"Traitors"

[WilliamPitt]

This is probably a totally worthless statement, but I'm going to say it anyway.

Some here have taken to describing the 14 Dem "no" voters today as "traitors." A few are posters I deeply respect and admire.

But using that word about those Reps is beneath contempt.

I'm off to run some errands, and won't be here for several hours. I devoutly hope that anyone who used that word reconsiders and recants.

I hope that happens, because I cannot even begin to respect the thoughts or opinions of anyone who can apply the word "traitor" to someone like Lynne Woolsey, Dennis Kucinich or Barbara Lee.

Disagree vehemently, angrily, loudly as you please. But to call these people "traitors" makes me ashamed to participate here. Kucinich, Woolsey and Lee are the reason I still call myself a Democrat. It is disgusting to label them this way.

[bryant69]

1. Totally agree

I think those representatives made a mistake, and I'll stand by that. That said, describing those people as traitors is both stupid and wrong.

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

[Laura PourMeADrink]

2. who said they were traitors? Not I. I posted the people

who voted no - for information only - no judgement.

I think the key point - is that those who thought this did't go far enough - made sure that there were enough votes to pass it. I do suspect that there are a hell of a lot more who don't think it goes far enough - like Murtha, for one.

[MissB]

5. There is a thread titled "14 traitors"

It is currently on the front page. I'd hide that particular thread, but that feature doesn't appear to be available at the moment.

Just another day on DU. Some people agree, some disagree. Some people are adults about it, some are childish. No worries.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

12. oops - sorry - I actually left my computer for a minute ! You know,

many times I get mad when Dems don't fall in step for the cause - But - we as a party and we as a forum represent intellectual freedom of thought. Unlike the Reps, who blindly, without any disention still back this idiot president.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

18. I went back and read the traitors thread. It is a perfect example

of everyone piling on and jumping to conclusions. After you read it, it was obvious that the OP posted without knowing all the info and just like we all have done many, many times - called the dissenters names. I honestly don't think there was any malice.

If you read down the thread - there was only one other post that thought they all should have voted yes. Just one, that I could see.

Everyone needs to relax and take a chill pill.

We made a baby step today and we should all be happy.

[BOSSHOG]

3. I think it was a good day for democrats in congress

Many voted to end the war in 18 months. Many voted to end the war right now. I'm proud of those differing votes. Republicans on the other hand voted to keep our kids in harms way forever.

[BonnieJW]

4. Thanks Will.

They did not vote for the bill because they thought it did not go far enough in bringing the troops home soon enough. I'm sure they are responding to their respective constituents, which is something all reps (but not many)do.

[rodeodance]

6. I agree. They have worked hard to get out of the war and to call them

traitors is beyond the pale.

[unpossibles]

7. I agree. Hell, I frankly don't even use that word for Republicans

although the recent bunch of NeoCons and NeoLiberals has made me change my mind on that a bit, but I still only try to use it when applicable.

[minkyboodle]

8. I find it shocking

Several DU posters who I have considered cool headed
and logical over the years are now labeling people like
Kucinich a traitor. Its just plain ugly

[EFerrari]

9. I am so proud of the Progressives in the House.

Thanks, Will.

K&R

[Monkeyman]

10. They voted their hearts that's all

[cali]

11. Completely right.

It's a despicable thing to do. And I was glad to see the bill pass. But even had it not passed and had more of the Out of Iraq caucus voted against it, I would deplore any labeling of them as traitors.

Just want to add, I hate the way that word is thrown around so casually here.

[TahitiNut]

13. "Kucinich, Woolsey and Lee are the reason I still call myself a Democrat."

Indeed ... as an independent, if it were not for the likes of Kucinich, Woolsey, Waters, and Lee, I'd find little reason to vote for any Democrat.

[mmonk]

14. Thanks again.

I don't use that word describing those that disagree with my positions in the democratic party. I would hope for the same courtesy. But that's ok. Hope the vote today works in a meaningful way though my position is with Kucinich, and Lee. I wish it luck.

[jus_the_facts]

15. "to call these people "traitors" makes me ashamed to participate here."

K'n'R :patriot:

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

16. If voting against funding Bush's war makes one a traitor, I'm all for treason.

[libnnc]

17. Agreed. In spades.

ANYONE who endorses the labeling of these Representative as "traitors" needs to apologize. Big time.

[Double T]

19. The ONLY sellout 'traitors' in Congress reside on the rethug side........

of the aisle. The very reason Dennis Kucinich voted 'NO' was because he wants to end the 'war' NOW; an 'idea' that is in the MAJORITY here on DU. Regardless of when the USA leaves Iraq, the outcome for Iraq will be the same; total chaos and upheaval.

[Balderdash]

20. I agree

the word traitor gets flung around so much that it is starting to lose any real meaning. Traitor should be reserved for real traitors instead of for people that disagree.

[EFerrari]

21. Sidebar: In the last 24 hours, I have been called a kook, a purist,

dishonest, unfair, smug, sarcastic, naive, and liberal hippie freak.

Not a community builder. Not a consensus builder.

[Terri S]

22. I agree completely

I didn't see anyone use that word, but I find it hard to believe anyone would even consider these people anything so disrespectful of their long fight for peace. Passionate people say things in the heat of passion that may be taken to the extreme. I doubt, deep down, anyone would seriously forget who the real traitors to this country are.

[The Count]

23. It was a thorny moral issue. I'd love to see a roll call - anyone has one?

I know Barbara Lee voted for - because she couldn't vote against something calling for the end of the war - and said she had a hard time deciding. I won't make blanket statements about people I don't even know who they are.

[Freddie Stubbs]

28. Here you go:

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll186.xml

[The Count]

29. Thanks. Now I know the reasons for most of them,

[helderheid]

24. I cannot tell you often enough how much I appreciate you. Rec 12.

[ClayZ]

25. I agree! K and R

[blues90]

26. The people called traitors

Have the best intentions , they want to cut funding and get the troops out now , this is also the goal of the peace protesters in DC and all across the country . Thier goal is stop the war and impeachment not fund the war . They are far from traitors they are true americans who stick to their values , I have nothing but respect for them .

[Gregorian]

27. Politics is COMPLEX.

If there is one thing I've learned, it's that politics is seldom a binary situation. Let's not forget that. Unfortunately it makes for a complex situation.

I wasn't happy with the time frame of this legislation. But I voted yes on the Moveon site. What was the alternative choice?

[LSK]

30. well said

It is a complex situation and there is no magical wand that will end the war overnight.

I supported the bill but I can understand why some voted against it. And it is hardly for treasoneous behavior.

[solara]

31. Nothing worthless about your statement

I happen to agree with you.

I could go on and on about how we need to stand together against the REAL traitors. I could go on and on about how we need to have faith in our own people... because the alternative is completely unacceptable... I could state the obvious... that once we start ripping each other apart, the real bad guys are going to win and the stakes are far higher now than they have ever been... I am proud of the few who voted their consciences..I am proud of the many who voted theirs.. at least they are now able to actually deal with this vicious and evil war and the war criminals, the TRAITORS who want it to go on forever.

I could babble on and on..but well, WP said it best..


INVESTIGATE IMPEACH INDICT INCARCERATE :patriot:

[bvar22]

32. If Dennis Kucinich is a "TRAITOR",

then call me "Traitor" too!
:patriot:


The Democrats have now bought a piece of the bush* War.

[AliceWonderland]

33. Agreed. n/t

[Ediacara]

34. Locking

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