Will 2008 mark the end of DU as we know it?

[Sammy Pepys]

Not the literal end...but the end of the current atmosphere here.

Much of the discussion that goes on here revolves around the Bush Administration. So when Bush finally exits (and yes, he will...there will not be some conspiratorial takeover to keep him installed as ruler for life), where do we go from there if a Democrat succeeds him?

I think this is important to consider. I think the chances are excellent that the Dems will at least take back one house of Congress, if not both. This will set the stage for a Dem victory of the White House (actually, the stage is set no matter what). What role does DU play past 2008 if the Dems are victorious?

Do we become the boosters of the Dem administration? Do we serve as the loyal opposition? Do we seek to continue bringing more people into the fold?

To face facts, DU is not terribly well recognized in the political landscape. Honestly, I think this has a lot to do with a good deal of the conversations that go on here....it's far too easy for the general public or even those involved in politics to write DU off as mostly conspiratorial and hysterical. The Leopold saga probably didn't help things.

Now is the perfect time to begin thinking about where we want to go and will set the stage for the tone of 2008 and set the tone for DU's continuing mission....and the perfect incentive for setting a new tone here but setting a new tone in Washington. What do you guys think?

[lectrobyte]

1. It depends on how many of us are declared enemy combatants

in 2007.

[ck4829]

2. The Bush Administration was an organization that existed before 2001

They were known as PNAC, and I think they will play a larger role in what's going in the coming years and after 2008 as well.

[schmuls]

4. I agree, these criminals existed before and will exist after the Bush

criminal regime is removed. Perhaps we can focus on the greater evil (PNAC) which will continue after the revolting puppet is removed.

[helderheid]

3. Between the complicit media, diebold and recent events, don't count on it

[quinnox]

5. For some when Bush leaves then Du

will be no longer compelling. A lot of what made Du so big was the anger for Bush and the current right wingers, but when they are gone it will be like pricking a balloon.

[Sammy Pepys]

8. This is exactly what I'm getting at...n/t

...

[MessiahRp]

6. The Presidency isn't the end all, be all of our Democratic fight

It may be the most visible but DUers have plenty to continue to fight for... health care, Iraq pullout, Environmental issues, Social Justice... not to mention it's going to take a ridiculously long time to reverse the course we set off on under Bush. We have a lot to work for and righting the ship doesn't completely end on November 2008's election result.

We also will stay strong in holding all elected leaders from both sides accountable to the constituency whom they work for...

Rp

[PATRICK]

7. There used to be

a very wide discussion of specific issues. Once it became IMPOSSIBLE to enact any decent legislation all the discussion changed to scandal and defense of democracy itself. That itself has inspired a sharper awareness of principle and crafted laws, future reforms. the luxury of sanity would be overwhelming and the intimidating vitriol of righteous rants and exposees would be replaced by daunting policy wonks(pragmatists and free marketeers versus progressives). The sparring between differently shaded dogs, Greens and Conservatives might reappear. Traumatized Bush era warriors might never let go since there will never be satisfying justice for this worst of all regimes.

When the Freepers had winners they simply got worse and more abusive. I think here we might become more solid, not a cheerleader or reactionary defender of all Dems, but a builder of reform ideas and communications. And real grass roots democracy that compared to the GOP makes us like elves versus orcs.

Maybe success will breed growth. Maybe, like ending the Vietnam draft, the majority will drift back to non-involvement. But in fact the real issues will just be beginning, NOT enjoying the leisure of making laws and winning elections, but re-shaping America and its future away from irresponsibility, corporatism and delusion.

And if in 2008 the Dark Age of GOP dictatorship continues, the real problem may be having the site canceled from without.

[applegrove]

9. I was reading in a book - cannot remember the name but it was a recent

best-seller - that the internet allows connectors to connect at hyper speed. So people interested in politics will have the internet to: follow our leaders, discuss issues, feel connected, vent, etc. (the author wasn't talking about politics at all - just new technology).

In my view, none of this or these needs depend on Bush being the leader. It depends only on how people will want to reach out to others who share their love of social justice or politics or rug-hooking with angora wool (if that be the case). That there is a group out there for everyone.

Perhaps the immediate fear will be gone and the news may start to reflect our feelings again..instead of only doing it partly as it does now. Perhaps we will be less passionate about the
DU. Perhaps if there is a Democratic President then we will be online talking policy all the time. Wouldn't that be nice!!!!

[applegrove]

10. Here is a link.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=103&topic_id=237842&mesg_id=237842

[Orsino]

11. If some kind of balance is restored...

...to the two parties' representation in the three branches of government, maybe we can finally begin to take on positive issues that promote progressive causes. Beats having to be the obstructionist opposition.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

12. We'll all be in Gitmo together and won't need computers - we can just yell

n/t

[Anarcho-Socialist]

13. It'll continue in some form

DU won't be a cheerleading echo chamber like Freeperville is for their party. Democratic supporters will debate, even disagree with the nature of a future Democratic executive and legislative programme. We'll argue whether things went far enough, or were done correctly or should not have been implemented at all. All this would be in the framework where when it comes to elections we support the party and intend to see Democrats elected wherever they stand.

Democrats were vocal about things they didn't like about the Clinton administration, and I'm sure they'd still voice their approval or disapproval about the record of any future Democratic Presidency.

[annabanana]

14. Herd cats much?

How does that work out?

[Generator]

15. Chin up

It will be even worse(and that will at least be interesting) when we have President-elect McCain. I can almost feel sorry for Bush on some days-he's pathetic. McCain knows better. And I certainly won't be having any sympathy for Hillary thinking she can win in this sexist, fascist, backward country, and so sorry she lost. She needs to move to Chile. In fact maybe so do I.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

16. It won't be as exciting - I hope. I'm taping everything I can becasue

it will be an astounding peice of history somewhere down the road. We are living in some very painful times - but also very very interesting times.

Sometimes - I feel that I'm lucky to be witness to all this because this era will be talked about for years. We will have something to tell our grandchildren and grandnieces/nephews.

I'm convinced that this country will turn around - maybe later than sooner.

"I was around when that Dictator George Bush took over the country and I remember when he was charged with war crimes and executed in "Old Sparky" (the electric chair they used in Jebbie's Florida despite it malfunctioning and being called a "torture device")."