Act Two: The Struggle Continues

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By Ernest Partridge (about the author) Page 4 of 4 page(s)

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What to do?

One option is to support a minor party, such as the Greens. However, history offers little encouragement. Throughout the history of the United States, only one minor party, the Republicans in the 1850s, grew to major status.

The better course of action is to capture an established party the Democrats, of course -- and then to transform it into an instrument of progressive change. Unlike the minor parties, the Democrats have financial and organizational resources at hand.

To this end, progressives should begin immediately to target "blue dog" (conservative) Democrats in Congress. These "DINOs" (Democrats in name only) must put on notice that if they fail to support progressive legislation in Congress, they will be opposed in the primaries.

Progressives should also get involved in local Democratic Party politics, where they might have voice in the nomination of candidates. In this respect, the progressives can learn a few lessons from the religious right, which succeeded in capturing the GOP.

Barack Obama's nation-wide "organized community" of volunteers that played a decisive role in the recent election, should be kept intact and active, yet separate from the Democratic party. (Similar to the autonomy of "Move On," "People for the American Way," and other political interest groups).

In short, the Democratic Party establishment must be shown that there is a price to be paid for ignoring the issues, proposals and objectives of the progressive left.

This past week, I was reminded by several retrospective broadcasts of the euphoria that broke out at home and abroad over the election of Barack Obama. It was a celebration of "audacious hope." We must never forget that moment, and we must see to it that President Obama does not forget it.

Copyright 2008 by Ernest Partridge

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Dr. Ernest Partridge is a consultant, writer and lecturer in the field of Environmental Ethics and Public Policy. Partridge has taught philosophy at the University of California, and in Utah, Colorado and Wisconsin. He publishes the website, (more...)

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