For those of us who may be disappointed, to whatever degree,

in the performance of the Democrats in Congress and/or of the Democratic Party at a national level . . .

How do we simultaneously defeat the repukes, who, make no mistake, will destroy this country and probably the planet if left in power

AND

repair/reform/restructure/replace the Democratic Party?

The common ways for rank and file Democrats to send a message to the party are to not support disappointing candidates (perhaps by voting for a third=party candidate), to not give money and to not give time.

But all those would effectively help repukes to win.

But the current Dem approach has done nothing to staunch the loss of liberties, rise of tyranny, destruction of our economy and death and destruction on a massive scale. If we don't get the Democratic Party realigned with its core values, if we don't apply those core values to preventing corporatism from further undermining democracy, we are lost.

but a third party is handing the elections to the Republicans. Is this really all we can hope for?

we can't all become full-time party activitists

I guess just keep informed, evaluate the issues and the people and make decisions in the voting booth.

Personally, the only issue that would take me to the streets with signs at this stage of my life is voting reform. I want paper ballots. Period.

flashbacks to 1968 Democratic Convention... that is what it took then... guess what it might be time

That said, I did become an independent and will support LOCAL good candidates (Francine Busby anyone), but will not support the machine anymore

< http://dvowhistlestop.blogspot.com/ >

First, take back control of at least one house. Otherwise, all bets for our future are off. Things are that dire right now.
Second, push the DLC out of the way, and remove them from their self-proclaimed throne. Put in real democrats, with vision, ideas and no connection with Rahm, Hillary, and other dead-enders.
Third, we analyze key Dems currently in office with the following rating:
a) push them out gently
b) train them for higher office
c) support them for re-election
Fourth, we start reaching out to youth, colleges, high schools, tech schools and rebuild our party from the bottom up. Teach them policy, teach them to write and speak, and don't cut their legs out from under them, like too many closed-minded and greedy dems have done to date, but train them and push them up the ranks. the GOP has done this successfully. We are too fearful to even try it.
Fifth, we support technological advances for communication, money and ethics checks. WE can prove just how evil today's GOP is and how greedy those bastards have become. We can also raise money, communicate and move our people up. Howard Dean has the right idea, just not enough support from us. (seriously)

Have to get our foot in the door before we can kick the DINO's out.

but by the time it starts happening, this will be an out-and-out dictatorship, IF any of us are even still alive.

I think in the modern era, the two-party system and corporatism are a double whammy that America can't survive.

The two party system has systemic problems, to be sure, but we should take to heart the warning given us by President Ike some 40 yrs ago. The corporatism you accurately name PLUS military/industrial power has ground this country into the dirt. I agree about its survival. There is a lot to do.

I myself, have been confused (for lack of a better word) with our leadership at times.

I don't have an answer yet... I will though. I'm a good problem solver.

We need more creative thinkers in our party, THAT is for sure.

Gunsaximbo