Differences Between Parties and People

By: Mike Hersh

Some people still say the major differences between Republicans and Democrats are only "skin deep". I respect their opinion, but the facts don't support it. Their premise requires downplaying enormous, important differences. Worse, it blames the worthy and rewards the blameworthy. Progressives have a basic choice. We can respect each other and discuss differences honestly, or else we can ignore facts, exaggerate differences, and waste time.

No one is above reproach or criticism. Democrat, Green, Republican, Socialist, Reform, Natural Law, Libertarian or independent - no person and no party is perfect, and none are worthless. Our common opponents are better organized and better funded than we are. The right wingers are united. We on the center and left are not. Now more than ever before, people on the left and center have to work together for real solutions to real problems.

Some dismiss sincere people who caution against splitting the center / left and diluting the progressive vote. Discussing differences is not "bullying", "bashing", or denying anyone's rights. Dialogue goes both ways, and overreaction makes discussion difficult.

Progressives should agree that no one is always right, and no one has all the answers. For example, Ralph Nader is good at spotting problems, and has achieved a lot. Democrats brought us Medicare, Social Security, the right to organize, and so much more. Moderate Republicans have helped pass civil rights, environmental protection, and other reforms.

However, no matter how much anyone did or does, that doesn't make them perfect. People make mistakes. Discussion of Nader's mistakes and flaws is every bit as legitimate as discussion of Democrats' failures and flaws - and vice versa. We can't afford to draw lines and pretend one or the other is above criticism or beneath contempt.

Naderites say Democrats demonize Nader and overlook real problems in the Democratic Party. That may be true, but we should also agree that Nader's way of "fixing" problems with Democrats actually makes things worse. Nader wants to replace even the most liberal Democrats with right wing Republicans! That's no solution for progressive causes, and unless he's lost his mind, Nader knows it.

Nader uses inconsistent, illogical rhetoric to rationalize his ambitions, prejudices and actions. His objective: destroying the Democratic Party to replace it, makes no sense in any thoughtful progressive context. I think Nader knows better, even if some of his followers don't.

Why would anyone support Nader's cynical crusade? Perhaps it's lack of focus? Naderites ignore differences between progressive Democrats and right wing Republicans to attack every Democrat. Of course, some Democrats deserve criticism and blame, but some are progressive champions. Naderites show a similar lack of focus regarding criticism of Nader. Such comments are often only about Nader - not all Greens, not all 3rd parties, and not people who "vote their conscience".

I worry that anyone who still cannot admit there are and were huge differences between Al Gore and George W. Bush is close to a lost cause. It is a waste of time even trying to discuss anything with them. This is not to say anyone who voted for Nader is a lost cause or a bad person. But with limited time and resources, we have to focus on working together to make a real difference with people willing to do so.

Progressives should honor sincere, accurate criticisms of all people and all parties, then act together to make our planet better. I understand that Nader and hard core Naderites may not accept this, but the rest of us know we have no other choice. If we want to succeed, we have to put aside some real differences and work together with mutual respect.