The strength of democratic principles is that they "work as advertised" throughout the political spectrum. Charity to the poor, for example, makes a better society for both Republicans and Democrats.

The weakness of democratic principles is that they do not guarantee to a particular party, like the Democrats, undying support for every political goal the Democratic Party may embrace.

I just lament how the group of DUers cannot organize as effectively as the opposition movement to the Vietnam War, for example. What is the answer? Do we need a more "heros" to lead the mildly-interested so they do not vote against their own interest?

It's about time that, those who care enough to be informed on social and political matters, not cower to physical threats or be marginalized by uninformed and mis-informed bullies who oppose them. Using your brain should not scare anyone.