|
"Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself."
-- Federalist No. 51
The democratic victories across the nation in the 2006 elections are a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the grass roots. They are the result of the countless hours invested in the communities in what we were told were red or blue states. Grass roots activists labored in the faith that the US Constitution is more powerful than the Imperial Presidency, and that true democracy is stronger than the machine politics of the republican party.
"Angels and sailors.
rich girls, backyard fences, tents,
Dreams watching each other narrowly ....
Gently they stir, gently rise.
The dead are newborn awakening
With ravaged limbs and wet souls
Gently they sigh ..."
-- James Douglas Morrison; An American Prayer
It is important in the upcoming weeks that we continue to be active participants in the democratic process. We should not become passive, and allow the democratic victories to be defined as the work of a handful of politicians at the top. The true power of democracy, and indeed all those strengths defined by the Bill of Rights, are properly found at the grass roots level. And that power isn't limited to any one front, such as yesterday's elections. We have the ability to be active on all fronts -- today and tomorrow.
We need to advocate for our rights. There are a variety of interests on a forum such as the Democratic Underground. In the past, we have seen that our enemy has been able to isolate each interest, like an individual finger that they can twist and break. But when we put our fingers together, we form a powerful fist. And with that fist, we are best able to confront our common enemies.
Medical insurance. The environment. Marraige rights. Jobs. Education. Anti-war. There are many fingers. Many DUers know that I have an interest in the Plame scandal; in upcoming weeks, we will discuss organizing efforts to get the House of Representatives to begin investigations of VP Cheney's role.
It's been six years of lies and evil under this Bush administration. But we have survived. We are stronger than our enemies wanted us to know. The corporate media did its best to convince us that we are weak and disorganized. It's a lie. And they own that lie. It's come back to haunt them.
"Do you know how pale & wanton thrillful
comes death on a strange hour
unannounced, unplanned for
like a scaring over-friendly guest you've
brought to bed"
-- James Douglas Morrison; An American Prayer
The republican party is waking up, and looking across their pillows to see the face of Katherine Harris. She is symbolic of the crime that gave birth to this administration; she is the reality of their lose.
With our victories yesterday comes a birth of opportunity. But we cannot afford to take anything for granted. We need to remain active. We need to make democracy real in the lives of Americans.
I would like to thank all of you who participated in the American process.
|
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
