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Gravel 
Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 06:20 PM CDT
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In watching the Logo forum of major candidates on GLBT issues I was proud of the strides that Democrats and progressives have made to bring us to this point. It was also crystal clear that we have a LONG way to go. It is very disappointing that all of the major Democratic candidates wavered in the face of supporting human rights. It is even more disappointing that every progressive pundit that I have read (granted I have not had time to read a lot) has prefaced their remarks about Kucinich and Gravel with comments like "even though they are completely unelectable..."
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.
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Sat Feb 03, 2007 at 11:33 AM CST
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(Mr Holmes keeps us informed. Here is Day 2. - promoted by Matt Glazer)
The 2nd day of the Winter DNC meeting brought more candidate speeches and more campaigning. We heard from the remaining candidates and handled a little business.
One bit of business was the Young Democrats' attempt to get "youth" included as a required target in each state's delegate selection plan for the National Convention as nearly any other constituency you can think of is already included.
The attempt failed, but each state will be pressured to add youth targets anyway. Texas will have it.
Now, about the candidate speeches today:
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