Logo Forum and the left leaning to the middle

by: Hugh Stearns

Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 06:20 PM CDT

It is this uber-realism that helps tether us to the narrow analysis of the mainstream.  Even within the context of pragmatic politics this is a questionable approach.  The two party system that has evolved in this country is unliberal, unprogressive and unpopulist.  One of the few ways that we have to introduce even a modicum of diversity into our political dialog is to support those who have the courage to question the blind and often inhumane assumptions of our culture.  When we preface our remarks by discrediting these statesmen, we give credence to a one size fits all, tyranny of the majority that has no problem with restricting "equal" rights only to a Rupert Murdoch programmed majority.

When we too early abandon the fundamentals of our values for the mechanics of pragmatism the impact is felt broadly.  In addition to marginalizing the values that we wish America to embrace, we also diminish some of our most important tools for making that happen.  The Internet and cable stations such as Logo give voice where it had not previously existed.  Just as people disregard Kucinich and Gravel to the margins of unimportant, so do they place Logo and the GLBT community there.

This is not to say that we should not also be pragmatic.  I for one will probably vote in the primaries for anyone who has a chance and is not in bed with the DLC controlled corporate arm of the Democratic Party. Until then I will talk about the important ideas of Dennis Kucinich and Mike Gravel without first marginalizing their efforts.