I Sound My Barbaric Yawp Over The Roofs Of The World

[WilliamPitt]

What do you think have become of the young and old men?
And what do you think have become of the women and children?

They are alive and well somewhere,
The smallest sprout shows there is really no death,
And if ever there was it led forward life, and does not wait at the end to arrest it,
And ceas'd the moment life appear'd.

All goes onward and outward, nothing collapses,
And to die is different from what any one supposed, and luckier.

I believe a leaf of grass is no less than a jouney-work of the stars,

I think I could turn and live with animals, they're so placid and self contain'd,
I stand and look at them long and long.

They do not sweat and whine about their condition,
They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins,
They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God,
Not one is dissatisfied, not one is demented with the mania of owning things,
Not one kneels to another, nor to his kind that lived thousands of years ago,
Not one is respectable or unhappy over the earth.

I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable,
I sound my barbaric YAWP over the roofs of the world.

- Walt Whitman, 'Songs of Myself'

I'm sorry for engaging in so many candidate brawls lately. Specifically, I apologize to the Dean people, because their candidate has received about 99.3% of my fire in the last few days.

I'm not going to stop, of course. This is primary season, and if the candidates and their supporters do not fight like valkyries for the chance to win that nomination, they do all of American democracy a disservice. Consider the alternative: Passive, quiet, mealy-mouthed campaigns in which, due to the lack of aggressive tussling, there is no effective way to suss out positions and ideologies. That would be a disaster, so I am not going to stop.

But I am going to apologize, and hope the apology is remembered, because sooner or later we're all going to have to live with each other while simultaneously waging a campaign against the most ruthless, well-funded, highly propagandized foe in the history, quite literally, of the world.

If anyone thinks any Democratic candidate has been truly harsh to another Democratic candidate - and I am including Lieberman's brainless drool from today, along with that harebrained Iowa commercial - that person will be rudely surprised come late summer, because the filth that is coming our way after Boston will likely have no precedent, anywhere, ever. This primary season has been tame. Tame. These people are getting along famously compared to some old-school campaigns of yore.

Ever heard the story about LBJ in a close race for his Senate seat down in Texas? LBJ told his campaign manager to spread a rumor that his opponent was known to occasionally enjoy carnal knowledge of his barnyard sows. His campaign manager said, "Are you crazy? We can't say that! No one ould believe it!" LBJ replied, "I don't care if anyone believes it, but let's make him deny it."

Now that is a campaign, and by a Democrat, no less. Stone the crows.

So we're going to have to get along in about eight months, whether we like it or not. The primaries are for fighting; if you are still unable to grasp that or are uncomfortable about it, I most respectfully suggest you get off the bus while you can. I mean that with no disrespect (and of course I am not saying "Leave DU"). You'll be happier, maybe, if you avoid the candidate threads entirely. I did for a while, and it was recuperative as all get-out. Almost as good as swearing off CNN.

Most all of you won't get off the bus, and neither will I. Most all of you will continue fighting, regardless of blandishments to the contrary, because that is the nature of the season and the contest itself. Appeals to ABB or togetherness are sandcastles before tidal waves. Res ipsa loquitor. The thing speaks for itself.

Respect is big here, pretty much the core of the Rules. If you can't respect another DUer, or their positions, or their candidate, come to respect the fact that at some point soon, you're going to have to share a foxhole with that person during the largest artillery barrage since the Battle of the Bulge. Respect the fight that is ahead as you wage the one before us, and respect that you're going to need the help of the person you're furious at.

In other words, ABB in August. I, for one, can't wait.

Think about it. Once a candidate is chosen, this place is going to turn into an information clearinghouse / activism meeting house / first strike-instant response army during the first Presidential campaign where online activism will really swing some weight. We've been training for this, here, for almost three years now. Anyone remember the months after 9/11? Remember how much data came freight-training through here? Multiply that by a few orders of magnitude, and you will have DU on September 1, 2004. I want to be a part of that, and I can't wait to stand with all of you regardless of what transpired during the primaries. I hope you feel the same.

If you feel the same, then believe this: A moment will come on January 20th, 2005. It will be cold in Washington D.C. A man who is not George W. Bush will raise his hand and swear and oath to preserve, protect and defend the United States of America. When that day dawns, I will sound my barbaric YAWP over the roofs of the world, and anything that happened during the primaries between us will be lost in a flood of champagne and profoundly relieved tears of joy.

[quaker bill]

1. Apology accepted.

See you at the inauguration. I hope to donate to ABB heavily enough and work hard enough to get an invite to the ball...

January 20, 2005 will be my 50th birthday, this is the way I want to party.

[frank frankly]

2. thanks, man

I am one of those first-time HEAVY political watchers/participants. I thought I knew the game, but really I didn't. I'm learning.

You make sense. I share your hope and vision of DU after the primaries. I'll be here and out there fighting with everything I have. That's for sure.

I am learning and even though the stakes could not be higher, I am trying to stay focused and relatively even. Politics is fucking bizarre...

[kentuck]

3. My favorite, Leaves of Grass....

:)

[littlejoe]

57. I'm a Ginsberg man, myself.

[Zomby Woof]

4. first you rip off my music tastes

Now my tastes in poetry too. :-)

Whitman, the eternal.

[WilliamPitt]

13. Dibs on Coltrane

:)

[La_Serpiente]

5. Thanks once again Mr. Pitt

for inspiring in us the kind of confidence that we must have going into this election. The ramifications of this election is enormous and we cannot afford to cede any of our courage to the Karl Rove or any of his slimy tactics. Stand steadfast and strong, but walk with a clear and focused mind, because that is what will set us free. We are in this together.

[dreissig]

6. You Still Don't

You still don't know shit about baseball.

[WilliamPitt]

7. Pedro, Schilling, Lowe, Wakefield, Foulke, A-Rod/Nomar, Manny(?), Ortiz

will teach me. :)

[dreissig]

20. Will The Gods . . .

Will the gods of baseball forgive Boston for not winning with this year's brilliant team? It is a point to ponder while staring out at the grey Atlantic in January.

[WilliamPitt]

21. Brilliant team + Stepford manager - aforementioned manager

= see you in April. :)

[proud patriot]

8. It's going to be great once a candidate is choosen

I can't wait either .

Here's to a good fight along the way :toast:
may America's Democratic Republic be served well

ABB In 2004 :bounce:

[imhotep]

9. Look at the words in ABB

Anyone but Bush.

Waiting until there is only one person left to describe "anyone" defeats the meaning.

so what the hell would be the point of saying ABB when there is just 1 person who is "anyone?"

That in itself would be the same message as 2002. "We aren't Bush."

[Name removed]

10. Deleted message

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

[La_Serpiente]

11. Hmmmmmm

Me thinks that Lord Bhudda like comment when you post Will.

[Old and In the Way]

15. Then we turn into SBB's

Someone Beating Bush

[imhotep]

17. yes

that would be a phrase that makes sense.

I guess my point was that ABB origins had nothing to do with waiting until there was a nominee.

ex post facto elucidations of ABB wont undo the damage it has already caused.

[RBHam]

12. Yawp right back atcha

ABB

WW III awaits Bush's re-election.

[Clark Can WIN]

14. I think it's pretty clear that Walt Whitman

never had a cat.

Seriously. Right there with you.

[eileen_d]

16. I regret to say

that I think Dean and a few of his supporters are demanding apologies when none are due. Being criticized does not make a person a victim.

Sure, Dean's taken lots of unfair hits on DU (and in the press, and from other candidates). I've probably been guilty of a few. But people (like myself) who do not understand the appeal of Dean have also asked some basic questions and received answers like (to paraphrase) "You just don't get it" or "How anti-grassroots/pro-DLC" or "Why are you attacking Dean when Candidate X..." instead of "This is what Dean is about."

I will support Dean if he gets the nod (as I have to add to every post I make which criticizes Dean, lest I be burnt to a crisp). I am firmly ABB. But I felt the need to say this... YMMV.

[Cheswick2.0]

26. I missed where anyone demanded an apology

and since none was given... no problem

[slinkerwink]

18. Apology accepted.

:toast:

[A-Schwarzenegger]

19. Whitman just came out for Dean.

It was the civil union thing.

[calimary]

34. Tee HEE! Good to hear from you again, A-

Cheers!

Oh, and Will - apology accepted.

on edit -

Dare I add - "now go and sin no more"?

[GalleryGod]

22. Nice Job,Will!

:pals:

Did you ever make it to the PHilly area on the 9th + 10th!?

Released from the Faculty Lounge and forced to Hang Chri$tma$ Decorations,

G.G.:smoke:

[GalleryGod]

23. IMHO: Longest of the LONG Shots- Dean/Clark.

I know most of our Rotisserie League DUers like to play Mix N' Match like Make Believe General Managers-BUT-If General Clark misses the Big Prize:think: ...you think the Big Dawg is going to call him and say, "Jump on that Ticket,Wes!".

In a word........"NAH!"

"Not gonna Do It..Wouldn't Be PRU-dent at this Time!"

Stay Well,Pitt. Keep Punchin',Mate!

Bluebooks are in..now where's that string of lights??
G.G.:wtf:

[stickdog]

24. Yes, DU is all about ABB. And primary fights are seasonal entities.

And dozens of current Dean, Kerry and Kucinich folks are among DU's most powerful ABB assets.

I'm fighting for my candidate like there's no tomorrow. But when tomorrow comes, at least I'll be happy that all of DU's most amazing analysts and researchers are back on the same team.

[Cheswick2.0]

25. "I am sorry for what I have been doing but I will continue doing it"

Will, this is not an apology. I think you need to go back to apology 101 for a refresher. Really, you have shown in the last week or so that you truly have no concept what an apology entails. "I am sorry for being mean....BUT...here is what is wrong with you". "I am sorry for what I did...BUT....I am going to continue". <---- See what I mean?

There are some kinds of fighting in primaries that are justified such as disagreeing on positions, votes, policies. But when you (and I don't mean you personally)go around saying the front runner in a primary race is unelectable and you join a coalition against him such as the DLC is building, you are signalling that your own personal ambitions are bigger than the party winning in Nov.
For people here to use the capture of Saddam against Dean all day yesterday was helpful to no one but bush.

[bearfartinthewoods]

27. i'm looking forward to sharing a foxhole with these people

it's always better to go to war with seasoned troops.

[WillyT]

28. Yawp, Baby !!!

Can't wait for a united front!!!

:bounce::kick::bounce:

[VelmaD]

29. And will that YAWP...

bear a stunning resemblence to Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song"? ;-)

Seriously though, well said. It's hard to pick a quote out of that to mention as paricularly *snort*-worthy but I'm sure as hell holding onto the dream of that moment in January 2005.

[WilliamPitt]

30. Kick

[Ramsey]

31. I largely agree

The Bushies are going to throw everything they can at our candidate, whoever that may be. They will lie and distort and malign, and they have the media as their lapdogs. The most heartening thing I have seen this campaign season are the independent groups raising megabucks for GOTV and issues ads, because we are going to need to create our own media in order to counteract the GOP stranglehold on the national message and Bush's bully pulpit (like milking the capture of an until-yesterday-irrelevent Saddam for all its worth!)

So, if Dean said something inconsistent, better on many levels it come out now so he can deal with it. The catch 22 however is that I don't like when the Repukes smear my guy, and neither do I like it when another Dem candidate smears my guy. So, I lose some respect for the camp who did the smearing. I'll still be supporting that ABB candidate, but it makes me think less of that person and that campaign in the long run.

We should all work hard for our chosen candidate and then line up behind the winner when the time comes. I have been supporting Dean since February, well before he looked like the likley winner. I have supported him because I like most of his policy ideas, and I think he can stand up to Bush. It remains to be seen if he can hold off the Republican mud slingers, but I don't mind him getting some practice now.

What I don't really like is this fine line between substance and smear. Criticism and exagerration. Personally, I have mostly tried to take the tactic of emphasizing the positives about my guy, not dumping on the others. Heck, I've even praised some of the others. But the Repugs aren't going to hold back. I just don't like seeing any of our guys stooping to that level, even if ultimately helps Dean (or others) prepare for what is to come.

[sistersofmercy]

32. May a chorus of barbaric YAWPS be singing throughout the land

on that rejoiceful morning. Wonderful piece Will! My favorite Whitman is, As Adam Early in the Morning

As Adam early in the morning,
Walking forth from the bower refresh'd with sleep,
Behold me where I pass, hear my voice, approach,
Touch me, touch the palm of your hand to my body as I pass,
Be not afraid of my body.

[WilliamPitt]

33. Kick

[Name removed]

35. Deleted message

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

[A-Schwarzenegger]

36. *snerfle*

I feel sorry for Kerry. He must have thought he'd
sail to the nomination on gossamer wings after
Gore dropped out, and then that little upstart
peacenik sawbones from the Isle of Vermontylvania
stuck his no-neck head in and took charge like
gangbusters. It's got to be a bitter pill for the
gentleman from Massachusetts. I believe compassion
is in order.

[goobergunch]

37. To the top!

Of the GD forum, anyway.

:kick:

[mzmolly]

38. "Champagne and Tears of JOY"

... Just the thought brings tears to me, just the thawt ...

Apology accepted. :hi:

[Eloriel]

39. Disappointing

Oh, not your quote of Walt Whitman, nor your "here again, gone real damn quick" apology for your Dean bashing. It was lovely for the second and a half it took to read that -- til the next line.

And it's certainly true enough that politics is and always has been dirty, dirty business, and primaries are no exception.

What is disappointing if not downright tragic is your giving that your approval, personal validation, and your downright celebratory attitude about it, along with your unstated premise that it is somehow NECESSARY for political process to continue to be just as vile and dirty as it has been.

I reject that. I reject that with every fiber of my being, for several reasons. First and foremost, I see absolutesly NO evidence of any kind that it's necessary or desirable.

Second, I don't want the type of person who would engage -- or even tacitly allow -- that kind of politics to be waged in his or her name representing me. It's degrading to be represented ny politicians who behave that way or allow that behavior. I'm tired of that kind of political degradation. I, personlly, do not deserve it or anything approaching it, and I know of few people who do.

I want men and women of integrity in office representing me, my district, my state, my country, and I'm sick to death of having to vote for my own degradation. I'm sick too that this very political climate you describe keeps the very people OUT who could help raise the tone for the better -- but that is, indeed, part of the reason behind the reality: can't have someone in office who won't play the game.

Another reason your celebration of "what is" saddens me is that you are celebrating a key reason so many eligible voters don't bother. There is nothing in it for them. There is ugliness, backstabbing, lies, distortion, greed, corruption, and a complete lack of accountability. Most Americans are decent, hard-working and basically good people. They cannot stand such a toxic environment, and so tune out. There is little hope, goodness, vision, promise -- just ugliness and betrayal, and believe me, betrayal of one's hopes and trust are the worst of betrayals. And why SHOULD they trust the men and womewn who engage -- or allow -- such behavior? To do so would be foolhardy.

So these voters tune out -- just as I did for so many years before a politician came along in whom I could feel some trust and hope. It was Gary Hart who got me to register to vote, in my mid-thirties. He raged against the loss of privacy involved and subsequently set himself up for a fall which would ensure as much privacy as he wanted after the storm blew over, and I tuned back out, tho I did go ahead and vote in Presidebtial elections after that -- as an Independent. Eventually I noticed I kept voting for Dems and realized I must be a Dem at heart.

I didn't get truly politicized until the Clarence Thomas - Anita Hill hearings where I watched a Bush-appointed assistant at the EEOC, a woman by the name of Ricky Silverman, question Anita Hill's mental health on national TV. Having previously been involved with the women's movement, I got jolted out of my complacency with the startling, alarming realization, "OMG. These people can hurt us!"

It was a revelation to me that there could be people in govt who did not have the country's or the people's best interests at heart, even if they were otherwise self-serving and greedy. It hadn't occurred to me before that.

So my involvement in politics stems from one thing alone: self-preservation. In truth, I hate politics. Always have. And what you celebrate, Will, is at least 85% of precisely what I hate and always have. Had I not felt threatened to my very core that day by the Bush administration's Ricky Silverman, I'd never have gotten involved at all. (Bush's selection probably would have delivered the same kind of wake-up call, though.)

I'm not alone. Studies have shown that most of the people who don't vote have similar antipathy to the political process you celebrate as I did (and do).

And how can you logically expect people to feel good about the political process and especially any candidate that engages in it in the way you celeebrate? I can't. Nor could I trust that person to be honest and fair and upstanding about anything else -- at all. If they can't be responsible for running a clean campaign, just where would they stop? LBJ didn't stop until the blood of 58,289 Americans had been spilled in a war that benefitted only Brown & Root and other defense contractors. As a nation we are not over the pain he caused yet.

I won't willingly be a party to "politics as usual" any more. I demand more -- and better. I'm worth it. America is worth it. I believe in America. I know we can do better.

And if Howard Dean turns out to be like all the rest, I'll turn on him too, as will the legion of Dean supporters who have never voted, or never been involved or volunteered for a candidate, never contributed to any campaign before. These people have traditionally made up half or more of NeetUps and fundraisers. That's quite an accomplishment.

I didn't start this post with the intention of saying anything about Dean. It just arose because of the direction the post took. But having said what I did, the thought occurs to me that here at DU, and oerhaps within the Democratic Party as a whole as well as with those who are commonly referred to as "Washington insiders," much of the resistance to or inability to even understand what is going on in the Dean campaign comes from those of you who seem to love politics just as it is and always has been -- those who are perfectly amenable to the same ole, same ole. Perhaps that's why some of you don't get it-- you frame of reference filters out all except what you are conditioned to see, and accept.

I can't accept it, and I won't. And I find it more sad than I can say that a man with your talent, your ability to reach people through the gift of your words, celebrates -- CELEBRATES!!! -- a vision of politics mired in a pig stye, quite literally.

And don't misunderstand -- this post isn't about why you (or anyone) should support Dean -- far from it. I'm resigned to your commitment to John Kerry and won't be trying to change your mind about that. My post is about, well, to cut to the chase, your soul. And Anerca's soul. Amerca's future. Your vision. Are pig styes and bestiality the highpoint of your vision?

We can do better than that. I know it to the depth of my being and I want it exactly that much.

And you can do better than this. I know that just as well.

Eloriel

[WilliamPitt]

40. I'll take care of my own soul, thanks

In the meantime, we will agree to disagree.

[burning bush]

50. Untill it suits you otherwise, Mr Pitt?

After all, it is primary season, and we shouldn't expect polite disagreement, should we?

Something about busses, and the getting off thereof, wasn't it?

:)

[WilliamPitt]

55. I hesitate to say this

but all the horror at the prospect of "pig fighting" (whatever that is, as it wasn't something I talked about) strikes me as the stance of someone who supports the current front-runner, and is afraid that front-runner status may be affected by an ongoing fight.

Pig fighting? I have no idea what the fuck that means. All I do know is that candidates wrestling with each other is the best way for the rest of us to find out where they stand - not just on the issues, but on matters of charachter and integrity.

This bus has a door. Use it if you don't like the game.

[littlejoe]

59. Expletive deleted on you, Mr. Sham

[Eloriel]

58. No, we are not disagreeing, Will

We are parting ways.

Godspeed.

Eloriel

[WilliamPitt]

60. You make your choices, I guess

The idea that arguments in the primaries are healthy is lost on you, I guess. The reality that they will be here no matter what anyone says or does - as seen here despite all efforts to the contrary - passes you by. My desire to have us all come together upon the nomination of a candidate, as per your farewell, is something you cannot see yourself towards.

That, Eloriel, will be the end of us. Not anything I have said or done. Find a mirror, and look very hard.

[indigo32]

43. I COMPLETELY AGREE with this..

"a key reason so many eligible voters don't bother. There is nothing in it for them. There is ugliness, backstabbing, lies, distortion, greed, corruption, and a complete lack of accountability. Most Americans are decent, hard-working and basically good people. They cannot stand such a toxic environment, and so tune out. There is little hope, goodness, vision, promise -- just ugliness and betrayal, and believe me, betrayal of one's hopes and trust are the worst of betrayals. And why SHOULD they trust the men and womewn who engage -- or allow -- such behavior? To do so would be foolhardy.

So these voters tune out "

People TURN AWAY with disgust!

Thanks Eloriel

[A-Schwarzenegger]

44. Wow, Eloriel.

Sobering. If we end up just like them,
just like those whose ways we detest,
what's the point? Even if that is what
politics *mainly* is (the pigsty), I am
glad there are people like you around that
remind me that it can be and sometimes
is something much more humane and inspiring.

[dajabr]

45. I can't accept it either.

Thanks Eloriel.

:-)

[mzmolly]

47. Great Post E

now I'm confused LOL :toast:

[burning bush]

49. Eloriel, your post was nearly poetic

But I'm afraid you are tilting at windmills with Mr. Pitt, as his response illustrates.

You wrote:

I can't accept it, and I won't. And I find it more sad than I can say that a man with your talent, your ability to reach people through the gift of your words, celebrates -- CELEBRATES!!! -- a vision of politics mired in a pig stye, quite literally.

That's honorable, but remember the old saying "You should never wrestle with a pig. You both get covered in shit, and the pig enjoys it."

[JanMichael]

51. I was about to post a reply to Will. Then I read your post. Thanks!

I have nothing to add, you summed up my feelings about the pig stye atmosphere developing here better than I could have.

Thanks again, beautifully stated.

[kayob1]

52. Thanks.

You speak for me, too. Good for you.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

53. kick 4 Eloriel

[Capn Sunshine]

41. I look forward to your endorsement of Howard Dean

I expect a solid , fully engaged logical and passionate one.

I think it will come , by Mid March, unless you vow to stab at us from the bloody depths of candidate Hell's heart Kerry finds himself in.

Conversely, you will see my endorsement of the candidate. If it's not mine, so be it. Hell, I worked for Humphrey v Nixon, and damn we used a hell of a lot of lipstick on THAT pig. I was proud of how close we got when much of us felt we could have put up a better fight.

But make no mistake: Bush is beatable. By whom, is up to dems. But I plan on working my ass off to make that happen. With Dean, Kerry , Edwards, Clark, Clinton, ....whoever!
YAWP!

[TexasPatriot]

42. Why an apology

Once upon a time, I liked the leadershipforchange board as people tended to post 2000 word epics as often as not - but it went away once Clark announced. This board tends more to the short and inflammatory - sort of the Joe Lieberman of Discussion Boards.

It's difficult to have an intelligent conversation in a mosh pit, and man does this place feel like NIN at the Will Rogers from time to time. My general attitude is you're more than welcome to disagree with me - just dont waste my time.

The nice thing is you're posts are well considered. I'd much rather listen to someone I dont agree with speak eloquently and thoughtfully than someone I do agree with in a less artful manner. If I wanted an echo chamber, I could go to a candidate blog.

As for what's on the way - you're absolutely right. I remember when Bush* went after Richards for her drinking problem - and if he needs more than $200m so he can photoshop up more pictures of CandidateX eating babies I guarantee he'll find a way.

Keep it coming. Kerry isnt my guy and I'm as entrenched as many of the others around here - but I'm listening.

[realFedUp]

46. Nice post

thanks. It would be helpful to be able to figure
out the real Dems from the Freepers now...

[bleedingheart]

48. So do you deny you had sex with that aardvark?

:evilgrin:

LBJ...whatta guy...hahahaha

[knight_of_the_star]

54. On January 20th, 2005

I will be with my fiance in DC watching the new president get sworn in. And a few weeks later me, her, and some of my friends are flying out to visit my friend in Scotland to celebrate Bush and Blair's downfalls.


We will overcome.


Do not doubt it.

[littlejoe]

56. Then how about some equal time.

Start throwing some innocuous flames at Clark or Kerry. See how his people like it.

[curse10]

61. you mean like what happens on this board on a daily basis?

no one is left untouched on DU

[windansea]

62. great line Will!!

I will sound my barbaric YAWP over the roofs of the world

you WRITE BABY!!

[fishnfla]

63. LBJ, (r-rated)

LBJ had a nickname for his lower unit, "jumbo" I bet he was just dying for a reporter to make him deny that!

A story goes that once the good old boys were drinking out in the country and LBJ and another fella step behind a * to take a leak, somehow the other guy mentions HoChiMinh. LBJ wags 'jumbo' at the guy and says: "screw Uncle Ho!, you think he's got a dick this big?'

yes, politics has always been about pissing matches.