Lincoln Davis: THIS is Democratic Underground

[Tsiyu]

Just another day on the mountain.

We got up a bit late, fed the animals, then I took one son to work (we've got a flat on the second car, but gas costs have eaten up any tire money this week.) My youngest son came along for the ride.

On a whim, I decided to run into a store in a town I passed through on the way home. I needed paint for some artwork I'm doing, and no stores on the mountain have any. This store was no exception. I picked up a few other items we needed and headed for the register.

Then I heard a familiar voice. A resonant, pleasant, powerful voice. I knew immediately who the voice belonged to: my rep, Lincoln Davis.

He was meeting and greeting, telling everyone who he was. Mountain people are pleasant and sociable, so nobody gave him any grief. He stood by the register and shook hands, then reached out for mine, again sharing his identity.

"Oh, I know who you are," I said. And being the good DUer that I am, I told him, "and I'm VERY political and VERY upset." He acknowledged my 12-year-old first, which was nice, and then asked me why I was upset.

First, I metioned Iraq, my son, my son's dead buddies. He asked after my son, and I responded, but then I went into NSA, we need to get out of Iraq, voting irregularities, the selling off of federal lands.

He brought up the DINO's greatest fear, by saying he thought Democrats should not run against the gay or abortion issues but should run on healthcare and Social Security issues.

I said, "No gay person broke up my marriage. There were no gay people involved at all. We must support the Constitution."

He reiterated his comment about Social Security and seemed really nervous that I was challenging him.

Now, my son got the biggest kick out of what I said next.

"Have you heard of Democratic Underground?" He played dumb. So, real slowly, I said "it's w-w-w-dot-democraticunderground-dot-com. Check it out."

He couldn't get out the door fast enough, friends. As he walked out, I said "Take care of us!"

The sales clerk was grinning from ear to ear. "They don't want to hear what we think, do they?" she asked. "They're scared of what we think. They want to come in here and shake hands and say 'vote for me, now' as if that's all they need to do." I was glad to have shown her a person who tells it like it is, and I think she appreciated that someone had the courage to say anything to the man. I told her we considered Davis a DINO and I told her what that meant.

As my son and I walked out to the car, I looked down at my clothes and his and realized that we could not be dressed any scuzzier if we TRIED. I was planning on coming back here to plant some impatiens and coleus and pepper plants (that one of my gay friends bought me yesterday! Ha! Part of the gay agenda: Gardening!!!!! Eeeks!!!!!) and I had to laugh that Davis got a mouthful from one of the Unwashed who definitely looked unwashed today.

"We better start wearing better clothes on the mountain, Mom," my son said, laughing his head off as well.

Hopefully, Davis will find DU and realize that Democrats are watching, and that we aren't happy with DINO's like him.

THIS is DU, Mr. Davis. Join in on the discussions, educate yourself, and start acting like a REAL Democrat rather than a pushover for the right.

Just thought I'd share my morning's adventures. Now I have to go plant those flowers :)

(Oh, how I wish I had remembered Plaid Adder's notion of Democrats coming up with a real draconian Marriage Amendment! I thought as I was driving home. I should have told him that he and other Dems need to draft PA's kind of amendement: stoning adulterers, no divorce EVER. Ah, well, we always know what we should have said after the fact!)

Have a great day, DU :hi:

[underpants]

1. You should email this to his office

http://www.house.gov/lincolndavis/

[Tsiyu]

3. I may do that

but somehow I think he knows about DU already.

Or maybe I just live, eat and breathe DU so I'm delusional!

:hi:

[rodeodance]

6. and cc it to a few others.

[Cha]

67. But the thread you

started was so great..he just has to see it whether he knows about DU or Not. After all..it is about him too.

[SharonAnn]

50. He's a real right-wing Democrat. I met him in 2000, after the

presidential election. He announced his candidacy and said that he's for the 2nd Amendment and against gun control, for God and prayer in schools and public life, and for marriage and against gay marriage. He said he was not going to let the Republicans "Out-gun him, out-pray him, or out-daddy him".

I was new in Tennesse and I began to question what the heck is he doing calling himself a Democrat? Are Democrats here like right-wing Republicans?

I found out the answer is sometimes, "Yes.". We seem to have a lot of DINOs in this state and they're damageing the Democratic party both her and nationally.

I "Give 'em Hell" every time I can.

BTW, a local Rep near here, racist and former preacher, recently fathered an illegitimate child with African-American and his wife divorced him. But he "preaches" when he campaigns!

[Tsiyu]

57. My feeling is that this state is ready for some change

Most people have seen the light. We can reach them if we get rid of the fears and stigmas and short-term thinking.

The time is ripe NOW for that change. I have spoken with many, many people here in Tennessee, and most do not give a damn about gay marriage or abortion.

They are worried about the war, gas prices, health care, the economy, jobs, education, Social Security. A candidate who supports the Constitution AND addresses these issues is bound to be a winner.

But that Good Ol Boy "we'll dump on gays and wimmin" mentality permeates politics to this day. The majority of Tennesseans are sick of what the Good Old Boys have done, though. They may just stay home if they see no significant difference between the parties here. THAT is the problem with staying mired in the past strategy.

Thanks for your perspective, SharonAnn

[patrice]

2. We must speak out to one another also at any opporutnity.

I've been doing that in a nice way more lately and it makes me feel better, probably because I find opportunities to tell peole about things like SUV tax-write-off and emissions.

[Tsiyu]

5. I agree patrice

My voice was shaking when I talked about my son and his buddies and I was almost crying but I pulled it together and kept on going.

Bush can't have a below-freezing approval rating with a nation full of happy people, so our reps better be prepared to learn about our UN-happiness!

[patrice]

11. Yes, it's always pretty stressful to speak the hard truth.

And it's hard to do that without making people think you are attacking them, but it HAS to be done.

[patrice]

28. We must speak out in defense of those who are defenseless.

I feel so horribled about the Marines who will be charged with Murder and they have admitted their guilt, but they ARE NOT alone in the responsibility for what has happened (Thinking of Corporate Media especially right now and Congress).

I'm so sad for the Marines and their families, and all of us, and IRAQ. This war is damned.

I hate to see the Marines in trouble like this. I've trained with them and they're good men; this is so sad for EVERYONE!

The Marines don't bare all of the responsibility for how bad things have gone in Iraq.

[Tsiyu]

48. Well, that's just it

He may be living high on the hawg at taxpayer expense, but his decisions have a human cost.

If Davis really and truly believes in a god, he should stop being a hypocrite and realize that his sucking up to corporations has cost us too much blood, and that blood is on HIS hands as much as anyone else's.

[flamin lib]

4. Great story! I met my Rep, Joe Barto ( Demon TX) at a big

whoop de do thrown by a major law firm in Dallas a few years back. He was going from table to table glad handing. He gets to our table and someone asked him what it takes to be a good Congressman. He says, "Beat Democrats!" I suggested that it might be better to represent his constituency and practice good governance. Table fell silent. His face went slack. He moved to the next table.

I don't get invited to those shin digs anymore . . .

[Tsiyu]

7. Isn't it amazing how they're all in your face

front and center, but when you start talking about their responsibilities, their jobs they were elected by THE PEOPLE to do, and the Constitution, they clam right up?

We're THEIR bosses, but they act like we are just nuisances to ignore. Screw that. I have only one life to give this country, and I won't stand silently by while neocons rape and pillage it and Dem reps bend over.

And I want to show my youngest son that he should never be afraid to speak his mind.

And good for you for speaking up! :applause:

[rock]

8. A really nice story

Thanks!

[Tsiyu]

9. Thank you rock! n/t

[havocmom]

10. Give me that old time politickin! Citiznes taking it to pols' faces!

Ya did good!

K & R for citizens who remember Democracy is NOT a spectator sport

:kick: 'em every chance ya get :evilgrin:

[Tsiyu]

30. Sorry so late getting back atcha

Thanks for the K & R havocmom

I've thought of so many things I wish I'd said.

I wish I'd asked "Why are you letting neocon thugs destroy my country?"

Wonder what answer he would give....:shrug:

[Trillo]

12. Nicely written,

is that what is called real-life satire? Anyway, the portion about the dress is so very true. Everytime I see someone in a suit, all it brings to my mind is big money corruption. I'm amazed everytime I see a candidate in full dress surrounded by voters, average citizens wearing t-shirts and pants. Really sets the candidate off as special, don't it?

I've always wondered if I was the only person who sees the suit as at best pseudo badge of corruption, and at worst, a real badge marking the individual's ruffian-gang affiliation. Evidently not.

[Tsiyu]

31. No, you're not

He was in a shirt and tie, no jacket.

But I was just at a friend's watching CBS news, and their "official" CBS honchos were trying to look all sympathetic over the deaths of their British journalists, and I couldn't help thinking that they looked all polished and professional, but their eyes seem to be saying "Oh, well. I made a shitload of money even though these suckers died...."

A suit is a sign of compromise and public lies these days, I agree. :thumbsup:

(But I still wish I hadn't grabbed the grungiest clothes this morning!)

[riona]

13. Thank you for sharing your story.

You gave him a dose of the medicine he needs. Sometimes I wonder if our reps allow themselves to be shielded from their constituency. They act dumbfounded when someone has the courage to confront them.

[Tsiyu]

32. You're welcome

I think most Americans don't say what they really think unless you ask them. So politicians assume nobody cares.

I don't think he cared much about what I was saying, honestly.

[riona]

56. Sadly

after all the campaign promises, if they get to DC they are treated deferentially and most are willingly shielded from the common person. Their staff screens and takes care of practically all the mail and phone calls. If there is a matter a staff member feels is significant involving another US or local politician, information from his advance team or other office aide, or something involving a wealthy contributor or other person of power, your representative will be personally involved. If not, you will be relegated to a "mail count" or some such thing. There may be some exceptions, but from what I've seen, not too many.

[rucky]

14. I think it's a plus that you were dressed scuzzily(?)

shows that even the "unwashed masses" see through his bullshit.


BTW - the wildflowers are blooming. you should try making your own paint.

[Tsiyu]

33. You like my creative words? : )

My mom always uses that word, so it's genetic, I fear. :blush:

Yeah, this mountain is a soldily Democratic place, for all the hillbillies and recluses around...

And paint from wildflowers would be cool. :)

[intheflow]

15. What a lovely story!

Subverting the dominent paradigm AND beautifying the world by gardening--all in one day! Wish I could meet my DINO senator and be as cool-headed and stright-forward.

Hurrah for you! :applause:

[Tsiyu]

34. thanks, intheflow

I feel like I should have said so much more, so your words are sweet to my eyeballs. :hug:

[babylonsister]

16. I love this! You gave Mr. Davis lots of food for thought!

buddyhollysghost,

[Tsiyu]

35. Awwwwww

Shucks

:hug:

[welshTerrier2]

17. inspiring ...

you come to DU ... you learn ... you get energy ... you get courage ... you get perspective ... i've been way more active since i started hanging out around here ...

some pols i speak to love to hear from common folks; many don't ... they don't like having their little private club infiltrated ...

loved your story ... nothing like speaking truth to power ... great job!!

[Tsiyu]

36. Thanks for your kind words

I owe so much to DU. This is an awesome community because of people like you :P

[LilyLibber]

18. What a GREAT story...

and very brave of you to articulate your concerns to him face-to-face, "scuzzy" clothes and all! :rofl: Way to walk your talk!! :applause:

[Tsiyu]

37. I hate to admit it

but when I read stories about people running into influential folks and clamming up, I get a little annoyed. Of course, sometimes you are in a position where you have to have some decorum, and I have certainly had to hold my tongue in this life, but I felt it would set a really bad example for my son if I had later said, "That was our rep" without having given Davis one of my "nagonizing" lectures ( as my 12-year-old calls them ;) )

I suppose it was more "Mama-better-prove-what-she-says" than bravery, but thank you for your compliments :)

[endarkenment]

19. Mmmmm I am smiling!

You remind me that we need to be fearless and honest and we need to never hesitate to speak up and speak out.

[Tsiyu]

38. I'm glad I helped you smile today

It's hard to find a smile some days, with the state our nation is in.

But you know, it's almost more a fear not to say something at this point, before things get worse.

I doubt my words even made an impact, truthfully, but I do feel better, and my son and I had a great laugh about it. He keeps telling everyone about me spelling out DU's web address. That just tickled him for some reason... :D

[Stinky The Clown]

20. My Good Woman ..... Good on YOU!!!!

What mountain is that? Maybe Signal or Lookout?

[Tsiyu]

39. Thanks My Good Man!

Nope, not either. A bit further north and you might find me ;)

[faithnotgreed]

21. thank you for informing the "unknowing"

you didnt know this man would be there and yet you got in all the good "punches"
i love how they cant deal with the facts of gay relationships having nothing whatsoever to do with ANYTHING
you know who is working for good when travesty and tragedy surrounds them and all they want to discuss are empty empty platitudes designed to receive knee-jerk support

good on you and your son

[Tsiyu]

40. true words, faithnotgreed

I think he is really worried about the marriage amendment, and he's trying to convince his constituents to leave that issue alone. I really wanted to enlighten him further but he was trying to pontificate and heaven knows...:eyes:

I mean, if he really believes that most Americans can't stand gays, why does he not notice that Cheney's daughter is gay, and America hasn't freakin' fallen apart. Nobody - even the fundies - bat an eyelash over Jeff Gannon or Rush's known homosexual proclivities, so, really and truly, Americans don't give a shit.

I wish he would wake up and call it a wedge issue, rather than a "we should back down on that one" issue.

[Dr Fate]

22. DINOs dont want your input (see Alito filibuster) they want votes & $$$$

If they want actual input, they will look to skewed corporate media polls, DLC position papers or belt-way "conventional wisdom."

Thanks for red-assing the guy, although my bet is he will forget every word you said. I'm sure he immediately wrote you off as "a Micheal Moore/Move-on-dot-org crazy person" who "just hates Bush."

[Tsiyu]

41. No doubt

It's funny, because I attended a local Dem rally in 2004 and when Davis got up to speak, he was saying that Dems shouldn't be afraid to talk about their faith and how that faith (he meant of the Christian variety, of course) is what makes Democrats care about the poor and children and the elderly.

I misted up then because I was losing what faith I had, precisely because of the greed and corruption and warmongering and bigotry of the "Christian" leaders.

You're correct when you say he probably dismissed me as a kook. But I am an American through and through. So he got a little discomfort before he turned away :)

[dbackjon]

23. Great story!!!

The only good thing I can think of that Lincoln Davis has done was to beat that wacko Republican woman in the election - the one that makes Pat Robertson look liberal.

[Tsiyu]

42. What you said

Totally. This is the Bobble Belt, so he wants to keep that conservative Dem vote, but trashing the Constitution, voting for laws that destroy consumer rights and corporate responsibility and refusing to stand up to the bullies in Washington are not worthy sacrifices to make to keep the Rightie Tighties happy.

[glitch]

24. Wow!

:yourock:

[Tsiyu]

43. Thanks, glitch!

You never know what the day will bring! :hi:

[BrklynLiberal]

25. YOU GO! GIRL!!!!!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Tsiyu]

44. Thanks BrklynLiberal

That's an impressive smilie arrangement :P

(me blushing now :blush: )

[Kurovski]

26. Thanks for sharing that story.

It made me smile. :-)

Recommended

[Tsiyu]

45. All those recs trip me out, Kurovski

Thank you so much and I really mean that. I HAD to share this story, and hope that maybe Davis will check us out and find out what Dems REALLY think.

You never know! :shrug:

[Rockholm]

27. Thank You for the GREAT story.

[Tsiyu]

46. You are so welcome

Thanks for responding so nicely :)

[Vidar]

29. nicely done

[Tsiyu]

47. Thanks vidar

DU is the place to train for word-to-word combat with DINOs! :hi:

[Vidar]

68. You're welcome.

[NanceGreggs]

49. A great story, and well-told!

I wouldn't worry about what you could-have, would-have, should-have said -- your comments were perfect!

K'd & R'd - and THANKS for sharing this with all of us!

[Tsiyu]

53. An honor from you, Nance

thanks :)

[tinfoil tiaras]

51. I wish I could see Pickering or Lott at the grocery store

and give them a piece of my mind. But they probably either a. don't care what I think, b. don't associate with the common people in a non fundraiser setting or c. both

I think it's c.

K&R btw.

[Tsiyu]

54. We had a big discussion last night about this, tinfoil tiara

To me - a late 40's female - the Repukes are completely trashing my country. Dems need to gain back control. I view the Clinton years as not perfect, but more in line with the direction I want my nation to take. I trust Dems to take me there again.

To a 30-something guy (who served with the Guard at Guantanamo and who hates Bush) who visited last night, only an Independent party is the answer. He honestly sees no difference between the parties at all. He thinks Hillary is as evil as Bush. Why?


To my 20-something kids, there is a great deal of confusion. They want to believe SOME party can change things, and they are wavering in their support of Dems, precisely because they are seeing Democrats cave on issues concerning war, corporate responsibility and rights for all Americans no matter what their beliefs about religion or god or adult sexuality.

They wonder: if the Dems acquiesce on these key issues, will they cave on a Draft?

We need to consider the future of the actions we take now. Americans are ready for a third party, I think, and the Dems need to decide if they want these voters or if they can get by courting the Repuke base.


I think you're correct when you say our reps don't care. But I will still wish for you a Close Encounter of the political kind. :hi:

[tinfoil tiaras]

62. Yeah, alot of my friends are like "both parties suck...alot"

I was between the ages of 1-8 during the Clinton administration, and while I don't remember much, I would think if I were about that age now, I would remember all the horrible stuff Bush has done.

I just wish the Democrats would stand up to Bush and tell him "Look, fucktard, we're sick and tired of your games and we're not gonna take it anymore." Of course, no one can stand up to him now, not even the American press, who, for a long time, was considered the right arm of the DNC (a bunch of bullshit now...it's now a wholly owned subsidiary of Halliburton).

I hope I see them too...maybe when I'm visiting with my dad and he makes me go to the Country Club, I'll see one of them there... :evilgrin:

[SharonAnn]

65. It will be easier and faster to take over the Democratic Party than

to start a new one.

It's a tempting thought, to start an Third Party, and maybe it's doable, but not in the short term. However, rebuilding or "taking over" the Democratic Party is doable in the near term.

I struggle with this every day and am very frustrated today becasue of some local things here, but i know I'm changing things. I have influenced tremendous change in our local organization over the last four years and we are now ready for explosive growth and performance. We have Democrats running for local and state office (including me) for the first time in many years. We have "closet Democrats" coming and saying they thought they were the only ones here.

We're still fighting the old-time cabal that has had total control and it will be a while before we sideline them, but we're getting successes and building an organization. The old-time cabal has been busy "negotiating" with the Republican power structure for their own benefit and stifling the party. But, "Our Day Will Come", and it will come soon.

So, hard-fought battles at the local level will change the shape of the Democratic Party all the way up the line if we do this all over the country.

If we become the power, then we define the rules, we set the agenda, and we manage the process.

[radfringe]

52. real draconian Marriage Amendment

Require a mandatory marriage age - i.e. you have to marry by age 25. If you are unable to find a suitable partner one will be provided to you by the government.

NO DIVORCE EVER. NO SEPARATION either (under any circumstances).

Adulters will be forced to wear monitoring devices (which includes some sort of video recording device) and be required to phone in their location once a day. Phone/internet/postal mail will be monitored.

No birth control of any kind (including birth control practices such as vatican roulette)

Sex is limited to PROCREATION ONLY - no doing it for fun with your spouse.

[Tsiyu]

55. yes, let's out-moral them

Have you read Plaid Adder's Amendment?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=1322978&mesg_id=1322978

During campaign 2004, I had a sign on the car:

Want morality?

Outlaw Divorce!

Of course I don't want divorce outlawed, but the Jesus they claim to love did not like divorce. He never said a word about homosexuality.


So let's get real moral on 'em. Freakin' hypocrites....

[4_TN_TITANS]

58. When I first saw his commercials on tv

I thought he WAS a dyed in the wool Repuke. My county is like that also, we have to really eye potential candidates because it's almost impossible to get elected here without a D by your name. Repukes lie about their party all the time.

[politicasista]

60. I thought that too

After all he used to be a Sunday School teacher and his ads were repuke-lite, socially conservative.

[CrispyQ]

59. Great story! Thanks for sharing!

I love that your kid got to witness it all!

:hi:

[yellerpup]

61. What fruitful fun

I am having a great day now. I really enjoyed hearing your story.

[johnaries]

63. I always thought Davis was a DINO since he said he was

anti-abortion. I think my Rep (Jim Cooper) is much better, although he still disappoints me on too many occasions.

[sandnsea]

64. I hope nobody decides not to vote at all

Or worse, that they may as well vote for the Republican since the DINO isn't looking out for them anyway. At least they won't get their taxes raised with a Republican.

It's one thing to confront him on the issues and good for you for doing that. It's another to tell other voters that he's worthless and I don't applaud that at all.

[Cha]

66. This is an example of

why I love DU!

We're out here, Lincoln Davis, and we want big change inside the beltway! We don't appreciate the Democrat In Name Only!

Thank you, buddyhollysghost, for sharing your chance encounter with your Congressional Representative so eloquently with us.