General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The "extreme left" didn't give us Trump. The path to hell was paved by [View all]Last edited Sun Mar 12, 2017, 07:30 AM - Edit history (3)
I think the only thing we are talking past each other on is the fact that the leadership doesn't just refuse to talk about getting "big things" like universal health care, etc. They have been actively "sitting on" the more vocal members of the caucus in an effort to "reign in" efforts to garner co-sponsors and publicize the existence of bills like Conyers' on health care. They believe it is for the "good of the party" -- that we "can't do it so stop rocking the boat, there will be 'backlash.'" They are horribly mistaken.
I will continue to challenge that attitude, along with so many of the other irrational rationalizations that are invoked for inaction and silence in so many areas, until my dying breath. They must talk about the "big stuff." And they need to engage the American people in making it happen.
"WE can do this" is a clarion call that people respond to. The leadership is far too wrapped up in figuring out what "they" (the right) will "let" us do. They've forgotten that the way to get things done is to advocate -- loudly and proudly -- for your ideas. That is how you inspire and engage the public, build the political will, and enlist voters to put you in office to accomplish those things that will make a REAL difference in their lives. And you don't need to have nailed down the way to get to get there to do it. Define the goal, build the political will to commit to achieving it, and then you can hammer out the how.
I am being attacked because I "hate Democrats." That is so far off the mark it is laughable. I love this party. So many of the people who call themselves Democrats are amazing heroes. If I did not believe the leadership was capable of getting past the group think that has kept them from taking on the tough fights they must take on if they ever hope to win unbeatable majorities, I would have given up long, long, ago.
Am I 'upset' with them? You bet. When someone you love is doing themselves self-harm, it is extremely upsetting. Like someone whose loved one is an addict, I am compelled to do everything in my power to save them from themselves. You don't give up on 'family."