THEY WORK FOR US-- AND THEY BETTER NOT FORGET IT

I admit it: most of my friends are pretty progressive and pretty liberal. But you know what? I never heard one saying they think every Democrat elected should be forced to march in lockstep (the way the Republicans do). So what's this new They Work For Us organization all about? The Washington Post tried explaining it yesterday and founder Steve Rosenthal did a great job of it today at Arianna's place.

In effect what they're saying is that there is certainly room for disagreements among good Democrats but that at a certain point when you consistently flout basic, core Democratic values and principles, maybe you're not worthy of calling yourself a Democrat any longer. That sounds a little like the genesis of the challenge to Lieberman, who was fast to show his true colors as soon as he managed to trick Connecticut voters into re-electing him in November.

So what are these core values and principles that define whether or not someone is a Democrat and separate the Joe Liebermans and Al Wynns (not to mention Republican-supporting fake Dems like Ben Nelson, Henry Cuellar, John Barrow, John Tanner, Solomon Ortiz, Mike McIntyre, Charles Melancon, Lincoln Davis, Leonard Boswell, Dan Boren, Bud Cramer, Gene Taylor, Jim Marshall, Jim Matheson) from the Ned Lamonts and Donna Edwardses?

They Work For Us put a simple list together that no Democrat should have a problem with, no matter how red the district they represent. These are all-American ideas that should be explained to voters by Democratic candidates and incumbents proud to stand for them:

• Promoting a living wage for all workers
• Improving access to health care
• Fighting for more domestic jobs
• Defending workers' rights to organize
• Protecting retirement security, including social security, pensions, and personal savings accounts
• Encouraging sound corporate governance

Sure, this might not be Rush Limbaugh's cup of tea nor what the neo-fascists who run the Editorial Page of the Wall Street Journal want to hear. But no one worth the appellation "Democrat" should have to back down from any one of these or apologize for supporting them all. These are American ideals and Democratic Party ideals. If they're not yours, you should look more closely at the Republican Party or some other right wing group.


"Reining in the rogue Democrats has always been a problem. They stick it to working families, then expect a pass when elections roll around, figuring they will be the 'lesser of the evils.' And all too often they have gotten away with it." They Work For Us, along with allies in the Labor Movement, as well as MoveOn, the American Association for Justice and, I'm proud to say, Down With Tyranny, will be watching closely, seeing who's nice and seeing who's naughty. That's what primaries are for, Ms. Tauscher (CA-10) and Mr. Scott (GA-13).