The first question I always like to ask progressives when I’m traveling around Tennessee is, “Why so blue, Blue?”
Is it because you feel as if you’re fighting an uphill battle against that right-wing crazy everyday? Is it because you wonder how people can lie like they do and get away with it? Is it because when you tell your friends and neighbors you’re a Democrat/progressive/liberal they begin to back away slowly? Is it those two little words, “10th Amendment,” that some elected officials seem to be rallying around as if it were 1790 instead of 2010?
Yes, yes and yes, they say. Well, I counter, “What Would Rachel Do (WWRD)?”
She would tell you to first stop believing the lies you are being told.
You, she would say, are not in the Minority. Your values, she would say, are the values that matter to most Tennesseans. Your priorities, she would say, are the priorities that will make Tennessee a better place.
Progressive values & priorities, she would repeat, are the values & priorities of the people of Tennessee.
Seriously. Who in Tennessee doesn’t want broad prosperity, a better future for all, an effective government, and mutual personal responsibility?
If you need more proof, look no further than the Gallup poll last August that showed that Tennessee Democrats have an 8% advantage among registered voters (47% vs. 39%). And there’s no telling how many unregistered Democrats/progressives or “leaning Republicans” there are waiting to be awakened to the truth about progressive values and priorities.
Another indication that Democratic and progressive candidates would be on the winning path if they ignored the social issues used to divide us (and that in reality only appeal to about 20-25% of the electorate) and instead concentrated on what unites all Tennesseans – jobs, education, etc.. – is the latest MTSU poll which states unequivocally that the number one concern of Tennesseans is the economy.
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Up next, We’re Right, They’re Wrong Lesson 2: Frame Club.
Well, I’m just sick of reprsentatives (i.e., elected officials) who in the name of “bipartisanship” decide that the best way to represent their constituents is to sell out to the wealthy. There are some profound economic justice issues that have not been addressed since the 1960s, and that unfinished business has to be dealt with sooner than later. Also, we have to deal with the Duck Henry types of Democrats who seem to think that being a Democrat is something like being an Auburn fan. Loyalty to an “R” or “D” is fine and well, but it ought to mean something. I think Lincoln Davis and Jim Cooper have done a fairly good job of explaining WHY they’re Democrats. Phil Bredesen? I have no idea why he’s a Democrat. None.
nice work, Mary! Keep it up!
You are exactly right. I am a proud Democrat, a progressive, and I know why!
Ben, You are absolutely right. And those economic justice issues are what’s important to the majority of Tennesseans. We also have to keep in mind that even though those of us who lean left may have different ideas on some issues, our core values and principles are the same: fairness, equality, opportunity, prosperity, and security for everyone – those on Main Street as well as those on Wall Street.
Thanks, Andy! Say it loud, I’m a progressive and I’m proud!
“Thanks, Andy! Say it loud, I’m a progressive and I’m proud!”
No you’re not. Call it Progressradio then.
You are a socialist. You just don’t have the courage to come out.
What are you talking about, DonnaC? Define “Socialist?”
DonnaC? Yooooohooooo, DonnaCeeee-eeeee…
Why not come out? Isn’t that what you advocate? It is a little hypocritical to preach that gay/bi/trans come out when you don’t have the same courage.
You know better than anyone what socialism is. But you hide behind the liberal sign. How many times have you advanced that the liberals not not progressive enough? We know what you mean Mary.
DonnaC, the question is, do I know better than you what socialism is and I can’t tell that unless you tell me how you define it.
Or is it just as I suspect, all you people who like to throw around the terms “socialist” and “socialism” really have no idea what it really is.
And you better tell me both when and how I’ve “advanced that the liberals not not progressive enough?” Examples would be nice.
“Examples would be nice.”
Do you listen to the radio show you do each day?
No, I don’t and apparently, neither do you. So I won’t hold my breath for any substantive arguments or unique definitions of economic theory from you.
I always enjoy when people throw the word “socialism” around, as if the only thing that will save this country is unfettered capitalism.
People like DonnaC strike me as the type who don’t understand the value of even the most benign consumer protection or government regulation. They also strike me as the type who don’t think for themselves, and that malleabilty allows the Valentines, Becks and O’Reillys of the world to convince them to vote against their own self-interests.
Mary, your words convince me even more that the time is right for progressives, The Republican brand-name is so tattered that not even Tea Partiers want anything to do with it, and the Tea Party is such an disorganized mess that once one gets past the populist rage, one sees a dearth of productive ideas. There are many good Republicans out there, but they don’t have a party any more.
This country faces a lot of challenges — many of which were exacerbated by the previous administration. Fortunately, the varsity is back on the field.
Are you high Dean? Go out on your own. Be who you are. We are tired of cowards like you are Mary stinking up the Democratic Party. We don’t want to go there. And you won’t drag us there.
How am I a coward? You seem to be the one afraid to engage in honest debate. I’ve seen a lot of good, pointed debate on this board. It’d be nice if you’d join the party. We’d love to have you.
A tip: calling someone a coward doesn’t give you courage.
“It’d be nice if you’d join the party.”
It would be nice if you would start your own party and get out of ours. Liberals believe in what the Democratic party was. Not what it has become. You want to go off the cliff? Fine. We want our party back.
“We want our party back.” — What does that mean, Donna?
You talk in vague, insulting cliches that don’t mean anything. Please stop — I come here for good, honest healthy debate, but I can’t even figure out if you’re a Democrat or a Republican. You talk about “our party,” yet you baselessly call Mary a socialist, which is a favored ploy for most Republicans.
I’m willing to share my political beliefs; you don’t. Yet, I am the coward.
In the words of my teen: “Whatever.”