Advocating consumer protections and financial system protections does not require any "demonization."

Advocating a progressive tax system doesn't require demonization.

And working for incremental change doesn't have to mean shutting everyone up on the REAL end point. For example, just because you are working to write/pass a bill that moves us closer to universal health care doesn't mean you have to shut up about the real goal -- universal health care.

Unfortunately, we have people in positions of leadership in the party who do not see it that way. Who want their outspoken colleagues to "shut up" about things like Universal Health Care, or shut up about taking serious steps to end mass incarceration, or shut up about restoring the right to vote for felons, or .. there are many, many examples.

Revisiting past mistakes is all about challenging the beltway group think that feeds silence and inaction on things they should be vocally fighting for right now.

For example, every single time someone says Repeal/Replace Obamacare, leaders in the party should be saying "Hell yes! Replace it with Universal Health Care!" And make the case. Loud and proud.