Rigby, please do not take this as offensive, but if what you posted is actually how you think, I do not see you as a Leftist, but as an old style Democrat who believes in things like the ACLU. That is not a bad position to take at all, I wish there was more of you.
I do NOT despise, hate, or shun old style Democrats. Why? I used to be one of them.
For myself, many people on here think I am just some crazy conservative, lol. I was a Reagan Democrat, and in his elections, while I voted for him, I voted besides that 85% on my ballot, for Democrats. I slowly started turning after that, but even for Clintons run in his 2nd term, I voted for him, all foibles aside. I knew a good thing when I seen it.......not him, but his policies, surely impacted by GOP input, but why throw out good governance, even if it is bi-partisan. That is the definition of cutting off your nose to spite your face! I am a pragmatist, much to the chagrin of my conservative brethren I might add, and if you seen my thread on how/why I think Trump should NOT run in 24, they call me as many names as they might call you.
Today, the Democratic party as a whole, do not represent what they once did. They claim they do in an attempt to keep their coalition together, but their actions say something totally different. Republicans are NOT the end all, be all either, but you have to be......again, pragmatic, since a 3rd party isn't going to do anything but draw votes from the big 2, and that doesn't cut it.
Therefore, after viewing the political landscape and what the GOP and Democrats have morphed into, I go along with the saying that is pertinent today, but which COULD change quickly--------------> Republicans are NOT the answer to all your problems, but the Far Left is certainly the cause of most of them!
I expect you to disagree, and in fact would be surprised if you did not. That being said, I do NOT expect a political party to change the world or economics, I expect them........through MY vote, to do my bidding, should they win. Anyone trying to change energy sources through subsidies/market manipulations and not the open market, is anti American. If someone wants me to change my mind on a position, then convince me, don't stuff it down my throat because you as a politician, thinks you know better. Read any expose on politicians, and you will discover, they are the weakest amongst us in anything but their expertise. Most of life long politicians, have no expertise at all, besides getting re-elected. We as a collective citizen base, easily know more than they do. There is where the problem lies. They are governing on an IDEA, NOT reality.
Good luck to you sir/Ma'am!