The danger lies ahead. [View All]

[Cuban_Liberal]

Like most of you, to say that I was unhappy about Tuesday's election would be an understatement. I am angry. I am sad. I am depressed. Most of all, I am frightened, and the major source of my fear rests with many of my fellow Democrats, rather than the Republicans. The reason for this is simple: I know, or can guess what the Republicans will do in the next 2-4 years, but I cannot say the same about the Democrats.

In 1930, I believe that many--- even most--- would have looked at Europe and said, "These are civilized nations. The arts, literature and music have reached a zenith unparalleled in recorded history.", and they would have been right. Had someone asked "Do you think that any of these nations will, in the next 10-15 years, engage in the systematic extermination of 6.5 million Jews, and perhaps 10-20 million other people?", virtually everyone would have said "No, of course not. Don't be ridiculous!" . Sadly, we now know that neither the question nor an affirmative answer to it, would be ridiculous; rather, it would have been correct, even prescient.

This is the danger that WE face, my friends, and I already see it taking root. Many right here at DU--- all of then self-identified progressives--- are attemptig to assure the rest of us that "It won't be as bad as all that", or "They would never dare do something that outrageous", and so on. I wish I could believe it, because maybe I could sleep easily for the next four years, but I do not believe it. I have seen the calls for a radical agenda, heard Bush speak about 'mandates' and 'political capital', and seen his Congressional toadies nod in unison. I hear my party responding to the 'reach out' rhetoric in a positive manner, some even running to embrace those whose political agenda is anathema to anything and everything remotely progressive. I see others in this party willing to jettison commitments to issues of basic human rights, like the rights of gay men and women to be free to seek employment when and where they choose, just like anyone else.

I can see a 'Krystalnacht' in the not-too-distant future, if we do not rein in the Republican party; in order to do this, we must become a true opposition party, and we must never seek appeasement, because one sure way to appease a hungry tiger is to allow oneself to be eaten by it.

I am gay. I am a Democrat. I am a progressive. I will not go quietly, nor will I cooperate with those who seek to disenfranchise me of my civil liberties, and neither should you.