does criticism of the party

[ulysses]

automatically disqualify one as a Democrat?

[seejanerun]

1. I say: Of course not!

Without criticism we are doomed. Citizens are supposed to criticize.

[hippiechick]

2. According to some around here, yes.

Even the Democrats/Liberals have their freeptard faction who will accept nothing less than total obedience and groupthink.

And we're supposed to be the SMART party. :eyes:

[Bassic]

15. Well every political group has such a faction I believe

A sad thing really.

[kentuck]

3. Why don't you just join the Green Party ...?

and why do you hate our country? :)

[Neil Lisst]

10. :)

:D

yes, I do recognize sarcasm without that smilie for it!!

[Double T]

4. No, Democrats allow criticism of the party because they know........

that it will make the party better and stronger in the long run. There are NO SHEEPLE in the Democratic party which is one of the reasons we don't always win elections (shit, I think I just criticized the party).

[tx_dem41]

5. Only if your first name begins with a "Z".

:)

[TallahasseeGrannie]

6. No, but it COULD get you tombstoned here,

so watch what you say.

[awoke_in_2003]

7. NOOOO...

we must always examine ourselves, identify our faults, and improve ourselves. Constructive criticism is always good.

[jannyk]

8. In who's eyes?

If I wanted to be told what to say and think, I'd be a Republican.

Criticism - Good.

Apathy/Group Think - Bad (see Republicans).

[Neil Lisst]

9. Of course not. Criticism within the party is good.

It's always been here, but it's simply more visible now because of online communities. Since I was a young whippersnapper in the party, I've listened to my more progressive friends complain about the DINOS, and I've listened to my centrist friends complain about the Naderites who will abandon and run.

It's like listening to two relatives who don't speak but hate each other, so they tell YOU about it.

[LWolf]

11. Amazing.

The first several responses to your thread are the polar opposite of the responses I get when I actually dare to disagree with my own party.

So I guess it depends on who you're talking to, doesn't it?

It doesn't disqualify anyone in my eyes; I'd have to disqualify myself. I think that any organization that wants to stay fresh, strong, and effective had better be able to self-evaluate and address weakness, dysfunction, corruption, etc..

Of course, having been so frequently disqualified by other DUers lately,
my response may not count for much.

What does the majority of the party think? If the majority want to "push out" dissenters, then they will ultimately be successful. If the majority value dissent, then the party may include "mavericks" who dare to question.

[ulysses]

12. right.

I was thinking a few who think so might come right out and say it this time - several practically have in that other thread in which you and I recently posted.

[LWolf]

14. Doesn't look like it.

I've noticed the intensity against anything "left" or "liberal" increasing lately from both the right and the center. From the right, it's probably a reaction to all the problems coming home to roost for the * administration. From the center, it seems to be sparked by an inner party war; DLC, DNC, or progressive? Maybe part of the party's struggle to define itself more clearly. I'll hang out as long as it's still ok to be a liberal/progressive within the party; the day the final straw is dropped, and I no longer see opportunities for progress, I'll head on to other pastures where my time can be spent more productively, I guess.

[Neil Lisst]

13. big TENT!!

When did we get to be the picky party?

I'll take ANYONE who wants to join the Democratic Army, at any level. Yall come on down!! Sure, come on in! Everyone is welcome!

Like good old Will Rogers said ...

"I don't belong to any organized political party...I'm a Democrat."

[GreenPartyVoter]

16. Heaven help people who are not Dems and who criticize the party,

at least with some people around here. (Thank heavens for the ignore function, eh?) :P

[AZBlue]

17. Of course not.

Last time I checked free speech was still one of the cornerstones of this nation (despite the efforts of Bush & Co).

[jonnyblitz]

18. I guess all the DUers who completely freak out anytime

somebody dare criticize a DEM, particularly their favorite candidate who might run for president, aren't going to post on your thread. snicker.

[FrenchieCat]

19. Only if it distracts from critizicing the real enemy.....

I think that in an articulate debate style and manner, criticism is good. It's called constructive criticism.

Democrats are known for not being unified. Republicans are known for standing up together. The real question is who keeps winning?

I will add that once we are back in power.....criticism will be the people's strongest tool against Democrats.

However, to step on them when they are the most vunerable with little options on what they can affect is possibly harmful and dangerous if not done with the upmost of care.

[blm]

20. I don't think any constructive criticism is ever out of place.

i would not like to see Dem forums fall prey to agitprop tactica that use false charges and inaccurate articles as part of that criticism, though.

But, that's up to those who DO know the facts to keep the debate honest.

[IChing]

21. It is not criticism if it comes from the DLC

that's called leadership

:sarcasm:

[xchrom]

22. lol --it might -- but you'd have to follow me into the voting booth

to how i vote.:)

and so far it hasn't been repuke or green --

[incapsulated]

23. No. As long as you are a democrat in the first place.

I DO have a problem with Greens or others coming on this forum and trashing the party, and I don't apologize for it.

Other than that qualifier, I've never bought the "lets all hold hands and pretend everything is peachy" version of "unity". If there is a problem, pointing it out is the only way to fix it.