Populist Reform of the Democratic Party
In reply to the discussion: De-escalate, De-mobilize, and De-moralize any Progressive Movement [View all]davidthegnome
(2,983 posts)As far as moving forward goes, I mean? The facts are pretty simple. Clinton won the majority of pledged delegates - and a great majority of super delegates. She won the popular vote by millions. The people of America - and of the democratic party, have made their decision. While Sanders has not yet conceded, Clinton's nomination isn't in question at this point. The hints of rebellion... a contested convention, flipping super delegates and various other ideas... seems to me to actually go against the will of the people who voted, who got involved, who got out there and let their voices be heard. Many chose Sanders - more chose Clinton.
That does not mean that the Progressive Movement is defeated - Sanders was, but he wasn't the movement by himself. It doesn't mean we have to shut up and sit down, but it does mean that we will have to shift tactics somewhat, if we want to keep going.
There are no easy decisions here. I've got my doubts about Clinton, the democratic establishment and so on - but we do have to acknowledge the reality that she has secured the nomination. If it had been done by super delegates alone... that would have been another matter. If she had lost the popular vote, that might be another matter. If she was behind in pledged delegates, again, another matter. She won all three... handily.
I would humbly suggest, that we not only get behind Clinton - but keep burning the fire that Sanders helped start. For there are other realities, too. There are millions of people in this Country who are progressive, at least in principle - and want... and need, the changes that Sanders spoke of. Rather than jumping ship and voting third party, or actively working against the establishment... we need to make the establishment represent us. There are various ways we can do this, our votes for other progressive candidates will help. Our support for Clinton when she does promote and attempt to accomplish progressive policy will help. Our condemnation of corrupt politics, dirty money, conservative policies and so on... will help.
What will help more than anything else right now though, is defeating Donald Trump in the general. Clinton can do this - but she can't do it without us. A third party candidate... - cannot do this -. Not now, not with the current situation in this Country, not running against Clinton and Trump both. Something very similar happened here in Maine's last gubernatorial election - many progressives, independents, more liberal democrats and others... who were not excited about a much more moderate, somewhat conservative democrat like Mike Michaud, instead voted for the independent, Elliot Cutler... not just in the last gubernatorial election - but in the last two. The result? Meet Governor Paul LePage, austerity, the weakening and destruction of social programs, funding cuts, education cuts, bigotry... and so much worse. This is one of the most despicable, most hated politicians in America - and he won two elections because democrats and progressives could not unite and organize against him.
We don't have to completely agree with, or even like everyone we vote for. At times, however, there are choices to be made... for the greater good of us all. It's no joke, ladies and gentlemen... if Trump wins this election, we are going to suffer for it. America and the world will suffer for it. This goes beyond pride, beyond even principle. When it comes down to it, the choice really ought to be clear. We are caught between a candidate many progressives do not like or trust - and a man who, just about all of us are convinced... would be an absolute nightmare for our Country and the world.
We cannot lose this one - and by we, I mean the people of America who give a damn, who care, who pay any attention at all. A republican house and senate... maintained, under a President Trump. Imagine that, if you will. More wars? Oh yes, we will see more of that. Tax cuts for the rich, cuts to, perhaps even the elimination of social programs. Invasion of privacy? Expect it to become more severe. Hateful, bigoted rhetoric coming from the highest office in the Country. A commander in Chief with his hand near the nuclear button... who has no foreign policy experience, no military experience... a bad temper, and a horde of angry, militant supporters.
No, this isn't the time to sit down and shut up. This is the time to do what we must, for all the right reasons. We can hold Clinton's feet to the fire, we can keep this progressive movement going, we can keep that fire burning. Not only can we - but we must. The defeat of Sanders does not mean we are finished - far from it, this thing is only getting started...
However, if we want to have the chance, in the future, to help create the government we dream of, we need to maintain, at the very least, some level of security, of normal relations. We need to provide a constant check against the right wing, even if at times that means working with politicians who don't excite us. Are we going to let someone like Trump dismantle the EPA? Among all of the other really awful ideas he has... that one, at a time when humanity faces an extinction level event in it's near future... due to environmental issues...
It's insane. There is only one choice to make here going forward. I have made it for myself - and I invite you all to join me. I will be supporting Hillary Clinton in the general - because there is no other choice. No, don't sit down and shut up - speak up, about everything you believe in. Challenge power and authority when it is wrong at every opportunity. Demand accountability, march in the streets... but do not shoot yourself in the foot.
Just my ten cents.