Jackson Free Press

We are the poorest and generally have the lowest standard of living.

Our educational system lends many of our young people to opt out of graduation for a life on the streets or perpetual poverty.

We have a dysfunctional healthcare system where there are fewer doctors per 100,000 people than in TAJIKISTAN (182 versus 218) of all places.

Our mental health agencies are having trouble keeping pace with mental illness claims.

Teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases top many national lists.

I could go on, but we get the picture. These issues have traditionally been - and continue to be - where most Americans favor Democrats over Republicans. And, yet, in Mississippi the Democratic Party seems to be fading into the distance well behind the Republican Party.

Just look at the major election cycle in the last 4 years and the current cycle. There has yet to be any major candidate from the Democratic party to compete with the dominance of the Mississippi Republican institution. That begs to question: what is happening with the Mississippi Democrats?

I refuse to believe its solely a function of Republicans dominating in the Southeast. Even Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Virginia, and Louisiana have competitive Democratic organizations. They have electable state officials and money, to boot.

Is there something different about Mississippi? The concern here is not about the State Party, but about the real issue of democracy. Can we have a functioning democracy without a strong second voice? Can Republican politics and Republican ideology really solve all our problems?

Or, do Democrats in Mississippi have something to offer? I think they do. My concern is that the Democrats in Mississippi are soon to become an afterthought - akin to some third party with little relevance leaving many of its vulnerable and poorest constitutients to fend for themselves.

What are your thoughts? Have I been out of the loop - which is possible - with the MS Democratic party? Maybe my good friend Kate Jacobson and others can help me to see what the MS Democrats are doing / planning to compete with the major political machine that is the Mississippi Republican Party.

Also, please no excuses that Mississippians are ignorant or that its the National DNC, etc. What can we do to regain a competive dual party system in Mississippi again?

Previous Comments

ID

113357

Comment

Tom and I have had this debate before. The Miss. Democrats need to come out of their lazy, good-old-boy recliners and actually make good on that "better future" they've been not-quite accomplishing for ages now. Quit siding with "them" (whomever "they" are accused of being, mind you) and stand up for everyone.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-07-03T17:55:46-06:00

ID

113358

Comment

... And stand up for everyone like the republican party is doing now, I suppose is the logical deduction!!!??? Once the Democratic party stopped being a mere tool or contest of who could out-backward, out-hate and out-n_____ the other person; and some meritorious change, real moralality and diversity entered the ranks, people fled like they did neighborhoods and schools upon integration. While I lament the fall of the Democratic party, at least I can marvel at the diversity, morality, inclusion, honesty, example, et al, of the republican party. No wonder the rest of the world loves and looks up to us without any hate.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-07-05T14:46:04-06:00

ID

113359

Comment

Ray, Ray, Ray.... I think your attempt at sarcasm is lost here. I'm saying if the Miss. Dem party wanted to actually revitalize itself here, it'd better get up and find something that defines it. Right now, it doesn't have that. The Republicans, on the other hand, can get away with "We're not them. Vote for us!". Right now it might have an impressive list of ideals, but I couldn't for the life of me find a democrat working towards anything but job security.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-07-05T15:57:16-06:00

ID

113360

Comment

Alright Iron, you may be on to something now. The Dems do need to find some platform issues that hook and invigorate people of all races and types, if that is possible. I also agree that the Dems will have to work harder to do this. The Dems may have to also employ a win at all cost approach since this is clearly what the repubs have done with little or no fallout unless you count the election of a year ago. I'm still bewildered that so many people were so dumb or careless to allow the repubs to get away with this and injure the country in such a devastating manner.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-07-05T16:09:46-06:00

ID

113361

Comment

No, you've missed something. The Republicans got away with their program because no one challenged them. More Moderate and Logical Republicans, Democrats and anyone else bailed on their job to challenge them.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-07-05T16:12:15-06:00

ID

113362

Comment

The larger question is : What should MS Democrats do and why aren't those voices heard at the Party HQ?

Author

John Sawyer

Date

2007-07-05T20:02:20-06:00

ID

113363

Comment

Prove they could move Mississippi to a better future, not just slavishly follow the will of a national party that couldn't care less.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-07-05T20:14:11-06:00

ID

113364

Comment

Hi John! Well, Mississippi Democrats, and the State Party, are doing more than I can list in a quick blog response. For the past two years, the party has been hiring staff, raising money, creating a voter file, taking on real issues against Haley Barbour, providing campaign training, and building a grassroots network across the state- all in preparation for the 07 and 08 election cycles. Is everything done and completed? Of course not, and it never will be, but they will continue to build the party. As for Democrats in the state, folks have been working with the party to build the grassroots network for raising money and GOTV this fall. State Executive Committees are preparing to hold primaries in August, and several organizations are holding political rallies and fish frys across the state so everyone can meet and greet with candidates. People are also running for office as Democrats, and not just because they think they can win as a Democrat but because they believe in the Democratic principles such as fully-funding education and reducing one of the highest grocery taxes in the nation in poorest state. They are challenging long-time Republican incumbents who have not worked to beneift their constituents and the people of Mississippi, but rather worked to stay in the good graces of Haley Barbour. We have several overly qualified candidates running for statewide office- from transportation commissioner to governor- who genuinely want to improve the quality of life for Mississippians. I hope this answers your questions without dragging on too much. I would encourage anyone who thinks the State Party or candidates aren't doing enough to contact them and volunteer your time and resources if you really believe in the process and want to make a difference.

Author

Kate Jacobson

Date

2007-07-06T08:31:15-06:00

ID

113365

Comment

You can complain about the party all you want but the faces of the party are what needs changing. It's true, the state party has hired staff and have been much more active than in the past.. but that's the people in the state party office. Unfortunately, we still have the same miserable "Democrats in Republican clothing" elected officials. In Mississippi, it's rare to find a true Democrat. From my own personal view, the state party lost me when they made sure to include in their state stances that they will protect the "sanctity of marriage" and that the state party endorses marriage as only between a man and a woman. I can assure you the state party is nowhere near alignment with the national party on gay and lesbian rights issues. I got an email once from Howard Dean begging me to support my state party. I promptly replied to him that noway in hell was I supporting my state party until they started supporting ME!

Author

Jo-D

Date

2007-07-06T08:50:54-06:00

ID

113366

Comment

Jo-D, I've been approached by several people within the Democratic party to participate on a higher level and know of at least one LGBT person that is heavily involved in sparking change within the state party. Some of the mid-to-high ranking people in the party DO want LGBT participation and know it fits more inline with the national position. So, there are some changes slowly brewing within the party and many realize the truth to some of your comments about the Republicans in Democrat clothing... Of course, it's sort of like the Metro discussion. If you're not willing to be part of the change and can only provide criticism, it won't happen. You, of all people, should be very aware of how appearing and voicing your opinion (to those that matter) can eventually lead to change; especially if your building bridges and working towards positive change. So, if you're a Democrat, I suggest trying to get involved, providing constructive criticism, and helping further the progression. It's already quietly under way. I know this for a fact. Since I don't subscribe to either party, I can't really be of assistance to the Democrats. I personally think political parties are crap... I vote based on the candidate not their party affiliation.

Author

kaust

Date

2007-07-06T09:03:50-06:00

ID

113367

Comment

BTW, the young Democrats of Mississippi sponsored OUToberfest last year. It wasn't a huge donation but they certainly showed financial support for a queer organization/festival and actually attended the event. So, I can say I've witnessed people affiliated with the state's Dem party reaching out to the LGBT community to reconcile that huge gap. Like I said, it's happening slowly but surely.

Author

kaust

Date

2007-07-06T09:06:10-06:00

ID

113368

Comment

I am not going to be "part of the change" when it comes to MetroC because MetroC has NOTHING to offer me.. nothing to entice me to come shop there. I'm not going there just to buy a pair of socks hoping that will keep them open one more day. As for the Dem party, I've tried thoroughly to get involved - personally and EqMS organizationally - and all I get is lip service. It's that old saying about knowing where you're not wanted? Or maybe they just want some good ole obedient gays and I don't fit that bill as you well know. I'm Libertarian according to a positions test I took but doubt I'll see a Libertarian win a position that matters anytime soon, so like you I vote for the person, not the party.

Author

Jo-D

Date

2007-07-06T09:10:24-06:00

ID

113369

Comment

Yes, I'm aware of the more progressive Young Democrats of MS.. I was actually talking to the director of Equality Tennessee yesterday about the YDMS and their past involvement with us. Unfortunately, they can't do much with the higher-ups/office of the their parent, the actual state party - at least not until they ARE the higher-ups/office.

Author

Jo-D

Date

2007-07-06T09:18:08-06:00

ID

113370

Comment

I'd love to see more expression of political diversity around here. I'm not a Democrat (in fact, am incoming Chair of the Libertarian Party of Mississippi), but I root for them on a healthy variety of issues & occasions. The state dems lost me altogether on the sanctity of marriage issue. And I'm watching to see how/if the national dems will get something inspiring going soon. But I'm too focused on revitalizing my own state party ATM to be too caustic toward the state dems (for now!).

Author

Rob Andrews

Date

2007-07-08T09:25:39-06:00

ID

113371

Comment

Since the race for major offices, for all practical purposes, will almost always boil down to republicans or Democrats, aren't those who claim other affiliations and independence, aiding the new republicans party which has always had amoral, oligarchial, racist and selfish viewspoints. They can hook millions by lying that Democrats will be soft on the military and against family values; yet I know no one with more questionable family values than them unless lying, corruption and pathology count as values.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-07-08T11:58:27-06:00

ID

113372

Comment

Ray, the slander you get away with is amazing. If I told such lies about the democrats I'd be kicked off the board in a second. Yet you get away with it. I'll be back to this when you're ready to debate and not start a flamewar.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-07-08T12:54:43-06:00

ID

113373

Comment

Ironghost, I merely asked a question and commented. No slander at all. You didn't answer the question, and you, as usual, accused me of slander since you didn't like what I said. Also, Iron, I happen to know what slander really is, and you don't from this reply. I admit my characterization doesn't fit every single repub, but it fits many. I didn't characterize Libetarians or Independents at all. I merely asked a question concerning them. I'm opened to learning better and being corrected. Where is the proof to the contrary? I'm not stupid, and I've interacting with thousands of republicans for decades looking for proof to the contrary, to not find any. Show me I'm wrong and I'll change immediately! Blindness is a curable disease. While you try to analyze me, don't forget what you initially wrote on this subject matter. Is that not evidence of propoganda or pathology of some kind disquised as something innocent? Who is the"them" you spoke of? My apology to anyone I've actually wronged, if any.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-07-08T13:20:48-06:00

ID

113374

Comment

I'm not playing that game, Ray.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-07-08T14:01:10-06:00

ID

113375

Comment

Without complete honesty Iron we can never get anywhere. I'm not deceiving myself about either party, and most definitely not about the one in power right now. Look where deceit has gotten us! The game is all yours. Cheers.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-07-08T14:21:56-06:00

ID

113376

Comment

I did not mean to imply that Libertarians or Independents are the new republican party. My reference to new republican party was to show that the republican party of today and the last few decades is not the republican party of Lincoln or the party that existed prior to the Dixiecrats fleeing the Democratic party to the repub party. I have more respect for Libetarians and Independents than that. Thanks for asking the question Kingfish, although off the blog. I'm offering Donna money right now to get you back on. I'm worried I'll need millions I don't have. My question is whether not identifying with either party allows the most unscrupulous party whether Democrat or republican to win easily and have it's way without recourse?

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-07-08T14:41:53-06:00

ID

113377

Comment

I don't see any "slander" here or attempts at flame wars. Certainly, there has been generalizing about both parties here—attempts to talk about what's wrong with the *party*—not necessarily all their members. And, Iron, Ray is right: the "new" Republican Party has built itself by using race-baiting. That is just a fact, and even many Republicans admit it. That doesnt mean that every single person who calls him/herself a Republican is a racist or corrupt, but the people who have led and strategized the GOP of late are downright rascals. They, in effect, are the same ones (or students of) the people who led and strategized the Democratic Party of old before the parties switched. Now, clearly the GOP as we've known it is going down hard, so it remains to be seen whether Dems can figure out how to capitalize on that in a good, meaningful way, or if something less corrupt and racist can take its place. I rather hope both happens to give us disenchanted folks some choices.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-08T15:55:47-06:00

ID

113378

Comment

I hope this answers your questions without dragging on too much. I would encourage anyone who thinks the State Party or candidates aren't doing enough to contact them and volunteer your time and resources if you really believe in the process and want to make a difference. Kate, I appreciate your post, but I'll respond with a question: If a tree falls in a forest with no one there to see it, did it make a "sound"? In other words, Mississippi's Democratic Party better figure out how to talk to, really talk to, disenchanted voters about its goals, and changes it is making, or it will never be effective again. And it needs to learn to stand up to the national political figures, and demand that presidential candidates who touch down here really get out and mix it up with Mississippians, especially younger ones, or our voters are going to continue to think that the Democratic Party doesn't give a damn about this state because we're not as alikely to vote blue. That is a self-perpetuating cycle, and the Dems needs to figure it out and so something about it. I can see this unequivocally: The Mississippis Dems have p!ssed me off more times than the Republicans have in this state because they continually squander opportunities to connect with "independent" voters (meaning don't like either party, which includes myself most of the time) because they are too busy playing petty personal politics and worrying about what some Democratic official yuck thinks about something. They don't run candidates against people like Chip Pickering during times when the Republicans are a mess. They act like they're more likely to endorse Lott or Barbour than the Republicans are. They are scared of their damn shadows when it comes to abortion and other wedge issues, pretending to be anti-abortion in public even if they're not (I know some state Repubs who do this, too.). They go around pretending that they're almost as conservative as Republicans. They act like nothing has changed in this state in 40 years, much less understand the dramatic changes of the last four or five years. They can't even figure out how to point out to voters what a mess Republicans made of the Gulf Coast after Katrina. It's time to sh!t or get off the soapbox.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-08T16:03:23-06:00

ID

113379

Comment

Can't we just ditch the "parties" and start over? Sheesh. "When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation." Seems to be pretty fitting, eh?

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-07-08T20:24:07-06:00

ID

113380

Comment

In the course of human events, the party system under current discussion will indeed likely be ditched. For the moment, however, I'll keep doing what I can to empower me some Libertarians. ;)

Author

Rob Andrews

Date

2007-07-08T20:46:57-06:00

ID

113381

Comment

Can't we just ditch the "parties" and start over? Sheesh. If that would only be possible. I, too, wish there were no such thing as political parties. It would force politicians and wanna-bes to vote with real conviction instead of being tied to a political party and corporations. It would also make people really research a candidate instead of automatically voting for someone with a D or R behind his or her name. Having no party labels may actually bring back civility in politics. That would be a refreshing change.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-07-08T21:07:50-06:00