I certainly agree that there is a basis for criticism. Even from within the incrementalist framework of the Democratic Party we have quite brilliant people like Barbara Lee who are not afraid to oppose for example the imperial idiocy of the Afghani campaign. And Al Giordano is an example of someone who outside the accepted bounds of the Democratic Party, yet who has a reasonable critique. Frankly, I don't have a problem with people who will argue that only radical opposition can work - although I disagree on tactical grounds. What annoys me no end, however, is the kind of "left" critique which is surprised and offended that the Federal Reserve acts to protect financial elites or that cites Paul Krugman's works as a basis for an alternative economics policy.