Home
Archive
Newsletters
Video
Blogs
Discuss
About
Search
Donate
Advertise
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
  • AlterNetYour turn

Support AlterNet
Do you value the information you're getting from AlterNet? Please show your support with a tax-deductible donation.


Feedback
Tell us how we're doing.

Advertisement
Advertisement

We're Mad as Hell and the Dems Aren't Listening

By Jim Hightower, Hightower Lowdown. Posted January 14, 2008.


The Democrats' fizzle in the face of the power-grabbing Bush administration is doing serious damage to America's political psyche.

Share and save this post:

      

      

Share on Facebook       

AlterNet Social Networks:
follow us on twitter
find us on Facebook

More stories by Jim Hightower

Advertisement
Upcoming AlterNet stories on Digg

What I am hearing from across the country is a surge of angst and discouragement. In conversations, calls, emails, and letters, people in general (and progressives in particular) are expressing profound dismay at the deterioration of America's democracy, not only because of the BushCheney regime, but also, and especially, because of the fecklessness of the Democratic Congress.

"For crying out loud! Why do we even bother to have elections?" Mark wailed in an email.

I am afraid of what this country has become and that at any minute the people in charge may bomb Iran, and I have lost all hope that there will be any checks and balances," Marshaleigh wrote, adding bluntly, "Congress doesn't work."

Jay bemoaned the dismal performance of Congress in this letter to the editor: "Despite the 2006 congressional elections and the overwhelming antiwar sentiment among our citizens...[Democrats] have become enablers of the White House's misbegotten Iraq venture."

Susan wrote, "What little optimism I had is vanishing. I am much more overwhelmed by the Democratic party's lack of gumption than I was by Bush's wickedness. And the small ideas offered by the presidential candidates make me cringe. I need help."

The damage now being done to America's political psyche by the Democrats' fizzle is way out of the ordinary. These writers are smart, engaged, committed people who are not easily surprised or discouraged by negative political developments. They constitute the grassroots base of progressive activism in our country, and it is truly worrisome that even they are becoming dispirited -- especially as we head into a watershed election year.

The capitulation Congress

It is not some vague funk that's afflicting the public, not some general ennui caused by seven years of Bushdom. Rather, it's a growing despair -- and a rising national embarrassment -- brought on by an ongoing series of specific, disheartening collapses by Democrats, who are turning out to be weaker than Canadian hot sauce. For example:

  • The Iraq war rages on, and public anger over this is boiling not merely because the people's own clear opposition to the war is being dishonored, but also because congressional efforts to stop Bush are so halting and halfhearted. True, the Democrats' majority is so slim that they can't overcome a presidential veto of a withdrawal timetable, but this is only one approach. We The People want to see some real spunk, an all-out push that is equal to the seriousness of the disastrous damage being done by this war. There should be a barrage of investigative hearings, a proliferation of exposes on war profiteering, a surge of subpoenas, a hailstorm of contempt citations, a thousand specific cuts (none harming the troops) in Bush's war budget, an unleashing of Congress's "inherent contempt" power--in other words, a strategic, unrelenting antiwar offensive using all of the unique powers of the legislative branch to march right in the face of BushCheney executive arrogance, reframe the debate, and rally the people.
  • A final straw for so many Americans -- conservative as well as progressive -- was the Democrats' surrender on Bush's nomination of Michael Mukasey to be attorney general. At first, the media ballyhooed the nominee as a "moderate" Bushite and considered him a shoo-in. Then he stumbled in his Senate hearing by declaring (1)that he couldn't say if waterboarding of war prisoners amounts to torture, even though U.S. and international law flatly say it is; and (2)that he believes Bush has the inherent power to ignore or overrule American laws. Right then and there, the Judiciary Committee should have shown him the door. Instead, two "liberal" Democrats, Chuck Schumer and Diane Feinstein (from the safely blue states of New York and California, respectively), betrayed us and the Constitution, leading the way to approval of Bush's bad choice. Pathetically, these two Democratic wimps claimed that Mukasey had assured them in private that if Congress passed a law outlawing waterboarding, he would enforce it. Yoo-hooooo...it's already illegal! If Congress votes to re-outlaw the practice, Bush can veto the bill or just ignore it. As for Mukasey's saying that Bush can unilaterally and autocratically negate the laws of our land, Schumer and Feinstein let this pass without so much as a whimper. Without the votes of these two Sadcrats, Mukasey's nomination would not have gotten out of committee. Now, we're stuck with him. They reduced Congress's mighty power of "advise and consent" to a rubber stamp for presidential supremacy.

Digg!    Share on facebook   submit to reddit    Bookmark on Delicious   Stumble This  

See more stories tagged with: democrats, republicans, democracy, activism, progressives, accountability

From "The Hightower Lowdown," edited by Jim Hightower and Phillip Frazer, December 2007. Jim Hightower is a national radio commentator, writer, public speaker and author of Thieves In High Places: They've Stolen Our Country and It's Time to Take It Back.

Liked this story? Get top stories in your inbox each week from AlterNet! Sign up now »

Advertisement
Advertisement

 

Comments Turn comments off sitewide Give us feedback »
Comments closed.
The comments for this story have been closed. Thank you to everyone who participated.
View:
The Hour Is Late
Posted by: NoPCZone on Jan 14, 2008 1:13 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
If something does not happen, very soon, we are going to have a laughable choice between two Republicans come November for President of the United States. I do not consider that overstatement or hyperbole. Obama and Clinton are more of the same DLC, Republican-lite that got our nation in the mess it is in.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» It's Worse than That Posted by: ProgressiveManiac
» RE: It's Worse than That Posted by: douglashoyt
» RE: It's Worse than That Posted by: leocthasme
» The hour is more than late, Posted by: Lector
» VOTE KUCINICH... Posted by: undrgrndgirl
» RE: The Hour Is Late Posted by: Libsrule
» RE: The Hour Is Late Posted by: 1gma
» RE: The Hour Is Late Posted by: Sandy D
right on...
Posted by: Joel Tyner on Jan 14, 2008 1:35 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
thanks again, Jim!...keep up the good work...

[I need to get you to call into my show sometime!]

Joel Tyner
Dutchess County Legislator
(Clinton/Rhinebeck)
joeltyner@earthlink.net
http://www.realmajorityproject.blogspot.com

[ host of WVKR's "Real Majority Project" Sunday nights 9 to 11 pm on 91.3 FM http://www.wvkr.org -- call in at 845-437-7178 to be on the air!]

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Money
Posted by: Tompatriot on Jan 14, 2008 3:55 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The only thing these Wasington whores understand is money. No balls. No money. No spine. No Money. No end to war. No Money. No impeachment. No Money!!!!!!!!!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The way things are goin'
Posted by: papananook on Jan 14, 2008 4:00 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Pretty soon none of us are gonna have any money to send 'em anyway. Boycott Dem support $$$ except to those 82 Progressives Hightower mentioned and make sure they get with us here on the outside!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

We Need Kucinich in the Whitehouse
Posted by: Trainer12 on Jan 14, 2008 4:23 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Jim, great article, keep it up! Be well raise more hell or was it raise less corn, and raise more hell. Anyway, we need Kucinich on the top of the Democratic ticket and he needs to be in the Whitehouse. What do you think? Since the MSM is not covering him and allowing him to debate we need progressives like you to cover his campaign. Thanks,

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» Dennis will debate!! Posted by: undrgrndgirl
Bulls Eye
Posted by: liblady2008 on Jan 14, 2008 5:04 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Other than a few like Russ Feingold and Barbara Boxer the democratic senators, as well as a large number of democratic representatives, have been afraid of their own shadow - or the reasons for their capitulation is far more sinister.

Pelosi and Reid should read up to see how well collaborating worked out for those who did that in France with the Nazi takeover.

It is so frustrating to see how this presidential election is setting up. The media and the money have made sure we get to only choose between two republican lite types.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Everything remains the same.
Posted by: Pau on Jan 14, 2008 5:18 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I used to be a fervent admirer of american democracy, freedom, opportunities, etc. I was at Berkeley in the fifties and even participated in leftish campus politics, for which, being a foreign student, I had to pay for, but I am grateful for the education I got. Later, I even worked for GM and later for Ford. I met wonderful people and made good friends.
But now, in my old age and seeing things in perspective and the low level to which the Bushites have taken the country, the image of the two Americas is hunting me.
Can the colonization of North America considered a civilized, humane undertaking?. No, it was made at gun point, with the support of the seventh of cavalry. And after the Louisiana purchase, expansion continued by the same system from Texas to California.
I can not even consider the Civil War, in spite of its wonderful results wit the abolition of esclavitude which was not an issue at its begginning, as democratic behaviour. It was an imposition by military force.
The Cuban war, done under false pretensions when the Spaniards were already defeated. The participation in WWI when the american public did not care about it, WWII for which Roosevelt had to hide his intentions until after his reelection (and thanks for it, yes), the suport, even imposition, of latin american criminals Videla, Pinochet, etc..
The American Ideal is a wonderful product of Hollywood propaganda, it has fooled americans and foreigners alike.
So, I ask please the democratic party, to get off their ass, and do something for a country I once loved.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

its much worse than mere fizzle.
Posted by: illit on Jan 14, 2008 5:28 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
the following few voted against HR 1955 aka the Thought Crime Bill (sponsored by DEM. Rep. Jane Harman (CA):
Nay HI-1 Abercrombie, Neil [D]
Nay IL-12 Costello, Jerry [D]
Nay TN-2 Duncan, John [R]
Nay AZ-6 Flake, Jeff [R]
Nay OH-10 Kucinich, Dennis [D]
Nay CA-46 Rohrabacher, Dana [R]

The totals were 404 Ayes, 6 Nays, 22 Present/Not Voting. (Ron Paul didn't vote)

dangerous ideologies as expressed by Jefferson, Adams, Paine, etc will be crimes.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Since we like electing Texans so much...
Posted by: gazooks on Jan 14, 2008 5:28 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Why the hell don't we have a Hightower Ticket?

Now there's a choice I could happily live with.

Stay with it Jim! Maybe your time will come for an office equal to your good sense and full wit.

Meantime, grateful for your presence.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

LeftyLaura
Posted by: LeftyLaura on Jan 14, 2008 5:31 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This article certainly resonated for me. I especially appreciate that you proposed a pragmatic solution, so we can move beyond anger and frustration. I forwarded the piece to the folks at Move On to ask them to help take on the organizing of the Progressive Caucus. We shall see.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: LeftyLaura Posted by: Lauren
» Don't forget health care issue Posted by: bthespoon
BETRAYED
Posted by: Don Garb on Jan 14, 2008 5:36 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Just hold that word in your mind for a moment: betrayed. These psychopathic scumbags have betrayed everything: every American, every human being, everything that ever lived or moved, the entire planet.

And because the puppeteers who pull their strings also control the media, all the public ever hears about is Britney Spears' panties.

Vote for an independant, or create a new political party, or vote out the incumbent. The psychopaths have declared war against life, only be realizing this and adopting a war resistance mentality, can we save the only good planet we will ever have.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: BETRAYED Posted by: Lauren
» RE: BETRAYED Posted by: dockboy
» RE: BETRAYED Posted by: ptoddchesser
» RE: BETRAYED Posted by: Intellect
» RE: BETRAYED Posted by: Lauren
» RE: BETRAYED Posted by: flapdoodle
» RE: BETRAYED Posted by: WillieD
The mad polar bears...
Posted by: tico on Jan 14, 2008 5:41 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The author states: On issue after issue -- war, the imperial presidency, health care, jobs, environment, unions, etc. -- the public is overwhelmingly progressive and wants action.

Hmmm... really?? So how come Kucinich, the only candidate who can argue to have a consistent track record of voting for sincerely progressive issues, got less than 2% of the vote both in Iowa and New Hampshire? If "the public" really were that progressive they would, first of all, get themselves familiar with what the different Dem. candidates really stand for and how consistent the candidates have been on these issues. A vote for Kucinich would have been inevitable in that case. Now, all that's happening is jumping the bandwagon of shooting a lame duck, the GOP administration.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» we need IRV Posted by: toddcory
» RE: The mad polar bears... Posted by: mwildfire
» RE: The mad polar bears... Posted by: Lauren
» E-L-E-C-T-A-B-I-L-I-T-Y Posted by: MuddPi
We're mad and disillutioned
Posted by: kirktc on Jan 14, 2008 6:03 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Thank you for giving voice to how so many of us feel about our governments immature behavior.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

the never-ending treadmill
Posted by: DBachmozart on Jan 14, 2008 6:24 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Once again, the US left is on a never-ending treadmill - lesser evilism/ work within the Democratic party to "push" it to the left. This has been our paradigm since the 1930s. Wake up people - there is no economic basis for another New Deal. The only choice we are being offered by the two corporate/war parties is between evil and - evil. Clinton/Gore opened the door to Bush/Cheney in terms of war against Iraq, privatization, outsourcing, continued environmental destruction and government cutbacks. The Dems have nothing to offer but more of the same. The so-called "progressives" lack any semblance of a spine. Either vote for the Greens, or vote NO by staying home.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

"The Forgotten Summer of George McGovern"--and Gore Vidal
Posted by: zooeyhall on Jan 14, 2008 6:44 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Why should the democrats take the People's side any more than the Republicans? They are feeding at the same corporate hog trough as the republicans. They are sleeping in the same bed. They benefit just as much from the exploitation of the riff-raff as the republicans.

I just got done watching "One brief shining moment: The Forgotten Summer of George McGovern" on DVD. I recommend that everyone interested in serious political reform get this DVD.

One of the things from watching this DVD is a comment that Gore Vidal made in it. He said that he came from the American Ruling class, and that the ruling class HATES the people. "If you could put George Bush under pentethol, he would tell you that he hates the "people" Get rid of them! They're a nuisance!"

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

25ghostcommander
Posted by: 25ghostcommander on Jan 14, 2008 6:48 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The only way that the USA can be saved may be a Revolution!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Democrats are afraid
Posted by: surfreality on Jan 14, 2008 6:50 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
to have the single most important conversation that the country requires. Which is about who we are. What does America stand for? MS Dems are afraid to talk about values and morality. They are afraid such discussions will lead to charges of being "soft on terrorism". The reality is MS Dems are soft on Bush administration crime.
So take the cases directly to the American people and frame the questions as simply as possible.
Example: Does the President have the right to lie to the American people? To abrogate treaties? To ignore the law?
Does the CIA have the right to kidnap? torture?
Do innocent American and foreign victims of the war on terror have the right to sue for redress in American courts?
Should the phone company allow the government to monitor your communications without a warrant? If they do should they be punished?
Is fear a good excuse for any of the above?
Let's talk more about fear. It's the single strongest driving force behind the dark side that Bushco has unleashed on America and the world.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Dump the Democrats! The time to start a new People's Peace Party is NOW
Posted by: jcrw on Jan 14, 2008 7:04 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Dump the Democrats!

We Need a New People's Peace Party
Independent of Corporate Money!


As both Democratic and Republican parties are now corporate funded, they both support corporate agendas. Both Obama and Clinton support a continuation of the war in Iraq, both support corporate "for-profit" health care agendas. On many issues essential to corporate profit there has been, for many years, bi-partisan support. We essentially have a corporate political establishment party with two branches. We need to establish a new party independent of corporate money that is free to represent the interests of the people.

We must go beyond looking for any one "candidate" or individual who can be trusted to become elected and then solve all our problems. Historically, these individuals end up being targets of assassination and corruption. Non-corporate third parties are typically very small, financially impoverished, and often committed to an ideology that is often incomprehensible to most people. We need to hold the people's elected iofficials to account to a people's platform and agenda. If they do not fulfill the promises, platforms, and needs of the people, they should be removed from office as soon as possible.

Now is the time to establish a new political party, a People's Peace Party

The People's Peace Party (PPP) shall be an "umbrella party" that will unite the millions of people now in opposition to the current corporate regime and it's various foreign and domestic policies. Millions are opposed to the war in Iraq. Millions are of Americans are concerned about global warming, lack of affordable health care, lack of living wage jobs, the destruction of public education, etc. The massive shift in wealth to the benefit of a few is destroying the living standards of the vast majority of people.

There now exists a "virtual" People's Peace Party among the tens of millions of people who are opposed to the on-going destruction of this country and it's peoples. We are atomized and left powerless by the existing political situation. For many years we have joined single issue campaigns and have marched, protested, written letters, supported Pacifica Radio KPFK, listened to "Democracy Now!", and tried to be as "activist" as personally possible. Despite all these efforts we remain collectively powerless and the needs of the people for peace go unfulfilled.

"Divide and conquer" has been used throughout history by ruling elites to maintain power and control over exploited populations. The existing corporate regime in the U.S. has constantly tried to destroy any natural alliances between oppressed peoples. Race, language, nationality, and class are constantly used to keep the people atomized and politically powerless. We the people of the United States, forever exploited and increasingly impoverished by these divisive tactics, understand how this has worked in the past. We must now seek a new way to unite our forces and energies to create an ecologically sustainable society that seeks to end the vast social in-equalities that are destroying us all.

Corporate control of government has meant that corporate agendas to maximize corporate profit have become federal policy. Or more simply put - the corporations are looting the federal government. War will continue as long as war is to make profit for oil companies and the military-industrial complex. Bush has stated that he would not endorse any environmental policy that threatens the profit of polluting business. No serious reconstruction aid for Katrina victims because there is essentially no profit to corporate business in helping poor people. Privatization of all social institutions is relentlessly pursued.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

NOT ENOUGH MAJORITY
Posted by: shd1230 on Jan 14, 2008 7:07 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
UNFORTUNATELY THE EDGE IS SO SMALL THAT THE BUSHIT BOY CAN VETO ANYTHING RELEVANT, AND HAS DONE SO--KNOWING THAT THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH DEMOCRATS TO OVERRIDE.

THAT BEING SAID, THE DEMOCRATS SEEKING THE NOMINATION FOR PRESIDENT ARE NOT SAYING ANYTHING MUCH ABOUT THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION. IF THE SITUATION WERE REVERSED YOU CAN BET THAT THE REPUBS WOULD BE JUMPING ALL OVER--THEY ARE STILL BLAMING BILL CLINTON FOR A LOT OF STUFF THAT THEY DID WHILE HE WAS PRESIDENT.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: NOT ENOUGH MAJORITY Posted by: EinMD
Oy
Posted by: g50 on Jan 14, 2008 7:11 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I was reading this article, and didn't realize it was Jim Hightower. I find it pretty depressing that when he says quotes Ben Cohen about the legions of progressives who will be ready to act "when someone tells them what to do." This is a problem. You can't do what you want if you play follow the leader.

In addition, the Democrats probably don't want you all to be actively rousing the rabble, shouting slogans to end the war, etc. They have an election to win and they don't want ya'll to make the party seem so lefty - need I remind you that this whole McGovern strategy was excellent for Nixon. The Democrats can actually bring a reasonable end to the war if they have the Congress & White House. The Republicans will just continue the occupation - which was the point of invading, to occupy & let the contractors profit, right?

If it is true that there are these millions of ready-to-go activists, the best thing to do is organize at the local level. Even you admit that progressives in national office are but a fraction of all the elected officeholders in Washington. It took the conservative movement decades of local and state activism before enough of the country viewed itself as conservative that the Republicans were elected to the majority in Congress. And don't forget that they had quite a few obstacles to contend with - in the fifties, for example, it was openly held that conservatism was a form of authoritarian personality disorder and linked to fascism. But they did the work at the local and state level first. It will take a long time before progressive is a national majority. But that does not mean it is impossible.

In fact, everything is moving in your favor. If the Democrats play it safe, they will win a commanding electoral majority. That alone gives the grassroots the political party that it actually has connections to a chance to decide policy - and policy is built from the ground up. Victories for your side are inevitable, but victories take two, three, four decades. You have to be in this for the long haul. There is no quick fix - being depressed that this entire mess that is many, many years in the making has not been cleaned up since 2006 is premature. The Democrats have only been in office one year.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Oy Posted by: Lauren
» RE: Oy Posted by: g50
» RE: Oy Posted by: WillieD
This comment has been removed from the site due to non-compliance with AlterNet's community policies.
Ever onward
Posted by: Kuressaare on Jan 14, 2008 7:33 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
U.S. people have believed their own mythology much longer than other people: one is reminded much of the USSR, only those people were parroting, and we knew it. Americans love those words of Jefferson's, but he owned slaves. Reconcile that! Congress doesn' work because your cement-carved party sructure has one against the other come hell or high water. Though here is not much difference now, not like the good old days of southern Democrats and he KKK and republicans pretending to want to end it. The Dems. did it. You may indeed have war with Iran. They are not Arabs, but imagine, how many Muslims are there in he world. You think a population as great as the US. will sit by? And with more PH.D.'s per person than almost anywhere, with oil money in the big players unlimited, far advanced and mostly in engineering and including nuclear science. They use it to desalinate seawater. Is that all? You hope.

There is also the royal President. Odd, most of the EU like Canada are democratic monarchies, these are not the same as autocratic monarchies like Sa'udi Arabia. They evolve without revolution, and they are light miles ahead of you. Wouldn't Franco turn in his grave to see boys kissing down he Ramblas and the entire scope of freedom putting Spain ahead of almost everyone? But no, U.S. has the old Louis XIV style monarchy, not the George III, who was one of the best kings ever. The entire cabinet responsibility system evolved under him. And you still recite all that bull about the "Tyrant." You could get educated, you know. No, and no, got the other kind of king, AND WITH RELIGION BY GOD. I don't believe a word of it. And you cant' find anyone or anyway to put a ring around his neck. High treason, Texas, compassionate executioner. Think about it. You froze up since 1776, you never even saw "l984", you are still there. You need a constitutional convention or some other more acceptable name, to redo your whole system, it is an all-fired mess. You don't care, we really don't either in other places, if you would just disappear.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: ver onward Posted by: g50
» RE: Complete thoughts Posted by: carcinoid112
CERTAIN Dems Aren't Listening
Posted by: SBean on Jan 14, 2008 7:40 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I didn't bother reading your article, Jim. I just searched for "Kucinich", and when I only found it in the comments I knew that your article was a waste of time. Being "mad as hell" is a waste of time, too, if you don't have a direction or can't see who's acting in your best interest and support them.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Off the treadmill!
Posted by: PaulK on Jan 14, 2008 7:56 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
There will always, always be a minority of progressives in Congress versus a majority of privately financed grafters. There will always be exactly two parties in power, splitting the American people right down the middle.

This is the nature of 51% elections. I don't condemn things because of their nature, but I look for ways around the problem.

If some group of crooks won't give you honest and fair elections, go out on your own website and form your own protest elections. You are the heirs of a free country. Seek social happiness and freedom. Fair enough?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Discouraged? No, not quite...
Posted by: EinMD on Jan 14, 2008 8:24 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'm not discouraged or apathetic.

I am ANGRY.

Not just 'that dude cut me off in traffic' angry. Seething... burning... furiously vibrating with rage style angry. Angry to the point where i've thought of moving to Sweden so I can live in a country that is actually free rather than Free{tm} like we are here. But i'm not going to because this is MY FUCKING COUNTRY damnit!

I am angry at the Republicans for violating their oaths of office. I am angry at the Republicans for allowing GWB to shit on the very document that gives him the power he welds like a drunken man in a bar with a 40oz bottle. I am angry at every $300 million dollar Gravina Island Bridge project and Oil subsidy and unfunded inner city school that exists because of Republican politics. I am angry at them for the pointless partisanship and obstructionism that allows them to enact a tyranny of the minority policy even though a short time ago they were in the majority and wouldn't even allow the Democrats to come to the table. I am angry at being called a traitor or being told I have 'Bush Derangement Syndrone' because I don't blindly follow a man who couldn't make money with a baseball team or an oil company and is now running my country off a cliff. I am tired of being told I don't support the troops because I will never support a war of choice or one built on proven lies. Especially since it was under the Republican majority that the Walter Reed hospital went to shit. You wanna know why your Private First Class son or daughter blew their brains out when he got home? Because war isn't something you should go into for shits and giggles or because you want to make your buddies at Halliburton and Exxon rich beyond their wildest dreams.

I am angry because Republicans can break laws with impunity and no repercussions even when it endangers national security or thousands of human lives. I am angry because the whole fucking party decided that they no longer serve the people, but their own interests. I am angry at the Republicans for stirring up bullshit issues like immigration (did you care about it before they started using it as an issue in 06? No, you didn't) and for using 3-card-monty resolutions like the 'Only Christians Matter' House Resolution 888 to distract from the fact that they aren't doing the people's business but are actually wasting the people's time and money sucking the cock of the religious right.

But I am even more angry at the so called majority party Democrats because they haven't lifted finger one to stop them. The only one with Balls down there is Chris Dodd and the only issue he's stood up on is whether or not to give telecoms immunity. Where was he when honest Americans were being put on no fly lists? Where was he when Project Truth in Florida got invaded and snooped on by Military Intelligence because they are mostly Quakers and don't agree with the war?

Where was Nancy Pelosi when Bush took it upon himself to violate the Constitution and suspend habeas corpus? Where was she when Bush authorized the NSA to violate federal law, even though he is not empowered to do so even in times of war.

Where was Harry Reid when when millions of emails were sent through Republican party email servers and deleted in order to circumvent the laws that make these things records of the United states that need to be protected?

Where were either of them when Bush laughed about violating federal law, civil rights, torture. Where was Leahy when Gonzales was smirking his 'I don't know' answers and now makes $50,000 a speech in the private sector?

Nancy Pelosi should be impeached for her willingness to sweep impeachment into the dustbin using the Constitution and Reid should be right out the door behind her.

The Republican party and the Bush administration are criminal. But the Democratic party is at the very least complicit

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Discouraged? You Betcha! Posted by: FAITHCARR
Where is the Third Party?
Posted by: John Edward on Jan 14, 2008 8:29 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Since all the members of both houses are all Republicrats cowering at the feet of their corperate masters it would seem to me that a populist, soak the rich approach would actually work. Other than John Mirtha's show of courage 2 years ago, no one in either house has shown me anything. The first step they should take is to admit that Bush is insane and should be treated as such. He should be the lamest lame duck in history at this point in time with no say about anything due to 7 years of continuous failure.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» Third parties roadblocked Posted by: MuddPi
Break up the media conglomerates - and explain why it has to be done to the public.
Posted by: thoughtcriminal on Jan 14, 2008 8:50 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
John Edwards promised to break up media conglomerates if elected, but the media conglomerates who control the presidential debates aren't going to let that be discussed.

As Hightower says, "The public invisibility of most progressive lawmakers is a failure of America's conglomerated, celebrity-riveted media, of course, but it's also a glaring failure of the progressive movement's strategy...

However, it's hard to play to the outside when "the outside" can't hear what you have to say.

There's no way of getting around the need to take on the media Borg. They're the ones who provided the real support for the Iraq invasion (by publishing a pack of blatant lies about WMDs as the truth), they're the ones who refuse to cover the trade war issue (Lou Dobbs wouldn't dream of replacing his daily tirade against illegal immigration with a daily tirade against NAFTA and other U.S. trade deals), and they've even tried to play down the torture and illegal domestic spying carried out by the Bush Administration (There's no daily Lou Dobbs rant about torture and political surveillance, right?).

You cannot pander to the corporate press, you cannot cut a deal with the corporate press, you cannot beg them to give you some positive, unspun coverage, you cannot hope for them to willingly change their behavior. All the public media conglomerates need to be broken up under antitrust law - all they are now is a propaganda-and-distraction service for government and corporate entities.

Look, for example, at how this presidential election has already been heavily controlled by Big Media interests - the exclusion of Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul from ABC, NBC and FOX debates (Disney, General Electric and NewsCorp), the attempts to sideline John Edwards, and the massive pro-Hillary Clinton/Mitt Romney spin of the press coverage. Now, the press is trying to make the election about "race and sex" - which is a deliberate ploy to avoid the real issues.

Other "failures" of the corporate press:

1) They did not cover the details of the stolen and fraudulent 2000 election - and they still seem to want to claim that that election was "fair". They've given little or no coverage to the easily manipulated electronic voting systems.

2) They published government lies about Iraq's WMDs and the link between Saddam and 9/11 - unquestioned, unchecked, and presented as fact. That led to the Iraq invasion and many thousands of deaths, as well as many lucrative government contracts for Halliburton, Bechtel, and many others.

3) They've refused to discuss the many impeachable offenses of George Bush - and that's after running front-page articles on the Clinton impeachment for months on end in the late 1990s. What's worse? Sex with an intern, or killing thousands of people in an illegal war founded on deliberate lies, engaging in illegal domestic spying without judicial oversight, setting up torture programs in Iraq and Gitmo, outing CIA agents for political purposes, firing US attorneys for political purposes, and generally acting like a dictator who wants to overthrow the Constitution?

Any good front-page headlines in their? Or was it all just "a misunderstanding?"

The corporate press is definitely NOT a "neutral observer." They've always got a horse in the race that they're covering. Set up an anti-war event, invite the media, and they'll try and portray it as a violent riot - or they'll ignore it entirely.

Next time you want to have a protest, you might consider targeting the people who've been busy selling lies to the U.S. public for the past ten years. People need to be informed of just how rotten the press in this country has become. That might just be the most important story of all.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The wheels of Congress have NEVER been greased lightning
Posted by: xbj on Jan 14, 2008 9:20 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Look, it even took Bush a year after he came into office before he could pull off 9-11. A further year after that before he could bomb Baghdad back to the stone age. They've been working on Iran since then and it still (thank GOD) hasn't happened.

Even when you make fascist totalitarian law by executive signing statements, the wheels of time STILL take time to roll.

And when you have to actually follow the law and the Constitution to make law, and you're hampered with an obstructionist minority at every possible turn, look people; THERE'S JUST ONLY SO MUCH YOU CAN DO.

The problem is not the Democrats; the problem is not Congress; the problem is COMPLETELY UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS coming from, in some cases, complete and total ignorance at how our government actually WORKS.

You want change? Kick every single NaziGOP obstructionist craphead you can out on their ass this time around. That will get you some REAL change.

Damn, some people have some mighty short memories...

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Maybe its time to return to the Pamphlet...
Posted by: elmojo on Jan 14, 2008 9:31 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
...Thomas Paine's medium of choice, since MSM is never going to air, what Jim identifies as, the real mainstream views of the nation. I think a 2-color pamphlet that we could download as an Adobe Illustrator file would be the ticket. The file could be taken to Kinko's and cheaply printed. Wouldn't it make us all feel better if we could place a nice pamphlet behind every screen door in our neighborhood? The walk itself might do us good.

Jim, how about a sunny tract on the economic benefits of Populism for starters?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

We Are Mad...
Posted by: Romantic Violence on Jan 14, 2008 9:50 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I love this title..who cares? Obviously the politicians on high at Mt. Olympus don't and why should they? We are the blame for this condition. Ever since the legislation of the Alien and Seditious Acts, the Fugitive Slave Act(s) of 1793 and 1850, the Espionge Act 1917, and every other 'Act' ever since, we have inadvertently lent our support to progressive draconian legislation by virtue of our 'votes' and the consumption of their propaganda. More importantly, 'We' haven't given those in power, not authority, a compelling enough reason to 'cease and desist' from un-American activities so therefore, why would they stop? 'The people have no need for leaders'- Augusto Sandino 1928.

1789

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

"The People" need to hire lobbyists
Posted by: ordaj on Jan 14, 2008 10:18 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Because, obviously, our "representatives" have been hijacked. We need a paid rep to get in there and lobby our elected rep.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

A completely irrelevant "Tee hee..."
Posted by: DaBear on Jan 14, 2008 10:27 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"...Canadian hot sauce..."

LOL! Is that, like, mayo? Silly 'Nadians put that crap on burgers too...

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

LET'S START BY OPPOSING TELECOM IMMUNITY
Posted by: farbie on Jan 14, 2008 10:36 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Jim, I read with interest your article this AM about the "wimpy" Democrats. The problem is really the DLC-led Democratic Party, which is still running as if it were 1995, not 2008. I don't see a true "answer" to the problem until we re-form the mainstream media, which still regards this country as a conservative one, not a progressive country as polls now seem to indicate we've become. Until the problems identified by Al Gore in his recent book, "The Assault on Reason," are solved, we will have to satisfy ourselves with an issue by issue resolution to problems. One issue that is paramount in my mind is Telecom Immunity: the bill that Reid put to vote before the Senate in December contains Retroactive Immunity for the telecoms. The progressive blogosphere put a stop to that, jamming his telephone line and his e-mail system with thousands of messages letting Reid know that retroactive immunity will let Bush and his cronies permanently off the hook for their criminal behavior. Now that the Senate is set to re-convene next week, we need to proactively demonstrate our power, by again jamming Reid's telephone system, and his e-mail system, with thousands of messages saying NO TO RETROACTIVE IMMUNITY!!!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Come on, Jim! Name names!
Posted by: DaBear on Jan 14, 2008 10:48 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
First, the good news. There is a solid core of progressives in Congress -- roughly 72 in the House and 10 in the Senate -- and they are battling the bastards every day, as well as cajoling, haranguing, begging, confronting, and otherwise pushing the leadership and the old guard of the Democratic caucus to stand with the people.

Then he only names four, Lee, Woolsey, Waxman and someone else. That's not enough, name 'em all. I seriously don't believe the wildly exaggerated claim for 82 progressives. I don't see them anywhere. And the "old guard" is alive and well and exceptionally comfortable with their Bama and Hill all comfy from NH, just listen to Bama's "victory" speech or worse, Hillary's--I mean, holy bamboolzerin' batman, this is progress?! I'm so pissed off the only crying I wanna see from a candidate is when they're house is foreclosed on by Countrywide's subprime snakes like mine will be.

And what's the reason the alleged righteous aren't taking up the call of a mass movement as its leaders? I dunno... maybe because there aren't any real core progressives in either house of congress. Or maybe there's only a handful of 'em, not 82, and they're surrounded by oil-slicked, bloodied waters beset by tiger sharks in the middle of this long night, and hounded by buttloads of neocon money.

Someone once said Republikaaners don't get asassinated like liberals because liberals aren't murderous zealots... well, if we can't fight for our sanity or our survival, then mebbe we don't deserve to run the show, huh? I don't give a frack if a progressive rich congressperson doesn't get on board. When it's time to march him or her up to Mme Guillotine, justice oughtta indeed be blind. Rich is rich and they hold absolute power and they caused the nightmare and maintain it, they have to be held accountable like the rest. No mercy. No good news here.

Maybe it really is time to throw rich peoples' furniture onto their lawns... like the vulgar rogues did in the 1760's... 'course back then the elites rallied the working class anger into a racist-land-grab-driven revolt against a King. Today they'll just throw us all into Halliburton-Hilton camps guarded by Blackwater. Think KBR has enough cages for 103 million? Mebbe we should be trying to find out. Or not.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

No One Represents Me
Posted by: QQOblivion on Jan 14, 2008 11:05 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Congressional Democrats constantly whine that they "don't have the votes" in order to initiate impeachment hearings, or to oppose threatened Republican filibusters and presidential vetoes. Never mind that the procedures are there for the majority party to, say, not bring offensive bills up for a vote in the first place or file contempt charges against those Bush administration officials who don't answer subpoenas, etc.
What about liberal Democrats threatening to filibuster vile bills, as Senator Dodd has recently done? Why does this hardly ever happen? And never mind the times the Democrats go all out crazy fascist love-fest with the Republicans and pass legislation like the FISA revisions, HR 1955, the Patriot Act 1 and 2, the Military Commissions Act, etc etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc,...

Democrats may not have the votes now, but they sure won't when they are again in the minority. 11% approval? They have never had the support of those on the Right. And now they have greatly angered the Democratic base. They have pleased no one. No one, I mean no one, represents me adequately in Congress. Those very few in Congress that I agree with on the issues are powerless. All others are in it for their greedy, fascist, and Bush-loving selves.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Its the same old merry-go-round
Posted by: ohb0b on Jan 14, 2008 11:19 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Electing corporate Democrats is only slightly better than electing corporate Republicans.

"Its the same old merry-go-round,
Which one will you ride this year?
The donkey and elephant bob up and down
On the same old merry-go-round"


Lyrics by: Michael Loring

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Can't do it alone
Posted by: anothername on Jan 14, 2008 11:39 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
One person in a a comment above offered a suggestion. i.e., hire lobbyists. Progressives already have lobbyists. They also have publications, electronic and print. Few people read them; even fewer support them financially. The people not reading them include members of Congress.

I've had publications that included news from people who are not normally covered. I've gone to progressives meetings, talked with political office holders, and listened to the media and state agencies. Time after time they complain that they can't get information or that ordinary people aren't sharing their stories. When I tell them these are the stories I'm covering and when I give them sample copies, they either tell me that I'm for profit, they don't buy publications to save money, or they only read material online. The money is running out and soon I won't be able to spend time to keep myself informed, let alone anybody else. If I were to call up the press secretaries of some of these progressives, would they give me interviews to make it more likely my publications would get attention so I can keep reporting the stories they need to hear?

What I see is media bursting at the seams with glee at the number of people voting in presidential elections but ignoring how few people turn out for school board or city council elections. People are calling for change, but they are not signing up to run for office themselves. Moreover, this country's democracy started going down the drain with perestroika. We no longer had the evil Soviet Union to compare ourselves against, so we could pass the patriot act and the real ID act and all the other regulations because nobody could look at the Soviets and say, "we don't want to be like that." It is not proper to say this is 2008 instead of 1995; we need to say it is 2008, not 1980.

We need to look at all the 401 and IRA money going into mutual funds. There is tremendous wealth there to use for bulding affordable apartments without government funding and ridiculously-short 20-year limits. This is wealth there to allow innovative small business real opportunities to get off the ground We need to be looking at radically-new ways to grow our total economy, not just looking at the Dow Jones or to Silicon Valley. So why are we putting $13 billion a year into long-term mutual funds instead of investing in our local communities? Alas, I don't work at a think tank and don't teach at an Ivy League school. Therefore, I don't exist. I share the pain of the progressives in Congress, but until they start helping me, I can't help them.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Why do Americans support Democrats?
Posted by: frankfortpost on Jan 14, 2008 12:01 PM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'm a little confused really on why so many Americans think big government will solve our problems, when we are actively printing money like it is going out of style.

I realize that the Republicans have many "democratic" minded leaders in place, who believe the same thing.

The original motto of this country was not "In God we Trust", it was "Mind your Business", by Ben Franklin, and involves the maxims of personal responsibility, and non-intervention.

Why do people want Socialism? Do you really think this will cure our ills, or is it perhaps that people really don't understand the true ideas of the free market?

Just thinking out loud.

The Frankfort Post

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: And the NaziGOP has done those things? Posted by: left_libertarian
» RE: Why do Americans support Democrats? Posted by: left_libertarian
Marc Schlee
Posted by: HeKnew on Jan 14, 2008 5:52 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The threshold event should be if there's an invasion of Iraq. It's time for general strikes, it's time to march on Washington. Working within the system just isn't working.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Marc Schlee
Posted by: HeKnew on Jan 14, 2008 5:54 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
IRAN

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Marc Schlee Posted by: lenioui
THANK GOD FOR JIM HIGHTOWER
Posted by: Raymond Emerson on Jan 14, 2008 10:27 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
with out him I begin to think that I am all alone. WE have too much inertia in our system. We really do need a National Initative Petition system. Ralph Nader and Ross Perot agreed on that one point. Have you noticed that they really don't want us to have any say in anything. They really would hate it if we were allowed to make law.

At the last election we could have had a ballot issue on the Iraq war. I don't think there would have been any problem finding the signatures to get it on a ballot. It either would or would not have passed. Either way it would have been good for the nation. People will follow a majority decision. The minority decisions we have been getting from the "decider" have infuriated the majority.

The issues are
1) complete, total, comprehensive campaign finance reform.
2) An easy, workable, Initiative Petition Law backed by constitutional guarantee.
3) After this it can be down hill. We can pass petitions for national health, tax reform, debt limits, job protections/NAFTA reform, and for that matter the whole litany of things that the right wing has been screaming for but actually didn't want. They only wanted a fight to make us take our eye off of the ball. In practice these things are going to get voted down.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Mad as Hell
Posted by: chuckbutcher on Jan 14, 2008 10:38 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Maybe so, I'm pretty hot. But I'll make you a bet, we'll eat it and eat it and eat it some more. The only revolution you will see in this country will be based on economics, not politics. It will take a lot more than what makes you and I mad to make one iota of change.

You state that change is what the public wants, no, it's not; they want to be re-assured and secure (emotionally). If change is what they want, then the inoffensively slightly left of center John Edwards would be sweeping the Primaries. Don't assign too much blame to the corporate media, he still gets heard and he gets 17-20%.

It is the siren song of re-assurance that does the trick, the return to the 90s mama Clinton or the soothing rhetoric of the in fact right of center black Democrat. They want the illusion of security. You may think that calling them the status quo, defenders of authoritarianism is a stretch, but they are adament gun banners - in case you haven't noticed a restriction of civil liberities in the name of perceived security. They voted Aye on BushCo's abridgements of the 4th and the tossing of Habeas Corpus.

Stoke, stroke, it'll all be fine...and the vote levers trip for business as usual. It's not about media, it's not about big money, it's not about hidden vote records. There is a reason there are 60 members of Congress that are worth spit, and the reason is us/US. Fix us and you might fix US, but the first rule is to quit being afraid of the shadows government manufactures. Poor, poor pitiful scared little people, liberty is a risky dangerous proposal - but you'd rather have "security."

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

mad but not moved
Posted by: jwpa13 on Jan 15, 2008 7:48 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Americans might be mad about the Dems not making political progress, but only in a distant, almost sterile way. They won't be moved to action until they feel personally affected.
The Neocons have been "smart", but not wise. They have restricted those fighting and dieing in their newest "Crusade for the Holy Lands" to the disenfranchised lower classes. The Neo's have also postponed the due dates of the bills for their wars and for their upper class tax cuts. These due dates are now so far into the future that the middle class can't grasp the need for them ever to be paid. (Like a credit card tab with a "NO PAYMENT DUE UNTIL 20012)clause. The "news coverage" by the Mass-Media of America's actual plight is surreal at best.
"We the People" must understand the mainstreams of BOTH major parties are just different sides of the same coin. That coin now resides in the pocket of big money.
"WE THE PEOPLE" must make that realization quickly since the the work needed to regain our freedoms and to pay our bills is staggering, even now.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

CommonDreamer
Posted by: CommonDreamer on Jan 16, 2008 6:11 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This is a great article. It points to the lack of concern among citizens....as they go out and line up and buy the mass consumerism anti-tax smack this administration is selling.

Where are the great protesters like Angela Davis? If you're old enough to remember Angela Davis, then you probably remember some of the 50's and 60's, which I consider the greatest eras ever in terms of expansion of the economy for all, not just the wealthy, the creativity, individuality and yet noblesse oblige still existed - and shame was still present in society. Not so now. Most ot the CEOs, investment bankers and hedge fund managers in power today have no shame, incredibly, as they maneuver to keep their unjustified tax breaks...as they walk off with $30 mil paydays while depressing the wages of the ordinary worker, not to mention raising their healthcare costs and decimating their pensions.

I am absolutely amazed that Americans aren't livid about this more en masse...and why John Edwards's message doesn't capture more of their attention. Edwards is the only candidate who exposes the big lie that unchecked capitalism does good for all. Clearly it does not. The right wing railing against government is not about the ordinary citizen - they just want the greed to be unchecked so the looting can continue.

What is really sad is that Edwards is a protester - one who is successful enough not to be bought and therefore is deemed suspicious because he has money. Well in this greed infested and expensive society, one needs money to protest inane and amoral, despotic policies and he is the man to do it. I hope as we go along more Americans will get his message and wake up and see that all of the other issues are giant smokescreens - immigration, religion, the war and so on - just to rivet their attention so that they don't pay attention to the mighty giant rip-off of the median and under income worker that is still going on. Imagine this: recently passed legislation to help homeowners - up to $2 million! What an incredible waste of money to be helping those who could afford $2 million mansions. We don't build affordable housing because they say there's not enough money but somehow there is always money to help the millionaires.

This, America is what you need to see going on behind the curtain and if you want to save your country from this travesty of justice, you need to get out and protest now and call your congressmen and senators and say you are paying attention - to how they capitulated on the proposed carried interest tax and now this mortgage relief bill. Who, at $2 million needs any relief? And ask them why we are wasting taxpayer money on non-means tested issues. At this point I would think being wealthy is its own reward and no other rewards are necessary as it's all a bit of luck and who you know too, not just your own engineering.

Contact your senators and congresspersons at: www.congress.org and www.senate.gov - let them know you see what is going on and that it is unacceptable and you expect them to stand up to the wrongheaded financial policies of this administration. If they can't do it because they don't have enough votes, then we will have to wait but I believe if they got out to America what's really going on, then maybe the thinking Americans would make their voices heard.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: CommonDreamer Posted by: lenioui
Community organizer
Posted by: calmecac5 on Jan 16, 2008 7:40 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Hightower writes about the McGovern-Lowenstein organization formed to pressure Congress to end the Vietnam War, and he mentions how it was successful in coordinating Movement and Congressional efforts.

This is as good an argument as any for Barack Obama. Lowenstein's background, before he was elected to Congress, was as an organizer. He understood the need for direct involvement by the people. He understood that democracy operates best when it comes from the bottom and works itself up to the top.

Obama's background as a community organizer would help ensure that as President he will listen to the people. Hillary Clinton's dimissal of Obama's experience suggests that she will listen to the lobbyists instead.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Lifelong Democrat No More!
Posted by: wireup on Jan 16, 2008 9:50 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'm a lifelong registered Democrat who can no longer stomach the Democrats. I LOATHE them and am only remaining in the party at this point so that I can vote for Dennis Kucinich in the primary here in Pennsylvania.

If Kucinich is NOT in the primary I will not be voting.

But, one way or another, I am leaving the Democratic Party after the primary because there is no longer any difference between them and the GOP and under NO CIRCUMSTANES do I want to be a registered Repub.

Imagine an election with the "choice" of Hillary or Rudi, or Hillary and Mitt, or Hillary and Mike.

SOME CHOICE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Gosh Dangit Hightower, You left out Kucinich.
Posted by: lenioui on Jan 19, 2008 5:19 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This article was going well and then you had a hopeful paragraph, reporting how many progressives were in our branches of government, then you listed several...BUT then you did not list the ONE true anti-war progressive running for President. Dennis Kucinich. I'm furious. In this article you outlined all the problems the progressives are feeling, then you abandoned Kucinich by leaving his name out out. Leaving him out. Just like the neo-cons, which now include republicans and democrats. The MSM won't get his name out and apparently neither will you.
After that paragraph I could barely skim what else you wrote. You just played in the neo-con playbook.
So yeah, I'm disappointed.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Then why are people voting for the enablers?
Posted by: SpiritBlooms on Jan 21, 2008 12:45 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This article says people are mad as hell about Congress enabling the White House, not getting out of Iraq, and so forth. Yet in the four states that have held primaries/caucuses so far, the enablers are winning. Obama, Clinton, and Edwards have voted to continue funding the Iraq War. Dennis Kucinich hasn't, and has voted consistently against the war since before it began. Yet he's doing poorly in the elections so far.

Voters need to put their votes where their mouths are. If we expect legislators to have voting integrity in Congress, then we need to have just as much voting integrity at the polls, as voters.

I'm really tired of this kind of voter hypocrisy. I don't mean to insult people. I've made mistakes in how I've voted. I can be fooled. But if you bother to STUDY the candidates, you see that all these things voters are whining about are right there in the candidates' voting records, and we would all be voting for Kucinich.

One good source of information on how candidates have voted on various issues can be found at Project Vote Smart. For starters.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

But, in the end....
Posted by: aka_bozo on Jan 21, 2008 2:29 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
EVERYBODY on this site (and every OTHER liberal, leftist, socialist, progressive, whatEVER site) will hold their noses and vote Democratic because you won't want another Republican fascist as president.

And, the Democrats - knowing you vote this way - will throw you a few crumbs (oh, let's say, the "Full employment and holistic empowerment act of 2009") and MOST of you will just be happy that the government is "at trying to solve our problems again". Of course, the same sleaze that's running things now will be running things in 2009, and all the corporate political owners will have to do is change a few speed-dial numbers.

Two party life goes on, as usual.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

What to Do: Step 1
Posted by: patrickjohns on Jan 26, 2008 12:13 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The first thing to do is to find out who, exactly, sold us out. At a minimum, we need their names, congressional addresses and congressional phone numbers. We can figure out the details once we get the basics covered.

I'm kind of new to this online business, but I'm not new to politics. Same story, different actors. Years ago, I made a promise to myself: I won't be fooled again. Ever. So, this is nothing new.

To win at this game, it all depends on how down and dirty you have to get, and how much risk you can handle. No pain, no gain.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

We were guaranteed
Posted by: desidid on Jan 27, 2008 9:07 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
the right to abolish our government in writing. The document is The Declaration of Independence. We do not have the will to change the way business is done in Washington. There are enough of us who are comfortable in our lives that we are willing to support either the action or inaction of our government. If we wanted anything to be different we would embrace those candidates (of which there are few) who have admonished their collegues, and offered themselves as agents of change. Instead we (and I count myself in the group) have allowed media, business, and the executive branch to wander away from the rights we were guaranteed, without much of a fight. I have no faith in our government, and I have even less faith in our will to be an equitable nation. If every American without health care, job security, a secondary education, a 401K, employment, and the ability to finance a home sat down 2 hrs. everyday for a week our "representatives" would respond accordingly. But because we have such deep seated animus based on party affiliation, class, race, sex, religion, and sexual preference we have no chance of seeing the things that unite us.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]