We Are In This Together!

[David Zephyr]

As the dust clears, as our fingers hopefully grow tired of finger-pointing, I want to offer some perspective from an old guy who's had over 40 years of activism within the Democratic Party. Most of all, I want to tell you that the world did not come to an end last night, and that even though the corporate media wants to dance on the grave of the Democratic Party and President Obama, it will be our side that will be doing the dancing. Why? Because the tide of history is on our side, the tide of the changing of our national demographics is on our side, as most important of all, as corny as it may sound: truth, justice and the American way are on our side.

What good news can we draw from last night? I'll tell you: In a friggin' mid-term election when Democrats don't normally show up at the polls, in the middle of the crushing national unemployment status caused by George W. Bush, in spite of the hundreds of millions of corporate cash including undisclosed funding, and in spite of the media's deafening cheer-leading for the GOP, with very few exceptions, the seats that we lost were not lost in landslides. Listen to me: they won most of their races by the skin of their teeth.

For me personally, losing Russ Feingold as a U.S. Senator last night was the most disheartening news. For those of us squarely on the Left of President Obama, it would be very difficult to explain his loss in Wisconsin as the result of his being not liberal enough. I sincerely do not know what more Russ could have done. To the voters of Wisconsin, shame on you. And to my sisters and brothers there in Wisconsin, let me tell you, this Californian will always be grateful for Russ Feingold. In this you can be very proud.

Don't fall into believing that there was a sweeping mandate for the Republican Party last night. There wasn't! They won a lot of seats, but considering the circumstances I mentioned above, their victories should have been overwhelming. They were not. And the Republican Establishment knows it.

The President has owned up to making mistakes. But good grief: please, step back and just look at what he had handed to him to repair less than 20 months ago. He ain't perfect, but he's still my President and I will support him. I would take a bullet for him. Proudly.

If you want someone to blame, then blame this Supreme Court for their shooting down campaign finance regulations. In many ways, this election was stolen from the people by the Supreme Court just as the election in 2000 was. President Obama did not do that. He even scolded them in front of the nation for their "decision".

In spite of all of that, take heart: In 2012, there will be a much larger voter turnout than there was yesterday. There always is in with Presidential Elections and that bodes very well for us...especially in light of the razor slim victories the GOP took last night.

We still have the Executive Office and we still have the Senate.

We've come a very, very long way since the dark days of George W. Bush's Administration. Ponder that.

And everyone here at the DU, whether you are mad at each other or not, you all deserve credit for having made that change.

Ok, we have lost a battle. We have not lost the war. I've seen our Party in far worse times than this.

The goddamned glass is half full!

History is on your side. Take heart.

I'm not quitting. I will never stop fighting those bastards until the day I die.

Again: Truth, Justice and the American Way are on our side.

Let's get back into the ring and slug the living shit out of our opponents!

I love you all, and goddamnit, I am proud of you all. :grouphug:

[emulatorloo]

1. thanks for posting this. Rec n/t

[David Zephyr]

14. Rough night. Today's a new day.

:)

[SharonAnn]

32. That's right. Today we begin the 2012 election! We will win.

The arc of history is long, but it bends toward justice.

[HughMoran]

2. I agree - let's hang together

or We Will Surely Hang Apart!

Good post.

[David Zephyr]

15. Jefferson Airplane "We Can Be Together"

It's a whole new day, HM. And we will not lay down and die. :hi:

[mzmolly]

3. K

and R. :hi:

[David Zephyr]

16. Right back to you.

:hi:

[DFab420]

4. +1000000!

A bit of fore-warning. I'm sure downthread you will get mocked by people trying to break themselves against the shoals in order to prove how bad last night was.

It sucked. But when did we really expect to keep control of the House?

At least now, they have to legislate.

I'll keep marching through this shit storm. I just hope others here will pick themselves up and dust themselves off and keep walking with us. Don't do it for me, don't do it for Obama or any other politician. Keep going because of your own convictions. Keep going because it's the right thing to do.

Stand strong progressives, this was never going to be an easy fight.

[David Zephyr]

6. "I'll keep marching through this shit storm."

Me, too, DFab420. I can do no other.

[femrap]

5. Thanks for the encouraging words....

but I gotta tell you...here in Ohio, there was a republican sweep. Governor, Atty Gen, Auditor, Sec'y of State (remember that foul little weasel Mike DeWine that Sherrod Brown beat in the US Senate race? He's now gonna count our votes), Treasurer.......a complete sweep. I am sick.

Kasich, a Wall Street thug from Lehman Bros. who was Congressman from Ohio for years is now our Governor. A total piece of slime. And yet the people of Ohio voted for him. While working for Lehman he cost Ohio Pension Funds over $450 million.

Are people so stupid that they don't realize how stupid they are.

I'm happy for Jerry Brown and Barbara Boxer. But I don't see much in the way of people voting with their brains. I just see racism and stupidity as presented by Faux News 24/7. People are so easily manipulated. They believe all the propaganda.

I'm so dismayed by my state elections. I don't like this one bit. Just 4 short years ago we finally turned the state Blue...and now backward we go to the same party that ruled for 16 years. Do people have the memories of gnats? I'm disgusted actually.

Kasich will go after our budget with a chain saw....if you are poor, working class, or part of the former middle class, you are toast. People will be dying in the streets.

[David Zephyr]

19. femrap, when the GOP has to be so overtly racist, then they are the party of the past.

Your post was moving to me. That's why I am a Leftie. It was people like you that I identified with as a youngster. You make the world better whether you know it or not.

We are not going away. We still control the government.

[femrap]

36. I wish I felt like I was in

control of the gov't....I feel like :hide: ing.

I think it's going to get ugly.

But again, I'm happy for you and CA....go Jerry and we still have Boxer in the Senate. She was the only one to stand up and NOT accept the 2004 Voting Results from Ohio. I was in the Senate when she stood up and stopped the proceedings. Didn't do much good, but to this day, I (and everyone else) knows the election was stolen in Ohio.

As an aside, I love the Giants win! Do you realize that the MSM in the East/Midwest doesn't even discuss the World Series Winner? I remember 'they' did the same thing when the 49ers were winning.

I wonder if there are good hiding places up in Mendocino or Humboldt counties?

Thanks for your kind words....even though, if you talked to people in Ohio, they would say I don't make their world better at all! lol.

[David Zephyr]

45. California was where Jack London's protagonist hid from the fascists in The Iron Heel.

He wrote that book over 100 years ago. I have a first edition that I treasure.

Yes, hiding here is good place.

[Phx_Dem]

7. Right on!

:patriot:

[David Zephyr]

23. I have to say it : "Right on!"

We used to say that when I was a young fellow. It still sounds great.

[proud patriot]

8. shoulder to shoulder

:patriot:

[felix_numinous]

9. Thanks!

we have truth on our side, and we have maintained many seats, despite Republican's endless cash. I can observe a dramatic increase in how many people keep themselves informed than even 5 years ago, and that is progress.

[AndrewP]

10. Awesome! [phone]

[David Zephyr]

21. You are awesome!

Our side has the heart, the people and the numbers.

We are better people than they are. :)

[OneGrassRoot]

11. Proud to K&R. :) n/t

[David Zephyr]

29. We're still standing.

And we are not going away. :)

[Kind of Blue]

12. Now, that's what I'm talking about.

Lost a battle but not a war. Thanks for taking the time to explain all angles. Proud of you :hug:

[David Zephyr]

31. The Republicans will look and sound more and more like fools.

Thanks, Kind of Blue. :)

[jzodda]

13. Thank You!

n/t

[Cognitive_Resonance]

17. Thanks for the level-headed perspective. This is a good time to see the big picture, and think

long-term. Politics has much in common with chess. Democrats are in many respects well-positioned for future progress if sound strategies are formulated and executed. The Republicans are on stage in a role they really do not know how to play well. They are going to be very exposed, and it won't take much for them to hang themselves. Keep in mind the Republican side of the House is now chock full of loose cannons and competing interests. That's a completely different dynamic than an opposition movement that just needs to say "No" together. The Republican leadership is going to have its hands full. Stay positive.

[David Zephyr]

20. You said something that hit me.

"The Republicans are on stage in a role they really do not know how to play well." That is very true. They are pretty good when they have the Executive Branch at executing their agenda, but they are lousy running Congress. You made me think. You are on to something. :hi:

[Cognitive_Resonance]

25. The House is likely to be a source of entertainment for the next two years, and keep in mind

it's just two years. Every member will be up again for re-election within the context of a Presidential race. They have a narrow, narrow window to perform, and the only way they can pass any legislation is through compromise and cooperation with the Senate and the President. Their other option is to run a circus. Democrats have a strong hand holding the Senate and Presidency. If Democrats had lost the Senate there would be reason for serious worries. In the House Boehner and Cantor are hardly the A-team. It's their big chance, but they sure don't strike me as the dynamic duo. This should be good.

[livetohike]

18. Thank you

:hug: Democrats do not lay down and die. My Dad (RIP) was an active USWA member, WWII vet and proud Democrat. He always said, "We'll get 'em next time. "

[martymar64]

26. I think we need to start playing a little dirtier.

we need our own James OKeefe to catch Rethugs in stings and to basically ruin them politically and personally.
I'm declaring war on all Republicans and all things Republican. I want them all to go down in flames and I commit to doing everything I can to help that along.

They are all dead to me.

[David Zephyr]

28. Exactly.

We get hit, we get back up and we knock the living shit out of them. :)

[David Zephyr]

27. I like your dad's attitude.

Sounds like a real man to me. He lives through you. Thanks. :)

[Number23]

22. Please post this in every, single "WE TOLD YOU SO!!one!" thread

Unfortunately, there are so many that it would be almost like a full time job, but it would be worth the effort. The "logic" around here that the Dems lost because "they weren't liberal enough" is nothing short of terrifying.

Not only did the Dems lose those seats by the skin of their teeth, which in itself is pretty amazing, it was a smaller number of losses than has been lost historically and the Repubs did not take the Senate. This isn't anything to be jumping for joy about, but it does paint a different picture than alot of folks are telling. The loss could have (and by all accounts SHOULD have) been much, much worse.

[Cognitive_Resonance]

30. +1 nt

[David Zephyr]

34. We need to let our sisters and brothers work their way through this.

This was a very hard outcome for all of us and we process it differently, but look, we are all still here and we are one ragged, mean group of Democrats and we did our best. This is a painful moment and we need to respect our fellow DU'ers. It's a very bright group here.

I don't think that we give ourselves as much credit as Democrats as we should and I know that is what you are saying, Number23, and you are correct. I agree with you that considering everything that was thrown against us it was "pretty amazing".

We will destroy them in 2012 when the turnout will be larger.

[Number23]

35. Cheers.

:toast:

[Laelth]

24. Nicely said.

I think the party got what it deserved for acting like Republicans, but I can't deny your argument that things could be worse. Plus, I admire your spirit, and I agree that history is on our side.

-Laelth

[David Zephyr]

43. Back at you, Laelth.

This is round one of us putting this monster down. We will be victorious. Thanks. :)

[joshcryer]

33. David Zephyr, I helped my state go blue (CO)! :D

I did it for you for being so hard on you about our odds. :)

[David Zephyr]

40. Hey, joshcryer!

I remember. Colorado is now part of the West Coast's growing Blue Zone along with Nevada. Blue and holding. I want Idaho next. :)

[defendandprotect]

37. We need a Plan B -- !!! Corporate/fascism is no joke and rw is getting more violent .....

[David Zephyr]

44. Jack London wrote about al of this 100 years ago in The Iron Heel.

He saw fascism early on before most could recognize it. I'm with you, defendandprotect. :)

[defendandprotect]

47. Interesting ....

I'm slightly aware of his writings --

I'll try to follow the book -- The Iron Heel!

Hundred years ago was rise of the industrialists ....

Of course, tendency to fascism is always within human possibilities --

Specifically noted in northern italy and rises with Christian corporatism...

Capitalism....

But greatest question has always been how does humanity control the few violent among us?

Those who want control over others ... imagine waking up everyday with that on your mind!!

:)

[ladym55]

38. THANK YOU!!!

This is JUST what I needed to read today ... I'm sending this thread on for others to read, including my son, a very sad resident of Wisconsin who is devastated that Feingold lost. :hi:

[David Zephyr]

58. You must be very proud of your son.

Wisconsin will be blue again, as it has been for years. It will.

Russ' concession speech was magnanimous, and I think the people of Wisconsin will regret losing htis champion of the people.

:hi:

[Enjay in E MT]

39. Thank you

A wonderful recap we need to remember

[David Zephyr]

59. Honored that your first post here was on my thread. Welcome.

:hi:

[FrenchieCat]

41. Love you too, David......

I'll admit it!

[David Zephyr]

60. You can admit it. I'm very lovable.

Fighting is over. We need to be together now. :)

[LatteLibertine]

42. Good post and I concur.

I'd like to thank all Democrats who made courageous votes despite knowing the possible political consequences. Ultimately, many of them will be vindicated and if not they may still be proud of following conscience over convenience. There will be another day for us.

[David Zephyr]

61. "There will be another day for us."

Indeed there will be, LattelLibertine! :)

[garthranzz]

46. Now THAT'S what I'm talking about!

You got it - despite what Frank Miller thinks, Superman is a Democrat - and so is Batman.

[David Zephyr]

62. "And so is Batman"

Truth, Justice and the American Way. We own that. :)

[sohndrsmith]

48. THANK YOU, Zephyr ... this is the sunshine against the plethora of

rainclouds and negativity a lot of Dems have been absorbed in lately...

Many thanks - your spirit is much appreciated - I hope it's contagious! : )

[David Zephyr]

57. We are what our vision is.

:)

[political_Dem]

49. A Proud K and R. Your words are a rallying cry that everyone must read.

Thank you for taking the time to write this treatise. :)

[David Zephyr]

63. Thanks.

I like your avatar, political_Dem! :)

[Axrendale]

50. Thanks for writing this

It was indeed heartening to read. :)

[David Zephyr]

64. Welcome to the DU, Axrendale.

:hi:

[BDavinciNY]

51. Great Post Dave!

We may have lost the house and barely holding on to the Senate we will come back big in 2012! I have to say to my fellow liberals on DU Look on the bright side:
1. We don't have Senator O'Donnell (She'll be on FAUX PAC ASAP just you watch!)She can continue being a witch for all she wants
2. No Sharon "Wrong" Angle (She will be on Faux too) or Ken Buck in Colorado
3. If the Murkowski(sp?) wins the right in Alaska we have no Joe Miller too.
4. For my sense of relief in my home state of NY we don't have Paladino to contend with either.
5. The Blue doggies are almost gone we can focus on a more progressive agenda.

We need to get up, dust ourselves off and start planning for 2012 in a big way

I do say it will be interesting in the next 2 years of how Boenher will control the Teabaggers in his group.
:crazy: :rofl:

We can do this people! Let's get our head in the game!
:grouphug:

[David Zephyr]

65. "We can do this, people."

Exactly. Boener is their "leader"? What a joke this is going to be. :)

[grantcart]

52. k and r

[David Zephyr]

66. Hello, grantcart.

I see you didn't give up, either. I know you. You never will. :)

[Lilyeye]

53. This is the type of post I wanted to read tonight at DU.

Not the "it's the end of the world, we should have chosen so and so instead of Obama, we didn't do this, we didn't do that." It's time for us to rally and start getting ready for 2012. Thank you for this thread. I am glad to see others thinking like me and not this doom and gloom crap. Honestly, I always felt we wouldn't do so well in the midterms every since the health care mess. However, I strongly believe we will take it in 2012. The republicans are going to make a fool of themselves in the next two years now that they're controlling the house.

[David Zephyr]

67. Lilyeye, you have the correct outlook and the best spirit.

We have the people on our side. They have to use every trick in the book, they have to raise hundreds of millions of dirty dollars and they have to lie, cheat and steal to win.

We only have to get our people to the polls.

We will slay them in 2012.

:)

[Raoul]

54. Thank you David!

As I get ready to do one of our weekly videos I read your inspiring essay. Like you, I will not stop fighting them until the day I stop breathing! Thanks for setting things in the right perspective!
Raoul

[David Zephyr]

68. Raoul!

We never give up. We get back up and slug them back. :hi:

[tomp]

55. sorry, more cheerleading ain't gonna do it.

your reading of events is about as optimistic as could possibly be, i might even say Pollyanna-ish.

history on our side? I've been around about as long as you have and my take is diametrically different.

i think the historical facts, including this latest election, indicate quite clearly that the democratic party
cannot be relied upon for progress. do you think that just because bush/cheney were the last ones in the
driver's seat before the shit hit the fan, that democrats bear no responsibility for the problems we face. Who
repealed Glass-Steigel? Which wars were the democrats opposed to and/or able to prevent? which president
is setting the stage for social security "reform" as good as his health care "reform"?

obviously, one of us is right and one is wrong. i'm going with me.

[David Zephyr]

69. Well, I'm going with Karl Marx myself.

And Dr. King. Regardless, I'm thankful for your activism and your spirt.

[tomp]

71. actually, i don't even know what you mean.

but i cant imagine how it matters.

[Scurrilous]

56. K & R

:thumbsup:

[Fyddlestyx]

70. K&R

Thanks for a great post.:yourock:

[BlancheSplanchnik]

72. Good, realistic assessment--realistic positive assessment!

I really needed this perspective.

I was never in sports, but I see the value of good coaching here.... I really was feeling down, down the negative spiral.

Thanks David, your experience and wise words are encouraging; totally worth re-reading.