Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Comments? (Original Post) vive la commune Apr 2015 OP
It is to laugh. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Apr 2015 #1
A really fine observation vlakitti Apr 2015 #2

Erich Bloodaxe BSN

(14,733 posts)
1. It is to laugh.
Mon Apr 20, 2015, 07:40 AM
Apr 2015

The 'far left' is next to nonexistent in America. Our 'far left' are centrists at best in comparison to European political parties.

What we DO have is 60-80% of the population behind all sorts of actual liberal policy ideas which then never get enacted because all of our elected officials are more conservative than the districts or states the represent, because the party machinery always gets behind more conservative candidates for what they consider strategical reasons, to try and bite into Republican voters, assuming they'll get the 'left' behind them no matter what. And we see the browbeating constantly on sites like DU or DK - you 'have' to support every candidate with a (D), even if they absolutely suck on the issues that are most important, even if, 20 years ago, that candidate would have been a middle of the road Republican by their stances on various issues. It's a mighty victory when Democrats pass legislation that originated decades ago with Republican think tanks.

vlakitti

(401 posts)
2. A really fine observation
Mon Apr 20, 2015, 01:25 PM
Apr 2015

and I agree with most of it. I consider myself pretty far left (ignoring that stuff about Mao Tse-Tung) on issues like antiimperialism and antiwar activities, on antiracism and for social and economic equality. If that's what's meant, it's a huge positive, not a slander.

Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»Socialist Progressives»Comments?