Moving on, but where?
Late last night I read an interesting article about the Internet activist group MoveOn.org. The article outlined the group's passion and scheme to become a vital part of the Democratic establishment and make 2006 the year of liberal Democrats in Congress. They hope to emulate the congressional revolution of Newt Gingrich in 1994 and thus prove their worth as a lasting political force.
Seems to me, however, that unlike 1994's proven grass roots message of inclusion that resonated across the country and in both major political parties, MoveOn's initiatives have been so far to the left that they alienate the very people it needs to bring about such sweeping change. And then there is the organization's abysmal track record. Rolling Stone's Tim Dickinson chronicled that: they signed 500,000 supporters with an Internet petition, but Bill Clinton was still impeached; Organized 6,000 candlelight vigils worldwide, but the U.S. still invaded Iraq; Raised $60 million from 500,000 donors to air countless ads and get out the vote in the battle-ground states, but still suffered as George Bush handily defeated John Kerry.
One must remember that this group is sometimes called MooreOn.org due to its close affiliation with Michael Moore, one of the most divisive and radically-left persons in the country. One must also remember that the group is not representative of America's middle class, roughly 80 percent of the population.
For the most part, they serve as the voice for devotees who are college-educated, upper-middle class, and who possess a great deal of wealth and leisure time. The movers and shakers of this group are distinctly separated from those they wish to reach. So what does this mean with respect to the group's lofty ambitions?
To me, it means that unless or until MoveOn recognizes that most of America cares about subjects they spend little energy addressing such as terrorism, freedom, employment, health care, and education, they may face difficulty in growing.
However, our government schools have revised history lessons and all but eliminated a focus on civics and citizenship for two generations now. That coupled with the way American demographics have changed, particularly with illegal immigration, may prove this speculation to be way off base.