What I am talking about is actually quite simple, when it boils down to it. Controlling a branch of government can be all well and good, but when we talk about control, who do we mean? The Democratic party? The usual answer is yes, but it is not because we like the neat mascot. No, it is because the party represents liberalism, at least for the time being. This may not always be the case, nor has it been in the past. The Democratic Party is a political instrument, no more, as is the entire system of government by professionals the liberals of the past set up. No, in the future, it is prudent to often bypass the federal government entirely. This is why I urge democrats not to put much faith in 2008. Firstly, because it seems unlikely that any individual from the left side of the isle can capture it. Secondly, when it comes down to it, they wouldn't be able to do a heck of a lot anyway. I can think of only two men who have that special personal power which distinguishes the Great from the mediocre. Men who, in this era of stalemate, could actually be somewhat effective presidents. Neither are Democrats. Great people do come along, but I certainly don't think Hillary Clinton is one of them. At the Federal level, Democrats should mainly act as a stopgap, aligning with more States Rights and Libertarian Republicans to prevent right-wing reactionaries from imposing Federal will on the States and on individuals, whether this entails stopping odious court appointments or repulsive Constitutional amendments. Progress should be made in a thousand little battles, not one large one. It is time for Democrats at the State and local level to take control of their own destinies, whether it be through the State Capitol or the local union.
And as for 2008? Working under the presumption that the Democrats are bound to lose,* 2008 should be a time to go out with a bang, advocating for issues. My own suggestion would be to nominate Russell Feingold, a surefire loser, but a great man, unlike most of the other scumbags in the Senate.
*There is the possibility that they might win. If the Republicans nominate Bill Frist, Jeb Bush, or Newt Gingrich (manna from heaven all three) my pencil sharpener could win.
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2 comments:
Again, if this were Luxembourg, the problems of the Democratic Party would not be present.
Also, I must respectfully disagree with the exigency of "a thousand little battles". In times of political stagnation, to me it seems that massive political overhaul is the only remedy. The idea of "a thousand little battles" has been tried by the minority parties again and again, now and in the past, with little success.
However, the observation about your pencil sharpener's success is both amusing and valid.
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