Called Senator Nelson's office and expressed my disappoinment

[still_one]

with his decision

The person indicated that he would relate my concerns to the Senator, and thanked me for being polite. I then inquired if he was getting unpolite calls, and he responded yes, and though he understand the frustration, he wasn't very happy about the rudeness he received

Being rude does NOT help our cause. If we stoop to the republican level then we have a problem. Why take it out on an aide who works for Nelson. You can get your point out forcefully without four letter words or insults, and it will have a better impact

[feelthebreeze]

1. I called and said that it was a disastrous move. I pledged to unseat him

if he followed through with the action of support. You do not have to swear to voice your opinion, but "rude" is a term I have little respect for. He does not deserve polite chat. I don't know about you, but I am fighting for my Democracy so uh... there is little recourse in civility. It is time to voice outrage, it is time, it is time now.

[cali]

2. The problem with that is it's counter-productive

People get their backs up over threats and tend to discount them. Aside from that, Nelson knows which side his bread is buttered on. Nebraska is one of the ruddier states. I don't know whether or not you're a Nebraskan, but the only folks Nelson is worried about are Nebraskans. If it makes you feel better to vent, fine. Just don't delude yourself that your accomplishing anything.

[feelthebreeze]

3. I disagree...

The senators from around the country need to start hearing this outrage. This is not a state problem, it is a National problem, and as such they and we need to start addressing it. Was I venting? Far from it, I am joining with my fellow Americans to battle the rising storm. I have accomplished much and will continue to do so. I will take every opportunity afforded me by this Democracy to champion its continuance and forge ahead.
You need to ask yourself what steps you are taking, and what steps are you withholding due to fear, cynacism, apathy or a supposed understanding of how the system "really works". It is time for outrage and nothing that is said can make those who see this real oncoming danger, stop our actions. It is most certainly not time for empty threats of action, but for real action.

[cali]

4. I know what steps I'm taking

I'm working to make sure that a dem is elected to replace Bernie Sanders in the house. And sorry but if you think calling and threatening Nelson is effective advocacy, you're just deluding yourself. As for outrage, nope, I'm not big on it. I prefer quietly plodding along, and making a difference where I can.

[feelthebreeze]

5. Not threatening Nelson, threatening his place as an elected leader...

I know you have been posting for a long time Cali. I respect your involvement. I am taken aback that you don't feel the importance of outrage. It is one of the most important tools in garnering change from a grass roots level. Plod if you wish, but realize that change necessitates active stance and anger. I don't need to point out that the current actions taken by this government are anything but a real threat to our continuance as a Nation. This does not inspire plodding to me, but rather charging, pushing and a collective voice of force. Look to the 200,000 Ukrainians, the marches of King and Malcolm X, the overwhelming numbers for Ghandi. Do you see outrage? Yes. change was enacted because of it. Not singular plodding making change where you can, but rather, collective outrage against a system that is broken and must be fixed. The leaders replaced. The voice of the people listened to and again respected.

[cali]

6. Thanks for addressing me in such a civil manner

It's a personal thing. I am prone to outrage, but I'm distrustful of it as it so often spills over into plain old rage. The poet Yeats once wrote that "The best lack all conviction, while the worst are filled with passionate intensity." And no, that doesn't cover it all, but I've concluded I prefer reflectivity to reaction.
Maybe we need both kinds of folks.

[LiberalAndProud]

7. I must confess I expressed righteous outrage LOUDLY on Ben's voice mail

last night.

I really should wait for my temper to cool, but Jeezums Ben is lethal to the Democratic party in this state.

[still_one]

8. I see nothing with outrage

but I have a problem ragging on the aide who is answering the phone, or using abusive language

I definitely understand the frustration, and have to bite my tounge many times