Franken: 'If Republicans Take Over Congress, They'll Implement A Truly Dangerous Agenda'

[NJmaverick]

Las Vegas -- Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) last night told progressive activists and bloggers that they have a responsibility to stay engaged during the crucial midterm elections -- lest they allow Republicans to not just roll back the Obama administration's real gains, but enact an agenda he called "dangerous." Franken then acknowledged that it's a tough election year but, especially in Sen. Harry Reid's home state, Reid (D-NV) shouldn't be underestimated.

Franken credited conservatives for being motivated to reverse the gains progressives have made over the past five years, pointing out that corporations have pledged $200 million during this election cycle and "one oilman, one guy, gave Karl Rove $1 million for attack ads." He warned participants that, in addition to all of that, the Citizens United decision -- the very mention of which earned boos from the crowd -- means that "corporations now spend unlimited amounts of money... can now spend unlimited sums of money directly attacking candidates who try to stand up to them." He pointed out that the Senate would be different without its current leadership and many of its progressive darlings -- and that the House would be different with Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) as speaker, a mention that also earned boos from the crowd.

Franken acknowledged the frustration and disappointment of the crowd with the pace of change in the Senate, pointing out that he supported the public option, immigration reform and public financing of elections, too. He then went on to cite the progressive successes of the Senate, from the expansion of health coverage to 32 million more people, to the cap on profits and administration costs for insurance companies, and from the Volcker rule to the open trading of derivatives. In an interview with TPM before the speech, Franken endorsed Elizabeth Warren for the new Consumer Protection agency created with the financial reform law. He also said many of the things within health care reform he discussed during his 2008 campaign against Sen. Norm Coleman (R).

Franken then added that, while there might be a majority of Democrats, there's hardly a majority of progressives -- and those that are there aren't satisfied with the pace. But he said that, no matter how frustrated the netroots are with Democrats, they shouldn't "check out now" -- because Republicans want to repeal everything that's been achieved even as progressives bemoan what hasn't been achieved yet.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/07/franken-republican-agenda-dangerous-video.php?ref=fpa

[mstinamotorcity]

1. Oh you can believe that

we know they will rob the country with a vengeance that we won't be able to fathom. They already told us what they are planning to do. If the people let them so and so's get back in control, show me the door.

[w4rma]

229. Yup. Everything everyone is complaining about will get worser, quicker. (nt)

[Scurrilous]

2. Thanks NJmaverick.

K & R :thumbsup:

[stray cat]

3. it seems so obvious but yet some progressives will stay home at let it happen

[sufrommich]

4. Of course they will. Anyone who thinks they won't is an idiot. nt

[kentuck]

5. The Democrats are disheartened and discouraged because...

.


the Republicans have been very successful at tearing down and discrediting everything they attempt to do. They have had a 24/7 media blitzkrieg against Barack Obama. Most of it originates at FOX and with talk radio, with people like Rush, Levin, Hannity, and others. They do not let up. It is fire and brimstone all the time. This has fired up their base and the Tea baggers and our base has become discouraged at the rate and the manner in which change has been approached and enacted. There is no urgency to the change that is needed. And that is discouraging.

The only thing Democrats can do is to fight fire with fire. You cannot run and hide from these bullies. You have to let them know that people are wise to their game. They can change their Party name from Republican to Tea Party but that does not absolve them of their responsibility for this economic mess. They are hypoocrites. Most of them voted for George W Bush - twice. They knew he was not paying for the wars or the Medicare program or the taxcuts for the wealthy. They knew what he was doing and they said nothing until Obama was in office and the shit had already hit the fan. That is the truth of the matter and they need to know that we know.

[butterfly77]

233. +1

:kick:

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. If only they could all be like Franken

Or at least a few more of them.

[Touchdown]

7. So love Obama! Get in line! Shut up! Don't criticize! Read the list!

blah, blah, blah!:eyes:

[sufrommich]

9. Perhaps you could point out something in the article that

you disagree with instead of mimicking simplistic platitudes.

[Name removed]

12. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MineralMan]

22. Do you have any positive suggestions that can be implemented

now? All I'm seeing is negatives. That seems pretty unproductive, really.

[Name removed]

43. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sufrommich]

46. Perhaps you should start up Revolutionary Underground. nt

[MineralMan]

47. Oh, bother...there isn't going to be a revolution. Between you

and the teabaggers, it seems like there's always someone talking of uprisings and revolutions. It's "let's you and him fight" all around. Utter piffle. I'm sure you can come up with something better than that stale old saw...

[MineralMan]

51. Oh, go ahead and just say it. You know you want to.

Once you do, you'll feel so much better, and will be able to tell people at whatever site you land at that you got banned for "telling the truth." Feh!

[Touchdown]

68. What did I tell you?

[MineralMan]

74. I don't know. I didn't see you tell me anything.

[Touchdown]

75. ...

The message was deleted.

Do you want me to be banned? Why don't you ask the Admins to do it?

[MineralMan]

78. I'm not an admin. They make their own decisions. My input is

not required. If you have questions about what the moderators or administrators do, you can ask them directly. I'm not either one.

[Touchdown]

Then you have nothing more to lecture me about.

Be Gone!

[MineralMan]

82. Ah...well, I make my own decisions about what to post and where

to go, thanks. I don't think I'll take your instructions.

[Touchdown]

87. Just like I don't take orders from you, or your childish psychoanalysis of me..

I am well aware of what's going on with this country, and your rhetorical cheap shots and attempts to bully me into shutting up about it.

[bahrbearian]

210. LIke your 28,000 posts at the FR

[MineralMan]

219. What does my acting as a provocateur at that site have to do

with anything at all? You found my disclosure of that in my profile, didn't you? Why do you suppose I put it there? To hide that I left there in 2006, after spending a lot of time poking at Freepers? Really? Why would I keep the same screen name and fully disclose that I used to post there? That's just silly. Anyone can look at my profile and see that. They can also look at my final message there, which is preserved in the DU archives.

[bahrbearian]

266. 28,000 posts and you say you were a provocateur,

so who you provocating here? you seem to have a high post count here too. just asking.

[Yuugal]

243. Those posts don't count because it

was research: think Pete Townshend....

[sufrommich]

23. There is nothing simplistic about post 11 assertion,

if you don't vote for the democrat, the republican wins, is this not true?

By the way, writing "your boyfriend.. err President" makes you sound like a 12 year old.

[Name removed]

45. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sufrommich]

54. Except that DLC/ Blue Dogs tend to vote with the

Democrats the majority of the time and not ALL democrats are DLC/ Blue Dogs ( and if you think Al Frankin is either, you aren't paying attention). Even conservative democrats like the DLC and Blue Dogs are miles away from the republican agenda. Maybe you should have a look see at the republican agenda before you make declarations that democrats = republicans. Or at least make a stab at following the rules of this site.

[LoZoccolo]

95. Which one is no different? n/t

[Touchdown]

107. These two are the same

And not much different from this douchebag.

[LoZoccolo]

127. Because there aren't any, and the idea that there are is just a manipulative canard. n/t

[Touchdown]

131. I think that's what I was basically saying

with the two pics of the same dog.

[MineralMan]

49. ...

Wrong place.

[NJmaverick]

15. They can't because they made up all their gripes, they don't really exist

[Bandit]

235. When Democrats cut Social Security and keep the Bush* tax cuts in place for the wealthy

We are all supposed to say "oh it would be so much worse under Republicans"

[sufrommich]

261. I think I'll just save this post for the day when neither of these

things actually happens.

[BlueIdaho]

11. Then vote for republicans in 2010?

Since that's your only other choice. Oh I know you'll stay home, which is the same thing really...

[Touchdown]

14. What's the difference?

Are we out of war? DADT repealed? Unemployment solved? Green jobs hiring? Rendition halted? Guantanamo closed? Wall Street not in charge anymore? Oil industry forced to pay for environmental damage?

I used to be like you. It was hopeful. Then I saw reality.

[NJmaverick]

17. Now for the real answers

We are out of Iraq and a year away from Afghanistan

DADT is being repealed by the Democratic President and Congress

The Republican job losses have been stopped and reversed under the Democratis


Green jobs are hiring thanks to the Democrats

Rendition and torture has been halted thanks to the Democrats

Guantanamo has been ordered closed but was that was halted by the Republicans

Wall Street reform has been passed

BP had to pay 20 billion in damages (a new record)

You need to see the world as it is.

[Touchdown]

25. Excuse me. I thought you said real answers.

Iraq... Not quite. Afghanistan? Don't make me laugh.

DADT? Over Obama's dead body! It's more than obvious!

Job losses, too early to claim anything concrete.

Green Jobs? Not enough to make the news.

Rendition? How do you know that it still isn't going on?

WS reform. Too little, too late.

Guantanamo? Easy excuse.

BP is still a privately held corporation, and the oil industry is still in private hands.

You need a new list and new talking points. I see the world as it is. Obama, Majority of the Senate, and a good plurality of the House are DINOs.

[NJmaverick]

30. You seem to be creating your own set of facts. However while we are all allowed an opinion

we are not allowed our own facts. Comments like "don't make me laugh", It's more than obvious", "way to early to claim", "not enough to make the news" "how do you know that it's still...", "easy excuse" are all indicators of someone attempting to create their own reality.

[Touchdown]

40. No it isn't. You have no more lock on reality that I do.

I have an opinion on these things, and historical facts back up my opinions and assertions. Continuing trickle down and expecting different results (unemployment, Wall Street reform, green ecomony) just because the Democrats are in charge is creating your own reality. Pretending that we don't set up a permanent military garrison in every country we invade since the Spanish American War is not looking at reality (Iraq, Afghanistan).

[NJmaverick]

48. How big is the Grenada garrison, exactly?

[Touchdown]

56. Military Police, Special Forces, and Intelligence Agents.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasion_of_Grenada

[NJmaverick]

69. That would be immediately after the invasion. We currently have ZERO

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_number_of_troops

[Touchdown]

72. I have to laugh!

You showed me that list of more than 100 countries we have bases on, and you crow about Grenada not having any!

My point still stands.:rofl:

For the record, the wiki I linked to did not have any exit dates of American military presence in Grenada, so I ( and you) still don't know WHEN they left.

[NJmaverick]

90. Laughter aside can you admit that you were wrong?

[Touchdown]

94. I was wrong about Grenada.

And my greater point about our military prescence everywhere else still stands.

Can you admit that, and stop playing the gotcha game?

[Touchdown]

103. I know you are hanging on my every post... CAN YOU ADMIT I WAS RIGHT?

Or are you cowering away?

[snooper2]

238. truthy to power!

You go!

[Touchdown]

254. Nobody just pulls Grenada out of their ass.

WIth over 100 countries we have bases on, the poster above knows my initial claim that we never leave where we invade is essentially true. He knew about Grenada because it's the only exception to the rule, of which I admitted I did not know.

Truthiness has nothing to do with his use of that to distract from the main point.

[butterfly77]

236. Is that you..

Alex Jones,you are so unrealistic and unreasonable..

[derby378]

96. How come we're stll in Iraq...

...and will continue to occupy the nation for perhaps the next 10 years, this time with a private army commissioned by the State Department?

[USArmyParatrooper]

160. (yawn)

We've already began pulling out. I might be the only member of DU who was actually there all of last year.

Our FOB's (Forward Operating Bases) are being converted to JSS's (Joint Security Station). We spent the better half of last year making preparations and operational changes in for a pull out, all in accordance status of forces agreement.

The 7000 private security contractors you read about was because of the magnitude of the pullout. For a time we're still going to have State Department officials working with the Iraqi government, and they do need protection. Better to use US military? Sure, I'll buy that. But then you'd complain about that as well.

And FYI, Blackwater is NOT the model for all security contractors. When I was there the security check point and guard posts were being manned by Ugandans employed by EODT. They performed absolutely NO missions whatsoever. Their job consisted entirely of guard duty. And frankly we didn't mind so much because it sucks balls pulling guard shift at the gates or in a tower.

[MineralMan]

164. Thanks for your actual information, and

thanks for your service!

[USArmyParatrooper]

168. You're welcome

Seriously, I'm done with the whiners. If someone has constructive criticism have at it. But if you fall in the "Obama is a corporate sell out" or "Obama is like Bush" category, get the fuck out. Leave the party. PLEASE. Take your indignant ass elsewhere.

Here, let me help you. Here's just a few of MANY alternate choices.

http://www.birthers.org/

http://texasdarlin.wordpress.com/

http://archive.redstate.com/

[MineralMan]

176. Indeed. I was in the USAF during the Vietnam War.

I wasn't in Vietnam. Instead, they sent me to Turkey after sending me to Russian Language School. When I returned, I joined the anti-war movement. I even met Nixon once, while working in the NSA building. I was on a detail and he approached me. I asked him when the war would end. Oddly, he said, "During my term as President." Then he walked away. Not too much interest in talking to an E-4, I guess. Oddly enough, it did end during his term in office.

[snooper2]

239. Thanks for your service and

thanks for some actual facts from the field :yourock:

[Touchdown]

175. Pulling out means Zero, which will not happen.

Not in this empire with that embassy.

[USArmyParatrooper]

178. Now pulling out of Iraq means nothing? lol wow

What does having an embassy have to do with anything? We have foreign embassies in the US, do we not?

[Touchdown]

182. Ok, let me clarify for you. ZERO means no troops in Iraq

Zero troops in Iraq. Zero mercenaries in Iraq. Zero "contractors" in Iraq. Only a few Marines at the embassy.

That will never happen, thus there is no "pull out".

[USArmyParatrooper]

189. Oh, I see.

So going from 160,000 combat forces in theater conducting combat operations to a piddly few military advisers means nothing?

[Touchdown]

194. I didn't say it meant nothing. Don't put words in my mouth.

This is why I can't reason with you. I just said it isn't a "pull out". It never is truly a "pull out" in this country. Witness Germany and the Philippines.

If you read what I actually say, you wouldn't have to "put it in other words".

[Winterblues]

256. So between fifty and seventy THOUSAND troops is "piddly"

:shrug: some people refuse to acknowledge reality. That is the amount of troops Obama has said will remain in Iraq. He has stated those numbers numerous times, however he also said he would begin "on day one" to remove "one brigade a month". He was not truthful when he said that so why should we think he would be truthful when he says between fifty and seventy thousand will remain?

[Touchdown]

258. Well, at least there isn't any troops in Grenada, so we're really not an empire!

Whew! Dodged that one!:eyes:

... read further down for context.:hi:

[mstinamotorcity]

234. Thank you, Thank you

A real person who actually knows not one of these blogging couch sitting people who pretend to interpret our military's every move. Thank you for the info. And Thanks for serving we have the best. And keep informing.:hi: :hi: :hi:

[USArmyParatrooper]

150. You're right. You should leave the Democratic party imediately

The Democrats in Congress wrote and voted for all the bills you don't like. They've failed to produce anything that reflects your values. They "blindly" give Obama their unyielding support. Obama still has high job approval ratings with registered Democrats.

You should teach us all a lesson and jump ship - time now. What are you waiting for?

[Touchdown]

159. Like a plane when you sky dive. My point flew right over you.

So much for that.

[Name removed]

165. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[USArmyParatrooper]

170. Then why is he on (D)emocratic Underground?

[Touchdown]

172. Why are you talking about me as if I'm not here?

I do not feel the need to go over my resume with you. Suffice to say, I'm still a Democrat. I just don't accept the status quo, nor do I respond to fear based, red sacre type appeals

[USArmyParatrooper]

177. Who's trying to induce fear?

I'm certainly not. I'm just wondering why you're still around. According to you Obama has abandoned Democratic ideals (I think that's absurd but I'll digress). President Obama? Why the focus on him? Congress actually writes the laws for him to sign. The Democrats in Congress overwhelmingly support him. He still has very high approval rating from registered Democrats.

What's keeping you around?

[Touchdown]

179. You're joking about that ignorance of fear, right?

Vote for Democrats of the Republicans will destroy the country and kill you.

That is essentially the message of this thread.

What's keeping me around is I'm a Democrat and a liberal. You do not define what a Democrat or a liberal is. I quit the Army because people like you kept telling me what to think!

I never said anything about The Prez abandoning Democratic Principles. I said he was a corporate lackey. In my lobbying congress on progressive issues for years I have noticed that fealty to corporate power is lamentably, now a Democratic principle. However there are still many others I do believe in which keeps me here.

I said I don't need to give you my resume, but I did. Kindly stop trying to ban me. This isn't your site to do that.

[USArmyParatrooper]

187. Yep, Obama is a corporate lackey

Which would mean so is the entire Democratic party. Again, who writes the supposed "corporate lackey" legislation? CONGRESS. Surely mainstream Democrats don't approve of this corporate lackey, right? Except... President Obama has very high approval ratings among registered Dems.

So with the Democratic President, the Democrats in Congress along with the complicity of Democratic voters being "corporate lackeys"....

You're still a Democrat? Why? We don't represent your values.

[Touchdown]

191. Sorry. I tried to talk to you.

I'm imagining a brick wall. Nice to see you. And we actually agreed in the DADT posts. So nice to see people turn on you so quickly.

Think about me what you want. It doesn't change who I really am.

[sufrommich]

192. "You do not define what a Democrat or a liberal is"

And you do?

[Touchdown]

195. Nope

I don't either. Next question.

[MineralMan]

174. I do not have the answer to that question.

You could ask him, but I doubt you'll get a clear answer.

[RC]

156. I concur whole heartedly.

And if our Congress is not made up of mostly DINO's, the why haven't they corrected the corporations as persons fiction?

[MineralMan]

167. Actually, there's a bill that does that in process.

The SCOTUS decision wasn't made that long ago. Legislation that bypasses a SCOTUS ruling has to be very carefully written, you see. It takes time. It will also take a lot of support from the general population. That seems to be difficult to come by from some.

[BlueIdaho]

21. If you can't see a difference

Then you deserve the fucked up nation the republicans will deliver to your doorstep.

Edit = typo

[Touchdown]

31. No I can't. And you haven't shown me any of those differences

you keep alluding to.

[scheming daemons]

88. See post #86.... and just about every other vote the past 18 months

Almost unanimous Dems for something... almost unanimous GOP against something.


Every. fucking. time.


The parties couldn't be more different.


Just look at the voting records.

[Touchdown]

98. 5 words.

What's Good For The Goose.

[BlueIdaho]

181. Not my job.

I don't have to sell you anything. You're a grown up, if you are willing to live in the fucked up world the republicans will deliver to your doorstep each and every day, that's your problem, not mine.

[Touchdown]

183. Truly sad to live in your "Lesser Evil is better" world

[BlueIdaho]

199. I'd rather be me

Than you any day.

[Touchdown]

200. Then I am truly blessed.

[BlueIdaho]

205. That makes two of us.

[scheming daemons]

86. Simple example: UE benefit extension, Dems were 58-1 for... GOP was 39-2 against

If you can't see... right there... a major difference between the parties, then you're being intentionally obtuse.

[Touchdown]

92. I can see that.

The fact that there are that many Repugs who hold this country hostage, and that many wimpy Democrats who let them get away with it is an indictment on all of us, not just me.

Those here who insist we all fall in line to the "lesser evil" option, only insure that congressional vote numbers like that continue.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

111. I wonder what the vote would have been if corporations had to come up with that money.

The Democrats are kinder and gentler, unless, like with the Health Insurance Bill, corporations become affected.

[NJmaverick]

13. Those sound like what someone who isn't grounded in reality would say

They mistaken believe that when they are being told truths, they don't like they are actually being told to shut up. When they are warned of the danger posed by the Republicans they transform that into a belief that they have to love their president. You should really make an effort to have more realistic and grounded points of view.

[Touchdown]

19. Don't try to tell me who I am.

I know what danger the Republicans pose, and that is not the reason you posted the Franken quote. You did it to shame us who criticize, and nothing more. Witness the "Yep! Says it all!" and "That's right!" yes men posts patting you on the back.

[MineralMan]

24. We're saying that because it's true. Disengaging will have the

same effect as voting for the Republicans. Al Franken knows what he's talking about. He almost didn't make it into office. 300-some votes was all that got him there. It's a matter of numbers.

[NJmaverick]

26. I have to again say your points are not supported by the reality of the situation

It's pure fantasy to think only critics care about our nation and appreciate the dangers that the Republicans pose.

[Touchdown]

28. Reality is not what you say it is.

Reality is that Obama's bus is equipped with softer, more loving tires to run over and crush our heads with. He is beholden top those that control this country, and it will never be you.

That is reality.

[NJmaverick]

32. Fantasies about buses with soft wheels running over people and crushing their heads

is in no way helpful in addressing real world issues.

[Touchdown]

36. Neither is enabling privately owned corporation to control our lives.

[NJmaverick]

38. In the real world the only one controlling my life is me

[Touchdown]

42. It's a nice fantasy.

... but it's no more real than the Tooth Fairy.

[NJmaverick]

50. Blaming others for one's own life is rarely a good idea, especially blaming companies

and such concepts are simply fantasy at gest. Most successful people tend to take control of their lives.

[Touchdown]

61. Do you make money? Do you participate in a market economy?

You need to know that you had no choice in this matter. You either live by the rules made for you by those long since dead, or you will be swallowed up by it. Capitalism is a game to does not let you bow out of it.

There is no control of your life. Only the illusion of control by playing within the rules already set up for you, and calling yourself a "Maverick" for playing by those rules.

[NJmaverick]

63. The only two things I have to do is die and pay taxes, everything else is optional

and if I wish I could even try to pass on paying taxes.

[Touchdown]

67. You didn't answer me.

[Touchdown]

80. Do you make money? Do you participate in Capitalism?

I didn't ask what you 'have' to do. I asked how you live your life as a "Maverick".

[NJmaverick]

112. You mean to say do I CHOOSE to participate

[Touchdown]

114. No. I meant what I said.

Now, are you going to answer?

[MineralMan]

37. Oh, please...

[sufrommich]

27. You know, you're on a board that supports Democrats.

To imagine that posting what a democratic senator comments on at Netroots Nation is somehow a nefarious slam at democrats says way more about you that I think you imagine it does. Get a grip.

[Name removed]

35. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[NJmaverick]

53. " Democrats in charge of this country are working to destroy!"

Do you seriously believe that?

[Touchdown]

62. Health Care Reform, DADT, REAL Wall Street Reform...

You bet your ass, I do.

[NJmaverick]

70. Those are all liberal agenda items the Dems are working FOR

not against and not ignoring. You need to realize the Republicans in no way shape or form will work on anything even remotely liberal

[Touchdown]

73. I realize all of that.

You are not telling me anything new.

[sufrommich]

59. Good God. Al Franken is not trying to destroy the

country, neither is Barack Obama. I think your true colors are showing.

[Touchdown]

64. I never said neither of those are...

but they both are caught up in a cycle of co-dependency on a failed economic religion called Trickle Down that they are still trying desperately to salvage. It won't work, because it never has in history.

Continuing to think that Trickle Down's rotting corpse can be saved is what's going to destroy us. Neither are trying to destroy the country, but they are not going to save it with this course of action.

I did answer your assertion, but you need to learn to read better. I said Democrats(Not Franken or Obama) are trying to destroy liberal/progressive ideas(Not the Country). Do not put words in my mouth, or your true colors will show.

[jwirr]

117. Wrong - there is a time for criticism within the party and there is a time

to pull together. Al Franken is reminding us that we are close to a primary vote that will determine who controls the house and senate the next two years. He is asking us to pull together for the upcoming battle not to rubber stamp everything that has happened the last two.

[Touchdown]

130. When will the time come to criticize the party?

When? Just a date is all I'm asking, because it hasn't happened yet since 1980. How much longer? Do you think. When we colonize Mars? Moons of Jupiter? Neptune?

[jwirr]

133. About all we read on DU since President Obama was elected is

criticism. In past elections we have worked together to get Democratic candidates elected and I do not see much of that here now - just fighting about if we are all democrats or not. You are entitled to keep up the opposition but I am going to try to keep as many democrats in office as I can for the sake of my disabled daughter. If we go the repug way she is lost. I honestly do not see what you are trying to accomplish here with these arguments. Do you want us all to stay home this election?

[Touchdown]

139. I don't respond to threats or fear, and that's all you have

Appeals to my heartstrings about your daughter are just the sort of manipulative shit that I'm talking about. The best medical care for whatever ails your daughter is what I want. What we got out of Congress, and Obama's pen are not it!

I never said I'm staying home. I don't want people to stay home. I want people to engage this government and make them accountable.

You know what i'm doing Tuesday? I'm flying to DC and keeping appointments with all 9 of Colorado's House Members and Senators, to lobby them and talk about issues important to liberals and working people. Do you know how hard it is to get other people to even do that? I am my Local Union's Legislative chairman and it's very hard to keep everyone engaged. Especially when the Democrats, not the Republicans, were responsible for killing EFCA.

What I do not appreciate are the appeals to fear, the demands that I go in lockstep, or that I'm not allowed to criticize anything Democrats do because "the Republicans are hiding in the forest", and don't tell me DU doesn't have people who do just that! I'm not a "just let them do their job" kind of guy.

[jwirr]

149. My daughter in on Medicaid - if repugs have their way that to will end.

[Touchdown]

151. Did you hear a word I said?

No. I guess you didn't.

[jwirr]

166. Sorry, I read your whole post. It was a much better explanation of why

you are angry that the rest of your posts. By the way I do not call what you are doing in DC criticism - it is lobbying. Our progressive lobbying should never end. How else are our candidates going to know what we want. Franken is a strong union supporter and as such he was not suggesting we quit working for our goals.

[bobbolink]

39. that's it exactly. GET IN LINE.

The McCarty-ites win.

:nuke:

[sufrommich]

55. So Al Franken is a McCarthyite now? Some of you have crossed

into crazy land.

[NJmaverick]

57. Yeah when Al Franken is being considered a corporate sell out

it's clear facts have left the building

[MineralMan]

60. Or someone has taken leave of something, anyhow.

"McCarty" my ass!

[SidDithers]

129. +1...

but their comments are comedy gold.



Sid

[bobbolink]

202. Franken had the choice to LISTEN to frustrated people, and actually care about what they had to say.

By replying with "You can't bail out now", which is controlling, if you are honest about it, in effect, he told people to STFU and "get in line", as another poster said.

I thought Franken had more populist savvvy than that. It is very disappointing.

Whether it works for the group which is assembled there or not, its NOT going to work for the millions who voted for the whole Dem ticket and are now very disenchanted.

And that is the choice that many DUers don't seem to want to understand. You can treat people with respect, and be willing to hear what they are saying, and care about their objections, or you can sneer. "Pony". "Magic wand".

It comes down to whether you actually want to win in Nov.

Now, revert to form, ignore everything I had to say to you, and sneer.

I'm sure it will make you feel better, and gather the troops behind you.

THAT is where the divisiveness is.

[MineralMan]

58. Who's "McCarty?"

Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.

[Touchdown]

206. Like the history of being called "Fucking Retards" by the White House COS?

[tranche]

105. Al Franken a McCarty-ite --- RIP DU 2010

[Name removed]

104. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

108. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[DevonRex]

123. I know some folks don't want his accomplishments to be listed here anymore.

And I know those same folks don't want the consequences of not voting or voting third party to be talked about here. Quite often, those folks are the ones who will stay home or vote third party.

We here on DU who help get Democrats get elected to office are quite happy to see the accomplishments of Democratic office holders listed on DU, just as we like to see people reminded of the consequences of not voting or voting third party.

[Touchdown]

124. All you folks have is fear! Vote for us and nobody gets hurt.

How about some real reasons to vote that have nothing to do with fear?

[DevonRex]

137. You might try actually reading that list of accomplishments. Starting with extending UI benes

and going backwards.

After that you might want to read Forkboy's OP in GDP about this court being the most conservative ever, thanks to GW Bush's appointments. THAT is what happens when we have a Repuke in the WH and a Repuke-controlled Congress. Now we have a conservative 5-4 majority that will affect this country for the next generation unless something terrible befalls one of the conservative ones while we have a Democratic President. Yet you pooh-pooh Franken's very realistic summary of what could happen if the pukes regain control of the House?

Get a grip on yourself. There are consequences to elections and we're still reaping the consequences of the 2000 election.

[Touchdown]

142. I read the list. Toilet paper.

I'm a union member. EFCA was shot down by Democrats, not Republicans. I'm also gay. NOTHING has been done for us. Not ENDA, not repeals of DADT or DOMA (The latter two were the fault of a Democratic President who signed them into law, not Republicans, not GW Bush). That list of yours is a Heterosexuals only list. Gays need not apply.

I don't go to GDP because it's full of polyannas who shout down any criticism of what they're doing in Washington.

There are consequences when you go back home and do nothing to keep the government working for you (or at least make sure they start) when the election is over... which is what happened, and what I'm talking about.

Do not lecture me based on fear.

[Arkana]

132. That isn't what the OP said

but carry on with the persecuted victim schtick. Really. It's amusing.

[Touchdown]

134. Oh' look! A "Pony" post! How nifty! How original!

How predictable.:eyes:

[Arkana]

136. Please point me to the word "pony" in my post. Go ahead. I'll wait.

[Touchdown]

143. Argument's the same. No difference.

... and you know it. Stop playing coy, or dumb.

[MadMaddie]

145. How about elect more Progressive Democrats to shut down

the Republicans?

So stay at home if you please and if we lose any seats, we will see you and others here complain about how horrible the Republicans are in power.

No one said anything about loving Obama, getting in line or shut up. We are obligated to criticize and push the administration to do more of the things we want to see happen.

[Touchdown]

157. This is what I'm talking about. But apparently to the OP, Ben Nelson is just A-Ok with him.

The important thing is to not hold any Democrat accountable at ANY time, EVER!

[Sheepshank]

163. who said

line up and shut up? Your overused rhetoric adds nothing but confirmation of the OP that some are clearly in the back pockets of right wing media. I for one choose not to be in Limbaugh's back pocket for that little sit down.

[Touchdown]

197. You want me to call people out, and get reprimanded by the mods.

Not falling for that. Try baiting an idiot. and stop calling me a right winger.

[Sheepshank]

241. Fail

then stop walking like a duck. Do something rather than spew their rhetoric.

[Touchdown]

246. Yelling "Fail" doesn't make it so.

I'm not spewing any right wing rhetoric, and if you bothered to read even a few of my posts, I am doing something, and have for a very long time.

[Sheepshank]

251. where do you imagine I'm yelling?

the all caps, the multiple exclamation marks? not buying it...any of it. You want to get caught up in that parasitic net of negativity...go ahead. I generally see it spouted and screeched from one group and these posts don't sound all that different.

eta.....feeling rather calm, so absolutley no yelling coming from me...your web perceptive vibes are a little off

[Touchdown]

253. And I'm not buying you.

If you truly had any interest in debate or asking these questions you have, you would not try and call me a dittohead or a right winger to do it. If you're just here to browbeat and scold me, then you know what you can eat.

And since you gave me the go ahead, you go away and leave me alone.

[Sheepshank]

255. oooh telling me to eat shit?

from your post #113:
Oh' yes. The "LIST"!!!! OMG! The LIST!
You're like a magpie. You say "magic wand" too?

Get some new material. What you have is hollow!


fine debate method you have there. You are allowed to call it as you see it, but I'm not? Hmmmmm

Please use the ignore button.....I will go where I want and call it like I see it.

[Touchdown]

257. Don't tell me what to do.

... this is why I get combative. I'll use the ignore feature on truly toxic people.

You are silly enough to claim you know what I'm all about, but you aren't toxic. You're just a mouse I'm toying with right now.

[Sheepshank]

265. ahh the truly hypocritical trhetoric comes out in this discussion

you tell me to go away, but YOU don't like being told what to do? You're making me laugh just a little right now.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

8. Here's an idea, stop "compromising" with the scary Repugs, and we'll vote for you.

[MineralMan]

10. In my opinion, disengaging is not an option. If that happens,

We most definitely lose the ground we've gained. Franken's great. We need more like him, and the only way to get that is to do what got Al Franken his seat. It was hard, hard work and never settling that got him elected, and that by the skin of his teeth.

We can't get a progressive into every Senate seat...not yet. But...we can keep the Republicans from taking control of Congress back. We're moving...slowly, but moving. It's time to redouble our efforts. Defeating Republicans is the step we can take this year. In 2012, we should be able to elect additional progressives, but only if we keep our majority now.

I feel incredibly strongly about this, and hope those who are dissatisfied with the progress so far will take the long view, rather than the short one. They're the only ones who can decide what they will do. I hope they make the right decision.

[Monique1]

18. I plan to vote for Democrats

no way I want a republican in office. I don't plan on staying home.

[MineralMan]

33. Thank you very much for that!

[Spagettio]

16. I like Franken, except for the fact that he condemned the flotilla for "attacking" Israel

http://www.aipac.org/Publications/SourceMaterialsCongressionalAction/Signatories_to_Reid-McConnell_Letter.pdf

[MineralMan]

171. I've yet to meet a legislator with whom I agree on every point.

Indeed, I've yet to meet another individual with whom I agree on every point, including my wonderful wife. If we expect our elected officials to agree with us on every single point, we will never have a good elected official.

That's the actual fact.

[ibegurpard]

20. Like I keep saying...it's not the pace it's the direction

privatizing our public schools...institutionalizing insurance companies into healthcare and calling it "reform"...refusing to prosecute Bush era actions.
These are only a few beefs I have. IF they weren't heading opposite of the direction I believe they should go, which is away from the fiction that the marketplace is the answer to ALL society's problems, I could accept incremental progress.

[iamthebandfanman]

29. isnt it interesting the republicans could push their agenda with one house

and we cant do it with all three.

[ProSense]

34. Clearly,

the direction is horrible, just horrible.

[MineralMan]

41. I don't think some people are listening at all.

Turning the path of a nation around is similar to turning a huge cargo ship. It doesn't happen the second you move the rudder. It takes a long time. Momentum exists and, although small forces can alter the direction of an enormous object, that change takes a good long time.

[RKP5637]

52. Well said IMO! Too many expect Obama to wave a magical wand. The sinking momentum

in this country left by 8 years of Bush is extremely difficult to turn around. Any sitting home are simply giving a republican vote. It's like pissing your pants, you'll feel warm for awhile but will have in essence done nothing to change the direction of the country. IMO it's a fools errand to protest by not voting.

[Davis_X_Machina]

65. "Because they had majorities in both houses...."

Then, as now, there are at least three parties in Congress, from which a governing coalition is from time to time is cobbled together.

There are:

* the Democrats who are Democrats,
* the Democrats who are Republicans
* the Republicans who are Republicans.

(There used to be Republicans who are Democrats -- Javits, Brooke, Hatfield, Chaffee, Stafford -- but no longer.)

There is a Republican majority in both houses. Has been since Nixon's first term.

There aren't enough Democratic Democrats to defeat a filibuster. There are barely enough left to pass a bill in the House.

[stuntcat]

44. they will.

They are dangerous, the people voting for them are fycking MORONS.

[Oregone]

66. Demagoguertastic!

Earn votes through actions, not through fear

[NJmaverick]

71. What happened to smart voters that simply vote for what's best for our nation????

[hulka38]

76. Even smart people get tired of trying to figure out which shell the pea is under

or whether there really is a pea there in the first place.

[NJmaverick]

84. You need to watch Rachael and her list of accomplishments

there is no way anyone could possibly call that long and impressive list a "pea"

[hulka38]

93. If that list starts with health care reform

then I pea on that list.

[Touchdown]

113. Oh' yes. The "LIST"!!!! OMG! The LIST!

You're like a magpie. You say "magic wand" too?

Get some new material. What you have is hollow!

[NJmaverick]

138. Sorry if you don't like the facts. I can't change them for you.

[Touchdown]

144. Give me some facts for a change.

All I hear out of you is fear and threats that if I don't do as you say, then the Repugs are going to kill me.

You don't even know why I started to criticize this OP of yours. You just jumped to a conclusion that I'm staying home. Why don't you bother to fucking ask me instead of making shit up?

[MineralMan]

152. Here's a fact:

Al Franken is in the Senate because a lot of Democrats aren't willing to let the Republicans take things over. You have no idea how much work went into his election, and he still just barely won. This thread is about Al Franken and what he said to the Netroots group. You've hijacked it into something completely different.

I worked on Al Franken's campaign, and I'm working on other campaigns. If you can think of a better way to proceed, I'd sure like to hear it. It is hard work that makes change, not idle talk.

[Touchdown]

169. You worked on Franken's Campaign. What have you done since then?

You know what i'm doing Tuesday? I'm flying to DC and keeping appointments with all 9 of Colorado's House Members and Senators, to lobby them and talk about issues important to liberals and working people.

You think got me figured out, but you don't. Elections are not the only thing we need to do. How many letters have you written. How many times have you talked to your reps? How often do you go to Town Halls? How often do you lobby? I know the Colorado contingent. I know who meets with us and who doesn't. I follow their votes. I know how beholden they are to big business. I know who's on our side and who isn't.

In short, where were you trying to get the Democrats to work for us? I know it's much harder to get people to do that than just vote. If you have than It's good, and I applaud you. If not, please pull out some paper and write a letter to your congress member.

I also vote every time. I also know that our former Speaker of the State House is pulling the wool over many progressive eyes by pretending to be a liberal, when he took money from Oil & Natural Gas companies, and refused to ever allow any pro-labor legislation to the floor for a vote. None of that stops them
trying to get every DUer to vote for Romanoff, because he's cashing in on the anti-incumbent mania. It's as if they actually believe in the fantasy that Colorado would let a liberal be a Speaker of the House in the state capital!

[MineralMan]

184. Nice of you to ask.

I'm currently the chairperson for my precint's DFL organization, and I participate in the selection of endorsed nominees for office. I'm working outside my district to get Tarryl Clark elected to replace Crazy-Eyes Bachmann.

Our primary is August 10th. Once it's over, I have organized about 20 people in my precinct to visit every home in the precinct to encourage them to vote for Democratic Candidates. I will walk my precinct, and hope to talk to every resident in it. I communicate with every candidate and elected official on a regular basis, and express my viewpoints very clearly. They know me on sight. I've worked to get them elected.

I'm not a traveling lobbyist. I do stay in contact with all of the elected officials in my area, including Al Franken. I get actual letters in response to mine.

In the past, I was in Birmingham in 1965 when Dr. King spoke. I've marched in more civil rights, women's rights, and gay rights events than I can count, and I protested the Vietnam war in D.C. while wearing my USAF uniform, and was detained at one Pentagon protest. I worked with the D.C. anti-war organizers in 1968 and 1969. I have acted as an escort at an embattled Planned Parenthood clinic, organized a large anti-Vietnam war organization at a University in 1970, and worked against a dangerous nuclear power plant in California. I'm an old fart now, so I'm not as much of a street activist any longer. I work within the party to get the most progressive candidates who can win elections endorsed by the party.

You want credentials? I have those. You want someone who can be cowed? You'll have to look somewhere else. I've faced lots more formidable opponents than you, my friend.

[Touchdown]

185. I didn't know I was an opponent.

I thought I was expressing my disappointment with the curent state of affairs. I'm sorry that you interpreted that as a declaration of war on you.

I applaud your strong principles, and your energy in working for them.

[MineralMan]

188. You are an opponent, I'm afraid. I'm a constitutionalist, and work

within that framework. Working outside of it has proven to be ineffective. You hint at revolution, and at obstructing the process. So, you are an opponent. You are not helping. Instead, you are heaping derision on a lot of people who want the same things you do, but see the path differently. You know nothing about me. You know nothing about my political philosophy, which is actually far to the left of yours.

I'm a realist, though. I deal with things as they are, in an attempt to move them in a direction I want them to go. You are standing in my way.

[Touchdown]

196. That was an outburst.

I was angry at being scolded for not falling in line and accepting the "lesser evil" argument, which happens every election without fail. In truth, I don't believe that is a good thing to do. Fantasize maybe, but not actually do it. Revolutions rarely work out the way we idealists hope they would. My Apologies.

I'm not sure even if I was truly committed to that, there wouldn't be enough others with the guts to go through with it. Not while American Idol is still on.

Unlike what you did numerous times, I never claimed to know about your philosophies. I don't claim to know anyone. I would appreciate you not do the same to me. You know nothing about how far to the left I am.

[Touchdown]

215. Wow, I just realized

that you don't acknowledge what others do, especially those you've declared enemies like me. I am not a "traveling lobbyist" as you, like you claimed I also just sit on the internet and talk instead of do. Not one word. I am a phone technician who's goes to Washington once a year on behalf of my union, because they need me to do that, and nobody else knows the issues like I do, or is willing to do it.

But that doesn't matter to you. Your resume is so much bigger than mine. You activism so much better than mine. Your blood is so much more patriotic then mine. I give up! You win. You are the REAL man I will never be. What nerve I must've had to enter your shadow!

You also win this internet debate. I admit that too. You have a much larger message board cock than I could ever hope to! I'll think twice the next time I get into a dick size fight with you!

[sufrommich]

190. Bravo, Mineral Man! Thanks for all your hard work. nt

[MineralMan]

193. It's the only way to make change. I've seen the changes. They were

hard to come by. Many others have sacrificed far more to achieve them than I. I knew people who died in the process. I'm a minor player. Anyone could do what I have done. I hope many will after I'm dead and gone.

[Oregone]

79. The "entitled-vote" model may not be what is actually best

Once a politician shifts from working to earn votes to fucking up as much as they can before they "lose" them, it drastically changes the political paradigm

[NJmaverick]

83. Handing the Country over to people who have already nearly destroyed

it is NEVER a good idea no matter what sort of justification one tries to make

[Oregone]

89. Who said anything about handing something over?

That suggests intentional action. When a candidate isn't entitled to your vote, the only logical default passive action is sitting on one's couch.

Now, Im not advocating this, but its something to think about. If politician's knew they had to earn votes, oh what a world that would be. Instead, they know they just don't have to pass the fuck-up threshold and theyll be fine.

[NJmaverick]

99. Did it ever occur to you sitting back and demanding politicians dance for their supper

is why the Dems lack the backbone the GOP has?

[LoZoccolo]

101. !

:thumbsup:

[Oregone]

102. No. Rather, because no one demands they must stand for anything, they need to have no backbone

Seriously, you come to odd conclusions.

Having no backbone is quite easy when you know votes are entitled and people will always support you unless you fuck up too badly. Just invoke the Republican boogeyman, and election won (issues mean fuck all in that case, besides tossing out a few carrots)

I think you have it a bit backwards

[Name removed]

121. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[tranche]

106. Earn actions through votes, not through fear

[Oregone]

109. So if I vote for Democrats, theyll do what I want?

Doesn't seem to be working...hrm.

I don't mind putting some "fear" (Accountability) into politicians. I don't like them putting fear into the people to win elections.

[tranche]

115. That's the basic idea. I like the idea of holding a Dem majority.

We can try and bring the Republicans in again. But I've seen how that goes, it was only a few years ago they were in power. I didn't like it. Prefer democrats. I'll even vote in more liberal ones during primaries if I like what they're telling me.

[Oregone]

116. Well, thats a tough sell

Keep doing to same thing and expect different results


I think we should demand different results if they want to keep us doing the same thing.


To each their own.

[tranche]

125. By demanding different results (abandonding dems) for Rs, aren't we doing the same thing?

Didn't we just go though this in a presidential election 10 years ago? To me, giving a Democratic president 1.5 years before abandoning the guy and ceding control to a Republican party is the same thing. Expecting different results from that is something I'm not buying.

I guess our idea of what the same thing is and what different results each of us are expecting are different.

[Oregone]

128. For the Republicans? Thats crazy talk

Tell Mr Strawman to shut the fuck up.


One of these days, they need to prove they haven't abandoned the people

[MineralMan]

155. It's not just voting. If that's all you do, you're not really participating.

There's a lot more to politics than that. Al Franken, the subject of this thread, got elected due to the hard work of many individuals, who convinced people to vote for him. I know that's hard to do from Canada, but that's what it takes. Opting out is a poor solution.

[Touchdown]

119. +1

Exactly! Show us you're working for us. The votes are easy after that.

[DevonRex]

122. It's also necessary for people to aware of what we're up against.

I'm not seeing the downside to that.

[Lifelong Protester]

77. Well, I'm in. and not staying home in November

Why should we abandon those who ARE out there fighting for us (my senators are Kohl and Feingold, the latter up for re-election and clearly in the sites of conservatives)? I don't think the 'sit at home' strategy is going to improve things. It will allow the repubs get their way and start repealing ALL PROGRESSIVE LEGISLATION OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY! They are not content with repealing Obama's work, they want to go after FDR too!

[MineralMan]

81. Thank you for participating!

[NJmaverick]

85. Glad to hear that!

:hi:

[LoZoccolo]

91. K&R for Franken bringing sensibility to the conference.

:kick:

[eShirl]

97. crap! meant to recommend but clumsily UNrecommended instead

crap
sorry

[LoZoccolo]

100. I am from Chicago; I can recommend twice! n/t

[eShirl]

110. thanks!

:rofl:

[DevonRex]

118. K&R for Mr. Franken's sensible and timely statements. Such a practical man with vision, too!

I've always loved him.

Thanks NJM!

[BootinUp]

120. anuther flame fest at DU nt

[RKP5637]

126. Thanks for posting this! 2010 and 2012 are going to be soooo critical. Dems need

to be united. I have NEVER voted for a politician I thought was perfect, but I sure as hell can point to severely imperfect ones in the republican party. Franken is absolutely correct, we are headed for very dangerous times if the R's regain control. I also lived through McCarthyism and for those that haven't, it was damn scary times. Just being on DU would make you a suspect under McCarthyism. We're on the edge of seeing this country go into some very unpleasant times if R's regain full control. Look at the ones supporting them, they are F'en crazy and many are religious nuts. Think about how one would like to live under that...

[donco6]

135. wow. yay. go dems.

[NJmaverick]

140. Are you aware there is very important election this year?

[donco6]

141. Hey, it's the only sticker I had handy.

I could make more.

But this one pretty much sums it up anyway.

[sufrommich]

162. Did you get that bumper sticker from a freeper site? nt

[donco6]

204. Nope. Made it myself.

Great, ain't it?

[Touchdown]

208. It needs "Vote for us, you Fucking Retards" some place.

We must all hail the Great Rahm!

[donco6]

209. That can be done.

But I'll have to PM it to you.

[johnaries]

146. "while there might be a majority of Democrats,

there's hardly a majority of progressives." Something we all need to remember. And something else we need to remember, although we would like to see more progressive Dems in Congress, in some districts progressives can't get elected. If we are going to have a conservative, better they have a D after their name than an R. it not only allows Dems to set the agenda, but ConservaDems will vote against us 50% of the time while R's will vote against us 100% of the time.

[NJmaverick]

148. Excellent points

:hi:

[txlibdem]

147. Gotta love Franken

Too bad human cloning is illegal. I'd like to have 400 of him in the House and another 80 in the Senate.

He is absolutely correct about the consequences of Boehner being majority leader.

[Political Tiger]

153. He's got that right! n/t

[Initech]

154. We must work together to prevent a fundamentalist takeover of our government.

It can happen here. If the republicans take over - it can happen here.

[Touchdown]

221. Doesn't matter to me. I'm gay.

Fundamentalists will declare gay people illegal and impose a death penalty. Which means....

At least 35 countries will provide me with political asylum, and not straight people who will have to live under them. Kind of puts a new perspective on that "queers don't matter to me" argument, doesn't it?

Note: I know your not a phobe, just wanted to make that point, and your post was perfect.

[Initech]

227. That's exactly why we cannot allow it to happen.

I repeat this every day: The dominionists can take control of this country and implement a Biblical, Taliban-style government. It will happen.

[another saigon]

158. kinda like choosing your acceleration towards death

driving over the cliff at 95 mph or driving off the cliff at 45 mph. Either way you are doomed.

[MineralMan]

173. Interesting clip you chose....

[miscsoc]

201. on the whole i'd prefer to delay death a bit

there's something to be said for buying time

[Overseas]

161. I agree. Great comment that while we bemoan what little has been achieved, the Right

is foaming at the mouth to repeal all of it.

We do need to fight on. The Right wing is very ugly and does have mountains of cash to drive their agenda.

They would be very happy if we focused on what had not been accomplished and stayed home nursing our wounds. They'd hate it if we kept pushing to build upon our successes.

Netroots 2010 was very helpful to me. Reminded me to get real about the ugliness in our country-- how very entrenched corporate power has become and how tough it is to fight. That as absurd as the right wing authoritarians may seem to me, they are itching to push back into power and will do anything and say anything to achieve those goals. So they can start 15 investigations into the Obama administration while writing sweetheart legislation for their corporate funders.

[boston bean]

180. Good thing Obama has a veto pen handy then, right, just in case?

[depakid]

186. Congress and the Administration should have thought of that before

spending the better part of the last 18 months pandering to he corporate right, enabling and legitimizing Republicans- and adopting many of their policies.

As Dean said:

"We didn't elect Democrats to pass crap legislation," and "parties that don't use their majorities, lose their majorities."

[Touchdown]

203. ... and calling us "Fucking Retards"

Now they need our votes, so the abusive husband is begging for forgiveness.

See DK, we can agree on something.:hi:

[NJmaverick]

213. Rahm was not calling everyone "retarded"

only the foolish (I wouldn't use the insensitive word he used) that were squandering their limited resources attacking Democrats instead of Republicans. While Rahm was wrong in his choice of words, he was correct in his assessment of the intelligence of such actions.

[Touchdown]

220. A sentiment that proved his targets correct.

Nobody "attacked" The White House, or Democrats. Criticism is not "attack". We know Republicans will do nothing for us. Until the Democrats told us to stop criticizing, shut up and stop being Fucking Retarded, we thought they would, and just needed that "feet to the fire" thing we were encouraged to do after the election was "won".

Everybody here on this site knows EXACTLY how Rahm Emmanuel feels about us. The statement made, after he clarified or not, still stands as a freudian slip at the very least.

[Skittles]

198. really?

seems like they are getting a lot of what they want right now

[NJmaverick]

212. Only problem with that claim is the facts. Like the fact that the Republicans have

tried their hardest to stop all the bills that past. If your a realist, you can't help but notice that.

[Skittles]

214. they didn't get all they wanted

problem is, neither did we.......it's moderate bullshit

[NJmaverick]

216. So all your dreams didn't come true, that doesn't mean things are not much better

than they were before, or that your dreams were even possible

[Touchdown]

218. Th eRepublicans in Congress never called us "Fucking Retards"

Obama's Chief of Staff did.

[Skittles]

223. correct

[Name removed]

224. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Touchdown]

225. And this positive post is from one

who is telling the rest of us that the Republicans will kill us if we don't do what he says.

You haven't a clue about me, and no intellectual capacity to try. Save it for someone who believes your psychobabble shit.

[anigbrowl]

226. That's your characterization of it

I know plenty about you after reading your posts for months on end. You are fully entitled to your opinions and policy views, but not to validation for the way you express them - which is persistently patronizing and rude.

It doesn't require a degree to see that. Or that your brand of grudge politics never yields any worthwhile results.

[Touchdown]

228. And that's your characterization of me.

If you do not like my tone, or personality, then I am not forcing you to follow my rants, raves, or rudeness for months on end. That is your doing.

Unlike a few on this board. I never expected that venting on a message board would yield any worthwhile results. If you think that DU is loftier than that, then I could see how my rudeness would get to you. I have to wonder at the idea that you would be so naive to think that I would talk to any of my Congress members, or Senators with the tone I use here. Likewise, if I visited San Francisco and met you out of the blue, we would most likely have a very enjoyable conversation, and neither one of us would know that we had this confrontation.

[anigbrowl]

230. Yep.

It's not that I have lofty expectations of DU but that I say the same here as I would anywhere or to anyone. I don't find I need to adjust my tone much for different audiences.

So the elected representatives in DC are never subjected to your fiery rhetoric? Well, well. Looks like you're exactly the sort of enabler you like to complain about.

[Touchdown]

232. LOL!

I didn't say I don't voice my opinions and speak my mind. It's just that I know when I'm licked in real life and know how to leave the office on good terms. The only one I couldn't was Marilyn Musgrave's office. Even Tancredo's aides thought there was something wrong with her. It was so Stepford and creepy, I couldn't escape fast enough.

Somehow, this keyboard doesn't allow me to give up.

It also helps that I'm pretty much circumscribed by the issues my union wants to address, and not my other interests. I am on their dime when I'm in DC.

It's good you can keep your perspective.:hi:

[NJmaverick]

242. He called you that? I find that highly doubtful, as he is too busy to address you directly

sure sounds like another Grenada

[Touchdown]

249. You mean another one of your phony gotcha cheap shots

... so that you can avoid real debate? I agree!

[Skittles]

222. keep telling yourself that

[Touchdown]

217. One thing I can help but notice...

is that you are ignoring my larger point about the US maintaining bases around the world. Nobody just pulls Grenada out of their ass. You knew it, not in the interest of the truth, but to play Gotcha.

[HughMoran]

245. Name one item.

Just one.

[Kievan Rus]

207. He's right. It's why everybody opposed to the corporatist agenda needs to vote this November

[Stinky The Clown]

211. And in other nooz, Water Remains Wet

:eyes:

[slay]

231. I don't disagree. So let's see the Dems really stand up and challenge them hardcore!

yeah see, i don't see that happening though. :shrug:

[chillspike]

237. I agree

Don't let the Republicans get control. that's a big mistake. On the other, I've always said the republicans only have one more president left in them and then they will self destruct.

[bdamomma]

240. oh most definitely they will finish their sick agenda

no way should they be able to get in again, they will finish what they started and tax cuts for the rich will continue so will conflicts with other countries too.

[HughMoran]

244. You can count on that!

K&R for Franken - telling it like it is. Pragmatism you can take to the bank.

[blindpig]

247. Gains, what gains?

Gains for Capital mebbe, for the health care/insurance bund, for the finance industry, for the privatizers of education, for Pentagon vendors...I am so fucking grateful.

I guess mebbe he meant that as a joke, as unfunny as ever.

[uponit7771]

248. This wont be enough to get the haters off the couch

[ecstatic]

250. What's that sound???!!

Oh, it sounds like Franken is going under the bus, along with everyone else who tries to keep repubs from taking over in November!

[flamingdem]

252. Geithner is advocating ending tax breaks for the rich, BIG DIFFERENCE between parties you betcha nt

[mmonk]

259. We already know that and is why we don't vote for them.

But at some point, voting has to be more than avoiding the worse party we don't vote for anyway.

[young_at_heart]

260. This message needs to be SHOUTED from the rooftops!

The GOP are very effective at hammering away on themes, (such as "We're proud to be the party of no"). The same should be true for Democrats---keep saying Franken's theme over and over and over----because it's very true!!

[Scurrilous]

262. Kick

:kick:

[amborin]

263. scare tactics for the desperate, sorry, no one's buying it

[bobburgster]

264. Truer words never spoken....

"no matter how frustrated the netroots are with Democrats, they shouldn't "check out now" -- because Republicans want to repeal everything that's been achieved even as progressives bemoan what hasn't been achieved yet."

Hope some of the no, no, obamas listen to what he is saying.