Well this is an experiment of DK4 and using groups. Don't know how this will work but I have always wanted to write more diaries about the "Mushy Middle" of the american political system and its practical results.
So what is the "Mushy Middle"?
Well first of all the Mushy Middle is not the "DLC"...so lets get that off the table right now.
The Mushy Middle is recognizing that...
1. We are a capitalist society and that capitalism under many circumstances and with appropriate regulations and policy is not an evil plot.
2. We have a country which is ideologically divided with roughly 20% Liberals, 35% Moderates and 40% Conservatives (self-described) and we basically have a choice between having a Liberal/Moderate governing majority or a Conservative/Moderate governing majority
3. The vast majority of legislation at the federal level is incremental in nature and pure Left Wing or Right Wing legislation is the exception rather than the rule. If we wait for pure Liberal/Progressive solutions then nothing will ever get done.
4. Democrats are not monolytic nor are they perfect, but they are a hell of a lot better overall than the alternative.
5. Just as Republicans/Conservatives say lower taxes and less regulation is always the solution is wrong, It is also wrong to say the higher taxes and more regulation is always the solution either.
6. Just because Conservatives/Republicans do bad things to promote Right Wing agendas does not mean it is right for Democrats/Liberals to do similar bad actions to promote Left Wing agendas.
7. "Blue Dog" and Moderate Democrats from Conservative leaning states/congressional districts are not the problem, they are part of the solution. It is Moderate/Conservative Democrats from liberal leaning districts that are a problem.
8. Once the primary is over, we should almost always unequivically support the Democratic candidate over the Republican candidate.
9. Political decisions of War/Peace and what to do with dangerous individuals sworn to declare war on Americans (terrorism) is a complicated decision process and cannot be pure in the decision process.
10. Supporting free speech and all of the Bill of Rights even those we don't agree with is the most American thing and patriotic thing we can do.
Well that is it for now...we will see where this goes...maybe nowhere...maybe somewhere.../peace to all and good luck with DK4