Reply #29: We need to avoid repeating the mistakes of 2001-2002

[Ignacio Upton]

When, in the wake of 9/11, we let Bush do everything he wanted and didn't question him for fear of a political backlash towards us (remember, we controlled the Senate by a one-seat margain until 2002 when we lost it again.) Krugman describes it was thus:

"Even if they try to act in a bipartisan fashion, their opponents will find a way to divide the nation — which is what happened to the great surge of national unity after 9/11. One thing we might learn from investigations is the extent to which the Iraq war itself was motivated by the desire to have another wedge issue."

I remember in the lead up to the war, even Democrats who supported it were attacked as being unpatriotic. The fact is that the right-wing still doesn't give a shit about you. Unless you are a DINO who enables them, Sean Hannity will still foam at the mouth with the mention of your name, and Freepers will still single you out for death threats.

If we win the House, Pelosi has to make sure that she doesn't repreat Daschle's mistake in political callousness in hoping to keep the House. The pressure for her will be immense, because Congress-Critters will try and pander to the right as the 2008 Presidential Election willm ake it harder for them to get re-elected in red states. However, being nice will only give us another 2002.