And that is the whole idea isn't it ? Obama will not get much in the way of real solutions to intractable problems because he has enlisted those that have been the policy makers for those debacles.

The financial problems will be dealt with by friends of those who got us in this mess, the Wall Street Banksters!

Foreign and military policy is the same story. Answers from the bunch that wants a bigger military, more foreign bases and little in the way of a more humble international presence.

Obama may throw some scraps to progressives such as the EPA, Interior and Labor, but that's about it ...

Yes Mr Sirota, you and the majority of your colleagues at Alternet have been had.

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Obama needs to clean house, not bring back old trash!

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Stop it, really. Even Chris Mathews is praying for the Obama head fake. There is room for many "progressives" in the halls of our massive government. Whom do you think will be doing all those massive public works projects better yet how many liberals does it take to screw in a energy saving light bulb?
The "so called" media conservatives for the most part sold out back in September (see: Sarah Palin)and they still want there inside the beltway "access" so of course they are going to sing the great "centrist" praise becuase President Obama can't do no wrong.
At the end, the guy does not wanna become a "one termer" however I seen this coming in small parts from a mile away.
Plus dont worry, the GOP will just find many "Sarah Palins" to motivate you to get out to the polls (after your hard day of laying asphalt) to keep Obama and Company in power becuase your heath care/child care/education/mental well being depends on it.

-i'll save some beer jerky for you while I bitter cling to my gun and religion in the mountains

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Just wait until the Obama message becomes "shut up you hippie and get in the cage". Oh well maybe the prison camps for those of us who wont "pipe down" will have really good food and hot showers.

Barry Barack Dunham Obama Sortero will make Stalin and Hitler look like cub scouts. I hate to say "I told you so" but well I did like 6 months ago.

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Former Bush spokesman Scott McClellan astutely described the notion of the "permanent campaign," in which politics trumps governance as the elected official (in our case, Obama), focuses all his energy on being re-elected. We have yet to see if that approach rules the new administration, and I'm willing to cut the president-elect and his team some slack. But like other progressives, I'm uncomfortable-- and unhappy-- with many of Obama's nominees, especially the financial team. And I still find Obama's vote on the FISA bill to be unconscionable and inexplicable. Obama's letter of explanation then was no more reasonable or comforting than this latest missive asking progressives to be patient. Sure-- I'll wait and see. But it's hard to suspend the growing skepticism.

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"Progressives" as symbolised by people like Dennis Kucinich are hardly progressive in the historical political sense - they are merely some of the few remaining honest, normal people who haven't been totally corrupted by the obscene process that turns most US politicians into crazed psychopaths.

Nice that you have actually managed to elect a new President who isn't literally foaming at the mouth - like McCain and Cheney - but the behaviour and policies exhibited simply do not represent "Normal" human behaviour.

The real issue of course is that most of the politician's extreme behaviour is due to their manipulation by extremely powerful forces. They probably went into politics with high moral objectives but found that the only way to progress was by allowing some extremely rich bastard to control them as if they were a puppet with a finger stuck up their backside.

Of course its not just a US phenomenen. Yesterday I saw a video of a Canadian politician and an Australian poltician giving exactly the same speech in their respective parliaments - word for word about the Iraq war.

You can't get much more puppet than that - they even make the lips go and exactly the same shit comes out from two different continents.

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I, for one am astounded. Obama is neither Anti-Christ, nor Savior. He is a human being. This fact May go over many readers heads, but these unreasoning expectations, fears, of both left and right are meeting. The far right extremists began attacking Obama before he was ever elected, for aspects which could NEVER have been attributed to him. Anti-Christ. And, before he ever takes office, many of his detractors see the world descend into flames, see the culminations of all their fears, and, of course, all their hopes, for, if he IS the Anti-Christ then... this is it. This is the end.

Then there is the Left. Obama was the Savior. He was going to save us all. He was THE hope. It was the Same, exact devotion. The same hopes, the same fears. The same unreasoning beliefs and, well, the same results. Before the Man ever takes office... he has failed the Left. Utterly.

Now, to the left, who generally respond in intellectual terms, In absolutes (yes, Absolutes), there is loss, and panic, and Obama continues to be a symbol, as do all those he gathers about him.

We are in a bad place, and these unreasoning fears, make this worse. The right cannot see, that their conspiracy theories were made real under Bush the 43rd. They clamber blindly about, seeking some physical manifestation upon which to hang their fears, which are not born of Religion, of Christianity. Unwilling to open their eyes and see the hand of Satan within their midst. Always they must look elsewhere. 4.xx Trillion dollars taken from their pockets and given to the wealthy. 25 Billion denied the auto industries. Bush's agenda, Again, is so transparent, and this very real harm his administration does is overlooked, and reasoned away, and, somehow, laid upon the backs of the poor, and at the feet of Obama.

The Right currently has no greater ally than the left. While their blogs and online publications are littered with article, after article regarding birth certificates, and questioning whether Obama is indeed the Anti-Christ. Publications on the left (such as this one), are filled with attacks against Obama's team, his picks, his actions, and even, his "Inactions". At times ridiculing him for not "Doing something" about this mess we are in, and, doing it with fresh, new faces. For not being exactly the same as his predecessor, cleaning house, and representing only his "base".

This is not winner take all. We are currently inheriting the fruits of that philosophy. We ALL share this Earth, the sun warms ALL our faces. I was not represented, by the President, these last eight years, and I should have been. I Am an American. I live here to.

Obama has a great weight upon his shoulders. This nation is slipping into a Depression. Our military is in shambles. Dictatorships, oppression, are becoming the rule of the day. Our Climate is changing, and the energy source our Civilization is, very literally, built upon, is rapidly disappearing. All the panic which we see, as we descend into winter, is but the tip of the iceburg. Now, more than ever, we need to come together and stand, shoulder to shoulder, and meet these problems. We NEED to be unified. We need to be resolute, and we NEED to be responsible. There Will be sacrifice.

Obama is a leader. That is ALL! He is NOT the savior, nor the condemner. WE need to be the solution, and we need to rally together. Yes, hold Leaders to tough standards, but be realistic, and recognize that our leaders are human beings, and, that we have a major role in all that is both good, and bad. We could have stopped Bush, if we (and I include myself), were not so apathetic. But we didn't. Obama is right. What comes next will involve great sacrifices, and personal responsibility.

Let us start by allowing the Man to take office, and, turning our attentions to our selves, to our communities, and shoring both up to meet this coming crisis.

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I too am unhappy about some of Obama's appointments and statements. They are of serious concern even though predictable from a long way back. He's the best excuse for a decent chief exec we've had in generations, yet that doesn't make him what the country really needs, and those of us who feel that the centrist course he's steering is wrongheaded ought to do what we can, bring pressure to bear, to make our views felt. But what's most disturbing about Hildebrand's comments is the implication, adroitly picked up by Sirota, that the "Left" should shut up. If he is that thin-skinned he should get out of politics now. Or join the Republican party. We've had 8 years of being told that anyone who registers dissent from the duly constituted Power is at best deluded and at worst (more likely) a traitor. At this early stage of what was supposed to be an era that changes all that it is important to reaffirm the principle of principled dissent as one of the fundamental attributes of democracy. At the very least Hildebrand should respond to the criticisms on a point by point basis rather than with a sweeping categorical dismissal. And he, and the Obama administration more broadly, should display some respect for those who disagree with what they are doing. Few on "the Left" expected everything to happen in accord with their fullest hopes. But almost all expected the expression of those hopes to be treated as worthy of serious consideration.

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Talking about keeping your enemies near?
He can still hear our cheers and consul, ringing in his ears.
Our Government will learn how to walk, again.
But, it must take a few baby steps first
Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes.
First, test the water!
Then take a few more.

I figure, Obama will be up and running by the end of his first term and just starting to
Get his second wind.
And talk about being tested.
The shit is about to hit the fan.
PLANET XXXXXXXXXXX
Rome wasn't built in a day and someone else started the funking FIRE.
Who do we know, that likes to play with matches?
Bush has been playing the fiddle for eight long years while his minions:
Fanned the Flames.
Soliciting their aid is the most Logical, Fastest, Safest and most efficient choice:
To STOP IT!
Gods SPEED!

Remember:
The Micro Democracy Revolution starts in your own back yard.
Start there first.
SERVIVAL 2009
Efficiency, Self sufficiency and Self Reliance are the Keys.
Go Local
Go Green
Go Organic

If we join hands and work together? We can all get to the other side,
together.
It is the safest and most efficient path to take.
With:
Cooperation, Brotherly and Sisterly Love, Helpfulness, Peace, Harmony and true Compassion on our side.
These Ideals are the corner stone that our Republic rests upon.

When our Government reflects the Will, Wishes, Hopes and Dreams of the People then we will have, finally returned Home.
Constant vigilance is the Price we must pay, for our
FREEDOM.

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Is Mr. Hildebrand suggesting that, now that these 'dirty hippies' have served their purpose in getting them into the White House, their opinions don't count, and should be suppressed? I thought that type of thing was supposed to 'change'?

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David Sirota's paranoid conclusions that Steve Hilderbrand's mild, well reasoned, non-confrontational article "attacks the left-wing of the Democratic Party with Fox News-style talking points" is over-reaction to the point of being incomprehensible, and the insinuation that Hildebrand is "demanding the Dirty Fucking Hippies shut up" is bizarre and paranoid.

Follow the link and read the entirety of Hildebrand's article, people. Don't do what so many on AlterNet have been doing of late, and assume that the conclusions reached by the likes of Sirota are warranted. In this case, they are not even vaguely defensible.

I am the "left-wing" of the Democratic party, and Sirota sure as hell doesn't speak for me. Especially with over-wrought hyperbole like "Can anyone even ask a non-idealogical question of Obama without being attacked as some sort of raving left-wing lunatic?"

The real question seems to be, can anyone get an article posted on AlterNet these days that isn't a maniacal anti-Obama rant?

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Many of US Progressive were elated by the Clintons in '92. We actually believed there was going to be change THEN. But throughout his Presidency Bill consistently let Our issues go by the wayside or he caved for the 'Right'.
Then Hillary got in the Senate...Playing her Role as a 'Reagan Democrat' (in reality a Neo Con Republican in a blue pantsuit).She voted in Lock step with this corrupt regime every chance she got. Honestly I think that Hot Dog Luncheon was the official Neo Con torch passing ceremony ('vote with Us Hill and We'll make you Queen'). Frankly Who could Really tell the difference between Hillary & McCain..shit they worked like the dynamic Duo to defeat Obama.
In fact the Campaigns of Mac & Hillary revealed much silented information as to just how far Bill had appeased the Right.this Economic meltdown then showed just how far Bill allowed them to Fuck US...Gramm's 2 'Modernization' Wall Street Deregulation Bills?
What Obama is getting is very similar to what the Big 3 is getting...Raked over the Coals for those who Screwed US before- Paying for Others past sins. I certainly am NOT thrilled by Hillary as Sec of State, In fact pisses me off more than retaining Gates.
So there is a precedence to this 'lefty' paranoia thanks to the Clintons and their 'Reagan Democrat' DLC (Last 3 election should tell the DLC they can't 'seal the Deal' with Real Dems, so either change your MO or just come out of the Politcal Closet).
So does this Recovered 'Clintonian' have some 'jumpiness' when I see more 'Red' than True Blue on the Cabinet..yes.
But I still hold the concept that we must all step closer to the middle, esp in times of turmoil.
I voted for Bill Twice, was an avid defender of Both throughout the '90's,Because if Compromise was the way to solve our problems then what small politcal sacrifics are required from either side, we would ultimately all Win.
So Instead of saddling Obama with my resentment towards the Complicity of the Clintons, I will try to remember WHY I voted for them in '92.Solutions to problems the Neo cons created and perpetuated throughout those 'Reagan' years. We had a good economy in the '90's too bad they laid the ground work for W & Cheney's Reign of terror.My anger towards them is caused by Hindsight.
so what 'lefties' are worried about is that we will be 'Fooled Again'
But what does the Left have the Right does not? The realization that 'enlightment' does happen. That Redemption is possible and that giving a person the opportunity to do so, is Worthwhile.
So Lets See what happens with a new 'Captain' at the helm. One that at least realizes HE is the One steering the Ship and that WE are his Map and Guiding stars to use as a gage through these Rough Waters.
How far 'left' am I..I voted For Kucinich,AGAINST Hillary, in the Rigged MI Primary.And I am telling my fellow lefties to also Simmer Down, at least let the man take Office and fuck something Up before your get the torches and pitch forks. You are doing nothing at this point than Providing Aid & Comfort to the Neo cons. One thing the Right has above & beyond the Left ...cohesive Resolve. It's going to take some manuevering to turn this ship around.
Faith is not exclusively a Term regarding the 'Almighty' it often refers to what we should have in others too. Let's not let our 'self righteousness' Indignation or paranoia create monsters out of US like it has in the Religious conservative movement because We have Faith in people too.

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If it Walks/acts like a a duck it should be treated like a duck.

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I wondered what the left would complain about once Obama got into office... well, it's Obama!

It seems the logic of Obama's appointments has escaped many. Imagine, a cabinet of qualified people with a view that is NOT only "left" and will challenge Obama views. What a way to provide a broad vision not possible when one surrounds himself with those of like mind!

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Obviously, the Obama team felt it was important enough that they needed to make a statement. We need to keep the pressure up. In any kind of contest or fight is always best to have your opponent in reaction.
As FDR said to A. Philip Randolph: "I agree with everything you say. Now make me do it," it is only outside pressure that will move the presidency to do what is right for the people.

MAB

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With all the premature rejoicing about how we were going to see a whole new kind of government that was really for the people,the signs were ignored in the hopes that once elected,Barack was going to institute change from the top on down.The only change I see is that there's no change at all.Clinton hacks are everywhere and the same hawks that put the country knee deep in feces are left at the controls of foreign policy.Anyone that thought the era of American imperialism was ending will be very dissapointed.

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Looks like despite McCain's defeat, Bush won a 3rd term.

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The so called left is questioning the judgement of Obama in surrounding himself with hawks and free marketeers who have been proven wrong and not including any significant voices of reason. Obama's supporters are saying that The One will single handedly confront his rivals and come to a proper judgment. To me that is not believable. Obama is very flexible if not opportunistic as he has shown in regard to FISA and the Public financing of elections. Also if you read the small print he did not promise anything without an escape clause. So those of us who are idealistic and fight for the good of the common man and justice and peace should not have high hopes about this One. We shall just wait and see and keep a watch on this One. We have nothing to lose since we lost everything already, economy in the tank, two to three wars going, health care in shambles etc. Pessimism is not healthy but optimism is not helpful either. I sure admire the honesty and bravery of Sirota and Scahill and their speaking truth to power. Isay to them "Bravissimo".

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During the election, McCain ads told us again and again that Obama was the most liberal member of the Senate. The media did nothing to refute this claim, nor did the Obama campaign.

In view of this recent history, is it unreasonable to think that voters believed they were voting for a liberal President? Is it unreasonable for voters to object when this administration turns out to be something other than what was advertised?

Looking back over the current administration it seems clear that Bush was neither compassionate nor a conservative. Given that the last President did not turn out to be, as advertised, a compassionate conservative, is it any surprise that voters are now concerned when this President starts appointing a team that is anything but liberal when liberal is what was advertised? Isn't it about time the voters get what they want rather than just another bait-and-switch routine?

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Would H have written that post without the approval or at least permission of O?

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Thank you David Sirota for a very interesting explanation. But when you say "Last I checked, "the left wing of the Democratic Party" forced Democrats to take a stronger position..."

Did it ever occur that maybe that is exactly what the President elect may be doing. In allowing more "centrist Democrats (ideologues)" to be in office, the President elect virtually forces progressives to become a little more vocal, which in turn forces the ideologues that have gotten things so wrong to pay attention to the progressive (the elephants in the room) ideas, policy suggestions, issues, all without the President elect appearing to be on either side!

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Is this any different than the song and dance routine given by GW to the "conservative" wing of his party? Their only real leverage is dangling the Supreme Court appointments before partisans who both want parts of our Constitution trashed. That's OK with both the Clintonites and Bushies. They despise the constitutional liberties that impede their authoritarian regimen - or more accurately: the regimen of their sponsors.
Just track the money going to Obama, Clinton and GW Bush. Do big circle charts of the bigger contributions and you will see most of the contributions fall inside all three circles - and not exclusively in any one campaign. It's infuriating to know that those with big money eating at the federal trough have no preference between major parties.

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Is everyone in this country paranoid?

One fact in the US is that the center is where governing is done. The Left and the Right will always be unhappy, and that is good. When either wing is happy the US is on the wrong course.

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All this babbling about 'who's what' reminds of the old joke about 4 women having lunch. Dear friends for many years. The ate, talked and had fun. Then the check came and the blue cheese dressing is 50 cents extra. They forget who had the blue cheese dressing and commence to argue about it. A fun lunch turns into a fight. It's not possible to go from a Bush fiasco to any kind of government that makes sense without some turmoil in between. We are at a historical low in every way. What's the difference what anyone is as long as we can salvage the country. This bickering is childish and people get to turn it into a way to make a living and make themselves more important than the problems at hand. Thanks, ANNA

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Obama never really ran as a left-leaning Democrat, he ran as a centrist. That's why, when all of the progressives I knew were demanding that I vote for Obama, I voted for Nader. Nothing surprising in his actions. Nothing new. Eight more years of a Clinton style center-right administration. Could be worse, though; it could be eight more years of a Bush administration.

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The Democratic house has always had many mansions, so it's not unusual for centrist Democrats to squabble with those on the left, although I prefer to call the former "money Democrats" and the latter "people Democrats.")

So far, except for Obama's nominations for Attorney General and UN Representative, his choices have been on the "money Democrat" side. Does this make him a "money Democrat"? I don't think so. His choices offer him a chance to sift through their advice and come to his own conclusions. Does his selection of Gates make him a Republican? No, what it does is offer some continuity in getting us out of Iraq in a quick, yet responsible way.

Does this mean that "people Democrats" should shut up? I don't think so. Obama wants to hear our voices, too. The fact that various opinions are being aired shows that our democracy is functioning the way it should.

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And I think your comment doesn't necessarily mean "head for the hills survivors and television enthusiasts." I think what it means is be prepared for tough times ahead as the infrastructures suffer.

We see it every day in the bigger metropolitan areas already, when you think about it. Some stupid thing happens and you're told, "Boil your water for the next 7 days." Or, the price of oil goes up ridiculously and suddenly you have the 64 dollar tomato. So you buy 11 pound bags of beans and rice, when affordable. There is supposedly a food shortage going on. Don't need to leave the city to hear about it. Just need to log on or tune in, right?

Of course, if you want to drop out, that's fine too. Nothing wrong with sustainability elsewhere. But it does start in your own backyard, where ever that is. I have an organic garden, in the city. It's where I am right now. As for later, who knows?

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Wake up America! The election of B. Obama is nothing but a steam release valve of a pipe about to blow. Electing a man that can bring change means 'not' that he will. A mass movement on the streets and factories is the only way to ensure moral and beneficial decisions are made for the majority of us. Is shameful and destructive that criticism of those so called progressives could unleash a broader witch hunt.

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Save an asshead or two in the mix.

I just have a couple of words for David Sirota:

It's not the right-wing maniacs that keep the world from being a better place. It's the bullshitters.

Stop using your skills to misrepresent the words of others, and stop slanting your prose so much so that in essence you're writing lies. We've had enough of that drek from the purveyors that brought us two wars and are leaving us on a sinking ship.

Who needs you?

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Your arrogance is astounding. "Progressives" were not the majority of those voting for Obama. The 54% of Americans who voted for Obama were mostly Middle America who voted against the Republicans.

"Progressives" only vote Democratic, so your vote is taken for granted. You're never going to vote for a Republican president... you know this and the Democratic Party knows this. Since Middle America elected Obama, of course he is going to cater to this group. He wants to be re-elected in 2012, so he wants to solidify the base that actually brought him to power.

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They've been bought. That's why they agree with the bought Republicans so consistently. That's why they disagree with the will of the people so consistently. And Obama is one of them. But is it enough that they have all the power and get to auction it off to the highest bidder to their heart's content? Noooooo! They want as all to thank them and kiss their asses because they pretend to be ever so slightly less corrupt and evil than the Republicans while conspiring with the Republicans to push the Republican party line on all the most significant issues. Screw'em.

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The Democratic and Republican parties are simply the left and right wings of the one Corporatist Party which rules the USA. If Obama were a serious threat to those who hold the real power, he'd never have been permitted to become President.

As Pete Townshend said: Meet the new boss...

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Weather you voted for Obama or McCain it didn't mean a thing.
2 Different men but they will take Americans to the SAME PLACE!

WE ARE ALL AWAKE NOW....stand Up and fight back before we do lose OUR RIGHTS. Forget the Parties you belong to. The're only there to DIVIDE this Country. Stand Together and we can Take Back Our Country before we are in to WWWIII and Marshal Law is in our faces. TIME IS RUNNING OUT.

This is from a Republican (40 years) Now INDEPENDENT AMERICAN.....join together and we can Really WIN!

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It's hard to tell what percentage of Democrats the Progressive movement represents but one thing's for sure they're a pretty vocal and hard working group.

Progressives raised money, registered millions of new voters, worked in committees, wrote letters, walked precincts. One might say Sen. Obama wouldn't have been elected without this margin--remember, a 53% of the vote victory wasn't a landslide.

So, clearly while recongnizing Obama's centrist nature he owes Progressives and their egalitarian philosophy BIG...! And he owes it to the country to fix the many moving parts as they're all inter-related. Get us out of Iraq/Afghanistan, restore the manufacturing base, rebalance asset allocation amongst the classes (much higher tax rates for the top 2%), create a Medicare for all health care system, reduce the size and scope of the Defense Industrial Complex, make good on the promise of a Palestinian State, participate in Kyoto, get us off oil, educate the country, federally finance all House campaigns etc. etc. etc.)

And remember these are mostly 'Progressive' positions. So it aint just about giving a nod to the left but solving intractable problems with the only solutions that stand a chance.

Unless of course we all want to live in the equivalent of a bygone Feudal State with only two classes--the 'Royals' and the other 99% of us as Serfs...

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.

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Maybe they're trying to get us all riled up so they can feign "centrism" and actually do something progressive?

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Obama is the President of ALL the people not ONLY progressives. I have no problem with his selections. I won't draw judgements or micro-manage a brilliant man like Barack Obama. I voted for Obama because of his over-all leadership abilities and they are exemplified in the way he ran his campaign as well as putting together his administation while he runs interference on GWB who seems to have left the building.

Something to think about, if Obama were suddenly to take the country from far right to far left what sort of shock would that be for our country during these very challenging and difficult times? I think it would be bad. I think slow and measured is the way to go. Give the guy a chance to do his thing and see what happens. It might not be everything you want but that's life.

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I've said it months ago. The slick image given to the voters is a smoke screen for a guy wgo's kind of a dick. Let's get past the 'big First's' for a second and really look at who's moving in to 1600 Penn. Ave.

As far as I can see,it's mostly old Clintonites and a few republican sympothizers.
The folks that supported bombing the shit out of Bosnia and Iraq for flying in the wrong spots. Ahh yes the Clinton Era 'peace' they're always talking about.

The Black Community can rightfully feel overjoyed that a person of color has reached the 'Top Office'.Although this is truly a great thing and long overdue,we must be vigilant in our observations and conclusions. But I wonder just how 'in touch' with the inner city people's of color's
life they have to live.

To have his folks telling anyone to 'pipedown' is a pretty good sign of 'closing your ears' to the people. Any idea that talks about helping the poor will be seen as coming from the extreme left. So just which 'we' are we bringing change to washington with?

The 'we' you filled with hope are tthe one's living on less than $35,000 a year,or in case you forgot,53% of America. When 53% see there's only the 'talk' of change and the 'walk' of the old ways....WE will bring CHANGE to DC and WE will make sure any BAILOUT GOES TO THE PEOPLE.

As to telling folks to 'pipedown'....get bent! This is America and we can say whatever we want,even if we disagree with the speaker.
Too bad Big O didn't have the balls to sy that about his 'long time preacher' guess he got caught with his whiteside showing.
Jeffrey7
midsmagazine.com

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about someone based on whom they appoint to represent them.

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I've never seen a more bipolar selection of articles on Alternet, than when he was elected president last month. One moment people love him, the other moment they're pissed as holy hell at him. This is going to be a fun four years. :)

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The chair in the Oval Office is still indented with W's butt cheeks. How about giving Obama a chance to actually do SOMETHING before you start screaming. I'm sure you would have gotten a lot more progressive support from McCain - remember him?

It amazes me that anyone would actually want to be President.

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Why would one of Obama's top advisers be telling the Left to shut up and leave them alone?

Isn't this pretty indicative of their plans?

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Keep it right up. If Obama keeps telling us to hush---and look, make no mistake, Obama's people are probably speaking what the man wants them to speak---it will basically piss off more progressives/liberals and maybe that's what the left of center crowd needs. Clearly during to campaign it was all eyes wide shut, like some sort of unspoken agreement to give the benefit of the doubt and not think too criticaly.

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Not only Alternet, but Counterpunch, Truthdig, Democracy Now!, et al are disappointed with Obama's staffing choices---and for the same reasons.

Maybe it's JUST POSSIBLE that these reasons are legitimate. Ya think? Naw, they must all be "under new management"! That's the only sensible explanation!

(I love this one: "I'm a leftist and I don't like these critiques of Obama's cabinet picks!" Here's a tip: you're not a leftist. You're a fool.)

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that's why i voted kucinich in the primary and mckinney in the "election"...that one of obama's higher-ups/handlers/advisers is now telling the left to shut up only supports my position...

quite frankly, i'm tired as hell of half-measures and wait-and-see attitudes...


here comes the new boss,
same as the old boss...

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How about this for a title: Obama Deputy throws mud at Progressives, tells them to shut up!

Or how about: Obama Office Cheap Shots Progressives!

Serious let's undercut the guy as much as possible before he's sworn in. That's a sure way he'll be effective in office. /shrug

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HOW a politician makes their policy decisions is even MORE important to me than the petty details of those choices.

Can you get people working together to find new and innovative solutions to America's problems?

Or do you think you know everything and no one else knows anything at all and so you're so deeply entrenched in your way that NOTHING can get done?

(How you solve the problems in your own life probably leans one of those ways or the other and very likely matches up PRECISELY with your candidate of choice.)

I think that most reasonable people would agree that Sen. Obama's attractiveness to the American voter is more than ANYTHING else founded on his willingness to reach out to the "opposition".

And that's a much better way to solve America's ENORMOUS problems!

We made those problems in our divided thinking. We need to solve them as a unity.

I'm afraid a lot of self-proclaimed progressives find it more emotionally satisfying to be "fighting" for a progressive agenda, rather than actually creating a mandate to make it happen. Obama is finding new ways to communicate this agenda that, because we've had no visionary leadership, has been bogged down for decades.

But that's not what this is about. Kavetching and sore losing, that's what this is about. It is sickening, give the man a chance. But you won't, cynical beyond measure, so whatever. From what I read on Alternet, hostile, confrontational, kavetching and losing are what Greens do best. The ones bitching here were never for Obama in the first place. Sore losers.

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He should be indicted for crimes during Ira-Contra, not given the job as Secretary of Defense. How is his nominations not of the right?

from my blog:

Gates is a great cold warrior

The final decision that solidified my admiration for Barack Obama was the selection of Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense. Not only did Gates support the Iraq War and help sell the WMD myth, he was the director of the CIA under George Bush Senior. Also, as a deputy in the CIA, he was involved in the Iran-Contra Affair.

During Iran-Contra, operatives working for the Reagan White House covertly sold weapons to Iran and used that money to fund the Contras in Nicaragua. The Contras were killing peasants, nuns, priests, teachers and others in the Nicaraguan countryside to prove that the United States model of democracy was the best. We just had to kill a few thousand people to prove it. Nicaragua, after all we did for them, had the audacity to turn communist and worst of all, fight against American dominated globalization.

It is the height of democracy to break the laws passed by Congress to fund death squads that want to re-install an oligarchy back into a sovereign Central American nation. Robert Gates, my man, was in the middle of this Iran-Contra affair and also as a Deputy Secretary in the CIA, helped Reagan support the democratic death squads in Guatemala and El Salvador. Death for democracy!

Gates was one of the architects of the "surge" in Iraq in 2007. And because 1000 more U.S. troops (about one-fourth of our total fatalities so far in the war) and uncounted Iraqis have died since the surge started, it is a success. More proof that the surge is working is that we haven't pulled out of Iraq yet and they don't have working government in Iraq. (link)

Gates is also a promoter of a nuclear arsenal and putting missiles in Europe. That should keep us safe for years to come. We can only destroy the world three times over with our nukes now. We need more firepower!

Gates was also involved in the invasion of Panama, the funding of a genocidal regime in Guatemala, supported the brutal dictatorship in Indonesia, and the backed removal of the communist Jean-Bertrand Aristide in Haiti who dared to redistribute wealth and land to his people. (link) To summarize: Gates is part of what makes American power great.

Peace,
Tex Shelters

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Geesh, who wants his job?

I see and feel a sense of urgency and excitment in this new administration many are complaining about, like horses that can't wait for the race to begin, chomping at the bit.

I remember 1968, peaceful demonstrations were met with tear gas and police or national guard in riot gear, beating demonstators with batons, beating them and beating them. Meanwhile we were entrenched in Vietnam. I remember Kent State. I remember Nixon.

Times have been worse. It is difficult for me to take the hyperbole on Alternet seriously. I believe most mean well. These are difficult and confusing days, I don't blame people for being nervous and upset. However Barack Obama is our president now. Love him or hate him no one can deny he has brought millions of new voters into our fragile imperfect democratic process. That can only be good, his 50 state strategy worked. It was the best grassroots campaign in our history and I think that is great.

We should all be praying he gets it right, too much is at stake, EVERYTHING is at stake. Clearly there is a difference between the parties. To say that is not so is nothing short of hyperbole. This country can't afford another failed presidency, it will surely be the end of us.

The I told you so's from NadErites, especially so early, is NOT going to help this country. Taking so much pleasure in it is sort of sick. Obama deserves a chance, he really does, he's earned it.

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America has currently got something it hasn't had for an exceedingly long period of time.

The New President of America has got ENORMOUS Goodwill, Hope, Love and Respect - not just from most ordinary Americans - but from most ordinary People all Over The World.

Personally I'm Not TOO concerned about the fact that he appears to have chosen a bunch of Rabid Fascists to complete the job of total, complete annhilation of not only the American people but the entire planet - that George Bush and his neocon crazies started.

However, it still concerns me greatly - the sheer Arrogance and Stupity of the American people - in that the Rest of The World perceives them as thinking that they are some higher form of humanity - and that it is O.K. for them to invade,destroy,kill and steal from Nations who are weaker than them.

America has got to change its entire philosophy first about itself.

The Rest Of The World Thinks You Are a Bunch of Insane Psychopaths Out To Plunder, Rape, Pillage, And Destroy Everything You Can Across The Entire Planet for Your Own Selfish Amusement and Greed.

America Really Does Appear To Be The EVIL Amongst Us - With Your Sidekick The Eastern European Khazzar Zionists Faking Their Allegiance to Judaism - whilst Fucking Over The Middle East in a Fake Belief That They are The Chosen People.

In my experience most Jews and most Isralies and most Americans are just as nice as the French or the British.

But I cannot handle Racism or Apartheid or Religious Nonsense in ANY Form.

Fundamentally I Don't Believe in The Devil - but it is obvious that there is Great Evil Amongst Us - and Most of It Resides in The People Who Are in Control.

The Problem is Not Going To Go Away - By Allowing People Who Are EXCEEDINGLY Powerful to Get Away With War Crimes Against Humanity

And Sure Some Islamic People May well Have Committed War Crimes Agains Humanity - and I Personally Think it is a Crime Against Humanity That Fascist Islamists Treat Women So Completely Appallingly - Such That They Insist That They Hid Their Faces In Bin Liners

But Compared To The Evil Exhibited By People Like Dick Cheney and Tony Blair - Who Are DIRECTLY Responsible For The Deaths of Millions of People of The Islamic Faith - It is Not Surprising that the Reaction Is as it Is.

We Can Either Continue Down This Path of Insanity - Or ALL Societies Throughout The World Can Have The Courage To Identify The EVIL People Amongst Us - And Arrest Them and Put Them on Trial For The Crimes We Think They Have Committed.

Some of them may be innocent.

I Do Not Believe In The Death Penalty.

But Unless We Have The Courage To Address The Evil Amongst Ourselves Then We Cannot Move Forward and Make Sensible Decisions About How All Life Can Co-exist on This Planet in a Sustainable Way - Or ANY WAY

We Either Do This - Or Hell On Earth Is The Result.

Tony

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Call me crazy, but I get the feeling that the "Left" (whatever that means in this country right now) is going to have some serious leverage in the coming few years despite itself.

The fact that there is this much public antipathy this soon indicates an administration that is paying much more attention than most lefties are ready for!

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Steve Hildebrand's stalinist attempt to enforce "discipline" on the "left" of the Democratic Party simply reinforces my disgust with Obama's supposedly "inclusive" politics. Anyone who hasn't drank the koolade can see Obama for exactly what he is: an overly cautious centrist Democrat interested only in infintesimal, incremental "small change" when the situation demands radical structural adjustment. I can just imagine an "Invasion Of The Body Snatchers" - type scenario at these fatuous "Change Is Coming" confabs over the weekend when anyone has the temerity to mention an immediate full-scale withdrawl from Iraq and Afghanistan or rescinding the Bush tax cuts in order to free up money for Medicare for all (universal health care). Such a typical thing to say from a rep for the petit-bourgeois professional class that bet their kids' and grandkids' future on a ponzi scheme (the stock market) that's blown up in their faces.

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Steve is trying to suggest --- that Obama works in a methodical, serial, and thorough way with cooperation.

He says, "Over time, there will be many, many issues that come before him. But first let's get our economy moving, bring our troops home safely, fix health care, end climate change and restore our place in the world."

But in saying this look what you are really saying, "first economy AND troops home AND healthcare AND climate AND restore America's place" --- by your own listing of FIVE things "first" you are acknowledging that the problems are not linear and singular issues but must be done all together FIRST.

Precisely because of what you said, which is correct, all these problems must be addressed en mass. But the good news is that all these problems ARE connected and CAN BE addressed at the same time (not piecemeal or serially).

The singular cause of all these problems 'at home' and 'abroad' is one thing --- Empire.

As Hannah Arendt diagnosed decades ago of the Nazi Empire, "Empire abroad (always) entails tyranny at home" -- and economic oppression, and secret police, and injustice, and wars, and spying, and waste of commonwealth treasury, etc.

Luckily, Obama CAN address all of these problems simultaneously by cutting off the head of the rattlesnake that is poisoning us all in the US --- the 'corporate financial Empire' that fully controls our country by hiding behind the facade of its 'Vichy' government and sham faux-democracy that it owns.

Yes, Obama can confront and fight this ruling-elite 'corporate financial Empire' at once and en mass --- and that will address all these issues "first".

Secondly, yes, we should work to push and help Obama in this major task of fighting the entrenched empire in our land, just as our fore fathers had to fight and "hang together" to fight the British Empire's dual headed political AND economic oppression right here in our same land before it could become our country. The British Empire was a political economic empire sitting, oppressing, and looting right here in the American colonies, just as this modern and more guileful 'corporate financial Empire' is sitting, controlling, and oppressing we Americans right inside our own country.

What Obama deserves is for his supports his backers, his patriots to tell him that they are not too frail to recognize that we have a corporatist financial Empire right in our midst, that we can deal with that hard truth, and that we will work and fight with him (like our fore father's fought together with America's first president --- before Gen Washington had a country to be president of), and that we will do whatever is necessary to take on this modern 'Vichy' empire destroying our country in so many ways --- but that this is a battle, a revolution that can be fought on all fronts at once, because the Empire is the single enemy that must be expunged from our land.

Brave American colonists battling to form their own self-governing democratic republic not on the basis of totally separate issues like, stamp taxes on one hand, and forced conscription of American seamen on another hand, and coercive acts of Royal governors taking control of states, or the royally chartered British East India Corporation monopolizing tea prices in Boston, or quartering British imperial troops in colonists home ---- but the fact that all these multiple problems and oppressions poured from one poisoned cup: Empire.

If, after being made aware that a 'corporate financial Empire' is the singular source of all the problems that Steve documents, and if after 'we the people' pledge to fight this empire together with Obama then he has to decide if he is going to be the leader to bring our country to a singular revolutionary battle to restore democracy and expunge empire.

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I am one of those noisy left wing progressives....and I agree with Obama's aide! I voted for Obama because I trusted his intelligence and his integrity. I have yet to see a reason for me to question my decision. The man is not president yet. He has my full support in surrounding himself with those he believes to be best equipped to actually get the job done vs. inflaming the rhetoric. If he does not then apply the leadership and direction to this staff towards accomplishing the things upon which he based his campaign...I promise to join you in the trenches! We liberals have a history of being able to screw up almost any election......we won this one. Let us not now screw up the victory. I am personally proud that when we finally got one of us in the office again, he is already being the anti-Bush by surrounding himself with competency instead of cronies....and that he has the confidence in himself to be able to listen and learn from many, and then lead appropriately.

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I don't know how the Google Ads appear in America re discussions such as this - but here in England we get Ads with a Photo - "Millions of Singles in the UK" - "Browse Girls"

I would just like to say that the Girl they featured last week was completely and utterly totally fucking Georgeous.

I tried clicking on the ad just to increase the advertising revenue that Alternet Received.

I am completely Amazed that I have not been banned from Alternet considering some of the stuff I post when I am completely off my head.

Thank You - to the People who own and run this site for allowing me to continue to post my views.

Tony

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Steve: You've got it bass ass backwards. In a democracy, you don't tell the people what to do. They tell you what to do. Open your ears and shut your mouth. And do the right thing.

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I'm getting sick of all this waiting for Obama to finally be the president. The time is dragging and it is also causing too many negative comments about Obama, his choices, and his team. Let's everyone chill and focus on important stuff. Let us give the man and his team some time to do their work. Stop the griping and the arguing.

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Yes Obama was not running on a left democrat agenda. But the left democrats have to organize their grass root and continue to make their demands known. it is true that when you govern you have to reach consensus, but it is also true when you stand to the left or the right to the president you continue to express your view and campaign for you demand es and that is democracy. Now the left outside the democratic party, should also use the people demand for change to organize and depending on the issue, either support or oppose Obama administration.

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Toms Jefferson and Paine nailed it.

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