Betrayal

[Az]

Some people seem confused by the anger direted towards the DLC. Perhaps a better understanding of human nature is called for. Social groups depend on trust for cohesion. Being social creatures we have evolved many natural tendencies concerning forming such groups. One of the strongest basic tendencies is fury towards those who betray our trust.

The republicans are our natural enemy. We have no trust invested in them. Thus we expect them to be opposed to us. Their acts of aggression towards us are simply part of the game. But the DLC are supposed to be part of us. Their attacks agains the left within the Democratic party are a form of betrayal. Our trust in them is destroyed and due to the investment of trust we had in our own we feel betrayed by them. Thus we turn on ourselves seeking any signs of betrayal in those around us. It is a viscous cycle and may well result in the death of our pack.

The only way to turn this tide is to show support for those who feel betrayed. If they cannot find trust in the rest of the party they will continue to savage the percieved betrayers or simply leave rendering the rest nonviable.

[Crewleader]

1. Thanks for your input AZ

you definitely are correct, we need to show our support for one another no matter what candidate we want for President and those who feel most betrayal by our party do need to be heard.
Compassion and caring goes along way in wanting what is Best for all of Us! Knowing we do need each other in our goal for 2004 but venting our fustrations along the way can be very positive leaving behind those negative feelings that defeat us all.

Moving forward together in solidarity!

Thanks friend for the reminder! :hi:

[sangha]

2. I agree

As usual, I think you did a fine job of explaining how human nature intersects with a political issue. However, one thing that strikes me as odd is that many of those who seem to have the strongest hostility towards the DLC are the same people who seem to be hostile to the DNC also. In fact, many of these people speak of the two as if they were interchangeable.

IOW, I don't think they are mad over how some Dem politicians have "betrayed" the Democratic Party. I think they are mad over how some Dem politicians have "betrayed" *liberals*, and that they equate "Dem" with "liberal"

[Terwilliger]

3. you're right! NOBODY should equate "Dem" with "liberal"

way to sell it, sangha

[Mel]

4. nor a "Dem"

with a "Progressive" :crazy: yea way to sell it......
http://bernie.house.gov/pc/members.asp

[Atlant]

6. Well, I used to equate "Dem" with "Winner", but...

Well, I used to equate "Dem" with "Winner", but the DLC helped
me get over that, too.

Since 2002, I generally equate "Dem" with "no message loser".

Atlant

[CWebster]

5. Within their strategy

is the seed to their own destruction.