NYT Letters to the editors about David Brooks history of "Deanism."

[madfloridian]

The first one is my favorite:

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/08/opinion/l08brooks.html?oref=login

SNIP..."It is puzzling that Mr. Brooks finds Howard Dean's national network of supporters, "the newly dominant educated class," to be worsening the problem of a decline in the broad ("fraternal") participation in civic affairs.

Last week I attended one of more than 800 Democracy for America gatherings held that night all over the country. (Democracy for America grew out of Dean for America, Dr. Dean's campaign group.)

While none of us wore coonskin caps or recited a secret pledge, we spent the evening not only discussing politics, but also sharing stories about families and friends and enjoying this chance to spend time with a diverse group of people bound by a common interest.

There were just five of us sipping tea in that kitchen - a veteran of World War II, three middle-aged neighbors and a 20-something who works for a software company. But I'd say (politics aside) that we were far more eclectic a group than you're apt to find at your local Elks Lodge or Rotary Club. I even think Ralph Kramden would have felt perfectly at home......" END SNIP

[moggie12]

1. Good that people wrote in

Brooks fundamentally misunderstands Dean's appeal -- Brooks ended that editorial the other day by saying something like "from now on, Dens will have no trouble winning Berkeley." Brooks is for a surprise -- Dean doesn't only appeal to the left...

[NYCGirl]

2. I like this one:

David Brooks claims that Howard Dean's resurgence shows that the party is being captured by the out-of-touch "university-town elite."

I am puzzled because, as a supporter of Dr. Dean, I don't feel elite. I live in a small home on a middle-class street. My neighbors are small-business owners, veterans, retirees and young families - average Americans.

Doesn't the fact that Dr. Dean received so many small individual donations belie the argument that his support is limited along class lines?

Mr. Brooks, I am a Dean supporter, and we are not elite; we are Americans.

:thumbsup:

[Debi]

4. Uh oh!

I didn't graduate from college.

I don't drive a Volvo

I prefer Mochas to Lattes

Do I still qualify as a Dean supporter...(I REALLY want to be Elite)

:silly:

[blm]

3. I think we should make a point to reject all coined names for the left.

No Deanism, Deaniacs, Deanocrats, or anything else. The media promotes that type of image to denote a "trend".... a "fad"...and in this case, a NARROW political movement.

We need to emphasize that we are four-square behind the preservation of democracy and four-square AGAINST the rising fascism.

No "cute" name is going to describe that serious a goal. Don't buy what they're selling.

[janx]

5. I think that's the point of a couple of these letters.

The media branded this grassroots movement as nothing more than a bunch of post-Nader college kids. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Edit: Thank God so many people finally figured that out.

[blm]

7. Now is the time to counter the memes FORCEFULLY.

Serious patriots shouldn't settle for being called anything.

[Ashamed_American]

6. blm,

Great post. Couldn't have said it better myself.



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