DAVID VAN OS ROCKS!!!!!

[ChicanoPwr]

I got this email today from Van Os. Basically he tells the DNC TO SHOVE IT. I wish we could find more TX Democratic Candidates like him and Morrison who are not afraid to fight the good fight.

YOU ROCK DAVID!!!! :yourock:

Dear Democratic National Committee:

Except for a handful of House members, the Democratic members of the U.S. Congress have yet to show the backbone or moral fortitude to stand in real opposition to the right-wing takeover of our government. When I see the Democratic caucuses in the House and Senate on the whole proving by action, not just words, that they are fighting our country's downslide into the jaws of radical rightist tyranny, I will then consider responding to the DNC again. Until the Congressional arm of our Party starts acting with courage and moral fortitude, don't bother me any more with your worthless appeals.

David Van Os
Formerly, 2004 Democratic nominee for the Texas Supreme Court, statewide

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. right on!

Van Os is the kind of Texan one can be proud of!

[pmbryant]

2. I disagree, at least in this instance

Does David Van Os realize that the Dems in the House and Senate are in the minority and have no power of "action"?

--Peter

[quiet.american]

5. They still have the power to wield a pen

-- to sign onto John Conyers protest of the electoral vote.

With this "action," they could, at the least, re-invigorate the 55 million who voted against Bush and keep the fight to save this country from right-wing despotism going.

[pmbryant]

6. That doesn't fit Van Os's criteria.

That protest is words, not "actions". I hope Van Os realizes that words are all we have right now.

--Peter

[quiet.american]

7. Sorry, I disagree

Saying you'd like to join Conyers in protesting the electoral vote confirmation is just words, actually signing on to do it, thus forcing a public debate in the two Houses is "action."

As they say, if it were easy, anybody could do it! :)

[pmbryant]

9. Well, then that emphasizes how silly the distinction Van Os is making is

How is signing a document that has no power to affect change "action," while writing and speaking out is not?

--Peter

[quiet.american]

11. Where in the statement does he make that distinction?

But also, though it is being pooh-poohed, you can bet if ONE Senator signs that document it will not only be an historic moment, dominate the news and, it may surprise some to discover, actually effect "change," it will cause a ripple of empowerment to go through the Democratic base, the effects of which could be very, very productive in the end.

[pmbryant]

12. That shows the power of "words"

Because if a Senator does this, the only thing that will be different is that there will be a brief debate in Congress. What is a debate if not "just" words?

As you recognize, and contrary to Van Os's statement, words are crucially important. Furthermore, they are all that we have now.

And here is where Van Os makes the silly distinction between actions and words: "When I see the Democratic caucuses in the House and Senate on the whole proving by action, not just words, that they are fighting our country's downslide into the jaws of radical rightist tyranny ... ."

--Peter

[quiet.american]

13. Still can't agree with you

"Just words" is saying you believe the electoral process needs reforming.

Action is signing your name to it.

[crispini]

3. A-Fucking-Men.

Van Os will help us lead the populist revolution.

[ChicanoPwr]

4. I think he should run for Governor.

It may be a long shot but we do need a Howard Dean of Texas and David Van Os is our Howard Dean.

IT IS TIME TO TAKE BACK OUR STATE!!!

[Freddie Stubbs]

14. Didn't he just lose by almost 20% just two months ago

for a state court position?

[jobycom]

8. Nice guy, inconsistent

He runs for offices he says he won't, he stirs up trouble just to do it. He's like Hightower: he'd rather hear someone talk about football than actually play it.

Too many talkers in the party now, not enough doers. Symbolism is cheap.

[muse]

15. Agree. He's not disciplined enough to lead the dems in Texas.

He'll play a role in stirring up the "radical left", the progressives that want to work outside the system - and hopefully that will be helpful and not hurtful. He needs to get more disciplined, in my opinion, in order to really lead, though. He seems to come out of nowhere with these statements that are anti-establishment that are going to naturally turn a lot of people off who need to see these same messages presented in a frequent, sensible way by a repected leader. Richard Morrison needs to rise to the occasion and not ride on his coat tails.

[WatchWhatISay]

16. Not disciplined enough?

As compared to who?

This is Texas, remember?

I'd say Kirk and Sanchez were disciplined, if they were anything at all. Didn't seem to help at all.

[muse]

17. Not in comparison to anyone

I just honestly don't think he's going to go anywhere in terms of state wide elected office with his ranting and raving and his occasional injecting himself into the limelight. I voted for Van Os. I heard him speak during the campaign and was appropriately stirred by his message. I think he has a role in changing the way we (dems) do things in Texas, but I'd like to see him be a little more disciplined and purposeful about it if he is really going to be helpful.

He's becoming less attractive to me as a statewide leader, that's all. It's just me, personally! I have my ears open, though. I know we are looking for a solution and we probably need multiple strategies to take our state back.

[quiet.american]

10. Dupe