Progressive Influence at the State Convention
The state Democratic convention is coming up this Satursday, June 9. If you are a delegate from your Represenative District, and if you consider yourself a progressive, then please make sure you come to the Progressive Democrats for Delaware’s monthly meeting this Wednesday, on June 6, at 7 pm at the Delaware Democratic Party HQ’s, 19 E. Commons Blvd, in New Castle.
At this meeting, we will be the status of various bills in the General Assembly, as well as hearing an update from the Endorsement Committee concerning which candidates have filed to run for office, and which have completed the PDD’s Endorsement Survey. But most importantly, we will be discussing the upcoming state Democratic Convention in Dover on Saturday, June 9. If you cannot make the meeting on Wednesday, please email Paul Baumbach at PDDEmail@gmail.com.
Progressive Democrats for Delaware (PDD) is a grassroots Liberal action group pledged to support a wide range of progressive legislation and candidates at the local, state and federal levels. PDD meetings are open to all like-minded voters.
Is it only open to Democrats? I won’t be able to make it as I’m going to be under interrogation by the KCGOP’s Executive Committee, but I know a few other candidates who might be interested in attending, if they’d be welcomed.
“PDD meetings are open to all like-minded voters.”
Which means Democrats and liberal/progressive-leaning independents.
Will, are a Libertarian candidate or a Republican candidate? If you are running for the Republican nomination, then I am sorry, but you are not welcome. It would be like John Kowalko asking for the support of teabaggers downstate.
Further, while Libertarians agree with Progressives on certain social issues and on civil liberties, your economic message and your view of the role of government and the social safety net cannot be more at odds with progressives. Thus, while we can work together on some issues, as a libertarian the meeting is still not open to you.
A meeting of like-minded people gathered to advance their shared political agenda should have a reasonable expectation that the folks who show up will be working with them on that agenda, not questioning or derailing them.
I wouldn’t show up there any more than I would expect DelDem at a Kent County Libertarian meeting.
Policy differences have the appropriate forums in which to air them, but people should be able to do their planning with like-minded individuals in peace.
Thanks Steve. I don’t mean any disrespect, but you can’t expect to address a group if your political aim if elected is to obstruct or destroy everything that group is trying to accomplish.
DD, wouldnt it make sense then to invite, occasionally, people of different political affiliations who share SOME common philosophical ground, so that the shared views can be advanced?
There have been occasions where we have invited in speakers from other organizations on certain issues, like lobbying and environmental issues, the National Popular Vote Movement (which I know many progressives don’t support), etc. Their membership or feity to the progressive cause wasn’t the concern, but the topic of the meeting and the subject matter on which they were speaking was.
So yes, Ben, it does make sense depending on the issue, especially if the issue is one where progressives and the other group agree generally on.
So I can see an instance where a libertarian will be invited to discuss civil liberties.
But what Will is talking about is something completely different. He is talking about addressing the group as a Libertarian/Republican candidate.
The answer to that is no.
I’m not talking about addressing the group. I’m not insisting on coming. I’m asking if people who are not Democrats would be welcome to attend. Even to sit quietly and listen. As I said, I cannot come, even if I were allowed to, but someone like Andrew Groff, who has been nominated for the US Senate by the Green Party, may want to come and may be available.
I happen to think that libertarians and progressives do share a number of key values and goals, and I further think that there would be a lot to gain from trying to find out about each others’ priorities and attempting to work together when it is possible. I understand if you do not want me to come to your meeting, that’s why I asked, but for the record you would all be welcome to attend any of our meetings.
What influence do you hope to have? This is a convention to election national delegates, no?
“Even to sit quietly and listen.” not you Will, never you – with your over-inflated ego and sense of self-importance, hiding a very insecure little boy.
you always always LOUD and STRIDENT and ARGUMENTATIVE – hell, I would not have you at a cocktail party, never mind a convention (unless your role was the comic relief – read= room buffoon)
when you learn to sit down and shut ht F**K up and LISTEN, then you might learn something – but until then, whether you are available or not – you wont be welcome- anywhere
case in point to illustrate above post – Will’s quote here:
“I’m not insisting on coming”
Son, you dont get to INSIST on anything in this venue – you can ASK, and should, a little more respectfully, I might add.
that sentance alone personifies your attitude – which is unwelcome, apparently among the Rethugs and Teabaggers as well – which you seem to align with more or less
But they are desperate – they will take anyone in (as long as they are white and uneducated –
color is barely accepted and only as a token) –
Progressives, well we think a little more deeply on things, tend to be a bit more intellectually discerning and dont like your brand of BS
I said I wasn’t even trying to insist on coming, or even asking for myself. I’m going to “have a talk” with the Kent County GOP’s leadership that day. I was ASKING for others. You should really read more carefully. I’ve also yet to get an answer. Would Andy Groff, for example, be allowed to attend? Bernie August? I don’t even know their schedule or level of interest, but if this is a “Democrats only” meeting I won’t bother asking them. Your hatred for me really is blinding, isn’t it? If I’m so ridiculous and non-threatening, why you mad?