Democrats, too, are dancing to the rich man's tune. Jim Hightower.

[madfloridian]

Lately I find myself thinking in different terms than which party will win, which party is taking the strongest stands on the issues I believe in. To Obama's credit, he has take some firm stands recently which I respect. But he and Arne Duncan both seem unaware of the education crisis they are causing.

I posted some videos of some of our Florida Republicans who are speaking out against the overtesting, blasting Rick Scott's idiocy, and one even took strong swipes against the Koch brothers interfering in state government.

I am thinking in broader terms such as what is best for the people, and for the country's future. It's hard to imagine supporting those who are not after those interests. On 2nd thought though I realize that it really doesn't matter which politicians I support. On that I most assuredly hope I am wrong.

I have started several posts the last few days, but a mental block set in.

I started another post about the strong arm tactics of the education "reformers", but then I realized only a few cared and efforts would be wasted. And the leaders in both parties are financially beholden to the billionaire boys club (to quote Diane Ravitch), so they don't give a hoot how the teachers, parents, and students are faring under these new policies.

I saw an article about the continued push to ban abortion rights for women...to take such decisions out of the hands of doctors and patients and legislate them. I realize it is mostly the extremists on the right pushing to restrict women's rights, but frankly I don't see too many Democrats calling them out on the harm being done.

I think about Chuck Schumer taking over for Harry Reid, and these words of his from 2005 keep coming to mind.

"... we are going to intervene if anyone one democrat attacks another, we're doing that in states where there are primaries. We can't afford to do it anymore. This always happens in the primaries, we would throw up the cards and see where they landed. No more, we are finding the best candidate in every one of the seats where a Republican is vulnerable."

"So I called up Governor...our number one target is Rick Santorum...let him go back to wherever he lives, Maryland, you know you heard about it, he is Pennsylvania but he tried to get exempt from the school tax there cause he lives in Maryland even though he is a registered citizen of Pennsylvania. In any case I called up the Governor of Pennsylvania, Governor Rendell, I said who is the best candidate to beat Santorum. He there is only one person who could beat him but he won't run and B you wouldn't want him to. I said why wouldn't we want him to run, he said he's pro-life. He's a deeply religious Catholic man. Bob Casey."

"I said, those days are over Ed. Yes I'm pro-choice, but we need the best candidate. We can't insist that every democrat check off 18 different issues before they get (unintelligible) we could do that, we can't anymore. And so, we persuaded, Harry using his very...Harry has amazing insights into people...and we together persuaded Bob Casey to run. A poll yesterday...national...all the polls they did...Casey 51 Santorum 40. You should see Santorum nervous and walkin on the floor."

(unintelligible)

"And we're doing this in the other states."

He is saying that Democrats can no longer afford to take stands for the people of the party like women. He is saying it is more important to win.

Schumer's stance with Bibi and against Obama has truly shocked me. It alarms me to think of his being in such a powerful Senate position.

Rahm won. Of course he did. He has for years manipulated our primaries. I could list time after time he got progressives out of races in our state to make sure his cronies won. Of course he won.

Then I saw a recent Jim Hightower article, and it said things just right.

Democrats, too, are dancing to the rich man's tune.

It's futile to hope that the GOP's gaggle of corporate-hugging, right-wing presidential candidates will seriously address the issue of rising inequality in our land – but where are the Democrats?

Well, Hillary Clinton has warned that, "extreme inequality has corrupted other societies." Uh... yes, but what about our society? Clinton says: "We have to have a concerted effort to meet a consensus about how to deal with this."

Huh? That's not an answer, much less a solution – it's a political tap dance around a crucial matter facing America. Why would she dodge a chance to swing away at a down-the-middle, working-class issue that's right in the wheelhouse of her party's populist strength? After all, recent polls show huge public support for direct government action to reduce the wealth gap, from raising taxes on the superrich to raising the minimum wage above the poverty level.

But there is one tiny constituency whose opinion outweighs all others on this issue: The 1-Percenters. Clinton and other top Democrats are weaker than Canadian hot sauce when it comes to embracing the unequivocating populism that ordinary voters want, because only 13 percent of the superrich think government should take action to redress inequality. These privileged ones tend to blame America's widening inequities on the very people who're losing jobs, income, and wealth – claiming that such people should simply improve their work ethic and character.

....When both parties kow-tow to money, the people's needs are ignored, and politics becomes illegitimate.

I have always voted for Democrats, and I want to continue to do so. I hope Schumer does not become leader of the Senate, I hope someone wakes up in time to save America's public education. I would like for Howard Dean to unblock me on Twitter, but I criticized his words against public school teachers...and I doubt he will. I would like to hear both parties take a stand for the rights of women to make their own reproductive choices.

But you know the old saying...."If wishes were horses, beggars would ride."

[pipoman]

1. See NAFTA, GATT, TPP....

Every good dem president before Carter us spinning in their graves....

[madfloridian]

2. Each one of those..

leading to lower salaries and higher unemployment here. Corporate needs being fulfilled, needs of the people ignored.

[pipoman]

4. yep...not very Democratic

[F4lconF16]

3. Well...

Yes and no. They weren't as blatant as they are now, but the Democratic Party has always been the deradicalizing party, the stability party. They have always--always--protected the interests of the elite, albeit in a different way then the opposition. They are a capitalist party dedicated to the preservation of the American political system, which is based on intimate oppression and division of the working class. It's foolish to place our hopes in them, as they have never truly supported the working class.

[bvar22]

57. That is not entirely true.

There was a brief period when LABOR was powerful,
and Democrats unashamedly worked for the less privileged and disenfranchised.

SEE: FDR (New Deal), LBJ (War on Poverty/Civil Rights/ Great Society)

Its been downhill since then. It stuns me that anyone under 55 years old has no living memory of what a real Democrat sounds like.

In our day these economic truths have become accepted as self-evident. We have accepted, so to speak, a second Bill of Rights under which a new basis of security and prosperity can be[font size=3] established for all—regardless of station, race, or creed.[/font]

Among these are:

*The right to a useful and remunerative job in the industries or shops or farms or mines of the nation;

*The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation;

*The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living;

*The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad;

*The right of every family to a decent home;

*The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health;

*The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment;

*The right to a good education.

All of these rights spell security. And after this war is won we must be prepared to move forward, in the implementation of these rights, to new goals of human happiness and well-being.

[font size=3]America's own rightful place in the world depends in large part upon how fully these and similar rights have been carried into practice for all our citizens.[/font]

Please note that the above are stipulated as Basic Human RIGHTS to be protected by our government,
and NOT as COMMODITIES to be SOLD to Americans by For Profit Corporations.


There was a time not so long ago when voting FOR The Democrat
was voting FOR the above values.
Sadly, this is no longer true.



[font color=firebrick][center]"There are forces within the Democratic Party who want us to sound like kinder, gentler Republicans.
I want a party that will STAND UP for Working Americans."
---Paul Wellstone [/font][/center] [center] [/font]
[font size=1]photo by bvar22
Shortly before Sen Wellstone was killed[/center][/font]

[madfloridian]

59. Good post, bvar.

[merrily]

5. This is pretty much what Nader has been trying to tell us for decades.

[madfloridian]

6. Yes.

You are right.

[merrily]

7. I remember seeing him on TV, talking about one of the Democratic candidates for President.

He said he (Nader) had literally gotten silver platters and sent them over to the candidate, topped with suggestions for exposing the Republican candidate for what he was and the Democrat ignored each and every one of his suggestions.

He tried to wake us up in time. Several years ago, though, also on TV, I heard him say that our only recourse was to pool our money and hire our own lobbyist to lobby for the interests of the people. I thought that was the role of the people we elect. Anyway, from that, rightly or wrongly, I concluded that even he has given up.

He's said some odd things lately, but those who knock him should read his wiki and ask themselves how their cv compares in terms of fighting for the public good.

But, but, he accepted money from Republicans!!!!1111!!! Much like Rahm did--and, unlike Nader, Rahm already had huge Democratic donor lists in his pocket. In 2008, Hillary, who had donors up the wazoo--pre Citizens United--accepted donations from China until the Obama team threw that info at the media fan whereupon she returned it. But only Nader, who had precious llittle money to run on (mostly to wake us the fuck up) was wrong.

The faux outrage is humorous anyway: If you run so-called* "third" party in this country and are not Ross Perot, you pretty much have to accept money from wherever it comes. The difference is, I doubt Nader would have been in the pocket of any of his donors because of any donation. I can't say the same about many others.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_party_%28United_States%29

[L0oniX]

25. Him and George Carlin.

[merrily]

26. I had ears, but would not hear. Or heed, to be more somewhat accurate.

[haikugal]

34. Too true...but they fixed him right?! nt

[merrily]

37. Depends. I don't think he ever thought he had a prayer of being elected.

He himself asked people in solid blue or solid red states to vote for him. So, I am not sure he even wanted to be a "spoiler."

I think he wanted to get the word out and, to a degree, he did. And here some of us are, all these years later, saying he was correct and we should have paid more attention.

He also won several lawsuits having to do with making it easier for third Party candidates to run. And we don't know yet what the final outcome of his efforts will be.

http://quoteinvestigator.com/2012/11/15/arc-of-universe/

[haikugal]

41. Agree however, I hear nothing but derision here when his name is mentioned..

that's what I was referring to. Some people are so deluded they still blame him for Gore. Keep talking, I'm loving the energy and knowledge in this thread!

[merrily]

43. I posted somewhere, maybe even on this thread, that people

who trash him need to read his wiki to see how close they can come to him in terms of public service.

Madfloridian is like an encyclopedia, esp on schools, but also on party history.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

8. The Democrats have become the "Not as bad" Party and hope that still sells.

A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right. Thomas Paine

Which is why I vote issues and principles rather than politician or party.

I vote FOR Peace.

I vote FOR the environment.

I vote FOR women's rights.

I vote FOR abortion rights.

I vote FOR LGBT rights.

I vote FOR civil liberties.

I DON'T vote for Maybe.

I DON'T vote for Later.

I DON'T vote for Democratic politicians who collaborate with Republicans.

[RiverLover]

13. Great post!

I agree, but wish there were more candidates TRULY FOR all of those issues.

[madfloridian]

16. Good post and true.

I think they have enough money now that we the people don't matter. After all, that was the stated goal of the centrist think tanks...so they did not have to stand for their "traditional constituents." Quote Simon Rosenberg of the New Democrats Network, co-founder of DLC.

[merrily]

27. They still need votes and the 99% has more of those than does the 1%.

It's not critically important, but I don't think Rosenberg was a co-founder of the DLC. The DLC formally incorporated in 1985 (was no doubt in the works before that) and, according to his wiki, Rosenberg was just getting out of Tufts U. in 1985. I've also not seen his name as a founder or a founding member of the DLC.

He did work for the DLC in the 1990's though and, according to his wiki, the organization he founded was, at one time, affiliated with the DLC.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Rosenberg

BTW, the traditional constituencies of the Democratic Party were all kinds of people--unions, workers, both union and non-union, immigrants and their kids, "Hollywood liberals," etc. However, Rosenberg seems to be using that term to mean "people who are not wealthy."

This, from his wiki, is interesting, too:

Some progressive bloggers endorsed Rosenberg[citation needed], and even some who supported Howard Dean for the post of DNC chair, were friendly towards Rosenberg's candidacy. His bid for DNC chair was endorsed by Joe Trippi, Mike McCurry, Chris Heinz, Rep. Adam Smith, and Rep. Artur Davis. Rosenberg ended his candidacy for the Democratic National Committee chairmanship on February 4, 2005. On February 12, Howard Dean was elected chairman.

To date, NDN and Rosenberg's political efforts for and within the US Democratic Party still enjoy the support of many of their initial backers and original supporters of his candidacy for DNC Chair.[2]

Also, he worked on the 1992 Bubba campaign and his wife is in Homeland Security. http://ndn.org/about/staff/simon-rosenberg/fullbio

Thanks for bringing him to my attention.

[haikugal]

36. Beautiful...that needs to be said often. nt

[L0oniX]

45. There are plenty enough pro rich 1% Dems to get Hillary elected without my vote.

[madfloridian]

9. Just in case..

you might think I was exaggerating about being blocked by Howard Dean in spite of the fact that we were among his main supporters 2003...in spite of the fact that both he and Jim knew who we were...I am blocked at his Twitter...not kidding about that.

https://twitter.com/GovHowardDean

Not liking it either.

[RiverLover]

14. What a jerk. That must feel like a slap in the face after your support & belief in him.

Good Q though, why are Dems allowing the dismantling of public schools?

Even the PCCC push for progressive causes, "Ready For Boldness" doesn't mention this.

But "Populism 2015" does, at least, along with many other great positions~

Populism 2015 Platform: Building A Movement for People and the Planet

1. Rebuild America for the 21st Century and Create Jobs for All.
America’s public infrastructure – from roads to rail to water and energy systems – is increasingly dangerous to our health and a drag on our economy. National investment in rebuilding America will create millions of high-quality jobs, bid wages up, help close the racial jobs gap, and make America a better place to live and work.

2. Raise Wages, Empower Workers and Reverse Inequality.
Inequality has reached new extremes, as more and more jobs become contingent and part-time, with low pay and few benefits. We should lift the floor under every worker by guaranteeing a living wage, paid sick and vacation days, and affordable health care. We should empower workers to form unions and bargain collectively. We must curb perverse CEO compensation policies that give executives personal incentives to plunder their own companies.

3. Invest in a Green Economy.
Catastrophic climate change is a clear and present danger. The United States should lead the global green revolution that builds strong and resilient communities. Public investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency can create jobs and opportunity, particularly in communities of color that have borne the worst consequences of toxic corporate practices.

4. Eliminate Institutionalized Racism to Open Opportunity to All.
In a society of increasing diversity, ending systemic racial disparities is vital to building economic prosperity. This begins with comprehensive immigration reform, expanded voting rights and an end to mass incarceration and the systematic criminalization of people of color.

5. Guarantee Women’s Economic Equality.
We will ensure that women are guaranteed the same pay, protections and opportunities as men in the workplace and in society. Families must have access to high-quality child care and paid leave from the workplace for childbirth, illness and vacation. Women must also be guaranteed affordable health care and a secure retirement – with Social Security credit for work in the household.

6. Provide a High-Quality Education to Every Child
Every child must have the right to high-quality, free public education from preschool to college. This requires providing the basics – preschool, smaller classes, summer and after-school programs, and skilled teachers. Free four-year, post-high school education should be available for all who seek it. We must also provide relief to the generation now burdened with a student debt that they may never pay off.

7. Expand Shared Security for the 21st Century.
No child should go hungry in America. Health care should be a right, not a privilege. Every worker deserves a secure retirement. A job should be available to everyone willing and able to work. We will strengthen and expand America’s shared security programs – Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment, food support and housing assistance. Greater shared security makes the economy more robust by enabling entrepreneurs and workers to take risks, knowing that they can survive failure.

8. Enforce Fair Taxes on Corporations and the Wealthy.
Our tax code rigs the rules to favor the few. Multinationals pay lower tax rates than small domestic businesses. Billionaire investors pay lower rates than their secretaries. Top income tax rates have been lowered even as working people face ever-higher sales taxes and fees. It is time for the rich and corporations to pay their fair share of taxes so that we can invest in an economy that will work for all.

9. Forge a Global Strategy that Works for Working People.
Our global trade and tax policies are rigged by multinational companies to drive down pay and worker protections while harming the environment. We need more but balanced trade, global standards that protect the rights of workers, consumers and the environment. That requires a crackdown on tax havens, currency manipulation, and deals that allow corporation to trample basic labor rights here and abroad.

10. Make Wall Street Serve the Real Economy.
Financial deregulation has devastated our economy and protected banks that are too big to fail, too big to manage and too big to jail. The financial casino fosters ever more dangerous speculation, while investment in the real economy lags. The resulting booms and busts devastate families and small businesses. We need to break up the big banks, levy a speculation tax, and provide low-income families with safe and affordable banking services. We should crack down on payday lenders and other schemes that exploit vulnerable working families.

11. Change Priorities to Address Real Security Needs.
Our current national security policies commit us to policing the world. The result costs lives and drains public resources. We need a real security policy that makes military intervention a last resort, and focuses on global threats like climate change, poverty and inequality. We should reduce military budgets and properly support humanitarian programs.

12. Fight for Democracy and Curb the Power of Big Money.
From big-money politics to the assault on the right to vote and a corrupted lobby culture in Washington, our democracy is under assault. It is no accident that the assault has escalated as a new majority of people of color, young people and working women has begun to emerge. We need to close the revolving door between Wall Street and Washington, and expose the entrenched interests that buy our legislators. We need public financing of elections that bans corporate and big money. We must guarantee the right to vote, with easy access to registration and the polls.

https://populism2015.org/the-new-populist-agenda/

[madfloridian]

18. You just asked a major question for sure.

Why ARE they instrumental in the destruction of public education? And I want to know why Arne is so reliant on Bill Gates' money, advisors, and policy?

So I assume the correct answer is money talks...LOUDLY.



Correct, even progressive Democrats don't talk about the destruction of education or firing of teachers due to test scores...nor do they mention harm done to students.

It's like its a non-topic.

[FloriTexan]

20. This is sad and ridiculous

You have been a huge supporter of his.

[madfloridian]

29. Well, he blocked a whole bunch of us...

but then he probably didn't know who they were in person. So the fact that DFA and the Deans are aware of identity in this case makes it a lot more personal.

[msanthrope]

28. Madflo--tell us why you were blocked. nt

[madfloridian]

30. From last April:

Plus a DM that I choose not to share with you since Twitter DMs are like private messages here.

This is a very long thorough post about all of us who were blocked.

AND I am not getting into an argument with you anymore....so this is my response. It's a straight and clear answer.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024837836

[msanthrope]

31. I can see why you were banned. nt

[madfloridian]

35. Of course you can. Many many would like me to be banned here.

And they are working at it all the time.

My philosophy at this time in my life is that if we can't take stands on anything as a party anymore, then why have a 2 party system at all?

Peace, msanthrope. Hope you get past your anger with me, but I can't solve that for you.

[haikugal]

38. Don't let them win..

I need you, we need you..your posts are full of information I need to hear and discussion that isn't happening anywhere else. Thanks for all you do and a rec too!

[madfloridian]

39. They've already won.

[haikugal]

42. In many ways they have..

But I meant you, I want your voice in my life.

[madfloridian]

62. Thank you.

Means so much.

[msanthrope]

44. I'm not angry at you, madlo....I think the part of the exchange when it

was deftly pointed out to you that you seem to be recycling Ravitch's talking points was sad. As was pointed out to you, Ravitch, a Bush employee, has never been in a classroom. But apparently.....that's not a disqualification for her, although you think it is a disqualification for others.

[madfloridian]

46. No. I am a Trusted User Lifetime Member at Kos. 5 mojo. You need to explain yourself right now.

http://www.dailykos.com/user/floridagal/

Frankly I consider this a personal attack on my character. I won't alert because it does no good.

But you need to be fair and apologize or back off.

[madfloridian]

47. Double posted for some reason.

http://www.dailykos.com/user/floridagal/

Frankly I consider this a personal attack on my character. I won't alert because it does no good.

But you need to be fair and apologize or back off.

[madfloridian]

48. If you want to criticize me about another forum, let's involve the administrators. I'm willing.

My diary links at DKos.

http://www.dailykos.com/user/floridagal/

You said:

was deftly pointed out to you that you seem to be recycling Ravitch's talking points was sad. As was pointed out to you, Ravitch, a Bush employee, has never been in a classroom. But apparently.....that's not a disqualification for her, although you think it is a disqualification for others.

You ran into some problems at Kos, too? As someone who has been there from the start......well, that's unfortunate.

If you continue along these lines I will contact administrators.

[msanthrope]

49. Why, precisely, would you involve the administrators? If you don't like my post, why not

jury it? And aren't you the one who brought up other forums......you are the one who mentioned Twitter, and being blocked. Not me.

[madfloridian]

50. I see you edited quickly. Glad I saved the original.

It's like you are grasping at straws to find something wrong with me.

I will deal with it the way I think best.

You tried to harm my reputation, and it can not just slide.

So you just pull up all the old posts you want, do whatever makes you feel better.

I don't understand how people get pleasure in personal attacks, but that's just me.

[msanthrope]

51. Of course I edited....you said you were offended by it. Harm your reputation?

I think you overestimate the importance of one's anonymous postings either here or at Kos.

Why didn't you jury it?

[daleanime]

10. K&R....

[Mbrow]

11. Great point,

I Believe that in the past when we had a strong middle class, every one benefited, even the "over taxed" rich. It beats me why so many want to weaken our country so much.

[madfloridian]

19. "It beats me why so many want to weaken our country so much."

Me, too.

[L0oniX]

24. They are trying to kick us when we are down ...to keep us down.

Not only that but they are arranging it so that the common population can not rise up against them.

[Enthusiast]

12. Kicked and recommended a whole bunch!

Schumer is really taking his new position for granted.

[Scuba]

15. "He is saying that Democrats can no longer afford to take stands ... more important to win."

He (Schumer) is saying that Democrats can no longer afford to take stands for the people of the party like women. He is saying it is more important to win.

Sounds like Hillary's supporters.

[madfloridian]

17. "freed, frankly, from taking positions that make it difficult for Democrats to win."

freed, frankly, from taking positions that make it difficult for Democrats to win."

In their own words. An "intellectual buyout" of the Democratic Party.

The power of the centrist think tanks.

[L0oniX]

23. "He"??? We hear the same pathetic flying excrement right here on DU.

[Emelina]

21. People in America worship the rich, even their rears

If a poor woman were to post pics of her rear end people would not revere her.

When Kim did it then it broke the internet.

Rich rear ends...says something, doesn't it?

[L0oniX]

22. Our only pathetic choice is rich repuke of the 1% or rich Dem of the 1%.

Get fucked quick or get fucked slow ...either way we will get fucked hard. Maybe one side will use some lube.

[Emelina]

33. Ouch

A descriptive metaphor but sadly pretty accurate.

[Maedhros]

55. "Quit whining! We'll use lube!"

Democrats' slogan for 2016?

[L0oniX]

56. LOL

[TheNutcracker]

32. Explains Obama's TPP support group, and Dem party annointing Patrick Murphy as senate candidate

[madfloridian]

58. He has been anointed for sure.

There's a history of that in FL. For years I have seen good people pushed out of races.

[WillyT]

40. HUGE K & R !!! - THANK YOU !!!

[madfloridian]

63. You, too,WillyT

[MisterP]

52. funny how every one of their talking points actually undermines itself in sequence

"we're just BETTER at winning" doesn't work when the DSCC's giving money to Dems who are retiring, "we care only about taking Congress" doesn't work when they're sabotaging primaries to make sure the LESS-popular candidate wins; "a GOP win will bring ALL THESE BAD POLICIES: Dems would NEVER!" doesn't cut it when the candidates RUN on the same policies and PASS the same policies if they win

the only thing they're left with is a letter after the candidate's name: KISS THEIR HEM AND WEEP IN GRATITUDE!

[Octafish]

53. LEGAL CORRUPTION IS BUY PARTISAN CORRUPTION

Since their work to repeal Glass-Steagall, Phil Gramm, Bill Clinton and UBS have specialized in Wealth Management:

http://financialservicesinc.ubs.com/revitalizingamerica/SenatorPhilGramm.html

[Warpy]

54. Yeah, the financial side is that we'll continue to be screwed

as long as the cash flow is positive because that's how to keep it that way. Both parties know this.

The choice is being financially screwed while losing civil rights and fighting multiple for profit wars or being screwed with the last vestiges of our civil rights intact in relative peacetime. I'll take the latter, thanks, which is why I'm here.

Politics will continue to be theater until the next big crash wipes out a lot of the big fortunes that have been propped up with riskier and riskier "investments." With the cash flow no longer positive, the voices of the ultra rich will be reduced from shouts to whispers.

[Populist_Prole]

60. K&R for anything Jim Hightower has to say

His observations have been consistently correct for decades.

A true populist.

[woo me with science]

61. K&R