If Republicans are Hypocrites, What are Democrats?

On February 19, 2010, in National Politics, State Politics, We're Right They're Wrong, by Mary Mancini

Vote for Lamar for Best HypocriteOK, so we know and have known for a while that Republicans are hypocrites. And, yes, Lamar Alexander does deserve to win the top prize in Keith’s “Hypocrisy Hall of Shame” (vote here!) for simultaneously voting “no” for the stimulus while applying to the federal government for stimulus dollars for a project that he crows would “create over 200 jobs in the first year and at least another 40 new jobs in the following years.”

So if Republicans are hypocrites, what are Democrats?

Democrats are right, of course.

We’re finding more and more evidence that Republicans – on both the state and federal level – are on the ground taking credit for all the good the stimulus dollars have done for their communities and constituents while at the same time pandering to their base with language that is strikingly opposite. (As an aside, if you don’t believe all politics is local then now would be a good time to take a second look.)

More important than the award-winning hypocrisy of the right (I mean, really, is anyone surprised?) is why Democrats aren’t on the ground talking to and engaging the constituents in their communities? Because the crazy thing is that Democrats can have one-on-one conversations or town hall meetings and take credit for the public structures that are meaningful to their constituents and that are strengthened by stimulus dollars, and then have the same conversations when they’re talking to larger groups – like the press or their brethren on the House and Senate floors – without even a trace of hypocrisy.

Why? Because their base and the people who Republicans are talking to when THEY are on the ground in their districts taking credit for creating jobs, etc. value the exact same things – good jobs, affordable health care, infrastructure development that creates good jobs. It’s a no brainer but for some reason Democrats refuse to go there. Instead, they go somewhere else to appeal to the people who would never vote for anyone with a “D” beside their name anyway.

Ironic, ain’t it?

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I See Your Moonbean and Raise You to Reality

On February 4, 2010, in Local Politics, Media, State Politics, We're Right They're Wrong, by Mary Mancini

Amazing Stories CoverThe definition of “pure fiction” can be found on the pages of the Nashville Scene’s Pith in the Wind (PITH) blog where yesterday yet another story was posted about the commitment some people, myself included, have made to building a better future for all Tennesseans.

Here’s what we are doing: We are working hard to lay the groundwork for a broad-based permanent collaboration between progressive issue organizations, think tanks, advocacy groups, faith organizations, labor unions, social clubs, business and trade associations, loose coalitions of like-minded citizens, bloggers, and any others want to work towards building a better future for all Tennesseans.

The work we are doing is non-partisan and exists completely outside the Tennessee Democratic Party (TNDP) – but not because, as made up speculated in PITH, we have “turned against” or have become “disillusioned” with Chip Forrester (current Chairman of the TNDP).

Pure fiction.

All Tennessee Democrats, including everyone at the TNDP headquarters, are working long hours and each are doing the work of at least three people. I have so much respect for them.

The difference between what we are trying to do and what the TNDP does is partisanship – plain and simple. Their work is partisan – ours is not.

Nor are we doing what we’re doing because we are “thoroughly convinced that Tennessee is filled with throngs of Rachel-Maddow-loving lefties.”

More fiction.

Our work is not about left or right – it’s about leading with the issues that unite us – not what divides us – and there are so many that do. Doesn’t someone who is socially conservative want clean drinking water for their children? And doesn’t someone who is socially liberal want the much-needed repairs to local infrastructure that will not only allow for commerce to continue uninterrupted in their community but bring jobs to that community as well? And doesn’t everyone want a good job with a fair wage that will enable them to take care of their family? Doesn’t everyone want to be able to afford to send their kid to college?

What we are doing is far removed from the culture wars exaggerated and manipulated by partisan politics – including Pith’s stable of smug anonymous insiders – which is probably why they feel the need to drag it through the mud.

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We’re Right, They’re Wrong Lesson 1: WWRD?

On January 4, 2010, in We're Right They're Wrong, by Mary Mancini

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.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Up next, We’re Right, They’re Wrong Lesson 2: Frame Club.

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