Are We Finally Ready To Stand Up To OUR OWN Leadership Yet? Are We?

[DistressedAmerican]

HERE I GO FOLKS:grr:!

We never get out of this mess with the current party leadership running things!

The Democratic party is a MISERABLE FAILURE! I am sickened by them. They have done as little or less to save lives or pressure folks for action as Bush and his buddies. They stay silent for fear that they would look bad taking a stand on this! Hell, ANYTHING!

These folks voted overwhelmingly for the IWR and the Patriot Act. Now, as a major American city and much of its population was being killed in large part though governmental inaction, they did nothing.

Congress got back to Washington AFTER BUSH, who we all know was miserably late on the scene.

We have a bunch of spineless weasels running the show on our side. They fear the repugs. They fear the media. They fear public reaction to EVERY MOVE they make. They are like children that have been beaten far too many times!

I am sickened by this party right now. That revulsion has been growing since Bush came in and they began immediately to kiss his royal ass!

We are the opposition party by name and Bush's water boys in practice.

Are you people finally ready to demand REAL LEADERS? These are not going to do anything to help us or this country, they only want to help themselves!

Our country is a catastrophy and our "leaders" are every bit as much to blame as theirs. This was not their plan. But, they sure as hell helped carry it out:banghead: .

I wanna puke!

Hillary and Chuck, BYE BYE! You are history. :nuke: You have had years to prove that you gave a shit about anyone other than yourselves and have failed. Your personal greed and lust for power officially disqualifies you from receiving my vote EVER AGAIN!

Are you ever going to vote for these same fools again? Are you going to keep getting screwed? Are you?

:rant:

[mattclearing]

1. Great...let the infighting begin...

:eyes:

[DistressedAmerican]

2. Send Me Some Leaders And There Will Be Nothing But Agreement!!

Keep supporting the same assholes that put us here and I will keep swinging on them.

Corrupt, do-nothing politicians are repugnant regardless what side they are on!

Unity at all costs has killed hundreds of thousands. The truth has never killed anyone!

[mattclearing]

3. Gore flew in there and is rescuing people.

If people can't get in there and do something to help, then they should probably keep asking people to donate and avoid direct engagement. Check my response to you in the other thread.

If Dems start swinging on Bush now, the media will shift the focus to them and they will look like complete pandering opportunists, which Hillary and Chuck are particularly susceptible to.

I said in that other thread: Imagine if Howard Dean attacked Bush for his misappropriation of funds being directly responsible for the NW flooding.

It's totally true, but if he said that, it would shift the media focus away from the very important work that needs doing on the ground and the new headline would be: "Powerless Democrats Whine about Fed Response."

Like I said before, politicians that are not directly involved in rescue efforts should tell people to donate and otherwise STFU.

[longship]

5. Ahhh! Gore!

Now there's leadership! If only he were in a position to lead, he would have done so. Instead, all we have is this monkey who spews only platitudes and malapropisms.

[DistressedAmerican]

7. That Is Great. Is He A Party Leader Now? Private Citizen.

his actions are great! They should ALL be doing the same thing. But, are they?

They CAN GET IN THERE. You proved it yourself with the Al Gore story. The news has been in there. People CAN get in. Any story you hear to contrary is just spin.

They should be on the air everyday asking why this was not handeled better and if there is anything that can be done NOW to limit the death. If they do not do that much, they are not leading our country in a time of crisis. they are not pushing for the truth or protecting our citizens.

I can think of no greater failing than that for a member of the governement!

[mattclearing]

10. I just don't see how complaining about it will help at the moment.

They have been hitting up their email lists and asking people to donate, and I'm sure they have been quietly donating as well.

I'm not sure what else positive there is to add than that. Everyone is already pointing the finger at Bush. They don't need to do that.

The best was Gore declining to comment for Fox News. :D

No sound bite for you.

[DistressedAmerican]

12. They NEED To Be Pressured To Act. That Is Far More Than Mere Complaining!

This is not about point the finger. It is about taking every action to save lives.

Their forceful action could save lives. Demanding action from Bush could generate ACTION. I could care less about partisan political sniping. I want action. Yet, it is not forthcoming!

Asking their mailing lists to donate is not even close to adequate. We need federal resources NOW. They should ALL be woriking that issue.

You said it yourself in your very first post, "they are sitting this one out". Just like they kept quiet about Iraq and the Patriot Act.

They do not want to be criticized for pushing the governent to act. Well, I am pushing them!

Their silence is a crime against America!

[MadeinOhio]

13. "Their silence is the biggest crime against America"

I agree with you, I'm astonished and can't believe they aren't out there pounding the pavement. Like the CBC they should be in Louisiana getting everybody out of there, I am so sick of it, this is the real failings when the criminals hang themselves.

[TankLV]

36. Amen to that!

[Tinoire]

60. Amen. Amen. Amen! n/t

[mattclearing]

14. No, they voted for Iraq and the Patriot Act.

This is a bit different.

[DistressedAmerican]

16. How Was It Different?

Their vote was their silence. Seaking out against the maddness was their duty and they failed. They had every opportunity to speak out. Did they?

They failed in saving the nation then just as miserably as they failed to protect American lives in NOLA.

Keep defending their innaction if you would like.

Not me.

[mattclearing]

27. They actively supported those measures.

Silence is not the same as actively supporting something. My understanding is that the Dems are mostly trying to stay out of the spotlight on this and let the disaster show just how incompetent a three-branch Republican government is.

[DistressedAmerican]

35. While People Continue To Die? "Staying out" Of The Greatest Disaster In

the history of the country is not an option.

It bothers me greatly that our leaders think it is. On the other hand if folks like you keep letting them put politics before human life, they will never change.

They have actively supported us doing noting to help by doing nothing to help themselves. "Staying out of the spotlight" is not saving a single life.

It is just letting bodies pile up so that we can point to the height of the pile and blame it all on Bush.

He deserves plenty of blame. But, George Bush IS NOT OUR GOVERNMENT.

There is blame for all of their sorry asses this time. Yes, just like there was Iraq and patriot Act blame to go around too.

Of course, I heard a lot of folks saying not to rock the boat on those for fear of dire political consequences as well. So, their complicity is not theirs alone. "Of the People..."

We keep re-electing them. We have no right to complain about Bush's policies or inaction on this event unless we see some actual opposition to them from OUR LEADERS.

I guess I should not expect anything like that though. Everyone votes for them no matter how much they screw us with their buddy Bush.

[MissWaverly]

84. I totally agree

I don't want to hear that now is not the time, there are little babies
dying of thirst, are there adequate resources at every shelter these
people were bussed to???? I heard that there was an outbreak of
dysentery at one shelter, what is being done for these people, are they
just being warehoused, the senators should get off their butts and visit
every one of these shelters. They should have gone to New Orleans as
well. George Bush is not the only one with a pair of legs, where were
they?

[Spike from MN]

59. Silence is complicity.

the Dems need to get off their butts and speak out. Of course, the time to do that would have probably been Wednesday or Thursday at the latest so it's too late now for those that died because of Dubya's incompetence.

Can you imagine what would have happened if something like this had happened on Clinton's watch? Granted, Clinton wouldn't gone off to eat cake with a Senator one day and give a speech for V-J Day the next during a national emergency but play along with me for a sec and try to imagine what would have happened if Clinton had done the EXACT same things Dubya has done in the past week. The Repugs and the media would have been ALL over him. BIG TIME. And rightfully so IMHO. Every friggin' Repug would have been on the news channels 24/7 demanding that he step down and/or be impeached due to his complete failure of leadership. What have the Dems done? Squat. Nada. Zilch. Nothing. It's unconscionable that they would stand by and let this atrocity happen.

DA, I'm with you all the way.

[AverageJoe]

67. I couldn't agree more

The Democratic "leadership" has so far failed miserably to help in this catastrophic situation. If they don't start demanding Bush's removal from office very loudly and very soon, the party is finished.

[stickdog]

70. If you don't complain when 1,000's of Americans are murdered,

when do you complain?

[MadeinOhio]

11. Exactly!!!! Joe Lieberman is farther to the right than Chuck Hagel!!!!!

I'm sick of their totally non-response response!!!! Howard Dean could get on all these shows and denounce this effort as a ploy, and Wes Clark and everyone else should follow him.

But are they? Dean and the rest arrive with the red cross but where are they? Where are the democrats? WHY IS HILLARY TAKING TIME TO TALK ABOUT THE OIL INDUSTRY AND HER PRESIDENTIAL BID, BUT NOT TALK IN NEW ORLEANS?!????

What is wrong with this picture?

[mandyky]

4. As far as I know only CBC and DNC have statements out about it

I also heard Wes Clark has made comments along with John Edwards. Where is John Kerry? Yeah, I know Congress is on break, but how can they criticize when they too are AWOL on the issue?

[babylonsister]

15. Kerry just returned from Iraq, where he was when Katrina hit.

I have rec'd two e-mails from him asking for donations to Red Cross, etc., for this disaster. I imagine on Tuesday we'll hear more from a lot more Dems. No excuse, but there it is.

[DistressedAmerican]

19. "The Busses Are Coming". How Many Times Have I Heard That Excuse Lately?

Everytime people criticize Kerry, I hear the same tale. It usually goes like this, "He is working behind the scenes. He just got back from_______. You have to give him some time. He will act soon."

Sadly, I usually miss the action that you folks promse.

We needed action days ago. Not days from now. Kerry has access to the press where ever he goes. He could have been demanding federal action from any where he was.

If a nuke went off in a major city, should we expect to give Kerry and his bussies more and more time to act? Seems like it is OK in this case.

I strongly disagree.

He (and the rest of them) should have been working on Monday at the latest to pressure Bush and others. I was.

He left them to eat their cake and play their guitars!

[Kire]

68. I heard from Jon Conyers and John Edwards and the DNC (Dean).

the DCCC and my state democratic committee sent something, and of course the local dems we have here in the county and the surrounding municipalities.

but I don't know if I'm signed up to many more lists

I bet they all sent at least one plea for help by now

[AlGore-08.com]

6. Gore went to NOLA, and flew out over 100 of the most critically injured

to hospitals in Tennessee. He went as soon as he could get the flights cleared and he spent his own money to do it.

I'm just sayin'...

[DistressedAmerican]

9. Private Citizen., Where Are the ELCETED LEADERS?

I am very pleased that Gore did. Does that cover all dems and their part now?

I suspect he acted in his own interests anyway. He wanted to be seen as a man of action while Bush was getting ripped apart for innaction.

He can prove me wrong by keeping the flights up until NOLA is empty.

[titoresque]

17. Amen! great posts!

as for your question...........YES! I've been sickened by both parties for too long now!

Why are we even talking about "elections" anymore anyhow???????? I don't get that, I really don't! We don't have elections!!! We havent for 8 years now.........even on a local level, if they want a certain person in they're going to get the person in.

They're all bought out and the ones that arent have so much to go up against......without our help I might add, because for the most part the American public maintains this knight in shining armor mentality...like we're going to be rescued or something

WHEN IS THE LAST TIME THAT HAPPENED? Seriously......Besides press conferences here and there that get all of us sooooooo excited and we are calmed down for a time, while they disappear again. Geez! I'm tired of it, I dont buy any of this shit anymore!

FO! DEM/REPUB parties...both of them!

[MadeinOhio]

21. You are right. They've allowed the corporations to take over both. n/t

[AlGore-08.com]

48. Nothing like having an open mind LOL

There was a joke going around in 2000 about Gore and the Democrats that went "If Al Gore walked on water, the Democrats would scream 'That &#&$^%# Al Gore can't swim!'"

Gore's paying for these flights himself. His finances are finite. Have you spent every single cent you have on NOLA relief efforts? Why not? Aren't you ideologically pure?

Gore's not doing this for PR, otherwise he would have stopped to give an interview with the news crew who spotted him in the airport. Instead, he waved them off with "No Comment". If he were doing it for PR, he would be all over the news shows, giving interviews, and he's not.

He's doing this because he's a very generous, very religious man who has a very, very strong sense of duty. He's not somebody motivated by political opportunism first, followed closely by political opportunism.

You don't have to believe me about Gore, you can continue to blame him for ugly motives that you have projected onto him. But first you might want to you thank him for giving you the Internets you're using now to call him an opportunistic scumbag.

[DistressedAmerican]

51. You Made Your Mind Up That He Can Do No Wrong Long Ago.

That is not open minded.

I hope you are right and it was not more politics. But, your reaction to my comments makes it quite clear that you have made up your mind as well.

More importantly, I am not here to trash Gore or anyone else in particular. I am pointing out a much larger issue within the PARTY.

Sorry you are so defensive about your beloved Al...

[AlGore-08.com]

54. I never said he could do no wrong, I just know he's a very good man

Based on how he has personally helped people that I know, and how he has kept in touch with those people as a friend. These are regular folks, people who are not wealthy, have no political connections, just people who were in trouble who could find nobody else to help them except Gore. His flying patients out of NOLA on his own dime is just his way.

I was at a fund raising dinner in Nashville in July where he spoke about a lot of things, including how the Dem party has lost it's way (that's not a direct quote), that we (Dems) are at our best when we stand up for people who otherwise have no voice (that's close, but not a direct quote). That is a real big motivation of his, trying to help people. And while I think it's legitimate to question whether a certain policy or position of his is the best way to achieve that, I think it's counter-productive (at best) to decide what any pol has to do to "prove" they are sincere, and decide ahead of time that they won't/can't pass that test.

[DistressedAmerican]

55. Again Cheers To Al. What About The Rest Of Them?

This is not an Al thread. It is about the party. I try to keep bringing people back to that and they want to make it all about an attack on "their" guy. If I wanted to come after Al I would a start a thread just for that.

I do not care about the isolated case of a dem helping. Although my hat is off to him. I couldn't care less if he was motivated by politics or personal conviction. He saved lives. That is what I am saying. Save the lives and let the rest work itself out.

Gore, should be commended regardless of motive. The more than 100 people that flew out with him do not care why he showed up. Him and Russ Feingold get a pass. They are doing their part.

Now, would you PLEASE address the question at hand, The Democratic Leadership? Where are they? What are they doing? And should we keep voting them back in if they do nothing? Please address that.

[AlGore-08.com]

58. Are you saying that we shouldn't vote for Gore or Feingold if other Dems

Don't do as much?

Some Dems talk the talk and some walk the walk. I see no reason to throw out the entire Dem party because of the first bunch. I see a lot of reason to dump individual Dems who don't walk the walk, but that's different than dumping the whole party.

F.Y.I. since you brought it up in an earlier post, Gore's sending another plane into NOLA tomorrow to bring out more critically ill people. He couldn't send it back tonight, because they're no runway lights at the NOLA airport yet. The plane is waiting at Dallas to fly back after dawn.

Also, the press tried to interview him when the plane landed in Knoxville, but he refused to be interviewed or take credit for the flight. Instead, he helped offload the patients (who he did talk to during the flight).

[DistressedAmerican]

85. Since You Can't Let Go Of The Al Thing. Even When I Have Made It Clear

that this is not about him.

For that reason, I am done with you.

I have pointed out that the problem is the national level leadership and not (Private Citizen) Al Gore. But, you just can't let it go. If you get your panties out of a bunch about Al and wanna talk about the issue that this thread is about, Please do.

Otherwise...

Have a nice day!

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[DistressedAmerican]

25. I Was Refering To Chuck Schumer. But, The Basic Message Still Holds.

[LoZoccolo]

18. "officially disqualifies you from receiving my vote"

Does this mean that you would vote for a third party if they were to run in the general election?

[DistressedAmerican]

22. Yes. I Will Work For Progressive Nominees If I Do Not Get Them,

I vote a progressive third party.

Voting these enablers in over and over is no different from voting repug. Look at the vote countes. They support every move the Pugs make.

They are not on OUR side. They will not get on our side until we let them know they will lose their job if they do not represent the people that voted for them.

[journalist3072]

20. I knew I made the right decision

When I left the Democratic Party earlier this year and became a registered Independent.

I was so disappointed in the fact that only 1 Democratic Senator signed on to the House objection of the Ohio electors.

And just about everything the Dems have done since then has confirmed I made the right decision.

[Spike from MN]

62. I've been a registered Independent for a few years now.

The Dems pissed me off a few years ago so I started checking the "Independent" box on my tax return. (MN doesn't have registration per se like some states do.) The IWR only served to show I had made the right choice. Why did so many Dems sign on? Well, at the time, invading Iraq was ahead in the polls and, after, all, they don't want people to think they're weak on defense and/or they don't support the troops so they caved and voted for it.

As I recall, even Wellstone wrestled with that vote for a bit. He was torn between doing what he knew was right and doing what he needed to do to get re-elected. The latter was NOT because of greed or anything like that. He just had a lot of very important unfinished projects and he hated the idea of them getting scrapped if he wasn't re-elected. In the end, as usual, he did what was right. He figured that if he voted his conscience and people didn't re-elect him solely because of that, maybe he shouldn't be there. He went up 7 points in the poll after he voted against the IWR.

Of course, we all know what happened after that and it's a huge shame. MN didn't just lose a great Senator. The entire country did. And no one with his courage has shown up since. Man, I REALLY wish he was still there because we need him now more than ever. He would have been ALL OVER Dubya about this fiasco and probably arranging his own personal rescue teams to go in and get the people out. Sure, Dubya had been AWOL this whole time but where the hell have the Dems been? Looks to me like they're AWOL too.

[journalist3072]

81. Yes, the Dems are AWOL

I really don't understand why it is so hard for them to do the right thing. This is not rocket science.

The only Dems that really seem to be able to do the right thing without a lot of effort are the members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

When I wrote a letter to the DNC after I left the party, I told them they needed to follow the CBC's example.

[Spike from MN]

91. Exactly. I saw the CBC and others on C-SPAN yesterday

and as I was listening to them, I was wondering why the hell the spineless Dems can't speak the truth like the CBC does. The person from the NAACP mentioned they were raising money for hurricane victims so I got online and made a donation. People that get up and speak the truth will get my money and support. The rest of them can all rot in hell as far as I'm concerned.

Why can't Dems do the right thing? Apparently there's no money it in. Most of them are corporate shills just like the Repugs.

[Cocoa]

23. Feingold is trying to ease bankruptcy law in light of Katrina

boring, I know. Scream away, you're doing a lot of good. :eyes:

[DistressedAmerican]

24. Go Russ! Who Else?

I am talking about an entire party here.

[Cocoa]

26. you're the one throwing the emoticons around

is your opinion on what the dems are doing based on any knowledge of what they're doing?

[DistressedAmerican]

29. Worse! It ABased On Knowledge Of What They Are NOT DOING.

And yes, I am pissed off. You should be too. This is a tragic event and our party let people die right next to theirs.

That does not seem to bother you much.

Sadly, most Dem voters agree with you which is why they never seem to do thew right thing. The do the wrong thing and we just look the other ay beacuse they are on "our side".

No more. This behavior is killing people around the world and right here at home.

If you want to argue that they are taking action, do so. Show it to me. Otherwise, I ask you to turn on your television and look for their forceful statements and string actions. As soon as you find one, let me know.

[Cocoa]

30. take that back

take "it doesn't seem to bother you too much" back. :mad:

[DistressedAmerican]

32. I Can Only Assume As You Keep Excusing Inaction Leading to More Death...

Reread the post. I was not saying you do not care about New Orleans. I said it does not seen to bother you that the politicians on our side are doing nothing about it.

Sorry. But, that is how you sound.

Folks that are pissed about this should put the political concerns behind them and pressure our entire government to save as many lives as possible. NOW!

[Name removed]

34. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[DistressedAmerican]

37. Why Do You Ignore Everyone But Russ? I Acknowledged His Actions.

He is clearly an exception. I will forgo my demand that we punish Russ. Make you feel better?

Now back to my point which you ignore. This is about the whole damn party. Not just this one or that.

What is the party as a whol;e doing? Answer me that. Why should we continue to support them? What benefits do we gain? Please anwswer me that.

I have heard barely a whisper from the Demcratic party leadership. They are far from screaming, righteous or otherwise.

[Cocoa]

43. because I want the dems to do good things

I see dems doing good things as GOOD news, and I bring people's attention to them. It supports my view that the dems are a positive force.

Holding that view, imo, and expressing it, here and to the dems themselves, brings it about, makes them more of the positive force I want them to be.

[DistressedAmerican]

45. What Has That Gotten You? Repugs Running Everything And Killing At Will.

What force for good is that?

Was it a force for good that they (the vast majority anyway) voted for the IWR? Did you think they were doing good when they did the same for the Patriot act?

I just ask what positive results you can point to. I see mostly death and a loss of rights.

[bpilgrim]

28. NO! we will get blamed for 'PLAYING POLITICS' in the midst of a tragedy

best just to keep our heads down, again :sarcasm:

peace

[DistressedAmerican]

31. That Is All We Do. "They Will Say We Are Sore Losers", They Will Say...

Who the hell cares what they say?

This is a time for action not spineless hiding for fear that someone may think they are playing politics.

This is NO LONGER about politics. You need to internalize that. If you are putting lives behind their image, you are doing exactly the same thing as them.

I suggest they get out there and do something FOR ONCE and if people say they are playing politics they should forcefully answer. "no I stopped doing that. Now I am trying to save American lives."

That would shut that bullshit right up. If that is, they had the spine to actually try it for a change instead of strategizing on how any action may make them look bad.

Ever consider that they may be wrong? Ever condiser that Americans want some strong leaders for a change?

Poor, rich, powerful politicians. God forbid they should ever just take a stand on principle rather than listening endlessly to comments about how standing up for something will make us unpopular! We couldn't be less popular right now!

[bpilgrim]

33. you know what they say... don't mess with success ;->

NY Times explains why we haven't heard from any Democrats...

"The silence of many prominent Democrats in publicly criticizing Mr. Bush for his handling of the crisis reflects their conclusion that the president is on treacherous political ground and that attacking him would permit the White House to dismiss the criticism as partisan politics-as-usual, a senior Democratic aide said."

source...
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/04/national/nationalspecial/04bush.html?ei=5094&en=23cce9f23aa42f66&hp=&ex=1125806400&partner=homepage&pagewanted=print

peace

[DistressedAmerican]

38. Guess I Missed The Sarcasm Enoticon. Reading too fast.

:headbang:

[BeFree]

41. Relying on leaders

...is what got us in to this mess. I don't disagree with you, but I don't fully agree either.

B**h is going to take a big hit from his handling of Katrina's aftermath. At this point I don't see what could possibly make the situation immediately any better by words from outside politicians from NY or Fla. What do you have in mind that they could do or say to make an immediate improvement?

At best, all they can do is support the on the ground leaders like the Mayor and Governor. But what happens in the next few weeks is kind of out of their control, while longer term solutions can be effected by their actions.

B**h is falling over. Maybe the best thing to do is keep from getting dragged down with him? Whatever, individuals like us, can, and should keep blasting the poor handling of this situation.

[DistressedAmerican]

44. They Should Have Come Out On Monday. Who Knows If There

is anything they can do now. They were on vcation TOO.

At the minimum they could be on TV day and night pushing for more assistance. They could have passed something a little mor substantial than 10.5 billion in releif. I have not seen an estimate on damages lower that 25 billion. There is plenty they could be doing. Like Gore, who did something, they are rich as hell. If nothing else, they could be chartering flights just like he did.

Congress rushed into a midnight session for Terry Schaivo. They stood around their vacation homes and watched as NOLA was destroyed. That does not seem odd to anyone here?

Some of that could have been mitigated by a strong and rapid response. We got no such thing from their side or ours.

I am just saying we the people need to make politicians act. Sitting around and advising them to keep their heads down for political reasons is just plain wrong. It just encourages them to allow folks to die if it looks politically advantageous. That is a sickness that pervades the party.

[BeFree]

52. Again, I don't disagree

I would imagine our congresscritters thought, as they watched the storm arrive, that the federal response would be immediate. It wasn't. At this point what I'd like to see is the Dems go on TV and say:

We are as disgusted as anyone that our government waited so long to respond to this disaster. We, as your representatives, made a mistake in believing the government would act faster. We screwed up. We will work to make sure a similar situation does not occur again.

It would make me feel a bit safer if they admitted screwing up, how 'bout you? Plus, it would light a fire under b**h to get him to admit, for once, he made a mistake.

[TankLV]

39. How do you kno?w they are not doing anything

After all, if the whore media refuse to carry their messages, which was pointed out to me, they have been continually making, is it fair to blame them when the issue is the refusal of the whore media to give light to their statements.

It has been correctly pointed out by some, and I have been the biggest critic of our "leadership", that what we all see is not at all what they are doing.

They are going about their duties quietly and behind the scenes - and I don't know, but I think bunkerboy and the repukes have finally bit the big one this time around.

All of the stations I have been listening too all week have been getting more critical and loud with each passing day, and they are not letting the usual repuke bullshit getting by without calling them on it and stopping it dead in it's tracks.

There is definitely a change in the air.

Yes I would like it to be more aggressive. But we do not know everything they are doing THIS TIME AROUND.

We shall see.

I shall reserve my judgement for now.

[DistressedAmerican]

40. Gore Did Something It Was Reported.

I have seen lots of senators and Congressmen from both sides yesterday. they all stood around patting themselves for sending in relief 5 days in.

This is not about a media black out. gore proved that. If they were doing anything of note, the info would be circualting. Here, if nowhere else.

We did not "know" everything Bush was doing. But, his lack of action was just as clear to the world as the lack of action from our leaders.

[TankLV]

46. Gore is NOT one of our "leaders" - he's a PRIVATE CITIZEN.

The poster is talking about our CURRENT CROP OF INEFFECTUAL "LEADERS".

[DistressedAmerican]

47. I Am The Poster.

My point is that your claim that they are probably doing stuff that is not being reported holds no water. Gore was reported. If others were acting it would be reported too.

The ineffectual ones are the ones NOT making headlines by doing something.

This is not a media blackout. For the most part, we are well aware of they are or are not acting.

[LittleClarkie]

42. I sympathize about your Senators, but mine is not a fool

and I will vote for him again. Hell, I will probably work his campaign again as well.

I have the same problem with this rant that I always have. You don't give specifics. It's too easy to just say throw all the bums out.

I can understand being pissed at selected members, but you are generalizing and broad brushing everyone into the same view.

Kohl...eh.

Feingold on the other hand deserves and will retain my support. Any fellow Dem trying to unseat him will have to go through me.

So...
1. specifically who do you mean?

2. And how do you plan to make sure a Democratic butt is in that seat when you're done?

[DistressedAmerican]

49. Glad Some Of Us Can Still Be Proud.

As noted earlier, Russ is doing something constructive.

Specifically in answer to your questions:
1. Everyone other than Feingold and Gore. Anyone that voted for IWR, Anyone that voted for the Patriot Act.

2. I am no longer about these political concerns. If we run a progressive and he loses to a pug. That is no worse than running a DINO that will vote like a repug at every chance.

If we show them that real progressives are a force instead of just taking what ever our side dishes out, we may have a party someone could really actively support rather than just voting for what ever name is not next to an (R) on the ballot.

Remember "Anybody But Bush"? That did not work out.

[MadeinOhio]

50. Schumer, Kohl, Lieberman, Lautenberg, Bill Nelson, Evan Bayh all need.....

To be replaced with someone like Howard Dean and replaced fast. They are supposed to be the so called leaders or opposition!

[greekspeak]

53. If I am reading here what I think I am...the OP is not cursing out the

dem party for being the dem party, but their inaction and enabling. I am sick to my soul over what is going on. The pukes are all but putting on a FUCK NOLA USO tour, and the dems are playing roadies. My message tonight, my two cents worth in this thread is this: I do not care if there is a d, r, p, q, z, f, or omega after your name right now. I do not care if there is an elephant, donkey, or ostrich after your name. You are either doing something, or you are not. You are leading, or failing. This week, black is white. Gray is so PRE KATRINA. Pantywaists are so PRE KATRINA. Kissing butt is so PRE KATRINA. I want to see ACTION for the suffering. I want calls for accountability. I want pressure brought to bear to save lives of innocent Americans. AMERICANS DAMMIT. If it is going down there like Gore and doing something on the ground, great. If it is demanding heads on platters, kudos. If it is taking in peope--yes into their warm, cozy homes...so be it. If it means screwing the spin and standing up for why is by jebus right and just and real in a troubled country...AMEN BROTHER/SISTER CONGRESSPERSON. But DO SOMETHING BESIDE KISS ASS, AND TELL YOUR BASE TO JUST STAY QUIET. A lot less fucking talk, a lot more action. DistressedAmerican...thank you. With stress on AMERICAN. :patriot:

[DistressedAmerican]

56. Thanks! And I Though I Was Universally Hated Tonight! Silly Me!

:toast:

[EFerrari]

66. Is this the Universally Hated Corner? Move Over, DA.

I will not give to the Red Cross and shut up. I can't eat or drink or breath while everyone seems to be pretending its OVER. People are still dying, they will die, we've let one of our most precious cities DIE of neglect and Bill Clinton is on Larry King saying "we need to get organized".

Organize your privileged brain, Bill. Shame on you, you forgot where you came from.

I swear, I'm ready to go sit at the Federal Building and start a hunger strike UNTIL ALL THOSE PEOPLE ARE TAKEN CARE OF. I don't even care if I sit there ALONE.

[DistressedAmerican]

78. We May Be Hated! But, I Love You!

You know that I have for a long time. I suspect that you are among the two percent of Americans that gets the fact that both sides are screwing us right now!

Rock on!

[AuntiBush]

65. Gore came through, though...

Who should in all sincerity be running this country right now!

[omega minimo]

57. Okay

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4620024

:patriot:

[DistressedAmerican]

72. Just had to repost this here as well! Very Nice!

Y2Katrina: Open Letter to our Representatives in Congress


To the Congress of the United States:

The Category 5 Hurricane Katrina had a small break, a slight shift in direction and a new designation of Category 4, just before slamming into New Orleans.

The U.S. president continued an extended vacation break and played golf, played a guitar decorated with the Presidential seal and had a cheerful, smiling interview on national TV, before he arrived on scene to view the devastation of Louisiana’s people, five days after Katrina obliterated the Gulf Coast.

Before boarding his presidential helicopter, Marine One, with Homeland Security Department secretary Michael Chertoff to tour the region, the President made a public statement.

"A lot of people are working hard to help those who've been affected. The results are not acceptable," he said.

The American people don’t understand who the President was directing this comment at: “The results are not acceptable.” Mr. Bush is the Commander-In-Chief, the Chief Operations Officer of the U.S.A. He is responsible for emergency preparedness, for the effectiveness of federal agencies and for the results of the their efforts.

The agencies most needed in the response to the crisis in New Orleans were the Coast Guard and F.E.M.A. Both of these have been folded into, and subjugated to, the Department of Homeland Security. Despite the praise heaped on its managers by the administration, the national emergency response in New Orleans was a complete failure.

The American people don’t understand why the Department of Homeland Security is not held responsible to effectively provide homeland security. The American people don’t understand why funds to complete needed New Orleans flood control projects were diverted-- where does the buck stop?

The American people recognize the humanity of the people abandoned by their government in New Orleans. We recognize the dignity that the NOLA survivors exhibited in the most horrific, demeaning and devastating of circumstances.

The American people do not understand why these people were subjected to such inhumane treatment-- being abandoned on rooftops and overpasses with no sustenance, no medical treatment and no guidance; or herded into massive “shelters” with primitive aid offered only at the end of a gun. Several survivors made the comment, “We were treated like dogs.” The American people do not understand why these citizens were treated this way by their government.

All of the (legitimate or otherwise) excuses and all of the oversights will be given due consideration by reasonable Americans. Beyond that, after witnessing the scenes of abandonment and desperation that New Orleaners were subjected to, the American people are outraged at the mistreatment of people who were victims of the storm and then victims of non-existent HELP.

The American people are outraged and we resent the implication that we consider the mistreatment of these citizens unremarkable-- acceptable because they were already disenfranchised and on the lowest rungs of the social ladder.

The American people recognize the humanity of these survivors-- we recognize ourselves in their faces. We see our children in their babies held up to the open sky, their dying elders, dehydrating and unfed for days. The American people DO NOT UNDERSTAND.

We recognize the vulnerability of our communities to the lack of preparedness, lack of awareness (that certain citizens even exist or matter) and lack of accountability of government agencies charged, empowered and funded to protect us.

We demand accountability from our government and representation by our national representatives in the Congress of the United States.

The American People understand that what was perpetrated on the disenfranchised citizens of New Orleans is truly “unacceptable.” Now that the President is back from vacation, he is available to provide answers and solutions to this deadly debacle, or explain to Congress and The American people why the U.S. government's malign neglect was justified.

[mopaul]

61. they work FOR US, we pay them, WE are their bosses, so why fear them?

just fire em all. seriously, folks have forgotten or just can't wrap their minds around this truth: they work for US, not the other way around. but you'd never know it.

[MadeinOhio]

63. Fire them all!!!!!!!!! Resignations all the way around !

[DistressedAmerican]

73. You Nailed It. Was Saying Just The Same To My Wife Last Night.

Almost those very words.

We have completely forgotten that they are beholden to US! They are not some independent entity that exists apart from "the People". We OWN these assholes. Now we should make them work for us. No more begging. No more wishing. Just kick them the fuck out and remind all that follow that we will do the same to anyone in either party that crosses us and our demands.

[Tinoire]

64. Recommended. n/t

[farmboxer]

69. I admire Conyers

and Dean is trying to get them off their butts! We need them to go after Bush and his pals now, like yesterday!

[dxstone]

71. Fuckin' A, buddy!!!

GodDAMMIT! WHAT are they waiting for?
NOW is the PERFECT time to show an INCREDIBLY STARK and OBVIOUS CONTRAST of our Dem's passionate and determined capability, vs. Republican casual indifference, rather transparent racist tendencies and total cluelessness!
IF they would get off their ASSES and DO SOMETHING!
See my thread

New Orleans Changed Everything.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4623288

If they can't act NOW, then they are WORTHLESS FUCKS!
No, wait, they're WORSE than worthless... they are WORKING HAND IN HAND WITH OUR ENEMIES!!!

There are a few other good ones, such as Conyers, Pelosi, Boxer and a few others... but the list is VERY short... and unfortunately, I haven't heard any statements from those I just named.

Not all of them can go down there like Gore did... but my thread addresses this as well. There's still PLENTY they CAN do.

Right on, DA! K&N!
d

[DistressedAmerican]

74. Great Post Man! Gove It A Nice Reply Kick And Nod!

I knew there was a reason that I am attracted to the two percenters. You are certainly one of us!

We keep it fucking real!

These politicos better start doing the same. Folks like you and are highly motivated and will kick theis electoral asses of they do not!

Smell Me Hillary and Chuck. I will actively worg AGAINST you in 2006. You have repeatedly sold us out to Pugs.

I will push real progressives to fill your seats. Failing that I will vote third party. Corruption runs deep in a two party system. If you can't figure it out and would rather just dip the snout in the trough, you are fired!

[Joe Chi Minh]

75. Don't forget, politicians worth their salt

play the long game; all the more so, when, as Democrats, they have lived and worked for decades under a reign of terror of assassination by the Republicans' renegade "B Team".

The better people and leaders the Dems prove to be, the more they are appreciated by the people; and the more they are appreciated by the people, the greater the jeopardy their lives are in. Patience.

[DistressedAmerican]

77. Frankly, Their Game Is Too Long For Me. They Do NOTHING.

That wins NOTHING in the end. Even after a long game.

Now or never! Dems need to fight them or I will fight both them and the pugs!

They are either with us or against us.

[Joe Chi Minh]

80. Well, I'm sure there are

a lot of neocons who are overjoyed, as they read your post.

[DistressedAmerican]

86. Unlike Most Dems I Call It As I See It. I Do Not Fear The Neocon Spin!

They and apparently you do though!

[Joe Chi Minh]

98. But are you going to neutralise

the military-industrial complex, Pentagon and State Department with the kind of bluster and swagger worthy of Shrub. First of all, you've got to get in the same political ball-park. They wouldn't even begin to fear you, on the basis of your post.

[Douglas Carpenter]

76. My dear God, I hope so

enough is enough

[RBInMaine]

79. Please take a deep breath and hold your heads together.

Alright some of you folks out there, the LAST thing we need is to start infighting right now. Dems at all levels all over this country ARE doing things, and Dems ARE getting loud about Bush and Co. and their hand-in-glove relationship with the oil companies, the policies that have so weakened the country making us less prepared for natural disasters here at home, etc. The DNC site IMMEDIATELY had a disaster relief page, well before the GOP site. I'll agree that the time is ripe in this country for real populist economics and to elect more populist Dems at every level, but now is the time for UNITY and training the fire at the GOP! We must be real. If not the Dems, then who? The Greens? Ralph Nader? Give me a break!
Never gonna happen in a million years!! We need a united, broad tent Dems party in all fifty states to take back the country from the far-right corporate-owned GOP!
SO PLEASE STOP THE SILLY INFIGHTING NOW OR GET READY FOR AN EVEN LARGER GOP MAJORITY!!!! Put your energy into energizing the Dems if you're not happy now, but more importantly, train your anger and frustration at the GOP where it most belongs!

[DistressedAmerican]

87. I'll Stop Fighting When OUR Leaders Start. Not A Second Before.

Grasp the facts. they are not working for you. They are working for themselves and their donors!

Real progressives! Only real progressives!

[DistressedAmerican]

88. I'll Stop Fighting When OUR Leaders Start. Not A Second Before.

Grasp the facts. they are not working for you. They are working for themselves and their donors!

Real progressives! Only real progressives!

[katahdin]

92. If you want an example of what happens when party constituents

don't challenge its leaders, take a good look at the Republicans. IMO, walking in silent lock-step behind ANY leadership is dangerous to the ideals of freedom.

I agree with DA's sentiments. I have seen very little leadership from the DEMs over the past SEVERAL years. They are either cowards or they are bound and gagged by some entity(ies) or circumstance(s) prohibiting them from REPRESENTING THE PEOPLE.

(I'm new. Please attack me gently.)

[Q]

95. It seems that the defenders of the feckless Dem leaders...

...have their own talking points going. This isn't 'infighting'. It's the duty and responsibility of every Democrat to speak up if they think the leadership isn't doing their jobs or honoring their oath of office to

protect and defend the Constitution.

What you call infighting isn't silly. It's arrogant of you to call it such.

Democracy and the free speech that goes along with it is anything but silly.

If WE don't demand that our leaders make Bush accountable...who will?

[Pobeka]

82. If EVER there was a time for the dems to stand up for the good of us all.

NOW is the time.

Even the main stream media has had a jolt of reality.

Americans are disgusted.

This is the moment.

[Name removed]

83. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ChiciB1]

89. If We Don't Complain NOW & IF They Don't Listen NOW...

they don't deserve to be re-elected!!

I've HAD IT and saying we shouldn't have in-fighting now is outrageous. We keep saying it and NOTHING is happening! It's truly amazing and I feel hopelessly deserted! I've written letter, emails and have made phone calls... The lights are on, but nobody's home!!

The Congressional Black Caucus, John Edwards and a few others.... Geez that's so lame!!!

[Lorien]

90. I feel the same way you do.

It's time for reform or a viable third party, IMO. I'm sick of being told that I'm "bashing" the party when I ask them to do more, to speak up, to act like the opposition. Enough is enough! Without a TRUE opposition party, this country will continue it's swift decline into third would status.

[katahdin]

93. Faith in Leadership?

Accept it all on faith, my love.
Accept it all on faith.
We would not harm a single soul –
Not a hair on your sweet, pallid face.

Accept it all on faith, my dear
Do not believe your eyes.
The rivers are meant to run black,
And see? Brown makes such lovely skies!

Do not believe your ears, my sweet;
They’ll fill with toxins soon.
And you’ll not be bothered again,
By those radicals screaming Doom!

Consume the poison fruit, dear one.
No, now don’t you worry.
It’s only a little poison
To make you just a bit blurry.

Do not despair the reeking smog;
This land was built on oil.
Pay no mind to the beating drums
Or the blood drenching poison soil.

Trust me, trust us! Lay your fine faith
On this greed-built altar.
Know your deliverance is here:
Be assured and never falter!

Accept it all on faith, my lamb.
Dream of heaven’s treasure.
Stand tall and true and shout them down
Who impassion our displeasure.

Give to us your faith, little pawn,
And when the earth is bleak,
Remember that bequest my dear
Barren Earth will fall to the meek.

For who else shall we leave it to,
Near the final fracture
When we Immortals surf the stars
In a spaceship named “The Rapture.”

[mzmolly]

94. I love when Republicans F**k up and people here bitch about Democrats.

I am ever amazed frankly.

[katahdin]

96. I Believe The Bitching

is about leadership -- or lack thereof.

[dxstone]

97. Kickin' it to the streets!

Go! Tell it on the mountain!
DAMMIT! ENOUGH PATIENCE! ENOUGH DECORUM! ENOUGH!