I received the above invitation in my e-mail a couple of days ago. When I first glanced at it, I thought it must be from the Republican Party (since I am on the e-mail list of both state parties). But upon closer examination I discovered that it was actually from the Texas State Democratic Party leadership in Austin. I find that more than a bit troubling.
Maybe I'm wrong, but doesn't an event like this seem to confirm the charges of "elitism" that have been leveled at President Obama and the Democratic Party? I have been taught all my life (and I believe it to be true) that the Democratic Party represents the poor, the working class, and the middle class -- while the Republican Party represents the rich and the corporations. And I think it's important for the Democratic Party to maintain that image.
It is especially important in these currently disastrous economic times in America that the Democrats make it clear to the public that they are on the side of ordinary Americans -- the bulk of the population that's having a harder time making it with each passing week -- thanks to Republican economic policy and Republican congressional obstruction. Anything that counters that image, like a $500 a ticket wine tasting, should be avoided. It makes the Democratic Party look like the Republican-Lite Party.
And sadly, that's what the Texas Democratic Party leadership has been for too many years. Made up largely of business-oriented conservatives, the party leadership has been trying to convince Texans that they are "responsible" conservatives -- as opposed to the Republican conservatives. This has worked so well that it has been years since any Democrat has held a statewide office, and Democrats are vastly outnumbered in both houses of the state legislature. Naturally, since the voters are continually being offered a choice between a Republican and a Republican-Lite, they opt for the real thing.
It is time for the Texas Democratic Party to return to its roots as a progressive party that stands up for the rights of ordinary citizens against the corporations. Events like the one above, while they may rake in some substantial funds, do not tell the average voter that the Democratic Party is ready to offer a real choice -- a progressive vision and program instead of the corporate-conservatism of the Republicans.
Once again, I am calling for state Democrats to dump the current party leadership when they meet at the convention in June -- and replace them with forward-thinking progressives who will take the party in a new direction.
What do you think? Am I wrong? Is this the image we want the world to see of Democrats?
You couldn't be more right Ted. Sounds like Texas is North Carolina's younger, bigger brother; same Blue Dog politics, more space to play in.
ReplyDeleteThis problem seems to exist everywhere, and it's symptomatic of the root cause of our problems today - the rule of the 1%, which only allows the top 10% or 20% an opportunity to participate in amy meaningful way.
Politicians from county commissioner to governor to president are all so damned dependent on cash injections from the wealthy, they don't think they have any other choice in how things are done (especially fund-raising).
What's it going to take to get some new blood in the fight? I wish I had an answer.
Started with Boyd Richie's dirty tricks to become chairman.
ReplyDeleteoh fuck!...I'm just at a loss for words..
ReplyDelete