I have finally reached the end of my rope.

[democrank]

I`m a crusty old woman, which is one reason I refuse to point to a pile of dog crap and call it a strawberry sundae. Not even for party unity. Not even in honor of comity. Not even because sometimes a few scraps are better than none. I`m going to actually face reality. Forty-five years of Democratic Party activism have helped me understand the difference between bitching and doing. The sickening mess we`re in today didn`t happen by accident. Homeless folks we ignore, public support of torture, jampacked emergency rooms, decaying ghettos, packed prisons, obscene national debt, the destruction of Iraq, boarded-up factories....happened why? Because the majority cared so damned much?

Imagine. Broken soldiers wandering around Walter Reed (hile some of their comrades start their third or fourth deployment) and we show our "support" by demanding tax cuts and displaying yellow ribbon magnets? But Democratic leaders think they need to enter a pissing contest? Are they kidding me? I`m supposed to be glued to my teevee to determine who goes to church most often? Who is the True Christian? Who is willing to kill the most people to keep me free? Who is willing to use a nuke? Great. Let homeless children pace the sidewalks while I listen to a debate on which churchgoer loves his/her family the most and which Jesus Lover is willing to bomb Iran. This is more like a circus than a circus. Is Edwards` house too big? Did Obama inhale? What about Hillary`s cackle? My head hurts. All this and we`re debating torture? Or as Kit Bond calls it....the "backstroke."

Maybe Pelosi could have a friendly meet and greet at the White House so the next war funding request can be a joint effort with Junior Bush. Maybe our Senate leadership can be in the next Barney video. There`s always hope when you work things out with your "friends" across the aisle. In the meantime, I can`t think of one government agency that hasn`t been defiled, one right that hasn`t been trampled. None of this could have happened without the help of a big chunk of Democrats. One day they`re at their microphones promising oversight and the next minute they`re huddled out of sight making a deal with the devils. Compromise is one thing. Sacrificing principles is quite another.

The CIA torture tapes did it for me. Why do you suppose that Democrats....my party....didn`t present themselves en masse with a thunderous, crystal clear statement of revulsion? Is it the same reason they can hear reports of collective financial struggles and still stuff bills with inexcusable pork?
Is it the same reason they can shamelessly sign up for getaway weekends while soldiers from their own districts get sent to Iraq for the third time? Is it the same reason they can hold galas in Georgetown but ignore New Orleans?

We can make excuses `til the cows come home, but if we don`t get some fresh blood and a giant charge of backbone, there isn`t going to be anything left of the Democratic Party. We`ll just meld with the Republicans into a giant corporation-driven inetrest group that concentrates on treasure chests and re-elections. Every single time we look the other way and make excuses for unaccountable, unresponsive leaders, we contribute to our own demise. If they know who we are when they want a contribution, they should know who we are when we want an end to war and torture. We`ve overlooked way too much and required way too little. Time for change.

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. BRAVO!!!!!!!

Thank you!

Excellent.

:thumbsup:

All I ask, at the minimum, from governmental leadership is that, when another part of governmental leadership is VIOLATING THE CONSTITUTION, they fucking stop it.

[Name removed]

159. Deleted message

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

[Name removed]

161. Deleted message

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

[blossomstar]

165. Great post, thank you.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

162. You don't understand what she's talking about......

She's referring to the fact that our country has reached the pinnacle of corruption and there's no mass protests.

Yes, politics is dirty, but compared with the biggest, most powerful western democratic nations, this one is at the bottom in almost everything: from corruption, to exploitation of its people, to perennial lies from its leader, to our taxes as a feeding trough for the rich, and so much more it's nauseating.

As for the poster, she seems to be doing a lot more about the situation than you. She's screaming her protests out loud while you're telling her to shut up.

[Rabrrrrrr]

168. Bummers - I missed the response before it was deleted -

what was said therein?

[Sarah Ibarruri]

171. Just something less than ideal. :-) nt

[1corona4u]

2. Well, Joe Biden addressed the tapes...

and is working on getting info from the WH about it. So not all of them are clueless.

I guess he doesn't matter though. :(

[Usrename]

28. Yeah, and they better not ever do it again.

If they do, he might threaten them with impeachment.

:shrug:

[1corona4u]

33. I hardly think he's done with them yet.

[Donnachaidh]

53. it would have been nice if he'd started threatening impeachment

BEFORE he started running for President. :eyes:

[1corona4u]

63. He didn't/doesn't need to use it as an issue to garner support....

like someone else did. Unsuccessfully I might add.

[Truth2Tell]

109. Joe Biden began acting like

a Constitution loving progressive and anti-war Democrat about 5 months ago - after a 30 year career of enabling war and Republicanism. It is nice to see him finally on board though.

[redqueen]

118. How do you feel about his support for Clarence Thompson?

And the way he treated Anita Hill?



You really want to start this pissing contest shit here? SERIOUSLY?!

[sallyseven]

121. Clarence Thompson???

[redqueen]

123. sorry... thomas.

i was pretty $&#*(@&$ ticked off, seeing that cheap shit... especially in a thread like this.

[David Zephyr]

3. Healthy rant. "We can make excuses 'til the cows come home"

As we said in the 1960's: Right on.

Time for change.

[Radio_Lady]

146. Agree. "Time for (a) change."

Regrettably, it was my father's slogan when he ran for councilman in North Miami, Florida. That was about four decades ago. He did win the spot, and went on to become a Vice Mayor of the town, and a judge.

I'm trying not to be really dismayed, but this Democrat is just keeping her head about emotional election elation with all the machinations in the news.

Happy holidays,

Radio Lady in Sanibel Island, Florida

[gateley]

4. Excellent, IMPORTANT points. Brava! nt

[Madam Mossfern]

7. Thank you!

Now enough of us have to speak out as eloquently to effect some sort of change - for real.

a rec for this for sure

[MuseRider]

5. From one crusty

to another BRAVA!

It has to be said over and over and over. Hold them accountable and watch them change, until we do that we get more of this and this ain't getting us anything.

[rhett o rick]

88. Yes, but........we have to figure out an effective way to hold them accountable. Nothing is working

now.

[MuseRider]

95. That is true.

I have no idea other than letting things get worse and I really don't want to do that. However things will not get better if we let this go. I have no idea how to proceed with this. Nothing has worked, we have done everything we have the power to do. I dropped out of the party because that was the last statement I could make that would maybe wake them up (if enough did that) but instead I just got nastiness from the DNC. Screw them all. Seriously, I have no clue and we are in big trouble.

[rhett o rick]

103. We have power if we get off our butts and work together.

See my post above: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=3829328&mesg_id=3830785

Another thing. The middle class has a lot of money collectively that the corporations want. That gives us power if we use it. For example: A Walmart exec stated recently that their profits were dropping because the poor people (their target shoppers) were running out of money. I believe Walmart will decide to try to change their image and go after the middle class dollar. This gives us power. Walmart recently dropped sponsorship of Michael Savage. I believe it was to appease the moderate middle class. We need to support blue corporations and boycott red corporations.

[saskatoon]

139. Remember what it took many years ago

A REVOLUTION! I can't understand why we haven't started one a long time ago. This shit has been going on TOO long.

[insanad]

155. Can someone get Pelosi and Reed some Viagra ?

Our Congress has been so impotent and I'm very very unsatisfied. What will it take to get them to stop posing and bragging and just DO IT!!! With over 70% of the American people disillusioned or dowright violently angry with Bush and his corrupt administration, the exodus from his cabinet and absolute dysfunction of the entire staff, the lies, the lies, the downright dirty bald faced lies, WHY CAN'T THEY DO SOMETHING???

THe world is glaring at us like the Mom at Walmart with the obnoxious disobedient loud spoiled child who refuses to discipline him or demand better behavior as he has his temper tantrums,destroying everything around him and causing an embarassing scene. Because we allow our own despot dictator to do to others what we condemned in Saddam Hussein and other depraved corrupt power mongers, we in essence show that in spite of our "Enlightened Privilege", WE THE PEOPLE, are as easily led as any in the less endowed countries. For the first time in my 45 years, I'm ashamed of our nation for failing to eject George Bush and his corrupt administration. What will it take for our congress to act? Could someone get them a double dose of viagra so they can at least "Get it up" long enough to get the ball rolling on the impeachment? The world needs us to TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN BAD SEED.

WE THE PEOPLE have expelled corrupt dictators in the past. WE THE PEOPLE have fought against tyranny and oppression and won. WE THE PEOPLE have found good and just leaders and supported them and WE THE PEOPLE can do it again. We are innovators, creators, leaders, inventors, producers, and dreamers. We sent men to the moon, ended wars, created vaccinations for some of the worlds worst diseases, fed nations, and connected all of us here on this site with the internet. WE THE PEOPLE can change the course of this nation and make a difference in the world.

I have no intention of presenting a PollyAnna view that all will be well if we just elect a good leader. In fact, whomever that leader will be will be handed a bag of broken glass and the demands to "Fix" it will nearly paralyze any leader, even a good one. We the people are over 300 million strong. Surely there must be a fair proportion of those people who are willing to rise up, to fight and work and sacrifice and change to make the difference in the world. It won't just be a leader but a nation of leaders.

An apocalyptic view and bitter resentment won't be the glue that will hold us together. I don't doubt for a moment that our world is more corrupt, more toxic, more troubled, more cruel, more in the throes of anarchy than ever before in the history of our modern world. I also don't doubt that one person can influence another person, and another, till a whole community is inspired, and then a city, and a state and a nation.

Today I signed yet another protest against Bush and Cheney. Today I lent my name and reputation to some serious causes. Today I tried to share information and influence with people I love to inspire them to do something too. Today I reduced, reused, recycled. Today I didn't spend money I didn't have or go where I didn't need to go or consume what I didn't need to consume. I'll do it again tomorrow and the next and the next. I alone can't change the world but all of us can.

This petition can be sent to everyone who cares. Give it your best and do something TODAY!!!

http://impeachcentral.com /

[Patchuli]

172. Great post, insanad!

That is exactly what Americans need to be reminded of, we are powerful UNITED and it's time to change our world back to where we want it to be. That is SANE and RATIONAL. It's time to fire 'leaders' that are incapable of following through on the People's will. Congress is called 'The Peoples' House' and it's time it's 'tenants' remember that fact!

It was too late for that petition but I signed the one to eliminate the Electoral College.

Forthcoming mail!

[insanad]

180. Woo hoo, I like it when it gets personal!!

[Whisp]

6. great post!

I feel your outrage, and it is good.
we need major gestalt.

[Recursion]

I'm getting there

I'm no longer sure getting flogged half-heartedly is enough better than getting flogged whole-heartedly to worry much about it.

[Berry Cool]

8. They're just a bunch of damned politicians

and all they care about is getting reelected and keeping what's theirs.

That's it, plain and simple. We vote for them because we can't bear the alternative, but this is what we get.

They won't deny a dime for this war, because they're afraid of the attack ads that will come out next election from their Republican opponents calling them "troop haters."

They won't demand investigation into what happened to those torture tapes, because they're afraid of Republicans accusing them of "playing politics."

They let the Republicans frame every issue and how they are to behave in response, and dictate the names they will be called if they do not stay in line. They are terrified of losing what they have, so they will do nothing.

It's disgusting.

[slipslidingaway]

9. That was wonderful!!! Thank you...

:toast:

"...We can make excuses `til the cows come home, but if we don`t get some fresh blood and a giant charge of backbone, there isn`t going to be anything left of the Democratic Party. We`ll just meld with the Republicans into a giant corporation-driven inetrest group that concentrates on treasure chests and re-elections. Every single time we look the other way and make excuses for unaccountable, unresponsive leaders, we contribute to our own demise. If they know who we are when they want a contribution, they should know who we are when we want an end to war and torture. We`ve overlooked way too much and required way too little. Time for change."

:yourock:

[mike_c]

10. HEAR, HEAR!

Recommended-- I wish I could recommend this thread 10x. You are SO correct-- when all the whining and all the excuses are heard at the end of the day, we're still left with the inescapable truth that the democratic party leadership actively colludes with the neocon republicans, and likely shares most of their core objectives.

[tekisui]

11. I kick and recommend this post.

[Warpy]

12. THANK YOU

and if my knee didn't hurt so much, the ovation would be a standing one, so a K&R will have to suffice.

The way I look at it, I'll play the game for the last time with this election, just to get the GOP the fuck out of power in both Congress and the White House. If the honeymoon period during which most changes are accomplished don't produce anything, this chick is out of here.

If they do manage to accomplish something, then I will help with time and money to defeat the dead wood, the Blue Dogs, the DLC drones, the triangulators, the Wall Street Democrats and all the other parasites on the body politic.

I'm sick to death of supine leaders who have forgotten what a majority party actually does about such egregious violations of the constitution, international law, and basic decency that we hear about from the GOP almost daily.

I've had it. After this one, I revert to my 60s persona.

[mrdmk]

16. I will K & R right here, supine that is a great word

Function:adjective
Etymology:Middle English suppyne, from Latin supinus; akin to Latin sub under, up to — more at UP
Date:15th century

1 a : lying on the back or with the face upward b : marked by supination
2 : exhibiting indolent or apathetic inertia or passivity; especially : mentally or morally slack
3 archaic : leaning or sloping backward
synonyms see PRONE, INACTIVE
–su£pine£ly \s*-*p*n-l*\ adverb
–su£pine£ness \-*p*n-n*s\ noun

[GMFORD]

40. My sentiments exactly.

Get rid of the GOP scourge, then the blight within our own party. If things don't change after that then that's it, I'm off the grid.

[CrispyQ]

79. Yep, me too.

'08 could very well be my last election.

[witchgman]

96. Warpy you are so right.

I have come to the same conclusion but I fall into a vast pit of despair because I am one of many that believes that the '00 and '04 elections were stolen and why would they change a strategy that worked so well for them?
I have never shed my 60s persona. Its a fit like none other I've seen but the 60s never made me feel the need to leave my country. Maybe its time for a new suit and a new country.
Best wishes

[Tom Rinaldo]

13. Here is one strong statement against torture

I just watched a tape of General Wes Clark being intervied by MSNBC and transcribed part of it:

"...This question is higher than the agency (the CIA), it's a question for our political system. Are we a nation that tortures? Even for national security? I always thought that we weren't - even for national security. That's why I was in uniform, I always thought it was the bad guys who tortured. I know we did it in the name of national security, but that's the argument used against it by every dictatorship around the world, they're always concerned about their national security."

[slipslidingaway]

23. Saw part of that with Frank Gaffney arguing for torture

:(

http://rightweb.irc-online.org/profile/1183

[TechBear_Seattle]

14. Worthy of a recommendation, and now I can Digg it, too!

:toast:

[Lerkfish]

15. BRAVO, well ranted

[samplegirl]

17. Like you...

I can no longer hope that congress has something magic up their sleeve. One disappointment after the next. No longer can we accept the complacent demeanor. Has shit or get off the pot taken on a new meaning? Great Rant!!! Recommended!!!

[MrMickeysMom]

18. Can we do it? Can we change?

I realize when they throw so much stuff at you over and over and over, it's hard to stand up the same way again and again.

Let me tell you what I did last night. I am so saturated with Bush World, and lo and behold, I get this phone call to attend a city commissioners' meeting. I realize, "gee, I've never been to a city commissioners meeting", and since I have a work schedule that allowed me to do this now, I went. Even though I felt like a thousand tentacles are pulling me in all directions, and I rant here and feel depleted when I argue here. I went to my local politicians and spoke out with them having to look me in the eye.

I gained a little power back and realized I could contribute. Because it occurs to me (I used to know this) that all politics is local. I've got to change because, as you say, it's time for change. I'm gonna do this locally where I can almost hold things in my hand, meet face to face (instead of from behind the keyboard) and I'm going to present what is right to the folks up there in Monroeville, PA, where I live.

I believe it's the only way to survive this absolutely overthrow of sanity.

Hang in there. I love your writing.

[MuseRider]

21. Truly it is the only

way to keep your sanity because at the local or even state level you can get much done and even if you think nobody is listening they have to not listen while looking at you.

I love this line, "I believe it's the only way to survive this absolutely overthrow of sanity."

[MrMickeysMom]

66. It's amazing what you can come up with late at night...

I had to re-read what I wrote... But, I suspect you're right that if even if they are not listening, they are looking at you (and, in our case, the camera is recording them looking at you for later public access consumption!)

:hi: Thanks for the encouragement.

[NJCher]

69. it is heartening, isn't it?

As opposed to disheartening.

I first went to a city council meeting when I was in grad school. I was required to go as part of a class. It got me started on a four-year action that resulted in an environmental ordinance being passed in my town. I met a lot of wonderful people and learned how democracy works.

Since that time I require something similar of my students--to go to a city council meeting or go to a town hall meeting with their representative.

I haven't been to a council meeting lately--back to the basics for me, too.




Cher

[MrMickeysMom]

116. Thanks for teacing this!

... and by the way, I'd join your Gardeners Against Bush ANYDAY (Pennsylvania to the Garden State-:hi:)

[Chrisy5558]

71. I haven't given up Hope

I think we can make a change on the local level.

Tip O'Neil used to say all Poltics is local. He is right!!!

Good for you, on going to that meeting.

We can make a difference and influence our party. One way is to go to the party meetings in your area. When an opening comes up for Committee Precint person than run for it. Work your way up in the party on the local level. They are the ones who go to the State conventions and even the National conventions. If enough people are active and make their voice heard on the local and state level than the National leadership within our party will have to listen too.

As a country we are in dark days and even though things look really bleak we must not give up the hope that we will make it throuth. I believe that Americans are good people in their hearts, they want a good future for their children and will only be pushed so far before standing up and saying I am not going to take this anymore. I think we are very close to that breaking point and maybe this will be the election where they are finally going to stand up to the same ole same ole and demand a change. A real change and not just saying there is change when there isn't.

I wish their was an option on the ballot that said none of the above. What would happen if during the primary more people chose that option than voted for one of the so called candidates they give us to choose from. Would that get the attention of our party leaders?

We need real campagin reform which would take away the power that the lobby groups and large corportaions have because of the large sums of money that they donate to the candidates. The candidates need the money because of the cost of running for Public Office. I remember when I still lived in MA I asked my Congressman at the time Garry Studds what would you tell a young person who was thinking of running for Political office to do? He said "take a couple of asprin and raise money."

Do we even have fair elections anymore where our vote is counted the way we voted for. With the new voting machines there is no way to verify because many times there is no paper ballot to compare it too.

We all know the problems. Let us seek solutions.

I think that there are good honest Democrats who are in the Congress, but somehow their voice is being overshadowed. I think there are people who want to pass the Bills that are important to us the American people but they can't get enough votes to pass them. We have a White House who lies to Congress or doesn't tell them what they have a right to know as the People's house. How can the Congress and the Senate do what they know the American people want and they know is best for this country when we have a White House who sends people to the Hill to lie or keep secret what they are really doing?

I am willing to this election give my party the power of the Congress, Senate and White House. This is there last chance to prove to me that if they are given the power that they will actually do something and not just make excuse after excuse of why they failed to achieve any of the campaign promises that they make at election time. It is time for our party to walk the walk and not just talk the talk.

I think we do have to make it clear that this is their last chance to prove to us that they can succeed in turning this country around.

[MrMickeysMom]

120. Thanks for your response...

... Pretty much, we agree on the issues, and campaign finance reform, certainly it's about potential votes and election fraud in some precincts, it's how the votes are made attainable and how they are counted.

Finally, I'm a bit more cynical about our party leaders, but maybe you mistrust them (Pellosi, et all, torture while looking away).

Let's do our homework! :hi:

[polichick]

19. Beautifully said - I'm a 30-yr. vet of Democratic activism feeling the same way...

imo the only way to save this party is to THROW THE BUMS OUT ~ clean house and put in place Democrats who will once again represent the people. Short of that, the change will come by way of a new party I think.

[1corona4u]

30. I've always thought we should get rid of both parties...

it doesn't work. Just elect people we think can represent us the best, and stop all of the partisan shit. Let them all duke it out in DC. Parties don't work, and they never have. All it has done is continue to widen the cavernous divide in this country.

Adding another party would just water the whole thing down. The Independents can't even get someone on the ticket now.

[polichick]

60. Yeah, it would be great to get rid of all parties!

I like the idea of re-registering as an indie (no party), since Dems take their base for granted. Many here detest Lou Dobbs, but I'm glad he's saying what I've been thinking about people leaving the parties and demanding to be taken seriously.

[ProudDad]

187. The system's rigged

the corporate capitalist masters hire the parties to manage affairs for their elections.

The machinery is in the hands of the two-right wings of the Big Business Party and until we tear it from their meathooks, nothing will change...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcx9BJRadfw

"Well I ask you to consider -- if this is a firm, and if the Board of Regents are the Board of Directors, and if President Kerr in fact is the manager, then I tell you something -- the faculty are a bunch of employees and we're the raw material! But we're a bunch of raw materials that don't mean to be -- have any process upon us. Don't mean to be made into any product! Don't mean -- Don't mean to end up being bought by some clients of the University, be they the government, be they industry, be they organized labor, be they anyone! We're human beings!

And that -- that brings me to the second mode of civil disobedience. There's a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart that you can't take part! You can't even passively take part! And you've got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus -- and you've got to make it stop! And you've got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it -- that unless you're free the machine will be prevented from working at all!!"

[polichick]

189. That speech is a real beauty - thank you! :)

I believe we're getting there once again ~ critical mass is just around the corner...

[ChiciB1]

20. I Could Have Written The Very Same Words Myself & I Think I've

expressed this opinion in different ways over the past 3 or 4 years!

I've also said that I will work for "a" candidate and if he's not the nominee, it's curtains for me. As a long time activist... a Boomer myself, I too am at the end of my rope! Not only do we have some seriously flawed, spineless, wimpy and money grabbing Democrats who no longer bother to follow the Constitution, or even take their responsibility regarding it seriously, we as American people have become STUPIDLY APATHETIC!!

Only those of us who sit in front of our PC's and rip each other apart day by day seem to care all that much. Could be that I live where I live that makes me livid, but I KNOW I've put a LOT OF HEART & SOUL into working for what I believe in. I've marched, signed petitions, made phone calls, stood on street corners, went door to door, sat in the hot sun pushing agendas, driven miles to be part of the action, spent lots of money over the years to help where I could, talked til I'm blue in the face, tried to keep informed and get others interested and I could probably go on and on. But I look around and I see what has happened and wonder "how in the hell" did this happen??

Not all the blame can be pointed to D.C. or all the others we point fingers at all the time... there comes a time when we might have to realize that we should have stood up and said NO MORE, a very long time ago! And yes, I've heard argument after argument of why taking to the streets won't work, but it seems it works in other countries. And there was a time when it worked here too, but we as a people have become very complacent ourselves. Maybe it's just too difficult now, maybe many think I live in the past, however I've thought many times about Americans and what they were willing to do for "we the people" hundreds of years ago. We've had some huge upheavals since this country came into being and many good men and women died for what they believed in, HERE on AMERICAN soil, for THIS country!

There are too many incidences to list, but one that has ALWAYS stuck in my mind were the Iron Jawed Maidens, Suffragettes who never gave up, and I desperately wish we had some of that backbone and gumption going on today!

I'm a bit worn down myself and actually plan on this being the last GE I'll be involved with and I NEVER EVER thought those words would cross my lips. One thing I've said for way too long now is that this ISN'T the America I've ever known. If I had the money and could travel, I would go to Darfur or some other place that needs and appreciates real help, but it's just not an option for me.

[BadGimp]

22. Too late Democrank...

re: "if we don`t get some fresh blood and a giant charge of backbone, there isn`t going to be anything left of the Democratic Party. We`ll just meld with the Republicans into a giant corporation-driven intrest group that concentrates on treasure chests and re-elections."

The "melding" has ALREADY happened my dear.

What now?

[TwilightGardener]

24. Good post.

[Lugnut]

25. K&R

From another crusty old woman who is fed up with the excuses.

[emilyg]

26. Thank you.

[Mira]

27. Kritically important and Recommended ! I for one reached the end of my rope

with the Iran reports and the fact that even that did not propel us into the streets.

[Mnemosyne]

29. Mot of us have reached the end of that rope, democrank.

That's when we hold tighter to those that help hold us up and vice versa..

:hug:

[FlyingSquirrel]

31. DECEMBER 15 2007 .COM

Even if you have a different favorite candidate, please read this.

Please donate to Kucinich's campaign on December 15. This is the same day in 1791 upon which the Bill of Rights took effect. If he can collect $10 million in one day (or a sufficient amount to get the attention of the media like Ron Paul did) perhaps Kucinich's days of being excluded from debates will be over. Even if you prefer another Democratic candidate, please donate because what he has to say needs to be heard, and because it will HELP BUILD MOMENTUM FOR IMPEACHMENT. Go to December152007.com to pledge by signing up on the email list. You'll get a reminder email on December 15. Donations must be made through his official website, dennis4president.com, or call 877-41-DENNIS (877-413-3664.

Thanks for your attention.

[Imagevision]

32. Excellant post, I agree, ALL current Dem's should be evaluated for past performance starting

with Nancy Pelosi, I'm not saying Ms. Pelosi should be replaced, I'm merelt stating she like other Dems should be evaluated for their performance on the job.

[Munch]

34. K & R (unofficial)

Sheesh. How many posts do you need before you can recommend one?

At any rate... a heartfelt "ditto that"!

[walldude]

35. Not sure but it's not too many.. go to the lounge

you'll have enough posts in no time.. Welcome to DU.. :toast:

on edit: K&R.. the frustration level for many of us is at it's breaking point.

[Triana]

36. from one crusty middle-aged woman to you democrank...

...you ROCK! You GO lady!

:applause:

[sce56]

37. What he said!

Damm that was a eFfing good rant!

[readmoreoften]

38. Hell yes.

me too---> :mad:

:yourock: :thumbsup:

[deacon]

39. It true. No need to pull punches anymore. And, pelosi is dragging the party down. n/t

[2tr4nqued]

41. Torture is on the table.

Impeachment, not so much.

[tavalon]

42. I have a friend who rolls his eyes everytime I mention something

with reference to Democratic Underground. Especially now as I'm becoming more and more disenchanted with the Democratic "leadership". But I've told him that recently, many of my compadres here have been showing the same tendency towards that non rose colored glass mentality, even as I've begun and accelerated my questioning of the Vichy Dems. This OP is representative of what I'm talking about. I think it's wonderful and important (while being our achilles heel, which sucks) that we Dems don't lockstep. We do question and we do shine a light on the problems.

And yes, God yes, we need new blood and stronger backbones in DC.

[Twig]

43. as have I as I read, "President Bush vetoes child health bill again"

And that headline, just in at CNN, did it for me. Not that I haven't felt that way over and over again, but the very first word that came into my head when I saw this was "IMPEACH". Then I read this: ...Bush telling Congress the bill "moves our country's health care system in the wrong direction."

Oh My GAWD. All I can do now is bow my head in shame that this man, this evil amongst us, is the head of our country. My lips pull back against my teeth in a disgust, my mind goes blank and I feel tears coming into my eyes.....

How can this be?

Thank you so much for your post.....and now I cry for us

Twig

[rucognizant]

48. Not only that.........

The elderly in the Northeast are now being Katrina'd. A large percent of us heat with oil since there is no natural gas line up here. Last year the CAP agency explored the idea of putting in heat pumps, ( providing low cast loans, & I was chosen to be one of the pilot recipients) ),but abandoned it due to the very high cost. 20% of the local population are under the poverty level, and 56% of us are over 50.
LIHEAP, which has for the last 4 years provided me with enough oil to almost make it through the winter, ( and there have been emergency funds available in March if you needed it. last year Joe Kennedy & Hugo Chavez/Citgo kicked in with 100 gallons of free oil........) Now is giving me 164 gallons!
In Sept. I spent my power company money to put in 50 gal of oil, ( also the money to have the heater cleaned), In Oct. I was carrying 2 gallon cans of diesel fuel from the gas station to pour into my heater tank.............while BUSH VETOED the additional funds to LIHEAP......
This month once again I bought 50 gallons, INSTEAD of paying the power company ( unregulated , they charge way too much for most SS incomes ) I also had the heater cleaned giving the guy a post dated check. Dirty heater of course was burning the oil much faster......
As an activist ( as well as for self preservation) I have explored ALL the possibilities...........Not so much!
164 gallons from LIHEAP, 100 gallons from Joe & Hugo, Dec. Jan. ........Feb, the coldest month, I'm on my own!
( And it isn't just me and the 3 cats I have to keep warm..I have several hundred dollars inventory of acrylic paint I can't allow to freeze! My ticket to increased income in the fuure, no hope of replacing it on $848 per month!
My soul is crushed...............How can you paint when your waking hours are spent trying to keep warm and figure out how to keep the electricity on? ( If I were sick needed oxygen they would leave it on.........) Healthy I am fair game! Pigeon shoot anyone! The local faith base won't help me with the power company, beause they did so last march. Bottom line I NEED $200. more EVERY SINGLE MONTH TO GET BY, NO FRILLS! IS the Faith based org going to step up to the plate? NO!
We also have a 211 hotline for help in Maine. The genius Dems set that one up! There are 25 employees, drawing salaries. I wonder how much they spent on installing phone systems data bases? One woman in her 70's had a temporary job doing that, when it was over ( did they hire her full time? No.............she killed herself because she couldn't find another job, desperately needed!) There is a 71 year old woman working at MEMA ( Maine Emergency Management). Walmart Greeters...............60 mile round trip daily to work!
We must be diposed of because we remember, leisure time, one salary families with a homemaker, and disposible income beyond our bills
CASH NOT CREDIT!
Yeh! Pelosi's aide hung up on me & put me through to the "leave a message"!
But isn't this years' White House video just adorable?

[Chrisy5558]

126. What are we going to do about this?

Yes, oil was the main source of heat. With the cost of oil the way it is, heating oil has gone up to where the average working person or retired person can no longer afford it. This is a major problem.

I am sorry that Pelosi's aide hung up on you. It would leave you thinking that they don't care about you or the problems that people in the North are facing in trying to heat their homes this Winter.

Faith based groups I don't think have the capitol to help people every month. People are hurting and I don't think they have the money to give to charity groups to help others.

We have people loosing their jobs, houses, and just trying to find a way to provide for themselves and their families the bare necessities in life.

I thought the Democratic party was the party of compassion. At least we used to be. We used to care about the poor, families, the working man and woman, and stood up for what was right.

I just refuse to reach the point where I loose all hope in the Democratic party or the Democratic process. This may be the last time I take part in the election process if we elect Democrats into power in both Congress and the White House and I still see lack of compassion to the hurting in this country and the same ole lack of concern for Americans who are trying their hardest to just survive while those in Washington and the large corporations get richer and richer, while the working men and women get poorer and poorer.

[Name removed]

44. Deleted message

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

[SlingBlade]

45. I am on that rope with you democrank

This is not what we labored for. This is nothing more than Re-Puke Lite.

I'll stop before my blood pressure goes off the scale.
Thanks for the post, It's nice to know that I am not
the only one who feels this way about a party I used to Love
but now am doing all in my power not to hate.

[sss1977]

46. too late..

"We`ll just meld with the Republicans into a giant corporation-driven interest group that concentrates on treasure chests and re-elections."

That's already happened. :(

[tbyg52]

47. Absolutely right. It's the corporations, stupid! nt

[Perry Logan]

49. Propaganda 101: Confuse the enemy by making them doubt their leaders.

[Norrin Radd]

54. I'd rather have representatives, than leaders.

[D23MIURG23]

56. Im anti-authoritarian; Im more interested in policy. n/t

[tom_paine]

85. Yeah, like the Leaders of Vichy France were unfairly maligned!

People gave them a bunch of crap, but they were only doing what was possible and feasible at the time.

:puke: :puke:

You know, Perry, sometimes a "product" is so shoddy and weak, that it becomes self-evident. No sales or propganda in either direction (Perry, I'm looking at yoooooo-ooooouuuuuu) is going to change people's minds of it.

You think Democrank is a Bushie Mole?

:rofl:

[democrank]

99. Brilliant, Perry Logan.

You`re SOOOOOOOOO right. I`m trying to "confuse the enemy" by stating that Democratic leaders should go to New Orleans more often or show as much concern for homeless children as they do their political consultants` holiday party schedule. Right. I`m "making them doubt their leaders" by pointing out that Junior Bush had a hell of a lot of help with things like the Patriot Act and the sickening war.

Sorry, Perry, but I`m from the Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party. Any doubts I may have about certain Democratic "leaders" is the direct result of watching them cave in time after time after time after time after time.

I`m not talking about insignificant issues here, I`m talking about Iraqi children without legs or parents. I`m talking about blindfolded men with hoses shoved down their throats. I`m talking about an American soldier`s brokenhearted child saying goodbye before his father`s 4TH deployment.

Go ahead. Sing Everything is Beautiful. When you`re done, go here: http://icasualties.org/oif/

then come back and tell me how great our leaders are doing.

[redqueen]

119. The bar is lowered and lowered again...

and still we hear "we're doing all we can!"

Amazing.

[Truth2Tell]

122. Domination 101: Co-opt the enimies leaders

[L. Coyote]

127. Propaganda 102: Ensure the death of political pragmatism by promoting hatred.

Lump the left under a convenient label and malign the label.
Denigrate their talented and progressive leaders by lumping them all.

Do not allow in-depth analysis of how politics works. No compromise means no headway.

It is "us versus them." The American People do not exist, just left (bad) and right (good)!

Keep it simple and you keep them stupid.

[D23MIURG23]

143. Is this somehow in reference to the OP?

Cause you totally lost me.

[L. Coyote]

156. There is a link that lets you see what a post is in reply to. Look in the upper-right.

[D23MIURG23]

186. You may not have realized, but that is blatantly obvious.

I was pointing out the lack of relevance off your post to the OP. Is your post a caracture of Perry's or an actual attempted critique of the OP? Because your logic is fractured if you meant it earnestly, and you point to no specifics.

[fascisthunter]

154. Yeah man... We are all out to destroy the Democratic Party

nice conspiracy theory

[Justyce]

50. This should be mailed to all dem senators and representatives!

[TheFarseer]

51. The most telling thing about this Congress

is the pork. It's possibly even worse than with the Republicans. I know it's hard to end the war with this president, but at least you can stop the pork! They're not even trying! I was disgusted how the Republicans added unrelated pork into their bills and we're just doing the exact same thing. I'm very disappointed with this Congress. This is why we need to be careful who we nominate for president and other offices.

[rockybelt]

52. I finally got so disgusted

last night after watching Dan Abrams that I just turned the tv off and went to my computer. After sufing the news I got so goddamned disgusted I turned the computer off.

I am sick to my stomach from these politicians and their crooked and evil ways. It's time to throw them all out or have another revolution. Our days of freedom are over and that's just the way those bastards want it.
JIHAD

[info being]

55. Both major parties are thoroughly corrupt

The time is ripe for something new.

[rodeodance]

57. BRAVO---but what now??

[LWolf]

58. Save your time, money, passion, activisim, and votes

to elect clean candidates who actually work for issues.

Withhold all of the above from corrupt establishment candidates.

If you want the Democratic Party to be worthy of it's name, start holding the party accountable in ways that count.

[democrank]

101. What now, rodeodance?

Easy. Rent a giant Roto-Rooter truck from each state and head for Washington.

[nealmhughes]

141. That is the best idea I have heard all day. Line them up outside the Supreme Court and parade them

all around town, ensuring to stop at Langley and in Arlington, too, lest we leave out the Virginia portion of the DC complex.

[K Gardner]

59. Absolutely brilliant... thank you. n/t

[Pooka Fey]

61. K&R #100

[raccoon]

62. Well said! K&R. nt

[lonestarnot]

64. Wootie woot woot you crustie old woman!

:applause: :patriot:

[baldguy]

65. You have to consider the source

The only guy saying Pelosi knew is the lying neocon scum sucker Porter Goss. None of even the GOP lawmakers who supposedly were at this same meeting remember Goss's version of events. Show me corroboration - then I'll believe it.

[parkerll]

138. Rhodes Show

Was listening to the podcast of the Randi Rhodes show from yesterday and one of her guests (Larry?) is a former government person who talked to people who were at the meetings with Pelosi and Harmon and said they both knew. Sorry I don't have the guy's name or more info. Didn't take notes.

[Highway61]

67. Excellent...however

Here's an example....Although what you mentioned is right on the money, look at the Dennis Kucinich thread about being booted out of Iowa. It is flaming because people right on this board are NOT in unity. In my opinion he is the ONLY one who has integrity and offers positive change. Period. That's what I believe. Folks are batting back and forth about this issue and yet he will NOT be allowed to debate. While everyone here is getting their bloomers in a bunch, the bastards in charge are getting their way once again. Last I saw, Dennis is running for president, but because of a hair splitting rule, he is not allowed to debate. All the others Dems running who are "allowed" to debate should ALL DEMAND Dennis be included. (Isn't that what democracy is all about? Every voice should be heard?) But they won't do that. They don't want an even playing field. One less is greater their chances. It's the "all about me" bullshit. That is a simple example and THAT'S why change can't and won't happen. It's all more of the same. While everyone is wrangling about whatever, the men behind the curtain remain in control.

[Solly Mack]

68. K&R

:D

I got a big o'grin on my face

[specimenfred1984]

70. Thank you for your years of dedication and activism

The fascist dumbing down has occurred anyway as most Americans are too uncomfortable to confront the seemingly unsurmountable corruption. At least you and many others have had the combination of courage and intelligence to make many of us more aware. The United States are about to go through a huge transformation brought on by the economic misery created by years of fraud, neglect, ignorance and injustice. Sadly, misery is the only way to break through the decades of propagandized mass denial as most people simply do not even want to listen to truth, reality or wisdom.

I choose to stick with the dems as there are plenty of great ones still around. Universal health care, regulation, equal rights, sound fiscal policies, the environment, fair elections, freedom of the press, habeas corpus and the worst abomination of all, torture and endless war crimes will be addressed by whoever I support, PERIOD.

[snappyturtle]

72. You're right on! Wonderful. K&R nt

[Lydia Leftcoast]

73. As I've been saying for 25 years now...

Too many Democrats have been too complicit for too long, and they criticize their fellow party members who actually resist the depredations of the Republicanites as being "too far left," "out of touch with the American people," and "fringe." In some cases, the Democratic party has funded primary challengers for the bold ones.

No wonder people get disgusted and vote Green or don't vote at all.

[whistle]

74. I love crusty rolls, please keep on posting Democrank, we need to hear

...things like this: "One day they`re at their microphones promising oversight and the next minute they`re huddled out of sight making a deal with the devils. Compromise is one thing. Sacrificing principles is quite another."
:applause: :applause: :applause:

[Armstead]

75. Adding an Amen

[Jacobin]

76. Its comforting to know others feel precisely the way I do.

I'm thinking we are going to have to get a lot more people fed up for a lot longer before anything changes, if it ever will.

In the meantime, I will not support fascist enablers. Not for one second longer. Not even if it means the fascists gain some temporary additional power. In the end, it HAS to change and it will have to get much worse before it gets better. Me, I'm ready to start the journey in a real new direction, and not fascist enabler lite.

[0007]

77. Great post! It sure as hell beats the shit out of one poster that

claimed this morning about John Edwards having a dick and being white. Not gonna mention any names but I'm sure we all know who this sex starved, raving maniac that loves pissing contest more than loving sick cats I'm talking about.

Thank you for making me smile and your spot on sanity, democrank. You deserve five stars.

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
:woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

[balantz]

78. Nailed It

Yep

[Maestro]

80. Excellent rant. I am right there with you

at the end of the rope.

[HowHasItComeToThis]

81. ANYTIME YOU COMPROMISE WITH THE LOCK-STEP REPUBLICANS IS A LOSS

REPUBLICANS ARE EATING AMERICA

[rhett o rick]

82. Great rant. But, in addition to rants we need to develop a strategy to fix this system.

Please help me out with this:

1. Get involved in the local and state organizations.

2. Join or start an organization like Moveon.org or Progressive Democrats of America and work thru them for change. The Democratic party gets bogged down and has big money influence.

3. We have to dump this "incumbents are god" thought process that is ruining our system. Especially in the HOR we need term limits. The HOR reps will never cooperate so we have to do it at the party level. Leaving representatives in for 30 plus years is killing us. We need to be always developing young, new people to replace our representatives. My district has a HOR rep that has been in office for 30 years. Gets 70 - 80% of the vote. No one is being groomed to replace him. We are way to comfortable with him. He doesn't have to be responsive because he is a shoo in.

4. Be prepared to take some bitter pills. Like Never, never vote for someone that doesn't stand up for your principles. This means just say no to the "best of evil" argument. Vote third party, don't vote (remember not voting is a vote) or vote republican. I know the last suggestion is horrible but we have to get our representatives to represent us. They do not now.

Your emails, letters and phone calls are, in the most part, worthless. They make you feel better, but mostly ignored by your rep. Just ask Nancy.

[donkeyotay]

83. I, too, refuse to call it a strawberry sundae

I was watching a bit of a documentary on 1968, a Brokaw piece, last night, and I realized how much nothing has changed. They're still blaming the left, but rather obviously, the left hasn't been in charge of running this country. The right wing has, and they've run it right into the ground. But still they can only recommend more of the same.

I was also watching a bit of the republican debate on FOX (god help me) with the audience reaction ticker running along side. They asked the candidates to say in 30 seconds what they'd do if they got in the White House, and Ron Paul said he'd end the Iraq war and stop our policy of war including not attacking Iran. The audience approval rating tanked. Republicans LOVE war, and they want more. They still think the only problem with this country is old cranks like yerself. Honestly, would you stop ruining the country? Everything is going quite well without your input. Adding, just in case: :sarcasm:

K&R. Maybe the dems don't realize that many of us had to hold our noses to come back into the fold. There's a fine line between holding your nose and calling a pile a sundae. I'm afraid we're over that line. I've reached the end of my rope. My country is either gone, or it's turned out that the love-it-or-leave-it KKK crowd have been in charge all along; it never was my country.

[CrispyQ]

84. We need publicly financed elections more than anything.

Until we get corporate money out of politics, nothing will change.

http://www.publicampaign.org/

http://www.fairelections.us/

[mtnsnake]

86. Your post deserves every single one of the recommendations it got. Awesome!

The politics of corruption and shame are vogue in DC, and to find out that Democrats share in the culture of shame is simply beyond reproach.


Now it's time for another recommendation

[Missy Vixen]

87. Another disgusted, heartsick, cranky middle-aged woman checking in

Yesterday's SCHIP veto did it for me, too.

Is there anyone actually representing us anymore?

Julie

[natrat]

89. i agree i am done with the dem party and its cheesey brain dead supporters

although i will still try to support canidates that embody democratic ideals fullwell expecting to be betrayed-what are ya gonna do

[anitar1]

140. Another crusty says Thank You, Democrank. Well done. n/t

[Blue_Tires]

90. ttt

[speedoo]

91. They are goddamn cowards, aren't they?

The first eye-opener was the IWR. The "yes" votes by Clinton, Kerry, Edwards, etc. etc. were all to protect their flanks against the RW attack machine for their presidential bids. I hate them all for that... so many needless deaths and injuries.

[dan_dy]

92. Oh My Gosh!

Someone finally willing to spell it out clearly. Democrank for president.

[antigop]

93. Hey, let's just vote for the corporate-loving candidates! Yeah, that'll work. n/t

[antigop]

94. Seriously, thanks for that. You have expressed what many of us feel. n/t

[AlecBGreen]

97. spot on

nice work ya old crank :hug:

[notanotherday]

98. Amen, We have do NOTHING DEMOCRATS in office to vote out.

And vote in Democrats that are ready to fight!

[crawfish]

100. Until we can admit that we're part of the problem,

we'll remain part of the problem.

Pure and simple.

Good post.

[bushisdirt]

102. I'm 82. I've resigned from the Democratic Party and joined the

Independant Party after being a Democrat for 61 years. Nancy Pelosi is the worst I've ever seen, and I would bet my last dollar she is in some way in cahoots with Bush.

Thank you.

[truedelphi]

104. Part of the problem is that the Democratic Party is the Party of the Feeling Nice crowd

If rich, they are the ones who live in the big Home near the Bay, Lake, Golf COuase, Etc and oppose housing being built in their County because it means that the Open Space requirements will suffer.

And then they pat themselves on the back and tell themselves that they are a decenthumanitarian/environmentalist.

They are the ones who say unlimited immigration is good. (A disconnect from the first statement about more Open Space, less housing. But who pays attention to disconnects. Paying attention to disconnects does not feel good.)

If rich, they are just as likely as Republicans to take an industry they inherited from Daddy and at the first hint of economic trouble, hit the bankruptcy court, laying off the workers and then using the workers pensions to line their Golden Parachutes.

So the middle class worker ends up travelling miles and miles from the condo in the outskirts into their job in the city, and leaves an ever widening carbon footprint on the earth. But at least he/she ahas some lovely Open Space to look at while enduring the endless commute.

But at least this commuter has a job. Many don't. Outsourcing and seeing to it that the jobs that used to pay well are now done by others from other countries (from meat packing, to restaurant chef-ing, plumbing, carpentry, etc.) means a lot of Americans are just hoping, not working.

Hoping that the convenience store around the corner might have an opening someday that the convenience store owner's realtives are not able to fill.

[shireen]

105. SEND THIS TO YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

Send them the text, tell them it was posted at DU and to read the responses.
I'm mailing this to Thom.

DEMOCRANK ... :applause:

[OxQQme]

106. Good Cop. Bad Cop

Mods=Good
Cons=Bad

They be playin' us!

Join the Greens (http://www.gp.org), or the Socialists (http://www.dsausa.org/dsa.html), and point fingers at the game.
Reach up and break the one way observation window that they have.

V for Vendetta. March on the White House or one of it's state ancillaries with salad forks and hemp oil tiki torches.

DEMAND CHANGE.





(Crusty 67 year old white dude)

[applegrove]

107. Sounds like that comes right from the heart. I can hardly wait until

we do have a democratic President so that we can see the difference they will make. I hope you hold onto a tiny bit of hope. Because I think they are worth it.

[closeupready]

108. They don't care who we are. I got a call recently

from a woman asking me to give $$ to the Democratic caucus. When I refused and tried to explain why I was not prepared to do so at this time, she sort of dismissed me and replied, basically, "that's great, and now I have to move on to the next person." What can I say. Too many mercenaries and opportunists.

K&R, by the way.

[redqueen]

110. "We`ll just meld with the Republicans into a giant corporation-driven inetrest group"

I think this process is nearly complete already.

[Dinger]

113. That's Hitting The Nail On The Head

And you are right redqueen.

[CherokeeDem]

111. None Could Have Expressed This Better

Thank you, Democrank, for getting to the heart of the problem. You are so right, we have looked the other way too many times and when we haven't, our Democratic leadership has done the looking for us. I, as others on this board, have been a Democratic activist for over 30 years and increasingly in the past few years, I have become so disillusioned with our candidates and our leadership. I at one time vowed to get as many plastic spines I could find and send them to Congress with instructions on where to insert. It is time for a change and we need to make it happen. One poster here has a signature line with a quote from Margaret Mead:

Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

[The Traveler]

112. Magnificently expressed

You have said what I have been thinking with far greater clarity than I could have mustered. Thanks. K&R, of course.

[Arkansas Granny]

114. k & r. Wonderful rant.

[kentuck]

115. Well said democrank..

Very well said.

[The M Double]

117. Kick

Best quick rant in a long time!
Thank you

[Generator]

124. Recommendation #181

I reached the end of my rope some time ago. I'm not sure I'm old enough to be crusty-but getting close. I had some debate with Will Pitt last year before the November elections and I swore that of course I would vote Democratic-but with utter cynic sm because I knew in my heart nothing and I mean nothing would change. I was proved right. Bitter pill. Nothing will ever change with the Representatives we have now. They are liars and enablers and weak and a few other things. Basically weasels.

Expect nothing from them. Nothing. It will never happen. It's insanity to expect it too. This problem didn't start in 2000-it's been going on a long time-especially traced to Mark Penn-the very man that runs Hillary's campaign now is the one that gave us TRIANGULATION and in my humble opinion ruined the Democratic party. The Clintons didn't ruin it,but they allowed the idea, the belief that continues in spades to this second that you can NEGOTIATE with thieves and criminals.

The Republican party has it stands at this moment is nothing but thieves and criminals. Giving an inch to them only will end up with nothing good-and at the worse they yes, would kill you and me, round us up and torture us. That's why I think I take the torture rather personally. From 9/11-to Iraq-to our civil liberties we are collateral damage to the powers that be-some of them "Democrats".

You do not triangulate with that! Every fucking compromise is one step closer to the absolute death of this country.

[Wapsie B]

125. Excellent!!

It's time for a big change. I'm tired of having Dems cave in time after time. I want a party that actually stands up to the gop. Making nice with them ended long ago. If people like Pelosi do not have the backbone to remove Cheney and * from office it's time to find new leadership.

It's really smelling like one big con game and both major parties are in on it.

[Truth2Tell]

128. K & R, spot on. Amen. n/t

[mpendragon]

129. it's kind of sobering

One day you stop to take stock of how things are and the kind of place you live and you have to acknowledge that we execute the retarded, torture brown people, and kill people for control of petroleum. I know it's not all bad and we've done some very impressive and humane and brave things in out past as a nation but somehow that makes the current state of things all the more disappointing. It's as if the national spirit has turned decadent, petty, and vicious.

Maybe it's always been like this and it's just the players who've changed. When we needed land the natives were our enemy, when the powerful wanted to keep their cheap labor the communists and socialists were our enemy, and now we just need oil. Maybe our progress is mostly cosmetic and we're all just a few steps removed from self-serving but social beasts with the luxury of doubt.

The thing that troubles me is my role in this. Am I a victim because terrible things are being done in my name as a citizen of this republic or does that make me a perpetrator and in a largely indifferent world which would I rather be? Granted, that could just be a false dichotomy born of the notion that this is all something a bit like a zero sum game.

[mzmolly]

130. "Time for change."

REAL change, indeed!

[debunkthelies]

131. What If

We staged a nationwide walk -out, no work till the Democrats actually do what they promised. End the war,repeal the Patriot Act, repeal the Military Commissions Act, put impeachment on the table, and do it, we could bring this country to a stand still, if we pull together and let them know unless you work for us we won't work for you.

That's the only way I can think of to let the leaders know how important the people of this Country are and how much they need us, not the other way around. We have the power, we just have to use it.

[Gonnuts]

132. STOP Giving Them OUR MONEY!

We can all stop this bullshit right now. This April send your tax form back blank save for a red hand-print on it. This government isn't doing a damn thing for us and I see no reason to pay them for not doing their jobs. If I weren't to perform my job my employer wouldn't hesitate in not paying me, so why should we give our money to a government that not only does not perform but works AGAINST our best interests?

What are they going to do if 50 million people perform this Tax Protest? Arrest us all? It's simply - it's direct - and they'll get the message. They won't listen to our voices so take away what they care about most - our money and see what happens. We certainly don't have to worry about essential services not being provided for, not one penny you pay to the US Treasury pays for a single service anyway. It simply pays the interest of the money (our money to begin with) the FRB loans our government. Which in turn the FRB uses to start wars so they can enrich themselves through the shedding of blood. So this is a good thing.

[Enthusiast]

133. Democrank, I'm with you there at the end of your rope,

I mean I really am. I would like to physically engage in kicking Pelosi's actual ass. I want the Republicans challenged on every fucking issue until it shuts down the entire government. We are at a crossroads.

[mistertrickster]

134. It all comes down to the MONEY, folks. We've got to get the Dems

to represent the MAJORITY (meaning the non-rich) instead of those who buy them off.

[seriouslyfrivolous]

135. From one crusty old woman to another: Thank you very much

I too share the distinction of being both old and crusty. Every single thing you wrote is true. I applaud your writing for its clarity and truth telling. I think what you describe as the melding of the political parties is spot on and cuts to the heart of what's evil and despicable about our system of government. But wtf do we do about it? I send money to moveon.org but I will never donate to those fossilized assholes who I see on C-Span each and every day bloviating, lying and preening before a comatose public. Thanks again.

[parkerll]

136. Completely Agree

Great post and I feel exactly the same way. I often feel I have no country. I don't belong anywhere.

Can we go to Norway? They sound civilized, rational and secular over there. :)

[xxqqqzme]

137. Excellent!

The lack of outrage from the 'leadership' has dogged the Democratic Party since December 12, 2000. I was expecting an ROAR of disapproval & outrage when the SCOTUS appointed dimson. I felt betrayed by silence that day and every day since.


I tire of the multiple pleas for money, so I whittled it down to what is important to me. Number 1Getting corporate money OUT of elections would solve numerous problems and weaken the foundation of many more, so a monthly contribution so the CA Clean Money Campaign. Number 2Being staunchly PRO-Choice, a monthly contribution goes to Planned Parenthood because they have been carrying that banner for women longer than anyone else. Number 3Framing the progressive message is paramount to tearing apart the frame RW whackos built, so a monthly contribution goes to Rockridge Institute (George Lakoff co-founded it)Number 4 Howard Dean/DNC gets a monthly because he is trying to build a Democratic majority in spite of backsliders. I wrote letters, made phone calls, attended the 'town hall' to campaign for him to be chair. That monthly contribution is my commitment as long as he holds that position. and finally Number 5 is my monthly to DU because I support the voice it gives to us to praise, to educate, complain, be outraged, be sad, to celebrate; to maintain our sanity during these continuous neo-con assaults on our Constitution and country.

[Vinca]

142. What a truly great post. Thank you. nt

[acmavm]

144. Let me say WAY TO GO DEMOCRANK! Good for you.

And thank you for putting it in terms that even the dem apologists here MIGHT be able to understand.

[bonzotex]

145. they aren't listening, but kand r anyway! n/t

[MasonJar]

147. Boycott "red" corporations and the shows they sponsor and vice

versa...boycott the shows like O'Lielly and let the sponsors know. Money is the only thing that these bozos worship. Go to small, local shops!!!!!!! It is time to step up for America with out pocketbooks and billfolds. I have not bought gas at an Exxon since Valdez...join me. Boycott any show this miserable company sponsors and let the producers know why. I have only been to a Walmart once and that was because I was with someone who went to one. Cosco is just as reasonable if one must shop for bargains and supports the blue candidates. Etc.

[DeanDem10]

148. As a sister crank

I thank you for your call to action. As the saying goes, if your not outraged you're not paying attention. But the Cons are trying to label discontent with their outrageous governance a thought crime. WTF?

How do we get enough of a critical mass to be outraged enough to take some action? If every American, who is sick and tired of what's going on and wants it to stop, would get on the phone and call Congress, Congress might get the message.

But what are the odds of that ever happening? A small number makes the calls right now. So, our reps need to hear from all the rest of the electorate. I am betting they'd listen. And if they don't, fire them next fall, and in a cascade of election days thereafter, as they go up for re-election.

I have declared myself a freelance Democrat. I won't vote for a Republican--ever, after the outrageous governing they've gotten away with. But my labor (and pocket change) are what are at issue. I will now only work to elect those who have a spine. The rest are on their own. Imagine how quickly things would change if everyone withdrew $ and free labor from those who sell us out. What if we stopped being used as props at political functions? How many photo-ops have you showed up for just so a great turnout would show in a photo? Many for me!

My last draw was the MoveOn censure. They can't get squat done, barely try to be creative, and they censure a barely left of center group. How radical can a group be if it supported Bill Clinton?

But there have been many added last straws since. Congress needs to de-fund the White House. Give him nothing. Shut down in-Justice. Shut-down the vast spyworks on our own citizens. Shut down every office of State except those assisting US citizens traveling abroad. De-fund all the efforts to overthrow more regimes. Shut down war funding except that which brings the troops home. Shut down all the fake departments which have been so gutted, we have to wait for a Dem to take over just to breathe life in things like environmental enforcement. Close (de-fund) the office of "Special Plans." Or better yet, declare it a terrorist organization. Take every single lying, scheming "think-tanker" who lied us into this war before Congress and put them on trial too. Leave open only direct services to citizens. Stop flights into outer space (for now). Stop funding faith-based initiatives of every kind. Congress can play this game.

If Bush won't sign SCHIP, give him zip. Cut his allowance and send him to his room. Freeze his entertainment budget (foreigners don't really want to visit him anyway. They look so darn uncomfortable they have to put up with Shrub anyway.

And while they are at it, stop acknowledging him in any way whatsoever. Stop standing or clapping for him. Stop with the pretense that the CEO is an adult in full of his own adult senses.

Get the darn impeachment hearings going. Take away his war-making funding. Congress, just tie him in figurative "knots," so he cant do any more damage to us and to the world.

Get off the pot, Congress. Use the budget to bring everything except direct citizen service to a halt (until Bush is out of office). We are waiting.

[McCamy Taylor]

149. Excellent rant. "Pelosi knew" was supposed to make torture a "bipartisan issue"

so that the administration would be immune from accountability, but I believe that it will backfire. Republicans, faced with the equivalent of "Pelosi knew" would have tried to preserve their aura of sanctity by hurrying to create a narrative in which some torture was good, so that they (the Republicans) could keep selling the lie that they are God's Party and therefore infallible. That comes from their protestant Puritan streak which teaches that you are born either saved or damned and no good acts that you perform on earth can change that state of grace.

Democrats, on the other hand, have a more Catholic way of doing things. When they sin, they stand up and launch into big, bold penance. In this case, I expect the penance to be a veritable crusade, with no torture left standing.

Go Democrats! Flagellate yourself! Search your souls! And take down Bush, Cheney and the rest of those criminals while you are at it!

[redqueen]

150. Kick

[puebloknot]

151. K&R to the Infinite Power! Perfect! True! Long overdue...

...that we face the facts about the Democratic Party and its leaders. We've got a country to save for our children and theirs.

Too much of what you predict has already happened. Time for change, indeed.

[appal_jack]

152. word.

you've said it so well democrank!

-app

[superkia]

153. I would love to know who everyone is voting for that responded.

I love seeing DU full of people talking about how much they care and always jumping in with a feel good comment but then ignore serious facts about some of our current candidates ?

Why would any of us support a candidate that:

1: Supported the patriot act or currently doesn't speak out about having it repealed.

2: Voted yes to a war THAT WAS SUPPORTED BY NO EVIDENCE and continued to give Bushco more ammo to kill, whenever he asked. Ask yourself, what was your candidates agenda in supporting a war with no evidence? Think of the lives destroyed before you vote.

3: Has played a part in the propaganda about terror this or terrorism that or evil Iran in an attempt to get the sheeple to believe in their words and ignore facts.

4: Doesnt believe that OUR health should be important and a non profit system like the police or fire fighters.

5: Has any part in trying to privatize Iraq's oil which is actually illegal and interfering with the war or anyone that hasn't spoke out on Bushs friend and the Hunt oil deal.

6: I will finish with the attack on the constitution, I have heard some now speak quietly about some of the attacks on the constitution but have only seen one stand up and scream about it for us instead of saying what they will do if we give them the job...WHAT ARE THEY DOING RIGHT NOW TO PROTECT US AND OUR FREEDOMS?



This was a great post and I am not talking about the OP, I just had to comment on the people that say they care but their actions in who they will support show their true feelings. I want a candidate that I KNOW will do everything they can to end this war and fight off any new ones and considering how everything has went so far, I see 1 maybe 2 that I believe would do that.

We all know that if the votes are counted, a Democrat will win, so please don't say you support someones campaign because they are electable, that is just a media talking point that many of the beloved sheeple have joined in on.

Americans, do you really care about what happens to others that you dont know? Remember that you and your family may not be feeling the real pain now but when they come for you and yours, who will help you? :rant:

[Fire Walk With Me]

157. Excellent post. My question: Who among the candidates is working for change NOW?

[redqueen]

158. I suspect you already know the answer.

What I want to know is: why doesn't the Senate have a Medicare For All bill?

We have what... 3 candidates who are Senators... strange that they won't move on it...

[Major Hogwash]

177. Because the Republican Senators would block such a bill, Blaming Dems is so passe.

I have no idea why anyone would waste so many bytes complaining about the Democrats when everyone knows that the Republicans are the ones at fault.

I've heard this "we need new blood" shit for 35 years.
Well, Carter was new blood - and the Democrats turned their backs on him.
Dukakis was new blood - and the Democrats turned their backs on him.

So, what did we wind up with - Bill "Middle-of-the-road" Clinton!!

The next time soneone says we should have a third party, they should realize we already did have a 3rd party - we had the Clinton "And we don't give a fuck about anyone else in the country" party. That party's next candidate is in the running now - her name is Hillary!!

[redqueen]

183. Sorry... you go ahead and excuse them for inaction if you want.

I won't.

[OzarkDem]

182. Good point, very telling

Actions speak louder than words, and all we hear from Dems in Congress these days is a lot of happy talk and excuses. Sure, they may not get bills passed that they want, but they still need to be introducing them as a means of opening these issues for national debate.

I can't imagine the GOP or Bush would hurt them for just introducing legislation.

[bonito]

160. Kicking

To go back and read replies. Great!:thumbsup:

[Mr_Jefferson_24]

163. K & R. Belongs on the FRONT page of every newspaper in the country. nt.

[Kurovski]

164. Damned magnificent post.

K&R.

[blossomstar]

166. Well said!

[Mike Nelson]

167. Thank you, democrank!

The Democrats are really shocking in their "majority" behavior.
Those who do nothing need to...
...GO.
Now.
Goodbye, Nancy.
Resign.
People are dead.
People are dying.
Imagine President Kerry or President Gore letting people die in New Orleans.
Imagine them killing thousands in the Mid-east.

What is wrong with these people?

[Yael]

169. Proud to add the 255th Recommend on this

[varelse]

170. I think the end of your rope is getting pretty crowded...

...I wonder what happens when it breaks?

Great post, thank you for taking the time to write it.

[bobbolink]

173. "Homeless folks we ignore".... thanks for not only mentioning me, but putting me first for a change!

I really appreciate that---I've been mostly left out of these "debates".

DUers get mad at me because I criticize Dems and liberals too--but DAMN! What the hell does it take to get people to lose their ignorance and their indifference, and stand up for us????

I love your spirit!

You go, girl!!

:bounce: :yourock: :bounce:

[Divine Discontent]

174. color me agreeable! just so much truth there in a few paragraphs n/t

[FourScore]

175. Best rant ever!!! n/t

[Beartracks]

176. Can't stem cells become a backbone?? Maybe if...

... we support stem cell research, Congress can grow one:

http://www.cafepress.com/tulsatees/3167102

:rofl:

[wundermaus]

178. Bravo!

democrank, you speak for me, too. Thank you for saying what's in my heart and soul better than I could have.

[peacetheonlyway]

179. We love your Crusty Old Woman

your rant made my day...

rant all you want.

I agreed 100% with everything you said.

You are an old school true blue democrat.

[oscarmitre]

181. Damn that is an inspiration! n/t

[blindpig]

184. Too late to close the barn door,

the cow's done gone. I feel for ya, as do many others, judging by 272 rec's. But the deed is done, or rather it's been done for quite a while and is now irrefutable. It should be clear to all that the Democratc party has divorced itself from all pretense of the New Deal(a historical amnomality in any case), displaying it's bones in an increasingly weak attempt to persuade that it is the party of the people.

Whatever candidate assumes the imperial purple will matter not, we will get an imperial program. The angst, the strum und drang of primary pissing contests, can be dispelled as useless drama, a dog and pony show. That part's rather liberating, but then comes the hard work. The hard work of confronting power directly won't be a picnic and I suspect that many of us remain in denial for fear of that. Understandable, we've had it easy for too long, which is to a degree how we got here, essentially bribed.

If ya really give a damn, it's past time to move on.

[WillyT]

185. Excellent, Excellent Post !!! - K & R !!!

Bravo!!!

:applause::yourock::applause:

[ProudDad]

188. Posted Upthread - germain here

The machinery is in the hands of the two-right wings of the Big Business Party and until we tear it from their meathooks, nothing will change...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcx9BJRadfw

"Well I ask you to consider -- if this is a firm, and if the Board of Regents are the Board of Directors, and if President Kerr in fact is the manager, then I tell you something -- the faculty are a bunch of employees and we're the raw material! But we're a bunch of raw materials that don't mean to be -- have any process upon us. Don't mean to be made into any product! Don't mean -- Don't mean to end up being bought by some clients of the University, be they the government, be they industry, be they organized labor, be they anyone! We're human beings!

And that -- that brings me to the second mode of civil disobedience. There's a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart that you can't take part! You can't even passively take part! And you've got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus -- and you've got to make it stop! And you've got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it -- that unless you're free the machine will be prevented from working at all!!"

Mario Savio: Sproul Hall Steps, December 2, 1964


The Zapatistas in Chiapis DID IT!!! We should take their example...

First, withhold participation in the machine -- end your mindless participation in their deadly cycle of consumption!!!

http://www.storyofstuff.com/