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Pondering Political Parties.

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  • Pondering Political Parties.

    So, the whole--What's best for the Party thing, coupled with a few articles stating--this is a fight for the heart and soul of the Party (from both Sanders and Biden camps) got me thinking--What DO the Parties stand for anymore? Here's my take (a non-factual, jest my thoughts and observations not to be misconstrued as anything absolute, opinion)

    From my perspective, there are 4 distinct groups in play in todays politics. The Progressive Democrats, The Centrist Democrats, The Centrist Republicans and The Trump Republicans.

    Centrist Dems and Repubs are closest in their desire to keep things as they've been, embrace incremental change and both share similar fiscal beliefs. They differ on social issues, some so keen they'll never form consensus

    Progressive and Centrist Dems are on board with social issues, but differ in what role the Govt should play in things, Fiscal restraint and Changing/keeping the status Quo. I believe they can overcome differences if the Center moves toward the progressive platform as I don't see the Progressives budging from theirs and I believe Centrist Dems are less hardline about their differences with the Progressives than the Centrist Repubs are with their social differences with the Centrist Dems.

    The Trumpers are their own group of special folks who won't ever get along with anyone. That they're in power right now is an aberration. However, as long as they think they're important, they can wield some power, especially if Centrist Repubs keep enabling their agenda to get a few things they want.

    Now some will say, the Progressives and Trumpers aren't really Dems or Republicans, but what defines a party? Who defines a Party? I believe that whomever wins this election will make that determination. If it's Sanders--he'll define the Democratic platform going forward changing it forever, if it's Trump--he'll define the GOP platform essentially obliterating what WAS the Republican party. If it's Biden or another D Centrist, the Democratic/Republican Parties as have been know, should survive.

    In any case, this is indeed an important election in the History of our country, that--I believe--Can't be overstated.

    Just my thought's and ramblings--please feel free to share, contradict and pontificate your ideas/worries/hopes for the future of Political parties in this country.
    If I whisper my wicked marching orders into the ether with no regard to where or how they may bear fruit, I am blameless should a broken spirit carry those orders out upon the innocent, for it was not my hand that took the action merely my lips which let slip their darkest wish. ~Daniel Devereaux 2011

    Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
    Martin Luther King, Jr.

  • #2
    Trump already destroyed the Republican Party.
    If DMT didn't exist we would have to invent it. There has to be a weirdest thing. Once we have the concept weird, there has to be a weirdest thing. And DMT is simply it.
    - Terence McKenna

    Bullshit is everywhere. - George Carlin (& Jon Stewart)

    How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are? - Satchel Paige

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    • #3
      History shows that "Party" means very little divorced from the specific times and political trends, as influenced by the rise and fall of particular leaders and movements. Republicans were the party of abolition and Reconstruction and Democrats the party of the KKK. I like to think I'd have been on the side of the Republicans then. There was one major shift during the New Deal Era and another major shift during the Civil Rights Era that moved the fault lines and then more with the feminist movement and gay rights, and the Reagan Revolution and now Trumpism. Democratic Socialism may be up next on the Democratic Party side of the column or it may not be. But it's always shifting.

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      • #4
        Originally posted by B-Fly View Post
        History shows that "Party" means very little divorced from the specific times and political trends, as influenced by the rise and fall of particular leaders and movements. Republicans were the party of abolition and Reconstruction and Democrats the party of the KKK. I like to think I'd have been on the side of the Republicans then. There was one major shift during the New Deal Era and another major shift during the Civil Rights Era that moved the fault lines and then more with the feminist movement and gay rights, and the Reagan Revolution and now Trumpism. Democratic Socialism may be up next on the Democratic Party side of the column or it may not be. But it's always shifting.
        Well said

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        • #5
          I think it's more of a circle than a straight line, as I see some similarities between the progressives and the trumpsters in their focus on blaming someone for the countries issues and inflexibility in compromising needed to represent all Americans.
          I'm not expecting to grow flowers in the desert...

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          • #6
            Originally posted by B-Fly View Post
            History shows that "Party" means very little divorced from the specific times and political trends, as influenced by the rise and fall of particular leaders and movements. Republicans were the party of abolition and Reconstruction and Democrats the party of the KKK. I like to think I'd have been on the side of the Republicans then. There was one major shift during the New Deal Era and another major shift during the Civil Rights Era that moved the fault lines and then more with the feminist movement and gay rights, and the Reagan Revolution and now Trumpism. Democratic Socialism may be up next on the Democratic Party side of the column or it may not be. But it's always shifting.
            Sure, but I thought the question was specific to our time "What DO the Parties stand for anymore?" I only point this out because I'd like to hear your opinion.
            ---------------------------------------------
            Champagne for breakfast and a Sherman in my hand !
            ---------------------------------------------
            The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.
            George Orwell, 1984

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            • #7
              Originally posted by The Feral Slasher View Post
              Sure, but I thought the question was specific to our time "What DO the Parties stand for anymore?" I only point this out because I'd like to hear your opinion.
              I think the Democratic Party today stands largely for the perspective that the government can and must take action to enhance equity and reduce suffering. The difference between Democratic moderates and the progressive left is largely about the means, the pace and the priorities within that broader perspective.

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              • #8
                Originally posted by B-Fly View Post
                I think the Democratic Party today stands largely for the perspective that the government can and must take action to enhance equity and reduce suffering. The difference between Democratic moderates and the progressive left is largely about the means, the pace and the priorities within that broader perspective.
                And address climate change, which the Trump party thinks is a hoax.
                If DMT didn't exist we would have to invent it. There has to be a weirdest thing. Once we have the concept weird, there has to be a weirdest thing. And DMT is simply it.
                - Terence McKenna

                Bullshit is everywhere. - George Carlin (& Jon Stewart)

                How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are? - Satchel Paige

                Comment


                • #9
                  The Democratic party is about finding the perfect balance between pleasing their donor-masters and giving them everything they could ever want, and.... no wait, that's all they represent.

                  I'm not just being cynical, many studies have found that public policy has a near-zero correlation with public opinion. That's why populist leaders have overtaken BOTH parties.
                  Larry David was once being heckled, long before any success. Heckler says "I'm taking my dog over to fuck your mother, weekly." Larry responds "I hate to tell you this, but your dog isn't liking it."

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                  • #10
                    Originally posted by B-Fly View Post
                    I think the Democratic Party today stands largely for the perspective that the government can and must take action to enhance equity and reduce suffering. The difference between Democratic moderates and the progressive left is largely about the means, the pace and the priorities within that broader perspective.
                    Thanks for responding
                    ---------------------------------------------
                    Champagne for breakfast and a Sherman in my hand !
                    ---------------------------------------------
                    The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.
                    George Orwell, 1984

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by DMT View Post
                      And address climate change, which the Trump party thinks is a hoax.
                      I view that as part of "the government can and must take action to … reduce suffering".

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by B-Fly View Post
                        I view that as part of "the government can and must take action to … reduce suffering".
                        On a world wide stage or only within our borders?

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                        • #13
                          Originally posted by Gregg View Post
                          On a world wide stage or only within our borders?
                          That gets at the means and priorities debate that I referenced in my earlier answer, but on climate change I think it's naïve to think that it can be addressed by individual countries within their own borders. I think it poses a threat to all peoples and requires international collaboration around solutions.

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                          • #14
                            Originally posted by B-Fly View Post
                            That gets at the means and priorities debate that I referenced in my earlier answer, but on climate change I think it's naïve to think that it can be addressed by individual countries within their own borders. I think it poses a threat to all peoples and requires international collaboration around solutions.
                            How can we get China and India to buy in?

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                            • #15
                              Originally posted by nots View Post
                              How can we get China and India to buy in?
                              India is a democracy, so the electorate there needs to insist upon it, just as in the US. As for China, that's tougher. But if all the other world powers are coming to the table, it should put some real pressure on Beijing to step up. They are already proving ready, willing and able to try to profit from the green energy sector, so they may be able to align their economic interests with global environmental interests.

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