I have always considered myself a progressive. I agree with you, I do not want to have rigidity around cabinet picks.
Though, you do not have to attack anyone here on DU by saying those "crazy" "hard core leftest" who are showing their upset with the cabinet picks.
I feel "the progressive left" is traumatized. It will take time to heal. It has been extremely painful to know the country was going in the wrong direction, and to protest, and write and scream to no avail while bombs were dropped in Iraq knowing there were no weapons of mass destruction. To see Liberty abused by the administration... while our moral standing in the world deteriorated by the minute.... It has been agonizing to feel so powerless, and yet so aware.

I understand it will take people time once they actually see positive change, to heal and trust again. They want people they know will speak the truth in power. It is understandable why they are scared when they see retreads. They just have to understand that people act differently under different leadership. And, given the proper leadership, experienced people can be agents of change. They actually can be even more effective since they already know the system.

As a progressive, I am now seeing the changing world of the 21st century, and the state of affairs in the world at this very moment, as different from any other time since I have been alive. The interconnectedness that exist now is different than ever before.

This is not a time for ideologue or partisanship. I think it is counterproductive for us here on DU to be saying "I am more this than you and therefore". I believe that we as a country, and we as a community, faced with a failing economy here and globally, a dying planet, an extreme minority that wants a Holy War, and Pakistan being on the brink of a failed nation state, demands we all come together. This is a time to be above the dichotomies. I do not need to label myself as left, progressive, centrist, it seems right now passe and a luxury.
We need unified action here in the States, and with our allies abroad. Period.

I have who I want picked for the cabinet. Are they "left" as you named it, I do not know because that is a subjective term. Some are considered within the system to be the left leaning forward thinkers on their foreign policy.
I will say having the first African American AG is change I can believe in. For all my African American male friends who have been pulled over, as well as, my Muslim male friends, just because of the color of their skin, well I can say to have the highest ranking law enforcement person in the land to be an African American man, that is change I can believe in. He is also coming into the office as the most qualified of anyone in history for the position. He has fought the good fight for juvenile delinquents and his positive modeling alone can have an good impact.
I am for the best and the brightest, who can effect the most change, while guide under the leadership of President-Elect Obama.

Susan Rice: National Security Adviser
If Gates stays, fine, with two wars, then I would like to see Richard Danzig take over as Secretary of Defense and Michele Flournoy as Assistant Deputy.
I am ok with Summers ego, he is brilliant, he apologized for his sexist comment, and his record shows he is not sexist. China is a major player, and he is well respected in Asia.
Former President of the Sierra Club Lisa Renstrom for Interior, I am fine with Kennedy.
Jonathan Lash, president of the World Resources Institute, for Environmental Protection.
Gore as Energy Czar
Wish I could see Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan Chase in some key finance role.
Secretary of Technology: I would want, it won't happen, CEO of Google Eric E. Schmidt
Secretary of Energy: Dan W. Reicher
Secretary of Veteran Affairs: Tammy Duckworth
I can see the benefits with Hilary, I wanted Bill Richardson for SoS, if not that, he needs a post.
I want Howard Dean to have a post. Applaud him for his 50 state strategy, he was right.
I think Kerry would be a fantastic SoS, we need him in the Senate to take Biden's chair. He is too hard to replace.
I want UHC to be Senator Ted Kennedy's legacy, I am all for Tom Daschle for Health, and he did support Hillary's plan. National Health Care Czar: Elizabeth Edwards ( if her health permits).
Secretary of Education: Colin Powell with Michelle Rhee as his Assistant.
**I forgot to add, so I will edit: I thought picking Rahm was a brilliant move. It gave me confidence that indeed CHANGE combined with ACTION has come to the executive branch. And, it is better to have someone like him on your side working on getting your agenda passed.

So how is that for a crazy left progressive, is that change you can believe in ? I am sincere in my consciousness of perils of our day, and I want action, not locked in ideology.

I have this on another post. We are having this really easy, and really yummy Sweet Potato Pie on Nov. 4th to celebrate with champagne, and will put our flag out once it is announced that Obama is our next president ! The champagne we are having actually stated "flavors of pie crusts" ! We thought perfect with our pie !!! OBAMA !!!!!
Preheat oven to 400. (I buy all organic ingredients for below and use sea salt.)
2 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs, separated
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 unbaked 10-inch pastry shell
whipped topping ( i like to make from fresh cream)
Combine sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, egg yolks, spices, and salt in a large mixing bowl; beat until light and fluffy. Add evaporated milk; beat until blended.
Beat egg whites ( at room temperature ) until foamy; gradually add sugar, 1 tbsp. at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold into potato mixture. Pour filling into pastry shell. Bake at 400 for 10 minutes; reduce heat to 350, and bake an additional 45-50 minutes or until set. Cool.
Top with whipped cream.