Since most folks have health care, and the folks most likely to vote are the ones who get penalized when the democrats mention "tax fairness," I think those are two big losing issues for 2006.

If you're trying to attack the GOP with two wet noodles, seems like you found 'em.

Darth Soto, how'd you cast your vote last night in American Idol?

Good, but two comments:

1) There should be a link/icon that spells out the 9 Democratic proposal that the liberal and balenced sites can put up so that anyone who wants to find our what the Democrats are proposing, or compare these to the Gingritch proposals can eaisly go to these points/proposals.

Note: Gingrich page: http://newt.org/index.php?src=news&prid=950&category=Winning%20the%20Future

=================

2) I would remove the non-negotiable comment, but make sure that there are "trade-off"s so that if there is a negoation on SS (say to cut benefits), then the trade-off is that the tax rate for those over $500,000 be raised 10% and this to be used to purchase stock for all under $500,000 people. The Democrats should be willing to discuss any topic, but be assured that any negotitation lead to the objective of a batter society and not "Give" up any specific unless there is a trade-off that achieves the goals. Thus any things can be put the table as long any "new" thing that is put on is balenced by a comperable democratic "new" thing.

Muck, I'll bet you a good six pack of beer that I could blow the brains out of the GOP next year running a campaign on the issues I mentioned. If you really think that health care and tax fairness aren't issues that can work against the GOP next year, then let's make that bet now.

Steve,

I agree with your strategy. How can we get this to the powers-that-be among the Democrats (e.g. Reid, Pelosi, Howard Dean)?

Jonathan

Submitting proposals that won't go anywhere is just traditional politics. Think flag burning, etc. One of these laudible, but largely symbolic measures could actually catch fire. And, as a package, they could be a credible Dem "Contract with America"

Let's add an 'honesty in government' plank that holds party leaders to a high standard. That way the voters won't confuse which party Delay belongs to.

Steve, you ought to make that the Promise of America. Dare the Republicans to break the promise. Bring it on. You can see the brown stain running down muckdog's pants leg already.

From the ChiTrib, be carefull what you wish for:

" The U.S. attorney's office has been investigating corruption in the city's Hired Truck Program since 2002.

In a plea agreement with federal prosecutors on Monday, a Hired Truck figure said that Donald Tomczak, a former top Water Management official, rewarded employees who did political work for Daley, Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) and others with raises, promotions and overtime.

Gerald Wesolowski, a former Tomczak underling, made the admissions as he pleaded guilty to a single count of racketeering conspiracy.

Tomczak, under indictment on corruption charges, is negotiating a possible plea agreement of his own with prosecutors, according to his attorney."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0505040160may04,1,3100608.story?coll=chi-news-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true

Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) is the Democratic House Campaign Committee Chair.

Would you rent a truck from a politician?

peter,

You aren't suggesting that there are corrupt Democrats!

Are you?

It sounds really good Steve but I just do see the Democrats currently taking up space in DC pulling it off.

While "most" people do have health insurance, 45 million Americans do not. That's a hell of a lot of people un-insured in the "richest nation on earth," don't you think?

And 13.3 million more Americans are insured through Medicaid, and you cannot tell me that Medicaid insurance and Blue Cross PPO or Humana HMO are equal insurance plans, at least not if you expect anyone to believe the rest of your statements.

The rich do not outnumber the poor or middle class, and since those are the people that benefit from tax fairness, since most of those are the people (middle class) whose Medicare benefits bush plans to cut, I'd say, yeah, those are issues to run on.

Duckman for President. I like the way it sounds already! Now, who was it who was saying there was no alternative to Bush?

Yes, finally a proposal to stand for something instead of meekly accepting a defensive position.

Oh please, you're making me blush.

EXCELLENT STRATEGY. Get it to Reid and Pelosi asap.

Steve, I think its better the Republicans have nightmares and walk into a buzz saw next year, it sounds better than trying to offer programs now. Maybe after they lose in the elections they Democrats will pass those programs with their majority.

The problem with the Democrats' buzzsaw, is that it has no teeth. Furthermore, it ain't even plugged in.

Since most folks have health care,

Yep, outstanding health care and shitty access. Hey, if you're employed by Walmart your kids get Medicaid! But the balance is on the insured side for not much longer. GM is getting ready to shred it's health plan, and costs are going up (you know, health by the business model. Ain't capitalism just the grandestest thing).

The problem with the Democrats' buzzsaw, is that it has no teeth.

And the problem with the neo-con buzzsaw is that idiots are running it and they are cutting down the living forest to get at a few dead trees.

Don't worry, Phidip. Maybe GM and F will go out of business completely because they can't compete. Then you won't have to complain about them anymore.

As usual Muck, spouting useless crap and not addressing the points put to you. Your hypocrisy amazes me. You come in here, spew baseless bullshit, and when people call you on it, you don't answer. Why? BECAUSE YOU CAN'T!!! You're wrong, we know it, YOU probably can't figure it out, and you can't defend your 'stance', so you just stop talking. Hang it up assneck, stop wasting our time.

Marty, the point is that the welfare state mentality is starting to impact the corporate business model.

They used to be car companies. Now they're health care and pension companies, who try to sell cars on the side.