HuffPo - "Combating the Disease of Progressive Cynicism" - MUST READ!

[TomCADem]

This is a great discussion of why do some "liberals" repeatedly bet against themselves and advocate disengagement from the political process, and predict the failure of progressive causes. Personally, I think that much of this so-called cynicism are from astroturf "liberals" who are doing their best to undermine liberal causes by posing as liberals who are merely being cynical. The author appears willing to assume that such so-called cynics truly are liberal, but merely expressing skepticism that borders upon opposition to liberal proposals by arguing that such proposals are not liberal enough.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-creamer/combating-the-disease-of_b_313629.html

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Lately there has been a growing wave of cynicism on the Left. Many progressive voices are poised, at the drop of a hat, to believe that the Obama Administration -- or the Democratic leadership in Congress, or even the leaders of many progressive institutions -- can't wait to abandon progressive values and sell out the aspirations of the base of the Democratic Party.

It's easy to understand where that cynicism comes from. On many fronts, the last eight years -- in fact, the last forty -- have been incredibly frustrating for those of us who have struggled to make fundamental progressive change. Of course it is always hard to change the status quo. Just as in physics, inertia is a powerful force to overcome. It is easy for those with a vested interest in the way things are, to exploit the fear of the unknown -- even among those who would gain the most from change.

The collapse of the economy, the failure of Neo-Conservative foreign policy, the election of Barack Obama and Democratic majorities in Congress, have created a new moment of possibility that Progressives don't want to waste. Many of us are passionately committed to taking advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to make real progressive change.

But the best way to squander this rare, historic opportunity is to allow the disease of cynicism to infect our ranks -- to be ready, on a hair trigger, to bet against our own success.

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[BlooInBloo]

1. I don't know. Would need to ask Clinton supporters.

[Clio the Leo]

2. Excellent. NT

[TomCADem]

5. My Only Disagreement With The Article Is Ignoring Rush Limbaugh Inspired PUMAs

Like the Rush Limbaugh inspired PUMAs, who were Republicans masquerading as Hillary Clinton supporters, I think a small, but very vocal minority of the most ardent liberal defeatists are simply right wingers hell bent on defeating health care reform. So, they constantly attack the President and repeatedly predict like many Republicans that Health Care reform will fail or, at minimum, the public option will fail.

My take is if someone is repeating the same talking points as the right wing: (1) start from scratch; (2) there will never be a public option; (3) health care reform is just one big tax increase; and (3) any type of mandate is an attack on our freedom and slavery, then they probably are the right wing troll doing their best impression of a Limbaugh inspired PUMA.

[quiet.american]

3. Very strong points. nt

[BoneDaddy]

4. Agreed

the hand wringing, gnashing of teeth and utter pessimism is incredibly defeating and happens often.

[scheming daemons]

6. DU is *LOADED* with them

we all know who they are

[Cha]

9. That 'toon is priceless and

says it all in nutshell.

I think it's a good thing PO has a strong core and a vision to see this through in spite of being surrounded by attacks..most of which are bogus.

I believe in holding anyone accountable but not by disrespecting them..not my friends. Why would it be any different with President Obama?

[TomCADem]

15. Today Is An Ideal Example - Many Folks Refusing To See The Difference

I am surprised that President Obama won the Nobel Peace price, but when you think about it, he really has fundamentally changed arc of international diplomacy.

[Enrique]

7. actually the cynicism is declining since Obama

just a year ago, pragmatism in the party was absolutely rejected. The concept of "keeping one's powder dry" was derided as capitulation. Now, people are giving explanations for moderate rhetoric and moderate politics. Pragmatism is considered sound strategy, maybe even genius, "12-dimensional chess", etc.

Nancy Pelosi was persona non grata a year ago. Now she's accepted, though she hasn't changed at all. The only thing that has changed is that anything "bad" she says or does, Obama says or does "worse," so it can't be criticized too harshly.

[TheBigotBasher]

8. Nancy during this congress has been a real star.

Her Senate counterpart, Reid -rather less so.

[SpartanDem]

10. How times has someone written

an overly dramatic screed that we've all been screwed, tricked, etc and that we should just give up now at the slightest real or perceived bump. We love making fun of Palin for being quitter, but these people will say that they're simply being realist and anyone thinks differently is simply being naive. Some people almost seem to revel in their defeatism.

[phleshdef]

11. Part of their problem is accepting that this Liberal President wants to be everyone's President...

...not just their President. The cynical side of the left needs to wake up and realize that they alone did not get Obama elected.

[anonymous171]

12. Fuck that shit.

As the leader of the party, Obama needs to constantly be looking for ways to destroy the GOP. He needs to stop giving them hand outs and conciliatory rhetoric and stat fucking them up. Politics is war and Obama needs to start fighting.

[NYC Liberal]

14. That was how Bush and Cheney thought of it.

They did so well with that attitude, didn't they?

[SpartanDem]

13. kick

[TomCADem]

16. Bumping In Light Of "Liberals" Arguing That We Should Kill Health Care Reform

If you don't like the bill, then work to improve it, rather than adopting RW talking points about starting from scratch. My personal opinion is that we should push for a strong public option and the best bill we can get.