Article: The Progressive Revolution

For years, true progressives within the Democratic Party have fought to force the party to hold on to our ideals. We have called, and emailed, and written letters, and showed up at office doors, and set up our own infrastructure that tries to fight the Democrat's battles for them.

We created our own media outlets, blogs, radio programs and stations to counter the right-wing's domination of the mainstream information industry. We did all of this out of our passion to change this country for the better.

And then we used all of it to keep on supporting a party that no longer supports us. The Democrats take our help, and our money, and our passion, and use it for their own ends. They make token gestures of appreciation, like yesterday's doomed-from-the-start Alito filibuster, and never really get anything done that the base wants done. Again and again, they give us just enough to keep us hanging on, waiting for the day when they will stop simply calling themselves Democrats and start actually being Democrats.

When will we stop taking the bait?

Whenever a loss like Alito or Kerry or Iraq happens, there is a backlash within the progressive movement calling for a revolution within the party or for the creation of a viable third party. After a little while, we let go of our anger and go back to the grind for the DNC.

We are the base of the Democratic Party. We could be the base of a party based on true democratic ideals. Instead of urging voters to oust ineffective Democrats, let's give them a better option. Let's give them a party that will fight for clean and open government, free of corruption and corporate influence. Let's give them a party that will fight for the rights of the American people to earn a living wage for their work. Let's give them a party that will fight to clean up our nation's polluted rivers and lakes and skies. Let's give them a party that will balance the budget and cut wasteful government spending. Let's give them a party that will uphold the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.

Let's give them something to believe in again.

We are millions strong. We are bright, and passionate, and capable. And we have something the other side doesn't have""the right of it. Again and again, polls show that the American people want clean government, job security and economic security, retirement security, an end to needless and unexplained wars, environmental regulation, and the right to live their lives as they see fit without intrusion from the government.

We can give them all of this. We just have to be willing to try. We have to cut ourselves loose from the coattails of the Democrats, and stop accepting their table scraps like dogs.

We have the chance to make a difference. We have the netroots, and the grassroots, and a thriving alternative media. Let's use them to brighten America's future.