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...the VERY DEFINITION of not having a life! :) No one asked me to go out dancing tonight, so what was I to do???
There was an exchange between a Repub (ugh) strategist and a Dem strategist over the war. Matthews and the Repub jumped on the Dem, demanding to know what the Dems plan to do about the war. The Dem did a lot of hedging and then said, "Well, you know, the President *is* still the Commander in Chief (and will continue to be was implied, of course).
I had a sinking feeling that the Repubs are going to sing this song for the next two years: "It's your baby now." Further, I hope the Dems don't defer to Bush and fail to yank his chain on this war!!!!!!
Although I have been annoyed at the idea that Dems are already running for office in 2008, and such things as holding the criminals in the government accountable may be relegated to the round file, I think that an announcement of intention to run together on the part of these two men would help to give the country some hope. And maybe they could have some influence in shaping Dem handling of withdrawal from Iraq.
I do think, though, that Wesley Clark should run as Vice-President with PRESIDENT Al Gore! Both men have intelligence and integrity, at least to a degree we haven't lately enjoyed, and Clark's military experience would be a boon. In some ways, making such an announcement would sort of pull the rug out from under Georgie's b.s. about military matters because he can't hold a candle to Clark. On the other hand, they could jointly suffer from blame laid on the Dems if changing strategy on the war doesn't happen.
So, we can talk about it here at DU. The big issue is to get a movement going and go beyond DU because we really are preaching to the converted here. However, I'm new here, and I'd be interested in what some of you think about our posts here getting attention beyond this private venue.
The People voted for change on November 7, particularly with regard to the war. If the Democrats don't step up to the plate with a strong plan for Iraq, and more than symbolic (and long-lasting) hearings on the many impeachable crimes of Bush, et al., I think we are in deep, deep trouble.
If I were Al Gore, I don't know that I'd put myself out there again without strong signs of support from the People, and strong indications that the Dem Congress is going to do its job. The Congress doesn't need new drapes, and they don't need a lot of time to get organized. I hope that Ms. Pelosi's first 100 hours will include strong action on Iraq. If the Dems defer to our current CIC, we may see many more American and Iraqi lives lost, and major problems with Iran.
Someone mentioned hoping Conyers doesn't get the Wellstone treatment (words to that effect). I've thought a lot about that. Dennis Kucinich said in 2004 at a meeting here in Santa Fe, after the 2000 judicial coup, after 9/11, after the anthrax attacks, and if I remember correctly, soon after the death of Wellston, that fear was palpable in the halls of Congress. I've asked myself if I have a right to expect people in Congress to play David against Goliath when their very lives are at risk. With regret, I have to say, I, we, have that right. Just as my father raised his hand and swore to defend the Constitution (with his life, if necessary), when he enlisted to fight the war in Europe, our Congresspersons take their own oath to support and defend the Constitution. There is strength in numbers, and if they will stand together for what is right, what is legal, there is a better chance that we can see change.
My friend, UL, we are Internet friends, have exchanged messages over a relatively short period of time, but I'd just like to say: You are skillful and astute in your own right. This isn't an humble suggestion; it's a bold one. I think we all need to start *right now* stirring the waters, letting the new Congress know what we *expect* of them, and letting these candidates know of our support.
There's something in that speech ** (I'll look it up and post it) from Marianne Williamson or Mandela (I'm still confused about its origin) about "playing small." We can't afford to do that, any of us.
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