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Kurt_and_Hunter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 10:57 AM
Original message
Trashing the left is a free shot
Edited on Fri Dec-18-09 11:07 AM by Kurt_and_Hunter
The nut-right has gone through wave after wave of "respectability" while the left has been something to be alternately mocked and demonized, always and everywhere.

The representatives of the ostensibly left-leaning party deride the left. It is said to be good politics.

Perhaps it is.

But its funny that Republicans never seem to figure out the "obvious" political bonanza a party gains by mocking its base.

Republicans in Congress with PHDs are afraid to admit they believe in evolution. Democrats line up to identify people whose big crime is taking the party platform seriously as delusional infants.

It's all very odd.

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StarfarerBill Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:00 AM
Response to Original message
1. Yep. If the Right had to endure what the Left has endured for the past 100+ years,
they'd be cowering a hole somewhere, afraid to stick their heads up above ground.
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AllentownJake Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:01 AM
Response to Original message
2. The right stands up for itself
Time to do the same
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Renew Deal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:01 AM
Response to Original message
3. The party isn't mocking the base
The base widely supports Obama and the party. It's a few of the malcontents that feel victimized.
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AllentownJake Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:04 AM
Response to Reply #3
4. Like the former DNC chairman who built the majority?
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Renew Deal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:14 AM
Response to Reply #4
10. Should he be permitted to say anything without a response?
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AllentownJake Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:21 AM
Response to Reply #10
19. The white house went nasty quick
Show's obama's true character
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Renew Deal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:40 AM
Response to Reply #19
30. So did Dean
They didn't say anything about him until he tried to derail reform. They're not "picking on him."
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AllentownJake Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:47 AM
Response to Reply #30
33. They went right to personal attacks
Dean commented on policy. Kind of small of a President who ran on changing the tone. Of course it isn't surprising watch his actions not his pretty words.
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Kurt_and_Hunter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:04 AM
Response to Reply #3
5. Thanks for demonstrating the point
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Renew Deal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:13 AM
Response to Reply #5
9. Ditto
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Laelth Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:05 AM
Response to Reply #3
7. If not mocking, the party is outright attacking the base.
Attacking Howard Dean is no way to make friends and influence people among the left.

:dem:

-Laelth
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Renew Deal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:12 AM
Response to Reply #7
8. Should Dean be permitted to attack the WH?
Edited on Fri Dec-18-09 11:13 AM by Renew Deal
I don't get this. Should he be able to say anything he wants without expecting a response?
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Laelth Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:16 AM
Response to Reply #8
11. In this case, the White House would have been better off not responding.
They'd be better served by attacking Republicans and "centrist" Democrats than attacking those arguing from a liberal point of view (if, of course, they have any interest in appealing to their base).

:dem:

-Laelth
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Renew Deal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:18 AM
Response to Reply #11
15. What does Dean have in common with the republicans?
The "kill the bill" BS.
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Laelth Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:21 AM
Response to Reply #15
20. I think a better question is, what does Obama have in common with Republicans?
If he didn't have a (D) after his name, the Republicans would love this bill. It's a wet dream for big pharma and the health insurance industry. At the same time, it's pretty awful for the American people, and it's really bad for uninsured members of the middle class.

The President is making us all wonder whose side he is on.

:dem:

Laelth
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Renew Deal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:24 AM
Response to Reply #20
24. You inadvertantly made a different point than you intended.
You stated the difference between the parties. Republicans will unite for the party and support almost anything the president proposes. Getting Democrats on the same page is like hearding cats.
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cascadiance Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 12:14 PM
Response to Reply #24
36. Rethugs want unquestioned leadership. Democrats need to see wisdom in theirs!
We've been "flexible" for a LONG time now (a year!), but at some point you have to realize when someone's just using you. Republicans are more like battered wives that keep staying in abusive relationships. Not sure what "hearding" cats involves, but if we were "heard" more than taken for ranted then perhaps it wouldn't be too difficult!
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cilla4progress Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:22 AM
Response to Reply #15
21. The MEDIA called what Dean is doing --
as "kill the bill." In truth, he wants to improve the bill - make it do what it was supposed to do, all along. He wants to hold up this version until it is right. I agree with him. Getting a bill passed as a notch on one's belt doesn't help anyone. Esp. with some of the provisions this bill includes, and what is missing from it.
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Renew Deal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:31 AM
Response to Reply #21
27. Dean said senators should vote against the bill.
Twist it any way you like. Dean is another one that wants all or nothing.
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jgraz Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 12:29 PM
Response to Reply #27
38. Yeah, you're completely wrong.
Dean said to kill the Senate bill and start over in reconciliation with the House version. In reality, Dean is *more* forward-going than Obama and the Senate, who want to drag this process out with a bill that will never pass the House in its current form.

Dean's plan gets us a healthcare bill faster than Obama's. Capisce?
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cilla4progress Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 01:16 PM
Response to Reply #27
45. I don't see it that way
I think Dean is holding feet to the fire over some very fundamental aspects of the original proposed legislation - intent of the legislation. Recall - just last weekend Dean was in favor of the then-current proposal, to substitute Medicare buy-in for 55-64 year olds, in place of the public option.
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stillwaiting Donating Member (591 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Dec-19-09 10:55 AM
Response to Reply #27
49. All or nothing my ass
I have watched health reform whittled down time after time after time after (you get the idea), and I would have supported the passage of the bill up until this past week. As it stands, MANY progressives stand together to kill the bill (as it stands now). Of course, progressives are opposing this monstrosity for entirely different reasons that the tea-baggers, but you surely knew that by now. And it simply will NOT work to get liberals and progressives to support a corporate wet dream of a bill (which further strengthens our ridiculous system) simply by trying to get them to never have the same opinion on something as the tea-baggers (even though that opinion is based on a very, very different set of beliefs).

Thanks, but no thanks. I'm not that easy.
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CrispyQ Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:33 AM
Response to Reply #8
28. Dean can say what he wants & the WH can say what it wants.
There will be consequences.

The democratic party leadership mocks & marginalizes the left. But when election time rolls around, they sternly remind us that we'd better get out & vote or any losses will be blamed on us. We can't be irrelevant, yet an important factor for winning, at the same time! When we continue to vote for repub-lite dems, based on the lesser-of-two-evils fear, the message sent is, that the direction the party is taking is ok with us. Well, it isn't & we're tired of it. The dems are about to find out they can't have it both ways. The left is tired of being taken advantage of for their vote.

For me, the difference between the repubs & the dems has become a matter of driving off a cliff at 100 mph or walking up to the cliff & stepping off. The descent is the same.
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cascadiance Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:41 AM
Response to Reply #8
31. The White House is entitled to respond, but they risk LOSING the progressive base...
Edited on Fri Dec-18-09 11:48 AM by cascadiance
... in so doing, which they are now, since whether you like it or not, the "left" is perceiving that they aren't working for them now.

We've been waiting for some time for some signal on SIGNIFICANT support of progressive values where it really matters against continued corporate domination of our government.

1) Obama's cabinet with the Rahm Emmanuels, Larry Summers, etc. which arguably HE controls formation and running of is NOT what I'd call a gesture to the progressive community.
2) He continues to use instead of getting rid of Bush's new arguably unconstitutional "rules" for things like government transparency such as state secrets privilege, rendition, Patriot Act crap, habeus corpus, etc.
3) The previous administration is getting off scott free for its serious crimes by this administration's justice department. Not only that, but you have arguably corrupt Republican politicians being like Ted Stevens being set FREE for "prosecutorial misconduct", and not even supporting the appeal of arguably innocent Democrats like Don Siegelman where likely there was far more corrupt prosecutorial misconduct, likely to prevent investigation of the previous administration's crimes that were likely involved with that case. And he's not replacing many of those egregious US attorneys (like the one prosecuting Siegelman), and even bringing back pro-Bush/Cheney attorneys like the one in Nevada.
3) What happened to EFCA? That's been "thrown out".
4) Fr
4) He started a bill in the senate (probably just to LOOK good) on public campaign financing. He ditched it in the election, and why isn't he trying to do something about leading us to doing that now if it was something he felt enough to start a bill on earlier?
5) When are we going to have those free trade agreements such as NAFTA, GATT, etc. renegotiated or fixed?
6) More bank bailouts instead of people bailouts... And even more "kid glove" treatment to the likes of Goldman Sachs and Citigroup even today. http://www.newser.com/story/76474/house-to-probe-outrageous-citi-tax-break.html
7) Holding REAL climate change rules hostage by trying to buy off votes at Copenhagen to reduced and insufficient carbon standards by only giving poorer countries aid if they agree to the reduced standards.
8) Of course we all know about the health care bill that looks completely botched up (and more seriously, perhaps PLANNED that way).

If he's playing chess, its not a winning strategy to keep sacrificing pieces and be left with only your king.

If Obama keeps playing these sorts of cards then HE has to start expecting responses like Dean gave recently happening more often. He's LOSING his party base! Americans elected him for CHANGE!. He's NOT delivering it.
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Renew Deal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 12:41 PM
Response to Reply #31
40. Maybe this is the signal you're looking for.
Obama promises kept. I'm sure this is exactly what Bush would have done if he had a 3rd term. He's not losing the base. He's losing the perpetually unhappy.

No. 6: Create an Advanced Manufacturing Fund to invest in peer-reviewed manufacturing processes
"Will create an Advanced Manufacturing Fund to identify and invest in the most compelling advanced manufacturing strategies. The Fund will have a peer-review selection and award process based on the Michigan 21st Century Jobs Fund, a state-level initiative that has awarded over $125 million to Michigan businesses with the most innovative proposals to create new products and new jobs in the state."
>>More
No. 15: Create a foreclosure prevention fund for homeowners
Create a $10 billion fund to help homeowners refinance or sell their homes. "The Fund will not help speculators, people who bought vacation homes or people who falsely represented their incomes."
>>More
No. 16: Increase minority access to capital
"Strengthen Small Business Administration programs that provide capital to minority-owned businesses, support outreach programs that help minority business owners apply for loans, and work to encourage the growth and capacity of minority firms."
>>More
No. 33: Establish a credit card bill of rights
The credit card bill of rights would "ban unilateral changes ... apply interest rate increases only to future debt ... prohibit interest on fees ... prohibit 'universal defaults' (whereby a credit card raises its rates because the consumer was late paying a different creditor ... require prompt and fair crediting of cardholder payments."
>>More
No. 36: Expand loan programs for small businesses
Expand "the Small Business Administration's loan and micro-loan programs which provide start-up and long-term financing that small firms cannot receive through normal channels."
>>More
No. 40: Extend and index the 2007 Alternative Minimum Tax patch
Extend and index the temporary fix to the Alternative Minimum Tax that was passed in 2007
>>More
No. 50: Expand the Senior Corps volunteer program
Expand "the Senior Corps program, which connects individuals over the age of 55 to local volunteer opportunities, and work to provide additional security, including assistance with retirement and family-related costs, to seniors who participate in public service."
>>More
No. 58: Expand eligibility for State Children's Health Insurance Fund (SCHIP)
"Expand eligibility for the Medicaid and SCHIP programs and ensure that these programs continue to serve their critical safety net function."
>>More
No. 76: Expand funding to train primary care providers and public health practitioners
"Expand funding—including loan repayment, adequate reimbursement, grants for training curricula, and infrastructure support to improve working conditions— to ensure a strong workforce that will champion prevention and public health activities."
>>More
No. 77: Increase funding to expand community based prevention programs
"Increase funding to expand community based preventive interventions to help Americans make better choices to improve their health."
>>More
No. 88: Sign the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
"As president, Barack Obama will renew America's leadership by making the United States a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; the first human rights treaty approved by the UN in the 21st century and a vital foundation for respecting the rights of people with disabilities worldwide He will urge the U.S. Senate to ratify the Convention expeditiously."
>>More
No. 110: Assure that the Veterans Administration budget is prepared as 'must-pass' legislation
"Obama will meet early in the budgeting process each year with congressional leaders and the nation's leading Veterans' Service Organizations (VSOs) to ensure the VA budget is always given 'must-pass' status."
>>More
No. 119: Appoint a special adviser to the president on violence against women
"This advisor will ensure that his agenda is coordinated across federal agencies and fully addresses prevention, programs, and the legal aspects of gender based violence."
>>More
No. 125: Direct military leaders to end war in Iraq
On "my first day in office, I would give the military a new mission: ending this war".
>>More
No. 132: No permanent bases in Iraq
"The U.S. will not maintain permanent bases in Iraq."
>>More
No. 134: Send two additional brigades to Afghanistan
"As Obama removes our combat brigades from Iraq, he will send at least two additional brigades to Afghanistan, where the Taliban is resurgent. He will also provide our armed forces with the reset capability that they need. He will replace essential equipment, and he will ensure that our men and women in uniform get the care and support they have earned."
>>More
No. 154: Strengthen and expand military exchange programs with other countries
Existing U.S. programs of military to military exchanges, joint training, education, and human rights programs must be reoriented from their current Cold War standards to reflect new strategic priorities and ethical standards. Relationships that reassure potential future competitors both of America's goodwill and its strength may help dissuade emerging powers from becoming threats. An Obama administration will also prioritize the strengthening training and working relationships with the next generation of military leaders in allied states in the Muslim and wider developing world, in order to build professionalism and respect for rights and democracy, as well as open and sustain unofficial channels of communication and influence.
>>More
No. 167: Make U.S. military aid to Pakistan conditional on anti-terror efforts
"As president, Barack Obama would condition U.S. military aid to Pakistan on their making progress to close down the training camps, evict foreign fighters, and prevent the Taliban from using Pakistan as a base to strike inside of Afghanistan. ... Obama also will increase aid to Pakistan for development and secular education to counter extremists."
>>More
No. 174: Give a speech at a major Islamic forum in the first 100 days of his administration
"Obama will personally lead diplomacy efforts beginning with a speech at a major Islamic forum in the first 100 days of his administration. He will make clear that we are not at war with Islam, that we will stand with those who are willing to stand up for their future, and that we need their
effort to defeat the prophets of hate and violence."
>>More
No. 200: Appoint a White House Coordinator for Nuclear Security
Obama "will appoint a deputy national security advisor to be in charge of coordinating all U.S. programs aimed at reducing the risk of nuclear terrorism and weapons proliferation. This person will work closely with him, the national security adviser, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, and senior officials of the relevant cabinet departments, and will have budgetary oversight over all programs related to nuclear security."
>>More

No. 208: Improve relations with Turkey, and its relations with Iraqi Kurds
"Barack Obama and Joe Biden will lead a diplomatic effort to bring together Turkish and Iraqi Kurdish leaders and negotiate a comprehensive agreement that deals with the PKK threat, guarantees Turkey's territorial integrity, and facilitates badly needed Turkish investment in and trade with the Kurds of northern Iraq. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will support the promotion of democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression in Turkey and support its efforts to join the European Union."
>>More
No. 222: Grant Americans unrestricted rights to visit family and send money to Cuba
"Cuban American connections to family in Cuba are not only a basic right in humanitarian terms, but also our best tool for helping to foster the beginnings of grassroots democracy on the island. Accordingly, as president, Obama will grant Cuban Americans unrestricted rights to visit family and send remittances to the island."
>>More
No. 224: Restore funding for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne/JAG) program
"The (Bush) administration has consistently proposed to cut or eliminate funding for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne/JAG) program, which funds anti-drug and anti-gang task forces across the country. …Since 2000, this program has been cut more than 83 percent. ... As president, Obama will restore funding."
>>More
No. 225: Establish an Energy Partnership for the Americas
"As president, Barack Obama will establish an Energy Partnership for the Americas. This partnership will increase research and development in clean coal technology, the next generation of sustainable biofuels and in wind, solar and nuclear energy. The partnership will also look for ways for nations to coordinate to transport green energy across national borders. It will help Latin American and Caribbean nations become more energy independent and promote sustainable growth for the region. The partnership also will create additional markets for American biofuels and American-made green energy technology."
>>More
No. 239: Release presidential records
"Will nullify the Bush attempts to make the timely release of presidential records more difficult."
>>More
No. 241: Require new hires to sign a form affirming their hiring was not due to political affiliation or contributions.
"Will issue an executive order asking all new hires at the agencies to sign a form affirming that no political appointee offered them the job solely on the basis of political affiliation or contribution."
>>More
No. 247: Recruit math and science degree graduates to the teaching profession
"Will recruit math and science degree graduates to the teaching profession and will support efforts to help these teachers learn from professionals in the field. They will also work to ensure that all children have access to a strong science curriculum at all grade levels."
>>More
No. 266: Encourage water-conservation efforts in the West
Will "support federal policies to encourage voluntary water banks, wastewater treatment, and other market-based conservation measures" to address the water shortage in western states.
>>More
No. 269: Increase funding for national parks and forests
"Will repair the damage done to our national parks by inadequate funding and emphasize the protection and restoration of our National Forests."
>>More
No. 270: Increase funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund
Will support "increased funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which supports land acquisition and maintenance of parks" and "will lead efforts to acquire and conserve new parks and public lands, focusing on ecosystems such as the Great Plains and Eastern forests which do not yet have the protection they deserve."
>>More
No. 277: Pursue a wildfire management plan
"Will aggressively pursue an effective fire prevention, mitigation and land and forest management plan that decreases the fire risks that many communities are now
facing. When wildfire threatens lives and property, an Obama-Biden Administration will increase the federal government's commitment to field the most professional, well-trained, and well-coordinated wildfire fighting force in the world. Unlike the Bush Administration, they will not finance these efforts by raiding the budgets relied upon by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to provide public access to, and manage, the more than 430 million acres of public lands that they oversee. Barack Obama will work with Governors, Congress and local officials on a bipartisan basis to develop and enact reliable, dedicated funding sources to fight the most catastrophic fires so that public lands may continue to be managed for public access, fish, wildlife, recreation, forestry and other multiple uses."
>>More
No. 278: Remove more brush, small trees and vegetation that fuel wildfires
"Will place a high priority on implementing cooperative projects to remove brush, small trees and other overgrown vegetation that serve as fuel for wildfires. Barack Obama will focus the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management's efforts on working with local communities on hazardous fuels projects to make communities safer and forests healthier."
>>More
No. 284: Expand access to places to hunt and fish
Will "support the Open Fields Incentives legislation that provides incentives to farmers and ranchers who voluntarily open their land to hunting, fishing and other wildlife-related activities."
>>More
No. 290: Push for enactment of Matthew Shepard Act, which expands hate crime law to include sexual orientation and other factors
"Will place the weight of (his) administration behind the enactment of the Matthew Shepard Act to outlaw hate crimes."
>>More
No. 300: Reform mandatory minimum sentences
"Will immediately review (mandatory minimum) sentences to see where we can be smarter on crime and reduce the ineffective warehousing of nonviolent drug offenders."
>>More
No. 307: Create a White House Office on Urban Policy
"Will create a White House Office of Urban Policy to develop a strategy for metropolitan America and to ensure that all federal dollars targeted to urban areas are effectively spent on the highest-impact programs. The Director of Urban Policy will report directly to the president and coordinate all federal urban programs."
>>More
No. 325: Create an artist corps for schools
Will "support the creation of an "Artists Corps" of young artists trained to work in low-income schools and their communities.
>>More
No. 326: Champion the importance of arts education
"Will use the bully pulpit and the example he will set in the White House to promote the importance of arts and arts education in America."
>>More
No. 327: Support increased funding for the NEA
Will "support increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, the support of which enriches schools and neighborhoods all across the nation and helps to promote the economic development of countless communities."
>>More
No. 332: Add another Space Shuttle flight
Obama "supports congressional efforts to add at least one additional Space Shuttle flight to fly a valuable mission and to keep the workforce engaged. He will work to ensure there is adequate funding to support that additional flight so that it does not interfere with developing the Shuttle's successor."
>>More

No. 334: Use the private sector to improve spaceflight
"Will stimulate efforts within the private sector to develop and demonstrate spaceflight capabilities."
>>More
No. 336: Partner to enhance the potential of the International Space Station
"Will enlist other federal agencies, industry and academia to develop innovative scientific and technological research projects on the International Space Station."
>>More
No. 337: Use the International Space Station for fundamental biological and physical research
"Will use the ISS for fundamental biological and physical research to understand the effects of long-term space travel on human health and to test emerging technologies to enable such travel."
>>More
No. 338: Explore whether International Space Station can operate after 2016
"Will consider options to extend ISS operations beyond 2016. After investing so much in developing the ISS, it would be a shame not to utilize it to the fullest possible extent."
>>More
No. 342: Work toward deploying a global climate change research and monitoring system
"Will lean forward to deploy a global climate change research and monitoring system that will work for decades to come. The recommendations in the recent National Research Council decadal survey on Earth observations from space will guide his priorities in this regard."
>>More
No. 345: Enhance earth mapping
"Will continue support for the Landsat Data Continuity Mission, which allows study of the earth's land surfaces and provides valuable data for agricultural, educational, scientific, and government use."
>>More
No. 346: Appoint an assistant to the president for science and technology policy
"Will appoint an Assistant to the President for Science and Technology Policy who will report directly to the president, and be deeply involved in establishing research priorities that reflect the nation's needs based on the best available advice from experts around the country."
>>More
No. 356: Establish special crime programs for the New Orleans area
"Will finish rebuilding the region's criminal justice system so that we do not have to rely on the National Guard to patrol city streets..Will establish a special "COPS for Katrina" program to allow communities impacted by the storm to hire and retain new officers and community prosecutors, develop community-based crime fighting strategies, and rebuild their lost infrastructure... Will strengthen Drug Enforcement Administration efforts to stop the reestablishment of drug gangs across the region...Will help local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies come together to establish an integrated regional crime control partnership so that each police chief and sheriff doesn't have to face these crime problems alone."
>>More
No. 359: Rebuild schools in New Orleans
"Will help communities in the Gulf make necessary school infrastructure investments so all kids from all backgrounds have safe and supportive environments to learn."
>>More
No. 371: Fund a major expansion of AmeriCorps
"Will expand and fund AmeriCorps from 75,000 slots today to 250,000 and they will focus this expansion on addressing the great challenges facing the nation." These additional slots will enable AmeriCorps to establish five new Corps: Classroom Corps to help teachers and students, with a priority placed on high-need and underserved schools; Health Corps to improve public health information and outreach to areas with inadequate health systems such as rural areas and inner cities; Clean Energy Corps to promote energy independence through efforts like weatherization, renewable energy projects and educational outreach; Veterans Corps to help keep America's sacred trust with its veterans; and Homeland Security Corps to help communities plan, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
>>More
No. 380: Bolster the military's ability to speak different languages
"Will bolster our military's ability to speak different languages, navigate different cultures, and coordinate complex missions with our civilian agencies."
>>More
No. 391: Appoint the nation's first Chief Technology Officer
"Will appoint the nation's first Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to ensure that our government and all its agencies have the right infrastructure, policies and services for the 21st century. The CTO will ensure the safety of our networks and will lead an interagency effort, working with chief technology and chief information officers of each of the federal agencies, to ensure that they use best-in-class technologies and share best practices."
>>More
No. 394: Provide grants to early-career researchers
"Will provide new research grants to the most outstanding early-career researchers in the country."
>>More
No. 411: Work to overturn Ledbetter vs. Goodyear
"Obama will work to overturn the Supreme Court's recent ruling that curtails racial minorities' and women's ability to challenge pay discrimination."
>>More
No. 421: Appoint an American Indian policy adviser
"I'll appoint an American Indian policy adviser to my senior White House staff to work with tribes. I'll host an annual summit at the White House with tribal leaders to come up with an agenda that works for tribal communities."
>>More
No. 427: Ban lobbyist gifts to executive employees
"Barack Obama will issue an executive order banning registered lobbyists or lobbying firms from giving gifts in any amount or any form to executive branch employees."
>>More
No. 435: Create new criminal penalties for mortgage fraud
"We will crack down on mortgage professionals found guilty of fraud by increasing enforcement and creating new criminal penalties."
>>More
No. 452: Weatherize 1 million homes per year
"Will make a national commitment to weatherize at least 1 million low-income homes each year for the next decade, which can reduce energy usage across the economy and help moderate energy prices for all."
>>More
No. 458: Invest in all types of alternative energy
"We'll invest in research and development of every form of alternative energy - solar, wind, biofuels."
>>More
No. 459: Enact tax credit for consumers for plug-in hybrid cars
"We will leverage private sector funding to bring these cars directly to American consumers. We'll give consumers a $7,000 tax credit to buy these vehicles."
>>More

No. 460: Ask people and businesses to conserve electricity
"Will call on businesses, government and the American people to meet the goal of reducing our demand for electricity 15 percent by the end of the next decade."
>>More
No. 480: Support high-speed rail
Will "Support development of high-speed rail networks across the country. Providing passengers with safe high-speed rail will have significant environmental and metropolitan planning advantages and help diversify our nation's transportation infrastructure. Our domestic rail freight capacity must also be strengthened because our demand for rail transportation has never been greater, leaving many key transportation hubs stretched to capacity. Obama and Biden are committed to renewing the federal government's commitment to high speed rail so that our nation's transportation infrastructure continues to support, and not hinder, our nation's long-term economic growth."
>>More
No. 483: Invest in public transportation
"Will re-commit federal resources to public mass transportation projects across the country. Obama and Biden will work with state and local governments across the country on efforts to create new, effective public transportation systems and modernize our aging urban public transit infrastructure."
>>More
No. 484: Equalize tax breaks for driving and public transit
"The federal tax code rewards driving to work by allowing employers to provide parking benefits of $205 per month tax free to their employees. The tax code provides employers with commuting benefits for transit, carpooling or vanpooling capped at $105 per month. This gives drivers a nearly 2:1 advantage over transit users. Obama and Biden will reform the tax code to make benefits for driving and public transit or ridesharing equal."
>>More
No. 494: Share enviromental technology with other countries
"We'll establish a program for the Department of Energy and our laboratories to share technology with countries across the region."
>>More
No. 498: Provide grants to encourage energy-efficient building codes
"Will create a competitive grant program to award those states and localities that take the first steps in implementing new building codes that prioritize energy efficiency, and provide a federal match for those states with leading-edge public benefits funds that support energy efficiency retrofits of existing buildings."
>>More
No. 500: Increase funding for the Environmental Protection Agency
"That's why I am committed to pursuing greater funding for the EPA so that its
responsibilities are carried out. Clean water, land and air, and ensuring the health and safety of
our citizens, especially children, will be high priorities in an Obama Administration."
>>More
No. 502: Get his daughters a puppy
"The pledge is (Sasha and Malia) will get their dog, win or lose."
>>More
No. 503: Appoint at least one Republican to the cabinet
Interview with Steve Kroft of "60 Minutes": Question: "Will there be Republicans in the Cabinet?" Obama: "Yes." Question: "More than one?" Obama: "You're not getting any more out of me."
>>More
No. 506: Raise the small business investment expensing limit to $250,000 through the end of 2009
Will provide "temporary business tax incentives through 2009. The February 2008 stimulus bill increased maximum Section 179 expenses to $250,000 but this expires in December 2008. This provision will encourage all firms to pursue investment in the coming months, but will particularly benefit small firms which generally have smaller amounts of annual property purchases and so choose to expense the cost of their acquired property."
>>More
No. 507: Extend unemployment insurance benefits and temporarily suspend taxes on these benefits
"Obama and Biden believe Congress should immediately extend unemployment insurance for an additional 13 weeks to help families that are being hit hardest by this downturn. In addition, they believe we should temporarily suspend taxes on unemployment insurance benefits as a way of giving more relief to families."
>>More
No. 513: Reverse restrictions on stem cell research
"I believe that the restrictions that President Bush has placed on funding of human embryonic stem cell research have handcuffed our scientists and hindered our ability to compete with other nations. As president, I will lift the current administration’s ban on federal funding of research on embryonic stem cell lines created after August 9, 2001 through executive order ... .."
>>More

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/rulings/promise-kept
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Name removed Donating Member (0 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Dec-19-09 06:28 AM
Response to Reply #40
46. Deleted message
Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.
 
JHB Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Dec-19-09 10:39 AM
Response to Reply #40
48. As a belated note to this...
That list is 73 items out of at least 513 (14%) in 11 months (22% of his term), none of which are the "big ticket", and some of which are open to dispute as to whether or not he's really come through on them (like transparency).

This is a man and administration that rode into office on a wave of high expectations about the "Hope" and "Change you can believe in" that he campaigned on. How "pragmatic" are you really if you try to call that bowl of mush a banquet and not expect a major blowout over constant concessions.

No matter how contemptuous you may be of "the left", even animal trainers (and Republicans) know that if you want your lowly critters to jump through hoops, you have to keep up a steady stream of treats.

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madfloridian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 01:11 PM
Response to Reply #8
44. Dean is no longer a party leader. They shunned him. He is free to speak.
And that is their problem.

He as a private citizen has every right to speak.

Do you not agree?
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Nite Owl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:17 AM
Response to Reply #3
13. FYI there are more than a few that have become
quite disenchanted with the party. You take victimization as meaning that we expect people to do what they say, that is called expecting honesty and integrity.
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Renew Deal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:20 AM
Response to Reply #13
17. Then you should be pissed at Lieberman
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JHB Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 01:01 PM
Response to Reply #17
43. Surely you jest.
There's not too many here who don't hold Traitor Joe beneath contempt. But the man has worked up a full-blown resume of opportunistic backstabs, so who's bright idea was it to let him caucus with the party, let him have his seniority and committee chairmanships, and all sorts of carrots, and NOT have a big f***ing stick on him, some credible threat of retaliation, if he used those perks to screw the party yet again.

Where were the "pragmatists" when that happened? Taking "Grand Strategy" lessons from Donald Rumsfeld?
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treestar Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:21 AM
Response to Reply #3
18. Amen, there is no way they are the base
If they were, there would be more liberal elected officials. They fail because of their style. They act smug, superior and victimized and that never wins adherents.
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ljm2002 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:24 AM
Response to Reply #3
26. Talk about proving the point!
So basically you're saying we on the more left/liberal side of the spectrum are not the base, so it's okay to mock us, which you proceed to do. "malcontents", indeed.
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QC Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:36 AM
Response to Reply #26
29. Yes, wasn't it thoughtful of Exhibit A to show up just in the nick of time! n/t
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jgraz Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 12:25 PM
Response to Reply #3
37. And, all at once, the OP's point is convincingly proven.
Or were you being sarcastic?
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madfloridian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 12:47 PM
Response to Reply #3
42. MALCONTENTS? Wait till next year.
I have been insulted one time too many by the party and here.

Malcontents. How effing arrogant.
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brentspeak Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:05 AM
Response to Original message
6. And one of the ironies is that a public figure like Dean is actually a centrist
The pro-mandate policy wonks and White House shills in the media insist on referring to Dean as "the left" or even "the far left" when he's nothing of the sort.
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RufusTFirefly Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:20 AM
Response to Reply #6
16. +1
Totally amazes me how Dean is portrayed. But hey, with a "liberal" media and a "socialist" president, it's no wonder that Dean is considered to be part of "the left."
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amborin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:16 AM
Response to Original message
12. Nope, Chomsky explained all this years ago
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RufusTFirefly Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:18 AM
Response to Original message
14. Indeed. Just look how we're portrayed
Right-wing whackjobs are "conservatives." That conjures up images of upstanding men and women straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting.
People who want a decent life for all Americans, including affordable health care, are "the Left," which conjures up images of wild-eyed black bloc protesters.

I proudly identify myself with the Left. That said, I'm tired of being characterized as some sort of fringy malcontent.
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brentspeak Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:23 AM
Response to Reply #14
22. All part of the 30-odd-year media and GOP strategy of moving the center
Edited on Fri Dec-18-09 11:23 AM by brentspeak
as far right as possible. The corporate Democrats bought into it, and gladly use the new paradigm to stamp on Democrats who oppose their sell-out policies.
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ShortnFiery Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:24 AM
Response to Reply #14
25. Because we threaten the status-quo of WEALTH DISTRIBUTION. The right is too stupid
to want anything more than "a strong daddy figure" to keep them safe ... and the USA superior. :shrug:
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blindpig Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:23 AM
Response to Original message
23. There is no left to speak of, not yet...

but it's coming.
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YOY Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:46 AM
Response to Original message
32. It will be fun to watch them bitch...
Edited on Fri Dec-18-09 11:51 AM by YOY
when the continued capitulation to the right and mockery of the left costs them an election...of course it will be the left's fault for not sucking the cock of a party that no longer gives a shit about them but expects a vote out of desperate fear of the far-right...of whom so called "moderates" resemble to the point of comedy.
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closeupready Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:48 AM
Response to Reply #32
34. At that point, many of us will no longer be listening to "Democrats" - DINO's.
n/t
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Tierra_y_Libertad Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 11:48 AM
Response to Original message
35. Their attempt to ignore and/or trash the left and appease the right is backfiring.
The left is growing stronger and more hostile to the Politics-as-usual pandering to the right.

They have poked the sleeping dragon once too often.
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JHB Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 12:32 PM
Response to Original message
39. The John Brtch Society is co-sponsoring the Conservative Political Action Conference 2010
Check me on this, but wasn't the goal of Goldwater's people and the Reaganauts to take the mantle of "conservative" away from the Birchers? They used to be an embarrasment -- blackboard-scribbling conspiracy theorists who saw commies coming out of every cereal box and were as "right" as you could get without slapping a swastikla on their arm or burning a cross.

Hmmm. Once I put it that way, it's a perfect fit.


Congratulations, CPAC, you've thrown "Dutch".
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Umbral Donating Member (969 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-18-09 12:46 PM
Response to Original message
41. It's because they can - the left will still vote for them. So what's to lose? nt
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Wardoc Donating Member (204 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Dec-19-09 06:36 AM
Response to Original message
47. Funny how that works, huh? Perhaps they haven't realized the untapped gold mine...
that lying to, mocking and pissing off the people who voted for you can provide?

Maybe we've been too loyal in the past and are now taken for granted as guaranteed blackmail votes and money. Maybe so, but at least for me, no longer. They get jack shit from me in 2010. Not my vote, not one penny, not even one nice word. I'll re-evaluate in January of 2011 at the earliest and only if amends are made in the time hence. If not, fuck them again right back.
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