The "Keep the center" , "Don't criticize your own" meme has been going for years.

[Morereason]

This same discussion was going on years ago. So many feared those who did not want to compromise, who felt the progressive arm needed to come on stronger.

They were told they would destroy the movement. The population was not with them. They would loose elections!

Well???

Guess what??

What has worked? What has moved the discussion? What has happened when candidates finally listened and started to be more overt in calling what was going on to the carpet???!

We started winning elections. Shockingly, even incumbents were swept as the general population GOT IT!

Now those same voices are using the meme again... You're too extreme!... You expect too much!.. You are tearing the party apart! Give them time to change!...........

All the while the evidence that demanding real change works: Candidates going progressive.... avoiding the DLC.... looking to court progressives.... talking about changes that would not even have been discussed in the last Presidential election... the population learning and listening...

So let's all just calm down and not expect more change! While those who have not listened well in our party desperately try to cling to the old structure. Sure, history tells us that will get us where we want to go???

NO!!!

We are wiser than that. And DU should support those who are winning change!!

[polichick]

1. Yep, reacting to fear with more fear...

...never got anyone anywhere!

[melody]

2. We need the strongest Alpha primate to win

We are competing with ruthless Alphas in a primate contest. Idealism is more dangerous
than cynicism in such cases.

[indypaul]

3. What was FDR's response to the question

how he, as President of the United States,continued to do business
with obvious bigoted senators for the south, corrupt party bosses
from northern cities and union bosses? FDR replied, "I know they
are sons-of-bitches, but they are OUR sons-of-bitches." Yes, it hurts
but there are few successful moves when operating from the minority.

[Morereason]

4. when operating from the minority

We aren't operating from the minority. Very different situation.

[indypaul]

7. Forming circular firing squads will put us in the minority though. n/t

[Gravel2008]

5. Yes, it's amazing that these middle-of-the-road people still don't get it

It's almost as if they ENJOY the GOP screwing them over on a regular basis.

[Guaranteed]

6. Funny that I was one of the people calling for bold, aggressive leadership,

as a Dean supporter, just a couple of years ago. Back then, we were right to do so.

Things have changed, though. Nowadays the grassroots anger is manifesting itself in calls for recklessness.

It's a fine line....and you have to know where it is. I don't think your analogy holds.