I'm tired of the POB in the Dem party ignoring this elephant in the room. For instance, I firmly believe that if the Democratic leadership that keeps talking about universal healthcare REALLY believed in it, then we would have it now. We pay lip service to getting money out of politics, but corporate donors abound for both parties. We're not supposed to understand that if a corporation 'donates' money to a candidate, they won't expect some consideration of their interests when the time to vote comes? What really made me want to vomit is the denial about why we lost the election, and the refusal to hear that we need to a) change our message, b) REALLY support workers (and yes I can give factual examples of times when this has not happened) c) quit being so fragmented and set a vision of no more than ten things we want (things like single payer healthcare, stronger social security, military spending cuts, a review of our actual need for an NSA, stronger policies around mitigating global warming and embracing alternative/renewable energy, equal pay for women, right to reproductive services including access to abortion, support for K-12 and affordable postsecondary education...stuff like this) and then POUND on them until they are enacted, then set new goals and POUND on those. Finally, d) do stuff that actually helps me, my family, you and your families.
I was talking to a colleague today. She's in her 60s and was at one time very deeply involved in the Democratic party. She is well known and well respected in my state. But now, she often says she dislikes politicians of both parties because she doesn't feel that either represent her. Honestly, at this point, in my late fifties, I sometimes feel as though the members of the US Congress who ostensibly represent me...don't, whatever their party. And that is sad. It really is. Because Congress isn't constituent-centered, it is donation centered.
Do you know, I get about 20 emails a day or more urgently demanding money, and we are in danger of losing ACA, Trump won the election, the EPA and State are being gutted. WTF? And leading Dems are STILL not talking impeachment??? What about Russia? Hey, I write my Senators and Representative at least once a week, and call them at least once a week. I sign petition after petition. I'm working in my state with groups trying to get National Popular Vote legislation passed. But, how is my giving $5 to help in the 'battle' really going to help in the battle? Where does that money go? Can the people asking me for money point to actual results of their efforts?
So, Dem leaders, the people have your back. We are more engaged than we ever have been. I've never seen this level of engagement in my adult lifetime. It's right up their with the giant movements of the 60s. But now you have to meet us halfway. I can think of several who are, but not all. Even my Democratic Senator votes for business interests above those of the people far more than I'd like.
No, don't expect me to be happy. Because I'm not. I'm horrified at the actions of the Dem party leadership that have led to this moment. But here's what you can expect of me: I will resist Trump and his right wingnuts tooth and nail. I will write and call and sign petitions. I will raise Dem issues when I speak to groups of business and community leaders. I will serve as a voice of sanity and quality of life in economic development conversations.
But don't expect me to be happy with the party leadership BECAUSE I'M NOT.