Proud Democrat

[WilliamPitt]

* The passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, which LBJ shepherded through despite knowing it would lose the South. We're living now in the aftermath of that decision, but it was still the absolute, undeniable right thing to do;

* Social Security

* Medicare

* The Family Leave Act

* The Earned Income Tax Credit

* The economic boom of the 1990s

* Weekends (a.k.a. Unions)

* Winning WWII

* Sending Newt to early retirement

* JFK

* FDR

* RFK

* Truman

* Jimmy Carter

* William Jefferson Clinton

* Al Gore

* Howard Dean

* Dennis Kucinich

* Carol Moseley Braun

* Bob Graham

* Wesley Clark

* John Edwards

* Al Sharpton

* Dick Gephardt

* John Kerry

* Joseph Wilson

* The defense of Roe v. Wade

* The defense of ANWR and the environment

I suppose I could go on.

Failures? Sure. Scads of them. Anyone who has never failed at anything, ever, step forward...but be sure to tell us how your failures translated into national policy because you had dedicated your life to service, and were the Johnny-on-the-spot when the deal went down.

Anyone who is a proud Democrat can help me elaborate on this list.

----> Proud Democrat <----

[slinkerwink]

1. Martin Luther King, Jr.

[WilliamPitt]

3. Interesting choice

Dallek's biography of JFK has a lot of strife happening between he and MLK. Taking on the Civil Rights cause in '60 thru '63 would have annihilated JFKs legislative priorities, so he kept putting the Civil Rights leaders off. Course, LBJ and then RFK took up the charge.

Your choice is good, but the development of that history had its sore spots. No point to this post. It all just fascinates me.

[deutsey]

81. King was often frustrated by the Democrats

but he knew he'd have better luck working with them in power than the Republicans. That's how I see the Democrats as well.

[Syrinx]

2. I'm not particularly proud of Sharpton

But otherwise, I'm with you!

[Sulldogg]

4. I can't be proud

Of the Democrats who filibustered the CRA and the George MArshall types either.....

[PATRICK]

77. If not proud

be determined to match the good on that list and build the future. This party is a work in progress in both senses of the word- but that implies constant action and development in the right way.

Yes we could have a flogging list of Dem horrors, but as JFK(optimistically) pointed out when our party still had a racist hawk wing and pretty big entitled crooks in high places, then trajectory has been moving forward positively.

Of course, some would rightly say that has lost certain votes when people have lost faith in their better nature.

People on OUR list have been shot. We must be doing something right.

[Sandpiper]

5. The Fair Labor and Standards Act

which gave us:

The 40 hour work week

The 8 hour work day

Minimum wage protections

Overtime pay requirements


which the current administration is busy trying to gut.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

6. Hey! Where's Lieberman!

Joe-mentum, baby!!!

DTH

[XanaDUer]

19. Lieberman helped bring about the FMLA

Very helpful to me during a time of crisis. I hate seeing him dragged through DU at times like some type of criminal.

He did a lot. :)

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

7. Paul Wellstone

Ruth Ginsberg
Thurgood Marshall
Funding for Aids/HIV

[REP]

8. Mel Carnahan

Jay Nixon (MO Atty Gen'l) ("Miss Cleo should have seen this coming." - Nixon, on filing fraud charges on the phone 'psychic.')

They're not real well known outside Missouri, but they should be. Carnahan did more than just win an election posthumously. Nixon has done more than just stop 900 number fraud, but it's a good line!

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

9. You can add Barack Obama

to the list as well. He's a real up and comer in the Democratic Party and I think he'll win here in Illinois in November even if the Chicago Tribune doesn't get the divorce files of Jack Ryan.

[VelmaD]

10. Thanks for standing up for LBJ

As a proud alumni of the graduate school of public affairs that bears his name I think he gets a bum rap a lot of the time. People only remember Vietnam and forget all the good things he did...like civil rights legislation and the Great Society programs. Lyndon was a sonofabitch...but he could use that scrappy gutter politics to get some things rammed through that this country really needed.

Plus Lady Bird ROCKED!

[THUNDER HANDS]

11. would you mind taking Al Sharpton off the list?

He's more like comic relief than something to actually be proud of.

[mzmolly]

18. Last I heard he was funded by Republicans.

I would have to say, I enjoy his speaking style, but am not *proud* of him frankly.

[Zomby Woof]

12. Mo Udall

Warren Magnuson

Senator Paul Simon

Shirley Chisholm

Mario Cuomo

Edward Kennedy



Google Udall or Magnuson to find out why they were Congressional giants in our party. They don't make 'em like that anymore.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

78. My mom backed Mo in '76

He was a class act.

[sangh0]

13. The Child Labor Act

Overtime pay

[farmbo]

14. Securities Exchange Act (1934)...Opened the markets to small investors

by eliminating the 'Law West of the Pecos' system of insider trading and non-disclosure and unfair trade practices which had previously dominated market trading, leading to the Crash of 1929... and ultimately, the Great Depression.

Thank you Franklin Roosevelt.

[mzmolly]

15. * Tom Harkin

* Gloria Steinem - activist

* Al Franken - satirist

* Sean Penn - actor

* Whoopie Goldberg - actor

* Bill Clinton - Former President

* Al Gore - Current President

* Robert Byrd - Senator

Here is an interesting website (for the bookmarks) with some information on various Democratic Presidents and their accomplishments:

http://www.orangedemocrats.com/accomplishments.htm

Edited because I duplicated Paul Wellstone's name.

[nightperson]

16. Sharpton?

http://www.matthewyglesias.com/archives/002406.html Sharpton? http://www.prospect.org/webfeatures/2004/02/tomasky-m-02-19.html Sharpton? :mad: :puke: :wtf: :spank: :wow: :grr: :nuke: :thumbsdown: :nuke: :shrug: :tinfoilhat: :shrug: :thumbsdown: :hi: :argh: x( Sharpton? Sharpton?

[sangh0]

17. Yes, Sharpton

He's the one who brought the issue of racial profiling to national attention by getting the media to cover the shooting of four black youths by NJ's State Troopers.

[mzmolly]

20. He's also *the one* who made Tawana Brawly a household name.

and then some...

He is a divisive *albeit* humerous little man, but nothing to be proud of.

[sangh0]

21. Martin Luther King, Jr. was also divisive

Are you going to condemn him too?

[mzmolly]

22. Bullshit. It's an insult to place them in the same category.

MLK was not divisive for the purpose of fluffing his ego. MLK was in fact inclusive.

I think you should study Sharpton a bit more before you defend him. And, please don't compare him to MLK again.

[sangh0]

23. MLK was divisive

and I'll compare him to whomever I choose.

[THUNDER HANDS]

26. Sharpton is to MLK

What a flea market is to Tiffany's.

[sangh0]

28. We don't all get to shop at Tiffany's

.

[THUNDER HANDS]

29. that's not the point

The point is Sharpton isn't MLK just because he calls himself a civil rights leader.

You want to compare Jessie Jackson to MLK, fine. I may not agree with it 100% - but its certainly a better comparison than Sharpton.

[Hav]

31. .

I might be wrong but I think it was about dismissing Sharpton because he was divisive and arguing that MLK was divisive as well.
This isn't necessarily an attempt to say MLK = Sharpton.

[mzmolly]

34. I think your wrong.

I don't think it's apt to compare MLK to Sharpton in any way, shape or form.

[sangh0]

39. Of course not

Only pre-approved comparisons are legitimate.

[mzmolly]

42. How bout educated comparisons?

I'll take them? ;)

[sangh0]

43. OK

Both Sharpton and MLK were divisive, and both of them brought attention to the ways blacks were/are being discriminated against.

[mzmolly]

51. Wrong. MLK brought attention to discrimination. Al Sharpton brings

attention to Al Sharpton.

[sangh0]

54. Sharpton brought the issue of racial profiling to national attention

The fact that he also got attention takes nothing away from the fact that Sharpton brought the issue of racial profiling to national attention

[Nadienne]

79. He exploits the issue

in such a way that the end of racism draws further away.

[Hav]

40. .

Well, the point was not primarily to compare MLK and Sharpton, in my opinion at least.
The point is that you used divisiveness as an argument in one of your posts. I'm just stating what you posted without judging it here.
A poster pointed out that MLK was divisive as well but one wouldn't automatically dismiss MLK because he was divisive.
That is my whole point.

[mzmolly]

41. I don't find MLK to be divisive personally. He fought for inclusion

and Civil Rights.

Al just likes to stir the pot. BIG difference!

I didn't automatically dismiss Sharpton because he was divisive. I dismissed him because of his past (which I suggested the OP look into) and dismissed him because he works for Republican operatives.

[sangh0]

44. You don't

but many Americans did. They thought that MLK was demanding too much change too quickly. They thought MLK should have toned things down. MLK had no problem "stirring the pot". He saw it as a necessity.

And while Sharpton does indeed have a mixed record, his contributions to raising the awareness of Americans on issues of race is indisputable.

[mzmolly]

52. Al Sharpton is not *contributing* that is my point.

So, I'd say it *is* disputable.

[sangh0]

55. Again, Sharpton brought racial profiling to national attention

and you have done nothing to dispute it aside from saying "It is disputable"

[mzmolly]

60. I disagree with that. Perhaps for YOU he brought it national attention.

I was familiar with it long before Al Sharpton.

[sangh0]

63. How did you learn about it?

And it's not just about you or me. Until Sharpton took on the case of the New Jersey Four, the issue of racial profiling wasn't very well-known. You may have known about it earlier, but most Americans did not.

[mzmolly]

66. How did you NOT know about it?

:shrug:

[sangha]

75. Avoiding the question, and the point

Instead of responding to my point (ie.regardless of how you and I found out about it, most American found out as a result of Sharpton and the NJ Four) you instead falsely imply that I don't know about it.

[mzmolly]

85. So you speak for *America*

:eyes:

Sorry, it was an issue LONG before Sharpton found a way to stoke his ego with it.

37. wow what a zinger!

too bad it makes absolutely no sense in the context of the discussion

[sangh0]

45. Then I'll explain

Some people don't have the luxury of waiting around for a "leader" with an unblemished record of purity (ie "Tiffany's"). Some are willing to accept a leader who is less than perfect but is still capable of influencing the debate.

48. ok, now I get it

[mzmolly]

61. I don't think one has to demand purity when a simple ounce of

integrity will do :P

[sangh0]

64. Typical

The purists tend to misportray those they don't like as totally lacking in integrity, or any other positice attribute. That explains your earlier denial of the good Sharpton has done, and it explains your current refusal to deny his integrity.

Sharpton has risked his life several times over to help others, and for all of the talk about Sharpton's supposed self-interest, he still is far from rich. The man pictured in your avatar is wealthier than Sharpton.

[mzmolly]

65. *The Purist*

LOL

I can assure you I am not a purist for wanting a Democratic Candidate not to be a race baiter who works for the Republican Party :eyes:

[sangha]

76. Again you're avoiding the point

Which is while Sharpton's record is not unblemished, he has contributed to helping others, something your comments fail to recognize.

[mzmolly]

80. He has HARMED others. Which is the point YOUR missing.

:eyes:

[mzmolly]

30. Indeed!

:hi:

[robsul82]

32. As Chris Rock once said...

"White America, listen to me. People see Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton running around, thinking that's all black people listen to. We DON'T. There's like 10 people behind Sharpton at these rallies. He is a K-Mart MLK. Period."

Later.

RJS

[mzmolly]

33. LOL

;)

[cetasika]

24. i wish more people were proud of ideology

than a stinking political party.

[redqueen]

46. Well, it is an election year, after all

Wish I'd joined around the mideterms.
:)

[mobuto]

25. Rural Electrification

The greatest government program, ever.

[WilliamPitt]

27. The Tennessee Valley Authority

[DaveSZ]

35. Holy Joe

wrote the most far-reaching climate change (global warming) legislation ever together with John McCain. Unfortunately it didn't pass the Senate, and Shrub would have vetoed it anyways.

Actually shrub has been a pussy when it comes to using his veto pen the past 3 years.

Of course I don't like his PNAC foreign policy views, but I give Holy Joe great credit for helping author that piece of legislation.


http://mccain.senate.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=Newscenter.ViewPressRelease&Content_id=1171


SENATE CASTS HISTORIC VOTE ON MCCAIN-LIEBERMAN GLOBAL WARMING BILL
Despite Narrow Loss, Growing Support For Action Seen As Encouraging
For Immediate Release
Friday, Oct 31, 2003

WASHINGTON- Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT) said today that they were encouraged by the strong Senate support for their legislation to curb global warming. The bipartisan Climate Stewardship Act of 2003, which was defeated this morning by a narrow margin of 43-55, represented the first time the Senate has addressed the threat of global warming since 1998.

“We’ve lost a battle today, but we'll win over time because climate change is real. And we will overcome the influence of the special interests over time. You can only win by marshaling public opinion,” McCain said.

“Today we scored an important moral victory for protecting our environment and combating global warming.” Lieberman said. “President Bush has denied, delayed and derailed any action on global warming. But today’s vote shows that the political climate is changing on climate change, and the Congress and the American people are warming up to action on global warming. Global warming is now - and must remain - on the front burner of the national environmental agenda.”

According to a United Nations study, every ton of greenhouse gas emitted into the atmosphere costs each American up to $160 - and we the U.S. is currently emitting billions of tons each year. Property lost to rising sea levels, cropland lost to draught, and revenues lost to dwindling fishing stocks caused by global warming also represent real costs - not to mention the immeasurable damage to Americans’ health and quality of living. According to a recent Zogby poll, 75% of 1,200 citizens polled supported requiring major industries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, with more than 70% support in each region of the nation.

The McCain-Lieberman legislation, crafted in close consultation with industry leaders and supported by the environmental community, is modeled after the successful acid rain trading program of the 1990 Clean Air Act. It would require a reduction in carbon dioxide emission levels to 2000 levels by the year 2010 by capping the overall greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity generation, transportation, industrial, and commercial economic sectors, and creating a market for individual companies to trade pollution credits.

A recent MIT study estimated that McCain-Lieberman would cost approximately $20 per household, and analysts predict that the impact on U.S. GNP would be no more than .01%. A second study by the Tellus Institute predicted that McCain-Lieberman would save Americans $48 billion in net savings by 2020 due to reduced energy demand. The legislation has the support of bipartisan group of 155 mayors across the country, the National Farmers Union, 23 senior climate economists, and the ski industry, the leading insurance underwriter in North America, and an industry coalition that includes corporations such as Maytag and American Gas Association have all expressed their support for the bill.

“We must take action, and act appropriately. Many have hidden for too long behind what we do not know or the uncertainties around climate change. Their shield is shrinking. The time has come for us to accept what is known and start to solve this highly complex problem. As many of the top scientists throughout the world have stated, the sooner we start to reduce these emissions, the better off we will be in the future,” McCain said.

“Global warming constitutes one of the great challenges of our time, threatening our environment, our economy and our public health,” Lieberman said. “President Bush has failed to provide leadership in meeting this growing threat, denying it exists and delaying any meaningful action. Senator McCain and I seek to fill this leadership void and confront global warming in a systematic and serious way by harnessing market forces and opening new economic opportunities.”

Co-sponsors of the legislation include Senators Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Thomas Carper (D-DE), Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), Richard Durbin (D-IL), John Edwards (D-NC), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME).

[Catholic Sensation]

36. Robert F. Kennedy jr.

Edward Rendell - my all time favorite non-Kennedy Democrat

Sydney Blumenthal - for having the guts to stand up to scumbags like Drudge

James Carville

Bill Richardson

[Catholic Sensation]

38. Marshal Plan

I can't believe this hasn't been mentioned yet

[RandomKoolzip]

47. The WPA.

[redqueen]

49. I gotta ask about CMB

What did she really do? I like that she mentioned equal pay for women, but her history -- is it that of a strong Democrat?

I notice that Joe Lieberman is credited with helping with heavy liftin on FMLA -- didn't know that. He also apparently wrote some good legislation wtih McCain. Obviously there are things about him that many don't like, so this is a very interesting topic.

As far as CMB, it would take some serious stuff for me to forget about her vote with republicans to overturn Clinton's veto of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. I would love to hear her defend that vote. As I recall other Democrats not on this list also voted to overturn the veto (e.g. Lieberman, Feinstein).


on edit: a timeline would be a nice addition to this list! :)

[WilliamPitt]

50. An African American woman ran for President in 2004

Besides the excellent qualities she personally brought to the debate, the fact that she was there at all speaks to the very definition of American progress. Imagine 1960...could she have stood on that stage?

[redqueen]

53. So, it's more what she represents, than what she's done?

Hmmm. Interesting.

[WilliamPitt]

56. Both.

[redqueen]

57. That's it?

Sorry, I guess I was expecting more in terms of achievements/record than just the fact that she ran.
:shrug:

[mitchtv]

58. Willie Brown (the Brown Act of1972?)

John, Phillip, and Sala Burton , Geo Moscone, Jerry Brown, Harvey Milk, Barbara Boxer , Lynn Woolsey, Leo Ryan, Jackie Speier,medical Marijuana, Coastal protection

[redqueen]

59. self-deleted

[OKNancy]

62. Barbara Jordan - my personal hero

Weirdest thing...I get choked up just thinking about that amazing woman.

[MonicaR]

67. Barbara Jordan

I grew up in Houston and was fortunate to have her as my congressmember until she retired in 1978.

The major reason she left was she foresaw the growing partisan hostility between us and the Republinazis.

[TheDonkey]

68. This party loves me and I love it.

I'm a minority in many ways and this party time and time and again has stood up for me, in the past, present and future.

Not a perfect party, but with what we got as options it's a miracle. I'm very proud of our fights, leaders, and members.

:hug:

[Hippo_Tron]

69. Balanced Budget n/t

[Zynx]

70. Russ Feingold

[David Zephyr]

71. Nice Thread, William. Voting Rights Act of 1965.

:thumbsup:

[genius]

72. The trouble is we need to keep the Republicans from taking over.

Eveything (one) good you named was liberal. It is critical we end the purge of the liberals and keep the center where is should be rather than adopting the Republican center as some so-called Democrats would advocate.

[rtassi]

73. LBJ???

My you sure do like to play with peoples heads. Would this be the very same LBJ whom ran the senate with an iron fist, and kept Eisenhower on a short leash, or, or, the LBJ who stole the 1948 election, and probably committed a murder or two along the way, or wait for it, the LBJ who ascended to the presidency through assassination? That LBJ. Yea I sure admire him! Democrats like him make me very proud.:wtf:

[JohnLocke]

82. ??

[WilliamPitt]

74. .

[RichM]

83. If you think it's fair to include "Winning WWII" as a "Dem achievement,"

doesn't the Communist Party of the USSR deserve at least as much credit, considering that the Soviets did most of the fighting, most of the dying, & were more important in achieving the final victory than the Americans?

[corporatewhore]

84. but they are commies ; )