C'mon DU let's get over it and win both houses with a BIG majority in November

[Rosa Luxemburg]

Like many people I have been frustrated with things not going MY way like single payer healthcare, Gitmo not closing, the extended war in Af. and a slow move out of Iraq etc.

However this government HAS made progress and actually has done a lot (although we don't hear about it on television). Many, many things have been passed by Congress to improve the lives of the American. People forget who created the financial crisis and need to be reminded.

HOWEVER, as long as Democrats left leaning (professional or non professional) or center people splinter and regurgitate RW Newspeak they have to think of the consequences of a huge Republican majority in both houses this fall. Can you imagine what that will mean to this country? None of our agenda will be progressed AT ALL and will be just tossed in a trash can.

[peacebird]

1. WH FIGHTING DADT? or FOR Single payer? Look - at some point the Dems in power need to ACT

like progressives and actually push progessive policies if they want support FROM progressives. Gibbs was *not* helpful with his whining about progressives. Neither was Rahm.

I did not work hard for a center right prez - but that is what we have. If the Dems want to have majotiry in both houses then perhaps they need to remember who brung 'em and work to pass progressive legislation. Just a thought.
:eyes:

[Rosa Luxemburg]

2. then

you have to look to the future. What we couldn't have is now in the past.

[peacebird]

7. the old "look forward not backward" defense is NOT working this time. Sorry - after 35 YEARS of

voting *against* the lesser candidate, and getting a center right pol instead - I am done. I will be voting FOR candidates from here on out - regardless of their ability to win. The dems went DLC with the Big Dog, and DLC is nothing more than corporate friendly politicians with moderately "liberal" social policies (as long as they don't cost corporations anything)
Screw that, and screw them.
I will donate time and money to candidates who support a progressive agenda. If the Dems lose control of the House or Senate as a result of progressive flight, too bad. Not like they were acting on progressive agendas anyhow. Screw 'em if they can't take a joke!

[Dr.Phool]

66. My vote is precious.

And any politician now has to EARN it. No more bullshit. No more blind support. That's how Republicans operate.

I don't hold my nose and vote for just anyone anymore.

And screw 'em, even if they can take a joke. Otherwise the joke's on us. Again.

We had a historic opportunity. The repukes self-immolated. They were about to be swept into the dustbin of history. But our "leadership" let them of the hook and gave them the time and the means to re-organize.

[LooseWilly]

37. You seem to dismiss the time we had majority of the House, supermajority in the Senate, and the WH.

Still... nothing got passed. What more would you expect in the fucking future?? What we couldn't have is not now in the past.. it is the nature of the party, near as I can tell.

Hope pissed on us. I'm going to go wash my clothes, and re-consider what I expect for a vote. Not that it matters... just another peon, literally.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

39. There is still hope

besides many people go through life not voting or wanting to know anything about politics, they don't watch it on TV and they don't vote. I think it is important to keep going. People in other countries have done it.

[Dr.Phool]

67. There's Santa Claus too.

And I won't vote for him either.

[27inCali]

46. nothing got passed?

remember all the hollering over HCR? -all the green tech stuff in the stimulus bill, Financial Regulation, Consumer Protection agency, saving the American Auto Industry? They didn't get EVERYTHING done that needed to be done, and you can argue that the reforms were too weak, but to say "nothing" is flat out wrong and another piece of disingenuous propaganda from the 10%ers.

[Cosmocat]

51. You are under the delusion that we have a dictator ...

I don't know if you were paying attention to the HCR legislation, but it took a year to get passed, and the Rs had it DEAD in the senate. It took a previous 60-40 vote to allow for the reconcilliation that allowed for the legislation that passed ... ONE lost vote in the senate, and it never would have gotten passed. And, Max Baucus was NOT going to support even a public option, much less single payer ...

It was NEVER going to happen ...

NEVER, and all BO "fighting" for it would have done would have potentially skunked what got done. Again, I don't know where you were during that year period, but we had Rs screaming like lunatics about death panels and SOCIALISM, and the MSM carrying water for them ... BO taking a stand for single payer would have given them potentially enough fuel to actually kill it ...

They got done what could get done - and I am STRONG single payer advocate.

You are also under the delusion that there is a larger democratic majority to be had in this lifetime, and there isn't ... This is the largest democratic margin in both chambers will see see in at generations ...

Finally, you don't grasp the current political alignments ...

There is no "center" politically between the parties ... The Rs are ALL, to a man and woman, batsnot crazy hard righties who pander mercilessly to the extreme right ... The "middle" is the right side of the democratic party ...

Obviously, you have given up on the practical aspects of that, but there are Ds who REPRESENT more republican leaning and toss up districts ... The great liberals have the benefit of living in strong liberal precincts and can act liberal ... The other democrats don't have that luxery, and again, you obviously have given up on it, but it is better to have them in the D fold than to turn those seats over an R who WILL be hard right and oppose ANYTHING liberal ...

Sorry, the country is no more left leaning than the lie that is conservative ... There isn't the "mandate" to go full bore left, or BO and congress would go that direction ...

I am with you in supporting and developing more progressive candidates ... But, if it is a choice between even a milk toast dem and an R, I will battle to death for the D over the R, cause a milk toast D is 1000 times better than an R in this age ...

[suzie]

56. Thank you.

I live in one of those red districts and I'm very tired of those who live elsewhere describing the kinds of liberal Democrats whom they think--from far away--could be elected.

[Dawgs]

59. Most Democrats, certainly in the House, are pushing progressive positions.

Maybe you should do some research. You might feel better about 90% of the Democrats in both Houses.

[shireen]

3. i doubt if anyone will sit out the elections because they're mad at Obama

Many of us, myself included, are seriously pissed-off. But we're pragmatic enough to know the price of not voting.

So we'll keep on loudly protesting, but come November, we'll hold our noses and vote for the Democrats because the alternative is worse.

At this point, i think the only way to get real meaningful change in our political system is to start at the grassroots level, in local politics, by nurturing truly progressive candidates. I probably won't live long enough to see that change propagated to the highest level of national politics.

[peacebird]

8. nope. I will NOT "hold my nose" and vote dem any longer.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

15. who will you vote for?

sitting out?

[peacebird]

18. I have never "sat out" an election in over 35 years. I will work for progressive candidates.

I will write in votes if there are no progressives in my area. But I will not give my vote to DLC/center right dems again.
If we progressives cannot move the party towards OUR ideals then why should we continue to give them our time, money, efforts and VOTES? Just because they *aren't* repubs?

:eyes:

[Peacetrain]

24. Thank GOD you do not live in Iowa..

We need all the help we can get from anywhere to keep the progress in place we have made. We have a target on us the size of the state by the tea partiers, Vanderplatts and company to overturn by the courts issues we settled.

[CTyankee]

42. Hey come to Connecticut. You can choose Dick Blumenthal or Linda McMahon, to take

a place at the side of Joe Lieberman in the Senate.

Still feel the same way?

I thought not...

[27inCali]

49. Blumenthal is infinitely better...

there isn't even a question. If your state is over-loaded with douchebags that support lame corporate candidates in either party, that's a reflection on your state and should not be used as an excuse to fuck the rest of the country with Republican rule in the Congress.

[CTyankee]

52. Look, I gotta choice. I got Dick B. with a great record of being progressive

prochoice and everything I want in a United States Senator from my state or I have Linda McMahon. Whatddya think?

Jeezus...

[27inCali]

47. then what the fuck are you doing here?

rat-fucking? trolling? I swear, people feed off of hatred and acrimony. They seek it out.

[Dawgs]

60. You realize that 90% of Democrats in Congress ARE supporting your agenda.

Your generalizing helps no one. It only hurts.

[zipplewrath]

4. what makes you think I'm not

I've been working all spring and summer to do get more progressives in congress. Doesn't mean I can still keep tabs on the Prez around here.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

17. I'm glad you are

some of the candidates around here are frightened of their own shadow. They won't stand by their policies incase the Republican eats them!

[Imajika]

5. Agreed!

Changes come from the people, not politicians, and they happen over time. The pressure from the people has to be continuous. Yes, it is tiresome. Yes, we all have to agree to disagree sometimes. Yes, it is fine to argue on political forums amongst friends - even ferociously. But people really need to keep their eye on the ball. Change won't always come in one, two or even three election cycles or through any one politician - it can take years and years of consistent efforts which include voting in primaries, in general elections, talking to friends and coworkers, etc.

We're not going to get everything we want quickly. It's just not going to happen. Just moving the debate in our direction is sometimes a huge victory in itself. This President has been a massive improvement over what the Republicans had to offer. This Congress may not be as bold as we'd like in many ways, but it's a gazillion steps in the right direction compared to where we were just a few years ago.

Fending off a GOP majority or even large Republican gains is simply something everyone should be very motivated to work together to stop.

[bluethruandthru]

10. We realize things don't happen overnight..and you say that we have to

keep putting pressure on our leaders for things to move in the right direction. But, those on this forum who are doing just that...pushing for more and better change..and holding our leaders feet to the fire, are being ridiculed and chastised for not keeping their thoughts to themselves. For not blindly agreeing with and applauding everything Obama has done. For daring to criticize anyone in our party. How does that move the needle at all??

[27inCali]

50. It's not the criticism, it's the lies and the spin

and the inability to give any credit when it is due. It's obvious to me that some people have an agenda that has more to do with ruining Obama's presidency than it does with moving this country in a Progressive direction.


criticize all you want where it is valid. Just don't use lies and bullshit exaggerations to push your point.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

65. I guess many at DU

are Republicans having a ball!

[flamingdem]

6. thanks Rosa!! nt

[Vinnie From Indy]

9. Is everybody ready?

Sing along...

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse.
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best...

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...

If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle - that's the thing.

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...

For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow.
Forget about your sin - give the audience a grin
Enjoy it - it's your last chance anyhow.

So always look on the bright side of death
Just before you draw your terminal breath

Life's a piece of shit
When you look at it
Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true.
You'll see it's all a show
Keep 'em laughing as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you.

And always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the right side of life...
(Come on guys, cheer up!)
Always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the bright side of life...
(Worse things happen at sea, you know.)
Always look on the bright side of life...
(I mean - what have you got to lose?)
(You know, you come from nothing - you're going back to nothing.
What have you lost? Nothing!)
Always look on the right side of life...

[deaniac21]

64. Crucifixion? Take one cross, first door on your right.

[ibegurpard]

11. why?

what did it give us last in 2008?
conservative policy masquerading as "reform."

[Rosa Luxemburg]

14. and

what is the your solution?

[peacebird]

16. working to elect progressives.

[elocs]

12. Democrats are well known for biting off their noses to spite their faces.

I'm certain we will see that this fall and the Democrats will lose seats and as a result move further to the right, or at least further from any liberal positions.

Wow, I guess we will have taught them a lesson they will never forget.

[Arkana]

13. Sorry, we're too busy with our circular firing squad. Can't hear you!

[activa8tr]

19. Good luck... I hope you and I can celebrate BOTH HOUSES and majority in November

I want that.......I love that.

I love to make Sarah Palin obscure to America, and then maybe put her in jail for some of the things she does and says.

But why isn't the White House doing their part?

They seem to be inviting us to sit out this election. Not a good strategy.

So I criticize it.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

20. I hope so

but who will be jumping with glee if we sit out and not help? NOt the WH.

[Jennicut]

21. I understand that not every part of the country has a good Dem to vote for.

But vote for the Dems you think are the best in your area. I like my candidates, I love my rep. I am not going to sit out this election at all!

[Rosa Luxemburg]

22. I remember when the SDP broke off from the Labour Party (UK)

The SDP were more center left and the Labour Party was leaning to the left. After the SDP broke off it didn't last long only to merge with the Libs to form the Lib dems. The irony is that the Labour Party a decade later was veering towards the center after being in the political wilderness and was elected under the leadership of the Tony B-Liar. All sorts of strange things happen in politics. Maybe it will take a heavy loss in November to remake remodel the party so it can be a real Democratic Party not a wishy washy center party. However, I hope that we will win and it will be a natural progression to the left.

[glitch]

23. Agreed. The only thing keeping this WH somewhat 'centrist' is Congress

with Pelosi's leadership. We need to make Congress even more Progressive, and embolden it to stop caving to the DLC.

[MadMaddie]

25. Support Democratic Candidates if they are running in your area.

The key is to gain overwhelming majorities in both the House and the Senate. An overwheliming majority means the filibuster would be useless to the Repugs.

If we can get more progressives in even better.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

27. yes

[LAGC]

29. I agree 100%.

As dissatisfied as I am with Obama, I'm not going to just sit this election out and help the other side win.

If we could defy all odds and somehow GAIN seats in November, maybe we can nudge Obama further to the left on issues that are important to us.

Hell, I'd vote for a Bluedog (who at least agrees with me on half the issues that are important to me), before I let a Republican (who I agree with on almost nothing) win.

Until the election system is changed, voting is still largely about choosing the lesser of the evils. It has to be done, for the alternative isn't pretty...

[TheKentuckian]

35. And there will be no change as long as we play that game

By what lever will change come about with zero accountability and a level of expectation pegged at less awful than the crazy fucking fascists that our leaders allow to get off scot free time after time?

[Rosa Luxemburg]

40. well

we have to do the best we can to elicit change. We are dealing with a corporate, fascist stranglehold in this country. Even progressives in power will be roasting material for the 'big boys.' It would appear politicians don't control everything.

[LAGC]

41. Well, sometimes it's about stopping regress in the other direction.

That's why we need to be more active during the primaries, to push for those progressive candidates. But allowing the Republicans to win just sets us back that much further on nearly ALL issues. Making it that much harder to make progress when we do finally get a decent candidate in office.

[TheKentuckian]

44. There is no "when" on this path

[LAGC]

54. Okay, so what do you propose?

Not voting at all? Voting third-party? At least with the latter you can build party strength so that they might have a better showing next time.

But what is your solution? It's easy to criticize the current system, but what can we do about it?

[Rosa Luxemburg]

55. One of the things

the hierachy of the Democratic Party may need to change. The party may need review its policies so that they are they people friendly? It has to decide whether it is going to be a real Democratic Party or some sort of center right party (which it seems to be). I often wonder if some of our Congressional representatives do belong to the party or not - they seem to make things up as it goes along without any liaison with the party. We should be marching to the same tune.

http://dnc.org/a/party/platform.html

[LAGC]

57. Wow, reading the DNC Platform regarding Afghanistan...

And it sounds like its straight from the Republicans' playbook!

We've definitely got to get a better (less corporate) message out, or no wonder people will see little difference between the Republicans and Democrats and just stay home and not vote.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

61. That's why I think we need to revise some of the policies

[TheKentuckian]

58. Bend it to our will by any means necessary and failing that destroy it.

Fixing this will require ruthlessness and a hell of a pain tolerance but that is how it is.

The game is fully a matter of how far are we willing to go. That was how the Reaganite traitors won. They said (and still say) do what we want our well vote Republican and did so over and over and they got the fatted cow and the hippies that got out of line and those of a similar bent get punched.

The nowhere to go crap broke my back and people of such minds are never to be trusted because accountability is inherently absent and they revel in it.

I'm not uncompromising but this is just taking marching orders after the plan is set and that is no $ale.

[Warren Stupidity]

26. That is hard to do when we keep getting shit on.

I will go vote for my local Dems - they aren't part of the problem.

[FrenchieCat]

28. When you shit on folks all of the time, you might get some on you!

[flyarm]

30. Please don't wait for me, I have a nail appointment , then I am going to smoke a joint and

drive my expensive car to a professional spa! I am sure I will have a date that night!

First things first you know!

[BeyondGeography]

31. K&R for sanity

[ProgressOnTheMove]

32. TOTALLY, there is no other option anything else trying to tear ourselves apart.

[Aramchek]

33. some people would rather hold their breath, piss their pants, and flail around

They think that will get more accomplished for some reason.

[Hydra]

34. I'll be happy to vote in Nov

We might even pick up seats.

What are YOU going to do when the WH comes up with more excuses?

[gort]

36. Defeat the 41 Seat Majority!

Obama 2012

[JoePhilly]

48. YUP

[kjackson227]

38. Ahhh, finally a sane voice in the mix.

Here's a BIG K&R to start the morning.

[killbotfactory]

43. Nice try

Some very vocal people here prefer to be outraged at stupid meaningless bullshit than be politically effective in the real world.

[LatteLibertine]

45. With the recent comments from Gibbs

A friend of mine said, "Gibbs is right. I've got no place to go. No place to go in November, I'm staying home."

I don't believe Democrats will vote Republican and they may not show up.

I will still get out and vote Democrat myself because returning to Republican rule would be nightmarish.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

53. The country is at stake she can't sit at home

[rainlillie]

62. The way I see it, there is still hope that Obama will come through and do more of what

we would like him to do. If The republicans regain control we will be in a hopeless situation. So, tell me what I have to do to push the President and the Democrats in the right direction? My feelings and pride our irrelevant, the only thing that matters is keeping the teabaggers out of the government and trying to fix the mess that Bush has created. I'm ready to work.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

63. I think the push has to come from the local parties

the grassroot networks need to feed into the DNC more. As far as policy is concerned the ordinary members tend to leave those decisions to the people at the top of the party. I think if the majority of party members said this is what we want the powers that be might listen. Many members have no clue what their senator or Rep is doing in Congress. There needs to more engagement between members and lawmakers and also the administration. We want them to lead but we would like a say.