Centrism is For Chumps

[BuelahMan]

… and the biggest Chump Is Barack Obama. But he is surrounded by them. And they are screwing us all.

And I have some news for you, you “centrist” idiots. We aren’t supporting you centrist move, anymore. Don’t you get it? We are sick of it. We want REAL change. We don’t want to kowtow to conservative ideologies when it has been those very ideologies that have sunk us. Do you thing we are all as stupid and gullible as you are?

I’m getting sick and tired of the sad “centrist” theory of Mr Obama, too. Besides the fact I think it is a hoax to fool the American Sheoples into falling for the “hope” of “change”, what we need is for him to truly push progressive moves. We have had way too long of conservative rule and it has virtually sunk our beautiful ship of State. This includes Clinton, the “centrist” president who was truly a republican Lite in the mold of HW.

We haven’t had a progressive individual running this country in a very long time. Much less liberal.

Well, let me tell you about this proud old progressive redneck “Liberal”. I am a liberal and I am proud of the fact. I am proud that my liberal views have been correct and the conservative views (especially neo-conservatism) has been plainly put to its sad defeat, soundly. They are just wrong and bogus. I believe in helping people, especially Americans with American Tax dollars. I do NOT support unending wars and lies to get us there. I would venture to say that most of this country agrees with me. But a “Centrist” won’t. A Centrist will fall all over themselves to try and please the most aggressive assholes on the “other side” who are only trying to protect their party… not me.

Centrism is a political game… a manuever to try and win over votes from an opposing political party, but necessarily a competing political ideology. In other words, centrists can be centrists just to be different. It is not for the best interest of the country, but for the show.

And don’t give me any conservative lip. You have been wrong and you sidled up with a movement that destroyed the real conservatives and their ideology. What you have become, Mr Conservative, is a joke that isn’t funny. Circling your wagons to defend against the most stupid rationale in every aspect of government and world aggression. Doing anything to stop progressive policies from taking place. Trying, desperately, to prove that your failed and ignorant ideology is still meaningful and pertinent.

It isn’t. Get over it and move on to the soup lines, you worthless pieces of shit.

The fact is that today’s “conservatives” are blind, lemming-like, fools. Following their leaders over the cliff and screaming all the way down. If you can’t see that your objects of wonder and worship are evil idiots, it is too late for you, as well. Please jump the cliff, so we won’t have to deal with your stupidity, anymore, either.

I laugh at your folly and spit on your demise.

Good riddance and I hope that the Newts, Bushes, Cheney’s, et al, drop dead as soon as hunamnly possible and that those who step into their places have some semblance of a thought process going on (in this, I know not to hold my breath). Until then, allow one of the leading economists, a Nobel Proze winner, at that, explain how Centrism will cost us… and cost us big.

I keep telling you a Depression of immense proportions is heading this way. By Obama’s centrism (and the centristic ideology of the many congressional leaders) he will help usher it in even quicker. Read Paul Krugman’s letter (originally at The NY Times and reposted at Alternet).

Progressives and Liberals: Grow some balls, dammit. You are embarrassing me, a real progressive and liberal.

[Dutchter]

(Reprinted from my blog on Operation Itch)

It amazes me that so many self described "Progressives" also label themselves as pragmatists and fall in line with the Democratic-corporate-party line that we must compromise or move to the "center" and vote for a "lesser Evil" and not "waste our votes" (on someone that "can't win") all in the name of "winning".
Jesus the Christ (of 2000 years ago fame) was crucified by a majority and subsequently hailed as savior by a majority post mortem. Now I don't preach the words of any religion. But this is a perfect analogy for the stifled attempts to right a wrong society by the likes of true heroes such as Ralph Nader and Dennis Kucinich.
Kucinich has attempted to run "from within" the decayed and fouled system. And he has found his efforts hamstrung by the corporate interests time and again. The Dem party propels (allows) his candidacy to take hold in a single congressional district, where he will be one diluted voice amongst 450 or so others in the US congress. An easy way for the party to appear supportive to progressive candidates while simultaneously stifling their voices of tangible, humanist change.
"Here Dennis, you can run in the primary" And despite polling at 50-70% in many national opinion polls, we will cease asking you questions in the nationally televised debates. Eventually un-inviting you from the debates entirely, citing our "clean hands" as the debates are conveniently held by private corporations over which we have "no say". Oh, and if you choose to pursue the matter, the Party will be funding your adversaries in your little home town Congressional race.

Now Nader takes the other tack. Nader works his way up from blue collar nobody through the old boy system, graduates from Harvard with a law degree and immediately takes on corporate greed and hubris.
GM can't "afford" life saving seat belts in it's cars and pressured Chrysler and Ford to follow suit" Nader writes an investigative book on the matter, takes 'em to court and wins. Against the best paid, giant of a legal team in the country.
Ralph fights tirelessly, undaunted against greed, waste, environmental degradation, human rights violations, consumer protection fraud and on and on for over 40 years without involving his ego, without living lavishly on his settlements and reinvesting each public and financial gain into his fight for Justice.

So, when no actual Progressive candidates survive the two-party gauntlet to get into the Presidential election, he throws his hat and the weight of his humanist track record into the fray and runs for the highest office himself.
Initially, his efforts to run for President were admittedly half hearted and announced as a "non campaign" and a vote for "none of the above". His intention was to educate the American voters that they didn't have to vote for the "lesser Evil" and that they could hold the feet of corporate-stooge Politicians to the fire. This 'half' effort was easily swept aside by a (at the time) moderately under control media and a twin party system that spent most of it's time inflating the minor differences between themselves instead of championing the true uplifting values of either party.
So after seeing the futility of a halfway run for office in '96 and viewing that the choices for 2000 were slimmed down to "anybody but a Progressive, Green or Humanist", Nader decided to put forth a genuine effort. Backed by myriad Celebrities that had the fortitude to step off the party stage and back their own true 'Democratic' beliefs, Nader jumped into the mix, visiting each State, innumerable Cities and educating countless citizens in the ways of Government as idealized by the Constitution of the U.S.

Being outside the two party system makes one even easier to relegate to a non candidate. In a Nation that sees almost every issue as two sided, from two-team sports matches, "Good guy vs Bad guy" movies, "Good and evil in the Bible, 'pros and cons', yes or no, black or white and "which of the two parties are you for?" it was easy to take a candidate that wasn't backed by the financial muscle, media reach and solid standing of one of the two leviathan parties and hold them outside the door of every Nationally televised debate and frame them as a "spoiler" or other such nonsense label.

Nader has been working outside of politics as a "Citizen Activist" for two generations and has failed to break the Republican/Democrat sound barrier and reach the American people. This, despite his announced and well demonstrated positions falling well in line with the majority of national opinion polls on national and international polices.

In the 2000 Presidential election it has been well documented that the Republican party rigged very many aspects of that election and were responsible for a uniquely close and truly unfair election. To which the Democrats, loyally, claimed the election went to the Republican Candidate, not due to fraud or the fact that their uncharismatic "centrist" candidate couldn't even carry his home state but due to the fact that a third candidate running represents an effort to "ruin" or "spoil" the election, further embedding in the minds of Americans the perceived need of a two-candidate-only election paradigm.

So, despite having the pulse of the people, a rock-solid track record and running in a time of great tumult and need to make a hard left turn politically, truly Progressive candidates can't substantially gain the backing even of "progressive" voters.

It is time for a re-thinking of the way we do business in almost every way.
Instant run-off elections.
Single-payer, not-for-profit National health care for all.
Diplomacy, communication and Peace long before a very last resort of War.
Drug rehabilitation in lieu of addict-filled prisons.
Government owned Federal Reserve system.
Strong consumer protections in place in:
Economic Markets
Manufacturing
Food production

These are just a few of the things that more and more Americans are realizing that we need.
And the things that the Naders and Kucinich's have been trying to bring to the table for decades.

History has taught us that either we reinvent both our Government and Economic models or try and survive a bloody revolution on the streets of the world.

As for me, I've got to get back to my Playstation II that I bought back when I had a job.

[Alan Wasdahl]

First off, I agree with your assessment about our economy. Pain (be it economic pain) can often be a good teacher, and certainly will get people's attention. But before someone can make a sound choice, gain the insight, or open up their eyes... they have to first, understand what the question is to begin with. Corporate Media will not allow this to happen. So, where will everyday people get the basic background information to become better informed? There is very little in the way of any alternative media, there are plans to shut down the internet as we know it and to restrict the flow of information, and as I stated previously the organizations entrusted to protect us have failed us. Granted we have to make the best use of what resources we have; but as I see it, this area needs to be addressed. With all of the organizations that are in existence, who communicate regularly with their members - be it a monthly newsletter, e-mail networks, meetings — what the heck are they communicating?
People are not going to suddenly wake up and become self-realized, suddenly aware or enlightened through osmosis. They need to become educated. How is that going to happen on a national scale? Is this a correct observation? We do what we can on a small local level and through contact with others as you have described — that is everyone's responsibility, but are we just hoping that it will all come together is some meaningful way - latter down the line?
I'm asking who has the plan to communicate these ideas?
How is this to be implemented?
And this, is only the first step in helping to create an awareness. Is this much being done? I feel that Operation Itch has some of this, and is why I subscribe... but I am asking in the larger context. This, I feel, is the first part, of what is necessary in order to break through the illusion. How will it be communicated? Once people become aware, the very next step is... What can be done to change matters?

[BuelahMan]

Sorry,

Should have read:

A Redneck's Guide To Reversing The Right Wing Brainwashing

[BuelahMan]

Alan,

My answer is scary. At this point, imo, I believe it will take the downfall into economic depression and total loss for most before "enough" peoplesheople get pissed enough to pay attention. Right now, ignorance and/or life is too taxing for most people to care and there is no critical mass. But let the poor get poor enough, or enough people hit poverty and that critical mass will hit.

When those in the middle class, who have been comfortable for a very long time, become destitute, broke and perhaps even homeless, we will see a REAL change.

I hope that I am wrong, but I fear that I am correct.

And I believe we are much closer to this situation than anyone seems willing to admit.

BTW: Your first point didn't escape me (the part about the liberal audience)

Hence the rationale for my home blog:

BuelahMan's Redstate Revolt: A Redneck's Guide To Breaking The Right-Wing Brainwashing

I am screaming at my neighbors and other southern brainwashed rednecks to "wake up!" (I am one of the few that awoke long ago and could see the truth... and I have the political "battle scars" to prove it)

Believe me, most of my neighbors are not a liberal audience.

;-)

[Alan Wasdahl]

I'd like to add a second part to my question:
So, everyone is being played — then, what will it take for people (a critical mass?) to break through the illusion - and for them to then band together (to form a political solution)?

[Alan Wasdahl]

Right on, Brother. I enjoy reading your commentary. Big Money/Big Media is one and the same. Agreed, I believe that most people are brainwashed and will willingly drink the Kool Aid they are offered. However, there are many others who are waking up and while they may not exactly know what the truth is, they do know they are being lied to. Unfortunately, so most organizations that were originally created to serve the best interest of the people - such as labor unions, environmental groups, consumer groups, civil rights and social justice organizations have lost their vision and commitment. So many of these organizations no longer communicate, let alone even identify the real issues of the day - least of all become active in doing any meaningful community work in coalitions. I forgot who once said, "The role of the organizer is to allow people to work towards accomplishing that which they believe in." I know thats not an exact quote - but I believe that's true, and unfortunately for too many organizations it is no longer the case. The organizations for which they were founded have lost their way, either through apathy, or vested self-interest, or they have been bought off. Either way, they are ineffective and are now part of the problem. This has created an enormous vacuum in information.
I'd like to add that Big Media, while it does allow some liberal points of view - as you stated that does not cost them money - this is true. But, it also serves as a way of promoting "wedge" issues that keep people divided. This feeds off of conflict and confrontation - and usually never touches on any real issues. For example, there was no real news coverage of the WTO protest in Seattle, but they will show film footage of somebody throwing a rock through a store front window. Same thing for any U.S./Mexico border issue - always two groups hurling rocks or insults at each other with no meaningful dialogue. This is why is the past, the Ford Foundation (and others) would fund ultra-left wing causes - not because they believed in what they stood for - far from that, but because they created division in society.
Corporations during the industrial revolution hired immigrants - so that as many different languages were spoken in the workplace. The company did not do this for love of diversity and their fellow man, this was done so that workers could not communicate with each other to organize into a union. I heard a woman maquiladora worker speak, and she said that the workers on the production line had their mouths taped shut with duct tape so that they wouldn't organize. So, everyone is being played — and what will it take for people (a critical mass?) to break through the illusion?

[BuelahMan]

Most people have insecurities, and when they go to a cocktail party they don't want to seem stupid or politically ignorant - so, they regurgitate a 30 second snippet from some right-wing radio show - and this seems to get them through the evening. This also gives them some false sense of self, and in doing so — they never have to really consider deeper social issues.

When they do so, however, they have accomplished the exact opposite of their intent. If someone only has that 30 second right-wing Rushism, as it were, then they, if they are intent upon NOT seeming stupid, will have to answer my questions. If more people were to speak up and ask them about their dumbass talking point, instead of hem-hawing around, then we might get to some business.

I actually think these people believe the crap they spout. I think people are simply brainwashed by the incessant right leaning MSM. The masters (Big Money/Big Media) will only allow so much of a perceived "leftward" stance, as long as it makes them money. At least, doesn't COST them money. Hence, Olbermann or Maddow (and even Olberman is in Obama's pocket).

These few "liberal"s found on MSM are simply food for a hungry American public who has not been totally tainted by the koolaid. But even they will be kept on a leash (by not addressing, in truth, the Gazans plight, the MIC over-spending, Single-payer healthcare, etc). Maddow is the closest we have to a real progressive (and I really do like her), but even she will be kept in rein.

As for "real" liberals and conservatives, in a sane world, you would find some of both in either of the Big Two parties. But in a sane world, there wouldn't be just 2 parties... most especially two that shoehorn their followers into irreconcilable divisions within themselves.

A conservative can't be "true" when they are politically forced to adhere to party rules and guidelines that intrude on their conscious. This is so with a liberal. And with the MSM's help...

That is one reason the GOP can monsterize liberalism and it is also why Democrats won't defend it and shun it.

Dems aren't liberal any more than reTHUGS are conservative. They simply do whatever the Owners want them to do. And the illusion plays on.

[Alan Wasdahl]

I pretty much agree with what you are saying here; but then again, we are or at least I am a liberal audience. I feel that your most compelling point is that conservatives... have been wrong and have sidled up with a movement that destroyed the real conservatives and their ideology... and to continue - that an overwhelming majority of democrats -certainly many of whom, must consider themselves to be progressive have now fallen prey to the very same forces who have corrupted them. While there do exist "real" conservatives as well as "real" liberals - their political parties of the past have been subverted by the corporate, banking/financial, elite. The true believers of either camp no longer have any real voice in politics, because their views -left or right- are both fundamentally against being in control by the elite. This is where the consensus is. Look at what forces have brought about the most devastating consequences to our nation and the world. The left and the right pretty are pretty much in agreement over this - although they generally blame each other for why this is. And, this, is by design, because while each side blames the other - the elite continues to advance their agenda that will ultimately bring everyone else down.
I had a friend who once said, it takes a whole lot more energy, education and compassion to be a liberal than it does to be a conservative - but ultimately, at the polls, all votes count the same.
I feel that many people are attracted to being a conservative because it is really easier. Most people have insecurities, and when they go to a cocktail party they don't want to seem stupid or politically ignorant - so, they regurgitate a 30 second snippet from some right-wing radio show - and this seems to get them through the evening. This also gives them some false sense of self, and in doing so — they never have to really consider deeper social issues.
At the cocktail party, others will nod their heads in agreement, and so the evening goes. Progressives will usually pause, take things in, reflect... a conservatives attention span typically does not last this long. Anyways, I tend to agree that it takes a lot more to be a liberal - but look for areas of consensus as to what is causing the country the most harm? ... What would do the most good? Focus on building this kind of coalition to address these issues. Agree to disagree about all of the other "wedge" issues later... Don't allow yourself, and point out to others about falling into the trap of blaming the other side - the left/right paradigm. Real liberals probably have more in common with real conservatives than either does with what was once their own political party.