A little perspective - I hope it helps

[Empowerer]

Like most of us here, I'm extremely unhappy about yesterday's results. We got our butts kicked and have a lot of work to do in order to get it together for 2012.

But while this is a real blow, let's keep it in perspective.

In 1994, I thought it was the end of the world when the Republicans took control of the House and Senate - AND kicked out the Speaker of the House.

Then came 2000 and I thought it couldn't get any worse.

But then came 2002 and I was ready to curl up and die.

And then came 2004 and I thought life was virtually over. The day after the election that year, I said to a friend, "When I look back on 1994, I can't believe I thought that was the end of the world. We may have lost the House and the Senate, but Good Lord, we still had the WHITE HOUSE! That was almost paradise compared to THIS!" And then, two years later, we rose from the ashes. And two years after that, we soared.

So, as we lick our wounds from last night, let's remember - we lost the House - we didn't lose everything. We still have, not only the White House, but the Senate, as well. In 1994, 2000, 2002 and 2004, that would have been a pretty good deal that I would have taken in a heartbeat.

So let's whine and mope for a couple more days, get it out of our system and get our butts in gear to make the next two years as impactful as we can and make sure that we soar again in 2012.

[zipplewrath]

1. When did we soar?

I'm curious when this "soaring" occurred? Was it in 2006 when impeachment was taken off the table? Or 2008 when we "had the backs" of the tortures, and honored Rich Warren? Or maybe 2010 when we established mandates and did nothing to establish health CARE as a right. Exactly when did this soaring start?

[BootinUp]

2. This thread was for perspective not the impossible dream. nt

[lillypaddle]

3. Thanks for the positive words

K&R

And to those here who apparently relish their position of "I told you so, it has all sucked," fuck you.

[emulatorloo]

4. Thanks - I appreciate your thread n/t

[LeftishBrit]

5. One of my nastier early memories of American politics...

is of the great triumph of Maggie's best pal Ronnie Reagan in 1980. Enormous mandate; set to rule the whole bloody world; etc. etc.

The Republicans had the White House; had the Senate with a 53/47 split (just checked that) and did NOT have the House of Representatives, then or at any other time during Reagan's term. And they RULED OK!!! (or not at all OK...)

So why can't Obama and the Dems RULE OK with the White House and a 53/47 split in the Senate even without the House of Representatives?

Of course, some would say I can't talk, as I live in a country where Cameron and the Tories RULE OK, despite the fact that nearly two-thirds of the population didn't vote for them! But still...

[Peacetrain]

6. Thank you for the message.. You hit the nail on the head..

I am still a little mopey myself.. and I think I will be for a period of time..but I will gear up again.