Dump the GOP

[WilliamPitt]

Dump the GOP
By William Rivers Pitt
t r u t h o u t | Columnist

Friday 13 February 2009

Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.

- Mark Twain

Former GOP Congressman Joe Scarborough was doing his MSNBC morning yak-fest on Friday, and made a comment about how President Obama's newly-finalized stimulus package has "greatly offended Republicans." His guests all agreed with solemnly nodding heads, yeah, you're right, Joe, Obama offended the Republicans. Greatly and stuff.

This grim pronouncement came on the heels of GOP Sen. Judd Gregg's stunning announcement that he was withdrawing as Obama's nominee for commerce secretary. Citing irreconcilable differences between himself and the Obama administration on the stimulus bill as well as the upcoming census, Gregg said, "The bottom line is, this was simply a bridge too far for me."

Gregg's sudden announcement delivered a rather significant four-pronged screwing to the Obama administration. First, it stepped all over a news cycle that should have been dominated by a triumphant White House awaiting delivery of the finalized stimulus bill for signature. Second, Gregg's withdrawal let him vote on the final bill, a certain "no" vote. Third, it gave further voice to the preposterous Congressional GOP claims of being shut out of the process by the administration. Fourth, it adds another page to the ever-lengthening storyline of Obama's nomination troubles.

President Obama has not had a great deal of luck dealing with the minority GOP in Congress. From the beginning, GOP members lied outright about the contents of the stimulus package, squealed indignantly for the inclusion of every failed Bush fiscal policy one could name, and in the end, did a fantastic job of gumming up the works and muddying the waters in order to thwart the passage of this bill. That they failed is of little consequence; they made their presence known with far more vigor than their dwindled numbers would seem to allow, and all because President Obama wanted to work in a bi-partisan fashion.

In his inaugural address, he promised to reach out a hand to anyone willing to unclench their fist. The GOP responded not only with clenched fists, but with swinging clenched fists. It seems early to give up already, but facts are facts, and Obama needs to withdraw his hand and just wave these people off.

(snip)

There are a few distinct reasons the GOP has decided to get in the way of everything proposed by the Obama administration and the Congressional Democratic majority. They need to appear to be relevant after back-to-back electoral postings in 2006 and 2008. Because they are better at playing the media game than the Democrats, they can telegraph whatever remaining strengths they have far more effectively.

They need Obama to fail on all fronts if they are to have a prayer at recovering lost ground at the polls in 2010. Finally, they only have representation in states where Bush remains popular and the GOP cant on government remains holy writ, so if they want to keep those few remaining seats, they have to play in the hard-right part of the pool. This is not a group of people Obama should expect anything from beyond what has already been demonstrably in evidence. Hoping for something different is a foolish pipe dream.

President Obama can work with the Democratic Congressional majorities to pass future legislation, perhaps making sure to get one GOP vote in the Senate to thwart a filibuster. If no such vote is forthcoming, he can dump any quixotic quest for one or any GOP votes and dare the GOP to filibuster widely popular bills. He's not going to get GOP support for anything, so why bother trying? Let them keep it up and lose every time, and let them try to stand on that record for the 2010 midterms.

President Obama needs to do the work the people overwhelmingly elected him to do, and if the GOP does not want to be a part of that work, so be it. In the long run, a string of Democrat-only legislative victories will have a dynamic effect on the obstructionist tendencies of the GOP. Sooner or later, they'll come running in whole or in part to Obama's side of the aisle, if only to save themselves. Until then, dump them.

The rest: http://www.truthout.org/021309A

[defendandprotect]

1. How did that great spokesman George W. Bush put it . . . ?

"We'll extend our hands across the aisle and if they want to come with us,
fine!"

Something like that ...!!!

[democrank]

3. If every time I invited the neighbor over

he crapped on my porch, the invites would cease.

[Carni]

18. LOL! Great analysis! NT

[calimary]

28. GREAT comment!

Seems to me that President Obama has extended an open hand in good faith again and again and again and again and again and again and again. And what do these arrogant, power-mad, Sore Losermen do? Spit in it. Again and again and again and again and again and again and again. Hell, I heard one observation that Obama has met with groups of republi-CONS more frequently in the first two weeks of his presidency than fucking bush did with Democrats - throughout TWO TERMS.

SCREW them. SCREW every last one of the Party of NO. Screw 'em. They've had AMPLE opportunity to come and play ball with the new management. And they've given him the flying finger EVERY time. They've had their chance. He's been more than fair. And they've been assholes every step of the way. So FUCK 'em.

[ladym55]

47. Good one!!

I almost took out my keyboard. :rofl:

[Bluerthanblue]

91. more to the issue would be if every time your neighbor came over

he crapped on your porch, how do YOU behave when he asks you over?

Do you crap on his porch- (after all he's go it coming!)

or do you realize that he's not making anything better- and refuse to fall into his abyss?

How THEY behave shouldn't dictate how we live. We all have to live in this neighborhood. How do we want to live? don't you get tired of the continual downward spiral?

More than just a 'nice sentiment'- We must BE the change we hope to see in the world. As individuals. Otherwise we're condemned keep repeating the same tired old shit.

:hi:
peace

[DCKit]

5. Bush, holding hands....

[spanone]

40. close you eyes and imagine President Obama doing the same

he would be called every name but President

[madamesilverspurs]

2. Dump, yes.

Then flush the Greedy Obsolete Poops.

[Left Brain]

4. Brilliantly written, Will.

Great read, glad to recommend.

[malaise]

6. Excellent Will

Dump them.

[bdamomma]

7. don't you wish greed killed.

[JuniperLea]

11. It does...

Unfortunately, it's not the greedy who die.

[RJ Connors]

97. Ultimately, it does. Take a look at our economy. n/t

[byronius]

8. They've really gone over the edge with grief, I think.

And they're cracking up.

[PatSeg]

13. They've had so much power, for so long

they don't know how to let go. Reminds me of a messy divorce where one partner just doesn't accept the split and keeps playing the same old games in hope that THIS time it might work.

[mmonk]

9. Aye. Let them save themselves if they can.

We'll see how strong they are then.

[JuniperLea]

10. Amen, Brother!

We don't have time to fuck around with them anymore. It's time to get serious, and to get down to the business of cleaning up the mess that all their FAILED POLICIES have created! There is no sense in adopting these same FAILED POLICIES again! They have been proved useless, and even dangerous.

Time for Obama to start kicking a lot of ass.

[givemebackmycountry]

12. You suck Will Pitt...

Crazy bastard like you with that kind of talent.
I wish I had keyboard skills like that.

:toast:

[Zambero]

14. I say: JUMP!

There is no hope. The GOP is doomed. Just end it NOW! Stay 100% out-of-tough and pursue failed policies, or better yet argue for doing absolutely nothing. The Herbert Hoover gene of political self-destruction is apparently alive and well these days.

[SammyWinstonJack]

71. .

[phantom power]

15. Word.

[WI_DEM]

16. I agree, Obama held out his hand and they spit in it. Now it's time to remember

that they are the minority party and do what the majority wants.

[howmad1]

103. Unless of course you're Harry Reid or a Blue Dog Democrat.

Then you gladly accept rethuglican payments and destroy the party you're supposed to belong to.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

17. Well said as per usual, my dear Will...

K&R

:patriot:

[veganlush]

19. yes K&R

:kick:

[ezdidit]

20. Strategy Strategy Strategy!

Obama has gotten them to do exactly what he wanted them to do - marginalize themselves as anti-American. He needs them to continue to coalesce into a less and less powerful force. He needs Republicans to show how they are out to f**k America.

Their friends, the bankers, are stuck in a game that actually perverts their own business model into not lending, when a banks' assets are supposed to be measured by the sum total of the loans they do make.

The unanimous nay vote on the stimulus bill was step one. The banning of the sale of naked credit default swaps, and the corollary ending of home foreclosure, will signal a return to stability, but these cannot and will not be accomplished by sending the Republicans out of the room. The bankers would simply loot assets and walk off their jobs, cashing in golden parachutes along their merry way.

So step two has already come in the form of a moratorium on bank foreclosures, already announced by CitiGroup through the middle of March. BoA will follow. But these moves will mean nothing. For the underlying debt that was created by credit default swaps is in the range of $23 trillion to $60 trillion, more than the GDP of the entire world!!

The actual tally of expected mortgage foreclosures is much, much smaller, but until these are dealt with, and this is what will take time, naked credit default swaps (the perverse bet that family mortgages will fail) will continue to be valuable assets.

Changing the profit model from short sale to long term investment holdings is a 180 degree proposition. It will take time and unlimited capital, and people will pay for this with their very lives.

[ckimmy57]

66. Good point

:applause: PRESIDENT Obama is showing the american people just what assholes we've been dealing with so PLEASE let them continue to shoot themselves in the foot.

[Bluerthanblue]

21. I don't understand Will-

You are right, 'we' have the ability to win, without the repubs. But if we use the tired old mantra of "well, we tried, they don't want to play with us" and instead adopt their perspective of group hate and partisanship, how do 'we'- Democrats, or just plain old human beings, really benefit in the long run?

You ask:

He's not going to get GOP support for anything, so why bother trying? Let them keep it up and lose every time, and let them try to stand on that record for the 2010 midterms.

And I say, because it's the right thing to do. Because Pres. Obama isn't just mouthing 'change' or 'progress' or 'a new way forward'- he's offering it.

And the people are watching.

Gregg did himself and his party more damage than anyone. I think the GOP big-wigs didn't like the fact that Gregg's being in the cabinet was evidence that Barack meant what he said- and still does, when he speaks of doing away with the politics of division and personal destruction.

I'm not naive enough to think all people will be 'won over'- but those who crossed over into our 'party' because they saw something in our president that they couldn't find in their own, and those of us who want to come together as a nation where EVERYONE truly has a place at the table in reality, will grow stronger and continue to work toward that "more perfect union".


Pres. Obama has made no secret of his admiration and respect for A. Lincoln, who is quoted as saying " do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?"
He was speaking of 'southern rebels' when he said this.


:hi:

[JDPriestly]

58. Bluerthanblue -- Lincoln fought bitterly against the Southerners.

He fought for important principles that could not be compromised.

It was not until he had completely defeated them that he stretched out his hand to them.

Obama seems to think that just because he won the presidency, he has won the war. For the Republicans, the war is just beginning.

[Bluerthanblue]

90. I understand, and

agree to a point. I don't believe important principles should or are being compromised. I don't really believe that Pres. Obama thinks he's beaten the republicans simply by having been elected. I think many of his words to us about how difficult this is going to be, and how we are all going to have to be willing to make changes ourselves, refers to the tit for tat- us vs. them mentality too.

I don't advocate surrendering our principals or our goals- I do think if we want things to be better and different in this administration, the changes begin with each one of us. I think the way many vocal/high profile republicans act toward those they see as 'not one of them' is terrible. If we use that as an excuse to basically do the same back to them, who is really in control? How is it really any better? Are we acting on our own, or 're-acting'?

This sounds pretty idealistic I know- but it is important. We all have to occupy this planet together. And we can't really control how others think or behave- it's enough to control ourselves. I can't expect others to do what I'm unwilling to attempt myself. ...
:shrug:..
..can't really explain my thoughts very well- sorry. I just really hope that Barack is able to stay true to what he knows is the better way- no matter how lonely and difficult that is.

thanks for encouraging me to think and question.
:hi:
peace~

[JDPriestly]

106. I like the fact that Obama simply speaks strongly and clearly about

what he thinks is right and what he plans and hopes to do. That's the Obama I like. I don't so much like the Obama that wants to be liked by the right wing. They will never like a sensible person like Obama.

And what I think Americans like so much about Obama is that he is levelheaded, talks straight and seems sincere. When he tries too hard to compromise with Republicans, he seems weak and insincere. I don't think he has gone way too far yet, but he really needs to watch it. The American people are behind Obama.

Today, I spoke to a Republican who said that his business went OK until the beginning of January and since then has not gone well. But then he added that he senses that this month, people are getting a lot more positive. I think the difference is Obama's steady policy and character. Americans trust him to do what is fair and in the best interest of the country. The Republicans don't know what to do. Obama just needs to talk directly to the American people, not to the Republican leadership in Congress. What does he expect them to do? Support him? That's not going to happen.

[Bluerthanblue]

107. you are making the

assumption that Pres. Obama is who he is because he "wants to be liked by the right wing". YOU are the one judging him as 'weak and insincere". Barack is being just who he is- and I agree with you that he speaks strongly and clearly about what he thinks is right and what he plans to do. He hasn't changed- what makes you assume that he does anything to be liked 'by the right wing'?

As for him talking to the American people- he has and continues to do that. It's also important that he include the republican leadership in congress as well.- THAT is simple common decency. He can't control how they react, and I wouldn't guess that he expects them to suddenly support him- but that doesn't alter HIS decision to behave in the way he thinks is 'right'.

When Pres. Obama stays true to who he claims to be, and then republican leadership acts like the fools they are, the public can see and judge for themselves who's the real leader. Despite the media attempts to spin the Gregg fiasco as an 'embarrassment to Obama'- his approval ratings continue to climb. There will be people who will never support Obama- I'm glad he is proving to everyone that he does what he does because he really believes it's the right thing to do- NOT 'because he wants to be liked'-

I'm sorry if I give you the impression I'd like Barack to sell himself out to the republican hard liners- I don't want that at all. I don't want him to compromise on important issues either. I don't know if he'll have much success working with republican politicians, but I DO hope he doesn't let their selfish, arrogant, self-righteous bully mentality effect the way HE operates. Which I see as being a person who is self controlled, patient, wise and mature. Something we haven't seen in a leader in a very long time. (IMO)

I think we agree more than either of us realize, sorry I don't express myself better.

peace~

[JDPriestly]

110. I question whether he compromised too much on the tax cuts to

corporations. I understand there were some in the stimulus bill that weren't justified by economics but rather were brought in to get the votes of certain members of Congress. Shame on these guys.

[misanthrope]

100. Yeah, and what happened to Lincoln?...

...And who did it?

[Bluerthanblue]

104. what happens to anyone? If we care enough about something

we know we may give up our life working to bring it about.

Should the FEAR of being killed for what we believe in keep us from doing it? Who knows how Lincoln would have been remembered today if he had not had such a strong resolve? The point is, he understood the danger, and did not let fear or intimidation deter him.

If you look at all the people who have died for the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today- from political to civil rights, we are where we are due to the courage and determination of people who understood the potential cost of being agents of CHANGE-

Gandhi, MLKjr.,JFK, Medgar Evers, Steve Biko, RFK, to name but a handful.

If Pres. Obama was going to let fear keep him from doing what he feels he must do, he'd never have run for office in the first place. And I am humbled and honored to call him my PRESIDENT.

(sorry to be so intense, this is such an important issue)


peace~

[JDPriestly]

105. Lincoln was obviously assassinated after he reached out and forgave

and tried to make peace. Lesson learned.

[frogcycle]

87. I think you overreact

Will did not say to "instead adopt their perspective of group hate and partisanship"

The "why try to win them over?" does not mean call them nasty names. Obama can and will continue to invite them to play, and they can continue to take their marbles and go home. What Obama does not need to do is make concessions to get them to play.

The Lee Iaccoca quote "Lead, follow, or get out of the way" comes to mind. They can follow, or they can stand in the corner and pout. And they can attempt to lead, by offering initiatives that make an ounce of sense, if they have it in them (I doubt that).

So Obama can continue being civil to them, asking them for their support, and letting them show themselves for the anti-American secessionists they are. His Lincoln's Birthday speech was brilliant, and it seemed to lay out the strategy perfectly.

[ulysses]

22. hell with waving them off.

Punch them in the throat.

[Xenotime]

34. YES! EXACTLY! FUCK THEM!

[librechik]

23. After all, they dumped on us...

[kimmerspixelated]

24. Ahhh.. William Pitt!

Great archery! ...Most all of us wouldn't even think twice about dumping the elegrunts, but Obama is strategic (with so much more than we know at the moment), plus, he's never going to abandon his principles! I respect him for that, still, his patience must be running really thin! But Obama's brilliance will prevail, the light will blind the rethugs and co., to where they can't see themselves in their own rear view mirror, but of course, they can't see their reflections in the first place...what was I thinking?

[old mark]

25. I was just watching Hardball before coming here, and some

ignorant Publican congressman just did it for me. I can't stand to see another Publican, period. I don't want their "opinions", their "views", their "ideals", "piholsophies" or even to see them or hear about them.

I want them to all die, or at least get voted out of office ASAP.

I hope they continue on their present path. I hope they vote against every goddamn thing the Democrats propose, and I hope all the Democratic proposals succeed.

I hope to see fewer Publicans in government after the 2010 election, and I just wish it could happen next week.
I really hate them.

mark

[DinahMoeHum]

26. Republicans. Suck. Like. A. Hoover.

(see avatar for additional sentiment)

[Captain Hilts]

101. BRILLIANT!

Glamour Magazine's Sticky Situation #32:

You've bumped someone out of his job and now he's being a sourpuss about it.

[LibertarianDave]

27. I love how..

I love how the guy saying we should dump the GOP has a Lincoln picture at the bottom of his comment.. Lincoln was a Republican.

[WilliamPitt]

29. Do you love it?

How much?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

30. Ah yes, Lincoln certainly was a Republican, one of the first...

And if he were alive today, he would not approve of what the current crop of Republicans have done to the party.

You are new here, and I'll tell you this: Will Pitt is one of the most well-spoken and intelligent people here.

Tread lightly.

Will knows more history and politics than most of us.

[LibertarianDave]

31. I'm not here to step on toes

I may not be the political or historical expert Mr. Pitt is; I am however an expert in irony, with a doctorate in pointing it out.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

32. Will is certainly not being ironic.

I do believe he means what he says.

[LibertarianDave]

36. did you read what i said?

I don't see where you got this comment from. I did not say that Mr. Pitt is in anyway making statements he does not believe to be true. I merely pointed out the irony of having a thread titled "Dump the GOP", while having a picture of Lincoln at the bottom. If you do not see the irony in that then please forget I said anything and chalk me up as another nut job.

[Shakespeare]

38. No, the REAL irony is that the GOP is no longer the party of Lincoln.

But, you already knew that.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

43. I misunderstood your irony.

I certainly did read what you said. I get it now.

[riverdeep]

33. You do know that a Republican at that time would have been the Democrat of today?

The Republicans wanted to expand opportunities to slaves, for example. Just like the Democrats of the South pre-civil rights (Dixiecrats) have more in common with today's Republicans than they do with today's Democrats.

[LibertarianDave]

41. I am aware...

For the final time, I was merely pointing out the comical irony in the title in conjunction with the photo. I do know that Republicans then are more or less Democrats today. I just personally enjoy irony, I was not in any form saying that Mr. Pitt is wrong in his statements on any level, although I more than likely disagree with him on certain levels.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

98. My Mom and Dad were both Republicans.

My mom was a Classic Southern Republican, all her life, which was a very different beast from what we have today. Towards the end of her life, which was during the term of our former Drooling-Moron-in-Chief, I drove her to one of the last, if not the last time she voted. I asked her how she was voting. She said "Straight Democrat. I wouldn't vote for a Republican for dog catcher and I will never vote for one again". She went on to explain how it was her opinion that the (her words) "White Trash" had taken over HER party. Being a good Republican southern woman of the old school, I figured she knew from white trash. Who was I to argue?

Me? I went "whoa". Surely, somewhere a tectonic plate shifted upon that bit of news.

[many a good man]

42. Lincoln stood for more than tax cuts

The modern GOP (Guardians of Privilege) are masters of irony whenever they call themselves "fiscal conservatives" or "the party of Lincoln." Old Abe had more wisdom in his little pinky than all Republicans collectively the past 30 years.

[LibertarianDave]

44. I agree

The GOP has done nothing in the way of fiscal conservatism, which is why I question the Democrats when they say that fiscal conservatism has been tried and it didn't work. Pick your poison, either they were fiscal conservatives and it didn't work, OR they weren't fiscal conservatives and that didn't work. Your present argument actually props up the argument for fiscal conservatism.

This have it both ways is a common theme from the left, either Bush is a complete idiot (which I believe to be true), OR he masterminded the greatest conspiracy of the modern world, pick your poison.

[bread_and_roses]

74. Oh, that tired old "theme from the left" slam

There are some Blue Dog/DLC types around here who will love you for that. But seems to me that someone with a Doctorate ought to have enough critical thinking skills to see that "fiscal conservatism" has come to be nothing but a code for supporting tax cuts that benefit the rich and Corporations and opposition to spending that benefits the rest of us - you know, for things like roads, schools, clean water, safe food - all the things that "Libertarians" evidently think we should leave to the oh-so-smart "private sector." That same "private sector" that has shown itself to be rapacious pillagers every chance they get.

And when did "fiscal conservatism" mean anything else anyway? It's tripe, it's a sham, and has always been. And "Libertarianism" is an infantile mythology. You know that peanut company that has happily been killing people for profit? That's your "Libertarianism," your "fiscal conservatism" (can't have the Big Bad Guv'mt spending all that money on enforcing regulations, now, can we?) in action.

[Ken Burch]

54. LIncoln wouldn't be a Republican TODAY.

The "party of Lincoln" died when Goldwater was nominated.

[JDPriestly]

59. I remember my grandmother telling me way back in the 1950s

that she had been raised a Republican, but she said, the Republican Party left us.

My grandmother's family were Republicans in the day of Lincoln. Her own father fought in the Civil War. But the Republicans abandoned the values of Lincoln long, long ago.

The Republican Party is no longer the party of Lincoln. They shamelessly claim his name, but they do not embrace his ideals.

[mitchum]

86. Maybe because Lincoln is the best kind of a republican? A dead one.

[aynwasright]

108. I love how..

I think most people would be surprised at who some famous Republicans (and Democrats) were.

[FKA MNChimpH8R]

35. Great piece, Will

:applause:

[riverdeep]

37. I gotta say, many of us have been here before.

Watching the Dem brand taking a beating and seeing Obama coolly waving it off and talking about unity. It happened during the elections, and he won. It happened with Lieberman, and his important vote was cast with us. I am the first one to say punch a Republican in the throat and they can't be trusted not to steal candy from a baby, but I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt for the moment that he can handle it his way. What he can't control is the media, who are spinning this Gregg pull-out as a failure exclusively of the Obama camp, when all Obama did is follow through on what he said he was going to do and it was the Republican who said he can't work with him. Anyway, maybe it's time to bring this back:

[mirrera]

39. Your mouth to... etc. etc.

[MasonJar]

45. I hope Will sent this to Obama; he's the one who MUST read it. The

rest of us already agree wholeheartedly.

[Still Sensible]

46. The fundamentals, neocons and supply siders

are now in control of the GOP. Under the reign of GWB, they literally kicked the libertarians and the fiscal conservatives to the curb. I know the remaining losers are crying about fiscal responsibility right now, but their party basically abandoned that when--to quote Cheney--"Reagan proved deficits don't matter." Given the last eight years, any level of real success now by the Obama administration and the democratic controlled houses of Congress, it will be very tough for what's left of the republican party. Without a collapse of democratic leadership, they are shrinking into a party that is primarily driven by what's left of the Confederacy.

The supply siders are the most responsible for the current economic mess and have no credibility. The neocons are responsible for the Iraq war and have no credibility. That leaves the fundamentalists, who only have credibility with other fundamentalists.

This narrow party, even more reactionary than when Bush took office eight years ago, was only able to maintain their presidential power through the fear campaigns that followed 9/11--augmented by tactical campaigns on the wedge issue of marriage equality. Those campaigns allowed them to maintain their base and scare enough independents and blue dogs to eke out re-election.

Either they find a way to broaden their party, or find a way to "scare" the aforementioned independents and blue dogs, or they (try to) destroy any chance of Obama being successful. Those are the three choices and, probably in their minds, the last one is the most realistic.

They are not going to broaden any time soon because the fundamentalists and the supply siders will not allow it, meanwhile the neocons are for the most part mute (but they have nowhere else to go). It is hard to see how they can come up with anything new to scare the middle with--although I am sure they'll continue to try the wedge issues--but will likely see if the "socialized medicine" attacks that worked early in the Clinton years will work again.

That leaves the destroy-Obama's-chance-for-success as the most viable alternative they have right now... and that's what most of them are already trying.

[tblue37]

85. You said: This narrow party,

even more reactionary than when Bush took office eight years ago, was only able to maintain their presidential power through the fear campaigns that followed 9/11--augmented by tactical campaigns on the wedge issue of marriage equality. Those campaigns allowed them to maintain their base and scare enough independents and blue dogs to eke out re-election.

You forgot the part about election fraud of all sizes and flavors.

[GreenTea]

48. Dump the regressive motherfucking lying, hateful greedy slimy republican party!!

Did I miss any necessary nouns, verbs or adjectives?

[undeterred]

49. Republicans gave us the mess we are in

and they are too stupid to contribute anything intelligent to getting us out. They are nothing but a nuisance.

[deaniac21]

50. I give them 24 business hours.

[geckosfeet]

51. ,,, a foolish pipe dream - is gilding the crap pile - these people are ruthless

bastards and not only will they oppose dems at every turn, they will work tirelessly to destroy what we have built, even if it takes the country down. In fact, that would suit them just fine. Then they could point to that as a failure and the spineless dems would not know how to make it stick to the republicans.

[certainot]

52. GOP talk radio monopoly does their groundwork- fixing it needs to be job 1

without it they would be the minority their failed ideas would normally take them

[Enthusiast]

77. Agree with you. Job one. nt

[BrklynLiberal]

53. K&R

[Towlie]

55. Neither cast your pearls before swine lest they trample them under their feet and turn and rend you.

Matthew 7:6

[Time for change]

56. Very well said

I hope he takes your advice.

[JDPriestly]

57. You negotiate an agreement between disputing parties by determining what the other party

wants, what you want and finding a middle ground. The middle ground can be found when one or the other or both sides determine that finding a middle ground is better than continuing the dispute.

Either one side or both sides must be ready to give up a lot or all of its/their wants in order to end their dispute.

What do Republicans want? To win back the presidency and a majority in Congress.

What do Democrats want? To keep the presidency and their majority in Congress.

What part of those wants is either side willing to give up in order to get a compromise?

At this point, nothing.

That is why Obama's seeking to work with Republicans will not work at this point. Republicans see no need to give anything up yet. They still think they can win the next election by not cooperating. And Democrats have not yet proved that they can't. So, why in the world would Republicans negotiate?

If Obama is serious about the post partisan, bi-partisan thing, he is going to have to wait quite a while.

Instead of giving in to Republicans and incorporating their ideas into his policies without a fight, he needs to show the Republicans that they have to give something up in order to get something. That's how power works. That's how negotiation works.

[Baby Snooks]

60. Wish we could ban them...

I did not support The Great Wall Street Ripoff I or II but I am so appalled by the hypocrisy of the "lock step" of the Republicans in Congress with regard to both I cannot find the words to express it beyond my being simply appalled. The word liar comes to mind but the word hypocrite best describes the way the Republicans have talked out of both sides of their mouth since Newt Gingrich made his "contract" with America. Looking back, it seems more like a contract for a Mafia hit.

As are most Texans, I am amazed by Kay Bailout Hutchison talking about how she regrets having voted for Part I while pointing out she has not voted for Part II. Well, dear, Part I led to Part II. What it comes down to is you got yours, no one else should get theirs. Yours is all that matters. You and yours. Which you have finally made clear does not include the rest of us. You and yours can shove it finally.

You and yours are not the party of Lincoln. Or of Eisenhower. You and yours are not even the party of Reagan.

You and yours are the party of the very things Lincoln freed us from and Eisenhower warned us about.

You and yours are the corruption that Benjamin Franklin predicted would destroy the democracy if we were not careful.

It is a moral corruption. Which points out the hypocrisy best of all. Yours in particular.

Waving your pom-poms and doing your cheers for corruption. You truly believe corruption is a virtue. You and yours. Including your fellow cheerleader for corruption Rick Perry. Texans finally have seen what the worst, as opposed to lesser, of two evils truly is in your race for governor. For that, we thank you. Which is about all Texans can thank you for.

If we can ban things that are not good for us, why can't we ban the Rebublican Party?

[backwoodsbob]

61. I think their strategy is pretty simple

the stimulus bill is a HUGE political risk.If things get worse they can say *we warned you* next cycle.

It's just politics.The next election hinges on this bill or so they hope.

That said,I think the pukes are misreading this.Simple economics says we will be out of this before the next cycle.We are already past the normal recession length and chances are we will be in an upswing next cycle with the added bonus of lots of infrastructure work we desperately need being done at the same time.

I don't see how the repukes win on this one.

[Baby Snooks]

62. Time will tell....

None of us have seen the bill. It will take awhile to read through it once we do. Reading the "highlights" of a 1,000+ page bill really doesn't give you an idea of what's in it. Or not in it.

The Republicans may have been wise in their lock-step vote against it. The reason why is the "highlights" so far leave one with the impression that the Democrats not only threw in some pork but decided to have a luau complete with a whole roasted pig.

Celebrating a victory doesn't mean much if it turns into the platform of defeat. And this may.

All in all, two wrongs do not make a right. And both parts of the Great Wall Street Ripoff are wrong. They are bankrupting our future, our children's future, and our grandchildren's future.

[The Wizard]

63. Obama Should

nationalize energy and the banks. The Repubes will have strokes, drink Drano or march into the sea.

[lamp_shade]

64. "Until then, dump them"... indeed. n/t

[radfringe]

65. Just say "NOPE" to GOP n/t

[conscious evolution]

67. and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." - Abraham Lincoln

That four hours is almost up.
Can't wait to see O swing that axe.

[pleah]

68. K&R The thugs are so embedded in their hate that

I doubt that they will ever change.

[olegramps]

69. Start building a war chest to defeat every Republican.

Now is the time to start an all out effort to destroy the Republican Party once and for all. Their party actually only represents the 1% of the most wealthy Americans. Any Democrat that sides with them should be drummed out of the party.

[DFW]

70. Let us not overlook the most significant word of Obama's overture

He would reach out a hand to "anyone WILLING to unclench their fist"

If said courted individual or group subsequently proves UNWILLING to unclench
their fist, then, according to his own declaration, he need no longer be willing
to extend such a hand, and, indeed, has a rather large mandate not to. He did not
win the election under dubious circumstances, nor does he have a tenuous majority
in Congress who threatens to leave him high and dry at every turn.

Bush had no mandate, and acted as if he had one. Obama has a huge mandate and has so
acted as if he did not. It is time to play the hand he has been dealt, especially
considering that the American electorate dealt him four kings.

A line from Jackson Browne's "Take It Easy" comes to mind: "We may lose and we may win,
but we will never be here again."

Take your best shot, Mr. President. There's nothing standing in your way except your own
reticence, and you may not get this clear an opportunity to do as much good again. The
Republicans' fists remain clenched. You offered. They passed. Time to say so, and move on.

[wroberts189]

76. He would reach out a hand to "anyone WILLING to unclench their fist"

kick

[wroberts189]

72. Dump the GOP !!!! YES YES YES !!!!!

And make sure the hole is deep and you use iron reinforced cement to bury them.


Dig the hole here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariana_Trench

It will create jobs :)


They are a pox on the world.

[DrZeeLit]

73. Yes, this is a hard lesson, but should we all give up on civility?

I believe we voted for change from the past lousy eight years. Most of us started with Obama because he came out early and hard AGAINST the war, and the war was one clear footing on which immediate change could be built. Secondary to the end of the war, most of us stood behind Obama for a change in the "Patriot Act" model of civility coming out of the White House and the Congress. And we'd all like health insurance.

I think Obama would have started with a solid withdrawal of troops the minute he walked into the oval office. But the steamroller that became the collapse of the economy flattened him. I think his original campaign ideas of building the economy had more to do with jobs creation and health insurance reform. Undoubtedly, he might have found bipartisan support on those issues, at least from representatives of moderate districts.

Changing focus at the beginning, rather than a few months or even a year into the administration must have required a Herculean effort and I don't think they are getting much credit on that score. That they began immediately -- even before inauguration -- to work on full economic recovery, rather than piecemeal bits of campaign promises, shows the will to change.

But I also believe President Obama honestly wanted more than merely policy and law changes. He couldn't drop that piece of his campaign and look only at the economy. He thought he could do both. He has always wanted a change to the mean-spirited, "with us or against us" way of doing business. He TRIED. I'm sure he will TRY again. This man doesn't have to pass legislation or sign bills into law to let us KNOW he is NOT gwb.

I agree that we want to reverse the direction of the country from downward spiral of the Bush Years. And goodness knows, I've shaken my fist at the sky, thrown my slippers at the television, and muttered more than my share of swear words and curses at the Republicans.

But how do you stop the cycle of abuse? Just because "they did it," does that mean we have to do it?

Nobody said "cozy up," but somewhere between all-out strident warfare and roll-over-rub-my-tummy capitulation, is genuine compromise -- the way politics could work. When compromise is shown to be effective and above-board, it's a good example for all of us, from kids on the playground to execs in the boardrooms.

So, who goes first? Who has the grace to try? Working the media or not, how do we affect change if we are not willing to change, even if they are not? I know a lot of Democrats are very very angry and have let hatred color every aspect of their view on everything from elections to judges to garbage collection in their hamlets. I am not built that way. I can't seem to sustain hate. Naive or not, I cannot believe in a world where everybody has to choose one side or the other, and once swearing eternal allegiance to the chosen side, treat the opposite side with hatred. And then walk our children to kindergarten and tell them to treat every other child as equal.

I don't think President Obama lost anything by attempting to be civil and inclusive. I think the Republicans have repeatedly shown themselves to be delusional, selfish, pigheaded, and mostly ignorant about the lives of real people. The more they play these games and stand in front of microphones, lying, snarking, and making asinine remarks, the more the real people know who to vote for in the future.

We have to trust that real people will be affected by the refusal of Republicans to lend a hand in this very real crisis. We also have to remember not to wait for the next election cycle. Right now we must continue to talk civilly with co-workers and friends who can't seem to see the truth. We need to seek potential voters: go to the unemployment office and register voters, volunteer at the local soup kitchen, and work in local precinct offices at the grassroots level. We can continue to make a difference in the face of Republican derision and hatred.

And then... with a clear majority, maybe we can right this tilting ship of state.

[wroberts189]

75. Civility requires both parties to be ..civil. I see no pubs except the 3 that passed his bill.

There is a lot in you're very good post and please forgive if I misinterpret.

Is that all he gets after all his efforts? 3 pub votes after huge concessions ? Now the pubs who voted against it now applaud the provisions that help their states?.

This is an insult. A smack in the face to Obama's almost constant attempts reaching out to them.

At what point do you abandon civility? Believe me or not ..everyone has a point.

At what point does he pull a bush and just basically declare himself unitary executive king. LIKE THEY DID AND GOT AWAY WITH.

How many more black eyes before civility is a word for suckers and pushovers??

Obama will not be another Carter or Clinton ... He will get the job done with or without them.

And it looks to me its going to be without ..with the exception of the one we need after Franken gets in.

I predict they will lose even more seats next time. What have they learned? nix

[DrZeeLit]

81. It's not for them to learn, is it? It's for us to try. And then, do our best.

That's all I meant.

How do I teach my children to love, if I have hate in my heart.

NO, that does not mean I condone behavior.
But think about it.
Do we always do a good deed to get something in return?

The bill passed. And our president did his best at this time.

I'm glad he tried.
And he learned.
But I don't see him as a quitter on this issue.
He'll continue to lead by example -- which is what a LEADER (as opposed to a dictator or a Manager)does.

(but I hear you)

And that's why they will lose seats.

[wroberts189]

88. copy that nt

[Wizard777]

78. If Obama has offended the morally and fiscally bankrupt Republicans. He's on the right track!

[natrat]

79. gop bad,gop want us in camps, dump gop

[wroberts189]

80. "but with swinging clenched fists"

Hey Will said it ...

and I can tell you they meant to hit him. And they were wearing those knuckle irons. But they are stupid and were out maneuvered.

God people... it been 40+ years of this crap WAKE UP !!!

[salinen]

82. If the Dems do not act as the majority now

when will they? This is the moment in time. Big changes should be inacted. Why wait until the economy recovers (excuss by pigs to empty the coffers). A depression is the exact right time to strike.

[opihimoimoi]

83. Its the ALL IN Moment for the GOP...Down to a few Buffalo Chips and a weak hand, they have no choice

They are in SURVIVAL MODE

Desperate...

Frantic.....

Throwing Kitchen sinks

Anything to avoid the Spiral of Extinction....like that of the Whigs....

[tavalon]

84. I sometmes wonder why our party has the Jackass as our mascot

Then I think of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, but digress. I mean, really, aren't the GOP acting the asses these days?

[wroberts189]

93. Well I guess its better then a fat ass elephant.

but I get the point and its a good one.

[sallyseven]

89. It was not the stimulus package that

made Gregg jump back to the GOP. It was the census coming up. He could not control it so he jumped ship. That is why he wanted the Commerce Dept Sec. The GOP plan was to screw it up and skew the figures to their advantage. They did it in the South last time. Made districts out of whole cloth. Changed the dynamic in the House and Senate. I'll bet $100 Rove would have been in charge again just like the last time. There is power in that job only if you can redistrict to the party's advantage. He is a lier and has been full of S for long time. Typical of the republicans. He stated last year that he was going to run for Senate again in 10. Now he changed his mind. What is that all about? Was there an effort by his party to bring out some dirt?

[raysr]

92. They'd be lucky at just

being offended if I was in charge. They would even know the name of the bills I'd pass. Executive order???

[Juan_de_la_Dem]

94. Yep, time to say goodbye GOP

[flor de jasmim]

95. Amen!

[judesedit]

96. Super dump, asap!

Keep Specter, Collins and Snowe if they can continue on the track of reason. Wouldn't that be a slap in the face to the rest of the greedy glob of goo known as the GOP. Even if this stimulus is partially successful, which I don't see how it can fail on all fronts, I can't wait to see the obstructionists grovel as they try to justify their positions on the campaign trail. And even if it doesn't do much to alleviate the condition in the short term, the whole country knows the republican party is hugely responsible for the vast majority of existing problems. The rest of the blame should be on Congress, who failed to rein them in. Dump all who do not represent their constituencies faithfully...and that means the people...not the corporations.

[misanthrope]

99. Sounds a lot like this...

...Barack Obama's wake-up call

[K Gardner]

102. Brilliant, as usual, Mr. Pitt. Recommended highly.

[BanTheGOP]

109. We MUST BAN the rEPUBLICAN PARTY!

Excellent post, Pitt. You have essentially stated eloquently what I've been advocating since Bush stole the presidency in '00.

Here are some of my earlier posts regarding the need to ban the republican party. These are journal posts, but most were in response to other threads.

BOTTOM LINE...the republican party NEEDS TO BE STOPPED
BULLSHIT!!
I'll Respond...
You Assume Wrong...

[radfringe]

111. NOPE - the party of "NO! YOU CAN'T!!" n/t

[Postman]

112. Dump them indeed. Preferably in the trash bin of history.