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This page contains all of the posts and discussion on MemeStreams referencing the following web page: Liberals Are Down but Not Out. You can find discussions on MemeStreams as you surf the web, even if you aren't a MemeStreams member, using the Threads Bookmarklet.
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Liberals Are Down but Not Out
by Jeremy at 11:31 am EDT, May 23, 2004 |
Given that brains and brawn on both sides are about even, what explains liberals' inability to compete? Conservatives would say it is the cogency of their ideas, and perhaps this is so, but perhaps it is something else. Many liberals regard their ideas as being received wisdom from on high, as being so obviously true they do not require explication. This type of complacency cedes the field to the conservatives. It is, simply speaking, stultifying smugness. "Conservative institutions have been more dogged and focused in their approach than liberal ones." This is certainly so; greed and selfishness are great motivators. The mistake of small and large "d" democrats was to think that society had gotten past them, and to stop fighting vigorously for such equally durable counter-ideas as fairness, justice, equality and reason. Liberals don't suffer from a lack of ideas of how to change our nation for the better. But we have been losing ground because so many of us have chosen an approach that leaves us thinking "I need to convince my representative how important (name of political issue) is" instead of choosing to run for office ourselves. You might call it The Petition Mentality. |
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RE: Liberals Are Down but Not Out
by oaknet at 1:28 pm EDT, May 24, 2004 |
Jeremy wrote:
]
] You might call it The Petition Mentality. Read the non-sequitur cartoon for 24th May... http://www.ucomics.com/nonsequitur/ You have a good point, but a little less Liberal analysis-paralysis would go a long way ... Republicans rant, thinking optional. "For us or against us" actually sounds like an intellectual hypothesis (D*oh!). Just take your argument and your compassion out there and believe in it. But as you say - don't just let it happen. Get out there and DO it! After all, that's what the US does best ... |
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RE: Liberals Are Down but Not Out
by Jeremy at 9:59 pm EDT, May 24, 2004 |
oaknet wrote:
] Jeremy wrote:
] ] You might call it The Petition Mentality.
]
] Republicans rant, thinking optional.
] "For us or against us" actually sounds like
] an intellectual hypothesis (D*oh!). The phrase was "with us or against us." That phrase and the "axis of evil" construct are Bushisms, not Republican Ideas. The latest Woodward book, Plan of Attack, provides a good in-depth explanation on the origin of that language. For example, recall Rumsfeld's Rules: 3. Don't divide the world into "them" and "us." Of course, it is sometimes easier to define rules than to live by them. I would argue that Rumsfeld is going against his own Rule when he talks about "a few bad apples." Also, Harry Shearer's Le Show from 23 May had a funny bit on the notion of people as apples that is worth listening to. (Visit www.harryshearer.com, click on "Le Show".) |
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RE: Liberals Are Down but Not Out
by oaknet at 7:55 am EDT, May 27, 2004 |
Jeremy wrote:
] The phrase was "with us or against us." That phrase and the
] "axis of evil" construct are Bushisms, not Republican Ideas. Yes, you're right of course. Actually, it's interesting, is it not, that the quotation "with us or against us" is nothing less than a travesty of Christ's remark that "Everyone who is not against us is with us." A very, very different concept, and one that the US might reflect on to some benefit. The idea that these are Bushisms not Republicanisms is more interesting, and again, of course, you're right. But if the US votes Republican in the next election, who do they elect? Well, exactly. Semantics has its place, but practical consequences are important too.. ! |
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