Nice Post, pragmatic and empathetic.....to coin a phrase.
This is not particularly a big win. Bush has 55 U.S. Senators. Your people gave in to the Filibuster. The worst case scenario may have been to have used the filibuster and to have made this go public.
As I've said before, only about 15-25% of American's were paying attention, and that was the hard core left and right. Most American's can't name their own congressman and both U.S. Senators, much less the Supreme Court.
My only advice is to keep remembering that if you want change you have to keep the emotion high and remember this in 2008.
Also, don't forget Kerry is just playing you guys. He should have started the Filibuster debate and actually LEAD the Dems, instead, he is sucking Kennedy's hine teat. He knows he has no way to stop this, but he wants to look good for you guys on the far left. He's just politiking.
...and I'll still be standing with you, paradox
Posted by klevenstein at January 27, 2006 06:48 AMWell said paradox.
I myself don't feel so bad today. We've all had over a year since the American voting public, or at least that portion of it that can be bothered to actually vote, put Bush back in office for another four years. That was plenty of time for me to acclimate to this inevitability. There were at least two conservative justices all but seated on the court on November 2nd, 2004. The best we can hope for is that it does not become three.
Posted by snark at January 27, 2006 06:53 AM
I wish I could agree that your assessment of the future of America was a bright as you paint it. Now that the Democrats have no leg to stand on and are shot in both feet, the nastiness level of the listeners of Lu$h Rimjob, Bill O'Lielly and Spawn Handjobbity will only increase. It is only a matter of time before it is an accepted sport to publicly humiliate those who refuse to bow to the White House five times a day in supplication. 'With us or against us' is still the defining line, and since most of the world is on the 'against' side, all must be subjugated.
Posted by pessimist at January 27, 2006 07:00 AMIt will be interesting to see what happens with those republicans who voted in favor of strip searching little girls. I'd like to see someone like Chafee explain his vote. Of course, it won't matter because Chafee is a goner along with Santorum.
Posted by Ga6thDem at January 27, 2006 07:00 AMGood post. If it's any consolation, Republican rule won't last 75 years. Events external, internal or both will bring down a governement this corrupt and incompetent long before then. It's just a matter of how and when.
Posted by rlp at January 27, 2006 07:27 AMI've been reading "1776." Its a great book.
I've come to the conclusion that the way to save this nation is to educate and remind its citizens where it came from.
Frankly I don't give a shit about partisan labels. My concern is the character and intellect and vision of our leaders. We are sadly lacking in all three categories, and its not just a GOP problem. They are drunk with power and abdicating their oath to the Constitution, but the spineless Democrats are doing little to stop them. The media, complicit and castrated by its corporate masters, is not going to do the job. Posting on a blog is not going to do the job. This is a fine place to vent and debate (and destroy idiots), but its not going to change a hell of a lot when you've got the right-wing "think" tanks controlling the discourse.
Get out there and fucking do something about it. Become a leader, or get behind someone who is and work your ass off for them. Impose your goddamned will. If you don't the traitors will. We certainly know that.
I really don't know if America will survive this TheoCon nightmare, but I do know that if it doesn't, it won't be because I didn't put my ass on the line and fight to the end.
Posted by God Of War at January 27, 2006 07:44 AMParadox, Nice civil tone to your discourse. I feel that is exactly what the repukes want. Civility is always what they want...and it gets us Dems nowhere!
The Dems still disagree with each other, while the repukes are united in their message. We have to be united daily in defense of our constitution. We need to be clear about our approach on the economy. We have to paint the vivid brutality of the Iraqi war, who is gaining from it and make sure that American people know we have a plan on when to pull our troops out. Every single Democratic congressman/woman needs to read from the same page and pound it into the media, day after day, after day!
Even my wingnut sister said it, "If the Democrats would show a clear course to follow and have some balls, I might listen to them but until then, they are a bunch of pathetic losers"!
It's time my Democratic brethren...to prove my sister and her ilk wrong!!
It’s on mornings like this when I think of Krugman and his revolutionary fanatics, storming the democratic gates, crushing the helpless Democrats before gleefully drowning them in a bathtub.
That sounds more like Norquist, eh?
Posted by dj moonbat at January 27, 2006 07:54 AMIt was Krugman describing men like Norquist. I'm sorry, I could have written that better.
Posted by paradox at January 27, 2006 07:58 AMParadox.....I feel your pain. Hard to believe that only 6-7-8 years ago the country liked its president, unemployment was 2%, people were happy. Then an orchestrated coup took our country away before we really understood what the ramifications were. Now a relatively small group, hiding behind a larger group have created whatever scenarios they required to entrench themselves as you note in your post. But take a breath....down in Texas, in a newly (illegally) redistricted district, built by DeLay to stay GOP forever, a Dem blew away the GOP goose-stepper in a recent election. Now we'll have a runoff and see if the winds are changing. American's hate a liar, and they hate him even more when he lies to them. It can happen.
Posted by T2 at January 27, 2006 08:01 AMNice post, paradox. Sometimes I think the troubles that will face America are already set by the damage done by Bush and his pirate hordes (a future that is much worse for our descendents than us because of debt, war and neglect). What I worry about even more is what happens because it appears that the consequences of global warming are too late to stop and when we need flexible, intelligent and realistic reactions, we have a government that is completely incapable of making good decisions. It will be much worse for us and the world. That troubles me greatly.
Posted by Mary at January 27, 2006 08:10 AMInteresting that none of the nine Blue State Republicans apparently feel compelled to oppose Alito, unlike quite a number of Red State Dems. Why is that? Are the Blue States less single issue obsessed? Ah well, goodbye our illustrious Supreme Court, you were fading away, anyway.
While GOW's logic is flawless, and commendable, I think a tipping point has been reached, which was telegraphed pretty loudly in the 2004 election. Without an effective opposition, and a mildly objective press, 2006 ain't going to be any different. The Know-Nothings (like Crape & Co.) will be crowing and grunting pretty loudly.
We'll soon be in serious recession, with a greatly weakened dollar, an unsolvable energy crisis, a blown federal treasury, a substantially falling standard of living for ALL non-"information" workers (and their time will come, don't worry), all to maximize the liquid assets of an existing wealthy class, who will simply flee the country to the south of France, the gold coast, and Costa Rica when things fall apart here.
Usually, "conservatism" (read social authoritarianism) grows stronger in times of social crisis, such as times of seriously falling standard of living. With the hopeless energy crisis that is our future, our whole "way of life" will fall apart. Authoritarian rightists will harness that sense of betrayal and move us further to the right.
When you look into the crazed eyes of an insane, irrational fundamentalist contemplating the Rapture, that is our political future. What such creatures will do with our stockpile of nuclear weapons and 500 ton bombs as they read their sacred text of Revelations, I leave you to imagine.
Good luck to all! Each will have to find his own survival in our upcoming national (and global) nightmare.
Posted by euzoius at January 27, 2006 08:17 AMAgain, let me make sure you fully appreciated the context of what my argument was.
I fully enjoy the wailing and gnashing of teeth that you on the left feel right now, at the same time, I truely feel bad that you are going through this, because I have been there. (1992-2000) When we abandoned all sense and sensibilities to the looks and charms of a President that only cared about the power and attention.
So I do have conflicting emotions....However, the part that is true, is that I want you to get over it. I really do, I want you to stay strong in your left wing liberal convictions....Why? Because America will disavow you if the choices are clear.
The left wing blogs gave us Dean, they helped with Kerry, they might even give us Hillary, but what they do best is to define the debate between Liberalism and conservativism. When people see the light of the hate and anger that you have on the far left, they steer away from it. Sure they take a peek, like all people do when they see an accident on the side of the road, but then they drive on.
So a good Conservative movement needs a truely liberal movement to help define the terms. The mere fact that you guys let emotion and anger deter you from your goals only makes it easier on us.
Mind you, I say this too but to the opposite, of the right wing christian conservatives, who are only Republican because of their "religion". I wish they would just stay in the background and just vote. They make us look bad.
So my advice, go for it. Help define your party. Where were you in 1992?
Posted by carpediem at January 27, 2006 08:18 AMSo I do have conflicting emotions....However, the part that is true, is that I want you to get over it. I really do, I want you to stay strong in your left wing liberal convictions....Why? Because America will disavow you if the choices are clear.
The left wing blogs gave us Dean, they helped with Kerry, they might even give us Hillary, but what they do best is to define the debate between Liberalism and conservativism. When people see the light of the hate and anger that you have on the far left, they steer away from it. Sure they take a peek, like all people do when they see an accident on the side of the road, but then they drive on.
Posted by carpediem at January 27, 2006 08:18 AM
*****
First off, asshole, I'm a moderate independent who wupports the Democrats out of sheer necessity. I used to vote for GOP candidates when I believed they were better. I supported McCain in 2000. I'm a captialist. I'm not hip on gun control. I don't like big government. I like a strong military. So fuck off with your generalizations.
Where I draw the line, asshole, is the Constitution. These vermin you support have NO respect for the founding and guiding principles of this nation. They lack honor, integrity, ethics, courage, and intellect. They are thoroughly corrupt and morally bankrupt. Their greed is unprecedented. They are, in their essence, anti-American. They are the enemy within, and you are one of them.
Hate and anger? The revolutionaries hated King George and were plenty angry at his aristocratic ass, so it appears that history is, predictably, not with you. Also, hypocrite, you've got Limbaugh, Coulter, Hannity, Savage...the very definition of hate and anger, and they are speaking on your behalf. Check the plank in your own eye before pointing at the speck in another's, you disingenous little fuck.
Posted by God Of War at January 27, 2006 08:35 AMSo, how does it feel, ya'll, to be crappy's bitch? Because if you're not making the calls right now, that's what you are. Do you think this fucker would be here whining about how his team always loses if the shoe were on the other foot? I don't care what the "news" stations report or what Reid says to the talking heads. Stop listening to these trolls and fucking fight! Call your senators all weekend! At least try, because if you haven't made a call, you don't have the right to say them Dems aren't doing anything for you. You can be sure the trolls have been doing it.
Posted by iamcoyote at January 27, 2006 08:40 AMright on, coyote. that number once again: 1-(800) 426-8073
Posted by benjoya at January 27, 2006 08:48 AMabramoff prosector steps down
the putsch continues.
At least it's not a recess appointment!
Posted by bbtb at January 27, 2006 08:49 AMWe gotta get those photos of George and Jack.
All corruption all the time...the modern GOP.
Posted by God Of War at January 27, 2006 08:57 AMAll corruption all the time...the modern GOP.
Honest Abe is rolling over in his grave!!
Posted by bbtb at January 27, 2006 09:04 AMGOW I love this comment best: "Impose your goddamned will." Are you sure you are reading 1776 and not Mein Kampf or the Communists Manifesto? I don't remember our founding fathers using this term can you help me out? Really you should take something to calm yourself down or you may just loose it when Bush gets to pick a third Judge to the SCOTUS.
Posted by Cyber Sarge at January 27, 2006 09:49 AMGOW I love this comment best: "Impose your goddamned will." Are you sure you are reading 1776 and not Mein Kampf or the Communists Manifesto? I don't remember our founding fathers using this term can you help me out? Really you should take something to calm yourself down or you may just loose it when Bush gets to pick a third Judge to the SCOTUS.
Posted by Cyber Sarge at January 27, 2006 09:49 AM
*****
You fucking traitorous leech.
You think George Washington didn't impose his fucking will? That's why he was hired for the job, you fucking idiot.
Wow. You're even less of an American than I thought.
Posted by God Of War at January 27, 2006 10:02 AMBTW, cyber sarge, your moniker is perfect. Only on the internet can a chickenhawk piece of shit like you call himself a "sarge."
Posted by God Of War at January 27, 2006 10:05 AMWashington took the job of President so it wouldn't turn into a monarchy...putz!
Posted by bbtb at January 27, 2006 10:09 AMWashington took the job of President so it wouldn't turn into a monarchy...putz!
Posted by bbtb at January 27, 2006 10:09 AM
*****
Don't bother the wingnuts with your pesky historical facts.
Posted by God Of War at January 27, 2006 10:14 AMI think you're right...We may never see "the promised land" as Martin Luther King said, but we cannot stop trying or change our fundamental values and beliefs in what the republic should be anymore than we can stop reading, thinking and speaking out.
Posted by Oleary25 at January 27, 2006 10:28 AMGOW, although I really think most your comment are childish at best and mental disturbed at worse I cannot let the comment “Chickenhawk” go unchallenged. I am retired Air Force and someone from my family has served this nation continuously since WWII. So please take your chickenhawk comments and shove it up your (you may have to move your head) ass. I have many faults and shortcoming, but service to my country is not one is not one of them. P.S. have any more snappy quotes from 1776 you want to share with us?
Posted by Cyber Sarge at January 27, 2006 11:23 AMleft wing blogs gave us Dean, they helped with Kerry, they might even give us Hillary, but what they do best is to define the debate between Liberalism and conservativism.
“Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.” - Nazi Reich Marshal Hermann Goering, before committing suicide at the Nuremberg Trials
Posted by phidipides at January 27, 2006 11:32 AMcrappy's solicitude is touching, but hypocrisy fills his soul just as bullsh*t comprises his agenda. It's amusing to read advice from partisan hacks whose every factual statement is easily proven incorrect and who fall over themselves to defend a government of such extreme incompetence that it has made China more popular than U.S. overseas.
There is more to hear from people reporting on election theft. The fact that our friends on the right work so diligently to hinder urban voters, suppress African-American voters, and promote fraud friendly voting machines to aid their election "victories," makes their claims of majority appeal suspect to say the least.
Here is a list of America's 50 most loathsome individuals. Hillary only comes in at Number 30; Pat Robertson is number 1. Why was the unctuous Jerry Falwell not included?
It would be difficult to find someone more "mentally disturbed" than the deluded Cilly Sarge with his big talk and continual smears. Why isn't such a hero in Iraq?
Posted by Mike at January 27, 2006 11:35 AMGOW, although I really think most your comment are childish at best and mental disturbed at worse I cannot let the comment “Chickenhawk” go unchallenged. I am retired Air Force and someone from my family has served this nation continuously since WWII. So please take your chickenhawk comments and shove it up your (you may have to move your head) ass. I have many faults and shortcoming, but service to my country is not one is not one of them. P.S. have any more snappy quotes from 1776 you want to share with us?
Posted by Cyber Sarge at January 27, 2006 11:23 AM
*****
You're a fucking chickenhawk. You supported the Swiftboat Liars. Fuck you, traitor. Want to compare family history? OK. I was born on an Army base in a foreign land. Do the math.
1776? You'd be a Tory if it were 1776. The thought of Dubya the Dictator Wannabe occupying the same office as Washington the Dictator Wouldn't-be is revolting to any American with a sense of history.
Washington "imposed his will" on the British. He was outmanned, outnumbered, outgunned, and he and his army won through willpower and intelligence. Compare that to BushCorp.
Posted by God Of War at January 27, 2006 11:36 AM...than we can stop reading, thinking and speaking out.
Of what use will that be if all sources of information are controlled and censored? Tech-mail that I get is beginning to discuss how the Internet will be so closely monitored that a blog like this will not exist! Many countries are already clamping down, such as China (with Microsoft's willing help!), so is it such a big stretch to believe that Bu$hCo isn't going to do that too when it suits them?
If so, then the situation portrayed at the close of Fahrenheit 451 had better be a reality, or there won't be any hope. The Ministry of Bu$hCo Republican Truth will have seen to that.
Start memorizing your book now.
Posted by pessimist at January 27, 2006 11:51 AM