Democratic District 1 candidate Jamie Cheek’s argument that progressives will not “bargain away our values” — as apparently Democrats like myself who self-identify as moderate have done — was both arrogant and demeaning to those who do not think like her (“Let’s not be afraid to be Utah Democrats,” May 14).
Perhaps she would also like to relabel Democrats like myself as DINOs — a double entendres for Democrats In Name Only that also validates perceptions that those who believe in the fundamental concept of political compromise are figurative dinosaurs.
I'll wear the label proudly.
But, please, by all means continue with arguments of negotiating from positions of strength only. It served the tea party quite well, and although they rapidly (and conveniently) lost their balanced budget identity, they were the vanguard of a movement that led us inexorably to Donald Trump.
The inevitable, horrified responses that “‘Progressives’ are not as extreme! Look at our ideals!” I would consider both specious and ludicrous. Historically, there have been as many extreme governments that originated from the left as from right wings of political thought. Witness the outcome of the Russian Revolution and Stalin, for example.
Last, candidate Cheek, as a longtime registered Democrat in District 1, rest assured you just lost my vote this upcoming election if your commentary truly represents your attitude toward Democratic moderates.
To the extent you represent the "new" Democratic Party I'll be casting a write-in vote, likely naming the characters from the cartoon “Pinky and The Brain.”
Sadly, both characters seemingly fit.
Thomas Edwards, Logan
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