Well...where to start?! This feeds directly into my long-term criticism of the Democratic Party: focus on the election that is directly in front of us (often at the last minute), pray for the outcome, rejoice if it's positive and moan if it's not, and then shake your hands and say, "We're good until the next election." This is precisely how and why the outcomes aren't always what we want--even though there are lots more Ds than Rs. The Rs focus, rile their base, and ensure voter turnout--and then they keep that base riled until the next election, rinse, repeat. Not that there aren't people like Stacey Abrams who have figured out that ORGANIZING (and driving turnout) is what wins elections (sadly, even if she isn't successful herself); and organizing is an ongoing process. You can't do it at the last minute or walk away from what you accomplished. So, yah. Where are the Democrats who should be screaming at the top of their lungs that the Republicans are out to topple our democracy?! In my opinion, Schumer is useless and I don't know enough about Jeffries to know whether he will (and can) step up. Biden is "just Joe"; unfortunately, I don't expect him to take this on in any but the most timid "aw shucks" of ways. It's "not him." He wants to be the Great Compromiser and find "common ground" with the Rs. Sorry, Joe--it ain't happening. Also not looking for Kamala to step forward on this issue. There are a few voices on the Left who are sounding the alarm (Robert Reich and Thom Hartmann come to mind)--but they are not mobilizing people. Sigh. So, here we are. I guess it's up to us, the people. That's why what you are trying to accomplish with Shift the Country is so important!
Evelyn, I so love this comment. I intend to send an email for follow-up but it probably won't be until tomorrow. I think this perspective would be a great standalone post. Take care - Vanessa
Well...where to start?! This feeds directly into my long-term criticism of the Democratic Party: focus on the election that is directly in front of us (often at the last minute), pray for the outcome, rejoice if it's positive and moan if it's not, and then shake your hands and say, "We're good until the next election." This is precisely how and why the outcomes aren't always what we want--even though there are lots more Ds than Rs. The Rs focus, rile their base, and ensure voter turnout--and then they keep that base riled until the next election, rinse, repeat. Not that there aren't people like Stacey Abrams who have figured out that ORGANIZING (and driving turnout) is what wins elections (sadly, even if she isn't successful herself); and organizing is an ongoing process. You can't do it at the last minute or walk away from what you accomplished. So, yah. Where are the Democrats who should be screaming at the top of their lungs that the Republicans are out to topple our democracy?! In my opinion, Schumer is useless and I don't know enough about Jeffries to know whether he will (and can) step up. Biden is "just Joe"; unfortunately, I don't expect him to take this on in any but the most timid "aw shucks" of ways. It's "not him." He wants to be the Great Compromiser and find "common ground" with the Rs. Sorry, Joe--it ain't happening. Also not looking for Kamala to step forward on this issue. There are a few voices on the Left who are sounding the alarm (Robert Reich and Thom Hartmann come to mind)--but they are not mobilizing people. Sigh. So, here we are. I guess it's up to us, the people. That's why what you are trying to accomplish with Shift the Country is so important!
Evelyn, I so love this comment. I intend to send an email for follow-up but it probably won't be until tomorrow. I think this perspective would be a great standalone post. Take care - Vanessa
Sounds good, Vanessa.