Edwards and economic justice

[blindpig]

The primary thrust of the Edwards campaign was economic justice. Though tactical considerations were also a draw, I think most Edwards supporters backed him because of what he was saying about economic justice, about class. So now, whatcha gonna do?

Do you get out the old clothespin again, shrug and sigh, and just let it go? Do you abandon the bedrock issue ailing our society just because Edwards gave up? Of the two "choices" presented for your approval do you think that they will do anything to rein in the crushing power of Big Money? Viewed from that aspect, there is no choice at all.

Whatcha gonna do? Go back to whining about being marginalized, hoping things will be better next time? How long, Lord, how long? How's it feel to be a battered wife?

The message that Edwards was pronouncing was much bigger, much more important than his candidacy. He was marginalized for even bringing it up. If you care, are you gonna be silenced by one man's decision?

People are always hollering "Do something!" Maybe we should talk about that.

[Ninga]

1. We had a "standard bearer" that carried the progressive message. We had a window of time

to influence as many people as possible regarding his message, his views, his passion and advocacy.

The grassroots did not, and could not mobilize fast enough to head off the corporate media dismissal of Edwards.

Now, we have to start all over.

Our choices may be few, and very simple.

We should start with what we already have....our Congress and Senate. And pound the living shit out of them on progressive issues. We need to be loud and clear and many.

A few voices hear and there just won't get the job done.

[The Traveler]

2. Bingo!

Thank you for playing ... this is exactly the point to consider right now. Edwards' withdrawl does not mean the struggle is over.

[blindpig]

3. So, how do do we do that?

There is no voice of the people running in the Democratic Party. The Republicans got Huckabee....no, I'm not suggesting that, but I guarantee you that some of those people who voted for Edwards will gravitate in that direction. Is that insane, or what? FDR's cutting flips in his grave.

How do you think the struggle might continue? What avenues are available to us?

[The Traveler]

7. I've been thinking about your question, buddy

And I just don't have a succinct answer for ya. The struggle goes on, in large part because there are too many people like you and I who aren't going to give up on the cause. But right now, it is hard for me to be clear or even to take a stab at being inspirational or anything like that.

But I just listened to the man's "concession speech". It doesn't sound to me like John Edwards has given up on these purposes. No. He has not.

And in some weird way that has only served to deepen my gloom at this exact minute. If I had doubts about the depth of his commitment, and to be honest I did, that speech burned them all away. 30 seconds of "I'm out of the race". All the rest of the time rallying folk to the cause.

See ya around the block, or on the front lines ...

Trav

[OzarkDem]

4. Those days are gone

we are no longer the kind of party or country who is interested in a healthy economic future for our country.

The only solution is to rebuild our party from the ground up and that's not likely to happen for another 4 or 5 years. Don't waste your time. The folks in charge aren't listening, won't respond to your entreaties and will do nothing about it.

[blindpig]

5. Who cares about the folks in charge?

They are the enemy.

The people are going to have to do this themselves. No more waiting around for the man on the white horse, the officially designated progressive or populist. It's up to us, it always has been.

[blindpig]

6. shameless kick n/t