So, why didn't half the Democrats stand firm? What did we elect them for?

[bigtree]

To roll over every time there's a hint of a threat to their political future? Now, a day later, the polls show that the public saw through the republican canard with their Schiavo bill and its hypocrisy. Over half say they viewed their actions as politically motivated rather than concern for the woman.

Sure, some voted their conscience. I have no doubt. But just as surely. a good deal of them were cowed into believing that they would be hit later with charges of wanting to kill Schiavo. To be certain, most of those who voted with the republicans looked like they wanted nothing more than to protect their political hides.

Now, in the face of public opinion, which thoroughly condemns the republican's actions, they are hogtied to another preposterous canard like the bankruptcy bill, ANWAR, and the manufactured war. Some political cover. Will our party ever stand together against this phony pack of republican liars and charlatans? That is, after all, what we elected them for.

[Dogmudgeon]

1. It's a non-issue for the Democrats

The important-assed bill that had to get passed in the wee small hours last night was entirely cosmetic. It was designed to make the moral lepers of the GOP look like heroes -- and it backfired.

The 'Publicans have the next four years to destroy themselves.

Meanwhile, better than griping, some of us ought to run for local -- or state, or even national -- office as a Democratic candidate.

--p!

[hector459]

2. It's a lose-lose issue for the Dems. Best to stay out of it except to

remind people that the Congress is trampling the Constitution and that the Republicans are using this issue purely for political gain. (Which seems to backfiring by the way.)

[Cuban_Liberal]

3. Never jump in front of a perfectly good train wreck.

They didn't.

[creeksneakers2]

4. Its too bad there wasn't a roll call vote in the Senate

Every GOP Senator but three will say they weren't involved.

[in_cog_ni_to]

15. They always do a voice vote on these kinds of issues.

When they KNOW they are voting against what their constituents want, they do a voice vote so no one will ever know. NO RECORD. Out of sight, out of mind. They're all slime balls.

[KG]

5. what about recent history made anyone think they'd do otherwise

don't expect help from the democrats on important socials issues. that way, you'll never be dissapointed.

[GreenPoet64]

6. The Double Bind . . .

There is an old Chinese parable that goes like this:

A man is seated at a table with a cup of tea.
The master says to his student: "If you drink this tea, I will hit you with this stick. If you don't drink this tea, I will hit you with this stick. How will you solve this dilemma?"

Answer? The student thinks long and hard and responds, "I take away the stick?" "Correct" says the teacher.

To the Dems: If you don't support this bill, we will blast you in the media as murderers. If you support this bill, your constituents will call you weak and cowardly--failing to uphold the constitution.

Solution? Let the repubs have their way and argue the separation of powers and the right to privacy on CSPAN and hope the public sees their little game for what it is. Did we take awake the "stick" I think we did. Look at the polls.

[bigtree]

8. But where will we make a solid stand?

What happened to opposition? There is no evidence that any republican assault on our integrity for voting against their odious bill would have succeeded. We had the hypocricy argument in the bag, but it was squandered by some because of some threat of fanatical accusations of supporting murder? I could see the way through the smoke to a defense of opposition to the republican grandstanding. Unfortunately, all some on our side could see was a blot on their political landscape.

I voted for my representative and Senators to oppose this fascist, corporatist bunch of republicans, not for them to run and hide in some sheepish compromise. When WILL they stand together and fight?

[mondo joe]

7. Not another $ of mine to any dem group until I see BALLS.

I contributed a few weeks ago and clarified that my $ were ONLY being given in recognition of Howard Dean.

They're going to have to try harder next time.

[spanone]

9. They didn't want to get Schiavoed in next yrs. election.

It's so reprehensible it's not worth the fight. America is as disgusted as we are over this issue. They need to pick their fights carefully. IMHO

[mondo joe]

10. They had other options. Abstain rather than voting for the wrong

thing, for example.

[bigtree]

11. on one hand you say they would get labeled in the next election

but you cite public opinion that clearly shows that the majority of the public does not see it that way. What would change between now and the next election. Over half of the public views the Schiavo bill as politically motivated. If Dems had stood firm against the nonsense they would have earned something more than the perception of the split, wavering capitulation half of them presented to potential voters.

[drummer55]

12. we elected them? hahahahahahahahaha

now thats funny!

wake up.


corporations elected them
corportations run them
corporations benefit from them.


sheesh.

[bigtree]

13. Look, that's no news to me.

But we still cast our votes with the expectation that they will represent us. I'll be damned if I'll shrink away from demanding that our needs and concerns get more than lip service. Forgive me for continuing to believe that our democracy is dependent on my didigence in demanding that. So I've been disappointed, repeatedly. That may be tragic. That may reflect some corruption of our system. But to turn away and let these Senators and representatives have the floor to themselves would just be an invitation for them to completely disregard us.

We must care enough to involve ourselves in every instigation of democracy which confronts us. Those in power who are motivated by greed will show up every day to collect their share, and ours as well. Can we afford to turn away and let all of the negative influences have the floor to themselves?

We have to come to grips with our individual responsibility to vigilance. We have to show up every day to make certain the government is representing all of the people; not just the corporate few who show up every day to collect our money. They will always fill the halls of Congress with their favors, bribes, and obstruction. It is our responsibility to stay on their asses and demand recognition and action.

[drummer55]

14. themselves would just be an invitation for them to completely disregard us

can you explain to me how they dont completely disregard us now?

[bigtree]

16. yeah, well

you make your point well. As a political force we've sunk pretty low. That won't stop me from continually insisting that they address our needs and concerns. If they were Greens, Independents, or whatever I'd do the same, as I don't think any party is lower than the republicans.

It can always get worse.

edit: Take the opposition to the production of new nukes. Only a handful of Democratic Senators stand in the way. On ANWAR it was Kerry who led the opposition to the energy bill that it was riding on last time around. For the short haul, I'll ride whatever horse is left in the stable.

[bigtree]

17. .