What the problems with the Democratic Party are and why there is hope

[DeBunk]

For years the Democratic Party has been using Union workers for their troops. Much like the Republican party uses Christian conservatives to man the phones, lick the envelopes, and the like.

The Union workers do a good job and all, but all the while some elements of the party undercut the Unions, in favor of money from big business. Votes for NAFTA and Union busting for big business decimated Union member numbers and clout.

During this whole period the party got further and further away from it's ideals and it's base. The base felt disaffected and the party began to deteriorate. The party began concentrating only in some states and abandoned others to the Republicans.

However, in recent years there has been resurgence in the Democratic base. Led primarily by net roots activism and old fashioned grass roots, the party is beginning to become revived. The Unions are also beginning to wake up and demand more from the candidates they support. The DNC has a real leader in Howard Dean who has organized around small donations from real people. Further Dean has begun to reorganize the party in the states that where previously abandoned.

The party has a chance now. Our continued activism counts for something. We are changing the way the party works. It is taking notice. There is hope.

Kenny's Bunk Port

[Eric J in MN]

1. MoveOn is part of building by taking small donations...

..from progressives, too.

www.moveon.org

[DeBunk]

2. That's exactly right. Moveon pioneered netroots to a large degree

www.moveon.org is a huge source of hope for the future of the party.

[Vexatious Ape]

3. Maybe

We can nominate someone who's NOT a fucking free trader unlike Kerry, Gore, and Clinton.

[DeBunk]

4. I think that's a big possibility

I was listening to some Republican the other day and he said watch out if a Democrat comes up and stands against free trade. He said Republicans wont do it. I think it was Buchanan, but I don't remember.

Anyway, the first guy to do it will take the party by storm. It might tear the party appart, but that would probably be good in the long run.

[Vexatious Ape]

5. I really hope so

I swore to myself I wouldn't vote for any free trader.

[DeBunk]

6. Me too. Free trade is a faith based movement

They worship the golden calf.

Dean has done a lot to put small donations at the front of democrtic fundraising. I hope that helps.

Hilary is a free trader though.

[DeBunk]

7. Here you go: Is Obama Ready to Roll?

{a href="http://rawstory.com/showoutarticle.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.msnbc.msn.com%2Fid%2F15132259%2Fsite%2Fnewsweek%2F"]Is Obama Ready to Roll?

The Illinois Democrat may be more serious about '08 than you think

I'm not sure what his stance on trade policy is though.