I have to leave. My head is about to explode.

[Yes We Did]

I need a break from this stuff. After today, I don't know what to think about this whole damned process.

I am greatly saddened, and quite frankly have lost all belief in this process.

I just don't get it. So... I think I am going to take a break from politics for a couple months.

Any encouraging words to leave with?

[wtmusic]

1. You aren't alone.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3588871#3588963

[JDPriestly]

2. At this point, I'm distraught. My interest is limited to curiosity.

[Subdivisions]

3. I don't blame you. I'm going too. n/t

[no_hypocrisy]

4. Two words:

Judicial review.

It worked with Guantanamo.

It could work again, esp. if Obama is elected. FISA can be stayed and put on ice through court procedure until a new administration comes in.

[Subdivisions]

6. Do you understand that it's not about the possibilities? It's about

being betrayed and betrayed over and over again! I'm out of patience.

If Karl Rove doesn't show up tomorrow and they don't immediate order the Sargeant at Arms to go and bring him in, I'm out. Period.

[Donnachaidh]

23. knock knock -- he voted FOR Fisa

:wow:

[chimpymustgo]

26. Mucho_hypocrisy. Y'all need to stop smoking that shit.

[Hydra]

5. You're probably taking the right step

Either we the people will fix the problem, or we will allow Congress to hand our heads over to Bush on a platter.

Middle ground not existing in this case.

[TwilightGardener]

7. Get a grip.

[Yes We Did]

11. I asked for kind/encouraging words... not sarcasm

[TheWraith]

12. It's not sarcasm. You need to get a grip on reality.

And the real world would probably do you some good, if you really believe the stuff you were saying earlier today about democracy being dead.

[Yes We Did]

16. I believe every single word I wrote today.

I have a grip on reality. And got back-handed by it today.

[RaleighNCDUer]

32. That's what reality does.

Why expect anything else?

Life isn't fair.

Politicians compromise.

Obama is STILL better than McCain.

[Yes We Did]

34. Yes he is, but he still made a big mistake.

[RaleighNCDUer]

35. You'd rather he voted against it, so the Republicans could run

innumerable interminable ads shouting "He voted AGAINST surveillance of terrorists!"

Just a sound bite, and untrue at it's core, but you know they'd use it. It would force him to be on the defensive, explaining the vote - but people would only hear the charge.

It was bound to pass - and voting against it would demonstrably hurt his campaign. He made a pragmatic decision that a bad law now, which he can fix once in office, is better than a bad law that he would be unable to do anything about after losing the election.

[TwilightGardener]

17. That WAS kindness. You know how in movies, when someone gets

worked up and hysterical, they get a slap across the face and a "Snap out of it!"? That was yours.

[Yes We Did]

21. Great... I got slapped in the face twice today.

Feeling better already :sarcasm:

[Bluebear]

8. Yes, I think you're making the correct move.

It seems that "we the people" have no say. I don't know when the last time was that we actually did, if ever. :(

[Yes We Did]

19. sad, isn't it?

[undeterred]

9. Dodd and Feingold.

We just need 98 more like them.

[Speck Tater]

10. This, too, shall pass. Be in the world, but not of the world.

I was going to write a book about the virtues of apathy, but the truth is, I don't really care if the book gets written or not.

[Pastiche423]

13. Too bad

I would have bought it. I have been trying to become apathetic for a number of years now.

Today seems like the best time to start.

[babylonsister]

14. LOL!

:toast:

[Subdivisions]

27. I'm sick of just having to let EVERYTHING pass all the time. We're

always having to hear: This shall pass. Screw that. I'm sick of always being on the losing team.

[Blue_In_AK]

15. Demdog, get busy working to elect Progressive congressional

candidates. This is the only thing that has kept me sane throughout this whole process.

[Yes We Did]

18. I'm in Chicago... I thought we had them here.

[redqueen]

28. No... we only have very few.

Maybe you mean local elected Dems... but on the national level... a handful.

Hope you can enjoy your break... might wanna stay away from the news in general.

[mmonk]

20. I know the feeling. It's been like that a lot lately.

[Nevernose]

22. Act locally - and I know how you feel

I get burned out every now and then from the DU echo chamber of negativity sometimes, too. If you'd like to be involved, but just feel like you can't take anymore of the bullshit from Washington, might I suggest working more locally? Someone else suggested congressional campaigns, but those guys (and even Obama) don't need your help nearly as much as the other politicians who make just as much a difference in our lives: county commissioners, state assemblywomen, school board members. Think globally and act locally, etc.

I also recommend going camping and getting really drunk, though not necessarily at the same time.

[fascisthunter]

24. work with progressive entities

after today, I will try to dedicate more time with organizations.

Think about backing the ACLU and continue to help fight against this latest FISA bill.

[closeupready]

25. I'm just about there myself.

n/t

[EFerrari]

29. Take care of you and we'll be here when you get back.

:pals:

[LanternWaste]

30. It works.

I put myself into a Complete News Blackout about two or three times a year when I allow my passions and frustrations to overcome my better angels.

It works. Really.

"Any encouraging words to leave with?"

Yes,actually-- “Your highness, when I said that you are like a stream of bat's piss, I only mean that you shine out like a shaft of gold when all around it is dark”

[CTyankee]

31. Volunteer for a cause close to your heart or something you always had wanted to

volunteer for but didn'thave the time. Consider this your time.

Here are suggestions: become a literacy volunteer and tutor new immigrants. Volunteer at a soup kitchen where there is plenty of scut work to be done. If you are handy, help build a house with Habitat for Humanity. Start a community garden or work in one. Become a mentor to a kid who needs you. Help resettle refugee families.

I think it helps to take yourself "out of yourself" for a while. You are too close to this and taking it personally. Of course you feel personally affronted by what is going on politically. We all do. But there are people who are suffering deprivation of life's necessities, people who could using a helping hand and heart. You're one of the "good guys" because you are a liberal and a progressive.

If you are already volunteering, do more. The point is to put the energy fueling your anger and frustration into a positive place and helping others.

Best of luck to you.:hug:

[Sequoia]

33. Don't let the screen door hit you on the way out.

Just kidding. It's all a bit much.

[lukasahero]

36. You've been here a whole 5 months

Here are my encouraging words: Get a grip.

Life is hard and it's going to get harder. If this is enough to turn you off, you should probably rethink your commitment to whatever it is you do value.