We don't ask people to leave their parties when they join Unity08, so we shouldn't be surprised when Jerry Rafshoon shows his Democratic leanings. I show my Republicanism from time to time too. The point is that we may be the only two people of opposite parties who live in Washington and still talk to each other every day.
The overwhelming lesson of this just-plain-ugly election year is that there is so little to be proud or optimistic about – so little on which the winners can claim a mandate.
And regardless of who the winners are, most of us will lose, because once again the system has brought out the worst of both parties rather than the best.
Unity08 doesn't want anyone to leave their partisan leanings at the door. We want serious and tough debate. But we also want the kind of mutual respect that is an essential part of leadership and progress. We're certainly not seeing much of that in 2024 – just another reason why what we are doing is so essential for 2024.
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Doug: I appreciate your post or comment. I was under the impression this movement was for people who were fed up with the two main political parties and were truly independent voters who were going to try to steer the two parties to the middle of the political spectrum and put the country first rather than their party. From my perspective now,I don't believe this is what unity 08 is about. I will be moving on hoping and praying for a truely independent third party to emerge on the political stage and change this country for the better.
MFV, please think through the logic of your proposed decision. While I decry the influence of the major parties (and the lack of influence of the minors), the reality is that the two parties are the only real players for now. I think by demanding an absolute dismissal of all previous party allegiance or affiliation, you are limiting your field of co-conspirators significantly.
Unity '08's strategy of seeking a spot for moderates/centrists currently affiliated or non-affiliated is a good one. In other words, while I don't approve much of the tactics which I find ineffective, I think the overall strategy is sound. If the result in the end is moving one or the other of the major parties to the center (unlikely) that would be a profound accomplishment in itself. The more likely result will be that moderates from both sides will begin to coalesce, and failing to find their respective parties moving with them they will be more amenable to take a leap to a third party that forms in response to the void.
Go play elsewhere if you must, but stay in touch. This might well be the place where real change begins.
Mark Greene
Texas Democrat in the Middle
Mark: You must be in sales and I mean that respectfully because if you are not you would be a good one. You are right I jumped the gun. That has been a weakness of mine over the years. You make a good case for me to stay with the ship and I am going to do just that. Thanks for your advice.
I'm glad you reconsidered, and yes, people say that I'm in sales. I am a recruiter who specializes in finding hard-to-find impact players for energy industry firms. While I must confess that some go to the "dirty power side," I am placing more and more into the wind power industry which allows me to look myself in the mirror each morning.
I'm glad you're staying - there is much work to be done and we need all the hands we can muster.
Mark Greene
Texas Democrat in the Middle
Doug,
I think some of the "venom" you see is simply unquenched passion - coupled with frustration about what constitutes a "grass roots" movement.
The more you respond to our questions, the more transparency you show (with finances, # of hits, active members, etc.) and the more real participation you invite (e.g. Cyber Members on the Steering Committee), the more you'll turn that venom into passionate activism.
I think the Founders need to go beyond thinking of this web site as simply a "cash machine" (a la Howard Dean) and recognize that by creating a true outlet for internet activism, you will achieve your goal of creating a fund raising mechanism that is independent of the special interest and corporate money that so poisons our political system today...
MFVboomer
Trombone Erik: It must sound like a broken record to others but I have to say it. Again you nailed it.
I nominate Erik to be the official spokesman for we vast unwashed masses out here yearning to be heard!
Mark Greene
Texas Democrat in the Middle
It seems to me that most people have lost the skill on how to vote in the midst of a divisive election cycle. I think many of the problems will go away if we just vote into office the better candidate from either party every 2 or 4 years. In the long run, this will guarentee a balance of power and minimize partisanship. I created a lens on Squidoo to instruct on How to vote -
http://www.squidoo.com/how_to_vote/
-Jack
MFVboomer
Jackclee: In my opinion, if the real political world operated as you seem to think it does you would be absolutely on target. But the politicians I have seen operate for 45 years forbid me from believing in your theory. If we could take money out of the equation we might be able to do exactly what you say we need to do. But until that day comes I have to respectfully disagree with you. Have a nice day
You really think a vote for a democrat or republican will change the direction of the nation? Come on folks wake up! Here are just a few redlights from someone who is trained to identify such things!:
1) WARNING: The winning republican nomination was the son of an ex-president and the next president will be the wife of one!
2) WARNING: Both support allowing foreign interests to buy our stock market and property with the same billions we send in aid?
3) WARNING: They invite another terrorist attack by killing people overseas while not protecting the borders or implementing updated social security cards to create a state of high security to invade our privacy.
4) WARNING: Neither party mentions ending the war when we own the skies? Only the best way to continue - not finish the war.
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- Earn Snyder
Author "$aving the bureaucracy - Killing the beast"
Modern Progressive Independent
www.appyp.com/fix_main.html
So vote! Yes vote for Independents in every race! We may not win but we will send them one heck of a message that the Independents are coming in 2024!- Earn Snyder
Author "$aving the bureaucracy - Killing the beast"
Modern Progressive Independent
www.appyp.com/fix_main.html
MFVboomer
Earn: Remember Laugh In, sock it to em.
another modern progressive independent