On Nov 4, 2004, at 9:26 AM, The Fool wrote:
One party (we'll call them 'Progressives') conducted an open campaign,
where every thing they did was out in the open, and you could see what
they were doing and where they were doing it. They shouted the record
numbers they were registering from the rooftops, and shouted with a loud
ringing voice every vote will be counted and will be fought for at all
costs. They fought to build a better, stronger America, where all people
are created equal and all people have inalienable civil rights.
They were the ones that lost, right?
...One party (we'll call them 'Regressives') conducted a secret, closed campaign, where every thing they did was behind closed doors and nobody knew what they were doing or where they were doing it.
They fought to build a divisive America, where hate and bigotry are norm,
and few people have civil rights.
They were the ones that won, right?
I for one am proud to have stood up and fought for the progressive vision
of America, where all voices are heard, all votes are counted, where all
people are created equal, and tolerance and individuality are the norm.
Amen, brother. Now we just have to learn how to "message" that "vision" as
America First[tm] Family Values[tm]. And no, I'm not kidding. We American
progressives need to honor the things that it is clear that a majority of
American voters respond to.
Despite my "Secret Ingredient" diatribe of last night (in which I urge
Democrats to turn the tools of self-righteousness against Republicans,
with my tongue only half in cheek), I sincerely believe that progressives
need to figure out why so many fine, intelligent people are willing to
get behind divisive issues like gay marriage bans and the like and use
it.
We need to freaking UNDERSTAND these people, not dismiss them as dupes.
As Duncan Black (the Atrios of http://atrios.blogspot.com/) wrote:
The people who voted George Bush and the Republicans into
office this year didn't do so because they were conned by
a right wing asshole posing as a compassionate centrist.
They did so precisely because he is a right wing asshole.
Yes, the modern Republican party consists of nasty bigots
and liars and the media rarely bothers to point out just
how nasty they are (all the talking heads talking about
the role of "moral values" in the election know that what
that really means is "fag hating," but they won't say it).
But, don't be fooled - people know what they voted for.Even in defeat we must stand firm, give no ground, give no quarter, and continue to fight for what is right against the tides of darkness and tyranny.
And do so without being defensive or conciliating or turning into "nasty bigots and liars."
We will overcome..
"I might not get there with you..." Now *there* was a man who could speak
in Biblical tones without scaring the bejeebers out of me.
PS: I Hate the Word Blog
Agree. Use it not do.
Thanks, Yoda.
Dave
To Hell With Nuance Maru
_______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
