I don’t even know all the questions.
But I try.
So I hope you’ll forgive me when I’m wrong.
It happens a lot.
I hope you’ll understand when you disagree with me, or get angry or take offense. Again, it happens a lot.
Happened a few days ago when I put up a post about the Dem bench…or lack thereof.
Nodding my head at your diagnosis of the problem, then I get to your proposed solution...
— □ MERRY MONTANA GUY □ (@veryMontanaGuy) December 4, 2017
Which seems to be that the @MTDems should embrace GOP policies and racism.
Baffling.
I'd prefer they just adopt the Bernie platform. #mtpol #mtsen #mtal #mtleg
Yep…an anonymous account, an anonymous voice. But a voice, nonetheless. Ahh…how politicians enjoy feedback.
And they’ve got a point.
“…that MT Dems should embrace GOP policies…”
I left out the “and racism” part.
And the “I’d prefer they [the MT Dems] just adopt the Bernie platform.”
So there you have it…don’t embrace the GOP…go more left toward Bernie.
There are points here, but I don’t feel they’re points that could win in Montana.
First of all, many people don’t like the ‘Socialist’ label that’s been applied to Bernie. Next, many don’t feel the GOP policies are racist.
Sure, maybe some are…but not most. Racist policies aren’t why Trump’s president right now. It’s because he had a better message against a weaker candidate.
But let’s get back to these GOP policies.
What are they?
And are GOP policies different in Montana compared to the national level?
Because I can tell you one GOP-style philosophy that’s played damn-well with Dems and Republicans over the years here, and that’s the property tax rebate check.
#1 Tax Rebate Checks
Only thing wrong with it is that it comes out in June, not in December. Imagine if it came out now, when people could use that money to buy up Christmas gifts in their local economy? That’s the kind of GOP policy we need…and one which Dems need to adopt.
Bill Clinton was one that figured out you take the other guy’s issue and make it your own. It’s one reason he had two terms.
Something else the Dems need to consider is work.
#2 Everyone Works
Everyone needs to work. If you’re on government assistance, you need to work. We have a very low unemployment rate here. I check Craigslist jobs everyday – there are plenty of jobs for everyone.
Coddling those that choose not to work is not a winning issue for Dems. They really want to protect the less-fortunate…and that’s fine. But even the most disabled or kid-at-her-skirt-woman can work some.
Something else Dems might want to realize is that their minorities are not going to vote GOP. At worse, they might stay home.
#3 Shelf the Minorities
It doesn’t have to be permanent. It sure the hell has to be for at least one election cycle, though.
The gays, Indians, Native Americans, border-crossers, Muslims, and Latinos.
Just stop focusing on them. Your continual focus on them over the past few election cycles is one of the big reasons you are losing.
The minorities will cry loudly and say you can’t win without them…but you can’t win with them, either.
Try another approach.
And now…I’m not talking about African Americans.
#4 Blacks Aren’t It
Woops, said 'blacks,' not 'African American'...I must be racist.
Maybe...maybe not - either way, ain't a winning issue f0r Dems.
African-Americans don’t vote. If they did, Doug Jones would win next week. But all the polls in Alabama say his fucked-up opponent will win, and that blacks will stay home.
Like the gays and other minorities, it’s best to leave these folks out for a cycle while you focus on winning.
Again, you’ve had them in your camp for years and couldn’t get it done. Stop pandering and go where the votes are.
And where are they?
#5 White, Working Class Voters
Currently in America, Dems hate white, working class voters.
They call them racist, deplorable, and worthless.
These…these the people that built this country and ensure it runs each day.
Yeah….we don’t make a lot of money, we drink too much beer, and we don’t always pronounce our words right.
But is that any reason to hate us?
We’re what you need if you want to win again. The issues we care about are simple:
- Paying the rent/mortgage
- Paying off student loans
- Buying a house
- Paying for the kids’ college
- Taking care of mom and dad
- Putting a bit away for retirement
- Working hard and having a good time on the weekend
It’s pretty simple. We don’t ask for much…just a little straight talk, no jive.
We’re not stupid, even if you’d like to make us out to be.
Mostly we just work hard and try to keep our heads down, hoping no shit gets on our shoes.
And never forget that our ears are open. We’re receptive to your message…but that doesn’t mean we have to like it. And don’t be offended if we neve hear it – we’re often quite busy working and taking care of the family. Takes up a lot of time.
But we’re out here, and we’re working hard and still not getting by. We know there are problems, we know the current jokers aren’t solving them.
It’s just that you’re not either. We haven’t given up on you, per se…it’s just that we’re biding our time.
I know a lot of you are offended by this post, but let's face it...economics are the ties that bind us. The money in our pocket is one thing we all have in common. the need to pay the rent is one thing we all have in common. Our fear of retirement, and that we wont have enough...we all have this in common.
Let's focus on commonalities. Let's focus on ties that bind.
So razzle-dazzle us. We’re always ready for a good show. We’re always ready for a better future, too.