Looking beyond the heat of the moment

With the general election bearing down on us, it is easy to become overly reactive, to lose track of the bigger picture. The bigger picture that I care about is creating a country that is genuinely progressive, where diversity and pluralism are valued for their own sake, where norms of decency operate in our civil society, where respect for human dignity is the cornerstone of our political realm.

When I begin to contemplate this larger picture, the results of this coming presidential election matter almost not at all. Neither ticket is one I can endorse. For different reasons neither McCain-Palin nor Obama-Biden seem likely to bring this country into a truly progressive mode; it seems to me that either ticket might move the country both a bit closer and a bit further from that mode.

Now this view of the Presidential race has nothing to do with with question of which of the existing political parties has the most potential to become a truly progressive one. The answer to that is clearly the Democratic Party. The more interesting question, which is being put to me by many people from many vantage points, is whether I think the country needs a new option, a new political party. And the answer to that question has only a tangential bearing on the further question of whether, even if we conclude that the country does need a new political party, a new party that is genuinely viable can be successfully launched.

While I will continue to write about day to day happenings related to the general election and especially in the Congressional elections, I am going to use this space, Heidi Li's Potpourri, to slow down and reflect on how we might create a more perfect union, one where human dignity assumes center stage. Carpe diem.

Comments

[Anne]

Heidi, I will enjoy reading whatever you write. I look forward to your future posts.

[grayslady]

Heidi, am so glad you moved to this new home. The Google format made it very difficult to comment. This is much more civilized. Keep up the good fight.

[adamonis]

I am looking forward to reading your wise words. Your blog is a must read everyday!

[carpetride]

My reply to Gloria Steinem's letter in the LA Times:

www.carpetride.wordpress.com

_____________

heidi,
it's long overdue for another party...both the D and R party stopped short of supporting the people long ago. it's mostly lipservice with a few treats thrown to us every once in awhile. i am originally from India--and they have MANY parties---it's a good comparative to study as to whether opening up the playig field might work for us here...

[carpetride]

My reply to Gloria Steinem's letter in the LA Times:

www.carpetride.wordpress.com

_____________

heidi,
it's long overdue for another party...both the D and R party stopped short of supporting the people long ago. it's mostly lipservice with a few treats thrown to us every once in awhile. i am originally from India--and they have MANY parties---it's a good comparative to study as to whether opening up the playig field might work for us here...

[NH]

I respect your idealism and agree that it is always good to strive to the ideal. But no party and no ticket could ever reach the nirvana you describe simply because not everyone shares your vision. The current Democratic Party is led by progressives in name only and doesn't have the potential to move us closer to your ideal. Launching a new party would take a long time and be difficult, but to use the Dem party requires a massive house cleaning. We may accomplish this if we work to defeat Obama in November. If Obama succeeds it will be easier to change the Republican party into the new progressives.

[Boo Radly]

Heidi,

You have been my source for clarity and wise Action! this primary season. Who knew my life long political party could be capable of such heinous actions. I look forward to reading more of your plans and hopes. Thanks for all you do.

[Mirlo]

So nice to be able to comment again.

I am thankful for the slowdown, it is necessary to take a step back in order to have a better oversight. I guess the art is the "dance" between the realms.

[athyrio]

I fully support your goal Heidi and applaud your efforts...You go girl!!!

[democraticjack]

Congrats on the new site.
It is indeed time to sit back and digest. It's been a jam-packed 9 months.
I support your efforts completely and NH's idea that we could change the Republican party into progressives is, well, just laughable. But then we all need a good laugh these days.

[susan h]

Heidi: I enjoy your voice of reason and am happy to be part of your new blog. Both parties have been taken over by extremists and the democratic party is no longer one I can say I am automatically a part of. Moderate and thinking people will look at both sides of an issue to decide what is right. Even John McCain in his acceptance speech tried to get us past partisanship (He has crossed the aisle more than any other senator). No one person or one party has all the answers. My big cry this season is, Where is a moderate, socially liberal leaning (but not to the extreme left) life-long democrat supposed to go in this election who knows how corrupt and "un-democratic" the democratic party has become (No answer has come forth for me yet). I support your efforts to help in this process and look forward to further dialogue on this subject. Thank you.

[Marsha McLean]

I would like to respond to NH's post above. I've already complimented Heidi on her relfexivity. NH: I agree with you that a loss for Obama in November will make it much easier to "clean house" in the Democratic Party. There are many, many sites and groups working against an Obama presidency. One of the reasons I support and work with Heidi and also The Denver Group is that they continue to strive towards positive goals and don't frame themselves as being against something. I am trusting the process, as they say, and trusting the American public to take right action.

[kavala007]

Good for you Heidi to slow down and recharge, Sometimes one can accomplish as much by taking one step backward instead of one step forward. It may be because stepping back a bit gives one a better perspective on what is actually going on. Your writings have always inspired me and I eagerly await each new one. Thank you for all that you do. Heidi Li's Potpourri now has a new bookmark.

[soupcity]

Love your new site. Thanks for all you do. I have learned alot about how things are supposed to work, mainly from you and your writings. Thanks.

[DeborahRememberSenecaFalls]

You're the best Heidi! Your knowledge and insights are invaluable! Keep thinking and sharing with the rest of us. I'll keep reading, learning and engaging in participatory democracy. Thanks!

[Shtuey]

In the wake of the disaster that was Denver 2008 I have been pouring over the words of our nation's founders for inspiration. As an American and a human being I have been shaken to my core having seen the attack on human liberty that has been perpetrated by the Democratic Party's current leadership. We are constitutionally bidden to come to our nation's defense when it is assailed by tyrannical powers from within, as well as from without. John Adams said, "Liberty cannot be preserved
without a general knowledge among the people, who have...
a right, an indisputable, unalienable, indefeasible, divine right to that most dreaded and envied kind of knowledge, I mean the characters and conduct of their rulers." We will shine a light on the truth and restore what was taken from us.

[Amazonia]

Heidi Li,
For weeks I've been reading your erudite posts and really enjoyed
doing some thinking about those issues. I tried to post a couple of times but it was somewhat difficult to get through, however I was able to participate by making contributions to
the Denver Group to carry out the work it did in behalf of Hillary and Democracy.
So Act Blue de-enlisted The Denver group? This is just a
taste of how dissension or opposed
views will be handled
in an Obama administration.
I also think is time to seriously think about forming a viable third party.
One request, would you
consider binding (bundleing?) your analyses made throughout the campaign and sell them in book or binder form on line? The profit could go towards funding the activities
of The Denver Group. I'd be interested in
purchasing one for my
personal library. I'll show my "piece of History" to my friends and family when they visit, and to my grandchildren when I become a grandma.
Thanks again, we really appreciate you
and your work.

Amazonia

[Amazonia]

Heidi Li,
For weeks I've been reading your erudite posts and really enjoyed
doing some thinking about those issues. I tried to post a couple of times but it was somewhat difficult to get through, however I was able to participate by making contributions to
the Denver Group to carry out the work it did in behalf of Hillary and Democracy.
So Act Blue de-enlisted The Denver group? This is just a
taste of how dissension or opposed
views will be handled
in an Obama administration.
I also think is time to seriously think about forming a viable third party.
One request, would you
consider binding (bundleing?) your analyses made throughout the campaign and sell them in book or binder form on line? The profit could go towards funding the activities
of The Denver Group. I'd be interested in
purchasing one for my
personal library. I'll show my "piece of History" to my friends and family when they visit, and to my grandchildren when I become a grandma.
Thanks again, we really appreciate you
and your work.

Amazonia

[Dhyana]

I hope you are able to bring your old posts because they are a good resource to understand many DNC rules.

[avidreader]

Heidi Li,
You know when it is time to "step back" from the issues. I am only learning how to do so now. I want also to learn a bit more regarding the impact of local events on national politics. Detroit's mayor resigned yesterday (under duress-he will serve 120 days in jail and his license to practice law will be revoked). As you know, he is African American and someone in the Democratic Party indicated Obama was reluctant to campaign in Michigan because of a possible identification with the Mayor. I'm not sure why I brought that up, except it is another indication of troubled political times. And why your clear thinking and wisdom are so important. I will continue to visit your site daily and relish your insights.

[amy p]

Heidi Li- you are a true and inspirational American. Thank God for you and your intellect. If you decide to start a new political party, I'll join it.

[roger]

Build it, and they will come...

[Marc F]

Heidi,

I quite agree with you that there is a need for a 3rd major party. It should be called the Constitutional Party just to remind people that we still have a Constitution in spite of all indications to the contrary.

[carpetride]

The Elephant in the Room.

This describes me in a nutcase-shell…I can’t believe I have loosened the reins of the Dim-ocratic Party’s shackles,
and have jumped into the Lion’s den of the Republican camp.
Just testing the water, and so far, the peanuts are the same…except for…SARAH PALIN…
finally a woman on the top ticket. Yes, I am that kind of feminist.

http://www.carpetride.wordpress.com

[Cyn NY]

Heidi, I've always thought of you as a neighbor blog. I guess that's because as I became involved in Hillary's campaign, we hooked up, so it seemed to me you were right next door to my blog.

You can be sure that I will update my links. You are a valued friend that isn't afraid to speak the truth and one I am humbly grateful to know.