Carl writes:
> Anti-rationalism is the basic problem the left has
to deal with, and to do that the left must stop sucking
up to the religious worldview and actively seek to
demonize religion as a social force.
Since Blacks voted for Kerry 9 to 1 and are among the most religious of Americans, I guess we have to demonize them as well. The problem isn't religion, it is religion mixed with white people.
> The left should purge itself of any and all religious
affiliations and rebuild itself entirely as a secular movement.
The problem is actually that the left has become too secular. Doug noted that Karl Rove exploited a basic fear in people who then found a restful spot in the platform/platitudes/promises of the Republican Party.
While secualrism may prove such respite for the overschooled, it does nothing for most Americans. Leftists now give the impression of having a different set of concerns than most Americans. I do not believe that this is true. I think what Leftists have is a different way of addressing a common set of concerns. If Leftists can shed their attitude they will find more success.
> Religious people are morons who believe in magic solutions
to real problems; their judgment is, ipso facto, unsound.
Both my husband and I do not believe in magic solutions, are religious and are not morons. If the Left can get beyond this type of thinking, there is hope. Otherwise the Left will alienate Blacks and Hispanics who should be central to the Left that arises out of this setback.
> Give me a secular U.S. left, or give me a plane ticket to Canada!
Which city? I think if the Left purges, not religious leftists, but secularists such as Carl, we will have a much better chance of securing the levers of power.
In terms of relocation, I would also suggest that a Relocation Fund be started. It can be funded through bake sales, car washes and other fund raisers. Carl and other like-minded secularists should be given passage to Canada, while progressives who want to work in America should be given funds to relocate to blue states. Those willing to move to the most evenly divided blue states should be given priority. Ohio should also be near the top of the list.
Sacrifices will have to be made. Progressives in red states have to accept the fact that they can no longer live anywhere they want if the Left is to succeed. Pioneer Leftists will help to overpopulate blue states which will then attract even more people who want to live in the communities we will be creating in these states.
With respect to Deborah and her view, I disagree about same-sex marriage. My husband and I are going to be married in Canada and then sue New York State to recognize our union. Leftists must help to create queer power centers in blue states. We must also help to create a Queer Underground Railroad that helps queer youth reach these new power centers.
As more and more people are drawn to living in blue states, we will be able to assert ever more control over local politics through organizing and the ballot box. As we create ever more progressive and liveable communities, more people will be drawn, thereby increasing our power base.
Red states should be seen as toxic and the very fact of their being labeled red should now be seen as denoting Danger!! Uninhabitable!! It is possible to elect a minority progressive president. Kerry could have won if he had taken Ohio, and would still have lost the popular vote by 3 million votes. From what I have read on the list, changing the electoral college would be close to impossibke, so the best route is to take it over through sheer numbers and then use it to our own advantage.
The core of this Left will be Blacks, Hispanics, women and queers. White males had their shot (several of them in fact) and have been found wanting. This will be a Left that helps people to solve problems on the ground and in the streets rather than spinning fancy theories. We will also start Theorists Anonymous groups for those who cannot go cold turkey and need a 12-step approach.
Brian Dauth Queer Buddhist Reister