Building the Progressive Coalition
About the Author
Our ability to stay together as a party will determine whether or not we accomplish the goals laid out the Democratic Party Platform last year: Health Reform, Energy Reform, Equal Rights, Environmental Reform etc.... To that end, what I'd really like to see is some discussion of "Defining Our Coalition." The Conservative movement grew and thrived by building what they called a "Triumvirate" composed of 3 major groups within their party: Fiscal Conservatives, Social Conservatives, and Neo Conservatives. Binding these 3 groups together was an unspoken principle: I will trade my cause with your for the moment, if you will support mine then next time it comes down the road. Dems have always floundered when we gain power, primarily because we have no discipline between our various groups. To make things even more complicated, we have an even bigger tent than before, with moderate conservatives coming to the Democratic Party in order to support Obama (and perhaps because they didn't want McCain/Palin). How will we define our new coalition? How we answer this question will be critical to how we do in the mid-term and next Presidential elections.
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Republicans tend to admit they are acting against working people because their unions tend to support Democrats.
Implicit in this argument is the notion that Democrats only support collective bargaining, because of the political benefit they get from union members.
In reality, Democrats' support for collective bargaining comes from a moral value system that Republicans just do not share.
Democrats tend to believe that workers have universal rights, and they should be protected from the potential abuses of those who would employ them.
The support of collective bargaining comes out of this moral foundation - and that's where Republicans and Democrats differ.
Now, the same can be said for Republicans: their opposition to worker's rights comes from a moral value system as well, its just a *different* one.
And that's good because we *should* have competing value systems in a free society; however, the outcome of this particular moral conflict will have a significant effect on the 2012 elections.
The outcome of this conflict will determine whether the American public believes that working and middle class families caused our deficits, or if the rich people at the top did.
If I was a betting person, I'd throw my lot in with the working and middle class - by sheer number, our representative will at the ballot box is formidable.
And its the same with events across the middle east - let them inspire working America to rediscover our majority!
Republicans tend to admit they are acting against working people because their unions tend to support Democrats.
Implicit in this argument is the notion that Democrats only support collective bargaining, because of the political benefit they get from union members.
In reality, Democrats' support for collective bargaining comes from a moral value system that Republicans just do not share.
Democrats tend to believe that workers have universal rights, and they should be protected from the potential abuses of those who would employ them.
The support of collective bargaining comes out of this moral foundation - and that's where Republicans and Democrats differ.
Now, the same can be said for Republicans: their opposition to worker's rights comes from a moral value system as well, its just a *different* one.
And that's good because we *should* have competing value systems in a free society; however, the outcome of this particular moral conflict will have a significant effect on the 2012 elections.
The outcome of this conflict will determine whether the American public believes that working and middle class families caused our deficits, or if the rich people at the top did.
If I was a betting person, I'd throw my lot in with the working and middle class - by sheer number, our representative will at the ballot box is formidable.
And its the same with events across the middle east - let them inspire working America to rediscover our majority!
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Tim Pawlenty calls working and middle class Americans "greedy" - while he does his best to make sure Bank of America and other big corporations PAY ZERO in Federal taxes.
Hey Tim, us hard working Americans who don't live off of campaign donations know a thing or two about *greed* and let me tell you what it looks like: Anti-working class politicians like you, who allow working Americans to lose their wages and homes, while you pander to and protect those who PAY NOTHING IN TAXES.
We pay 1/3 of our income, but the biggest corporations pay ZERO. How is that greed, Mr. Pawlenty? I dare you to explain it, but I know you won't.
You have unleashed the lion with this union-busting trickery; a movement has been unleashed to make the rich PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE. The working class has sacrificed enough already!
Tim Pawlenty calls working and middle class Americans "greedy" - while he does his best to make sure Bank of America and other big corporations PAY ZERO in Federal taxes.
Hey Tim, us hard working Americans who don't live off of campaign donations know a thing or two about *greed* and let me tell you what it looks like: Anti-working class politicians like you, who allow working Americans to lose their wages and homes, while you pander to and protect those who PAY NOTHING IN TAXES.
We pay 1/3 of our income, but the biggest corporations pay ZERO. How is that greed, Mr. Pawlenty? I dare you to explain it, but I know you won't.
You have unleashed the lion with this union-busting trickery; a movement has been unleashed to make the rich PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE. The working class has sacrificed enough already!
It will be interesting to see how far this spreads - and you can't help but notice the similar question being asked in the middle east (though on a much larger and dramatic scale); but it makes you wonder if our own "silent majority" is being awakened and inspired by events across the middle east.
On the other hand, sometimes it takes a threat Gov. Walker's, to unite the working and middle class. Statistically speaking, liberals outnumber conservatives. Yet it seems ever since the election of '08, liberals have been fragmented and lackadaisical... and in the meantime, the Tea Party captured the attention of the media, for its rambunctious theatrics.
Yet a CBS News poll found that 84% of self-identified tea partiers say their movement reflects the beliefs of most Americans - but overall Americans disagree:only 25% say their beliefs are reflected in the Tea Party, while 36% say they are not. cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20002529-503544.html
Somehow, liberals and progressives took off their shoes after the election of Barack Obama - maybe some being misguided and thinking we could just sit back and let the president do all the work.
I have often wondered if Obama and Democrats on some level *need* a strong Republican opposition, for them to become the fighting Dems I love. So far, what I see is working and middle class families outnumbering Tea Partiers 1000 to 1.
Tea partiers, and media outlets take note: *this* is what a true majority looks like.
On the other hand, sometimes it takes a threat Gov. Walker's, to unite the working and middle class. Statistically speaking, liberals outnumber conservatives. Yet it seems ever since the election of '08, liberals have been fragmented and lackadaisical... and in the meantime, the Tea Party captured the attention of the media, for its rambunctious theatrics.
Yet a CBS News poll found that 84% of self-identified tea partiers say their movement reflects the beliefs of most Americans - but overall Americans disagree:only 25% say their beliefs are reflected in the Tea Party, while 36% say they are not. cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20002529-503544.html
Somehow, liberals and progressives took off their shoes after the election of Barack Obama - maybe some being misguided and thinking we could just sit back and let the president do all the work.
I have often wondered if Obama and Democrats on some level *need* a strong Republican opposition, for them to become the fighting Dems I love. So far, what I see is working and middle class families outnumbering Tea Partiers 1000 to 1.
Tea partiers, and media outlets take note: *this* is what a true majority looks like.
We hear a lot from the Tea Party, about how their identity as gun owners is so important, and how they fear Democrats will take away their rights to guns; as a result, we see a lot of gun imagery and gun-themed campaigns in our politics today. People have even shown up at the president's speeches carrying loaded weapons.
While some say there is not much we can do to quell this violent trend in our politics, I disagree. I believe the violence we are experiencing today is a result of a dangerous equating of 2nd Amendment rights to 1st Amendment rights.
This misunderstanding of our constitutional rights is pushed by politicians in the Tea Party, and the folks that follow them.
So to all you people who believe you right to bear arms is somehow the same as political freedom, I'm hear to tell you its not: the people who were massacred in Arizona were exercising their *1st* Amendment rights of "peaceful assembly."
The Constitution treats your right to express yourself and air your grievances *very* differently than your right to bear arms. The Constitution specifically states that political expression and airing of grievances must be "peaceful."
Even when referring to the people's right to replace the government, the Constitution refers to your right to "petition" a.k.a. your right to VOTE, not your right to armed insurrection.
So all this talk about your freedom to express your gun-loving self needs to be put in context of the Constitution: you have a right to own firearms, but you have no right to bring those arms to political events - such actions are chilling to free speech, and act as an intimidation toward those who would disagree with you.
There is no place for the language of gun play, and the use of violent imagery, or the brandishing of weapons in our politics. I urge my fellow democrats to encourage, and to support an effort to ban guns from political events.
I am willing to bet the Supreme Court will eventually rule on such a separation. Owning a gun has nothing to do with free speech, and our Constitution says so.
While some say there is not much we can do to quell this violent trend in our politics, I disagree. I believe the violence we are experiencing today is a result of a dangerous equating of 2nd Amendment rights to 1st Amendment rights.
This misunderstanding of our constitutional rights is pushed by politicians in the Tea Party, and the folks that follow them.
So to all you people who believe you right to bear arms is somehow the same as political freedom, I'm hear to tell you its not: the people who were massacred in Arizona were exercising their *1st* Amendment rights of "peaceful assembly."
The Constitution treats your right to express yourself and air your grievances *very* differently than your right to bear arms. The Constitution specifically states that political expression and airing of grievances must be "peaceful."
Even when referring to the people's right to replace the government, the Constitution refers to your right to "petition" a.k.a. your right to VOTE, not your right to armed insurrection.
So all this talk about your freedom to express your gun-loving self needs to be put in context of the Constitution: you have a right to own firearms, but you have no right to bring those arms to political events - such actions are chilling to free speech, and act as an intimidation toward those who would disagree with you.
There is no place for the language of gun play, and the use of violent imagery, or the brandishing of weapons in our politics. I urge my fellow democrats to encourage, and to support an effort to ban guns from political events.
I am willing to bet the Supreme Court will eventually rule on such a separation. Owning a gun has nothing to do with free speech, and our Constitution says so.
When the President talked about winning the future, he began the campaign for 2012. And its a good thing. Better to start the campaign now and get as far ahead as we can, because its going to get *ugly*
Notice how none of the mainstream republicans wants to disavow the crazies on the fringe right? They refuse to call Birthers crazy; they allow their spokespeople to pervert American history.
Why won't they disavow this behavior? Because they plan to make use of these crazies and their slogans during the election.
All those hateful signs you see at TP rallies? That's a preview of some of the ads swiftboaters will be airing, and with unlimited corporate money now allowed *anonymously* in the campaign, we are going to see A LOT of those ads...
Sorry to say it, but get ready for a wild ride... its going to be nasty, and they will put *everything* they can into defeating this president.
Its time to start forming our coalition, and time to get the word out: the Recovery Act stopped the recession, and brought down taxes to the lowest point in 50 years.
Democrats have turned the country in a new direction, and have opened the door to a brighter future. All we need to do now is step through that open door into the 21st Century, like the competitive, innovative country we know how to be.
Notice how none of the mainstream republicans wants to disavow the crazies on the fringe right? They refuse to call Birthers crazy; they allow their spokespeople to pervert American history.
Why won't they disavow this behavior? Because they plan to make use of these crazies and their slogans during the election.
All those hateful signs you see at TP rallies? That's a preview of some of the ads swiftboaters will be airing, and with unlimited corporate money now allowed *anonymously* in the campaign, we are going to see A LOT of those ads...
Sorry to say it, but get ready for a wild ride... its going to be nasty, and they will put *everything* they can into defeating this president.
Its time to start forming our coalition, and time to get the word out: the Recovery Act stopped the recession, and brought down taxes to the lowest point in 50 years.
Democrats have turned the country in a new direction, and have opened the door to a brighter future. All we need to do now is step through that open door into the 21st Century, like the competitive, innovative country we know how to be.
Wrong as they may be, conservatives are fired up and angry enough to get to the polls - while progressives have been infighting and losing inspiration.
I'm glad to see some of that changing in these last days before the election: the conservative movement continues to fracture as a result of tea party radicalism, while Democrats appear to be surging. But will it be enough?
A full forced sweep across the country needs to be made by the president, former presidents, and - yes - Hillary Clinton. Our attitude should be more pro-active. We have accomplished a lot to be proud of in 20 short months. We need to take responsibility and stand strong for the reforms we have passed in such a short time: We stopped the recession, we ended discrimination for preexisting conditions, and we covered millions of uninsured Americans, while remaining budget neutral.
Democrats have made smart and responsible decisions that have turned our country in the right direction, and opened the door to a brighter future.
Now its up to use to walk through that open door. But we can't do it, unless Democrats unify and work together supporting each other, and standing strong for progressive values.
The current political climate is angry and chaotic. But its only a threat to Democrats in that we are not yet serious about forming our governing coalition.
Its time for liberal, progressive, and conservative Dems to put aside our differences and devise a rational power-sharing agreement. We will support each other over the short-term, in the name of achieving the long-term goals we all share: a prosperous, innovate nation that will lead the clean energy revolution, a restoration of the middle class and the American Dream, and smart fiscal policies.
I'm glad to see some of that changing in these last days before the election: the conservative movement continues to fracture as a result of tea party radicalism, while Democrats appear to be surging. But will it be enough?
A full forced sweep across the country needs to be made by the president, former presidents, and - yes - Hillary Clinton. Our attitude should be more pro-active. We have accomplished a lot to be proud of in 20 short months. We need to take responsibility and stand strong for the reforms we have passed in such a short time: We stopped the recession, we ended discrimination for preexisting conditions, and we covered millions of uninsured Americans, while remaining budget neutral.
Democrats have made smart and responsible decisions that have turned our country in the right direction, and opened the door to a brighter future.
Now its up to use to walk through that open door. But we can't do it, unless Democrats unify and work together supporting each other, and standing strong for progressive values.
The current political climate is angry and chaotic. But its only a threat to Democrats in that we are not yet serious about forming our governing coalition.
Its time for liberal, progressive, and conservative Dems to put aside our differences and devise a rational power-sharing agreement. We will support each other over the short-term, in the name of achieving the long-term goals we all share: a prosperous, innovate nation that will lead the clean energy revolution, a restoration of the middle class and the American Dream, and smart fiscal policies.
I hope you have all been following the story about how Lou Dobbs had illegal immigrants working for him, because this issue - along with the recent Meg Whitman scandal - says something very important about the difference between Democrats and Republicans.
Dobbs crusaded on his show against companies who hire illegal immigrants. Dobbs made it clear that he thinks there is NO excuse, even if a subcontractor hires them.
Now, we find out that Dobbs is hiding behind the same excuse. The problem with Lou, is that he is a hypocrite with his "Do as I say, not as I do" attitude. He isn't even denying that contractors hired illegal workers.
The larger point that needs to be made, though, is this: Dobbs, Whitman, Romney, and all the other *wealthy* right-wingers who have been caught benefiting from illegal workers, are addicted to cheap labor.
And that's what really gets me. These people are RICH, for gosh-sakes, they have PLENTY of money to hire American workers at a decent wage if they practiced half the things they preach!
Don't blame the immigrants, who work harder for less than our own citizens. Blame the rich folks like Dobbs, Whitman, and the rest, who have every opportunity to hire American workers, but who are so cheap they just won't do it.
These rich right-wingers benefit from illegal workers, while at the same time they use the immigration issue to divide American workers and illegal workers. What we really need is for American workers and immigrant workers to band together to end the addiction to cheap labor for rich hypocrites like Dobbs.
One final point: Republicans have been selling us on this idea that if we cut taxes for the rich again, they will create jobs. The failure of this idea can be illustrated so well in cases like Dobbs, Whitman, and Romney. Those rich people who have every means of creating jobs for Americans, have been caught in a lie. Their actions have proven they have no intention whatsoever of creating good jobs for Americans. Cheap labor only. That's the Republican way!
Dobbs crusaded on his show against companies who hire illegal immigrants. Dobbs made it clear that he thinks there is NO excuse, even if a subcontractor hires them.
Now, we find out that Dobbs is hiding behind the same excuse. The problem with Lou, is that he is a hypocrite with his "Do as I say, not as I do" attitude. He isn't even denying that contractors hired illegal workers.
The larger point that needs to be made, though, is this: Dobbs, Whitman, Romney, and all the other *wealthy* right-wingers who have been caught benefiting from illegal workers, are addicted to cheap labor.
And that's what really gets me. These people are RICH, for gosh-sakes, they have PLENTY of money to hire American workers at a decent wage if they practiced half the things they preach!
Don't blame the immigrants, who work harder for less than our own citizens. Blame the rich folks like Dobbs, Whitman, and the rest, who have every opportunity to hire American workers, but who are so cheap they just won't do it.
These rich right-wingers benefit from illegal workers, while at the same time they use the immigration issue to divide American workers and illegal workers. What we really need is for American workers and immigrant workers to band together to end the addiction to cheap labor for rich hypocrites like Dobbs.
One final point: Republicans have been selling us on this idea that if we cut taxes for the rich again, they will create jobs. The failure of this idea can be illustrated so well in cases like Dobbs, Whitman, and Romney. Those rich people who have every means of creating jobs for Americans, have been caught in a lie. Their actions have proven they have no intention whatsoever of creating good jobs for Americans. Cheap labor only. That's the Republican way!
I hope you all get a chance to read Michael Moore's great piece on Huffingtonpost today, in which he shares prescription for victory, and argues for five things Democrats can do to win in November
He then asks his fellow democrats to contribute their own ideas, so I thought I'd share mine here. Feel free to add your own, or go over to Huffingtonpost and share them with Michael Moore, too.
Voters like candidates who stand for their values, as opposed to those who waffle on them. Therefore, Democrats should stand proud for the historic achievements they made in 2 short years, despite the GOP obstructing a record number of bills.
Democrats have passed smart, moral, and financially sound reforms.
Stand proud for the Affordable Care Act, which ended discrimination for preexisting conditions, and covered millions of uninsured Americans, all while remaining budget neutral.
They should be proud of Financial Reform, which prevents another collapse like the one we had in 2008, by creating a new market for derivatives trading, updating regulations, and creating a consumer watchdog agency to protect us against unfair business practices.
Democrats should be proud of the Recovery Act, which stopped the recession, while at the same time cutting taxes for working Americans to the lowest point in over 50 years.
They should speak out about the 100 billion investment in private green tech sector growth, which will lead to a renewal of our American manufacturing infrastructure and will put America on the leading edge of the coming green economic boom.
The Democrats have shown vision, as opposed to the other party which just stands there and says no.
Democrats should be proud of making that vision a possibility.
They turned this country in a new direction, and opened the door to a brighter future.
In November, we need to get out the vote and walk through that open door.
He then asks his fellow democrats to contribute their own ideas, so I thought I'd share mine here. Feel free to add your own, or go over to Huffingtonpost and share them with Michael Moore, too.
Voters like candidates who stand for their values, as opposed to those who waffle on them. Therefore, Democrats should stand proud for the historic achievements they made in 2 short years, despite the GOP obstructing a record number of bills.
Democrats have passed smart, moral, and financially sound reforms.
Stand proud for the Affordable Care Act, which ended discrimination for preexisting conditions, and covered millions of uninsured Americans, all while remaining budget neutral.
They should be proud of Financial Reform, which prevents another collapse like the one we had in 2008, by creating a new market for derivatives trading, updating regulations, and creating a consumer watchdog agency to protect us against unfair business practices.
Democrats should be proud of the Recovery Act, which stopped the recession, while at the same time cutting taxes for working Americans to the lowest point in over 50 years.
They should speak out about the 100 billion investment in private green tech sector growth, which will lead to a renewal of our American manufacturing infrastructure and will put America on the leading edge of the coming green economic boom.
The Democrats have shown vision, as opposed to the other party which just stands there and says no.
Democrats should be proud of making that vision a possibility.
They turned this country in a new direction, and opened the door to a brighter future.
In November, we need to get out the vote and walk through that open door.
What makes me glad: Electing a democrat president after years of suffering under republican rule.
What makes me sad: people who get mad at this president because he's not as perfect as they wanted.
What makes me glad: The historic reforms enacted by this president:
- Health Insurance Reform (an end to pre-existing conditions, covering millions of children).
- Financial Reform (requiring the trading of derivatives on an open exchanges so we won't repeat the crash of 2008).
- The historic investment of over 100 billion dollars in a new energy economy for America (putting our manufacturing infrastructure on the road to renewal, and investing in American jobs in the fastest growing sector of our economy).
What makes me sad: when people can't see the forest for the trees, when they complain that this president is "just like everyone else," and when they can't recognize the great progress we've made in the last 18 months.
What makes me glad: The GOP is so fragmented, we could have actually *gained* in the November elections. And there's a chance we still can.
What makes me sad: That my fellow Democrats don't know how to play as a team, aren't willing to build a coalition, and can't compromise with each other for the greater good.
People. If we don't get our act together in the next six weeks, we stand a chance to lose EVERYTHING we worked so hard for.
Don't give up! Don't lose hope! Real change takes time and work. Democrats have opened the door and turned our country in the right direction. Its up to us to stay on the path and take a step through that open door into the brighter future that awaits!
What makes me sad: people who get mad at this president because he's not as perfect as they wanted.
What makes me glad: The historic reforms enacted by this president:
- Health Insurance Reform (an end to pre-existing conditions, covering millions of children).
- Financial Reform (requiring the trading of derivatives on an open exchanges so we won't repeat the crash of 2008).
- The historic investment of over 100 billion dollars in a new energy economy for America (putting our manufacturing infrastructure on the road to renewal, and investing in American jobs in the fastest growing sector of our economy).
What makes me sad: when people can't see the forest for the trees, when they complain that this president is "just like everyone else," and when they can't recognize the great progress we've made in the last 18 months.
What makes me glad: The GOP is so fragmented, we could have actually *gained* in the November elections. And there's a chance we still can.
What makes me sad: That my fellow Democrats don't know how to play as a team, aren't willing to build a coalition, and can't compromise with each other for the greater good.
People. If we don't get our act together in the next six weeks, we stand a chance to lose EVERYTHING we worked so hard for.
Don't give up! Don't lose hope! Real change takes time and work. Democrats have opened the door and turned our country in the right direction. Its up to us to stay on the path and take a step through that open door into the brighter future that awaits!
In the historic American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Democrats enacted the largest investment ever in Green Energy. This investment is pumping billions of dollars into one of the strongest areas of our economy. Shortly after President Obama passed the Recovery Act, China - recognizing the economic potential of a Green Tech Boom - invested a similar amount of money in their own Green Tech sectors.
The Green Tech sector was the last to be hit by the Recession, and the first to recover. Today, new Wind Turbine jobs outnumber new Coal Mining jobs. These are private sector jobs, people. American manufacturing jobs, turning shuttered factories into wind energy, and high-tech battery manufacturers.
These investments will not only revitalize our economy, but will also renew our American manufacturing infrastructure. Its time we started exporting American ingenuity once again, and its Democrats who have led the charge on this issue!
This is the future of our Economy, and Democrats have seen it, and led the way. They have seized this moment and turned our country in the right direction, after years of misguided and out-dated policies.
We have acted boldly in turning the page toward a clean energy future, and a freedom from foreign oil. It might not happen overnight, but a vast majority of the American people believe it *should* happen soon. We cannot turn back now.
But let's be clear: renewing our infrastructure through advancements in Green Tech, means big change for the powerful forces who stand to lose in the new energy economy. Change for the greater good, does not mean everybody always wins. There are entrenched interests who benefit from the way things are, even if our country suffers as a result.
The powerful forces standing in the way of Change have not stood idly by - they see the November campaigns as a business investment, and with the supreme court's recent decision to allow corporations - some of them foreign - to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections, they are doing everything they can to prevent America from turning the page, and changing for the better.
These powerful interests are trying as hard as they can to make people fear the important changes our country needs to make. These are big changes that are having a profound effect on our people from every state, every region. The recent economic collapse has shaken people, shaken their confidence in our economy. The GOP - at the behest of powerful special interests - has taken advantage of people's fears. They seek to divide us, rather than unify us. While Democrats are focused on positive solutions, and have worked hard to turn the page toward a more hopeful future, our opponents have spread fear, anger, and their only solution is to repeal the progress we have already made.
We can't let fear prevent us from getting the job done. We all know it needs to be done, and someone has got to do it. We cannot turn back now. Finish the job, Democrats. Stand proud for the new path we have turned America on. The path that leads to economic prosperity, freedom from foreign oil, and a revitalized American manufacturing infrastructure.
Martin Luther King wrote:
Fear knocked on the door
Faith answered
There was no one there.
Over the last year and a half, Democrats have opened that door. The Republican Party stands in our way, trying to scare the American People from stepping through that door, into a brighter future. Our job as Democrats - from now until November - is to remind America that we opened the door, and to give them faith in the brighter future that awaits. In November, let's unify our country, and take a step through that door into a new century of responsibility and prosperity!
The Green Tech sector was the last to be hit by the Recession, and the first to recover. Today, new Wind Turbine jobs outnumber new Coal Mining jobs. These are private sector jobs, people. American manufacturing jobs, turning shuttered factories into wind energy, and high-tech battery manufacturers.
These investments will not only revitalize our economy, but will also renew our American manufacturing infrastructure. Its time we started exporting American ingenuity once again, and its Democrats who have led the charge on this issue!
This is the future of our Economy, and Democrats have seen it, and led the way. They have seized this moment and turned our country in the right direction, after years of misguided and out-dated policies.
We have acted boldly in turning the page toward a clean energy future, and a freedom from foreign oil. It might not happen overnight, but a vast majority of the American people believe it *should* happen soon. We cannot turn back now.
But let's be clear: renewing our infrastructure through advancements in Green Tech, means big change for the powerful forces who stand to lose in the new energy economy. Change for the greater good, does not mean everybody always wins. There are entrenched interests who benefit from the way things are, even if our country suffers as a result.
The powerful forces standing in the way of Change have not stood idly by - they see the November campaigns as a business investment, and with the supreme court's recent decision to allow corporations - some of them foreign - to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections, they are doing everything they can to prevent America from turning the page, and changing for the better.
These powerful interests are trying as hard as they can to make people fear the important changes our country needs to make. These are big changes that are having a profound effect on our people from every state, every region. The recent economic collapse has shaken people, shaken their confidence in our economy. The GOP - at the behest of powerful special interests - has taken advantage of people's fears. They seek to divide us, rather than unify us. While Democrats are focused on positive solutions, and have worked hard to turn the page toward a more hopeful future, our opponents have spread fear, anger, and their only solution is to repeal the progress we have already made.
We can't let fear prevent us from getting the job done. We all know it needs to be done, and someone has got to do it. We cannot turn back now. Finish the job, Democrats. Stand proud for the new path we have turned America on. The path that leads to economic prosperity, freedom from foreign oil, and a revitalized American manufacturing infrastructure.
Martin Luther King wrote:
Fear knocked on the door
Faith answered
There was no one there.
Over the last year and a half, Democrats have opened that door. The Republican Party stands in our way, trying to scare the American People from stepping through that door, into a brighter future. Our job as Democrats - from now until November - is to remind America that we opened the door, and to give them faith in the brighter future that awaits. In November, let's unify our country, and take a step through that door into a new century of responsibility and prosperity!
Christopher Hitchens just wrote a brilliant article about Glenn Beck and the Tea Party on Slate.com, that I highly recommend you read.
Hitchen's basic premise is that tea partiers perceive themselves as an oppressed minority, and seek to reverse the advances of other oppressed Americans, because they fear losing their white privilege.
He writes,
Are Tea Partiers really going to win in November, as they constantly boast?
Tea Partiers pretend they are an oppressed minority, while at the same time they brag about how they are going to win in November. According to a CBS News poll, 84 percent of Tea Partiers believe they represent the views of most Americans, but overall Americans disagree: 25 percent say the Tea Party represents their views, while 36 percent say it does not.
The Tea Party wants to have it both ways: they claim are both an oppressed minority (89 percent white according to the poll), AND at the same time they are the majority of voting Americans.
Something's got to give. My bet is that all this braggadocio about winning in November is nothing more than boastful bullying. Let the Tea Party be the minority they claim to be - they are the last gasp of a dying population: bigoted, fearful, and exclusionary.
Win in November? Hardly.
Hitchen's basic premise is that tea partiers perceive themselves as an oppressed minority, and seek to reverse the advances of other oppressed Americans, because they fear losing their white privilege.
He writes,
In a rather curious and confused way, some white people are starting almost to think like a minority, even like a persecuted one. What does it take to believe that Christianity is an endangered religion in America or that the name of Jesus is insufficiently spoken or appreciated? Who wakes up believing that there is no appreciation for our veterans and our armed forces and that without a noisy speech from Sarah Palin, their sacrifice would be scorned? It's not unfair to say that such grievances are purely and simply imaginary, which in turn leads one to ask what the real ones can be. The clue, surely, is furnished by the remainder of the speeches, which deny racial feeling so monotonously and vehemently as to draw attention.I love that last part about how much the speeches focus on a denial of racial feeling as to make you question why. Methinks thou doth protest too much.
Are Tea Partiers really going to win in November, as they constantly boast?
Tea Partiers pretend they are an oppressed minority, while at the same time they brag about how they are going to win in November. According to a CBS News poll, 84 percent of Tea Partiers believe they represent the views of most Americans, but overall Americans disagree: 25 percent say the Tea Party represents their views, while 36 percent say it does not.
The Tea Party wants to have it both ways: they claim are both an oppressed minority (89 percent white according to the poll), AND at the same time they are the majority of voting Americans.
Something's got to give. My bet is that all this braggadocio about winning in November is nothing more than boastful bullying. Let the Tea Party be the minority they claim to be - they are the last gasp of a dying population: bigoted, fearful, and exclusionary.
Win in November? Hardly.
Recent news articles - including those on left leaning publications - have been marveling at the fact that Glenn Beck's "Restoring Honor" rally delivered a "Religious, not political message."
Really? Anyone who writes about politics and claims this event was more about religion than politics needs to have their head examined!
They are forgetting one of the most important things about politics: All politics is moral. This rally attempts to build a religious underpinning to Beck's radical political ideas.
It attempts to blanket his followers politics under the cloak of religion, much like the way the Taliban cloaks their radical politics under religion.
We know what these folks believe, by now there should be no question about it. They have radical ideas that subvert our constitution. They believe they are the only true Americans, and anyone who disagrees is to be treated like an enemy. They believe they are at war with anyone who disagrees with them. They believe only their ideas have validity, and they are willing to engage in extreme measures - such as armed revolt - to enforce their far right ideology.
So when Imam Beck and the former Republican vice presidential candidate stand before this crowd and talk about Christianity, it must be noted they are talking about a very specific kind of Christianity: it does not include you or me, or anyone else who takes a different view. It is no less than the beginning of a spiritual foundation from which to grow an American Christian Taliban.
"Not political?" Give me a break!
Really? Anyone who writes about politics and claims this event was more about religion than politics needs to have their head examined!
They are forgetting one of the most important things about politics: All politics is moral. This rally attempts to build a religious underpinning to Beck's radical political ideas.
It attempts to blanket his followers politics under the cloak of religion, much like the way the Taliban cloaks their radical politics under religion.
We know what these folks believe, by now there should be no question about it. They have radical ideas that subvert our constitution. They believe they are the only true Americans, and anyone who disagrees is to be treated like an enemy. They believe they are at war with anyone who disagrees with them. They believe only their ideas have validity, and they are willing to engage in extreme measures - such as armed revolt - to enforce their far right ideology.
So when Imam Beck and the former Republican vice presidential candidate stand before this crowd and talk about Christianity, it must be noted they are talking about a very specific kind of Christianity: it does not include you or me, or anyone else who takes a different view. It is no less than the beginning of a spiritual foundation from which to grow an American Christian Taliban.
"Not political?" Give me a break!
A lot of progressive people who voted for Obama in 2008 have been expressing anger about him not being more bold in his presidency. Its understandably frustrating that we worked so hard to elect this candidate, and we believed so strongly in ideas like the Public Option, that we feel let down when it doesn't happen 100% the way we think it should.
Its frustrating because we know deep down that if we could just implement strong progressive policies, we could solve *so* many problems. We could prosper as a nation. We could even save money.
But we are pitted in an ideological battle that has been going on in America since its founding. It predates Barack Obama. And I think we must keep this in mind as we roll up to the November 2010 Mid-term elections.
Remember, when the candidate Obama told us that the work couldn't end in the election - that even after the election he would need our help - and our party would need our help - during what would be a long hard fight to bring change?
Personally, I was under no illusions about Obama when I voted for him: I knew I was voting for someone who I believed would act from the goodness of his heart and the strength of his intellect when given the enormous and *conflicted* job of President. That whatever faced in inside that Oval Office, he would do the best he could given the circumstances.
And so he went - into that bubble we call the American Presidency. And he is counting on us out here to both support him and keep him on the straight and narrow.
The question then becomes for me: when you feel that anger, when you feel that the president is not acting as bold as he should, what do you do with it?
I strongly believe we should channel that energy into finding ways we can positively support the President and our party, while *persuading* them at the same time.
Finding hope in the candidate who we sent to the White House was not that tough; but bringing *change* well that consists of much a harder and imperfect kind of work.
Democracy is messy. And if we squander this opportunity - if we allow our party to fracture in anger - then we will lose what little toehold we have gained, and the republicans will take us back to the miserable days of Goerge Bush and Dick Cheney.
We cannot allow that to happen. We've already passed some of the most historic reforms in a generation - and we have made the largest ever investment producing a Green Economy with the stimulus. These are changes we should cherish. Can you imagine the chances of these things passing under Republican leadership? Other presidents have tried for decades and failed.
So. How do we channel that energy into ways to support our party and increase voter turnout in November? Because if we don't do that, any hope we did once have, will surely never come to be.
Its frustrating because we know deep down that if we could just implement strong progressive policies, we could solve *so* many problems. We could prosper as a nation. We could even save money.
But we are pitted in an ideological battle that has been going on in America since its founding. It predates Barack Obama. And I think we must keep this in mind as we roll up to the November 2010 Mid-term elections.
Remember, when the candidate Obama told us that the work couldn't end in the election - that even after the election he would need our help - and our party would need our help - during what would be a long hard fight to bring change?
Personally, I was under no illusions about Obama when I voted for him: I knew I was voting for someone who I believed would act from the goodness of his heart and the strength of his intellect when given the enormous and *conflicted* job of President. That whatever faced in inside that Oval Office, he would do the best he could given the circumstances.
And so he went - into that bubble we call the American Presidency. And he is counting on us out here to both support him and keep him on the straight and narrow.
The question then becomes for me: when you feel that anger, when you feel that the president is not acting as bold as he should, what do you do with it?
I strongly believe we should channel that energy into finding ways we can positively support the President and our party, while *persuading* them at the same time.
Finding hope in the candidate who we sent to the White House was not that tough; but bringing *change* well that consists of much a harder and imperfect kind of work.
Democracy is messy. And if we squander this opportunity - if we allow our party to fracture in anger - then we will lose what little toehold we have gained, and the republicans will take us back to the miserable days of Goerge Bush and Dick Cheney.
We cannot allow that to happen. We've already passed some of the most historic reforms in a generation - and we have made the largest ever investment producing a Green Economy with the stimulus. These are changes we should cherish. Can you imagine the chances of these things passing under Republican leadership? Other presidents have tried for decades and failed.
So. How do we channel that energy into ways to support our party and increase voter turnout in November? Because if we don't do that, any hope we did once have, will surely never come to be.
Hi all,
Been out for a while.. doing Census and having a life...
I'm back because I am becoming increasingly worried about US.. The Democratic Party.
I just read that "Liberals" heckled Nancy Pelosi in SF.
Unbelievable.
Have people come to the point that a leader must walk on water to be appreciated? Have we forgotten what has been done? Can any of you imagine where we would be if the Oil Spill had happened on GW's watch? How about the problems with Iran, Israel, the economy, Korea.... I could go on.
We cannot undo ALL the damage done in the last 30 years overnight.. even in 4 years.. 8 years. Protective agencies were unfunded or underfunded, licensing agencies corrupted and filled with political appointments instead of properly trained and educated staff. The system was a mess REMEMBER!
Instead they have refunded Civil Rights, EPA, USDA, Water standards, Medicare, Worker Protection... to name a few. Work on HEALTHCARE, HATE LAWS, DISCRIMINATION, FINANCIAL REFORM, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS.. to name a few.
I AM A LIBERAL!.
I AM A DEMOCRAT!
I AM PROUD TO BE BOTH!
BUT! I am also a pragmatist and can see the good which is being attempted by the administration and the house..(senate... well.. they have a few good men).
Right now we have, without a doubt the BEST house and president we have had in my lifetime. They have done more to restore my faith in government than I thought possible.
Remember when the Civil rights groups were infiltrated by the FBI during the '60s?
It was to destroy them from within. Well........
LIBERAL GROUPS.. be careful. Don't implode because you accept radical voices that cannot be pleased. It will be your downfall. You won't be taken seriously. It will set you back, not take your cause forward. (sometimes we need radical.. now is not the time.) Work WITH the house and President.
We are all bound to be disappointed in some areas, on every subject.
BUT WITH THE ALTERNATIVE WE HAVE NO CHANCE!!!!
Be wary of those who push the limits. Who expect everything NOW.
I am appalled that Ms. Pelosi was subject to this. I may not agree with all our Democrats do.. but I see that in the big picture we are advancing.
"Impatience wants MORE- FAST.
Wisdom accepts that GREAT change takes time, thought and deliberation."
(yes that's mine)
Come on Dems.. It will take us all to win in Dec. God help us if we don't.
Peace and God Save Our Gulf,
marsha
Been out for a while.. doing Census and having a life...
I'm back because I am becoming increasingly worried about US.. The Democratic Party.
I just read that "Liberals" heckled Nancy Pelosi in SF.
Unbelievable.
Have people come to the point that a leader must walk on water to be appreciated? Have we forgotten what has been done? Can any of you imagine where we would be if the Oil Spill had happened on GW's watch? How about the problems with Iran, Israel, the economy, Korea.... I could go on.
We cannot undo ALL the damage done in the last 30 years overnight.. even in 4 years.. 8 years. Protective agencies were unfunded or underfunded, licensing agencies corrupted and filled with political appointments instead of properly trained and educated staff. The system was a mess REMEMBER!
Instead they have refunded Civil Rights, EPA, USDA, Water standards, Medicare, Worker Protection... to name a few. Work on HEALTHCARE, HATE LAWS, DISCRIMINATION, FINANCIAL REFORM, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS.. to name a few.
I AM A LIBERAL!.
I AM A DEMOCRAT!
I AM PROUD TO BE BOTH!
BUT! I am also a pragmatist and can see the good which is being attempted by the administration and the house..(senate... well.. they have a few good men).
Right now we have, without a doubt the BEST house and president we have had in my lifetime. They have done more to restore my faith in government than I thought possible.
Remember when the Civil rights groups were infiltrated by the FBI during the '60s?
It was to destroy them from within. Well........
LIBERAL GROUPS.. be careful. Don't implode because you accept radical voices that cannot be pleased. It will be your downfall. You won't be taken seriously. It will set you back, not take your cause forward. (sometimes we need radical.. now is not the time.) Work WITH the house and President.
We are all bound to be disappointed in some areas, on every subject.
BUT WITH THE ALTERNATIVE WE HAVE NO CHANCE!!!!
Be wary of those who push the limits. Who expect everything NOW.
I am appalled that Ms. Pelosi was subject to this. I may not agree with all our Democrats do.. but I see that in the big picture we are advancing.
"Impatience wants MORE- FAST.
Wisdom accepts that GREAT change takes time, thought and deliberation."
(yes that's mine)
Come on Dems.. It will take us all to win in Dec. God help us if we don't.
Peace and God Save Our Gulf,
marsha
Many of you know that I have been writing here since 2007.
I started because of the frustration I felt about the direction of our country and the deep need to stop the bleeding and heal the wounds.
I just hung up from a conference call with the President of the United States.
Now, I'm sure there were thousands of other people on the line.. it was not a personal call. But, there is something about hearing him on MY telephone that really got to me.
How far we have come.
President Obama was thanking us for our work to push healthcare.
I have never been so inspired to work, write and call.
We live in an amazing country with an amazing government.
We have transformed it in the last 1+ years back to a responsive tool of positive work. Work which benefits us all.. Democrats and Republicans (whether they like it or not).
This bill will save lives, people.. not just a few.. many.
I am thankful that all our discussions on policy during the campaigns and prior to the campaigns has led to this.
I am thankful that our POTUS had the guts not to quit when so many called for him to give up.
I am thankful that some of us continued to support Speaker Pelosi during the dark days of attacks and I hope we will continue during her re-election and the November elections.
The fights for our nation have only just begun.
This is what change looks like FROM A DISTANCE.
There is still much to do.
REAL FINANCIAL REFORM
GREEN JOBS, MOVING TO A GREEN ECONOMY
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WHICH ADDRESSES GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
ENDING THE WARS WHICH ARE BANKRUPTING OUR COUNTRY
EDUCATION REFORM
IMMIGRATION REFORM
MEDIA ANTI-TRUST LAWS AND REGULATION OF EQUAL TIME AND TRUTH IN NEWS.
And all the other things which have been needed for decades and have NOT been done.
Infrastructure repair
Re-regulation of chemicals, food production, workplace saftey, voting rights.
Refunding of all the protective agencies in the government which have been hobbled by lack of funding, leaving us all less safe and sometimes in danger.
I'm in, Mr. President.
I have your back and will do all I can to support you and anyone who helps us.
Thanks to Brad Ellsworth for voting for the Healthcare bill. I was in the room @ a townhall and heard that you had to justify it. I have pledged to work for you and will... just stay on the right track.
If you are working for the people at large, you can't go wrong.
Thanks Brandi Edwards for helping me be involved and feel connected.
Thanks to Nancy Pelosi... I am grateful beyond words.
I hope everyone will rededicate themselves to the challenges ahead.
I'm just a happy housewife from Indiana.
peace,
marsha
I started because of the frustration I felt about the direction of our country and the deep need to stop the bleeding and heal the wounds.
I just hung up from a conference call with the President of the United States.
Now, I'm sure there were thousands of other people on the line.. it was not a personal call. But, there is something about hearing him on MY telephone that really got to me.
How far we have come.
President Obama was thanking us for our work to push healthcare.
I have never been so inspired to work, write and call.
We live in an amazing country with an amazing government.
We have transformed it in the last 1+ years back to a responsive tool of positive work. Work which benefits us all.. Democrats and Republicans (whether they like it or not).
This bill will save lives, people.. not just a few.. many.
I am thankful that all our discussions on policy during the campaigns and prior to the campaigns has led to this.
I am thankful that our POTUS had the guts not to quit when so many called for him to give up.
I am thankful that some of us continued to support Speaker Pelosi during the dark days of attacks and I hope we will continue during her re-election and the November elections.
The fights for our nation have only just begun.
This is what change looks like FROM A DISTANCE.
There is still much to do.
REAL FINANCIAL REFORM
GREEN JOBS, MOVING TO A GREEN ECONOMY
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WHICH ADDRESSES GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
ENDING THE WARS WHICH ARE BANKRUPTING OUR COUNTRY
EDUCATION REFORM
IMMIGRATION REFORM
MEDIA ANTI-TRUST LAWS AND REGULATION OF EQUAL TIME AND TRUTH IN NEWS.
And all the other things which have been needed for decades and have NOT been done.
Infrastructure repair
Re-regulation of chemicals, food production, workplace saftey, voting rights.
Refunding of all the protective agencies in the government which have been hobbled by lack of funding, leaving us all less safe and sometimes in danger.
I'm in, Mr. President.
I have your back and will do all I can to support you and anyone who helps us.
Thanks to Brad Ellsworth for voting for the Healthcare bill. I was in the room @ a townhall and heard that you had to justify it. I have pledged to work for you and will... just stay on the right track.
If you are working for the people at large, you can't go wrong.
Thanks Brandi Edwards for helping me be involved and feel connected.
Thanks to Nancy Pelosi... I am grateful beyond words.
I hope everyone will rededicate themselves to the challenges ahead.
I'm just a happy housewife from Indiana.
peace,
marsha
My husband and I watch again tonight, the division in the ranks.. the cogs in the wheel of government.
When I remember the support the democrats in congress gave to the recent republican president, the message is clear.
I cannot help but think tomorrow your numbers will be up again. The American people may have a short memory but they are not stupid.
I pledge continued support and work toward our goals of Heathcare, Clean Energy, Financial reform and jobs for working americans.
You are still the best man for the job.
I was so glad to hear you tell the truth about the log jamming in the senate. Hopefully it will help to dispell some of the lies and half truths told to citizens who don't, or can't follow closely.
Still not sold on Nuclear energy and "clean "coal.. but ya can't have everything..
THANKS TO YOU AND YOUR STAFF, AND PELOSI, REID AND THE CONGRESS FOR ALL THE GOOD WORK DONE LAST YEAR.
Thanks for using the executive orders for US!
NOW PASS SOME MEDIA REFORM BEFORE THE ELECTION SO THE TRUTH GETS OUT TO THE PUBLIC!
peace,
marsha
When I remember the support the democrats in congress gave to the recent republican president, the message is clear.
I cannot help but think tomorrow your numbers will be up again. The American people may have a short memory but they are not stupid.
I pledge continued support and work toward our goals of Heathcare, Clean Energy, Financial reform and jobs for working americans.
You are still the best man for the job.
I was so glad to hear you tell the truth about the log jamming in the senate. Hopefully it will help to dispell some of the lies and half truths told to citizens who don't, or can't follow closely.
Still not sold on Nuclear energy and "clean "coal.. but ya can't have everything..
THANKS TO YOU AND YOUR STAFF, AND PELOSI, REID AND THE CONGRESS FOR ALL THE GOOD WORK DONE LAST YEAR.
Thanks for using the executive orders for US!
NOW PASS SOME MEDIA REFORM BEFORE THE ELECTION SO THE TRUTH GETS OUT TO THE PUBLIC!
peace,
marsha
Dear Fellow Democrats,
We worked so hard to elect a Democrat majority in 2006, and Barack Obama in 2008. We accomplished this by coalescing our different internal groups: progressives, liberals, independents, and - yes - even Conservadems.
Now that we have some amount of power, I am so saddened to see our party do what it has done in the past: our diverse groups are fragmenting because we expect some "perfect" version of policies to be enacted immediately. We seem unable to act like a TEAM.
How will we ever be able to govern, if we cannot compromise with each other? It will be impossible, and we will lose the power we worked so hard to attain... before we ever have a chance to show the American People that our ideas will make this country better.
Let me give you an example: Like you, I am receiving emails from various liberal and progressive causes - causes I supported during the elections, and during the fight for a public option. These action groups are now calling on me to petition the President to fire his top adviser. They are calling on me to demand my senators and congresspersons vote against the Healthcare Reform bill because it doesn't have a public option. In essence, at the same time conservatives and independents flee our party, my liberal fellows are actively fighting AGAINST the president we worked to hard to elect!
My fellow Democrats, don't you see how wrong this is? Have you ever heard the phrase "Cutting off one's nose to spite their face?"
Please don't misunderstand me. I am as liberal as they get! But I am also a PRAGMATIST. We need to learn a bit of pragmatism in our party. We have a Healthcare Reform bill that will cover over 30 millions uninsured Americans, will end discrimination against pre-existing conditions, and that will reduce the deficit. What, pray tell is wrong with that???
In politics there is a concept called a "Strategic Initiative." It is an idea that Republicans have long used to powerful effect: When you can't get a "perfect" bill, you pass something as close as you can get. A bill that opens the door to more progressive change, and that makes it harder to turn back time. That is what the Senate Health Reform bill is. Its not perfect, and it doesn't include a public option - something I fought very hard for, and something I know in my heart is necessary for effective reform. Heck, I support a Single Payer system, but I understand its too early for us to get that right now.
The House has passed its bill. The Senate has passed theirs. The time for insisting on a Public Option in THIS bill is passed. But, ask yourselves this: Are we more likely to get a public option in the future if we let this bill die? Or, having passed this bill that gets us one step away from a Public Option, will we be in a better position to pass it in the near future?
Fellow Democrats, we MUST seize this moment and pass reform now. We have delayed long enough. Debated long enough. If we work against this bill now, we are only playing into the hands of Republicans who want to kill the bill and start over. This is wrong politically, and will be the death of progress before it even has a chance.
Look, Democracy is messy business. Its not perfect, and it will never be! We cannot afford to hold progress hostage to our own perfect versions of reality! If we do not learn how to compromise with each other to form a Governing Coalition, we shall never achieve our progressive aims and our beloved country will only suffer further under the leadership of a party that CAN work lockstep together - and you know who that is.
Thank you for your time,
D. Tree
We worked so hard to elect a Democrat majority in 2006, and Barack Obama in 2008. We accomplished this by coalescing our different internal groups: progressives, liberals, independents, and - yes - even Conservadems.
Now that we have some amount of power, I am so saddened to see our party do what it has done in the past: our diverse groups are fragmenting because we expect some "perfect" version of policies to be enacted immediately. We seem unable to act like a TEAM.
How will we ever be able to govern, if we cannot compromise with each other? It will be impossible, and we will lose the power we worked so hard to attain... before we ever have a chance to show the American People that our ideas will make this country better.
Let me give you an example: Like you, I am receiving emails from various liberal and progressive causes - causes I supported during the elections, and during the fight for a public option. These action groups are now calling on me to petition the President to fire his top adviser. They are calling on me to demand my senators and congresspersons vote against the Healthcare Reform bill because it doesn't have a public option. In essence, at the same time conservatives and independents flee our party, my liberal fellows are actively fighting AGAINST the president we worked to hard to elect!
My fellow Democrats, don't you see how wrong this is? Have you ever heard the phrase "Cutting off one's nose to spite their face?"
Please don't misunderstand me. I am as liberal as they get! But I am also a PRAGMATIST. We need to learn a bit of pragmatism in our party. We have a Healthcare Reform bill that will cover over 30 millions uninsured Americans, will end discrimination against pre-existing conditions, and that will reduce the deficit. What, pray tell is wrong with that???
In politics there is a concept called a "Strategic Initiative." It is an idea that Republicans have long used to powerful effect: When you can't get a "perfect" bill, you pass something as close as you can get. A bill that opens the door to more progressive change, and that makes it harder to turn back time. That is what the Senate Health Reform bill is. Its not perfect, and it doesn't include a public option - something I fought very hard for, and something I know in my heart is necessary for effective reform. Heck, I support a Single Payer system, but I understand its too early for us to get that right now.
The House has passed its bill. The Senate has passed theirs. The time for insisting on a Public Option in THIS bill is passed. But, ask yourselves this: Are we more likely to get a public option in the future if we let this bill die? Or, having passed this bill that gets us one step away from a Public Option, will we be in a better position to pass it in the near future?
Fellow Democrats, we MUST seize this moment and pass reform now. We have delayed long enough. Debated long enough. If we work against this bill now, we are only playing into the hands of Republicans who want to kill the bill and start over. This is wrong politically, and will be the death of progress before it even has a chance.
Look, Democracy is messy business. Its not perfect, and it will never be! We cannot afford to hold progress hostage to our own perfect versions of reality! If we do not learn how to compromise with each other to form a Governing Coalition, we shall never achieve our progressive aims and our beloved country will only suffer further under the leadership of a party that CAN work lockstep together - and you know who that is.
Thank you for your time,
D. Tree
The Honorable Vice President Mr. Joe Biden,
"Each Soul is a Flower in the Master's Bouquet."
Words are a poor substitute for a hug or a handshake but they are all I have to give.
She is still so near, in the quiet of your thoughts you will feel her presence.
My Sympathy and Peace,
marsha riggan
"Each Soul is a Flower in the Master's Bouquet."
Words are a poor substitute for a hug or a handshake but they are all I have to give.
She is still so near, in the quiet of your thoughts you will feel her presence.
My Sympathy and Peace,
marsha riggan
THANK-YOU SENATORS!
THANK-YOU SEN BAYH!
Now let's fix what got so watered down and go on.
Restore the public option or some reasonable choice....Decmocratic Re-ELECTIONS WILL DEPEND ON IT!
Move forward the start dates!
Remove the anti-trust protections.
Did you see our Pres. on PBS last night... He has yet to let me down.
I am still so proud!
Onward and upward!
Peace and Merry Christmas!
marsha
THANK-YOU SEN BAYH!
Now let's fix what got so watered down and go on.
Restore the public option or some reasonable choice....Decmocratic Re-ELECTIONS WILL DEPEND ON IT!
Move forward the start dates!
Remove the anti-trust protections.
Did you see our Pres. on PBS last night... He has yet to let me down.
I am still so proud!
Onward and upward!
Peace and Merry Christmas!
marsha
CALL YOUR SENATOR 1-866-288-1495 and leave a message.
IT CAN BE FIXED!
"While it is not perfect, the bill pending in the Senate today is not just good enough -- it is very good, ----those, in our party, who would scuttle this bill because of what it doesn't do, seem not to appreciate the magnitude of what it has the potential to accomplish."
--VP Biden
THE BILL MUST PASS! Medicare wasn't perfect when it passed and if we wait for perfect, it won't happen... Amendments can be made later...
THIS BILL IS ONLY THE FOUNDATION UPON WHICH WE WILL BUILD OUR HOME.
peace,
marsha
IT CAN BE FIXED!
"While it is not perfect, the bill pending in the Senate today is not just good enough -- it is very good, ----those, in our party, who would scuttle this bill because of what it doesn't do, seem not to appreciate the magnitude of what it has the potential to accomplish."
--VP Biden
THE BILL MUST PASS! Medicare wasn't perfect when it passed and if we wait for perfect, it won't happen... Amendments can be made later...
THIS BILL IS ONLY THE FOUNDATION UPON WHICH WE WILL BUILD OUR HOME.
peace,
marsha
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