Advice To The Democrats

Posted by Joshua White on 11.15.2006

In order for the Democrats to maintain power they may have to do some things that they don't necessarily want to. If you Dems want to keep power, then you should follow these four pieces of advice.


Two weeks ago I was quoting by Joe Rivett as saying "Politics is so political." At first this sounds redundant and obvious. But I think that if you really think about it for a moment, it isn't so obvious. When I said this to Joe I was trying to express how amazed at the games that are played and the moves that are made in order to get your legislation passed, defeat your opponent or to keep your party in power. Politics- the business of running our country- is so political-in the sense of scheming and maneuvering underneath a hierarchy of power.

It is an unfortunate, but wildly known fact that oftentimes politicians and their parties will do thing that they don't necessarily want to do to stay in power. They have to get a certain amount of laws passed, or issues raised or they won't look like they have done anything during their time elected. If they don't work with anyone and just focus on what they think is right, then they not only get nothing passed, but look like ideologues. All of this is no good when it comes to maintaining power.

So, in order to have a chance at passing what you really think is important you sometimes have to do things that you don't like. This is what the Democrats have to do. That is, if they want to stay in power. Here is a few things (that affect us now) that I think that Democrats should consider doing or not doing if they want to remain likely to rule our land in 2008 and beyond.

1. Don't Go Subpoena Crazy

Looky here Libs...I know that you're still a little pissy since Bush Jr. took office. I know that you want to show Bush who's boss now. Further, there may be some very good reasons to subpoena a few people and find out what actually went down before the war. But there is some very good reasons not to subpoena every Republican in D.C.

First, if you subpoena everyone you're going to look petty. Right now you need to look strong. If you start bringing everyone and their mom in front of the mike you're going to be looking like you haven't gotten over losing power after Clinton to Bush. You haven't realized that it is your fault that you weren't in power for 12 years.

The American public didn't vote you in because they want you to subpoena Bush and company. (Admittedly some may have, but not most people.) And by calling everyone out you will do just what Joe Rivett said. You'll make people feel bad for Bush et. al. You'll make people pity the Republicans who "were just doing what they thought was right." And unless you can 100% prove that Bush lied (so soldiers died?), then in the end you're going to look foolish. The American public will end up seeing this as a petty maneuver for power. And in the end, you'll lose said power.

(And let the president have Bolton. Who cares?)

Don't do it.


2. Stay Strong on the War in Iraq and National Security


Since 9/11/01 there have been no terroristic (is that a word?) attacks on American soil. This was one of the lines that the Republicans were pushing during the pre-elections. It is an unfortunate fact that if anything happens to America between now and 2008, the Republicans will be all over this. They will exploit it and use it to show that you, the pinkos, are weak and are not to be trusted. "If you care about your family's safety and security you cannot vote for a Democrat."

This is why nothing can happen here for two years. And this is why you must stay strong, or for the weaker Dems, get strong on national security and the war in Iraq. If things get worse in either of these arenas I think that your nominee will not win in 2008.

Is this to say that you have to do everything that the Republicans wanted to do? No. Should you pass every part of the Patriot Act? No. But you cannot allow yourselves to look like pussies. This past election your weakness was overlooked. But I think that this is a one time pass. If you look weak again, then the Right will exploit this and rightfully so. I hate to use the lame and very cliché line of "the world is different since 9/11," but it is. That is not to say that on 9/11 the world changed, but on 9/11 our view of the world certainly did. And your actions must reflect this in the eyes of the voters or you will not stay in power.


3. Get Something Accomplished


One of the biggest complaints of our current lame duck congress is that they have done virtually nothing. They argue, but nothing is finalized (this is probably partially your fault). You claim that you don't want to be like this past congress, but are you willing to back this up with actions?

If so, then you need to pass some legislation. Don't go crazy liberal on us. That, too, would be a bad idea. Work with some on the right. This would also help your image. This would make you seem less insane. This, in return, might help you to retain (or gain) some Republicans voters in 2008. Make this congress work!

4. Assert Your Values

I really hate how the Republicans claim that they go after "value voters." What the hell does that mean? When the right goes after a "value voter" it typically means three things (amongst a few others). Usually it means that the right is going after voters who don't approve of gay marriage (as it is against the "value" of heterosexual marriage). The standard value voter is pro-life (as a fetus is a person who deserves protection). And this voter hates the idea of evolution (because they are dumb).

While this is one set of values, it would be ridiculous to assert that this is the only set that is important to acknowledge. You need to make this clear, Dems. You must tell your party that your values are important too. Define your values, whatever they are, and make it known that it is ok to value these principles as opposed to the right's.


There you have it. I have given four suggestions to the Dems explaining to them what I think that they should if they desire to keep power. Followers, what do you think? Email me and let me know. I look forward to hearing why I am wrong.

Finally, I would like to address Mr. Crow's burn that he gave me in this weeks Murmur of the Crow. I would like to thank him for all the publicity. Maybe now someone will finally write to me and give me the approval that I so desperately need. And taken out of context my columns do look like a bunch of college essays...just like a lib to take something out of context and twist it to make someone else look bad. Wait, was it the Libs who did this to Kerry or the Repubs? I guess I'll never compare to the brilliance it takes to copy and paste your fan mail into a column and post it. I can only wish.

Once you finish reading this column, and then all the columns posting in Crow's column, go on and read the very interesting behind the scenes at a polling station column posting by JB.

Do you like funny pictures? Do you like politics? Do you not want to leave 411mania? Then I suggest you go here!

And never forget...

Until next time…believe nothing unless you read it here.