How concerned are you about the health and integrity of the democracy?

[BurtWorm]

[codegreen]

1. other: beyond concerned, but electing the right people can fix it

and those people are the Democrats

[BurtWorm]

2. Does that mean you believe the system is profoundly corrupt

but you think electing Democrats will somehow purify it? I wish I had that faith in Democrats qua Democrats. I really do!

[codegreen]

3. well, i prefer an alteration of the party, and future 3rd party relevence,

but this year this is all we can do.

there has been a sea change in the party already, thanks to Dean/Kucinich and the populist movement/Green-infusion.

alot of purists don't trust Kerry, Daschle, McAulife, et al to follow through with this renewed attitude, but i do.

and if they don't, if they turn their backs on it, then it'll definately be time to build a serious, massive third party.

[BurtWorm]

4. I'm just a little more impatient than you, I guess.

:hi:

Welcome to DU, by the way.

[codegreen]

6. thanks! say, i've got a DU format-type question...

when can i make posts of my own? at 100 comments, 1000?

[BurtWorm]

8. I don't know. Have you tried?

I think it takes more than 100 here in this forum. It may be sooner in the Lounge.

[codegreen]

9. hmm, looks like i could post all along! thanks

always spend my time in the 'latest discussion threads' column.

thanks much! now if only i had something to post...

[BurtWorm]

10. If you have something to say about yaks, you'll love the Lounge.

;)

Ask me anything.

[democratreformed]

5. I think that, if nothing else, electing a Democrat

can buy us some time. I have been trying to analyze my feelings quite a bit. And, I do think that electing a Democrat is vital. Maybe that's because I don't think a third party would stand a chance. But, I do agree with the historical values set forth by the Democratic party. At its core, the Democratic party is the best party for America, IMO. I haven't really gotten in to studying how they have strayed from those values b/c there is a lot of material to cover. But I am working on it.

[BurtWorm]

7. I believe that the Democratic Party needs some serious reform

and I think it can't be pushed into doing that from outside. It needs to be pushed from inside, if you can picture that. It needs a Great Awakening among its party members, a surge of activism. It also needs to do this in a way that is more principled than ideological--i.e., more about integrity and honesty than about left, right or center.

[democratreformed]

14. You make a lot of sense.

I have learned so much by my participation this year. I am not certain of the particular meaning of activism but I am becoming active. I still think that our efforts at the local level can go a long ways. In our local club (which my daughter and I joined in November), we have decided to study some historical aspects of the party. My assignment is to do a short speech on FDR next week. Shortly after I agreed to do that, the president of the club asked if I would write a column about the history of the Democratic party emphasizing some of the legislation that has arisen from it. I am finding that a pretty tall order to fill. I have been researching and studying for about 3 weeks now in amongst work, motherhood, working for the campaign, etc. I have yet to collect it all into something coherent but am still working on it. When I am done, I plan to post it in the lounge for critique and editing. It is supposed to be published the county paper. I am hoping that it will attract more members and "active participants".

[stepnw1f]

13. I had this very discussion

with old roommates of mine. They proclaimed that elections were shams and that both parties were working together to deceive tax payers. It was ironic to hear their complaints and then in the next breath to hear them say how futile voting was. I disagree. Like any system, you have to be involved whether you like it or not. To live somewhere, anywhere, and feel there is no use in bettering one's situation is plain giving up. I believe in fighting back, and until we come to the realization that we have the power to change the country by working together, then nothing will ever change. People believed in this concept in the '60's and made a huge impact on the history of our country. Don't give up!

[JasonDeter]

11. The media. The media. The media. The media are corrupt.

No democracy can stand up under that.

[HFishbine]

12. Other

Very concerned and sitting on my ass in front of the computer.

[BurtWorm]

15. kick

[dfgrbac]

16. Our system is profoundly corrupt!

If you don't believe that, you need to do some reading outside the major media - which is the propaganda instrument for the Military-Industrial Empire we are living in today (and have been for the past century).

For starters, read PIGS AT THE TROUGH.

Also read how WAR IS A RACKET!

And DREAMING WAR!