So there's a new organization,
Progressive Democrats of America, started by the usual progressive suspects (Tom Hayden, Reps. Kucinich and Lee, Mimi Kennedy, Jeff Cohen, etc.). Their
vison statement reads in part:
We are committed in word and action, both personally and politically, to justice and democracy at all levels, and to the preservation and restoration of natural ecosystems in America and worldwide.
We are specifically committed to the realization of new models for achieving local, national and global security that redirect the current wasteful and obscene levels of military spending toward the uncompromising and effective funding of: health and education programs; an end to discrimination; the provision of full and meaningful employment; and an end to poverty for all people.
Sounds great, right? It gets better:
To achieve these goals, we dedicate ourselves to work within the general framework of the Democratic Party and with sister organizations to create a new, democratic, grassroots-based, nationally federated organization.
[snip]
Mindful of the continuing important differences between Republican and Democratic political values, yet fully aware of how much better Democratic candidates and elected officials must be to save our people and our planet from destruction, we dedicate ourselves to beginning the long, patriotic, nonviolent, and ultimately unstoppable process of transforming the Democratic Party.
Exciting, and exactly what so many of us have been calling for. So why oh why did they have to top thier home page with THIS?!?!?!?
Ralph Nader is Right!
Ralph is right about corporate influence.
Ralph is right about the erosion of democracy.
Ralph is right on the environment.
Face it. Ralph is right on the issues.
AND Ralph is right about the Democratic Party...
Many Democrats are asking, "What can we do about Ralph Nader?"
Ralph Nader is a brilliant man and a legitimate American hero with enormous progressive accomplishments.
I'm trying really hard to refrain from Nader bashing, really I am. I'll just let you read the letter I sent them:
Dear Progressive Democrats:
I was so excited to read about your organization in an email from the Kucinich Campaign. Finally, I thought, a group equally devoted to defeating Bush and insisting on progressive values and policies from the Democratic Party. Finally, A group of Democrats I can feel comfortable with. So I visited your web site. So much for feeling comfortable.
Don't get me wrong - I completely support and agree with your vision statement. What bothers me is your banner - big, bold letters saying "Ralph Nader is Right!". Why oh why did you choose to focus exclusively on Nader? He is such a contentious, controversial figure these days. There are plenty of people in the progressive left criticizing the Democratic Party - Kucinich comes to mind, for one. Why did you choose to focus on one man who
a)is not a Democrat,
b) is not convincingly committed to defeating Bush and
c)at best, is unknowingly accepting help from Republicans and conservatives to further his misguided, egotistical campaign?
When I saw the headline of your website, I almost closed it without reading further. Although I'm glad I read further, I have to say that I won't be eager to return, or support your work, as long as the headline remains.
Good luck in your campaign,
[Veracious]
Madison, WI
Am I the only one who thinks they are taking the wrong tack by identifying so closely with Nader? As much as I support their stated purpose, it really makes me question their sanity.