I believe that there are several who post or lurk here who are either Democratic Party leaders or

[Atticus]

have access to them. I hope they will read and consider this. While I am speaking only for myself, I am reasonably certain that many here will agree with what follows.

I do want unity. I do want to be able to have actual discussions with those in the Republican Party and return to regular order and vigorous debate in both houses of Congress. But, I will not---CAN not---participate in stretching a band aid we call "unity" over the deep wounds that Trump, Cruz, Hawley, Jordan and others have willfully---even gleefully---inflicted on a nation which Democrats love AT LEAST as much as any Republican. Those wounds have to be cleaned, have necrotic tissue sheared away and then carefully sutured or they will not truly heal. They will fester and spread their toxic corruption throughout our body politic.

"Band aid" unity merely conceals the true situation and, like all band aids, will be soon discarded.

Some Republicans need to be forever purged from public service. Some Republicans need to be prosecuted for their crimes. Still others need to renounce "Stop the Steal", the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and other seditious and violent organizations or groups. MANY, if they want to once again claim to be decent Americans, need to apologize for their assault on democracy.

I know that I have less information than our leaders. I know that what I have written above will not make their jobs any easier and I understand that much of it will take several years. But, I believe they should know that, in my opinion, any glossing over of what just happened, any "let's just move past this" attitude, will be harmful to the rule of law, the Democratic Party, what is left of the Republican Party and, worst of all, America.

I will conclude this by stating that, in my opinion, the United States of America, as we know it, cannot survive "band aid" unity.

Who am I to presume to advise leaders? I'm just one of those "We, the people" guys who always votes Democratic and has marched, canvassed, written LTEs and contributed
monetary support to my party for 50 years. I do not believe I am alone.

[Karadeniz]

1. 100% agree

[GulfCoast66]

2. Disagree. They are super busy people.

Unlike trump they don’t spend time reading social media. They work.

Now, they may have staffers reading left leaning sites. But I don’t think DU has an impact on their decisions.

[cwydro]

22. Me either.

I really don’t think our thoughts here weigh heavily anywhere else.

[GulfCoast66]

24. That said, many on DU do make a big difference.

Working in their local party, making canvassing calls and visits, etc. Because many here do just that.

DU is for those on DU.

[cwydro]

27. I'll agree with that.

This is indeed true.

[Hekate]

32. Hey, interns are valuable people. They do a lot of chores for their bosses...

...and in some cases I think some of them monitor discussion boards.

[GulfCoast66]

34. Never said they weren't. But the OP was about people of power reading DU.

I don’t think they have the time. Do they have the pulse of DU and other left leaning sites? Maybe. Would not bet much on it.

[Hekate]

39. It's okay. Periodically people here decide that Rachel personally reads DU, or that important ...

...politicians surely must. I think that is wishful thinking, but I also think that some of them have an intern or two assigned to monitor social media some of the time.

[mitch96]

77. "politicians surely must". I think it would be a quick and dirty on how the constituents

feel.. A lot easier than paying a consulting firm for the same info... easy peasy DU info...
Stick a topic in the the google search site at the top banner and BAM you have your answer.
m

[PatSeg]

117. Yeah, I think so

It is a good way to take the pulse of the nation.

[PunksMom]

118. Absolutely agree

[certainot]

42. i agree, and they have no idea rw radio has been kicking their ass for 30 years

[GulfCoast66]

46. Oh, I think the do understand that.

But not much they can do about it.

[certainot]

51. they can now and they need to announce it. MIT researchers used AI to automatically record, transcr

transcribe, and analyze a few hundred stations, 300,000 hours,

that means it can and needs to be done by the dem party and or allied progressive orgs.

if republicans caught wind it was inevitable they would freak out at losing the only unique advantage they have - 1500 coordinated unchallenged and invisible radio stations

that's all dems have to do --- let them know it's coming

[GulfCoast66]

53. So it's recorded? How does that stop it? The fairness doctrine is not coming back.

A much more Liberal SC was suspicious of it on first amendment grounds.

Nothing they say will shock the people who listen to it. They love it.

[certainot]

69. it's a misconception that a 95% monopoly represents 'market' demand for racism and lies

AI now makes stoprush x100 possible. the ad industry will have to break up the monopoly when they se it coming- they want those ears.

it's the republicans only unique advantage and media and political analysts will finally be able to factor it into politics without listening. it would no longer be invisible. for instance it would be clear it's been laying down the base lies for Qanon since trump's inauguration as limbaugh spearheaded the 'deep state' defense. it would also be clear that the russians have been using talk radio, including other countries like brazil, india, mexico

democrats and liberals have been getting our ass kicked by it because dems ignore it.

[soldierant]

48. I would expect you to be right about staffers.

I hope you are wrong about having no impact. We are their employers, dammit. Polls can only take one so far. I personally avoid polls unless they are packed with "in your own words" options, because, polls do not have to nuance of my thinking ... and in may cased polls answer themselves and are thus completely without value.

What Atticus is said is not only absolutely sound, but also, I believe, represents the thoughts and feelings of most "ordinary" Americans far better than any poll or platform plank.

If you don't think our leaders will see it, I'm confident Atticus will give you permission (and maybe even encouragement) to quote it in full in a letter to them.

[GulfCoast66]

57. So some few 10's of thousand of people spread over 50 states.

And territories and other countries will effect them?

Lots of people on DU make a difference by getting involved in local politics. No doubt about it. And being on DU motivates many of them.

But just posting here. You’re kidding yourself.

Don’t get me wrong. I love this place. But posting here alone does nothing to directly affect the Democratic cause.

Perhaps I’m wrong. But I’ve seen nothing to sway my thinking.

[Turin_C3PO]

68. I think

in the past there have been a few fairly well known Dems that have posted here. The one that comes to mind is Elizabeth Edwards (VP candidate John Edwards’ wife) who was verified to be the real deal by Skinner. I think there were a few others but I’m coming up blank on names.

[stopwastingmymoney]

93. Alan Grayson

[padah513]

95. Yep

I remember when he did

[GulfCoast66]

127. I did not notice the Congress sitting around with time on their hands like I have.

When not doing ‘Congress stuff’ they are on the phone raising money. You’d be shocked if you knew how much time congress members have to spend raising money.

And as my post mentioned, they may have staff monitoring left leaning sites. But I don’t think Congress people have DU on their radar.

[Irish_Dem]

3. Unity with sociopaths makes us part of the crime family.

No thanks.

[IsItJustMe]

11. +1

Take out the trash.

[lastlib]

18. I will NOT make nice with fascists.

under ANY circumstances! If they can't renounce the bigotry, xenophobia, white nationalism/supremacy, religious ARROGANCE, then they can kiss off and die.

[roamer65]

49. My relatives didn't in World War 2.

I won’t do it now.

To do so would dishonor their sacrifices.

[Irish_Dem]

80. My uncle was in the Navy, killed in action during WWII.

My father flew combat in WWII, narrowly missing death.

I don't think either one would want me consorting with fascists.

[Irish_Dem]

81. Can you imagine their reaction if they were alive now?

Those who fought and died?
Those who could have been killed any minute fighting in WWII.

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

67. +2...

The rotten smell is too much to be around them for long. Clear the air...then talk unity.

[Clash City Rocker]

4. You got me, I'm Joe Biden

Thanks for the advice.

[Irish_Dem]

12. Then I will be Lady Gaga.

[Mr.Bill]

15. I'm Gumby, dammit.

[StarfishSaver]

50. I. Am. Spartacus.

[Wednesdays]

58. I AM GROOT

[treestar]

103. LOL

I'm Vice President Harris.

[keithbvadu2]

5. Both left and right should be monitoring both sides of social media.

Both left and right should be monitoring both sides of social media.

[FakeNoose]

6. 100% agree! Thank you Atticus

We cannot lose our spine now. The job won't get any easier later on. I honestly don't care what happens to the Republican Party. They must be held to account. Chump and the others must answer the charges. They need to admit what they did. I believe they'll never apologize for any of it, but an admission of guilt is what we need to hear.

[fantase56]

7. THANK YOU FOR THIS.

[BigmanPigman]

8. Hear, hear!!!

[Ligyron]

9. 100% agree and hope our DOJ is up to it.

We have out and out criminals in the GOP that need to be held to account. Our leaders should have learned their lesson by now.

[silverweb]

10. Amen!

100% in agreement.

[UpInArms]

13. Well said, Atticus

You can add my name, too

[Laelth]

14. There are many of us who agree with you.

And there are several people here (not ME, mind you) who are in regular contact with the movers and shakers of the Democratic Party.

This is not a bad place to speak out if you want the party to hear you.

Cheers!

-Laelth

[Pantagruel]

16. Concur

My other name is Kamala. Or not.

[cayugafalls]

17. Very well said. Not sure if they are here, really, but they could be...

Somehow, the people's voice needs to be heard and 81 million Americans voted to cast aside the fascists and flush them from our political sphere.

Many new progressives that I spoke with that voted for Joe and Kamala feel that they have a chance to show the people that they are different and will truly work to prosecute and hold accountable those who have blasted this nation to pieces over the last 4 years.

Let's hope it happens.

[flamin lib]

19. When the Republican party becomes a party again we can negotiate,

have policy debates, disagree and perhaps compromise when they actually have a point.

When they have a party platform again, when they lay out a set of values, when they put pen to paper and say "This is what we believe in and this is who we are," then we can recognize them as a party and deal with them in good faith.

As it stands now there is no party platform or party. They are an unruly unorganized mob.

We as a nation NEED a two party system. I hope to have such again and soon.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

26. Real parties would say "Biden is President. He won a true count. The Steal was a lie." . . . nt

[SleeplessinSoCal]

20. Unify over truth.

A coherent whole. That is what the United States need to be. The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

[lookyhereyou]

78. ain't that

THE TRUTH ! SEROUSLY.

[Karma13612]

21. Excellent!

I hope some at least have staffers checking in.

As a party, if not the majority of literate voters, we are really sick and tired of RePUKES getting away with EVERYTHING and doing absolutely NOTHING for the country.

N.O.T.H.I.N.G.

It’s DISGUSTING.

Dems legislate, RePUKES obfuscate.

[CanonRay]

23. You have my total agreement

Party leaders if you're listening, we're fed up.

[magicarpet]

25. No argument here,... very well spoken,... concise,.... and directly to the point.

Action needs to be taken to those who seek to do harm to or make our Democracy dysfunctional.

Accountability is long overdue.

Prevaricating and habitual lying or gross fabrications of reality in the political spheres needs to cease and desist immediately. Mr. Trump was poison to any efforts or attempts to reasonable political discourse.

In politics, as in life we can not make up reality as we go along because it serves our personal or political agendas. For our Democratic Republic to function and flourish we need to make a serious effort to be honest with each other.

No system of governance can survive the habitual and prevaricating liars as were found in the previous administration of Trump.

We can not ever permit or allow that degree of lying or outright fabricating to happen again. Again, this lying is toxic to the ability of achieving reasonable political discourse and debate of issues that need to be addressed.

We can do better than this.

[Wounded Bear]

28. Without accountability, there can be no true unity...nt

[pbmus]

29. Unite for JUSTICE....The only way the country moves forward

[GulfCoast66]

30. Where are my mittens?

Seriously, no Democratic leaders are reading DU. They are workers who just work. They don’t have the time to lurk here and I don’t want them to. I’m somewhat successful, will retire comfortably if things go right. But people who are super successful, in my experience, spend all their time working to be super successful.

Do some of their staffers monitor left leaning sights? Maybe.

Don’t think posting here is making a change. Get involved if you want to make a change. Volunteer with you local Democratic office.

[wnylib]

31. IMO, The most important unity in these

times is Democratic Party unity, to clean up the mess, get rid of the fascists, and turn the country around. After that, we can think about unity across parties IF and ONLY if, the seditionist caucus is weeded out and the Republicans acknowledge and denounce their role in the attempted coup. Until then, there is nothing among Republicans to unify with. I sure as hell cannot advocate unifying with seditionist fascists.

[UserNotFound]

33. Let's face it.

Unity and bipartisanship are not high on the gop's agenda. With both houses of Congress basically at a 50/50 split, they can easily "gum up" the works indefinitely. They are quite comfortable with this situation. They could care less if anything ever "gets done".

[Firestorm49]

35. Couldn't agreed more.

[Ferrets are Cool]

36. This x 1000

[Demobrat]

37. You knew I was a snake when you took me in.

Reaching out to Republicans will only get our hands bit off. How many times do they have to show us who they are before we believe it? They are not interested in unity. They scoff at the notion. They are interested in undermining Biden and retribution for what they perceive as our meanness to poor widdle Donny.

Biden will work to make things better for all Americans because that’s his job and it’s who he is, but I hope and believe his eyes are wide open. A snake is a snake is a snake.

[smirkymonkey]

112. +1000

[seta1950]

38. You're not alone

I think said it perfectly

[alwaysinasnit]

40. K&R Excellent post.

[Richard D]

41. 100%

[Pepsidog]

43. Well said Atticus and I totally agree. Accountability then reconciliation.

[PatrickforO]

44. You aren't alone, Atticus. I do not believe there can be unity until we have had accountability and

justice is done.

I'm not talking about some Robespierre thing, either. I'm talking about the DOJ, the IRS, and the various states' Attorneys General doing their job of investigation, and levying federal charges where it is justified.

I am talking about a serious impeachment trial, and about holding Donald Trump, his family members (as appropriate), his henchmen, and the stooges he planted in the Pentagon, Department of Justice, and others who may have aided the coup attempt to account for their actions.

I am talking about investigating the Capitol Police, and ensuring those who cheered the insurrection on are held to account.

I am talking about Congress doing its job, holding its own investigations, and expelling those members who acted treasonously. I am specifically referring to:
- Ted Cruz
- Josh Hawley
- Paul Gosar
- Andy Biggs
- Lauren Boebert
- Mo Brooks

After expulsion, the DOJ should determine, based on evidence from the Congressional investigations, whether to press criminal charges against the six members of Congress above. They are traitors.

Oh, I know Joe doesn't want to do this - but he does not need to. He can remain aloof if everyone else does their jobs as well. He has a lot on his plate with the pandemic, the economy, the environment, and other aspects of the Democratic platform. And he has assembled a FINE TEAM to move things forward. Biden is shaping up to be quite the leader in time of crisis.

I want a government that WORKS. This means that conservatives, centrists and progressives all need to engage in debate, and then compromise in order to move forward. We cannot have that until we BREAK these insurrectionists.

A last word, Atticus, and hopefully other Democratic leaders who may read this thread. Many, many, many of us everyday Americans want these people brought to justice, and we also want a government that addresses the things we need - healthcare, affordable college, strong K-12 public education, expanded Social Security and Medicare, a sane immigration policy, and a sensible infrastructure plan to get us carbon neutral in 2050. That is a great goal!

Communicate better. Educate the people. Do the deep canvassing that AOC recommends. She is right. Work to duplicate what Stacey Abrams did in GA. Make DC a state. Advocate ranked voting. Overturn Citizens United. TAKE OUR GOVERNMENT BACK from the corporatists.

ON EDIT: One other thought. I promised I would NEVER forget the children that were torn from their parents in Trump's cruel and racist immigration policy. Those who engaged in crimes against humanity must be held to account as well. And we must spare no effort or expense to reunite these kids with their parents, and give them a path to stay here and obtain citizenship if they so desire. But at least asylum.

[MustLoveBeagles]

45. I don't think party leaders read DU

Their staffers might visit once in a while. I want unity but only with those on the opposing side that are reaching out in good faith. I can forgive and let go a lot but not this.

[TryLogic]

47. I fear Dem leaders/politicians will again just say, "OK, whew, we did it so now we can forget about

structural changes that are needed to protect elections, voting rights, etc., even democracy. Yes, there are many governing chores that need to be done, but not fixing structural things is how we got to where we were on January 6. That's how we got Trump.

Serious issues that must be addressed:

Viable presidential and VP candidates need to obtain top security clearance in advance.

Voter suppression needs to be classified in the general category of treason, sedition, or crimes against our form of government.

Disseminating misinformation that affects life, health, or national security needs to be classified as a serious federal crime.

Gerrymandering needs to be stopped once and for all.

Money flowing into politics needs somehow to be managed or controlled.

In my view, these are needed to protect our form of government. Absolutely. Seriously. If these are not done, our form of government will not survive.

[rwsanders]

52. Since this is turning into a bit of a poll, I'll say I agree with you.

I think some do more than lurk. I think many of the same voices pushing "unity" are the same that push the idea that progressives are the enemy and only a moderate can win. Heck it isn't just corporations who dedicate personnel to trying to create influence through social media. I haven't found any other forums that are this big. Members don't number in the millions, but this is the biggest there is.
My opinion after watching what happened after Clinton's win and after Obama's win is that those leaders try to please big donors and don't want any changes. So when the democrats have the majority, they spend 2 years pretending they can't get anything done without a supermajority. Then people get sick of it and end up staying home or voting republican because they want action.
According to an article I found (and I may have if I had time to dig for it), this betrayal of the working class by liberal politicians is a worldwide problem.
So I'm hoping for action this time, so we don't have to suffer with the results of huge losses in the mid-terms. And that's my input for the staffers or politicos that may or may not be here.

[LudwigPastorius]

54. I believe that there are several who post or lurk here who are either Democratic Party leaders

Oh, C’mon man!

[Eyeball_Kid]

55. We conjure up the best in ourselves when the time demands it.

We approach ideals. We aspire toward a more perfect union. We aspire toward a pristine Rule of Law. In this moment, being united in common cause, to preserve the Constitution as a living document, is once again an ideal. This time, our Department of Justice must prevail and enforce laws against insurrection and sedition, a coup which was funded, organized, and executed by people up the chain of command who must be brought to justice. Confidence in government means that justice must not show deference to wealth, status, or privilege. THIS is the time for justice to prevail.

[leanforward]

56. 100% accountability

My preference would be expulsion from either Senate or House. And, any other federal or state law. A two pfonged approach.

[Joinfortmill]

59. You are definitely not alone.

[58Sunliner]

60. I think true accountability from within the Republican party is a pipe dream.

They are, even now, just trying to obfuscate, deny, lie, and manipulate. You can not rationalize with a group that has so many shared characteristics of a common sociopathy. Not going to happen. McConnell can't even go half a day without assessing his own need/desire for power and the requisite gratification. They are sick. How many actually spoke out about the attempt to overthrow the election? The endless baseless lawsuits. The chronic lawlessness. Ad nauseum. The best we can do is to prosecute and hold them accountable to the law for any and every transgression and lie. Be ruthless in the pursuit of truth and justice. I do hope our leaders understand we should not trust them with America's future if we want to save our democracy. We know what we need to do. And we know who we can trust to get it done. It's an awful responsibility that should never have fallen on our party alone. But here we are. And we can not afford to shirk the responsibility because it's uncomfortable and critical. And we can't be driven by the howling of sycophants.

[LittleGirl]

61. The republican purge is our concern

and they should be responsible for stopping the hate toward our party. I don't hate republicans but what they allowed last month sent me reeling.

They created this "us vs them" crap on Limbaugh and Fox spews and spread that crap worldwide. We must insist that they stop supporting those fascists. Countries cannot function properly if one party's goal is to drown it in the bathtub. The generation of Reaganism needs to die off and yesterday!

They've created a world of whataboutism and have been allowed to make disgusting comments about our women and POC leaders. Just yesterday, I took a guy apart for making stupid "jokes" about Dr. Biden and Michelle Obama. I posted that his comment was disgusting and when he countered that it was a joke, I told him he wasn't funny, only disgusting. I will defend my fellow ladies that don't deserve that crap from white guys that are threatened by strong educated women.

What happened on the 6th has been building up since Reagan and we need to prove once again, damn it, that government is BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE. If they don't like the way the government runs, then step right up and make it better. Run for office you crybabies.

[bluestateboomer]

62. I Agree!

[judesedit]

63. I think you are right. This has to be dealt with as it says in the Constitution

No seditionist can serve in our government and should be punished according to their crimes. And I do think there are influential DU members and visitors, also.

[KarenS]

64. This may not be a popular thought but,,,,

I would hope that President Biden and team listen to some folks from the Lincoln Project especially Steve Schmidt on how to deal with some of these Republicans. The goals of Biden's team must be met, the economic help has to happen, the covid virus has to be contained, and these Bully(always play Victim) Republicans must be forced back under a rock.

[DFW]

73. Steve Schmidt knows our adversaries better than most

After all, he was one of them until they got too toxic for his tastes. His advice on how to deal with them and what makes them tick is invaluable, and I hope it isn't ignored. We will rarely get such a good look into the mindset of the nut cases.

[steve2470]

113. I agree, Schmidt and Stevens and Rick Wilson all know the beast well nt

[Bluethroughu]

65. 100%!!!!!

Accountability for anyone involved is the only way to heal.

An armed violent domestic terrorist insurrection occurred on the Capital with the Legislative Branch in session and was incited by a sitting President and some of his party members in Congress!


This is time to wake up, dangerous people not only exist as civilians, but military, Congress members and staff, along with law enforcement. We need accountability, we need reforms, we need people working hard to protect and serve, but honor their oath to this Country, and the Democracy from which it is executed.

[UCmeNdc]

66. Well, I agree with the ops opinion. 100% agree!

[Always Randy]

70. I have faith in our diligence and their stupidity

Georgia
The flip in Georgia is because they had to steal the election from Stacy Abrams governor's run a few years ago. GEORGIA WENT BLUE. Pretty sure Stacey will be Governor and am hoping for some revers migration of black citizens to Georgia to live there ---and to remove the Stone Mountain monument.

Virginia
The Charlottesville death of that young woman has resulted in a state holiday on election day in Virginia. The Confederate statues have been removed from Monument Avenue, and the seat of the Confederacy--Richmond--has a Black Democratic mayor. Thank the right for galvanizing us in the very blue Virginia. A few bonus points for Stonewall Jackson's statue moved off the VMI campus.

Arizona --Donald Trump's ignorant and totally unnecessary derision of John McCain has delivered AZ to the Blue Column

Texas ----Trump won by only 6 points, Romney beat HRC by NINETEEN---the trend in TX is heading blue. Remember that Cruz beat Beto by 2 points---would guess Beto would win today----and all because of self inflicted wounds . Texas is our true prize with its 38 EV.

Florida-------Governor Numnutz now has a tag team partner, the Donald to assist in his delivery of the state to the Blue column. Remember that Florida voted for Obama. Certainly not gloating about death, but a lot of the maskholes there have left via the refrigerator truck morgues. And Florida still does not have its act together on Covid. I see blue on the horizon.

Healing? My idea of healing is to go nuclear in the Senate right now--blow away the filibuster ---make DC a state ------expand SCOTUS---impeach Clarence Thomas because of his wife's seditious activities----haul Kavanaugh back and cause his removal for lies during testimony. I really don't see any reason to engage with the right---let 'em self destruct because they seem to a better job getting rid of themselves than we could ever do.

[kpete]

71. Well said

and you are NOT alone
peace,
kpo

[Jazz Jon]

72. Agree

Given the sophistication and in depth information in many of the posts on DU, I suspect that prominent Democrats are posting on DU. And if they are posting, they are reading. Democrats know that their job is to represent their constituents. To do that they have to get our input. Where are they getting it? DU is an excellent source.

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

74. Recommend.

[DFW]

75. Most of the OP is in synch with what the Democratic members of Congress already know

But they have arcane parliamentary rules, time constraints, and often painful compromises they must enter into to get things done.

There is plenty of "I can kill this or make it happen for you, but I need this in return if you want it to work." The pros and cons are black and white, but the practicalities are usually grey. If there is a $500 million budget for something, and you want it all for your State/District, but so does your best friend's State/District, you can either piss in each other's faces or compromise.

That is the everyday reality of what goes on in our government. Over ten years ago, before she was shot, I had numerous dinner plans with Gabby Giffords when she was in Congress, and I was visiting DC. Once was with journalistic legend Helen Thomas, whom Gabby had never met. She called at the last minute, saying something came up on the House floor that she couldn't get away from, and she missed the dinner--again.

The goal is to navigate a mine field and come back with most of your limbs intact. Running a 500 yard dash may be the quickest way to get across, but it is also the quickest way to get blown up before you get halfway there. "My way or the highway" will no more help us than it helped the Republicans. Obsessing over the utterings of one Congresscritter or another over all others may make for feel-good posts on DU, but it won't get anything done in the real Congress. Our people in Congress know what we want. They know what everyone else wants, too. What do you do when you have conflicting interests in your State or District, and you can't represent all of them all the time? You still need all their votes if you want to get re-elected, even the once you pissed off. Even our most dedicated allies in Congress have to either navigate the minefield, or be known as a one-trick pony with whom no one can work at all. The one-trick ponies get headlines in blogs, but they also never get anything done.

It's not that their hearts aren't in the right place. It's that the realities are not.

[Atticus]

84. It is not that I am unaware of the complexities you recite. It is just that that same list of

"complicated" factors could have been recited to explain how we "responded" to McConnell's refusal to even meet with or consider Merrick Garland's nomination to the SCOTUS by the black POTUS he had openly vowed to undermine and defeat.

"Things are the way they are"------until they're not.

[DFW]

88. Two Rubicons have since been crossed

One was Garland. The other was Trump, himself.

In both cases it was “surely they won’t go THAT far.” Now it has been shown that there is NO line of decency the Republicans won’t cross, no level below which they won’t sink.

My post was referring more to the tendency Democrats have for infighting once they gain the upper hand. We now KNOW there is no common ground with Republicans. They want an all out Khmer Rouge state with themselves as the rulers. So, as long as we have this short interim, I suggest we use it for finding common ground ASAP, and then next, please. Republican “outliers” never meant it, and voted in lock step. Our grandstanders DO mean it, but we have neither the time nor the votes to afford a side show. Primary season is over. We need consensus behind Biden’s program, and full speed ahead. Our own Operation Warp Speed, if you will. The midterms will be here quicker than any of us realize. Biden gets it. He hit the ground running. The Democratic majorities in Congress are slim. Either we have something to show for it, or we can waste our time grandstanding and primarying each other right out of the majority again, and the Republicans will be only too willing to help us out.

What we need is “business as unusual.”

[Atticus]

97. Agree. Thanks for your responses. nt

[treestar]

105. Agreed, DUers don't know the parliamentary rules

instead of reading about such dull things, it's easier to say "Schumer doesn't have a spine" or "Schumer caved."

Rather than supporting him in navigating that.

Another good thing about Biden, he knows that stuff inside and out.

[Bettie]

106. Or we do understand parliamentary rules

and we see that one side exploits them for their own gain and the other side just lets them do it. Over and over.

Seems odd that only one side ever benefits from parliamentary maneuvers. Hint: It isn't Democrats.

[StarfishSaver]

120. No. Most people here - and almost all of those doing most of the complaining - do NOT know the rules

[mpreorder]

76. I believe historically, the way to unite people is to

find a common "enemy". Think Hitler. Let's be wise how we go about uniting our country.

[jaxexpat]

79. Agree totally, of course.

Unfortunately, the doing of necessary things in our representative democracy requires good will from at least 2/3's of the senate and an un-equivocated dedication from 51%. It'll also need zealotry from most of the country. Getting more eligible voters to actually vote is the ULTIMATE key.

I want to see the act of voting mandated as a legal requirement ('not voting' should never be a protected first amendment right) and election day a national holiday. As was demonstrated in the last election, 'not voting' plays directly into the hands of fascists who, as soon as they have the majority, will deny everyone's right to vote in a free and fair election.

The most important political figure in the world today is Stacy Abrams. say that again and again and again.....

[LiberalFighter]

82. There must be consequences. Otherwise what is the point of laws.

[greymattermom]

83. I think that every person who breached the Capitol should be charged with something.

Just trespass if that's the only thing that can be proved now. Then, their name should go on the no fly list, the no rent a car list, anything like that, because they are a risk. Their name should be made public so their current and future employers have that information. Anyone out there reading DU? I'm also on twitter, and they probably read that before DU.

[McKim]

85. Yes, No More Just Moving On!!!!

Yes, no more just moving on for the sake of............Bush II was allowed to move on after a million people were killed in his war lie. We as a nation are not the better for it! We have to draw a line here and now about sedition!!!!!!

[bucolic_frolic]

86. It's a test of patriotism and support of the Constitution

You're either on the side of the rule of law, or you're on the other side. It's that simple.

[Hotler]

87. That's just agent Mike. He's been around long enough to be consided family.

Hi Mike, everybody say hi.

[debsy]

89. You are absolutely not alone.

There needs to be accountability for their actions. Those who participated in the conspiracy to prevent Congress from doing their job to count the electoral votes and certify the election as well as to assassinate members of Congress and the VPOTUS need to be brought to justice for their crimes against our country. Until that is done, there will be no unity.

Also, the obstructionism of the Republicans should no longer be an issue for Dems. Get rid of the obsolete filibuster, once and for all. When people start feeling the effects of Democratic/progressive policies, they will vote to keep them.

[cstanleytech]

90. Aye, "Band aid" unity as you call it was already tried by Obama when he did things like not

holding Bush and his people responsible for their actions and look what happened.

[Smackdown2019]

91. The Democratic Senate

Needs to do what McConnell did to us, remove the filibuster. End of story!

[cp]

92. Yes, yes, yes!

Thank you.

[TNNurse]

94. It is simple, if there are not consequences beyond losing the election,

someone will try again. Someone smarter.

[appleannie1]

96. Absolutely. They put a band aid over racial discrimination and it festered beneath until it boiled

over like a boil that has erupted. That is why we are at the place we are in today.

[pandr32]

98. Democrats are like the parents in a family

We do all the real work of governing, put up with all the tantrums and bad behavior, and clean up the mess.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

99. to me its like cancer beginning to

spread. Some tumors on the body politic, and procedures like the filibuster and 60 votes to pass bills need to be excised or it will spread everywhere. don't trust republicans to play fair they are narcissists, and fascists even when they say they will 'work together they still believe in that toxic dangerous agenda they never spell out to anyone but each other. Which is theocracy and the ability to abuse and exploit whomever or whatever they want to and not be held responsible for anything they say or do. They are arguing from what their narcissism wants .Not reality.

[dlk]

100. How does anyone find unity with rabid dogs?

Seriously

[zentrum]

101. Not "Leaders" but

….Party Workers. Not like the rest of us ordinary Democratic voters. Some of them are kind of easy to spot.

[Meowmee]

102. Agree

NO unity EVER with fascists. It is time to get serious if you actually want to have a democracy left. Hold all of them accountable now with severe penalties.

[rocktivity]

104. Don't apologize for wondering if DU is monitored by political leaders

If it's not, it should be.

I frequented the Court TV message board during a high-profile murder trial, and someone wondered if the lawyers were reading our comments. I wrote, "They should have a paralegal or an entry-level law school graduate reading them, at least -- they'd be idiots not to!"


rocktivity

[nolabear]

107. Well done! I hate being thought of as unable to understand govt.

Unity as in working together when both sides operate in good faith is one thing. Ignoring backstabbing, unremorseful pilfering with one hand while trying to burn down the very house they’re robbing with the other... you don’t accept that as legitimate.

[magicarpet]

108. The only Unity these Fascists want,....

.... is Unitary Executive so they can appoint their Nazi Fuhrer and then transform our Democracy into a Christo-Fascist Theocracy controlled by a strongman dictator who espouses unregulated hyper capitalism lead by a ruthless oligarchy of the super rich.

[BobTheSubgenius]

109. As a Canadian, I realize that I have no talking room on this issue.

However, living right next door, it's not like the vicissitudes of US politics don't affect us. Mulroney wanted to be George W, but thankfully, not one Canadian politician I can think of has been cosplaying Drumpf, thank whoever you thank when you really, really mean it.

In any case, I couldn't agree more with this thesis. With everyone making strong, sincere effort, it will still take years to put it all in the rear view mirror. And there are those who don't want to get past it, and that is a discussion - or many discussions - for another day.

Please don't let any of them get away with the worst things Americans have done to their country in 150 years.

[Uncle Joe]

110. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread Atticus.

[Atticus]

111. You are entirely welcome. I hoped for supportive responses as I posted the OP, but I am honestly

amazed at the number and passion of those who took the time to post in this thread. I guess I struck a nerve.

[steve2470]

114. Amen, well said

The Democratic base is HERE. Yes, not all of us are Democrats or in "the base" but most of we DU'ers are in the Democratic base.

Our elected Dems need to read us regularly and at least consider our opinions and advice. Well said.

[Jay25]

115. Thank you.

[NoRoadUntravelled]

116. I wholeheartedly agree.

I want the rancor and divisiveness to end but not at the cost of sacrificing the Rule of Law. An egregious act was committed against our Democracy and to gloss over it in an effort to unify the country is dysfunctional behavior at best and risks the very essence of the Rule of Law.

The violent siege of our nation's Capitol building was an act of terror. Any and all who assisted in its planning, preparation or implementation must be brought to justice. Those who incited the insurrection must also be brought to justice. Should it come to pass that full illumination of this act or its participants and planners is hidden from the country's view it will be analogous to not cleaning a festering wound. It will burst forth again in the future and we risk losing more, perhaps everything. We were very fortunate this time.

[live love laugh]

119. "Bandaid unity" is brilliant messaging. So is "We the people".

I hope whoever from our leader ship is reading this board takes those messages and spreads them far and wide.

[Trueblue Texan]

121. I absolutely agree...

Getting along does not mean allowing crimes to go unpunished and perpetrators not to be held accountable. That would be more crime on top of the ones already committed on this nation.

[Old Crow]

122. +1. Very well said. (N/T)

[Wishful-Thinking]

123. Another absolute agreement....

From another frequent contributor, campaign worker, Democratic Party advocate since I worked for McGovern!

[MineralMan]

124. I believe you are incorrect about Democratic leaders being here.

I have seen no evidence of that. Ever.