Democrats should become the party of politics.  This is about the recongnition that in order to accomplish policies those affected have to accept the goals and the means.  This is not just about pandering to the public.  I will confess to finding the lines of the movie Blazing Saddles to be both funny and true, "they are farmers, people of the land, you know morons."  However, Democrats have to open up discussions with fellow Americans and people of the world to convince them of the rightness of various policy alternatives.

Many people at the CAFE believe passionately both in various policy alternatives that resemble the social welfare states of Europe.  There is also a belief that Americans are just waiting to adopt such policies.  I am skeptical on both accounts. However, I do believe that the Democratic Party instead of being the "know it all" party should instead  take a page from community developement corporations or even Saul Alinsky and begin talking and listening to others. Democrats will  have a chance to have both better and more successful policies as well as defeat the Republicans.

With tax reform coming to the fore this should open such a debate. Everyone hates the taxcode and most don't like paying taxes. However, opening this process up to debate and conversation may illustrate to Americans that Republicans are interested in shifting the tax burden from the wealthy to working people.  But beyond this particular issue this should be how Democrats should address our fellow citizens about all issues.  It will allow us to advocate more difficult policies and achieve greater results.