Reply #65: agree and disagree ... [View All]

i'm in full agreement with the idea that a long-term view is necessary ... and i strongly agree with your point that, whether one likes Howard Dean or not, it is more wise to invest in "the movement" than in celebrity ... if Dean is to be today's figurehead of the movement, no problem ... but the vision, as you pointed out must be a long-term vision not overly dependent on any specific person ...

so to that extent, i agree with your post ...

HOWEVER, i'm not necessarily in full agreement with your implied theme that change must occur from within the Party ... here's how i see it ... the Party is an established structure with access to power ... if we are able to gain a voice within the structure, that's probably the fastest way to "get a seat at the table" ... but if those currently holding power within the Party refuse to share power and if we are unable to gain a voice, alternatives are viable and well worth considering ... i have no disagreement with those who say third parties will not be winning elections (nationally) anytime soon ... i agree with that ... but "winning" is not the end goal of fledgling third parties ... the goal is to be given a greater voice ...

if a substantial exodus, say 25%, of Democrats left the Party and went to a third Party, i.e. they remained politically active and didn't just "drop out", the Democratic Party that was able to get them to vote ABB the last time would be forced to negotiate modifications to its platform to attract the "outsiders" ...

so, while I agree that working inside the Party is a better "first step", i don't see it as the only viable step ... i cannot imagine selling my soul to a Party that goes along with an illegal invasion, allows the super wealthy to own our government, and infringes on a woman's right to choose ... if I don't see "sharing of power" occurring under the big tent and the Party promotes a platform and candidates that are not at least reasonably inclusive of my values, I think it would be best to do all I could to force them to compromise ... and I think, in some circumstances, that the force i could bring to bear might be greater by leaving the Party ...

it's not a decision I'll make lightly ... but it is very definitely a possibility ...