October 1st, 2005
I first posted this as a series of comments in response to diarists dismayed at the welcoming that Senator Obama received from what’s been affectionately described as the “rabble” over at DailyKos .
I’ve been heartened by what I’ve witnessed in response to the Senator’s diary; because it’s been a great exercise in democracy, 21st century style.
Senator Obama has not been dismissed nor belittled in the more thoughtful responses/diaries; and, if he is truly interested in hearing what Americans — all Americans, not just what insiders consider “Average Americans” — have to say, than am sure that he and his staff appreciate much of the feedback earnestly submitted by this group of Americans. Moreover, Senator Obama’s main message, that we should act with “civility” and not-throw-the-baby-out-with-the-bath-water over one vote, is hard to dismiss out of hand and to argue against — I mean, it’s just plain commonsense, though rather innocuous and lacking substance. And, while the Senator’s advice and gesture are appreciated, at this point, it simply is much too little and much too late. In stead, this group of Americans demand and need more from their elected representatives. Here’s what I believe the “rabble,” Americans all, is looking for — at least this is what I want: I want my elected Democratic representatives to more stridently advocate Progressive principles and to provide affirmative/concrete leadership in crafting a Democratic brand/message that we can rally behind. It’s that simple.
Now, in the marketplace of ideas, competing brands/messages arise frequently and, eventually, one vision wins out. However, for this to occur, there must be enterprising salesmen/political leaders aggressively presenting their competing visions, and the public then decides which brand/message obtains their support. However, because the marketplace of ideas is often saturated with products, salesman/political leaders must be assertive and aggressive in presenting their product. It is in this last part of the process that we, Americans, feel the Democratic sales force has failed on. The Democratic party sales team is, it appears, content in picking up the scraps from the failures of the dominant Republican brand — even as that brand is showing clear signs of overexposure, unsatisfactory customer support and an incapacity to meet the American public’s demand for real leadership. And yet, rather than mounting an aggressive and glossy ad campaign to attract customers and to invigorate the Democratic brand, the Democratic sales force is content with mediocre gains at the margins. To illustrate, look at what Apple did when it was on the brink of extinction: it innovated, brought new products/ideas to market, presented an integrated marketing strategy for its entire line of products (from the iMac to iTunes to the iPod), and it aggressively saturated the market place with vibrant glossy ads and well honed message — going so far as to open stores, something a lot people criticized — presenting Apple products as the alternative to the bland Windows beige PCs. (By the way, am a Windows user.) Today Apple enjoys economic success, has seen its market share rise and it continues to drive innovation and ideas in the PC industry, often setting the standard — even as Windows based systems collectively have market dominance.
Again, I urge understanding, the response to Senator Obama has little to do with partisan purity or orthodoxy… it is more simple than that… it’s as basic as expecting our elected Dems to stand up to the bully and to give voice to our frustration. Am sure we all understand and appreciate how the vast majority of the grassroots — my self included — are simply tired of hearing about comity and so-called moderation when we (Democrats and Progressives collectively) have been taking it on the gut since the Gingrich Revolution, through the Clinton Presidency, the post-2000 elections, the charges against our patriotism during the 2002-midterm elections, the Iraq debacle and the Swift boating of John Kerry. And, yes, this list doesn’t even begin to record the grievances against the Republican party… not by a long shot. Remember, recent polls confirm that we, Progressives and America at large, want and expect the Democrats to stand up to the Republican party. And, as to the charge of “obstructionist,” you know that it — and worse — will be made, because that’s what Republicans do, have done and will do… so let’s not be surprised when they react exactly as expected.
Moreover, a lot of the responses to Senator Obama have been extremely thoughtful, and if he and his staff have any sense — which am sure they do –, they’ll find a lot themes to adopt and messages to fine tune. The DailyKos community has done the Senator a service, which am sure he appreciates — it is, after all, a two way street… he “spoke,” and we responded — democracy at work.
Remember, it is the role of elected officials to hear their constituents and to represent them. Now, this is how it’s supposed to work in theory, I understand. In the real world, the people are supposed defer to authority… at least that’s how it works. Well, I say, why not let theory win out for once… why not let OUR elected representative hear how it really is… how we feel… and how WE want more than innocuous calls for “civility” and to not-throw-the-baby-out-with-the-bath-water. After all, it’s supposed to be By the People, For the People; and not, From Elected Officials, For Elected Officials. We, here at DailyKos and across America, We are the people… today we’ve seen democracy in action… we’ve gathered in the 21st century version of a democratic forum and aired our concerns and aspirations to an elected Democratic official that honored us by opening dialogue. The people, hopefully, will have been heard and OUR representative and OUR democracy will be the better for it.
August 19th, 2005
I love it when Jesus blogs — he’s funny:
BREAKING: Jesus blogs LIVE on Intelligent Design!
Thanks a lot, you dingleberries.
No, not you . The people who were supposed to meet me when I returned to Earth. Sure, they’re fundy morons, but they’re also my ride. So here I am, posting on your blog from a bus station in Kansas because they’re apparently so self-absorbed that they have no idea I’ve returned.
I know, I know. You’d expect me to announce my comeback at Powerline or Little Green Footballs or even on the 700 Club. They’re “my people.” Or at least they use my name more often than anyone else. The New Testament was written over 100 years after I died and they think they know me. Jerks.
I’m posting here because, unlike them, your minds aren’t hardened like cement, and your testosterone levels aren’t jacked up to 11. I may actually have a chance of getting through to you.
Anyway. Can I tell you something about Intelligent Design? Like, real insider stuff? I know, it’s like passing out a cheat sheet for a final exam, but my dad is so pissed with all the crap going on down here that he’s threatening to put his fist through the time-space continuum. Try living with that. You have no idea.
Let me see if I can tell you this without blowing your mind. Okay. The Clifs Notes version for your short attention spans:
Water = intelligent. Air = intelligent. Ozone layer = supremely intelligent (and it kept the fire marshal off Dad’s back). Polar ice caps = intelligent. Plankton = brilliant. The natural food chain = intelligent (and delicious). Plants = intelligent. Swiffer = off the intelligence scale.
Read the rest at DailyKos.com.
August 17th, 2005
The following diary was originally posted at DailyKos.com and at MyLeftWing.com — I’m sure the author won’t mind, as she wants as much circulation of her challenge as possible. Also, the diary is too damn funny to not share with as wide an audience as possible.
Wherein I Challenge Ann Coulter to Debate Me
Let’s Do It For the Troops!
Any and all funds raised by our debate will immediately be donated to DISABLED VETERANS! Whaddya say, Annie baby?
That’s right, Ms. Coulter. I hereby issue you a challenge: Meet me in St. Louis, or wherever you please � and let’s have ourselves an honest-to-goodness debate.
Now, I realise that the concepts of both �honesty� and �goodness� are foreign to you, but you can do the research, right? — you’re a big girl.
(Metaphorically and chronologically, of course — god forbid you take that phrase literally and make the panicky teenaged decision to eschew even the meagre sustenance you’ve allowed yourself thus far. By the by, Ann � may I call you Ann? � where on earth did you get the idea that heroin chic was still fashionable? My god, woman, that is SO 1993).
Where was I? Oh, yes � a debate. �Twixt you and me, Annie baby. We can find ourselves a suitably impartial moderator � say, anyone who hasn’t ever seen you or read you. I wouldn’t want the inevitable revulsion of any sentient being to your previous work to create a bias in my favour.
Now, you may be saying to yourself (no doubt with your trademark sneer pasted on your Botoxed visage � how DO you do that, by the way? Do you get the injections WHILE sneering, in order to preserve that look?), �Why the heck should I debate this nonentity? What do I have to gain?�
Weight, for one thing � but never mind that now.
If I were you, Annie darling, I’d be asking the same question. Let’s start with the purely superficial advantages to your accepting this challenge:
- I’m a good 40 pounds heavier than you � you get to look even THINNER!
(Be still my heart! � I’d wish you the same, but I’m pretty sure yours has been still for at least a decade.)
- It’s one more chance for you to demonstrate your superior debating skills while looking as fabulous as you can. Perhaps it might even be televised, thus assuring you another chunk of film for your archives.
- If you DO manage to talk someone into televising it, you can get your roots touched up and call it tax deductible.
- Free publicity � now what media whore (and I use the term with every ounce of disrespect I can muster) could resist that?
I have absolutely no doubt you will reject this challenge, should it cross your unprincipled path. Cowardice and self-interest demand you never set foot near a podium facing anyone who has even the slightest chance of upstaging your shallow, venal vernacular. Your rabid right wing talking points wouldn’t do you a bit of good, Annie dearest, in the face of actual facts delivered by someone who actually outmatches you in obnoxiousness AND wit (granted, the latter is an unfair comparison, since you seem to have plagiarised most of what you try to pass off as wit, anyway).
And trust me � I have it on excellent authority that I not only outweigh you physically, but intellectually, as well. (That authority being, oh, everyone I’ve ever met.)
Nevertheless, I am compelled to issue this challenge to you, Annie, sweetheart; too often lately, I have accidentally been exposed to your risible claims as to the inferiority � nay, TREASON � of the average liberal, and it will not stand.
Accustomed as you are to the cushion of your Fox News berth; to the faux-gallantry of your fellow traveler in fascism, Sean Hannity; to the woefully inadequate foils offered in sacrifice to you like so much rotting meat to a vulture� it is high time someone who is your intellectual, moral and physical superior threw down the gauntlet and dared you to pick it up.
I dare you, Annie, dollface, sweetums, puddin’ � I double dog dare you. Debate me. All I need is a couple days’ notice to raise sufficient funds for travel and accommodations wherever you decide to meet me.
(Okay, it will take less than an hour to raise the funds — but I need the rest of the time to arrange babysitting and get MY roots touched up.)
Let’s see if my hunch about you is right; let’s see if you really are the craven coward your curriculum vitae evinces you to be…
April 25th, 2005
This is brilliant, while Republicans are running around destroying the principle of “Separation of Church and State” and, too, threating to permanently alter long standing Senate rules on debate, which Republicans have called their “nuclear option,” Democrats have put forward a much needed agenda for reform — originally posted at Daily Kos:
As a matter of comity, the Minority in the Senate traditionally defers to the Majority in the setting of the agenda. If Bill Frist pulls the nuclear trigger, Democrats will show deference no longer.
Invoking a little-known Senate procedure called Rule XIV, last week Democrats put nine bills on the Senate calendar that seek to help America fulfill its promise.
If Republican’s break the rules Democrats will use the rule to bring to the Senate floor an agenda that meets the needs of average Americans, such as lowering gas prices, reducing the cost of health care and helping veterans.
“Across the country, people are worried about things that matter to their families – the health of their loved ones, their child’s performance in schools, and those sky high gas prices,” said Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid. “But what is the number one priority for Senate Republicans? Doing away with the last check on one-party rule in Washington to allow President Bush, Senator Frist and Tom Delay to stack the courts with radical judges. If Republicans proceed to pull the trigger on the nuclear option, Democrats will respond by employing existing Senate rules to push forward our agenda for America.”
Democrats have introduced bills that address America’s real challenges. (Details attached)
1. Women’s Health Care (S. 844). “The Prevention First Act of 2005″ will reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and abortions by increasing funding for family planning and ending health insurance discrimination against women.
2. Veterans’ Benefits (S. 845). “The Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2005″ will assist disabled veterans who, under current law, must choose to either receive their retirement pay or disability compensation.
3. Fiscal Responsibility (S. 851). Democrats will move to restore fiscal discipline to government spending and extend the pay-as-you-go requirement.
4. Relief at the Pump (S. 847). Democrats plan to halt the diversion of oil from the markets to the strategic petroleum reserve. By releasing oil from the reserve through a swap program, the plan will bring down prices at the pump.
5. Education (S. 848). Democrats have a bill that will: strengthen head start and child care programs, improve elementary and secondary education, provide a roadmap for first generation and low-income college students, provide college tuition relief for students and their families, address the need for math, science and special education teachers, and make college affordable for all students.
6. Jobs (S. 846). Democrats will work in support of legislation that guarantees overtime pay for workers and sets a fair minimum wage.
7. Energy Markets (S. 870). Democrats work to prevent Enron-style market manipulation of electricity.
8. Corporate Taxation (S. 872). Democrats make sure companies pay their fair share of taxes to the U.S. government instead of keeping profits overseas.
9. Standing with our troops (S. 11). Democrats believe that putting America’s security first means standing up for our troops and their families
“Abusing power is not what the American people sent us to Washington to do. We need to address real priorities instead — fight for relief at the gas pump, stronger schools and lower health care costs for America’s families,” said Senator Reid.
September 13th, 2004
“Mr. president, Colin Powell told you about this war that ‘if you break it, you own it.’ And now you’re going around talking about an ‘ownership society.’ Well, Mr. President, let me tell you what you own. A million jobs lost. You own that. A thousand soldiers lost. You own that. 1.4 million new people living below the poverty line. You own that. 1.2 million less people covered by health insurance. You own that. A seventeen percent medicare increase. You own that. Health care costs skyrocketing. You own that. The tax burden increasing amongst the middle class. You own that. Mr. President, if you want to talk about an ownership society, let’s talk about what you own.”
Cheap shot advise from Zackpunk to Kerry, via DailyKos.com.
