a poignant reminder of what the Democratic Party could and should be . .

[OneBlueSky]

Barbara Jordan's keynote address to the 1976 Democratic Convention . . . which is also a reminder of how much we've lost in the past quarter century . . . please take the time to read this and reflect on what she's saying about our party . . . it's good for the soul and can offer direction for our future . . .

http://www.elf.net/bjordan/keynote.html

[OneBlueSky]

1. kick . . . please read this speech, people . . .

you won't be disappointed . . . I promise . . .

[Nay]

2. I'm old enough to remember hearing her speak, and it is a sad

thing that so few Democratic leaders embody the principles she outlines in this speech. As for Republicans believing in any of this, that's a joke. Can you imagine many of our leaders or even our neighbors saying, "As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master"?

Hell, 9/10 of the population is trying to gain power over other people for its own sicko emotional satisfaction.

It's sad how far we have strayed from these ideals. Thanks for posting this speech.

[ithacan]

3. it is very sad

This is the kind of talk that the DLCers have worked so hard to eliminate. This is what's at stake: (from Jordan's speech)


First, we believe in equality for all and privileges for none. This is a belief that each American regardless of background has equal standing in the public forum, all of us. Because we believe this idea so firmly, we are inclusive rather than an exclusive party. Let everybody come.

I think it no accident that most of those emigrating to America in the 19th century identified with the Democratic Party. We are a heterogeneous party made up of Americans of diverse backgrounds.

We believe that the people are the source of all governmental power; that the authority of the people is to be extended, not restricted. This can be accomplished only by providing each citizen with every opportunity to participate in the management of the government. They must have that.

We believe that the government which represents the authority of all the people, not just one interest group, but all the people, has an obligation to actively underscore, actively seek to remove those obstacles which would block individual achievement...obstacles emanating from race, sex, economic condition. The government must seek to remove them.

We are a party of innovation. We do not reject our traditions, but we are willing to adapt to changing circumstances, when change we must. We are willing to suffer the discomfort of change in order to achieve a better future.

We have a positive vision of the future founded on the belief that the gap between the promise and reality of America can one day be finally closed. We believe that.

[OneBlueSky]

4. kick it again . . .

for the daytime folks . . .