Before an election is the best time to express concern.

[Bonobo]

If you really want to know when you have the most influence with regards to policy and directions, the answer is clearly BEFORE an election.

So to all of you who talk about "concern trolls" as if NOW is the time to bury any issues, disagreements and concerns you might have about the direction you are choosing to advocate for the country, I say that you are badly misguided.

NOW is the time to tell the candidates what you expect.

NOW is the time for people in the Democratic Party to talk openly with each other about what you want, your highest ideals.

NOW is not the time to shut up.

NOW is the time to speak up.

[MannyGoldstein]

1. Problem is that candidates lie with impunity

They promise they'll fight for traditional Democratic values, then once elected they go hard right, and scream "who the @#%& else ya gonna vote for, chump?"

[Bonobo]

4. That's the truth, Manny.

BTW, Third Way Manny was brilliant. Please continue.

[sabrina 1]

2. Yes, it definitely is. All the people have is their votes. While we are told NOT to advocate

for what we want, who is telling the Lobbyists flooding DC right now, to STFU before the election?

I think that maybe Big Corps are responsible for the 'STFU and vote and wait until after the election to start making demands' . If you think about it, they are the only ones who benefit from the people remaining silent at this point. It leaves them with zero competition for the attention of our elected officials.

For the people, this is the worst possible strategy. For one thing, it can lead politicians to believe that we are willing to just trust them, while all the time Lobbyists are visiting them in their offices offering them all kinds money.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

3. Pshaw! The Democratic Party is a delicate flower unable to withstand criticism..even if just.

But, I'm sure the defenders of the pitiful and helpless establishment will inform you of this truism of an election year with great vigor and unbridled fury.

[Fumesucker]

5. The candidate I supported was opposed to the mandate for private insurance..

Even though I thought he was probably lying about it at the time..

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4494168&mesg_id=4494251

[Egalitarian Thug]

6. K&R Great name. n/t