Activists Use Web To Nudge Party [Dems in denial]

washington post ^ | March 20, 2005 | John F. Harris

[Timeout]

To hear some people tell it, the problem with the Democratic Party is that the political left no longer knows what it believes. A young graduate student named John Paul Rollert says these doubters can find their answer on the Web.

Rollert, a political activist who says his aim is the long-term revival of progressive politics, is one of the leaders of an effort called the "Principles Project," which recently completed an online convention designed to define and promote what Democrats believe.

Six weeks of e-mail debate and balloting ended earlier this month with "A Declaration of Progressive Principles."...

[Timeout]

This is pitiful.

I haven't gone to the link, but the article provides some examples of their "principles". Note the obviously-compromised words:

--It is the shared responsibility of a nation to ensure each citizen's freedom, security and equality. Through government, we honor our responsibility to promote the common good.

and

--America's security requires an effective military and a commitment to enduring alliances [no matter what an ally does?!], but we must remember that America's true power is found in its wisdom [whose wisdom?] as well as its strength...

--America must join with other nations to build global institutions that protect the vulnerable, promote democratic self-government, and improve the health and welfare of all people throughout the world.

This is a perfect example of "if you stand for everything, you stand for nothing". Like I said, I haven't read it. But I suspect it also opposes hurting little puppies. Apparently, they didn't actually proposes any policies to achieve their principles, such as "ensuring equality". Good grief.

I don't pretend to understand the left. For instance, why do they use "America" instead of "United States"? Read the whole thing, especially where they argue over "a" leader or "the" leader in the world. LOL!

[bill1952]

Personally, I would like to see them drag the whole democratic party to that stance, but old Hilda will smack that down come 08. - And they will still vote for her!

[loboinok]

Read it,it's not that long.

It's Socialism, plain and simple.
Comes with all the 'Red flag' words like, progressive, diversity, collective, etc.

[GOPJ]

Dems love to keep it "high sounding" and esoteric. Who can disagree with endless vacuous (and artificially "complex") platitudes?

When you read dem stuff, do you get the feeling your "betters" are talking to you? That's the effect they want.

[joshhiggins]

"America must continue to be a welcoming home to all people. We believe that diversity of faith, culture and perspective enriches our nation."
(Heterosexual, Christian White Males need not apply, we already have too many of your kind)

[Timeout]

I get more of a feeling that they've all just "passed the pipe" before writing this kind of pap. My favorite part is they want to "ensure equality". Yeah, that's the ticket back from the depths! Ha!

Oh, and I love the "effective" military, too!

[jslade]

Progressive=New name for liberals/socialists/marxists.

[rhombus]

I didn't see the word, "Republic" in those principles nor did I see anything that resembed the Bill of Rights. Surprise, surprise.

[THX 1138]

America must work to enhance the democratic process by ensuring an educated citizenry, equal opportunity for influence, honest public debate, competitive elections and robust civic participation.

Super. They can start on college campuses, where goose-stepping leftist orthodoxy reigns and conservatives need not apply...

[sanchez810]

I read it, A statement of Bumper sticker principles.

[REPANDPROUDOFIT]

"All people have a right to the basic necessities required to lead dignified lives and to pursue happiness."

.....even if they contribute nothing of themselves, no effort required by the individual to qualify for this generosity.

Should have continued with: ...and shall be taxed appropriately to pay for the "even-up" legislation this would require.

[PGalt]

Didn't bother to read this garbage, thanks to OUTSTANDING FReeper reporting! New media bump!

Thanks

[sanchez810]

HUH? Entitlements are not right, and the pursue of happiness is not hedonism but of life through work. This are bumper sticker principles.

[Cincinatus]

To hear some people tell it, the problem with the Democratic Party is that the political left no longer knows what it believes.

"Uh, hello?? Democrat anti-suicide hotline? Yes, I'm a recovering Democrat.....uh, yes, that's right..... 20 years.....Thank you.... Uh, I was wondering, uh, just exactly what it is I'm supposed to believe in. Could you tell me that? .....uh, OK, I see....what is that web address again?"

[REPANDPROUDOFIT]

Pure Pablum.

At least they did offer something/anything, unlike the Dems during the campaign. But they fail to include plans for implementing their "principles".

[REPANDPROUDOFIT]

Uh. Wha'd ya say?

[Cincinatus' Wife]

***All people have the right to lead their personal lives in accordance with their own beliefs, free from imposition or monitoring by others.***

That's a hard one to fulfill when you're imposing one socialist "justice" or another on the masses.

[GOPJ]

I think you're right:

I get more of a feeling that they've all just "passed the pipe" before writing this kind of pap.

[sanchez810]

In short, Those principles are crap.