Progressive Democrat Issue 52: THOUGHTS

I think my one-year anniversary issue came a couple of issues ago. But, since I skipped a couple of issues due to travel and due to torn up floors in my apartment, this is the 52nd issue, the official “END OF ONE YEAR” issue. I have been writing this newsletter for about a year and our efforts have been pretty amazing.

First I just want to say that this week the Republicans were in full retreat, with Russ Feingold’s threatened filibuster (reading the Bill of Rights to filibuster the renewal of the “Patriot” Act) made the Republicans delay the debate on the Patriot Act until after Thanksgiving. If you are so inclined, write a letter to the editor praising Russ Feingold for his consistent stand against the unpatriotic “Patriot” Act.


Then Congressman Murtha’s demand for withdrawal drew a failed attempt by the Republicans to embarrass the Democrats. This attempt peaked when Jean Schmitt (R-OH) called Murtha (a decorated Vietnam Vet) a coward. This led to a united outcry by the Democrats that forced her to withdraw her comments to avoid censure and led to the Republicans praising Murtha. If you are so inclined, write a letter to the editor calling the Republicans to task for their constant attacks on Vietnam Veterans. Remember, they attacked the war records of Max Cleland of Georgia (who have his legs for his nation), John Kerry (whose Purple Hearts and Bronze and Silver Stars SHOULD speak for themselves) and now John Murtha, another decorated Vietnam Vet. I really find the anti-Veteran views of the Republicans disgusting and wrote such a letter yesterday. Please join me.


And now on to my reminder of where we started a year ago and what we have been doing.

Here is my introduction to my very first newsletter:

Election 2004 is over and either we lost it or it was stolen. So much enthusiasm and effort went into it and now that enthusiasm is turning to frustration and anger. My goal here is to channel that frustration and anger back into action. There is no reason why we can’t keep the organization we built over the last few years and use it to retake our country. In a sense I am trying to learn from our opponents. When Goldwater lost in 1964, the right wing of America was panicked. They were terrified that the left was taking over the nation. But they didn’t give up the way the left often does when faced with defeat. They did not question their message like we do. They channeled their efforts, focusing on building their network, focusing on local elections. Out of this grew, gradually and slowly, the entire right wing machine we are now faced with. The take over of the media began during the Nixon presidency, but wasn’t really accomplished until the late Clinton administration. Such patience, to push without really changing message much, despite repeated setbacks, for 30 years is something the left has not been capable of. It is time we start. That is the inspiration for what I am doing. It is up to us to keep organized, keep active and to recruit.

Here we go.

I am dedicating part of this issue to return to the very first actions I asked you to do. We have accomplished a lot in the last year—Tom DeLay’s arrest, the 2005 elections, the exposure of the corruption of Bush Republicans across the nation. But in some ways we are still dealing with the SAME issues that we began with. So, let us return to the beginning and revisit some critical actions. Of course I also include some new items.