I've HAD IT with the way the mythical "divide" in the Democratic party is being characterized -- you know, the talk about the "left-leaning" blogs" vs. party centrists; liberals/progressives v. DLC, or some such crap.

The labels -- liberal, conservative, progressive, right, left -- have become so loaded they have lost all objective meaning.

Apparently I'm not the only one (e.g., many of the folks who posted in this thread sound like they've had it too).

Hackett's fate -- and our reaction to it -- tells us a lot about the REAL divides we are up against as we fight to take back our country.

We are NOT dealing with a divide between left v. right positions on "issues."

We are dealing with fascists v. anti-fascists; insiders v. outsiders; weakness v. strength.

Insider v. Outsider

Most of you are probably too young to remember, but not very long ago, politics wasn't viewed as the exclusive purview of the "professionals." Countless communities had vital Democratic Clubs and other associations where Americans experienced "politics" first hand. It wasn't always pretty, but people socialized, chose leaders, made decisions, and took civic action.

Over the decades, people have been pushed out of their own game. These days, the "professionals" run the show and they are VERY protective of their turf.

For the Al Froms of the world, we are game pieces that they -- the "professionals" -- manipulate. Heaven forbid any of us actually get involved! They may not even know WHY they feel so threatened by folks like Dean or Hackett, but their fear has absolutely nothing to do with the candidate's' positions on issues.

Political leaders who know that ordinary citizens are the REAL power-brokers in America are frightening creatures to the beltway establishment. If such a leader gains support and inspires people to exercise their power, some automated response system kicks the establishment in to self-protective mode (Images of the robot from "Lost in Space" come to mind -- "Danger, Will Robinson!").

The insider-outsider divide captures part of the story, but our anger and frustration is probably more closely tied to the weak-strong divide.

Weakness v. Strength

They are very different men, but like Dean, Hackett embodies strength. He doesn't muddle up simple truths with exceptions and caveats. He sticks to his guns.

Hackett's race for the Senate would have given the entire party a boost because he gives us a voice that's strong enough to channel our anger.

The BIGGEST problem members of the Democratic Party face is the perception that they are weak and unprincipled. We are as pissed off as we are because, instead of challenging their wimpy image by showcasing a strong candidate, they are adding salt to the wound by BANISHING that candidate!

It's About Us -- Not the Party. Not our Leaders.

When the insiders successfully push out people like Hackett or Dean, they hurt the party, but ultimately, WE are their real casualties. The bottom line is that the insiders are protecting their turf from us.

When a strong candidate inspires ordinary Americans to act in their civic capacity, the beltway analstocracy mobilizes -- as if by reflex -- to sabotage the source of our inspiration.

When they get their target, they return to business as usual, apparently believing the danger has been averted.

We know better. WE are the REAL danger to their insular world, and we are everywhere. Not an easy target.

Our immediate goals are clear: Impeach Bush and Cheney and reject the results of suspect elections. Actions large and small will make these goals a reality. As we move forward, we need to remember that, however they fail or anger us, we can't let it just be about them. Ultimately, it is about figuring out how to use our power to see that our will is done.