The Options for Progressives
In today's edition of the Daily Cardinal, UW's left-of-center student paper (the Badger Herald being in the center-right), Bill Anderson wrote an article discussing the path which America's progressives should take. The majority of the article was on point, however, on his conclusion that the Green Party is the solution I disagree.
Anderson correctly states that idea of Red v. Blue America is a fallacy. There are blatantly differing opinions amongst the voting public and gradient maps of the electorate denote much more accurately the range of political opinion; as well as demonstrate the falsity of the 'left needs to be more right' punditry. The truth is, that the Democratic party does not offer a clear alternative to the Republicans. The Repubs create the conversation, and the Dems respond and react to it.
In order to rock the political seesaw back in our direction we must create our own conversation. This will take some hard work and even more soul-searching; in this spirit, I would like to propose a few steps I believe necessary. Over the next week or so I will explain and add to my list.
First, the Democratic party and its message is no doubt in disarray. The idea that a party can succeed by existing strictly as a counterpoint to the Republican point is where the DNC has failed. The party must clearly define and present itself as a unique option, a differing world view.
Second, we MUST declare our message as being our sense of values. In order to counteract the Republican monopoly on the 'values-voter' the Democratic party needs to make clear to the public that Democratic values lie within the ideas of easing poverty, improving education and existing above corporate/political corruption. The concept that the Republicans are the 'Christian' party is a fallacy. Honesty, charity, and acceptance are values center to both Democratic ideals and Christianity.
The Democratic party must return to the fundamental ideals it has professed. Decisively rejecting corporate corruption and demonstrating our devotion to helping those in need.
to be continued...
Anderson correctly states that idea of Red v. Blue America is a fallacy. There are blatantly differing opinions amongst the voting public and gradient maps of the electorate denote much more accurately the range of political opinion; as well as demonstrate the falsity of the 'left needs to be more right' punditry. The truth is, that the Democratic party does not offer a clear alternative to the Republicans. The Repubs create the conversation, and the Dems respond and react to it.
In order to rock the political seesaw back in our direction we must create our own conversation. This will take some hard work and even more soul-searching; in this spirit, I would like to propose a few steps I believe necessary. Over the next week or so I will explain and add to my list.
First, the Democratic party and its message is no doubt in disarray. The idea that a party can succeed by existing strictly as a counterpoint to the Republican point is where the DNC has failed. The party must clearly define and present itself as a unique option, a differing world view.
Second, we MUST declare our message as being our sense of values. In order to counteract the Republican monopoly on the 'values-voter' the Democratic party needs to make clear to the public that Democratic values lie within the ideas of easing poverty, improving education and existing above corporate/political corruption. The concept that the Republicans are the 'Christian' party is a fallacy. Honesty, charity, and acceptance are values center to both Democratic ideals and Christianity.
The Democratic party must return to the fundamental ideals it has professed. Decisively rejecting corporate corruption and demonstrating our devotion to helping those in need.
to be continued...
posted by bookman at 9:02 PM
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