Chiming in

Atrios links to Matt Stoller's post at MYDD, Some Real Questions. I have some questions of my own, after reading this quote:

"The bloggers and online donors represent an important resource for the party, but they are not representative of the majority you need to win elections," said Steve Elmendorf, a Democratic lobbyist who advised Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign. "The trick will be to harness their energy and their money without looking like you are a captive of the activist left."

Does he have any idea just how insulting that is? He wants our money. He wants our grassroots energy. But he doesn't give a fuck what is important to us.

Pay attention Mr. Elmendorf- perhaps if you spent more time supporting the core values of the "activist, progressive left," you might actually win a few elections.

We're not lunatics. We're not "fringe" wackadoos. Most of us are intelligent, educated professionals who are a lot more moderate than you give us credit for. You've bought into republican spin that we're some kind of deranged rabble that must be shoved into a corner and hidden from decent folks. That's not only wrong, it's not smart.

We've found our voice and we will not be silenced.

And we will not compromise on our core values. Civil rights. Justice. Equal opportunity. Reproductive freedom for women. An equal playing field for all americans. Educational excellence for all american children. The American Constitution. A sane foreign policy that doesn't make the entire world hate us.

Tell me, what is so crazy about that?

You want my money and my energy? Then step up to the plate, motherfucker. Support the things that are important to me. As Molly Ivins says, if you, the democratic establishment, won't do it, then goddamnit, we'll find someone who will.

Ignore us at your peril.