The Democratic Leadership Council is supposed to be centrist, a proponent of the "Third Way" between socialism and freedom.

The Third Way philosophy seeks to adapt enduring progressive values to the new challenges of he information age. It rests on three cornerstones:



The idea that government should promote equal opportunity for all while granting special privilege for none; an ethic of mutual responsibility that equally rejects the politics of entitlement and the politics of social abandonment; and, a new approach to governing that empowers citizens to act for themselves.

The Third Way approach to economic opportunity and security stresses technological innovation, competitive enterprise, and education rather than top-down redistribution or laissez faire. On questions of values, it embraces "tolerant traditionalism," honoring traditional moral and family values while resisting attempts to impose them on others. It favors an enabling rather than a bureaucratic government, expanding choices for citizens, using market means to achieve public ends and encouraging civic and community institutions to play a larger role in public life. The Third Way works to build inclusive, multiethnic societies based on common allegiance to democratic values.



Sounds good, don't it? Reminds me of Gorbachev trying desperately to find some form of communism that would have the characteristics of a free society. Trying desperately to avoid the real solution which is minimal government, minimal interference with the individual, and free markets.

How do you avoid "social abandonment" without granting entitlements, the forced support of some people by others? How do you govern like Democrats govern while empowering citizens to act for themselves? How do you encourage technological innovation, competitive enterprise, and education with a system containing ANY "top-down redistribution?" What the hell is an "enabling" government? One that leaves us alone? Oops--that would be "laissez faire," wouldn't it?

I understand where these guys are coming from, and I sympathize with their attempts, but what they are trying to do is like trying to find the ideal mixture of cyanide and milk that would be best to feed your child.

Real libertarians and real socialists know damn well that there is no political "middle ground" that can be maintained for long.