I have been reading the diaries of teacherkin with great interest, because he echoes my feelings. Maybe it is the difference of looking at the world from older eyes than younger ones. When I was younger, I too was idealistic. I’m glad there are so many young people here at DK who are willing to do the real work that is needed in suppporting candidates and causes. Us older ones need someone to carry on.
But perhaps we are more cynical and realistic too. We view the world from a longer perspective. We do not see small gains, we see large losses. Like teacherkin I see President Obama reneging on the very words, promises and ideals that got him elected.
http://www.dailykos.com/...
The first time I voted was to vote against Reagan. His welfare queens and trickle down theories were strong indications of where this country was heading. We were turning our backs on the principles that had made us a stronger, more equal nation since the Great Depression.
I find it very disheartening to see the people of my parents generation, (my dad is 80, a Reagan lover and Fox newswatcher), become the strongest loudest supporters of disenfranchinsing the poor and enriching the wealthy. Calling for smaller government and lower taxes. This from the generation that had the greatest benefits from the very ideals they are hating now.
My parents are still alive and collecting their hefty pensions, almost fully funded health care and SS, while my husband and most of my younger friends (we are not so young anymore) have passed away. They had good neighborhoods and schools because the rich paid taxes. They had retirements and benefits because it was part of our social fabric. Now they want to deny every other generation the very things that gave them good lives. I pick on them because they overwhelmingly elected Reagan, are tea partiers, are consistent voters and have reaped the most benefits from the New Deal.
We need stronger voices speaking for us, we need stronger leadership leading us, and we need to take stronger stand on our principles that are based on commitment and consistency. Obama is not taking us there. In fact we are losing it all by looking to Obama. Like the teacons we must form our own unmovable voting block so we can make demands and get them met. No more Mr, Ms and Mrs nice person. Time to stop cheering pyrric victories. Time to stop unconditionally supporting compromising leaders. Time to stop being reasonable and understanding. Time to be angry. Time to fight.
I want to suggest that the Green Party is a viable option for a third party for liberals and progressives. They have laid the ground work necessary to get on ballots in most states. They support the same ideals and causes we believe in. If we cannot get what we believe in from the Democrats, it is time for a viable third party option.
If you look at the Green Party website you see a party concerned with the very same topics we all blog about. Our resources, our environment, our food. Support for war protesters and Unions. Check it out.
http://www.gp.org/...
Manning Marable, historian & social critic dies |End Mountain-Top Removal | Support our union brothers & sisters | Green Party member Muhammed Malik receives Patriot Award
Green civil action challenges the legitimacy of US Representatives from southern states
Washington, DC
Green Party of Florida calls for safety shut-down & phase-out of nuclear power plantsKey West, FL
NY Greens nominate Ian Murphy, noted phone caller to Wisc. Gov. Walker, in special election for Congress
Albany, NY
The US and other western nations must honor the Libyan rebels' requests for no military intervention, say Greens
Washington, DC
Hawkins Joins Wisconsin Type Protest at State Capitol over Cuomo Austerity BudgetAlbany, NY
Green Party Demands Mural's Return
Portland, ME
DC ADVISORY Press conference: Statehood Greens urge Gray to back a Just DC Budget & Tax Plan, 3/28 before Mayor's speech at Eastern HS
Washington, DC
Green Party of California endorses state and national protests Saturday against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; Greens also call for humane treatment, release of WikiLeaks suspect
Greens in the News:
Jason West files petitions for New Paltz mayor's race
Green Party enters 26th District race
Green Party of York County rallies to support Wisconsin unions
Mayoral Candidates Talk Housing
This is a viable third party. This is a party in action. This is a party standing up and putting up candidates for all the things we blog over and over that we care about. I like teacherkin can no longer support or carry water for President Obama. I am older and the old “stand by your man” phrase has no appeal to me. I know what it is like to be abused, and I gave that up a long time ago. A wise person knows when to walk away from a bad relationship. Maybe that is something you learn as you grow older and feel time running out. Why waste it on those who let you down and don’t care about you.
I will throw my support behind a party that stands up for what I believe in.
Conservatives have made the words progressive and liberal dirty words. It’s hard to make Green a dirty word. Green stands for our environment. Green stands for our food. Green is the future. I could proudly say I am a Green. Green is good. Think about it. Then we just have to talk Bernie Sanders into joining.