An open letter to my "disappointed" Democratic friends

[sheshe2]

Dear Disappointeds:

Back in 2010 you told us that you were disappointed in the President you helped elect. And because of that, you weren't motivated enough to vote in the midterms. While I don't share your disappointment, I want to say that I hear you.

Now we're facing another midterm election and we have the benefit of hindsight to tell us what changed as a result of your lack of enthusiasm.

Sure, you might have wanted single payer and a larger stimulus package. But you have to admit that Obamacare is doing an awful lot of good. And perhaps you should read Michael Grunwald's book The New New Deal to learn how the American Recovery Act was way more than many of us thought it was at the time. Of course the list of legislative accomplishments during those first two years goes beyond those two milestones to include things like the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and an end to Don't Ask Don't Tell.

But since 2010, take a look at what has (or better yet, hasn't) happened. As President Obama said, we've witnessed the least productive Congress in modern history.

[url=http://postimage.org/][img][/img][/url]

snip

Its "gut check" time for all of us. I don't know about you, but after these last four years I'm actually psyched to get back to Democrats arguing with other Democrats over HOW MUCH change we want to see rather than being pissed at Republicans all the time for their total obstruction. There's a lot riding on this one. I hope we can all work together to make that happen.


Read More: http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2014/04/an-open-letter-to-my-disappointed.html

[MrScorpio]

1. GOTV!!! nt

[zentrum]

12. Was disappointed & wouldn't dream

....of not voting midterm!

"Disappointed" doesn't begin to describe what we'll feel like if the Senate turns Republican.

[steve2470]

2. GOTV !!!! BIG KICK AND BIG REC, thanks sheshe2 ! nt

[msanthrope]

3. Kick!!! nt

[genwah]

4. Damn right! Two hundred and four days to go. The clock is ticking.

Let's make it easy to start...who lives in a state that didn't expand medicare? Every one of you lucky bastards has a chance that I don't have, an automatic reason to knock on doors and an instant opening statement, "Hi, my name is ______. I am telling everyone that about (x number of people) in (our state) could be getting a checkup and medicine, but Governor (Poopy Pants) is stopping them? It's not as if anyone's taxes would go up, or anything,,,

To those of you who aren't lucky enough to live in a state where Medicare expansion was denied, more to follow. Remember, 204 days left!

[SMC22307]

20. "Medicare" expansion? (n/t)

[MineralMan]

5. GOTV 2014!

[Capt. Obvious]

6. This is exactly the website this needs to be posted on

[sheshe2]

7. Truth!

Yes indeed, Capt. Obvious

[rhett o rick]

8. Are you trying to unite us? If so, this isnt a good effort.

By the way, I was active in 2010 and it wasnt the left that stayed home. It never is. Call the lefties extreme if you wish, but dont call us unenthusiastic. I get fed up with the "non-leftists", whatever they call themselves, whining about losing election because of the left. When we marched in the freezing rain against the Iraq war, the war that the Centrist Democrats supported, there werent any centrists out there. When we protested to "move your money" there were no centrists out there. In fact the centrists here in DU were busy disparaging moveon.org.

It's easy to be anti-Republican, it's harder to be anti-oligarchy.

[sheshe2]

9. Not good enough, I know.

Sadly nothing is good enough, no progress made is good enough.

Your post is confusing at best. You throw out labels. Centrist, lefties, non leftists. Well I call us the Democratic party. One that should be united with one undying need and that is to destroy the Republican party. Why fraction the Democratic party? Why do you label the party, we should be a consensus of ideas a sharing of ideas and ideals.

Nothing happens in a day or even a year. To believe it is instantaneous is an imperfect dream. It has yet to happen in the history of this nation.

As for your last sentence? No clue where you are going with that.

[SMC22307]

16. You don't believe in *fractioning* the Democratic Party?

That's rich.

Itty Bitty Hissyfit Committee

Truly.

[sheshe2]

30. Thanks so much for posting that!

Want to know rich...

Where you here, those few weeks? Did you see and read it!

Post after frigging post condemning this President. One after another soaring to the top of the page at DU. Impeach!

Again and again anti Obama posts. Sell out! Chained CPI! Cat food commission!

Do not talk to me about divisive!

[SMC22307]

32. I'll talk to you about whatever I damn well please.

I read every word of that thread, even have it bookmarked. The OP was, indeed, divisive.

You're welcome!

[sheshe2]

33. So, you never read what was going on in DU.

Got it. You read what you want to read and blind yourself to the rest.

Good Job!

Hear No Evil. See No Evil. Speak No Evil



And do not fricking send me a hug. That is condescending.

[SMC22307]

34. ...

[Dragonfli]

36. I am laughing too, MAJOR obvious projection there.

[SMC22307]

80. I know. It's stunning.

What I find truly hilarious are select BOGers who happily cheer on a banned DUer/moldy Caver:

I just cracked the DU analysis code

And ooh doggy, do they get nasty when you call them on it. They seem to be trying a new tactic -- preaching unity to the FirebaggingEmoBlackHelicopterLeft. Do they actually think they're having any sort of influence on peoples' votes? I can only speak for myself, but no one on this board has any influence on how I vote. I suspect it's the same for others, except maybe for some influenced by the never-ending supply of dumb blogs trotted out at DU.

Facepalm, googly eyes... there aren't enough smilies to capture it!

[Sheepshank]

78. So you don't fucking like someone making the argument to GOTV on a Dem site?

what the fuck are you doing here then?

Do you have another goal in mind?

[SMC22307]

91. I fucking live in a fucking deep blue area that fucking reliably votes....

in every fucking election, not just the fucking sexy presidential elections for a fucking rock star president.

Hey, that was fun! I feel like:



Obama blames lack of African American, Latino turnout for Democrats’ midterm woes

Trot out all the shit blogs in the world... the facts won't change.

[Sheepshank]

102. so why the fuck are you pissing on someone trying to GOTV?

you are all over the fucking place on this and still make absolutely no fuicking sense.

explain the purpose of your rant against GOTV?...because that is exactly what you are doing.

[SMC22307]

104. Keep repeating that I'm trying to suppress the vote.

Maybe it will come true.

I vote, and I imagine everyone on this board votes.

Simmer down.

[Sheepshank]

106. why are your twisting what I said?

...you are pissing all over a dedicated Democrat for trying to get the vote out...why?

The fact that you recognize that your actions may be suppressing the vote is NOT what I said...but I'm glad you acknowledge the possible and cumulative effect.

[SMC22307]

107. Which dedicated Democrat would that be?

The one who pens the blog shitting all over reliable voters every chance she gets because they dare criticize Obama Administration policies?

And trust me, you and I in this exchange are having ZERO impact on possible voters. ZERO.

[rhett o rick]

38. So you rationalize that your being divisive is ok because other posters criticized the President.

Democrats will hold their representatives accountable. That doesnt mean that they accept the Right Wing, in fact questioning your representatives is being a Democrat. If you want to have a leader that doesnt get questioned, then maybe you are in the wrong party.

[sheshe2]

42. Well maybe some posters here are in the wrong party Rhett.

Impeachment calls are okay with you? How about calling This President a piece of shit used car salesman?" That okay with you? Is that it okay with you that it was Rec'ed and Rec'ed and Rec'ed. Then a double down was posted afterwards.

How about the RW now posting that This President has lost DU? Is that okay with you? I found that out when I googled a poster here. That quote is being tossed around RW websites now. They are laughing and laughing and laughing at DU.

President Obama has lost DU, that's what they are saying. So, you want to talk to me about divisive!

[rhett o rick]

44. None of that is ok with me. I resent that you are making that implication. If someone here posts

the things that you claim, then go after them in the thread. Making accusations on a grand scale is divisive.

[sheshe2]

47. You accused me of being divisive Rhett.

So you rationalize that your being divisive is ok because other posters criticized the President.

Democrats will hold their representatives accountable. That doesnt mean that they accept the Right Wing, in fact questioning your representatives is being a Democrat. If you want to have a leader that doesnt get questioned, then maybe you are in the wrong party.

This President in fact was called a POS! Hair on fire threads awhile back were out of control. This has not been a one time occurrence on DU. Skinner has be weighting in on the issues. Have you seen that? Have you read it? I have. He is not pleased.

Constructive criticism is fine. The unrelenting hate, and it is indeed overwhelming here, is divisive! As I said the RW is noticing and laughing. That is not good.

[rhett o rick]

69. I was pointing out that if your intent was to "unite" that OP probably isnt the best way.

I have never supported the over the top criticism of the president. And when that happens the poster should be confronted directly. But some here use the over the top posts to make broad brush accusations against all that may disagree with the president. That's what I believe is divisive.

[Sheepshank]

82. Your tack has been to support the name calling and public insults of Obama

hasn't gone unnoticed. Walk it back all you want. The fact of the matter is that words matter and you have been very vocal on very many occassions, in trying to suppress enthusiasm for the vote...there is the divisiveness.

[rhett o rick]

93. Now why would you say such? I have never backed "name calling" of the Pres. I respect our

president but do call him to task when I feel it's needed. I think that's my duty as a Democrat. If one wants to be in a party where everyone sings the same songs and hold hands and never questions their authoritarian leaders, then they should go to the Republican party. I am very vocal and proud of it. I shake my head at people that call themselves good Democrats but do nothing more that cheer lead.

If you want to increase the voter turnout, maligning the left isnt helping. We need to run candidates that clearly are on the side of the people vs. those that are happy with the status quo. The oligarchy is the enemy and those that support it.

[treestar]

65. Being negative is being a Democrat

No wonder it's hard to win.

[rhett o rick]

72. Why would you twist my words? Cant you address what I write?

I will try again:

Democrats hold their representatives accountable.

Holding your representative accountable is not a Right Wing trait.

In fact I wonder about Democrats that dont hold their representatives accountable. Because blindly following is a Right Wing trait.

If one wants a party where there is not any discord, they should look to the Republicans.

[Skidmore]

92. That is not what I have observed you do

over many months. Would your level of discourse only have been as civil and reasoned as you seek to portray it now.

[Sheepshank]

79. Post #78 applies to you too. n/t

[rhett o rick]

99. The master of strawmen.

"So you don't fucking like someone making the argument to GOTV on a Dem site?" Did I say that?

I strongly support GOTV and have been active along with my lefty friends for years. The insinuation that the left's disappointment lead to them staying home is bullcrap. The left will always be disappointed until no American children go hungry at night. The left will always be doing every thing they can to bring about change.

The apathetic that stayed home in 2010 did so because there were few Democratic candidates that were supporting change. If you want the apathetic to turn out and vote, then offer them progressive candidates that clearly support strengthening SS and Medicare, tighter bank regulations, less wasteful defense spending, and dont support trade agreements that send jobs to China. If the candidates are fine with the status quo, the apathetic will see no reason to turn out.

[rhett o rick]

25. The Republican Party is not our only enemy. Our enemy are the oligarchs.

Last edited Tue Apr 15, 2014, 08:41 AM - Edit history (1)

The crazy assed left are fighting the oligarchs while others seem content to fight the silly clown car Republicans. The crazy assed left will be out manning the phones, going door to door. Dont worry about us. Try to get the centrists that seem happy with the status quo, off their lazy assed duffs and out to vote.

I meet every month with other like minded liberals, working to promote progressive candidates. This is in addition to the regularly scheduled Democratic county meetings. We are fighting to rid this country of the oligarchs whether Republican or Democrat.

On edit, I had to make a clarification to prevent the twisting of my intent. Of course the Republican Party is our enemy but only the tail of the snake. We need to attack the head of the snake, the oligarchs. Sadly there are those that refuse to believe that there are some in our party that support the oligarchy.

[NanceGreggs]

43. "The Republican Party is not our enemy."

The Republican Party has done, and continues to do everything in its power to slash funding to programs like welfare and SNAP, shut down abortion providers and silence pro-choice advocates, diminish the power of women to access birth control and their legal right to an abortion, destroy the very concept of the separation of church and state, suppress the vote by instituting insane ID requirements, gerrymandered districts to give their party unfair advantage in vote tallies, promoted every initiative to teach religious-based Creationism as opposed to factual science in our schools, fought to defund programs that benefit our veterans, refuse to accept the equality of women in the workplace and their right to equal pay for equal work, and dismiss out-of-hand the plight of the unemployed, the homeless, the sick and the dying.

They have consistently stood their ground in favour of laws that subject women seeking abortions to humiliating procedures, laws that deny equal rights to gays/lesbians, laws that give rapists parental rights, laws that condemn women - even female children - to delivering babies that have resulted from rape and incest, laws that make it a crime to feed the homeless, laws that separate families via deportation, laws that make it easy to acquit murderers by virtue of their victim having been black, and laws that steal from the poor in order to give to the billionaires among us.

They are pro-war, pro-corporate welfare, pro-tax breaks for the wealthiest individuals and multi-billion-dollar companies. They revere and protect gun ownership in spite of the statistics on how many Americans - especially children - die each year as a result of lax gun control legislation. And in the midst of gun-toting hotheads known to be prone to violence, they continually point their fingers at gays/lesbians as being the cause of natural catastrophes like hurricanes and floods, and at the poor as being the cause of the country's economic woes - offering up their designated scapegoats, and encouraging the notion that their elimination from society will cure all that ails us.

Republicans consistently show themselves to be anti-minorities, anti-atheist, anti-Muslim, anti-religious freedom for anyone other than Fundie-type, so-called Christians. They are anti-science, anti-education, anti-gay rights, anti-choice, anti-voting rights, and anti- anything that even remotely smacks of a democracy that operates BY and FOR ALL of the People, as opposed to the select few that have the money to support their campaigns, and the stupidity to elect them to office.

So you can take your "the Republicans aren't the enemy" rhetoric and insert it in that portion of your anatomy where it belongs - and where it can keep your head company, while it's at it. In fact, I doubt you even know what an 'oligarch' is - it's just another term that you've seen repeated on DU, and have added to your on-line vocabulary in order to be part of the crowd you march in lockstep with.

And please spare me a reply. I am already familiar with the cliches you invariably utilize to get across your point in a tireless attempt to pretend you actually have one - which you don't, and never do.

Given all that Republicans stand for, all they have encouraged, all they have tried to sell to knuckle-dragging, drooling FOX-News adherents, all the damage they have done to the country, and the agenda they repeatedly foster - "more of the same, only worse" - to hear someone say they are NOT our enemy is despicable.

I KNOW who my enemy is - and it's not the centrist Dem, it's not the conservative Dem, it's not the Obama supporters - and it is certainly NOT the people you and your ilk have determined are not pure enough Dems to meet your standards - standards which, by the way, have nothing to do with the Democratic Party, but everything to do with your need to present yourself as lefitier-than-thou at every possible opportunity, as though it actually means something in the real world.

MY enemy is the Republican Party as a whole, everything it stands for, everything it seeks to legislate, everything it attempts to promote, and everyone who votes for (R)s in support of the agenda they have made no secret of wanting to further.

The fact that your "Republicans are not the enemy" schtick is acceptable on what still purports to be a Democratic-supporting website speaks for itself. It also explains why the traffic stats on DU have been in decline for the past three years: Ain't no Democrat got time for this shit. Real Democrats are too busy fighting their known enemy, the GOP - instead of pretending they are not really the enemy at all.

[hfojvt]

53. I'm a real Democrat

I was even on the ballot in 2012.

Although actually I have been on the primary ballot since 2006 - as a precinct person.

Yeah, as bad as the GOP is, sometimes my own party is not all that either http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022085948

[NanceGreggs]

55. Sometimes my party

is not all it could be, would be, should be.

But at ALL times, my party is far better than the alternative.

[hfojvt]

57. sometimes not all that far

and as an old guy it's quite annoying to have a "choice" between a "Democrat" who is basically George H.W. Bush and a Republican who is Paul Ryan.

Sure, Bush Sr. IS far better than Ryan, but what the hell happened to Jesse Jackson? or even Michael Dukakis? Is electing George H.W. Bush on the "Democratic" ticket supposed to be some sort of victory for the people?

Because it feels to me like a victory for the Republican Party.

Hence, the enemy is not the Republican Party, it is also the Republican pods who snatch the bodies of the Democratic Party and replace them with DINOS.

[NanceGreggs]

59. Thanks for the word salad de jour.

Despite its popularity as a menu item here, it is as substance-free as it is predictable in its ability to disappoint.

I'll just have a glass of the DU house Whine, and call it a night.

[treestar]

64. Annoying, but it explains that district.

No use in complaining about red states not turning progressive overnight. If you can get them lukewarm Democratic, that is a positive. They won't turn progressive without a period of middle of the road or Blue Dog.

[Sheepshank]

84. when 100% of elected Republicans vote as they are told, every time....

there is absolutely NO ROOM to label a Republican as a possible choice at the ballot.

To argue that voting for a Dem is just the same as voting for a Rep, that is possibly the weakest, most feckless political argument I have seen here on DU.

[rhett o rick]

74. And no one here is arguing that. The Democratic Party is far superior to the alternative.

But IMO the oligarchs are using the crazy Republican clowns as a distraction while they pick our pocket. The TPP is a good example.

[Bobbie Jo]

60. Bravo

Indeed, the endless stream of bumper sticker platitudes are neither clever nor productive.

[rhett o rick]

67. The Republican Party is a tool of the oligarchs. Concentrating on only the Republicans

is not enough. Defeating the Republican clowns isnt enough. To pretend otherwise is naive and exactly what the oligarchs want.

I fully know the damage the Republican Party has done and fully support their defeat. But the oligarchs are not so stupid as to put their obscene wealth only on Republicans.

Wake up and smell the oligarchy.

[sheshe2]

111. In a few short paragraphs you summed up the GOP perfectly.

The stench that emanates from them is horrific. They attempt to poison all that is good in this country.

How anyone could sit out the vote in the midterms because their candidate did not pass some kind of purity test is beyond me.

Thanks for your post Nance. I would KnR it if I could.

As always it's good to see you again.

[frylock]

130. "The Republican Party is not our only enemy"

why would you omit ONLY when quoting that post?

[Capt. Obvious]

135. She has nothing to apologize for

[frylock]

142. editing post after explanation..

and I'd also like to apologize again.

[Capt. Obvious]

146. Because she's not an apologist

[NanceGreggs]

143. Because the author edited his post ...

... AFTER I responded to it.

If you look at the edit history on his post, you can see his original title, which was "The Republican Party is not our enemy".

It's a convenient but completely transparent tactic: post one thing, get flack for it, and then edit it to say something different.

[frylock]

144. in that case i apologize

[NanceGreggs]

145. No problem.

You had no reason to think the author had changed his comment to read as something completely different than what he had originally stated.

It would be easy to assume that that particular poster only edits his posts when he realizes he has used the word "oligarchy" less than a dozen times. I think he's going for some kind of record.

[rhett o rick]

155. Focusing on only Republicans as our enemy is dangerous. They are a tool of our enemy.

Their clown antics make them a distraction. A distraction that we need to take care of, for sure, but not our only focus. Some among us want life to be laid out in black and white terms. Good guys wear white hats, bad guys wear black hats. Good guys have (D) behind their names and bad guys have (R). If only life were so easy. Be aware that while we are concentrating on the Repub Clowns, the oligarchs are picking our pockets. While the Clowns are fighting over marriage equality, the oligarchs are trying to "fast track" another destructive trade agreement through.

Our enemies are the oligarchs, whether clothed as Republicans or Democrats.

[Cha]

140. Thank you, Nance.. for expressing so eloquently what is so

wrong with that incredibly stupid declaration.. "the republicans are not our enemy&quot who does that?!).. will the rw hate sites pick up his ignorant statement too as an example of inspiration for their rabidly brainwashed patrons? Let them.. they'd be fools to give it credence.. oh wait...

[Number23]

148. Great Caesar's Ghost!!

So you can take your "the Republicans aren't the enemy" rhetoric and insert it in that portion of your anatomy where it belongs - and where it can keep your head company, while it's at it. In fact, I doubt you even know what an 'oligarch' is - it's just another term that you've seen repeated on DU, and have added to your on-line vocabulary in order to be part of the crowd you march in lockstep with.

And please spare me a reply. I am already familiar with the cliches you invariably utilize to get across your point in a tireless attempt to pretend you actually have one - which you don't, and never do.

Somebody get Ms. Nance some Glad Wrap cause she's taking this post home to go along with a big chunk of somebody's ass. NEVER have I seen the deranged Republican party and it's enablers (left and right) so perfectly defined and so thoroughly demolished. That was a thing of absolute perfection.

[JI7]

46. "The Republican Party is not our enemy"

hmmmmmmm

[rhett o rick]

73. The Republican Party is a tool of our enemy. nm

[treestar]

63. Did you just actually post that about the Republican Party?

[rhett o rick]

75. I changed the wording just for you. nm

[Cha]

147. Yes, he did.. yesterday. And, he got so much pushback for his stupid declaration ..that

today he's sneaking an [font color=red]edit[/font] in.. to make it entirely the opposite.

here is the unedited version.. "The Republican Party is not our enemy."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=4822986#edits

[treestar]

154. Thank you Cha!

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

136. If you swapped Republican and Democratic...

you be describing a Party that you mock for being that way.

[markpkessinger]

19. Thank you -- well said! n/t

[Dragonfli]

35. Thank You! That straw man was a particularly flimsy one, no one on the left I know stayed home

to punish the Republicanesque centrists invading the party, we all dumped a bottle of fabreeze on their bank felating candidates and dutifully voted against our own best interests (not being wealthy) because fascism is even worse than the bank employees that call themselves Democrats but act like Reagan.

It was the young people that felt duped and disinterested in more beatings for their vote, not old enough to understand how dangerous the fascists are.

That straw man is used against thew left to push progressives out of the party discussions if you ask me, they consider us retarded and prefer conservatives in blue (but still demand our votes)

I am getting really, really sick of it.

[treestar]

62. Of course it's not

Nothing is ever good enough.

It was the left that told us again and again that they were not going to contribute the money they allegedly had before, and that they were not going to campaign as they claimed they had before. They took credit for the victory themselves due to their alleged effort and no one else's. Whether they should actually get it or not is another question. They claimed they were disappointed and were going to punish us by not making the same efforts. You can easily find a zillion posts like that if you check the DU archives for 2010.

[deutsey]

70. +1

[Marr]

83. +1, well said.

I get tired of it as well. The facts about who stayed home in 2010 are repeated constantly, but the 'non-leftists', as you call them, just don't acknowledge it and keep on blaming the left.

[progressoid]

114. Yup. +1 n/t

[jeff47]

117. Why are you replying? The post isn't about you.

By the way, I was active in 2010 and it wasnt the left that stayed home.

Then why are you complaining? The OP isn't about you.

It's about people who traditionally vote Democratic who stayed home because they were disappointed. You didn't.

So why are you shouting "ME! ME!! YOU ARE INSULTING MEEEEEEE!!" while claiming the OP is the one that's divisive? It isn't about you.

[frylock]

132. have you taken a census of people on DU that would fit in that group?

the OP is nothing more than obfuscation and hippy punching, looking to set up a narrative wherein if dems lose in 2014 it will be because of emoprog firebaggers and their disappointment with the party. if this isn't for general consumption, then keep this shit in the BOG where it belongs.

[Union Scribe]

133. It isn't about anyone.

The myth of the disgruntled liberals staying home in 2010 is a lie and has been debunked here literally dozens of times.

[Capt. Obvious]

137. why are you replying to Rhett?

He wasn't talking to you.

[okaawhatever]

10. You are part of the solution or part of the problem. It's that simple in this situation. Your vote

has consequences, whether it's cast or not.

[Vattel]

11. Obama has been very disappointing.

Hoping for a good president is unrealistic I guess. A better Congress and a better judiciary is our best chance.

[mfcorey1]

37. I disagree! Hell, with the obstruction he has faced, he is lucky he can even get

this shameful Congress to even convene on any issues he has proposed. Disappointed? Use that emotion for those who have not done a damned thing you could imagine.

[Bobbie Jo]

13. K&R

GOTV

[Armadotrasgo]

14. Yeah, I often feel conflicted

when Congress is evaluated by sheer volume of laws passed. We've had an awful lot of bad laws. I really don't pay attention to legislative output.

[MNBrewer]

15. blah, blah blah

You were disappointed. You didn't vote.


B.S. I was disappointed and I sure DID vote. Stop with this crap.

[sheshe2]

17. As did I!

[jeff47]

118. Then this OP isn't about you.

If you aren't in the group under discussion, why are you insisting the post is about you?

[Whisp]

18. K&R. Great post, sheshe, thankyou. Let The Whining Begin.....

[sheshe2]

31. They're heeeeeeeeeere~

[Cha]

40. You mean like.. watch out 'cause..

Whisp

[Whisp]

41. I remember well the sickening Jane and her Hamshers last midterms...

Repeat theatre for bashing Democrats at a most critical election time - they are rehearsing now and will be showing up on schedule with robust performances.

Fingers on Alert for Dem bashing!

[Cha]

45. they come up with the most ridiculous reasons ever.. all to

keep the profiteering left like hamsher in $$$$ and spreading her $hit.

"republicans are not our enemy.. "

[Bluenorthwest]

81. Hey Cha, did you know that in 2010 Oregon broke midterm records while

Hawaii, as usual, had very poor turnout? What is it you guys are doing wrong? What it is we are doing right?
What are you going to do about this for 2014?
http://elections.gmu.edu/Turnout_2010G.html

[Puglover]

110. Same for my state Blue.

Minnesota. 55% I wish it were higher.

Oh BTW I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for a response.

[Bluenorthwest]

123. You folks in Minnesota do some voting! A consistently high turnout and it

does not go unnoticed by everyone. I expect no response when speaking of facts and methods of victory to those who do not care to actually increase their poor turn outs. They are here to name call and posture.

[Puglover]

157. Name call

posture and put as many emoticons as possible in each and every post.

It might be a good idea for them to look at their own houses before screaming at others.

[SMC22307]

90. "Obama blames lack of African American, Latino turnout for Democrats’ midterm woes"

President Obama said at a fundraiser Wednesday night that Democrats suffer in midterm elections in large part because black and Latino voters -- among other groups -- don't turn out to vote.

"Our voters are younger, more unmarried women, more African-American and Latino voters," Obama said at an event in Houston. "They get excited about general elections; they don't get as excited about midterm elections."

Obama added: "...we have this congenital disease, which is in midterm elections we don't vote at the same rates."

Obama's remarks appear to be a pretty clear reference to a poll released earlier in the week that showed these groups -- described by Democratic pollster Stan Greenberg as the Rising American Electorate -- are much less keen on voting in 2014 than are other, more Republican demographics.

....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/04/10/obama-democrats-lose-in-midterms-because-african-americans-latinos-young-people-dont-turn-out-to-vote/

Do go on. Blame all the white, occupying, dope-smoking Hamsher-reading voters who RUN to the polls, even during the non-sexy midterms. Seriously, DO GO ON.

[Union Scribe]

138. who said that? nt

[TheKentuckian]

21. Dear Contented, your eternal bid for "center" and "independent" voters failed in 2010 and

they voted for the Teabaggers or stayed home.

Your lame machinations which are nothing but cover and rationalizations for serving the corporations pissed off the left who still not only showed to vote but worked the campaigns (just like I did so fuck your weak ass frame job).

We also saw a pretty noticeable drop in your "wave" voters who also get a pass so you can get off your fake ass soapbox and rethink your lackluster so called strategy and get back with us when you aren't on a propaganda campaign and are serious about solving our very serious problems instead of trying to lay the blame for the fruits of your Turd Way games on anybody but yourselves.

Sincerely, sick of your false accusations, spin, and putting us in the lurch due to your failed ideology copied directly from the opposition with a few rough edge sanding tweaks and some different rhetoric to explain similar outcomes.

[Katashi_itto]

26. +10000!

[frylock]

134. beautiful

[SMC22307]

22. Awww, a kinder, gentler immasmartypants.

How sweet.

(No one is falling for it. )

Anyone have data as to just how many "Disappointeds" sat out? My understanding is that not as many blacks or young'uns voted in the 2010 midterms as in 2008 and 2012. What's being done to get them to vote in the not-so-sexy 2014 midterms?

[The Straight Story]

23. Must be close to election time, they pretend they are listening to us more when they need

something.

[cthulu2016]

24. What nasty revisionism.

Back in 2010 you told us that you were disappointed in the President you helped elect. And because of that, you weren't motivated enough to vote in the midterms.

A great many of the folks who voted in 2008 but not 2010 were people who don't generally vote. A great many of the others who stayed home (or voted for Republicans) were independents who had voted for Obama, or conservative Democrats. The ancient past of 2010 isn't entirely down the memory hole yet.

Democrats who thought the stimulus was inadequate (as an example of the disappointed type) didn't stay home... Democrats aware enough to have a leftist view of the adequacy of the stimulus voted. For Democrats.

The left votes like crazy. The ideological voter votes like crazy. They're the most reliable Democratic voters.

But there is never a shortage of passive-agressive "rallying the troops" by lecturing the hippies about all their (imagined) crimes, followed—like for real without a hint of sarcasm—by a hearty, "I hope we can all work together."

It's a genre...

[YoungDemCA]

27. Very true.

nt

[rhett o rick]

28. They cant have it both ways. Calling the left as extremists and then saying we

stay home from elections. We "extremists" are the ones that vote, that protest, that confront our elected representatives. Unlike the god damn centrists that hide behind "pragmatism" and wallow in the mire with the oligarchs.

[Marr]

85. +1, I'm sick of this lie. /nt

[jeff47]

120. Then it isn't about you.

A great many of the folks who voted in 2008 but not 2010 were people who don't generally vote.

And they are the target of this OP.

This isn't about you. Why leap in and insist it is an insult?

[cthulu2016]

121. Since the OP is based on a lie it is not *about* much of anybody.

What is offensive about the OP is not that it is insulting to me, it is that it is a lie offered to divide Democrats.

[jeff47]

122. Go take a look at what's actually in the OP.

Let's quote the OP and who it's directed at:

Back in 2010 you told us that you were disappointed in the President you helped elect. And because of that, you weren't motivated enough to vote in the midterms. While I don't share your disappointment, I want to say that I hear you.

If you didn't stay home in 2010, this OP isn't about you.

A sizeable chunk of people who voted Democratic in 2008 stayed home in 2010. The OP is explicit that it is talking about those people. You aren't among that group, but keep insisting that the OP claims you are.

Don't want to divide Democrats? Stop insisting it's about you when it isn't.

[cthulu2016]

124. Your spam is weak. Do you lecture Jews about the Blood Libel this way...

After all, if some Jewish person does not drink the blood of Christian babies at Passover then the Blood Libel isn't *about* them and they ought not speak against it.

Right?

[Capt. Obvious]

139. This

[bigwillq]

29. Thanks. I plan on voting everyone out now.

Both D and Rs. Do nothings. Thanks.

[Cha]

39. Imv, It does no good to even try to talk to anybody that says "republicons are not our

enemy.." And, "are you trying to unite us.. you're not doing a very good job.." yeah, I've found brick walls can't communicate very well..

All Implemented By Democrats!


This is what we as Dems are Fighting For..



Republicons are against all of these very Important Issues for our country.. but, yeah..
"republicans not our enemy "

Mahalo she

[sheshe2]

52. They can always build a Sh!thouse from the bricks they toss!

They have indeed taken a dump on us the past few years!

GOTV2014!!!!!!

Cha!

[Cha]

58. I saw the Lunar Eclipse.. my first one Ever!

Hope you're having..

Sweet Dreams, she~

[sheshe2]

149. Hey Cha...

Home now, thanks for the sweet dreams~

Kudos for you seeing the Lunar Eclipse! That must have been awesome!

Also thanks for coming back to the discussion!

[Cha]

151. You're welcome, she.. thank you! Speaking of the Lunar Eclipse.. here's a pic from

fb that babylonsistah had posted..



You've seen the lunar eclipse up close by now, so how about the lunar eclipse over an amazing field of bluebonnets in Ennis, Texas? I stayed out til 6am this morning photographing the different phases of the eclipse over this field on Mach Road, and composited them to create this image. Let's share the heck out of this, a ton of hard work went into creating this shot Prints are available here: http://tinyurl.com/nkazyum

[LittleBlue]

48. Shaming people won't motivate them to vote

When older folks can't find work, when students come out of college crushed with debt and no prospective employment, you think they're going to say "Gee, thank fuck they passed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Play Act. Now the statute of limitations on pay discrimination suits is increased."

Do you realize that 99% of people aren't affected by DADT and will probably never file a pay discrimination suit in their lives?

If you want people to show up to vote, help them. Don't give them a list of bills you've passed. Argue for something everyone can relate to, like a massive jobs program, or relief for people and not banks. Those are the sorts of things people want to vote for. But when the rich get 95% of the economic recovery and everyone else gets the shaft, when bank profits are soaring after getting trillions in bailouts, and average people are losing their homes and jobs, voters won't be impressed by your list of bills.

[cthulu2016]

49. This OP may not be much interested in people voting

Since the OP comments upthread that his/her enemies in the party might not belong in the party it is hard to see him/her as someone really interested in turning out a big, inclusive vote.

[sheshe2]

50. Shaming people to vote?

It is our right and our privilege to vote.

No shame about it!

FYI, I posted no list of bills.

So equal pay for equal work means nothing?! All those older women looking for work (I had to do it at 54 years old when my company went under) care nothing about Lilly Ledbetter act? Really? They don't give a flying fuck that they are paid less than men!? They sure as hell do.

DADT is about equal rights! Not lawsuits! And I don't give a damn that it doesn't matter to you. Equality matters to all of us or should. When one group is discriminated against we all are

Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

The discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on gay and lesbian service members is officially in the dustbin of history. For 17 years, the law prohibited qualified gay and lesbian Americans from serving in the armed forces and sent a message that discrimination was acceptable.

A new chapter now begins for the nation's military. Gay and lesbian service members previously discharged under DADT have the opportunity to re-enlist. Gay and lesbian Americans eager to serve the country but not willing to compromise who they are as individuals will, for the first time ever, be able to openly join. And brave men and women currently serving will have the freedom to come out and be honest with their comrades about who they are and who they love.

HRC members and supporters played a critical role in getting us here. You sent over 625,000 e-mails to your members of Congress urging them to support repeal. You helped us gather nearly 50,000 handwritten pro-repeal messages for delivery to Capitol Hill. And you supported our efforts in states across the country, lobbying your elected officials and engaging with the 20,000 veterans HRC mobilized to speak out in favor of repeal.

http://www.hrc.org/resources/entry/the-repeal-of-dont-ask-dont-tell

Voters are more aware than you say, it's about all of us, not one of us.

[derby378]

87. DADT and Lily Ledbetter haven't made it easier for me to find a job

We need jobs, jobs, jobs. The fact that there hasn't been an economic recovery yet is because we don't have our jobs, so we're forced onto dwindling food stamp programs and our credit is shot.

You are right that it's about all of us - but all of us are still struggling not to make ends meet, but to hold them together with a bit of string.

[Bobbie Jo]

98. Well let's see....

Who blocked Obama's jobs bills?

C'mon folks, this isn't rocket science. The Republican block intended this kind of frustration to pinned to Obama's back.

I'll will give them credit, they sure know their stuff when it comes to manipulation.

[derby378]

116. Obama had TWO YEARS before the Tea Party took over the House

Come on, it's not like we started doing this yesterday.

[Skidmore]

100. Have you considered talking to your reps about

why Congress won't act on jobs?

[derby378]

115. My rep is either a teahadist or close enough

It's a waste of air. I'm trying to get him replaced.

[treestar]

66. Why do they have to be cajoled is what I want to know

What is the point of complaining about all those things and then not voting, or in fact, not doing more? Some people just like to complain so they do what makes conditions they can complain about, I guess.

[Trajan]

51. I am voting Democratic Party, as usual ...

I am, however, tossing this nonsense OP into the poopile ....

We'll criticize any President, any time, all we want ...

[Jamaal510]

54. I'm a "disppointed",

except my frustration is solely towards the GOP for being so hateful and refusing to cooperate. They've provided all the inspiration and motivation I need to be politically-active. The Republicans are the main reason why this country can't join the rest of the developed world and have nice things like a livable minimum wage, more affordable access to higher education, and single-payer/universal health care. They seem perfectly content with turning this into a 3rd-world country in the name of evading taxes.

[UtahLib]

56. K&R nt

[treestar]

61. Great post she she

if people really cared, they would vote. How hard is it?

[Number9Dream]

68. Democratic leadership: My Republican Congressman is running unopposed

Please give me a candidate to vote for.

I live and work in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. In November, I will be voting for the Democratic candidate against Tom Corbett, as well as any other Democrats running for whatever. Our two Senators are not up for election in 2014. My Congressman is Republican, Charlie Dent. This year, he will be running unopposed by any Democratic opponents. Listening to and reading various progressive media, I'm told over and over that in order to take back the House and retain the Senate, it's up to Democratic voters to vote in November. I'd love to vote for any Democratic candidate against Charlie Dent, but the Democratic Party can't come up with a single candidate to run against Dent. The Party leadership is letting down thousands of Democratic voters, not the other way around. It makes me wonder how many other races nationwide feature unopposed Republicans.

[alarimer]

128. They've abandoned the 50 state strategy that WORKED.

They will lose the Senate race in NC unless they start spending some money here.

I think there is collusion between the parties regarding which races to contest. Both parties have gerrymandered any number of "safe" seats.

[deutsey]

71. LOL

I've been "disappointed" since my casting my first vote in '84 when Mondale lost to Reagan in a landslide.

In my experience, "disappointed Democrat" is redundant.

[LondonReign2]

76. A lie

"Back in 2010 you told us that you were disappointed in the President you helped elect. And because of that, you weren't motivated enough to vote in the midterms."

Flat out lie. Maybe you'd like to correct that.

[Bluenorthwest]

77. The 2010 midterms turnout here broke records, we elected Democrats and

that sort of thing, as did the rest of the States in our region, the entire West Coast voted heavily and elected Democrats. So the premise of this OP is an insulting lie.
Oregon had record breaking turnout in 2010. If your State didn't please stop looking to cast blame and think about why your own State is fucking up.
If you had low turnout that's your own damn fault.

[SMC22307]

109. I CANNOT WAIT for election data come November 2014.

I hope everyone shares from their respective states.

[frylock]

141. word up!

[Marr]

86. Conservative Democrats. They win an election and it's an endorsement of their strategy.

They lose an election, and it's a condemnation of the left.

For the ten thousandth time, it wasn't the left that sat out that election. It was your precious moderate/centrist/Third Way/Conservative Democrats. Are you honest enough to acknowledge that? It isn't a matter of opinion.

[Capt. Obvious]

88. Yup

[SMC22307]

105. No reply yet from the OP.

Quelle surprise.

[sheshe2]

150. Quelle surprise!

I responded last night and a few times this AM. Then had to see to my dad in a nursing home, he has Alzheimer, he is dying slowly. After that I worked the night shift and just got home.

So you may "can" your surprise. I see you have been a busy little bee while was I was at work. Quelle surprise!

[AgingAmerican]

89. GOTV by blaming and insulting people who voted

Same shit, different day.

2010 was lost because Independents and youth were disgruntled with the non materializing 'hope and change'.

[Ichingcarpenter]

94. The Occupy movement was real

and denied by the powers in our own party. Not much support in Wisconsin where it started.

[AgingAmerican]

95. Yep

And the derivatives market rocks and rolls onward.

[Puglover]

101. Yeah I have never understood that particular

tactic.

Read this if you have chance.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024824039

Refreshing and thoughtful, unlike this dreck.

[MaeScott]

96. Yes, GOTV!!!! nt

[Ichingcarpenter]

97. How does GOTV help local elections?

I'm not being snarky, but I've been involved for a long time with the party and local never got shit.

Whereas the right poured tons of money into them over the years and bought elections and consensus.

[riqster]

103. Fuck yeah, I am disappointed. So what? GOTFV!

The only guaranteed way to lose is to surrender.

[tkmorris]

108. The foundational premise of the OP is demonstrably false

Find someone else to blame. Further, "hippy-punching" under the guise of making a sincere effort to GOTV is particularly despicable.

If you want to GOTV, just do it and leave out the editorializing, especially when you have the basic facts completely backwards.

[Teamster Jeff]

112. Horseshit

The best GOTV strategy is for Dems to act like Dems

[grahamhgreen]

113. Premise is false: "because of that, you weren't motivated enough to vote in the midterms"

[Rex]

119. Sadly the conservative and moderate side of the party let us down in 2010.

Hopefully they will come out in force and vote in 2014. Funny watching them cry 'wolf' the most!

[BlindTiresias]

125. Sometimes I wonder who the real purists are

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

126. Settle down...An argument predicated on obstruction can be turned on its face...

If moving to the right is a proven path of failure, at some point, start DEMANDING MORE!!!! In so doing, you'll energize your base. The alternative, you risk losing your base. That's exactly what's played out.

Duh...

[warrprayer]

127. if we lose...

it's all the dirty hippies fault!

(sarcasm)

[Tarheel_Dem]

129. Amen to all that!

[TDale313]

131. Unrec.

Flamebait, straw man, based on a disproven myth, and pointless cause no one here has been saying they intend to sit out 2014 cause they're disappointed in Obama.

Ya wanna encourage people to vote and work towards getting the vote out? Knock this disingenuous "yer either with us or aginst us" crap off. It's not helpful.

[darkangel218]

152. K&R!

[Jasana]

153. I don't understand all the history on this board and I'm...

not sure exactly who you're talking to. I'm disappointed with President Obama for a lot of things. (I won't bother to go into it all here.) I'm also happy for a lot of things and he's been especially graceful under pressure when it comes to how disrespectfully he's been treated by the Right (wrong.) They've been disgusting though I'm sure there's a stronger and meaner word for it somewhere. They handed him the worst mess I've ever seen in my lifetime and done everything in their power to obstruct him, thereby obstructing the whole country and dragging this painful economic mess out.

I voted in the mid-terms. I'll vote this mid-term as well, although now that we've gotten rid of Scott Brown and put Warren and Markey in the Senate, there's not much to freak out about here in Massachusetts. I'm from the Elizabeth Warren Wing of the Democratic Party (and I don't agree with her on every issue but we're close ideologically.) I will only send my monetary donations to people she backs. I've been doing my best... sending small donations all over the country.

[LWolf]

158. I always vote no matter how disappointed I am.

And frankly, I'm sick to the death of any enthusiasm for the Democratic Party I once had that every goddamned election I get marginalized, bullied, thrown under the bus, and FUCKING BLAMED for the loss of votes that electing Democrats with better positions and record on issues would prevent.

I'm a teacher. I don't have to give the Obama administration anything. ANYTHING. Except for what his administration has given me: SHIT.

Trying to tout the Obama administration's record as a way to get reluctant voters to the polls is weak at best. I'll be there. I always vote. But if I were considering sitting out, this sure as hell wouldn't move me.