[statecom-discuss] [Platform] Fwd: Peace movement and the 2008 elections ---------- interview with Judith LeBlanc

[Jim Hammerman]

Dear John,
I'm frightened by your harsh tone and the fact that you seem to be judging 
people based on who they are rather than what they say. This is dangerous 
in a party that values diversity and consensus-seeking. If we can't hear 
and value the ideas and approaches of those who are different from us, 
we'll never be able to learn from one another and grow with one another. 

I wonder, did you even read this piece before lashing out about it? While 
it supports some work on the upcoming elections, it also calls for the 
fundamental importance of grassroots organizing especially around how war 
spending undermines the possibility of creating an economy and society 
that would be healthier and more supportive for the vast majority. It 
calls for people-power to keep politicians of whatever stripe in line. 
Sure, she wants folks to vote Dem rather than Republican. Until we can 
actually get enough of us elected to steer policy in an even more 
progressive direction, I think that's fine, as long as it's not the only 
thing people do. That's where the organizing part comes in and it's where 
if we can join and shape movement building, we can be a real influence and 
make a difference. But not if we merely dismiss anyone who doesn't agree 
with us entirely. 

If you're trying to argue that we shouldn't associate with anyone who 
votes Dem or encourages people to vote Dem, I think we're going to have a 
hard time building this party to a point where we can be a real 
alternative for most folks. But maybe I'm putting words in your mouth. 
Sorry, if so.

I'd be glad to have a civil & respectful discussion about this. Which list 
is the best place for that, or should it happen privately?

Best, 
Jim




"John Walsh" <john.walsh at umassmed.edu> 
Sent by: statecom-discuss-bounces at green-rainbow.org
04/14/08 09:17 AM
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Re: [statecom-discuss] [Platform] Fwd: Peace movement and the 2008 
elections ---------- interview with Judith LeBlanc






Why do you send this to the GRP?
We are founded on the idea that the Dem Party (and the Republican) 
are agents of war, empire, police state and opponents of a better 
life whether it be in the form of single payer or a shorter work week.
The comments of LeBlanc are little more than a call to vote Dem.
And LeBlanc and her buddies at UFPJ and in PDA (Prowar Dems of 
America) are responsible for dividing and weakening the peace movement.
Enough.
john walsh
p.s. As a result UFPJ's contributions fell by 50% last year, almost 
all of that fall in the form of small donations and internet 
donations.  The antiwar movement has seen through the UFPJ leadership 
(and its amen corner in UJP here in MA) as a mouthpiece for the duopoly.