"Be 'inclusive' to Republicans. Don't scare them off."

[dem629]

Those are the words of a friend of mine who believes that we're going to win, and the next step is to be diplomatic toward Repubs, work with them, etc...

I responded: "The hell with that. If we get the tidal-wave victory some are predicting, this is the time to crush Republicanism and conservatism once and for all."

Am I in the minority here? Should we be "above the fray" and try to broaden a coalition by compromising with these assholes?

I just don't get that. Sorry.

[Diamonique]

1. Obama has said he wants to bring the country together.

We can't do that by being nasty to Republicans, no matter how much they may deserve it.

[Raineyb]

74. Yeah because that worked so well when Clinton came in

Oh wait....

:eyes:

Why is it that Democrats are always looking to cripple themselves by trying to bring in Republicans who have no interest in working with us for an agenda that works for everyone.

I didn't see any Republicans considering the part of the country that didn't vote for them when they were in charge. In fact they gleefully rammed every bit of crap down our throats while deliberately screwing over any area that didn't vote for them. (Do you think it's an accident that New Orleans is still looking like a war zone and we can't get any money over to them?)

It's not an accident that the Republicans have been nothing but obstructionist since they lost the majority. We can ram the change down their throats without gloating publicly. We can snicker in glee behind closed doors.

Regards

[Cosmocat]

90. WORD !!! Two words - Michele Bachmann ...

The Ds have to be both focused, sharply, in having an agenda to get things done while they have the good will of the people of the country AND be magnanimous toward the Rs are much as is reasonable publically.

But, the Rs are, literally, children.

You aptly noted that they were raging lunatics when Clinton was in office, and they will go after BO in every possible way, and do EVERYTHING they can obstruct whatever the Ds are trying to get done - whether is hairbrained or whether it is the best possible thing for the country.

Look at the "up and comers" in their party in the House, Adam Putnam from Fl, Eric Cantor from Va. both of these little freaks are cut straight from the Santorum/Delay cloth.

Make no mistake, MOST Rs are a lot closer to Michele Bachmann than not, and her only mistake was not having the proper parts of her brain moderate what she let her mouth speak.

BO will do his best and he and his will have a plan.

But, I worry greatly about whether Pelosi/Reed will be able to be as effective in power as they should be. And, there is NO doubt the Rs will erratic, grandstanding and obstructionist. IF the Ds are effective, that will only hurt the Rs more. If the Ds are not effective, it will hurt them just the same.

[WinkyDink]

89. There is a major difference between defeating the evil tenets of Republicanism and "being nasty".

It is NOT "NASTY" to want THE BEST FOR AMERICA.

And if Republicans kick, gripe, wail, and sob, that is THEIR PROBLEM.

[Honeycombe8]

96. I agree. Enuf is enuf. Inclusive to all reasonable people, no matter their party.

That includes, BTW, being inclusive of blue dog Democrats, as well as moderate Republicans, and even others who are willing to compromise and REALLY put their country first.

The Obama W.H. will be one of bipartisanship. I wonder why anyone who doesn't want that would vote for Obama? There's another choice that's quite different from that.

[Doityourself]

2. Fruck them!!

[TheCoxwain]

3. You belong to the Karl Rove/Limbaugh camp. Hatred begets Hatred. cmmon man

you cant behave like them..

[dem629]

9. Whoa. I'm not talking about personal destruction. I am talking about killing their philosophy.

That's it.

And that can't be done by compromising with them. Why would you want to give them any part of what they want?

[TheCoxwain]

19. I had a separate thread on it ..the idea is that since we hold power it is INCUMBENT

upon us to formulate issues in a way that is agreeable to everyone - OBAMA is master at this.

Solve all our problems without being confrontational -- we will need to be inclusive and not shut republicans out ..

I hope we get 60+ senate - but then use the power wisely ...

[dem629]

21. What part of the conservative agenda are you willing to accept?

[WhiteTara]

44. none

I am torn with wanting to crush their brand of conservative governing. I want nothing to do with their ideology and don't want any of it to taint our country again. I applaud Obama for his foresight and hope that he will be able to shut them down in a way that will bring them into the fold of humanity.

[Orsino]

88. This will last for about as long...

...as it takes Big Money to corrupt the Dem majority, and for the pendulum to swing the other way.

Think the Democrats can pass some legislation to protect themselves from the lobbyists' siren songs? Only if enough of us demand it.

[justiceischeap]

4. Majority of Americans want Repubs and Dems to work together

They are tired of the "Fuck you, I'm in charge!" attitude--which is why Obama is doing so well. He has promised to "reach across the aisle" to work with Repubs.

[TankLV]

73. Now that the Dems & Progressives have a chance to win this time around, NOW they want bipartisanship

but when FOR OVER 20 YEARS, they did everything but put is all into camps. EVERYTHING.

and now these self serving same ASSHOLES have suddenly "discovered" "bipartisanship"...

Sorry if I don't play along.

I want the CRUSHED like the cockroaches they ARE - I want the country to be so sick of them and their "rayganism" and other BULLSHIT they tried to push on all of us, that they are like all the "good germans" after WWII when you couldn't FIND a nazi...

Their "policies" based only on ideology, not facts, RUINED my country.

NEVER AGAIN!

[Raineyb]

76. I don't want any part of their agenda

It's already been proven to be a complete and utter failure. Why embrace it if you want to succeed in fixing things.

Regards

[Solomon]

80. We don't need to embrace or adopt any part of their agenda.

If they want to work with us, they better learn ours.

[cliffordu]

5. I've been soooooo wrong three times this week. sorry.

[dem629]

11. Wow. I think you totally misread my post.

[cliffordu]

31. Changed it. my bad.

[joop]

6. Regardless of how they see us, you do catch more flies with honey

I've got room for all kinds if they want to help get us back on the road to recovery.

[Quantess]

43. True.

Especially because so many Americans are RINOs, and they don't even know it. Such as, the self-identified Republicans who are voting for Obama. They deserve a lot of respect for coming to their senses.

[Atman]

7. After the last eight years, they need to be completely marginalized

Fuck 'em. We saw this start with Reagan and Gingrich, and now Nasty Newt is resurfacing. Squash them like bugs. They're ideology has been completely debunked. It's time for a Snopes entry on "Compassionate Conservatism." It a fake!

.

[Atman]

8. --

--

[Essene]

10. Your friend is correct. Getting drunk on power and partisanship is the wrong lesson

Even with a landslide win, this shouldnt be taken as some validation for a purely partisan approach where folks assume ALL republicans are morons, neocons, religious nuts, etc. The way DU speaks derogatorily about everybody who isnt on "our team" as silly "freepers" is frankly... really immature. It's the same partisan attitude that lead to the arrogance of power in the Bush admin.

That attitude will do nothing but harm.

[dem629]

13. OK. So what part of their agenda do you want to help them advance?

[Essene]

20. my point is... not all republicans are neocon lunatics or theocrats

Those of them who are fairly progressive on social issues but very conservative on fiscal issues... need to be heard.

Some of the conservative social critics arent entirely insane.

Rabid partisanship is not what our government is about... and nor should we look at governance as a "zero sum" ideological war.

[dem629]

24. OK, so what part of their agenda do you want to accept?

[Howardx]

28. how well has that argument played

with republicans the last 8 years?

[rucky]

79. The goal is to find the common goals

and agree to take steps to reach them.

then it's just a debate over methods, and with some commonality there, it hopefully remains civil and somewhat respectful.

[Ichingcarpenter]

12. I want accountable for their crimes against this nation

All the top dogs, only then ,will I be inclusive when they recognize the crimes of their leaders.

If they are not held accountable it will be like allowing a non repented child abuser, wife beater back into the family

[Essene]

14. so... all republicans are "criminals"? gosh... we sure sound like them, huh?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

22. You keep saying that.

You keep saying that DUers act like freepers. First in your Ashley Todd defense thread, now you do it again.

Hmm.

[Ichingcarpenter]

23. Read it again ....... you really do put your foot in mouth sometimes

[RaleighNCDUer]

45. Not all republicans are criminals, but those who are should be

held accountable. This includes all those who sent us on the path to an unnecessary war, those who took us into this economic crisis, and those who worked with Cheney to set up an 'energy policy' that gave billions to the oil companies while looting the treasury. Those who are behind the electoral fraud. Those who manipulate the media to hide their fellows' crimes.

I'd be satisfied to START with them.

[Overseas]

15. Smile now; crush later.

Republicans will still be using their usual methods to reduce the Democratic vote count.

The Obama team and others have stopped some of those GOP election manipulation techniques, but not all of them.

We need an AVALANCHE to get our landslide.

Therefore, let's not give the conservatives any reason to scurry back to their sinking ship.

The desperate GOP will be floating the "scary liberals will turn us commie" kind of arguments in these final days, so please don't feed those deranged people.

[Alter Ego]

16. To a certain extent, we should.

If Republicans show a willingness to talk civilly with us about policy and are solution-oriented rather than just interested in scoring political points, then yeah--what's the problem with trying to work with them on some issues?

We forget--two of Obama's most prominent legislative victories were him partnering with a Republican: Obama/Coburn and Obama/Lugar.

[Raineyb]

77. When have the obstructionist Republicans done this?

Based on their current behavior I don't want anything to do with their racist, fear-mongering, theocratic, Constitution trashing, war-mongering, corporatist agenda. When they start coming up with civilized ideas we can have a discussion. Until then they should be marginalized; their ideas are bad for the country.

Regards

[Alter Ego]

95. Don't sit there and tell me that EVERY Republican in the Senate

is like that. They're not.

And us getting drunk on power is no fucking better than what they did between 1994-2006. I don't want to share their fate--do you?

[Raineyb]

98. And how many of the so called Moderates even bothered to vote against their party

when it was obvious that the party was wrong?

That's what I though. They've been nothing but obstructionist for the last year and change and it was by design. If they are willing to cooperate that's fine but I stand by my characterization of their agenda. If they aren't part of the solution they're part of the problem and even the moderate wing of the party to the extent that it exists, hasn't done much to be part of the solution.

Regards

[Zenlitened]

17. For at least the First 100 Days...

... President Obama and the newly-strengthened Democratic Congress should IGNORE Republicans.

Get to work, get things done, get some practical solutions into place and improving the lives of the American people.

Then the "unity" will take care of itself, as people who can think and reason, who truly care about our well-being as a nation, will come aboard.

(The truly hard-core pukes, on the other hand... they're a lost cause. It's NEVER worth negotiating with someone who's only "joy" in life comes from hurting you.)

[riqster]

18. Anyone who wants to work within the constraints imposed by the Constitution is welcome

...sadly, the RNC and Bushistas aren't.

It is up to the Reeps to work for America for a damned change.

[LisaM]

25. Just tell them that we'll be as bi-partisan as Bush was

since he's always claimed to work across the aisle, and there are Republicans who seem to accept that on its face, just tell your friend that you look forward to working with Republicans the way Bush has always worked with Democrats.

I'd be interested to hear the reaction to that.

[ecstatic]

26. Maybe we could surprise and embarrass them with acts of kindness

My first instinct would be to throw it in their faces... but I was reminded last night of how you can change the heart of an enemy by acting with kindness and mercy. Luckily for me, I don't have to work closely with any rethugs. :)

[grantcart]

27. kill them with kindness

if we treat them with civility even when we disagree with them it will show them as being the crazy nut jobs and reduce their numbers even further.

[Doremus]

29. It's time for us to do what's right for AMERICA.

Simply, do what's necessary to heal our country again.

We don't need labels for that.

But if repigs want to compromise in any way on that goal, the answer must be loud and clear. They should be thrown under the bus and the American people should roll over them several times until they get the message: ENOUGH!

They can join us in the common goal, or not. Their call.

[WeDidIt]

30. Be inclusive to the moderate wing

CRUSH the NeoTheoCons

The NEoTheoCons are going to win the coming GOP Civil War, at least in teh short term.

Help their more moderate friends throw the GOP under the bus and come into our coalition.

[AspenRose]

65. +1

:thumbsup:

Too many moderate republicans have come over to endorse Obama. It's the extreme right wingers that need to go.

[TrogL]

32. Authoritarians are never going to go away, and you cannot compromise with them

We should be inclusive to right-leaning folk who didn't know any better (lacking information, among other things) and are willing to change. Up here they're called "red Tories" or "old-school Conservatives".

[Avalux]

33. I agree. I will follow Obama's lead.

I know someone who calls himself a life-long Republican; he admitted to me he is voting for Obama because he's best for the country. Then he said if I told anyone, he'd deny it.

I could have given him a hard time about not wanting to admit it but chose not to; he is taking baby steps.

If Democrats are inclusive, it will shatter myths the Republicans have built up about Democrats through the years; making them less powerful.

[gmoney]

34. Screw that

Their terrible policies have been to strictly dismantle our functioning government and replace it with cronyism and corruption.

Appeasing the neo-cons at ALL will prevent the undoing of their horrific agenda.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

35. For the next 4 to 8 years they need to sit in the corner with a dunce hat

and shut the fuck up. If they truly want to work with the new majority great but it sure as hell isn't going to be on their terms. Clinton tried working and being inclusive with these assholes and look how great that worked out.

[nosillies]

36. I don't necessarily agree with compromise, and I agree that conservatism is all-around lousy

I can't think of any repug ideals I agree with, so I certainly don't want to see us adopting any in the name of compromise.

But I don't think we should be nasty about any of it. Let's just go about the business of making our country a better place for all who live here. The results will speak for themselves. Right-wing ideologies will, as a result, die their natural deaths.

Do the right thing because it's the right thing, and leave spite, revenge, etc. out of the picture.

[chiefofclarinet]

37. If we're talking about neocons/religious crazies, then yes, we need to crush it

Between Reagan and both Bushes, these groups have torn the nation in two and thrown decency under the bus.

However, there are the handful of moderate Republicans in government that will listen to reason. We need to embrace them, because having a one party system does not work.

The other part is that we need to keep ordinary Americans on our side. If we go incredibly vicious on the moderate GOP, we will love a lot of the independents and moderates we need. If we concentrate it on the Bush administration, we won't get any backlash except by the crazies, which already hate us.

So, if we build a coalition with those that want to deny our country our basic rights for their power, we have lost everything that we as Democrats stand for. However, if we build a coalition with moderate Republicans that works towards progress for America, then history will look kindly on us.

[LanternWaste]

38. Maybe I'm the one in the minority.

Maybe I'm the one in the minority. I'm in no moral position to tell Republican family and friends of mine that are now inconsequential and irrelevant in the political process any more than they would have had the moral position to say the same to me.

I'd rather we use our energy for positive and absolute gains rather than some petulant, petty-minded, short-sighted declaration of war on the ideals and opinions of other Americans.

Those conservative opinions and ideals will either be maintained or not-- but of their own making, regardless of what the progressive community wants. Political philosophies are like that... they live and die on their own timetables, not ours...

[NWPatriot]

39. The question I have is this:

If you don't want to work with Repugs, how far are you wanting to take their "punishment" for the last eight years? How deep into the ranks do you want to go? Do you just want to punish the top dogs, or go all the way down to the 'Joe Six-Pack' out there with the wife, 2 kids, and a mortgage?

As for me, I say it's okay to go after the leadership since THEY were the ones who screwed us over. But as far as trying to get back at half the country...I say no. Treat them with civility, extend your hand in friendship, and the majority of them will respond in kind. Those that don't...well, just let them retreat to their hidey-holes up in the mountains and backwoods to live out their survivalist, neo-nazi, KKK fantasies.

[MagickMuffin]

40. This is just another "turn the cheek" phase the rethuglicons use from their playbook

Whenever they have power they resort to childish hateful behavior 1.0.

When they lose the power that expect the Democrats to play nice.

So, the Democrats go along to get along and the rethuglicons resort back to their childish hateful behavior 2.0. The Clinton years comes to mind. Even after Clinton worked with them. They still torn him apart and the country along with it, with the help of the CorpoMedia.

After Mad king Boy George came along the rethuglicons wouldn't even govern with the Democrats. Instead the Democrats were locked out of the process.

The rethuglicons will do the same exact thing again, but no telling how far they are willing to go this time with their childish hateful behavior, which version will they try?

I've seen this tactic over and over and over again.

I want the Democratic Party to hold hearings and prosecute if necessary for the crimes committed during the last 20 years. I would like hearings reopened into BCCI, Iran-Contra, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Lobbyists connections to bogus contracts.

[Ichingcarpenter]

42. Exactly - I'm reminded of the villagers that had to go to the camps

after they were liberated by the Allies. They will be in denial until the crimes are exposed.

[MagickMuffin]

47. I'm tired of ALL the crimes getting swept under the carpet

We've been down this road before. The more they can get away with the more they try and subvert the system to rob our treasury.

I just want to know what happens 20/30 years from now if we continue on this path?.?.?

[Ichingcarpenter]

60. Many people still don't think the US committed torture or

that it was OKed by the highest levels of government. That they wiretapped
their own citizens illegally. ...... the list goes on and if these crimes and others
are never brought into the national consciousness then republicans won't change
and realize the errors of their party's guidance.

NIXON..... that was the start of moral complacency that allowed the Republicans to play
the same game again but 10 times worse than we ever dream of

[seabeyond]

41. my repug hubby, i am still calling him repug and correcting all that says differently, will NEVER

vote republican again, i am sure. he voted bush 2000. i ranted all of 2001 and 2002. out of self preservation he started reading and informing himself so he could know what i was ranting about. iraq pissed him off. he went edwards in 2004 but came to highly respect kerry and really was enthusiastic in his support of kerry. still i called him a repug that thinks.

the only thing about him that is repug today, is i still defend his title as a repug. lol lol. not another single thing about him fits 8 yrs ago.

he is my repug that is all dem.

[Joiwind]

46. Work with Republicans who are willing to work with you

The Democratic party has earned the right to implemenmt their agenda for the next two years. Period. If Republicans want to be obstructionist, screw 'em.

But, the overarching strategy of the Republican party for the last forty years has been to set us at each others' jugulars in a Mad Max Thunderdome style "two men enter one man leaves". Obama is better than that. That's why I voted for him.

[mac56]

63. ding ding ding we have a winner!

"Work with Republicans who are willing to work with you."

Perfect.

And welcome.

[iamthebandfanman]

48. i hope obama governs as a centrist

and reaches to anyone for ideas(whether he takes their ideas into practice or not).

now the congress... they can keep on sliding to the left all they want ;)

i dont believe the presidency was supposed to be so partison.

[political_Dem]

49. Do people trust the Republicans that much?

After eight years of degrading the Democrats, are people truly going to carry the scorpion across the lake only to have him sting them in the end? That's what the Republicans will do if we open the door to them.

These are the type of people who sent Rep. Conyers into a basement to hold a hearing.

These are the type of people who idly sat by while McCain and Palin preached hate at their rallies.

These are the type of people who sponsored Karl Rove and let the RW talk show hosts flourish.

These are the type of people who sponsored Ashley Todd and let her rise within their ranks.

These are the type of people who let our economy burn to the ground.

And these are the type of people who would not give us a second thought if they were in the lead. They would be saying that Barack Obama was just another "uppity" Black man who didn't know his place if he wasn't winning.

I believe in showing mercy. But extending a hand into the enemy camp for them to mess with us is too much. It's hard to trust them after eight years of hell. And I have a very long memory.

I'm sick of Democrats rolling over and playing dead for these people. What have they ever done for us? What have they ever done for the good of this country?

[LanternWaste]

50. I trust...

I trust friends of mine who are Republicans. I trust members of my family who are Republicans. I trust members of my church who are Republicans. I certainly cannot in good conscious call them "my enemy".

My trust or distrust of an individual is certainly not predicated on the appellation of an R or a D next to the name of the person they vote for. My trust and my distrust of individuals is, for all intents and purposes, based on what they have done, how they have acted, and what they have said-- to me and to others.

But that's just me. Your mileage may vary...

[political_Dem]

51. I'm glad to hear that. But your family isn't running the country.

They are probably less cutthroat than the Republicans who ran this country into the ground.

I say there is a lot of evidence that the Republicans are not to be trusted--especially when they don't have America's best interests at heart.

They certainly don't have the interests of people of color, the poor, gays, lesbians, transgendered folks, women (and especially women of color), the disabled and other groups at heart. They don't care about the disenfranchised in this country.

They only care about themselves and their pocket book.

Yes, one's mileage does vary. And one can trust Republicans as far as one throws them. And that's not pretty far.

[LanternWaste]

84. I'm afraid I missed the initial qualifier

I'm afraid I missed the initial qualifier that stated "Republicans that run the county...". I'd only seen the question (sans qualifier) "do you trust..."

[political_Dem]

91. Put it this way.

If these "quiet" Republicans stand by and let the Republicans in power spread their hate while running the government in the ground, then what does that make them?

If they didn't speak up while Bush and his cronies lied to this country, subverted the Constitution and destroyed our nation's international reputation, what does it make them?

And if they remain "quiet and God-fearing" while they let the fellow members of their party profess hate and violence against the Democratic opponent, what does it make them?

If they listen to the "pro-Americanism" talk by the Republican party and quietly go about their business without any reaction, what does it make them?

If the Civil Rights era was left to all the "quiet, God-fearing" Americans who sat there and did nothing, there would be no passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act nor the Voting Rights Act of 1965. There would only be self-preservation in the hands of injustice.

I tend to agree with the others in the thread that if there are Republicans who openly prove that they will work for all Americans instead of just a few, then they can work toward that trust by their actions. That would mean revoking the policies of Rove, Schmidt, Bush, Reagan, PNAC and the rest of the neo-con ideology that has ruined our country. They would also have to recognize the division between Church and State.

They have to come over to our side instead of the Dems coming over to theirs.

But knowing their authoritarian personality, that will never happen. They're too deeply ingrained with their rules and intolerance to change.

[LanternWaste]

99. It'll be news to both her and I

O-kay...

I'll have tell my little old aunty that she's too deeply ingrained with rules and intolerance. It'll be news to both her and I, but since you appear to have a righteous absolutism on your side, I guess you can't be wrong in labeling an entire demographic of people with pejoratives.

But, on the other hand, both she and I will probably just laugh at the petty justifications for intolerance which now appear to be coming from both sides of the aisle...

[baldguy]

52. We must distinguish between Republicans and those that masquerade as Republicans.

Namely the neocons & the American Taliban.

We should welcome to support & participation of real Republicans. - and crucify those that have used them to subvert safety, security & economy of America.

[scheming daemons]

53. I'll be inclusive to NON-freeper Republicans..... the freepers can bite me

[political_Dem]

54. One question.

If it were the Nazis instead of the Republicans, would people ask to extend a hand to them in the same fashion?

[onetiredmom]

55. When you say crush the Republicans,

I think of the people in my neighborhood, the people I work with, the people at my church. They are not in-your-face type of Repubs, they don't put signs in their yards, they don't beat you over the head with a Bible, they don't have alot of interest in "politics". They vote Repub for many reasons and they are just quietly living their lives. Do you include those people in the crushing?

The following is from memory so my wording is not exact: One of my first posts here asked about many Repubs who vote for Obama this time are really "turning Dem" or voting for the person and will go back to voting Repub if they like the 2012 candidate. I mentioned that in my reading of this site before I signed up, I read several posts like this one where Repubs should be destroyed and crushed. The replies said things like that weren't said. But if outsiders find this site and start reading, why would they want to come over to a side that says things about them like that?

[kcwayne]

56. I inclusively invite all Republicans to kiss my Democratic ass

Their policies and ideology have destroyed the country I grew up in where optimism and hope were cornerstones and hard work was rewarded. That country has been stolen from my child. It will take 50 years of repair to undo the damage they have done.

Republicans need to get out of the way, and allow nation builders, not destroyers, get back to work.

[xxqqqzme]

57. If it is a tidal wave. I hope it forces the

publicans to take a long hard look at their party. They need to purge that fanatic religious rong faction lee atwater recruited. That party needs to get back to its roots. It has taken the Democratic Party quite a while to put the dlc in its place - the '08 election to seal its influential decline. The pubs, if it wants to survive, will have to do the same.

[Phoonzang]

58. You can't really crush them. Those ideas will still be around even if we win.

I see it like this...crushing them is the Treaty of Versailles. While it feels good at first resentment builds up and they return in a tidal wave of destruction. Being inclusive is like the Marshall Plan. While you don't get the pleasure of seeing the conservos squirm and suffer, there will hopefully be a "moderating" effect on their views.

[frickaline]

59. Doesn't the pendulum usually swing back with similar force?

If we become unreasonable don't we create our own demise just as the Bush administration did?

[TankLV]

78. Umm - we ARE "the pendulum" - The REPUKES have villified and treated us like SHIT for years,

and now the pendululm HAS swung back - TO US!

Last time around, ALL the "last times around" - we Dems WERE nice, and EACH TIME, the repukes tried treated us like DIRT. DIRT.

With CONTEMPT - and reveled in it all!

So now, that they and their policies have been shown to be the VILE, HATEFUL morons they TRULY are, NOW some imagined "they" are calling for US to be "civil" and "nice" towards THEM!

NO. FUCKING. WAY.

My true feelings? I think we should strive for the actions of the Russian and French revolutions aftermath as examples. Sorry if that chafes your collective butts...

[frickaline]

86. fine.

but you owe me the chafing cream.

[Parker CA]

61. I think it would be wonderful to see an approval rating above 65% after Obama's first term,

and to do that, many pukes will have to change their views, and do to so, it may take some thoughtful discussion and persuasion from our side.

[political_Dem]

62. How about setting an example that corruption and war crimes are not to be tolerated?

I wonder how can there be a change in government if one becomes friends with the folks committing the wrongdoing?

What kind of message does it send?

[casus belli]

64. Part of our landslide will include Republicans

So, I'm inclined to side with your friend here. Though, I understand completely where you're coming from. :) I think the only way we could rid our country from radical conservatism in this country would be to give them no audience. If people see a good alternative that lifts them up rather than shoot them down, I think they'll abandon the philosophy on their own.

[alwysdrunk]

66. Wrong. We should go after the center

We should do like the Labour Party in the UK and adopt most of the centrist platform as Democratic. We should change what Democrat and Republican mean. Take the center, take the electorate for a generation.

[JuniperLea]

67. All are welcome in the light... no need to get all hatey...

Hate is what they do. We shouldn't. I'm not trying to be the thought police or anything, there's a difference between hating and acting on the hate. Do what you want in the privacy of your own mind, but don't be hating on another human being in the name of Democrats.

My dad is one of the life-long, staunch, dyed in the wool Republicans who jumped ship just before the primary... I expect a lot more to do so, and I think we should commend them for their intelligence and good will toward mankind. It's not easy to admit your party is crap. It takes courage to walk away from the GOP and their intoxicating Kool Aid.

[Waiting For Everyman]

68. Crush conservatism dead forever. Go New Deal liberal.

Any who don't like that can gripe at their country clubs.

Kumbay-fuckin-ya. :)

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

69. Your Friend Is Very Wise.

Of course we should be diplomatic. Of course we want unity as much as possible, and an end to the sports mentality that has invaded politics. We've already seen Obama start this seemingly impossible process, and I've been impressed as hell at how he's already begun to bring some from that side in. One of the things that will make Obama so powerful as president is his ability to reach out to those on the opposite side of the fence diplomatically.

And yes, you are by far in the minority.

[TankLV]

70. If they are willing to COME OVER & SUPPORT LIBERAL & PROGRESSIVE POSITIONS - fine.

But I'm not going to try to be so "inclusive" that I would EVER accept their FAILED batshit insane right wing conservative ideas...

I will do everything in my power to see that repuke ideology is forever wiped from the national "dialogue"...

[TheKentuckian]

71. Conservatives can be worked with

Reaganites/current day Republicanism must be undone because their policies are a multiple time proven failure that not only runs the country into a ditch but off the cliff financially and the foreign policy is global poison that also ravages the economy.

As far as I'm concerned the so called "social conservatives" are theocrats, who are too intellectually lazy to reinterpret their beliefs into the secular language and reasoning that can even be made into law.

Honestly, there is no working with people that insist on failed and/or unconstitutional policies. This isn't about revenge but putting our citizens and the future prosperity of our country. They MUST accept they are wrong and show some willingness to work in some new directions or before long we'll be back in the hole again.
At this point we do our country a huge disservice by even pretending that the Republicans offer legitimate policies.

I'm all for common ground but the Republicans have failed to show me anything that we can agree on. I'm not an unreasonable soul, those that believe that we can and should open our arms to these folks would help the process by helping those of us that are more reluctant to see where these bridges can be built from.
I think we're past the the general good will platitudes. We need real areas to start the "reconstruction" process from rather than the non-functional turn the other cheek response these people have been welcomed with each time they are put back in their place since the post Civil War era, and yes its the same mental/spiritual decedents of the Confederacy. The approach that some are calling for without conditions has failed as often as their garbage economics because there are no consequences or even soul-searching, they just temporarily turn down the rhetoric with the exact same goals and ideas.

We have to do something different. We need the balance but we MUST have a sane conservative party, if the Republicans can't or won't be that then a new party will have to grow into their place.

[Zenlitened]

93. Excellent post.

:thumbsup:

...Honestly, there is no working with people that insist on failed and/or unconstitutional policies. This isn't about revenge but putting our citizens and the future prosperity of our country. They MUST accept they are wrong and show some willingness to work in some new directions or before long we'll be back in the hole again...

[wvbygod]

72. Use the Golden Rule

Or don't claim membership with enlightened Democrats.

[TheKentuckian]

83. I am. If I insisted on insane policies that don't work

and many of which are unconstitutional then I'd want someone to insist I cool my heels until I was rational.

I don't think rational with a basic acceptance of the need for the existence of government is too much to ask of anyone running for office.

I can identify a few sensible and well meaning Republicans but to pretend they are representative of their party as a whole. For every Hagel, Snowe, or Lugar there are 20 Bachmans, Buchanans, McConnells, and Gringriches.
I'm all for getting the views of conservatives and having them participate but the nutjobs that want to funnel wealth to the wealthy and dismantling services to effectively institute Corporatisim or in less kind terminology Fascism.

Again, platitudes are meaningless we need legitimate areas where common ground can be found, if any golden rule mentality can be used. Otherwise, we're looking at the usual change in faces with rephrased rhetoric with the same toxic intents.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

85. Yeah, like your bunch did from 2002 to 2006.

[goodgd_yall]

75. I say

it is our time to crush Republican policies, but that doesn't mean we be gloating and nasty to the other side. I agree that we should take seriously Obama's call to unite as a nation.

[faithfulcitizen]

81. THIS WEEK - absolutely, be inclusive. Besides, I believe in redemption.

[OKNancy]

82. I'll hug your elephant and you can kiss my ASS!

:evilgrin:

[tanglefoot]

87. It's not about compromise

We have a Republican (former staffer for a congressman no less) working for Obama in our office, making phone calls and knocking doors. Had we been militant liberals as we would like to be some days, she wouldn't be here working her backside off for our candidate. You should hear her persuading Republicans to vote for Obama on the phone. She rocks.

I've heard the story of our Republican Sheriff coming into the office to pickup Obama signs for his yard - a big step in this somewhat conservative backwater county. And he praised the Dems who were working here that night (to others in the courthouse) for their gracious treatment of him, welcoming him in, chatting with him about Obama's visit the day before to La Crosse, WI.

We know this wouldn't happen if the scenario were reversed. Why? Because the nutcases have control of the puke party.

Being gracious doesn't mean we roll over. It means being respectful and not rubbing salt in the wounds. It means, perhaps in a few years, that these people will recognize they are more Dem than Republican, that their party only ever paid lip service to the things that matter to them, that there is more than one way to address a problem, but that it won't be solved by personal attacks and refusing to meet your opponent on the debate field.

We can capitalize on the change in attitude Sen. Obama's campaign is bringing out in people by welcoming them, treating them with dignity, and being the better person and better party.

If we do this right, the era of nasty politics christened by Reagan will come to a swift conclusion.

[Hellataz]

92. I think there are plenty of Repub.s that are worth the benefit of the doubt.

We should follow Obama's lead and embrace our fellow countrymen and woman and not be close-minded and close-hearted towards people we don't share all views with. Diversity is what this country is about and we have a bigger chance of changing people's minds and helping them embrace a more democratic view if we aren't arrogant, cocky and rude to them. If we give them the benifit of the doubt and listen to what they have to say, they are more likely to do the same with us.

[eshfemme]

94. I'd say have an open ear and heart to the reasonable people who happen to be Republicans.

In doing so, you give them more voice and thus marginalize the wingnuts that have taken over by providing the avenue of communication for that "silent majority" of Republicans that were silenced by the shrill cries of these crazy radicals. I think that would be the route Obama would take.

Just listen and in doing so, it opens a dialogue. This doesn't necessarily mean agreeing with everything but at least allowing Republican citizens to air their grievances-- a right that they are guaranteed as citizens-- would be a good thing for President who is an AMERICAN first, Democrat second. This would provide a contrast then to any sort of accusation of partisanship the really crazy right wing would try to levy.

[MelSC]

97. I agree with your friend

I'm not including the crazy Rush Limbaugh worshipping Republicans, but the others...and yes they exist!

I truly understand your anger and frustrations...believe me, but I don't think conservatism will ever be "crushed". I would like to live in a country where both sides are respected and we can argue on issues. It's not a good idea to act the way the Republicans acted after 00' and 04'. It was extremely divisive and it's part of the reason that the Democrats will win the majority of the House and Senate as well as the presidency this year. I don't want the opposite to occur in the next 4-8 years if you catch my drift! That's one reason I really like Obama because I know he will be inclusive because he is no dummy and he wants our country to come together.

It's really easy to get caught up in our hatred of Republicans but the truth is it's counterproductive when it comes to actually leading this country. DU is nice because we can air out our frustrations on an anonymous message board with other like-minds, but I don't think it would be smart if this spilled out into our lives outside of the internet.

[Gman2]

100. Warmly welcome conservatives, persecute republicans.

Those in the bat crazy flock left, need to be scared straight. And fast. They need to know that, they have a constitutional right to say anything almost, but as we all learned from the Dixie Chicks, you will pay a DEAR price. In this instance, I feel that they should fear for their lives. If you are a domestic terrorist, as most of the freaks left at Palin rally's are, you need to know the stakes. Most of those cavemen think that liberals are scaredycats. Until they understand that any uprising in the name of coup, racism, discriminating against the poor or sick, will get them driven into the sea. I know this is blunt, but I hear many fomenting real, organized insurrection. They MUST understand that this liberal aint gonna spook. I am furious, and will not tolerate any crap.