Let’s Have a Real Protest, Not a Democratic Pep Rally, on October 2nd

[proud2BlibKansan]

The October 2 rally in Washington to demand jobs and “stop moving money out of education and into wars and prisons," in the words of NAACP president Ben Jealous, promises to be huge. SEIU Local 1199, a co-initiator of the event along with the NAACP, has booked 500 busses from New York City, alone, and thousands more will be rolling into the nation’s capital from around the country. Participating organizations include nearly the entire spectrum of labor, social justice and peace formations in the United States.

But big does not necessarily mean historic, or even useful. The character and importance of the “One Nation” rally will be determined by the demands that are made on Power, most especially on the White House, where one man wields the power of an entire branch of government, is the leader of the majority party in both Houses of Congress, and commands national and global attention by virtue of the presidential “bully pulpit.” A Washington rally for jobs, justice and peace that makes no specific demands on President Obama would amount to a capitulation to the status quo on all counts, no matter if half a million attended. And if the event is allowed to become wholly a pep rally for Obama and Democrats, then that will tell the world that real movements for laboring people, social justice and peace do not currently exist in the United States – just a bunch of Democratic Party groupies with delusions of relevance to the burning issues of the day.

“Tremendous pressures that have been brought to bear by the administration to avoid embarrassing the president and his party on the eve of congressional elections.”

That’s why, mindful of the tremendous pressures that have been brought to bear by the administration to avoid embarrassing the president and his party on the eve of congressional elections, strong majorities of the United National Anti-War Conference (UNAC), held in Albany, New York, in late July, endorsed a series of demands to be put forward at the October 2 rally, and beyond. These demands will be reflected in the placards carried by thousands of demonstrators concentrated in the UNAC contingent at the “One Nation” rally:

* $Trillions for jobs and education, not wars and bank bailouts.
* Bring the troops, mercenaries and war dollars home from Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, now!
* Stop government attacks on unions, Muslims, immigrants and people of color. Civil liberties for all.
* End U.S aid to Israel. Billions for jobs, not occupation. End the siege of Gaza. Free Palestine!

more . . . http://www.opednews.com/populum/linkframe.php?linkid=118774

[NJmaverick]

1. Why shouldn't we be supporting the Democrats at the rally

are you suggesting that the GOP will give us more liberal policy?

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. Didn't read the link, did you?

[NJmaverick]

6. That failed to answer my question, as did you

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. I'm not interested in having a conversation over an OP with a poster who hasn't read the link

Sorry.

[NJmaverick]

8. If you can't support your assertion, then it will be dismissed

[proud2BlibKansan]

10. I'm not making any assertions

The author of the article you failed to read is making an assertion. But you can't really discuss it unless you actually READ the article.

[NJmaverick]

14. Then there really was not point in you responding

since you apparently don't have a dog in this race

[proud2BlibKansan]

15. I have plenty of dogs in this race

How many campaigns are you working on?

[Name removed]

23. Deleted message

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[Name removed]

24. Deleted message

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[NJmaverick]

25. Well you blew your credibility with your personal attacks

so your first comments are easy enough to dismiss

[proud2BlibKansan]

27. Nice personal attack

I've been here long enough to be well known as a lifelong DEMOCRAT and a tireless advocate for the party.

And you? Once again I am asking what campaigns you are working on.

[derby378]

47. I think the use of that circle-D explains a lot

It's the logo of defeat and ineffectiveness.

[proud2BlibKansan]

48. Does that logo not just suck or what?!

LOL

[Name removed]

50. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[proud2BlibKansan]

52. How sweet. Thank you!

:hi:

[NightWatcher]

2. I dont see the purpose of the "pep rally" nor the Comedy Central rallies

It seems like a big waste to me. Nothing will happen because of this and it feels a bit desperate. Maybe the organizers could pay more attention to electing Progressives that would work to end the wars, close Gitmo, improve civil rights, and not just have these feel good catch-all rallies.

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. Because people who attend these rallies are more likely

to work on GOTV and volunteer on campaigns.

Candidates should take advantage of the passion of the folks who go to rallies. Smart candidates do that.

There's also something inspiring about a rally in DC. It's a wonderful experience.

[gadjitfreek]

26. Just found out that NYSUT...

...is organizing buses to take us teachers from New York State down to the rally, and you had better believe I will be on one of them. It will be my first time attending one of these and after watching the Tea Party fanatics have their loony days in the sun, I am glad for the chance to go there myself.

[proud2BlibKansan]

30. Be sure and watch for posts about a DU meetup.

[USArmyParatrooper]

5. I agree!

I mean why focus on the Democratic primaries to decide which Democrats you want in office? Better to wait until the general election and then protest against the Democrats so we can ensure the Republicans take control.

[proud2BlibKansan]

9. Yes because the NAACP, the AFLCIO and all the other sponsoring groups WANT the GOP to take over

:sarcasm:

[Hannah Bell]

11. no, better not to put aaaaany pressure on the dems at all so they can complete their transition to

the republican party of 1980 while the pubs complete their transition to the john birch party of 1965.

[proud2BlibKansan]

16. Insane, isn't it?

LOL

[marmar]

12. A post about a march for justice, equality, jobs and an end to war......

...... and it comes under attack on DU. ...... Incredibly daft.

[demmiblue]

13. +1

I am not surprised, though.

:(

[LWolf]

18. Apparently, justice, equality, jobs, and an end to war aren't

priorities for some DUers.

:shrug:

[USArmyParatrooper]

21. Strawman

It's that we disagree with the premise of the OP that

- We shouldn't have Democratic pep rallies during election season

- President Obama is against all of those things.

[proud2BlibKansan]

29. Pleading a cause in DC is now interpreted as necessary because the president isn't in favor

of the cause.

More unbelievable bullshit.

[USArmyParatrooper]

31. Who are they protesting?

"Let’s Have a Real Protest, Not a Democratic Pep Rally, on October 2nd"

[proud2BlibKansan]

35. From the OP:

* $Trillions for jobs and education, not wars and bank bailouts.
* Bring the troops, mercenaries and war dollars home from Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, now!
* Stop government attacks on unions, Muslims, immigrants and people of color. Civil liberties for all.
* End U.S aid to Israel. Billions for jobs, not occupation. End the siege of Gaza. Free Palestine!

[USArmyParatrooper]

36. Let's see here

–noun
1.
an expression or declaration of objection, disapproval, or dissent, often in opposition to something a person is powerless to prevent or avoid: a protest against increased taxation.

"Let's have a real protest NOT a Democratic pep rally"

On the eve of an election where Democratic house and senate seats are on the line, let's NOT have a Democratic pep rally (making it a point to throw that in there) - but rather have an expression of our disapproval. But to address what their points...

* $Trillions for jobs and education, not wars and bank bailouts.

There has already been tons of money for jobs and education.

* Bring the troops, mercenaries and war dollars home from Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, now!

The Iraq war is ending on schedule and Obama has already put out a timeline to withdraw from Afghanistan - which wasn't even a campaign promise.

* Stop government attacks on unions, Muslims, immigrants and people of color. Civil liberties for all.

How are the Washington Democrats attacking unions, Muslims, immigrants and people of color? How are they attacking our civil liberties?

* End U.S aid to Israel. Billions for jobs, not occupation. End the siege of Gaza. Free Palestine!

Again, billions have already been poured out for jobs. As for the Palestinians, it would be helpful if they would stop attacking Israeli civilians on the eve of peace talks.

[proud2BlibKansan]

38. So did you support the bank bailouts?

And the war?

Do you keep up with current events? AZ passed a horrific anti-immigrant law not long ago. Other states and local govts are looking into similar laws. This says 'government' not Washington Democrats.

We couldn't disagree more on Palestine but I don't want this thread moved to the I/P forum so I'll say no more on that topic.

At any rate, thanks for kicking the thread!

[USArmyParatrooper]

40. An answer to each.

"So did you support the bank bailouts?"

Yes.

"And the war?"

Which one?

"Do you keep up with current events? AZ passed a horrific anti-immigrant law not long ago. Other states and local govts are looking into similar laws. This says 'government' not Washington Democrats."

So they go to protest in Washington, and make it a point "NOT to have a Democratic pep rally" to protest what local and state governments are doing.

[proud2BlibKansan]

42. More we disagree on

I don't support bailing out banks and providing no accountability for how they spend the money.

I have not supported any of the wars in the middle east.

And I believe a march in DC is a great motivator for GOTV. You know all those idiot teabaggers are going to vote.

[USArmyParatrooper]

43. The only problem I have is the snipe against Democrats and Obama

On the eve of the election. Why not just say, "we're marching on these issues"? Why "Let's not have a pep rally for Democrats"?

[LWolf]

41. Nope.

You just clearly communicated that you are more concerned about elections than issues.

You don't think we should be actively working to affect issues "during election season." Clear priorities.

And, of course, after "election season," we're told to "give him/them time." And, of course, once they've had time, then its "you didn't get your pony," "there weren't enough votes (in a Democratic Congress,)" "you never liked __________ to begin with," etc..

Then, suddenly, it's "election season" again. There's always an excuse for not actively working to affect issues.

[proud2BlibKansan]

19. It's just unbelievable

Meanwhile, here in red state hell, the teabaggers are out door knocking all weekend. I just had one come to my door. I am very active in the local Democratic party and a precinct chair. My entire household is registered Democratic so we don't generally get GOPers at our door during campaign season. I also have an antiwar sign in my front yard. So it came as a shock that a tebagger working on GOTV knocked on MY door.

Meanwhile I am attacked here on DU for my values which used to be considered Democratic party values.

Just unbelievable.

[jaxx]

17. Unrec'n this because it's just another 'it ain't good enough' piece.

The author is as anti-Obama as they come. He started bitching about him before the election and hasn't stopped since.

[demmiblue]

28. Soooo....

how come this response is not considered a personal attack?

:shrug:

[jaxx]

32. Cause it's aimed at the article.

All the stuff the Glen guy writes is in the 'it's not good enough' category.

[demmiblue]

33. Apologies.

I thought your criticism was aimed at the OP.

:hi:

[jaxx]

34. Ok thx.

[demmiblue]

20. Forgot to rec! +1

:patriot:

[BuelahWitch]

51. Another rec!

:patriot:

[Bitwit1234]

22. Bet the tea bags will say only HUNDREDS showed up

and what you wanta bet the media doesn't even cover it.

[LynneSin]

37. Have fun. If I wanted to protest democrats I would have went to Beckkkapaloosa

I have no problem holding a sign that says "End War" or "More Job" or something to that nature but I'm not here to derail democrats.

I'll stay at home and help get more elected

[proud2BlibKansan]

39. I'm working every other weekend between now and election day

on various Democratic candidates' campaigns.

The NAACP and AFLCIO are the main organizers for this march. I don't believe they are against Democrats.

[rug]

44. You've pointed out the real contradiction. Most of that agenda is not the Democratic Party's agenda.

And that agenda is more important.

[proud2BlibKansan]

45. Party first?

If that works for you, go for it.

[rug]

46. You misread the post.

[proud2BlibKansan]

49. Sorry

You're right. Excuse my bad jump.

[maryf]

53. kicknt