It occurs to me that, rather ironically, the modern Democratic Party is exhibiting signs of becoming a reactionary party, despite their progressive self-image.
Examples:
1) Social Security Reform: Part of the arguments from the Democrats have been very backwards-looking, insofar as they see SS as part of FDR’s legacy–a legacy upon which the party is currently built in part, and one which is to be protected at all costs, it would seem. As such, many in the Democratic Party are looking backwards, not forward: a sign of reactionary thinking. This was well symbolized by the rally many Democratic leader in Congress had at the FDR monument earlier this year as a protest of Bush’s proposed SS reforms.
2) The Filibuster: One of Byrd’s basic arguments (and one other Dems have made) for maintaining the filibuster for judicial nominees is, essentially: we’ve always done it this way, and therefore you can’t change it!
3) Generically: I would argue that the Democrat’s main collective problem at the moment is the lack of forward-looking program in practially all areas of policy. Where’s their progressive vision for America?
Update: Further, it occurred to me later that in terms of having backwards vision, Ted Kennedy fits as well with his “all I need to know about Iraq I learned in the Viet Nam era” approach to foreign policy.
The same may be said of their foreign policy position — to the extent that you can find one. The entire message has simply been to almost reflexively oppose what Bush has attempted.
Whether the opposition was right or wrong, they need to go past that and start focusing on what they are proposing to DO, instead of simply trying to announce what they don’t want.
What was that line about standing athwart the path progess yelling “STOP”? I thought that was the NRO’s job, not the DNC.
Comment by Steven L. — Thursday, March 3, 2024 @ 1:08 pm
Beltway Traffic Jam
The daily linkfest:
Charlie Foxtrox compares Wonkette and Eddie Murphy.
In related news, Michael Demmons reports on Anal Sex Week.
LaShawn Barber reflects on black liberals embracing their, er, negro-dom.
Steven Taylor notes the irony of the…
Trackback by Outside The Beltway — Thursday, March 3, 2024 @ 3:41 pm
I wish that the Democrats would come up with 1 single idea, other than raising taxes. My belief is this: If the Dems are against an idea, it must be good for us…If they are for, it must mean that WE will pay for it.
Comment by Lupi — Friday, March 4, 2024 @ 1:21 pm
[…] e Democrats may make, the Republicans are on firm Constitutional ground, and the Democrats only have tradition to fall back upon. Not only is it true that the filibuster rules have been chang […]
Pingback by PoliBlog: Politics is the Master Science » The Constitution and Changing the Rules in the Senate — Sunday, March 6, 2024 @ 2:09 pm