If millions could not make it to DC to stop the war or save the Constitution, why are so many

[T Wolf]

so excited to go stand in the cold to watch on video screens a "ceremony" that, in reality, means nothing?

Will streets full of cheering crowds bring universal health care?

Will boisterous throngs bring the troops home from the ME any quicker?

Will "your" Senators and Representatives take the enormous turnout to mean anything related to what policies we want them to enact?

Now, if everyone who goes to "enjoy the moment" then walks from the parade route to the halls of Congress and occupies the politicians' offices to demand whatever, it may serve a purpose.

Otherwise, it is simply a waste of time.

Having fought these wars against the right for over 40 years, I am past being satisfied with "feel-good photo-ops" that accomplish nothing. I do fear that most of those who did support Obama will go back to their lives, satisfied that they have done their job. They will leave it to those moving into positions of power to fix the mess left by vacating elephants.

How much the new administration will actually change policies is up for debate (already). Attending a parade and trying to crash parties reserved for the powerful will have no influence on those policies.

The real work of fixing America has not even really begun. It gets harder from here on.

[HughMoran]

1. Always someone to CRAP on our parade

What a jerk.

[atreides1]

14. Why?

What happens when the parade is over?

The poster isn't a jerk, sounds more like a concerned citizen, maybe we all should be looking beyond that magic day when the birds will sing the sun will shine and all will be right with the world.

Because after the 20th of January it will be time to move forward and not rest on the victories of the past.

[Egnever]

15. I guess we will see what happens

Are you saying you agree with the OP that millions pouring into the street means nothing?

Are you really as clueless as the OP seems to be?

[Labors of Hercules]

20. Some people just prefer screaming about what's wrong...

Than celebrating what's right. Personally, I think we need a little more positive energy in this world. :shrug:

[Egnever]

30. Couldnt agree more

I thought we elected a big ball of positive on nov 4th. Still think so.

[HughMoran]

17. So we can't have a big celebration of the first black man and an intelligent president because ...

it won't immediately fix all the ills of the world or retroactively stop the Iraq war??

This is stupid and the most bitterly selfish & dumb reasoning I've ever come across in my life!

You hate us.

[Breeze54]

52. The OP asks a great question! Where were they all during the anti-war demonstrations?

Great question!! But if they want to all gather
in the frigging freezing cold to watch it on the
big screen, have at it. I'll watch on TV.

[Fleshdancer]

18. for one...

to insinuate that protesting in DC is the only way to speak out against war is ridiculous. People have contributed to the anti-war movement from cities around the world and have done many other things to speak out against it.

The whole "why didn't you protest in DC" is a ridiculous argument.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

2. Excellent points

[ClarkUSA]

9. Of course you'd say that.

:eyes:

[cali]

13. oh please. it's sanctimonious nonsense

of course most people will go back to their lives. But symbolism can indeed be powerful and meaningful. Not to mention that going to D.C. to occupy your congress critters' offices, at that particular time, would be more conterproductive than productive.

[defendandprotect]

3. Insanities deserve to be "crapped on" ...

Wake up --!!

[ClarkUSA]

4. Lemme take a wild guess -- you weren't an Obama supporter during the primaries.

You left out, "Bah humbug!" at the end of your rant. :eyes:

[Shakespeare]

5. You're right. I'll go don the sackcloth and ashes RIGHT NOW.

Perhaps you missed the several very large anti-war demonstrations in DC over the years, or failed to participate in one in your area. I made it to all of the ones in SoCal, including a few over 100,000 strong in Los Angeles.

There's nothing in the world wrong with celebrating our victory--it was hard fought, and we shouldn't feel bad about celebrating it.

[Egnever]

6. You underestimate the power of such an outpouring to produce political capital

The fact that so many pour into the streets to see the event in and of itself gives Obama power. You are delusional if you think nothing comes of it.

[Fleshdancer]

7. Some of us protested the war in our own cities

and we also wrote our representatives and we made our opinions known through our votes during the past 8 years.

The Inauguration will be my first trip to DC. I'm doing it to witness history, to celebrate the end of the Bush years, and to toast to the future of my country. I'll do all of this and not feel guilty for any of it.

[cali]

8. shove your sanctimonious crap right back up the orifice

you pulled it out of. And yes, it signifies a great deal. pathetic that you can't see that.

[Egnever]

10. When did DU get so dumbed down?

[T Wolf]

24. Can always count on you to raise the level of discourse. Thanks for playing.

[Egnever]

31. Post stupid shit

Get stupid responses what did you expect with that steaming pile you put up there?

[leftstreet]

33. It's not stupid. It's a valid question.

:shrug:

[Egnever]

34. WTF is valid about it?

[leftstreet]

35. Uh...the history of political resistance, solidarity - shit like that?

versus a complacent modern consumer culture?

Sounds like an interesting and valid discussion to me.

[Egnever]

36. And the fact that so many are motivated to go out of there way to celebrate

A new beginning means absolutely nothing? How the hell do millions attending an inauguration, something not seen in decades if ever, not signal a readiness to become involved and an end to complacency. The fact that it is happening should be a reason to rejoice for all of us not a reason to piss and moan about what should have happened the last 8 years.

Sorry the OP is dumbfuck bitching with no clue whatsoever o the impact such an outpouring will have on the mood of the nation forget about the effect it will have on Obamas mandate to govern going forwards.

Its a stupid ass vanity I am better than you johny come lately crapfest of a post and if you cant tell it pisses me right the fuck off while at the same time pissing on all the people ready to become involved something that supposedly the OP and you I suppose wants.

[LynneSin]

38. Something else about the OP

why do we assume the only way to protest the Bush administration is by treking to Washington DC?

Yes I've made that trip about a dozen times but I live in Delaware, it's just a quick jump down 95. But for many others, perhaps they found others ways to protest, perhaps more locally.

The main thing is - who are we to judge these things as to why people want to be in DC for the inauguration and the motivation of these people.

This is a joyous occassion and a very historic moment. And yet somehow, someway we found a way to shit on the parade of this event.

:grr:

[HughMoran]

39. Et tu, Brute?

You're a real piece of work, I must say.

:eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes:

[LSK]

48. "Thanks for playing"

What was that about the level of discourse? Need a mirror?

[4_Legs_Good]

11. Yawn.... but thanks for telling me how to feel

Much appreciated!

David

[sufrommich]

12. That "feel-good photo-op" is called the swearing in

ceremony. We haven't had a democratic president in 8 years,I would rather it go without a hitch and save the protest for some other time.

[walldude]

16. The swearing in of America's first Black President

means nothing? Good luck with that :eyes:

[Clio the Leo]

19. The masses have already poured out into the streets to effect change...

November 4th was the culmination but the work began back in January, if not before.

While I appreciate your point, I'm afraid you're missing the mark. The Revolution has been and will contiued to be televised. Live and in high-def.

[T Wolf]

22. If you think this is a "revolution" then I have some freedom fries to sell you.

I am looking for results, not promises. And while I am disappointed in the squandering of the opportunity that did exist for real change in America, I have no alternative but to wait and see if President Obama will do anything to move this country back from the edge of fascism.

A year from now, we will have a much better position from which to evaluate that "change."

[Clio the Leo]

37. Cool! Got some ketchup? NT

[LynneSin]

21. That ceremony means alot to millions of people. If it means nothing to you then don't go

But why shit on the parade for the rest of us who want to be a part of history and be in DC even if I have to watch it all on a big screen TV.

And oh, I've done at least a dozen anti-war protests in DC/NYC - do I get a free pass now?

[T Wolf]

23. The point of millions attending the celebration in DC is that nowhere near that many could

be bothered to go to try and influence the government when they were actually considering policy.

Now, millions want their party.

Kind of the same criticism that NancyGregg had for those who have complained about the decisions leaked about staff and appointments. If her criticism of those who "want their pony" is valid, so is mine about those who want a reward for voting against more Bushism.

[leftstreet]

26. People don't think their Representatives represent their interests

There's a massive disconnect (aided and abetted by the PTB) between "citizens" and their perception of "government."

It's not right, but it's the outcome of conditioning.

You raise a very good point though.

[LynneSin]

29. So you know what those millions of people have done

have you considered that for many of those millions it might have been easier that they protest locally (we always had something in Delaware). Or perhaps they wrote their congress people or letters to the editor.

Should we setup a stand at the security gate and ask each person "Did you protest?" "How did you protest the last 8 years?" "Oh you didn't protest anything well then sorry you're not allowed in".

This is historic and I don't care why these people want to come to DC this time over any other time. But how DARE you judge these people and what they have done - you have no idea and you have no right.

So please, stay at home and sit there moping on 1.20.09 - I plan to celebrate with the rest of DC and the world about the new change in this country.

[Fleshdancer]

45. exactly

I have protested locally, donated money to various organizations, written my representatives, and I have VOTED. My conributions shouldn't be so easily dismissed just because it happened in Austin and not in DC. People have been protesting this war and this administration all over the world.

It has been a long, scary 8 years. I'm going to DC without an ounce of guilt this January to celebrate.

[LynneSin]

46. I'll be in DC too - we'll need to hook up

I'll PM where I'm staying

[Fleshdancer]

51. Awesome!

It would be great to meet you! Is there a DU meetup happening during this time? It didn't occur to me to ask for some odd reason.

[hileeopnyn8d]

53. Great post

Great post!

Not only does the OP have no way of knowing what people have done, he/she is choosing to ignore the historic aspect of this election. Ignoring that for many of those attending, it's not just celebrating a new president, it's celebrating the very thing the OP is admonishing the "millions" for not doing - a March on Washington.

Means nothing. How insulting.

I happen to think (dream) that those witnessing the culmination of their efforts, their parents and grandparents sacrifices, not to mention the ultimate sacrifices of our civil right leaders, will lead to a more engaged society.

[I LUV DEM]

25. you r just mad you can't go!

stop being a sour grape

[Better Believe It]

27. Participants Should Bring Banners & Signs To Make It A Demonstration For Change!

for passage of Medicare for All single payer health coverage, bring the troops home from Iraq now, support for the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), federal funds to stop all foreclosures, a 500 billion dollar job creation public works plan, etc.,

Now that would have some impact!

[secondwind]

28. chill out..........let the masses have a little fun, will ya?

[scheming daemons]

32. Dumbest. OP. Ever.

People want to be in Washington to be a part of history.


Quit pissing on what will be one of the finer moments in our nation's history.

[HughMoran]

41. Isn't it though?

Talk about curmudgeons...

[IndianaJones]

40. good lord the whining. now I think I will go to DC in January. nt.

[Zynx]

42. This is really a pointless post.

[SIMPLYB1980]

43. Plop.

[backscatter712]

44. Millions did go out there to stop the war and save the Constitution.

A lot of us did go out there in protest, but unfortunately, no matter the size of the protest, it didn't do much because the President's a total psychopath who doesn't give a flying fuck what we think.

So, we millions went out there on Election Day, and in all those days up until Election Day to throw the sons-of-bitches out. That tactic seems to be having some positive effects for a change.

[Forkboy]

47. Because bread and circuses are easier to wrap our heads around.

The issues you mention are deep and complex, and that scares a lot of people away from even trying to tackle it. It's why we ignore Rwanda but get all worked up over how Brittany takes care of her baby. Small problems are easy to grapple with. The big ones, not so much. So we tend to ignore them and hope they solve themselves.

[LSK]

49. wasn't Obama himself one of the millions in the streets in 2002???

Also care to comment on Obama being in the streets in the 1980s as a community organizer???

[Epiales]

50. WTF??

"..a 'ceremony' that, in reality, means nothing"

Perhaps nothing to you, but as a black American, his inauguration means a great deal to me but more importantly to the ghosts of my ancestors who will proudly watch the event with me.

Diminish it in your own mind, but I'll be there quite proudly.

[SidneyCarton]

54. You're right, let's call off the inaugeration

While we're in the mood for self-flagellation, P-E Obama should declare 6 months of mandatory mourning in which we are all required to wear black, eat nothing but bread and water and those found smiling in public should be fined. HOW DARE WE CELEBRATE A EVEN THE SMALLEST VICTORY AGAINST LONG ODDS, AFTER ALL WE'RE LIBERALS, ARENT WE!!!!111 WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE MISERABLE ALL THE TIME!!!!11!!! WHAT WILL WE DO IF WE LOOSEN UP, EVEN FOR ONE DAY, THERE WILL BE MARTIAL LAW I TELL YA!!!11!!!!!1

Ok, end of rant. You do actually bring up some good points, but there will always be more who come when you offer free beer than when you ask them to move furniture. Let us celebrate for one day, there will be more than enough to mourn about in the days to come.