INTERESTING TIMES

I admit, in spite of my admiration for Ron Paul and his ideas on the economy, I had a moment of joy when Obama was elected. At least now we have an intelligent and educated man at the helm, instead of a likeable cowboy druggie. At least now all the marginalized people have encouragement that they may have a voice in our faltering democracy. But the recent "bailout" has been the hugest plunder of our future wealth ever to pass, and Obama is in no position to stop it. The Republicans used to be the party of fiscal conservatism, and the democrats were the social activists. Now that the neocons have turned Republicanism into insane spending radicalism, the Democrats can look fiscally responsible by spending more than they ever have before. Our Treasury is in a bad way, our economic future looks bleak. And even if Obama is smart enough to realize what needs to be done, he is saddled with the Democratic party. He will be unable to make the needed changes. Instead of a cure we have temporary palliation of monetary crisis which will result in the death of the patient.

I'm listening to Obama speak in Desmoines, Iowa ( right now, )

I don't know why she came to mind today, but I had to look her up and see which Democrat she had endorsed. She has been politically active for many years and a staunch Democrat. She also has been a devoted supporter of Israel. Barbara chose Hillary. "It's the woman thing," said Suzanne. I agree. The more vocal lesbians of the Portland Lesbian Choir also favor Hillary, though the choir does not hold any official position. Anyway, here's the Clinton campaign press release about the endorsement, on Barbara's rumor-stopping website.
( Extra. )

Have you heard of him? He served as a senator for Alaska for two terms. He just announced that he's switching to the Libertarian party and running for president. He helped get the trans-Alaska pipeline approved in 1973. I must say, I agree with him when he says "The fact is, the Democratic Party is no longer the party of FDR. It is a party that continues to sustain war, the military-industrial complex and imperialism -- all of which I find anathema to my views." He also said "The Democratic Party used to stand for the ordinary working man. But the Clintons and the DLC sold out the Democratic Party to Wall Street." He appears to be socially liberal (no issues with gay marriage, abortion, etc) but fiscally conservative. He supports eliminating the income tax, and getting the hell out of Iraq. This guy will be interesting to watch. I'm glad to see him, Nader and others, speaking up that the Democratic Party is no better at this juncture than the Republican Party. We need a new start. Here's Gravel's official campaign website: http://www.gravel2008.us/ ...

I've been blaming our situation on a complacent and comfortable populace. As long as we are fat and happy, we aren't likely to start a revolution. But this editorial (behind cut) proposes that there is an inherent weakness and timidity among liberals---an unwillingness to grasp power and use it.

I think they're right, but I don't understand. Why are liberals like this? What is wrong with wielding power?

Pelosi's statement that impeachment is off the table is a prime example of someone who is in a position of power but doesn't want to appear to want the power. She should be saying "Look out guys, we'll remove you and I'll take over if you don't start flying right". It is exactly her responsbility as Speaker of the House to take that power if needed. I pick on Pelosi but we have an entire congress of wimpy representatives who would rather say "bad boy" than to take the stick away from the bullies and use it themselves to enforce proper behavior.

Even the timid and the shy can break out of old habits and become outspoken proponents of truth. Each of us so-called Americans who do not actively participate in guiding our representatives needs to break out and take action too. My pen is greased: lots of congressmen and senators are hearing from me. It's time for all of us to take our responsibility to this nation seriously.

Democracy requires an educated and involved populace, or it will fall. Ours is making whistling noises, it's falling so fast.

( Read the Editorial from Buzzflash about How and Why the Democrats Are Weak )

OK, I confess, I didn't like him at first because he's fat. Yep. I admit it, I'm a skinny bigot. But on further study this guy is good. New Mexico two term governor who was elected the second time with 69% of the votes. SIXTY NINE PERCENT. Since when have you seen a state full of people approve of someone's work that much? And New Mexico is racially mixed--the Latinos, the Tribes, and the whites all support him. He's half Mexican.
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Home. ADP just tried to call twice. I don't pick up phone calls from unknown numbers, and ADP hung up twice. Curious, I googled ADP and the area code, 602. I concluded that it is the Arizona Democratic Party trying to call me. Not that I mind talking about politics. But I hate the blasted phone.
( how some of us decide how to vote )