Am I the only one who is becoming increasingly frustrated with the 110th Congress?

[derby378]

After all those platitudes about "A New Direction For America," I can't see where much has changed. We have a few hearings, yes, and maybe we don't have them in the basement of the Capitol building anymore, but it seems that George W. Bush is now playing a high-stakes game of "chicken" with Congress - and he's starting to win. And those first 100 hours in the House? Other than a five-day work week, what tangible benefits have Americans got to show for it?

Maybe we should be talking about "A New Direction For The Democratic Party," instead. I'm becoming more pessimistic about Congress' ability to get anything meaningful done.

Please help me out here. Cheer up a middle-aged guy here and remind me of what's going right for America at long last.

[bryant69]

1. Yes you are the only one.

You and only you have the wisdom to recognize the weaknesses in this congress. That's why nobody else besides you is complaining about the congress.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[derby378]

4. That doesn't help much

Could you be more specific?

[bryant69]

10. Well I know pointing out that it's only been two months,

our congressional majorities are almost non-existent in the Senate (where they hang on an "independent" from Connecticut), and are only marginally better in the house, Congressional power to run foreign policy isn't all that great to begin with, etc. etc. aren't going to cut it.

So I suggest we abandon hope now.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[TahitiNut]

49. "It's only been 'x' months" will become "they need to be reelected, first."

Once upon a time, there was actually some window of time between those two excuses - now they overlap. Throughout, we'll hear how they need Republican cooperation. ("You can't do anything in the Senate without 60 votes!") No matter what, it's always about factors that don't get mentioned when the campaign promises are made.

[Tesha]

55. Where's the "Recommend this *REPLY*" button when you need it?

[Tempest]

96. Exactly what I thought

You can always count on Tahiti Nut to inject some rational thought into a thread.

[Individualist]

81. Exactly

Spin changes to fit the situation.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

91. good advice. Abandon hope. Abandon faith, shift to rational planning instead

Hope, prayers, and faith are at the root of the trouble. First, we have to define the problem, the REAL problem, then when it is fully and accurately defined, a solution becomes much more clear.

[petepillow]

54. snarky snarky

this is place to vocalize issues that we have in common, not to ridicule those who don't phrase their comments perfectly.

so if you are on a "higher" plane of consciousness when complaining about government, kindly respond only to posts that are more on your level.

in other words, don't be so snarky to people who are on your side.

[Atman]

2. No, you are not the only one.

:hi:

.

[radfringe]

46. No, and see today's toon

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x407555

[HereSince1628]

3. Apparently not. There was a thread with 27 recs. on the greatest page but

after 170 replies it got locked as the discussion got embittered.

Apparently too hot a topic for DU'ers to handle without turning to name calling and the like.

[Initech]

5. I am too. We elected them to impeach W and bring our troops home. They have done neither so far.

I'm starting to think I will renounce the party if they let Halliburton get away with moving to Dubai.

[derby378]

8. They're planning a hearing, but what we really need...

...is a SWAT-style raid on their HQ in Houston. I want to see cops hauling out banker's boxes full of incriminating documents about how shoddily Halliburton treated our soldiers in Iraq.

[Initech]

13. If that doesn't work, may I suggest...

That we storm the place carrying torches and throwing rocks at everything (Bolshevik style) then lighting the place on fire.

[onenote]

30. "we elected them to impeach W" -- really? Must have missed those campaign ads

Get real. Virtually no one who ran for Congress last November was publicly advocating impeachment -- and of the very few that did, I think exactly one was victorious.

I know what we would all like, but if we don't live in the real world, we aren't going to be very effective at getting anything.

[Initech]

33. Oh yeah that's right - it's "off the table".

[NoPasaran]

58. Damn those lousy mathematics!

[ChairmanAgnostic]

92. damn the mathematic party.

Am I close?

[Dora]

39. I dislike hearing statements like, "If we don't live in the real world."

I live in the same world that you do, and I believe in impeachment.

You can be as ineffective as you strive to be, but you do not speak for me, and neither do you speak for the world WE live in.

[onenote]

41. sorry you dislike the real world

The statement was made that "we elected them to impeach W".

If you can find support for that statement, I'd be happy to reconsider my post. But the facts are that the Democrats we elected did not pledge to push for impeachment. Indeed, for the most part they ignored the issue completely.

I notice that the profile of the poster to whom I was responding indicates that they are from Anaheim. There are three House districts serving Anaheim; two are represented by repubs, one by Democrat Loretta Sanchez. Sanchez, a Blue Dog Democrat, has never advocated impeachment to my knowledge. One of the repubs ran unopposed. The third was opposed by one of the few pro-impeachment Democrats and the repub clobbered the Democrat in that race. I'm curious which of those districts the poster I was responding to votes in -- did they vote for the Blue Dog Democrat or for the Democrat that lost while advocating impeachment. Either way, saying "we elected them to impeach W" seems like a rather hollow statement given the circumstances.

[Na Gael]

57. I agree with you

IMO, the Dems are doing this the right way, as in peeling off the President's cabal. It exposes the Administration to public criticism, and a clean coup de grâce. The last thing Dem's need or want is to publicly single-out, and headhunt for the President on every issue.

Are the Dems too cautious? They may be a bit gun shy, but with good reason: Dems know what the President's spin machine is capable of promulgating. The machine is scrambling to find ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to paint the Dem's sole purpose as that of vindication against this Administration, and not what it is: "Change. By the people, for the people." Progress, while keeping the majority of the general public on board is a painstakingly slow process.

Many on this board are wise to this Administration. Many here wish the fall of this Administration had happened already, and are upset that it hasn't happened. You, are the forward thinkers, and need no further proof; However, there are a vast many folks who have just come round to your way of thinking, whose resolve has not yet steeled.

Will the Dems be able to clean house by the end of the President's term? Maybe...Maybe not. If relentless is their pursuit of the President, at the cost of the people's trust...The Dem's power will be short lived. Rather, they forge their power with the people's trust, and right the so many wrongs done over the last two Presidential terms. In chess, if you spend all your time chasing the Queen, you're gonna lose.

[trashcanistanista]

103. Yes indeed they are peeling!

Whenever I get the the do-nothing congress blues I flip on CSpan and watch the peeling in progress. I rejoice in the peeling.:-)

[The Doctor.]

62. My reply from another thread on the Dems being too slow to get us out of Iraq;

There are a number of investigations that have begun.

They will address the manipulation of intelligence, the awarding of no-bid contracts, and the deliberate compromise of national security.

The media is still in the hands of Republican sympathizers.

Here's what happens if the Dems try to cut funding now;

"Democrats don't support troops!" Will be splashed all over the media. The right wing pundits will go on a shooting spree. The Republicans in Congress will never get behind their initiative because they know they will not be held accountable by the media and subsequently their constituencies. The measure, even if it passes, will be ignored by the administration under the cover of 'supporting the troops' trumpeted by the media. The illegal appropriation of war funding, if any, will go largely ignored by the media and therefore the country. Hay will be made over the issue, and the Democratic solidarity will be fractured leaving untold critical issues untouched... including any kind of 'Fairness doctrine' or meaningful election reform.

Here's what happens (hopefully) if they wait for the investigations to reveal the abject treason behind the invasion, and take steps to reign in the media and instate election reforms;

The media will have been forced to report at least some of the investigations, raising public awareness. The Democrats can trumpet the illegal impetus for and therefore illegality of the invasion when they cut funding. No Republican with any sense of political self-preservation will vote against elimination of all funding save the expense to bring the troops home and maintain a base presence on the periphery of Iraq - because they have the public awareness of treachery, they know the media cannot cover them, and because they might actually have to answer to the voters in '08.

In the case of the former, it's probable that not only will they fail to get us out of Iraq, but they will fail to maintain their majority status.. plunging the nation right back into Republican control.

In the case of the latter, there's a fair chance that we can end the war and reverse much of the damage done to America.

I want what you do, but they're not taking their time because they're afraid of ending the war (or because they're just posturing), but because if they try now, they know damn well they will fail.

This point has been very well illustrated here on DU, and it is absolutely correct.

Patience.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x388567#389267


And the EXACT SAME THING goes for impeachment.

They CANNOT make any such attempt just yet for not only will they fail, but they will be crippled on other initiatives as well.

The fact is, we may have to wait until Dems control everything in 2009 to see any real justice.

[Mr. Ected]

101. Just Keep Reminding Yourself: We ARE Better Than Republics

And realize that the Republics have been deluding themselves for many years with the same mantra.

[AndyA]

6. No cheer from me, dude. I'm beginning to feel the same way.

Underwhelmed.

They need to get off their duffs and get going! They act like there's plenty of time.

We're in a crisis and many don't even realize it yet. The Dems need to get the lead out and but on some steel toed boots and start kickin' some GOP butt!

Nancy Pelosi would look great in a skirt and steel toed boots!

[bdamomma]

47. the country is in a crisis.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

7. "Politics as usual" reigns.

Complete with the juggling, sideshows, clowns, and trapeze artists.

[waiting for hope]

9. I think they are

doing what they can under the circumstances...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3159850

Keep your chin up - I think the house of cards is going to fall and soon.

[Raine]

15. I agree

we need to give them a chance, they haven't even been in for 2 months yet!

[Cosmocat]

22. WHY is it ...

that the republicans hammer their crew into power in the house in 94, the presidency in 2000 and total control in 2004, and despite being COMPLETE Fups pretty much the whole time, they still have almost near unanamity about supporting their scumbags, and we FINALLY break through in the HOUSE now, and two months in people are losing patience ???

Could it be that we actually expect MORE from our leaders ???

YES, that is why we are the good guys, and not mindless sheep ...

That aside ... I agree that they are doing the best they can under the circumstances ... Keep in mind, they do NOT control the senate, with anything less than 60 being a mere working majority, and fact being, with Lieberman being the tie breaker, they really only have control to the extent that they chair committees and to an extent what hits the floor ... Make no mistake, even IF lieberman wasn't a piece of garbate, this senate would be a ship without a propeller ...

That leaves democrats truly in power in ... ONE of the three major arms of the government ...

Anyone who thought impeachment was going to happen just was not dealing in reality ... There is a two year window, and FAR too much to get to it ... AND, again, not near enough on the senate side to finish it off ... The war ... It took 5 years to create this mess, it is going to take more than two months to get get us out of it ...

[havocmom]

53. Yes. They can't undo 27 years of damage in a few months

with only a slim majority.

The stage for the corporate/GOP destruction of America has been built for at least 25 years. There was a full-culture make-over from media ownership to hate radio and on down from there before this all could go down.

Can't be fixed until we wake up more voters, get them educated DESPITE the institutional barricades now in place and get people to take charge of THEIR nation once again.

Whining that the DEMS haven't restored the nation YET is not dealing with the depth of the situation.

[BOSSHOG]

11. Patience Grasshopper

I offer no miracle cures but I sincerely believe that if the republicans were still in charge, gonzalez would have found no reason to hold a press conference today. Rove would not be figuring out how he is going to outfox congress and on and on. Slow, yes. Be just a tad optimistic.

[EstimatedProphet]

63. Excellent point

Why are we hearing about all these scandals now? Even for this scandal-ridden administration, there's suddenly a lot of stuff coming out. IMO the reason it is is because we have people looking into it now, and that's what the Dem majority in the House has been doing.

Eventually the weight of all these scandals will tip the whole show over.

[Double T]

12. Frustrated-YES!! Must keep hammering at the Democratically controlled.......

Congress to do what the voters told them to do.

[longship]

14. Regrettably, this is basically how Congress works (or not so)

After Watergate, it took 26 months before articles of impeachment were approved in the House Judiciary Committee. That's precisely why the House leadership has repeatedly said that "impeachment is off the table".

Congress runs at its own pace. It's always been that way. It always will be that way. When one thinks a little deeper than 21st Century instant gratification allows, maybe we need Congress to continue to do best what the founders possibly saw as its best feature--deliberation. Unfortunately, some of these matters are pretty damned important. I really wish that Congress would "deliberate with all due speed".

Pshaw! That's not their way, however.

[EFerrari]

16. Frustration is just part of attending to politics.

I have a few choice words for my rep, the Speaker.

The real question is, how can we put that energy to work in a positive direction?

I've begun to organize an impeachment working group in her district and will be marching locally this weekend.

What else can we do? I don't like being frustrated. Let's think of actions we can take and get moving.

:hi:

[gratefultobelib]

17. Oh, I don't know. I was listening to our new Senator Claire McCaskill from MO on local NPR

today, and she pointed out that without the Dem leadership in Congress, the conditions at Walter Reed would probably not have gotten the attention they deserved. With the Dems able to call hearings and investigations, more will be done. I remain optimistic.

[Hawaii Hiker]

18. I'm not sure there is much they can do,

as Georgey is still commander in chief...Only thr president can bring the troops home..Also, the Democrats have only been in power slightly over 2 months, we need to give them time...

Now, if a Supreme Court seat becomes vacant between now & Jan. 2009, & if a far-right nominee would get confirmed because of support from Democratic senators, THEN I'd be furious.....It's one thing for a Roberts & Alito to get confirmed w/a Republican majority, but confirming far-righties like that now w/a Democratic senate would be a disgrace....

[TechBear_Seattle]

19. Not by any stretch

It is just as I expected: lots of lip-service, some bread and circuses, but in the end... no meaningful change in government.

[Hestia]

20. It took us 6 years to get to this point of insanity, yet you expect

miracles to happen when the current Congress was installed 1/8/07! Geez, how much do you expect them to get done in 2 months?!? Even KO said he would sit back for 6 months to give the newbies a chance. A lot of the members are new to the whole process - just figuring out How to write a bill. Could you change every law in 2 months? I don't think so. We are just now getting to the meat of all the problems of the last 6 years, everyone doesn't know the whole truth. Honestly, I expect some sort of bomb to hit this summer, after all the smoke and diversions have whafted away. Then we'll get to see the real juice of the new Congress. Notice how the repugs keep jumping on tv and slamming everything the dems try to do? Well, that is waning, did you notice on the news rounds on Sunday? They can't come to grips that their day is over and fighting it tooth and nail.

[derby378]

31. I don't buy the "new to the process" argument

Considering what's at stake, if you show up for the first working day on the 110th Congress not even knowing how to write a bill, you're already in bad shape. There is so, so, so much work to do without allowing for a learning curve on the nuts and bolts.

[earth mom]

21. Frustration doesn't describe it-FURIOUS is more like it.

:grr:

[EFerrari]

29. But doesn't that fury antedate the Dem majority?

Just look at all Henry Waxman has set into motion IN EIGHT WEEKS!

Let's not buy into the the Thugs making Dems responsible for what Republicans took years to screw up!

I'm doing stuff that I'm sure the Dem leadership doesn't appreciate AND, theyb have been at a screwed up buffet of Republican making.

[Bitwit1234]

23. I've asked this before what do you want them to do.....

They are working on the Iraq war. How to set a timetable to bring the troops home. They have to figure out how to phase them. They can't just bring them all out at once.

They are trying to investigate the crooked and corrupt bush administration. And I think they are trying like the devil to really get the GOODS ON BUSH AND CHENEY. We want them gone. But congress just can't throw them out. Look at all the legimate evidence they are uncovering daily.

I ask again. What do you want congress to do that they are not trying to do now. Remember the senate is really archiac and they have procedures in place that makes things go a heck of a lot slower than the house. And they need more of a majority to move things forward. If they had about five more dems in the senate they could speed stuff up.
Shame they can't fine really really crooked stuff on five of them and kick them out, those in a democratic state so the gov can appoint a dem to take their place.

[Swede]

24. Results 1 - 10 of about 3,689 for congressional hearings. (0.27 seconds)

Google is your friend.

[mitchtv]

25. Think of a large supertanker turning around

It appears to be going slow, but it IS changing directions , slowly

[sharp_stick]

26. 2 months and you're already giving up?

I understand the frustration but give it a bit of time. There isn't a majority to speak of in the Senate because of that lying sack of shit lieberman and the house is just getting into gear.

I don't think we would have heard a word about gonzo and the shitcanning of US attorneys for political reasons if the pukes were still in charge and there would still be soldiers chasing roaches out of their beds in Bldg 18 at Walter Reed.

Rome wasn't built in a day, I think patience is in order.

[Tempest]

28. And in 2 months they've backed down on almost every issue

Where's the real investigations? So far the only things being investigated are petty.

Where's the subpoenas? Rice and Gonzalez lie to Congress and nothing happens.

Hell, the Dems even backed down from passing a promised resolution requiring Bush to get approval before using force against Iran.

[KittyWampus]

59. Where are the "REAL" investigations? Aren't you paying attention? Where's the subpoenas?

HOW DARE YOU belittle the work of Conyers and Waxman and the rest.

[Tempest]

95. Then list them

What is being investigated that has real meat to it?

Who has been subpoenaed from the WH?

[leftofthedial]

27. nope. you're not alone

between cowardice, running for president instead of doing their fucking jobs and marginalizing the few who are trying to change things, the goddamned democrats are barely better than the repukes, which is all they figure they need to be.

I first began supporting Democratic candidates when I loudly campaigned for JFK. I've never stopped since. But the current Democratic Party has just about by god got me ready to find an alternative.

[Wwagsthedog]

40. I'm with you!

There is plenty more that I'd like to say at this point but I'd be tombstoned in a New York minute.

[nadinbrzezinski]

32. They have held close to 100 hearings

which is a start

The press though has not bothered to tell you

That said, I am growing frstrated for other reasons

[sampsonblk]

34. I am with you

Meaningless majority.

[Javaman]

35. We vote them in on one issue and only one issue and they screw that up...

They are pathetic.

The loud and clear message we sent in November is, "get us the hell out of Iraq and stop giving moron* a free ticket to do as he* pleases". And they go and fuck that up.

They are straining my loyalty to the limit.

It won't take much for them to break it at this point.

[Parche]

36. Congress

Its only been 2months since they took office, give them a little time


ROME WASNT BUILT IN A DAY............................

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

37. Yes, You're The Only One. You Are Special And Unique. Here's A Scooby Snack.

[blues90]

38. Not that I ever had alot of faith in politicians

I voted to get the dems in power . But as it looks now they may be making some progress but have a very long way to go with little time left . They knew and have said the people have spoken but yet they are doing nothing concrete . They have even in the last 6 years voted for Rice and Alberto G and the new supreme court foul judges .

The 100 hours to me was a dog and pony show .

I do have to say each day they have more and more shit tossed out to deal with , now whether this is planned choas or actual work done by the dems or whistle blowers who the hell knows .

The worst thing is they gave into AIPAC allowing bush to move on Iran if he feels inclined . Well this could be done and then martial law and bush will be the standing president until this mess blows over if it ever does .

All in all the process is slow and jumping all over the place so the dems are not in my opinion doing a good job , their hands are tied and they know it so we will see .

Putting impeachment off the table was a bad first step , with impeachment we could have gotten then out by now and all this madness and crime done could be sorted out later .

There will be no impeachment face this , Alberto will stay in his hidious position and cheney will continue on with his latest war plans .

We will have our peace marches and be ignored and the economy will continue to squeeze many of us to death .

[The Stranger]

42. RALPH NADER WAS RIGHT

[rockymountaindem]

44. Oh please

A whole "new direction for America" takes more than ten weeks. I'd be happy if they reverse 25% of Bush's insanity over two years. It's taken us years to get into this mess, and it's going to take years for us to just get back to where we were politically in 2000 (assuming there are no unforseen stumbling blocks), let alone change the shape of our country. Two months is a political blink of an eye. I, for one, am pretty satisfied with the amount of change that has taken place since January.

[The Stranger]

48. Please what? They have backed the GOP against their promise to end the funding of this illegal war

by cutting back the funding in the budget and they have backed the GOP in its desire to launch yet another lying, torturing, murderous, illegal war.

Give them another two years for this "new direction for America." Can't wait to see where this goes.

[rockymountaindem]

65. When on earth did they promise during the campaign to cut funding for the war?

I don't remember ever hearing that once. And when I say "they" I mean the Democratic leadership, like Emmanuel, Pelosi, Reid or Dean. I don't mean one candidate who ran in Liberaltown, NY. When were we ever promised that they'd cut funding.

Jesus... even the New Deal took two and a half years to enact, and that was with tremendous Democratic majorities in both houses and FDR at the helm. You expect the war to be over with Bush in the WH, and only marginal control in the Senate? Get real.

[The Stranger]

89. What does that have to do with jack shit?

What makes you think they had to make a campaign promise? They have stated it on the record repeatedly that they are going to cut back on this lying, murderous war, and the Iraq Commission went right along with them. They said they would cut back the war funding in the budget.

Besides, even if they didn't say it how you want them to, how the fuck else do you rein in a megalomaniac in the White House seeking to invade whole nations at will? Do you really dispute that the people don't want them to cut the funds and end this nightmare? Have you seen the polls? Did you see the last election?

[rockymountaindem]

90. Um, it has a lot to do with everything

If we're going to be talking about holding people accountable, we should at least examine what they promised to do. I never heard the Democrats in general promise to immediately cut funding for the war. Maybe you want them to, but you can't accuse them of breaking a promise they never made. Furthermore, they are trying to cut back on the war. That's what things like Murtha's and Webb's bills are about. Lastly, the exit polls didn't show Iraq as the number one concern. Corruption was the top issue, and I'd say they've handled that well with the reinstitution of pay-go and the legislation regarding lobbying they passed in the first 100 hours.

There's a place for a debate over cutting funding for the war, but did you seriously think the troops would be on their way home by now? I never did, and I was never promised that they would be.

[The Stranger]

104. Um, it has nothing to do with anything.

The Speaker of the House -- in her very first words as speaker -- and numerous other Democrats (nearly every Democrat except Traitor Leibercon) -- said they would heed the will of the people, the mandate as expressed in the overwhelming election results, and the fact that both houses of Congress changed hands because people were upset with the war.

No one is talking about having the troops on a ship heading home now. We are talking about the continued funding of this lying, torturous, murderous, illegal war and the Congressional Democrats' criminal refusal to cut the funds from this illegal war.

[omega minimo]

43. It looks like the only solution is effective campaign/election reform

if we are to believe there's any reason to keep voting.

[bdamomma]

45. I am waiting for another poll to show that both sides of aisle

are speaking out of their a$$. Those numbers should reflect the American people discontent with both parties. The American people are on the back burner, nothing new here.

[ananda]

50. I'm more than frustrated!

Sick, disgusted, hugely disappointed would describe
my feelings towards this spineless, mealymouthed,
doubletalking, stalling Congress... oh yes.. and
hypocritical!

[bdamomma]

56. they are thinking about that 2008 presidential election

little do they know the more they lack the initiative to change things or hold people accountable in this administration, they are walking on a tight rope with the American people.

[mvd]

51. Yes, somewhat, but the Senate is a problem

We need to make gains there in 2008. The House has passed quite a few things only to run into Senate rules, which cause gridlock with a Senate so evenly divided.

I'd be very interested in how much progress there would be if we were in control of the Congress AND the Presidency.

[NRaleighLiberal]

52. No, you are not, I too am frustrated, furious, pick other synonyms...

What really burns me is that with so much crap hitting the fan, way too much focus is on the 08 election. I would have preferred that campaigning and positioning were significantly delayed so that we can get the LEFT wing noise machine working, and not let the MSM off the hook for shilling for the right...frustration does not make me give up, however - it makes me fight harder.

[Le Taz Hot]

60. No, you are not the only one.

And when I read things like this I think of "meet the new boss, same as the old boss."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2765508

Behind closed doors, indeed.

Nothing's changed but the faces in the chairs, boys and girls.

[Nightjock]

61. I think it is disgusting

how some people here respond to a post like this.
There is no reason certain posters should be so mean and condescending to Derby's frustrations. We are all on the same side! Many of us discovered DU and found it was a blessing, a haven and a release for our frustration with the repug bullshit machine. We don't need to talk down or sling unnecessary insults at each other. This place has changed but is still my "island of sanity."

Sure, we disagree. This is not the goose stepping fucktards who blindly follow everything Heir bush has to say. And a good, hearty debate is fun!
But some of these replies are downright nasty.

BTW, Derby. I share your frustration but I think they need some more time. I talked to my congressman a few times before the last election and I asked him what Dems would do if we picked up a majority. He said QUOTE "Investigate, investigate, investigate. There is so much corruption so many people do not know about."

Rant over.

[havocmom]

64. House just voted YES on Amendment to Overturn Bush Exec Order Dealing with Presidental Records

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x409241

Don't give up. Don't let up on the pressure. Don't write the Congress off just cuz it isn't working on your ideal time frame.

It's coming along, folks. Keep working to engage the population. Keep working to get the facts on ALL the damage the neocons have done out there in general conversation.

It's building. Don't throw in the towels just yet for crying out loud!

[mvd]

69. How much legal authority do these signing statements really have?

I think we should just declare invalid the ones that go against the bill, and there are many such signing statements.

[shadowknows69]

66. I went past frustrated a while back.

Now I'm just sure that 80% of them are right on board for the whole PNAC conquest of the universe scheme. As long as they're promised a window seat in the bunker and a nice stipend.

[SeanQ]

67. I feel the same way

I think we have made some progress, and we are certainly far better off with the Democrats in the majority. But I am very dissapointed that they still seem to be playing by the administtrations rules. I guess after years of accepting public beatings they have a habit of fear instilled.

[ComerPerro]

68. They've had power for, what, two months

did you expect to have the troops home, the war over, and BushCo in prison by now?

[shadowknows69]

70. Yeah. This country has accomplished amazing feats when the will is there

We are in a serious Constitutional crisis because of the actions of this band of thugs and the House should have moved to impeach on day fucking one. Convictable or not, politically prudent or not. Every day these vermin, enabling democrats included, infest our government the further away from the America I grew up in, yes even Reagan's America, we get, and the trip back is going to be longer than the one there.

[ComerPerro]

71. They weren't elected to impeach Bush on Day one

[shadowknows69]

72. Well, that's why I voted for them

dreaiming I know but that's kind of what voting is all about isn't it.

[nadinbrzezinski]

74. No, what you have to do is understand how the system

works, and impeaching a chief executive, IF YOU WANT IT TO STICK is not done in two months...

What do you think all those hearings are all about?

Pelosi even kind of gave you a look behind the curtain, in one Meet the Press she even said that if hearings lead to impeachment so be it

Read about watergate... it will tell you how one of this is done, IF YOU WANT IT TO STICK.

Right at the moment they are holding the hearings and I can almost bet building coalitions.

Now here is another big secret about impeachments...

Have you sent your letter to YOUR congress critters and senators reminding them that YOU want it? And don't give me any excuses about they are pubblies

The only reason the votes materialized IN THE SENATE in 1973 and Nixon was told, it's over buddy, was the demands of the people.

So do your job, and email them. Not that hard... will not take that much time, just remember to be courteous.

But you also have a role in this... exercise it... and posting you are frustrated on a message board on the internets will not let them know what you want.

[shadowknows69]

78. I know nadin

and I believe I do my part. I don't only preach to the choir I assure you. I'm glad I have DU to vent my frustrations on. Y'all know I love you, or should so if I get testy it's just temporary. Until 2009 at least. B-) Thanks for talking me down.

[nadinbrzezinski]

80. I'm pointing a reality here

we all bitch and moan, but we need to do far more than just bitch and moan

[shadowknows69]

84. I keep angry to keep an edge and to be passionate

As I go once more into the breach tonight chauferring the broken minds and bodies of this war only temporarily home until they're thrust back into hell again. I had one in my cab last weekend, very drunk, just kept repeating over and over how he hates his fucking life, and then 5 minutes later was basically threatening to kill me. He had some more even minded friends along luckily or we might not be having this conversation. Perhaps my sense of urgency to end this mess is slighty more personal than average joe public(not saying you, I know your passion for our troops) but I can't even fathom what families are going through and I'm weeping even now writing about it. Someone has to stop this all NOW. Whatever it takes.

[nadinbrzezinski]

85. Unfortunately it will not be stopped

overnight.

It will end... but by my estimation not before 2000 more troops are dead, another 20,000 are permanently disabled and another 10K iraqis are dead, and 100,000 are injured)

I hate that, but I also realize that we do not have the numbers to stop it. We have the gavel and the subpoena power and that is already making a difference... but it will not stop it overnight.

Of course there is another horrible possibility, we are now an Empire and we act like a very reluctant one, but as an Empire... no Democrat or Republican will pull back willingly... as no Empire gives up its empire willingly.

That is what nightmares are truly made off.

[ComerPerro]

77. Well, that may be. People may have voted for Bush becasue he will make homosexuality illegal

but he hasn't done it yet.

[AZBlue]

73. First of all, the 110th Congress is made up of almost as many R's as D's.

Secondly, Congress doesn't run the government single-handedly. It's been under two months - just what did you realistically expect to happen in that time??

[shadowknows69]

75. I expect too much I guess

But if the House was filled with Dennis Kuciniches and John Conyers and the Senate filled with no one but clones of Barbara Boxer and Ted Kennedy and Russ Feingold, I bet things would be getting done a fair bit sooner. I will not coddle any politician willing to let men and women die for a lie for the sake of politics. Fuck that and the donkey it rode in on.

[nadinbrzezinski]

79. No they would not

they are elected to serve their constituents, sorry

Also if they did, it would be revenge, not the careful review and entering into the record of crimes that have been committed

Until they are entered into any official record, all you have legally that is, is hearsay

[AZBlue]

87. Wow...that would be an interesting congress to see!!!

:D

[meldroc]

76. I don't expect things to happen instantly, but I do expect progress.

But we're not getting any meaningful progress. The voters pretty much demanded impeachment, but Pelosi and Reid say they're not even going to try. We demanded an end to the Iraq war through defunding the war and passing a resolution demanding an end. That hasn't happened, except for a toothless non-binding House resolution. That's not enough. We demanded that Bush be prevented from attacking Iran, through resolutions and denial of funding, but AIPAC's bribes campaign contributions killed that.

The problem is that we have too many quislings in the Democratic Party. Too many DLCers, Blue Dogs, "New Democrats" and closeted neocons are infesting this party, when we need more true progressives and liberals. If you want to act like Joe Lieberman, go join the GOP. We don't want traitors and collaborators in the ranks.

[nadinbrzezinski]

82. Here is your problem

the same toothless resolution did NOT pass in the senate.

So how exactly are yuo epxecting the one with teeth to pass there, let alone override a Presidential veto?

Now you are getting the hearings that may lead to impeachment, even if OFFICIALLY they aren't called that way... so far over 100 of them. Watch the Span to get the skinny, since none of the MSM will tell you that they are happening

[Individualist]

83. Not at all

You have plenty of company.

[0rganism]

86. you blame Democrats for "Congress' [in]ability to get anything meaningful done"

There's your problem, in a nutshell. You had high expectations for the Democratic agenda, after they pulled off the first clear electoral victory in a decade. But now you're seeing that it ain't so simple.

First, figure out how to get 60 votes for that agenda in the Senate, with every GOPer stonewalling to protect the administration and its fucked-up policies.

Then figure out how to get 2/3 majorities in both houses to override a presidential veto.

After that, if they still do jack shit, we'll talk about "new directions for the Democratic party."

[krispos42]

88. I consul myself by remembering that...

1) It's only been a couple of months
2) They are recovering from 'battered minority party' syndrome
3) They are being swamped by scandals and investigations

Having said that, I would also note the following:

The Repubs are authoritarians, or at least this current crop is. They are either at your throat or at your feet. If you act weak and divided, they are at your throat. Now, Congressional Democrats, grow a sack and go for their throat! The Republicans, especially the 22 or 25 Repub senators up for re-election in 2008, will crumble quickly!

[gulfcoastliberal]

93. Gone from "keeping powder dry" to "we don't have the votes"

Yeah, I'm frustrated. Now the dems can control the message, they can blast *co about how their outsourcing of Walter Reed to Hallburton hurts the troops far more than ending the war, they can blast *co about, oh a million things. But so far I'm very disappointed.

[nadinbrzezinski]

94. Hmm listen to CSPAN

you may change your view then.

I know, I know it is at times like watching paint dry...

Oh and by the way, have you WRITTEN your reps and told them EXACTLY how you feel

[Tempest]

97. Been there, done that

I've emailed most of the Dems in Congress since January and all I got in return for my trouble was a commemorative photo of Obama. I'm about ready to pin it to my dart board.

[gulfcoastliberal]

99. I do it all the time!

On many issues. Sadly my house rep is a repuke, my senators are 1 dem (Nelson), 1 repuke (Martinez). Nelson is, sad to say, just what repukes painted him as -- an empty suit. Better than repukes, but not so much since Nelson usually votes "yea" on many repuke bills.

Edit: what's on CSPAN? Not at a TV now..

[EndElectoral]

98. I am dissapointed... Sibel Edmonds hearings? Iraq? Impeachment? Voter Fraud?

[kerry-is-my-prez]

100. It's a helluva lot better than the last one.

I'm so freaked out by the last several years that I'm just relieved.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

102. They all just go along w/what the majority of their constituents want.

Their main objective is to be re-elected and as long as their constituents are uninformed or they like what's going on they will not change.

[wiggs]

105. In the past, there have always been excuses for dc dem compliance

and many more or less accepted that they were out of power and couldn't do much anyway. I never thought that -- there were tons of strategies and tactics that could have been employed to better effect.

While we're seeing hearings and a few dems saying more in opposition to the most dangerous, costly, out-of-bounds administration ever, the action on the big stuff remains generally the same, IMO.

We're seeing a continuation of the dem strategy of the last six years...When faced with a hot issue, you'll see one or two dems take the lead and be very vocal on the opposition/progressive side -- but you'll notice that many or most of the other dems will be silent and will actually take a very moderate stance in public and in voting. Those silent dems will be vocal for their own assigned issues, and others will take their turn carrying moderate water.

Hearings and letters and anouncements let off steam and sound good....I await actual, real action.