That’s how you treat a bully!: Democrats win — and learn a huge lesson

[DonViejo]

GOP is finally surrendering. But it will try more extortion soon -- and Democrats will have to stand just as strong

BY JOAN WALSH

The conventional wisdom seems to be that Democrats shouldn’t spike the football or dance in the end zone once they succeed in lifting the debt ceiling and reopening government, because decorum. Or something. It would be bad taste and it might even make Republicans crazier. That’s a real risk. I would have denied that crazier than this was possible a few months ago, but I’ve learned: Never bet against their capacity for crazy.

Still, part of me disagrees with that assessment, strongly. I think Democrats should do whatever is necessary to make clear to Republicans that this was a political disaster for them, and a genuine disaster for the country, and it should never be tried again. If humiliation would do that, I’m all for it.

On the other hand, it’s a mistake for Democrats, liberals especially, to celebrate this deal – because we can still lose.

Let’s be clear: Republicans got something for their bad behavior: tougher income verification requirements for Affordable Care Act subsidies, and a shorter debt-ceiling hike than Democrats said they wanted. And Republicans gave…nothing. They merely did their jobs and reopened the government and averted a global economic disaster. They put down the gun, and they released the hostage. That’s all.

They’re also getting a promise of formal negotiations over the budget. Now that should happen anyway, so that’s not a big deal. But Democrats have spent the last month on GOP turf: conceding that they must talk about deficit reduction, with pious nods to Saints Simpson and Bowles and now, yuck, Blessed Leon Panetta — and that they’re open to everything. And most of them mean it.

full article
http://www.salon.com/2013/10/16/thats_how_you_treat_a_bully_democrats_win_and_learn_a_huge_lesson/

[Amonester]

1. If they try 'more extortion soon' they will 'fail more soon' again

unless they begin to 'learn from their defeats' (lesson #1: the more they use terrorist methods, the less support they get).

They just cost US 24 BILLION dollars, and for what?

[polichick]

2. They're not the ones who gave anything up - as Joan said.

[Scootaloo]

5. For what? What do you mean "for what," THAT WAS THEIR GOAL.

[msongs]

3. it remains to be seen whether dems have actually learned "a huge lesson" & will ACT

accordingly

[ffr]

4. I wouldn't necessarily agree. I'd be more concerned with wiping them out in 2014.

And that would be my goal. If that meant being magnanimous or dancing on their defeat. Whatever. I just want them out of The Peoples House!!!

[Amonester]

6. Yeah, if only Democrats or anyone could UN-gerrymander their imaginary borders.

Is there any hope left?