How much more needs to happen before liberals are finally pressed into action?

[Writer]

Real, meaningful action. Not just rhetoric, because that's the problem - we're caught too much in the rhetoric of politics and not enough in true political practice.

It's great if we can voice our discontent with the lopsided state of the economy, but the truth is that we will see NO CHANGE until we start organizing within our communities. Educating our fellow citizens on the virtues of lessening wealth disparity. Of fighting for even stricter financial reform laws. Of raising wages for all Americans - not just those at the very top. Of teaching the RELEVANCE of liberal policies to other people living within our communities.

What is it going to take? It's as if we're filled with so much psychic damage from years of Cold War thinking that we have to wait around for someone with a title to tell us what to do. We don't need to wait for anyone. We have the education, talent, and population size to change America's political culture for the better.

We need to MOBILIZE.

[mzteris]

1. actually VOTING would be a start. . .

a big :puke: for those who "stayed home to send a message". The message received seems to be "america- turn right".

How's that fit of pique working out for ya?

[polichick]

3. It was Obama's indies who didn't vote - not liberals. nt

[Andy823]

11. No it was

Independents "AND" liberals that didn't vote, along with the younger voters.

[Exilednight]

13. You of course have data to back that up .........

because all the data I've seen points to the independents and Republicans who voted for Obama during the last presidential election.

[Beacool]

17. Independents voted.

They just didn't vote for the Democrats.

[dbonds]

2. Any suggestions as to how?

I'm getting pretty old to be out protesting and doing physical stuff, but I would be happy to make a good attempt at something before I move out of the country.

[Writer]

6. Here's what I would do:

Hold a community meeting. Contact your local library for meeting space, post signs in public places, and hold a meeting to discuss the state of the economy and what political goals you all feel will help improve that state for middle class America. Introduce the idea of forming a community group or organization committed to pushing for liberal solutions. Perhaps you won't want to protest yourself but maybe there are some who would consider holding a small rally with a sign-up table, perhaps a couple of speeches, leafleting, etc. Start getting the word out. Start educating others on what can be possible.

And most importantly, if there's a college nearby - REACH OUT TO THEM!

[woo me with science]

14. Yeah, keep us posted on that.

I find absolutely fascinating what you "would" do.

[polichick]

4. I'm wondering if the group Bold Progressives will be the vehicle...

...to electing more and more liberals - maybe even supporting a primary challenge, which could help us keep the WH.

[Bitwit1234]

5. Sure voting is a start but to get those people to vote and our way

WE HAVE TO HAVE OUR OWN ORGANIZATIONS. Our organizations that motivate the people to get out and vote. Organizations to look into ways we can raise money from those richer than us for our candidates. THIS IS HOW THE REPUBLICANS MOTIVATE PEOPLE TO VOTE. We should do it also.

[Writer]

7. I absolutely agree. We need to organize from the bottom up.

But what I'm suggesting is not to work within the standard political process - it's politics with a small 'p', not Party Politics with a capital 'P'. It's great to raise money for candidates, but it's more important to focus your attention on political culture. You need to return the word 'liberal' back to its true meaning.

[stray cat]

8. I don't know - what is holding you back from bringing meaningful change to the US?

[Writer]

9. There is very little holding me back from bringing meaningful change to the US.

And likely little holding you back, either.

[southernyankeebelle]

10. Until the liberals get mobilized like the teabaggers we will not win anything. I would start with

getting money out of politics first. You got to want it as bad as the teabaggers did. Only you must explain the issues better and make it a true grass roots organization just like they did in the 60s. We can do it.

[ibegurpard]

12. well, when you have to fight your own party to do it that's a problem

[treestar]

15. K&R

That is what self government is about.

[denimgirly]

16. Conservatives are driven into action by Fear // Progressives are driven into action by Ideals

For progressives to want to hit the streets there needs to be a strong leader that appeals to their dreams of ideals...paints a picture of this dreamscape of something fantastic.
The last one to do it was Obama in 2008, before that...vietnam protests (?) ...Obama was a master. Sadly he openly admits he has dropped it.

We need someone as masterful at painting pictures (and as good at speaking) as Obama and the fire and genuine love for Progressives that Howard Dean has. And then get this guy on a bus traveling the country and doing what Obama did. But make these progressives hungry to take to the streets. Ideally, get them angry that their ideals are so close but being thwarted by the rest of the democrats (yes, democrats) and republicans.

I would love ot see progressives become as rabid dogs as the French are about any issue...they take to the streets and riot and demand change or France will burn...lol...they are passionate!