EDWARDS FRIENDS: These Are the Times That Try Men's Souls...

[CorpGovActivist]

... ah, Edwards friends. This was to be today's post anyway, but it has a bittersweet hue to it now. Let me try, in my own feeble way, to give a flicker of hope.

Yesterday, we looked at http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4266273&mesg_id=4266273">the joyous lifting of the Siege of Boston, brought about in part due to the heroics of resourceful free agents under Washington's leadership.

Today, I was going to remind us all that this was followed by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_Forge">the winter we all know as Valley Forge.

Thomas Paine captured the essence of this dark hour in the immortal words of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_American_Crisis">The American Crisis: "These are the times that try men's souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."

Friends, that winter an unlikely figure appeared to help Washington: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich_Wilhelm_von_Steuben">Baron von Steuben.

Instilling discipline and teaching vital tactics, von Steuben was invaluable to the ultimate victory.

Together with http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Baptiste_Donatien_de_Vimeur%2C_comte_de_Rochambeau">Rochambeau (who was later dispatched by France due to Franklin's persuasive diplomacy), these two "foreign" figures figure largely in the rebellion's success.

We must not be those summer soldiers. Whatever your second choice, do not shrink away. Stand, fight, and march onward. John and Elizabeth and their lovely family fought hard for us. We owe them more than summer soldiery.

Three cheers for Edwards! Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!

Quartermaster, break out the ale.

:toast:

- Dave

[zalinda]

1. I don't have a second choice

I can't stop crying. I have nothing left. It will never get better.

zalinda

[lonestarnot]

2. Pick yourself up out of the dust. We cannot take another 4 years of a pug.

[CorpGovActivist]

14. The Most Sincere Way to Honor the Edwardses...

... is to continue to keep fighting.

- Dave

[trueblue2007]

80. Please.....PLEASE don't quit John!!!

I am crying as I wait for the announcement on CNN.

PLEASE don't quit!!

[calimary]

106. YES. And YES.

Continue their fight. Make it your own. Lean on Obama and Clinton to do so, also, and stop sniping at each other.

THAT'S how you keep Edwards' campaign alive and his campaign's priorities EVERYONE'S priorities.

And that's how you win.

And give each other a little TLC today!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4291436

[CorpGovActivist]

112. Good Points!

:hug: <---------TLC

[bdamomma]

17. that is for damn sure.

now there are only two left. Geez, what a big disappointment, my first choice dropped out and now my second choice. Geez, what is wrong with people, John had the message with the people. Very disappointing.

[CorpGovActivist]

115. .

[saracat]

23. Except there is no other choice now. Some are now telling me they will vote GOP rather than our

choices, and I do NOT blame them. I will write in John. I will then be done.

[lonestarnot]

49. McDrain or Mittwitt is the opposition. Better buck up!

[CorpGovActivist]

105. That's Right! n/t

[CorpGovActivist]

78. I'm Hearing a Lot of This...

... and variations thereof.

: /

- Dave

[CorpGovActivist]

4. Dry Those Tears and Wait for Edwards...

... to endorse; there is more to this than meets the teary eye.

:hug:

- Dave

[DemReadingDU]

7. Endorse Obama? I don't see Edwards endorsing Hillary

I was also wondering if Elizabeth's cancer was making her ill again.

[CorpGovActivist]

12. I Hope...

... the latter is not the case, but I wondered about that, too.

I think he'll endorse Obama; the open question is, will they cement the ticket now to provide unstoppable momentum for Tsunami Tuesday?

- Dave

[radfringe]

33. Obama-Edwards ticket?

think Edwards will take sidekick slot again? I don't know about that..

[CorpGovActivist]

40. Dunno...

... all will become clear in due course, I suppose.

I'm in "judgment in abeyance" mode right now. You?

- Dave

[radfringe]

45. I'll go along with the endorsement thing

but I just can't see him taking a VP slot, but who knows - stranger things have happened in politics

my advice to Obama and Clinton is - put away your spitballs and peashooters, there are more important issues out there to campaign on

and my
warning to Obama and Clinton - keep it up and you will guarantee mutual political destruction

[CorpGovActivist]

58. Custom Print Job...

... ClinPins or ClintPins. Either way, I have the domains now.

Handy for allowing two-handed voting, while still holding your nose.

- Dave

[radfringe]

63. Politika-pins

make it generic and sell to repubs who have to hold their noses too... their choices ain't all that grand either

ummm...a thought... see your PM

[CorpGovActivist]

64. Similar to What My Partner...

... suggested. See yours right back.

:toast:

- Dave

[radfringe]

66. k - back to real work for me

will check back around noonish

[CorpGovActivist]

69. Yeah, We Need to Chat!

:hug:

- Dave

[radfringe]

72. call me tonight!

gotta cut lunch short -- fires to put out at work

[CorpGovActivist]

73. You Need a New ...

... boss. Got a mirror?

: )

- Dave

[radfringe]

81. wish I could afford to do just that

we looked into what it would take to bake/sell dog cookies at one time.

ennywhoooo fires out for now... just needed to track down a few drawings, save them in a different version of software and e-mail them...

[CorpGovActivist]

88. Here, Have a...

[radfringe]

93. yum...

that reminds me - have to stop at store for more cream...

[CorpGovActivist]

95. LOL...

... thought you might like that "exotic" reminder.

; )

- Dave

[kath]

116. Either way, I'm going to need a clothespin for my nose, that's for damned sure.

disgusted and despondent...

[CorpGovActivist]

117. Down-Ticket Races...

... still matter. We're all talent scouts now, looking for farm league players who throw an Edwardian curveball.

: )

- Dave

[DemReadingDU]

41. Maybe a deal for Edwards to be Attorney General?

I don't see Edwards doing VP again

[CorpGovActivist]

42. Brings to Mind...

[saracat]

25. It doesn't matter to me who he endorses. I won't be voting for them.

[bpeale]

26. for me, it doesn't matter who Edwards endorses, it's still MY vote

and i don't have a horse in this race so i don't care who wins because it will be more of the same for 4, and possibly 8, more years

[saracat]

29. Exactly!

[smokey nj]

5. I don't either, zalinda.

:hug:

[CorpGovActivist]

10. Resolve...

... to find out who, in each of the down-ticket races in your state, most closely resembles Edwards.

Resolve, to go to the voting booth to make those choices.

Resolve, that while you're there, you'll keep an open mind to casting a ballot for the nominee race.

- Dave

[smokey nj]

15. That's the problem I have, GGA. To me, neither of the remaining choices

resembles John Edwards as much as they resemble each other. Like I said in another thread, I feel like I have to choose between pink eye and a yeast infection.

[CorpGovActivist]

16. You Are the Great American Talent Scout, Smokey!

You are scouting NOW for the farm team talent that pitches a curveball like John.

Go find the down-ticket players who show that promise.

And trust that Edwards himself will have something to say.

- Dave

[bdamomma]

19. smokey girl you are the only one who can make me smile.

[bpeale]

32. great analogy smokey! to me that is no choice.

i couldn't live with myself if i voted for either of the other two, and that's more important to me. i can't compromise yet again! i won't. its all or nothing, so i guess it's nothing this time.

[CorpGovActivist]

61. Resembles...

... a mild case of Republican Rash, and it itches and burns.

; )

- Dave

[VenusRising]

83. And that's why I love you, smokey nj.

:hug::loveya:

[smokey nj]

100. Back atcha, VenusRising!!

:hug: :loveya: :pals:

[bpeale]

34. i won't be voting for the nominee under any circumstances

neither will my husband. we are done.

[CorpGovActivist]

62. Well, Keep a Sharp Eye...

... on the down-ticket races, and if you spot someone who pitches a corporate curveball like Edwards, give them some love.

- Dave

[bpeale]

67. i will ... and you have fun out there & be safe!

[CorpGovActivist]

75. You Bet!

Check in and let us know how your thinking continues to evolve on the top of the ticket as this all unfolds.

- Dave

[bdamomma]

18. oh smokey I am so sad...sigh

I was really for Edwards. God, what a way to start the day.:(

[smokey nj]

30. I am too, alyce.

Seeing you here helps, though. :hug:

[SammyWinstonJack]

6. There was never a second choice for me and there still isn't.

[CorpGovActivist]

13. I'm Liking the Sound of Obama/Edwards Right Now...

... as salve on the wound.

- Dave

[saracat]

27. If Obama's name is on the ticket, it doesn't get my vote.That is my feeling.

If anything could make me feel betrayed, that would seal it.I do not uyet as I don't know why John withdrew but if he links with either of these guys, ugh.

[bpeale]

36. mine too. i would have to paint Edwards with the same brush as Obama.

so i couldn't possibly vote for that ticket.

[bobbolink]

76. Thanks for having the courage to say that! Me, too, and I'm getting royally ripped...

I knew all along the Dem party, and the "progressives", didn't give a shit about me, and now it's really coming out in spades.

I'm the party nigger.

[bpeale]

35. i doubt that will happen. they have NOTHING in common.

to match him, the only one is hillary.

[bdamomma]

38. do you really think that is the case? for the ticket I mean.

that kind of news would make me hopeful again.

[CorpGovActivist]

52. Either Veep or AG...

... would put some wind back in my sails. An activist AG like none seen since RFK?

:evilgrin:

- Dave

[n2doc]

20. I was looking forwards to voting for him next week in the Ga primary

Now I will stay home. Let the O-H battles go on, I don't care about either. As my Mom used to say, 50 cents of one, half dollar of the other.

I will vote D in the general but my heart isn't in it. Maybe that will change (about the only change I think I can hope for).

[CorpGovActivist]

37. Down-Ticket Races!!!

Look for the down-ticket up-and-comers who pitch a curveball like Edwards.

- Dave

[Barb in Atl]

68. Hey n2doc...

I'm sorry for ALL OF US that John Edwards decided to drop out of the race. I've got a lot of respect for him and I think he really added something to the process.

But as a fellow Georgia resident, I ask that you please check and see if your county has a referendum or SPLOST on the ballot before you bail on the primary. Also, perhaps Edwards' name will still be on the ballot / software so you may still be able to vote for him and show your support.

CGA's suggestion that JE be AG is kinda' giving me a tingle. Now THAT would be fun (as a consolation prize, it ain't bad).

[Hun Joro]

28. I don't have a third choice...

Edwards was my second choice. I don't know if I'll even bother tossing a coin....

[LittleClarkie]

82. I felt that way when Kerry decided not to run. I cried most of that day.

Give yourself some time to mourn. Took me forever to look at someone else. It helped when Kerry endorsed someone.

[lonestarnot]

3. Beautiful post.

:cry:

[CorpGovActivist]

8. Beautiful Campaign, Waged by a Beautiful Family...

[bdamomma]

21. oh that picture is going to make me cry.

:cry:

[CorpGovActivist]

24. Let Us Not Forget Wade...

http://www.wade.org/">Wade.org

[lonestarnot]

50. Beautiful pic! Thank you!

:hug:

[CorpGovActivist]

65. Yeah, a Little More...

:grouphug:

[lonestarnot]

70. Almost better than cowbell!

:grouphug:

[CorpGovActivist]

71. There Should Always Be...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v5Jd3bW1dA">more Cowbell.

I've voting for Walken now.

- Dave

[mrgorth]

9. Sorry guys

I was supporting both John and Barak (I live in PA) and waiting to see what happened. I loved John's message. Thanks for everything.

[CorpGovActivist]

11. Thank You...

... for not pouring salt in the wounds. Love the avatar.

- Dave

[bdamomma]

22. I'm in mourning now, sad news.

[CorpGovActivist]

31. With Any Luck, Edwards Secured Veep, and the Pats...

... win the Super Bowl!

:toast:

- Dave

[bdamomma]

39. that would be good news too about the Pats,

thanks for kind of cheering me up CGA!!

[CorpGovActivist]

46. We Must Beat an Orderly Retreat...

... regroup, retrench, and live to fight another day.

A good deal for Edwards, and a Pats win, could definitely be a big break in the clouds.

:toast:

- Dave

[lonestarnot]

51. Alyce don't stay there long.

[bdamomma]

53. thanks onestarnot, I won't stay there to long, I remember how

I was in shock during the last presidential election, it is mentally draining.

[VenusRising]

86. I'm sad, too.

I feel like I'm lost in the wilderness.

:cry:

[caseycoon]

43. I appreciate you rallying the troops, Dave but when all we have

is Tweedledee & Tweedledum it's hard to get excited.
Yes, I will be a good little zombie & vote for the nominee. I suppose Obama has a slight edge over Clinton. I cannot truly support either of them, but I'll tell you what I CAN & WILL support!
Howard Dean & his 50 state strategy.
We have to keep on getting more & more liberal Democrats in office in all state & local elections. (I say liberal because I'm not too sure exactly what a progressive is around here) WE HAVE TO FIGHT! Even through our tears.

[CorpGovActivist]

44. Amen and Hallelujah!

As mentioned upthread, we are talent scouts, helping to pick the farm team players in the down-ticket races who throw a curveball like Edwards'.

- Dave

[caseycoon]

47. Yes, I read that. & you are right. :o) n/t

[CorpGovActivist]

48. I'm Not Ready to Do the Wave...

... but there is definitely a generous silver lining in all of this.

- Dave

[Egnever]

54. Edwards was never my candidate

I do understand the feeling though Of getting behind a guy and investing your hopes and beliefs in them. Today must be a very hard day for you guys. You did your candidate proud sticking with him through thick and thin. You all deserve our respect today.

[CorpGovActivist]

60. Thank You!

That means a lot, and resonates more convincingly than if you had that other avatar.

:hug:

- Dave

[Lugnut]

55. I feel sick.

But I'll toast John Edwards any day. :toast:


:cry:

[CorpGovActivist]

59. Yeah, I've Got an Uneasy Feeling...

... lodged right in my gut. Nevertheless...

:toast:

- Dave

[babylonsister]

56. Thanks for this post, and thank you, John Edwards, for fighting the

good fight. As for Elizabeth, you will be missed, too. You tried this because you are both patriots, and I so respect that!

:patriot:

[CorpGovActivist]

57. In the Privacy of His Personal Field Tent, George Washington...

... often let down his wig, picked up his pen, and http://etext.virginia.edu/washington/fitzpatrick/">confided discouragement to his brother.

Even the best among us stumble and despair.

- Dave

[bobbolink]

74. This Edwardian will "shrink away", as you put it.

And, please, you've been a very valued friend, so don't criticise, 'K? I'm trusting our friendship that I can speak my heart.

I'm on the cusp of 62... I"ve been through so much political activism, most of it to benefit others.

NOW, when I need it desperately for myself, there is NO MOVEMENT for me, no CONCERN for me (in the party), no "PROGRAMS" for me... NOTHING.

Yet, I get denigrated because I said in '04 that was it... no more voting for the least of two weasels for me.

I've cared about soldiers, some of whom were less than stellar people themselves (yes, I was invited to view a "Gook nose and ear collection"!), I've cared about gay folk, some of whom told me that all Christians should be killed!, I've cared about blacks, Indians, Hawaiians and others who've been ripped off of the culture, their identity, etc. I've cared about the Palestinians, the Iraqis, etc.

Now it's time for me to care about me.

And, it will be alone, because my survival isn't a "Popular Cause".

A person can only be expected to be a martyr for so long.

Eventually they need to know they are considered a valued part of the human race.

BASTA!

And, so long.........

[CorpGovActivist]

77. Don't...

... leave without a :hug: ... AND DON'T ...

... ever hesitate to come back in for a :hug: ... AND DON'T ...

... ever fear that when you need an ear more than a yammer, that you need ask twice. :pals:

- Dave

[Blackhatjack]

79. K & R for a timely, well-written piece at a difficult time. THank YOU.

[CorpGovActivist]

84. Ugh...

... I went to bed last night thinking about Valley Forge, to illustrate that there would be tough times ahead. Color me shocked, a tad discouraged, but picture me with a set jaw.

Your own thread was the one I was waiting for. You were more, better, sooner, earlier.

:toast:

- Dave

[Blackhatjack]

89. I am old enough to know that all 'endings' provide new 'beginnings' ....

Disappointed, for sure. But heartened that Edwards' positions were adopted by so many other candidates.

ANd I know this is not the end for John and Elizabeth Edwards when it comes to making a difference.

THey will continue to serve in their own ways.

[CorpGovActivist]

91. My Favorite Poem from Tolkien: The Road Goes Ever On

http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=road+goes+ever+on">The best part was, many characters added their own stanzas.

This is why I like when others lend their hands to a poem. It illustrates that many hands pass the torch, and each hand has a chance to tend it. John and Elizabeth were able tenders of the flame, and pass along a brighter future to us all.

May their every road lead to unending happiness, on and on.

And BHJ, that goes for you, too.

- Dave

[Blackhatjack]

98. Edwards is right... We must not withdraw, we have a moral obligation to one another...

WE must continue to work together until all Americans are treated equally and have an opportunity to live in a progressive society.

Now is not the time to give up... now is the time to buckle down and work harder.

We should not give up the gains for which we fought so hard.

We do have a moral obligation to one another ... and to our future generations to make this country live up to its potential.

It really is the cause of our lives...

[CorpGovActivist]

99. I Envy Him...

... I wish I had a hammer, something to pound, and a nice Louisiana day to pound away in; what a fitting metaphor for his campaign to end on.

- Dave

[GalleryGod]

85. Johnny we Knew Ye, and truly love Ye !

[CorpGovActivist]

87. HUZZAH! HUZZAH! HUZZAH!

:toast:

[frogmarch]

90. More ale, Quartermaster!

Then let's get down to business. In the words of George Washington, I die hard but am not afraid to go.

We've an election to win. Who's it going to be, them or us?

[CorpGovActivist]

94. HUZZAH! HUZZAH! HUZZAH!

"If all else fails, I will retreat up the valley of Virginia, plant my flag on the Blue Ridge, rally around the Scotch-Irish of that region and make my last stand for liberty amongst a people who will never submit to British tyranny whilst there is a man left to draw a trigger." -- George Washington at Valley Forge.

Let us continue to make that stand for liberty.

But yes, more ale!

:toast:

- Dave

[frogmarch]

97. Aye! Ale all around

and let's all make our stand for liberty! :patriot:

Go Dems!

[radfringe]

103. reminds me a song my dad use to sing when he was with his

national guard buddies...


For it's beer beer beer
that makes us want to cheer
in the corp, in the corp

For it's beer beer beer
that makes us want to cheer
in the Quartermaster's corp

refrain:

My eyes grow dim
I can not see
I did not bring my specs with me


2nd verse:

For it's whiskey whiskey whiskey
that makes us feel so frisky
in the corp, in the corp

For it's whiskey whiskey whiskey
that makes us feel so frisky
in the Quartermaster's corp


........

after that it sort of just degrades to something something that makes us so something

[CorpGovActivist]

107. LOL...

... and gets more and more "crisp" in the articulation with each round, right?

- Dave

[Tatiana]

92. Congrats

:toast:

You called this one just about perfectly. Hoping things play out as you have suggested...

[CorpGovActivist]

96. Would've Rather Been Dead Wrong ...

... but the road goes ever on and on.

:toast:

"The work goes on..." -- John Edwards, as I type this.

- Dave

[iris5426]

101. Excellent post...and a tearful cheers to JRE

:toast:

I wish there was a :sadtoast: though that would be more fitting at the moment...

[CorpGovActivist]

102. OK...

... you just gave me an idea.

- Dave

[CorpGovActivist]

104. :sadtoast: Music

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4294099&mesg_id=4294099">here.

- Dave

[iris5426]

108. Dammit. Now I'm teary again.

But I did write you another haiku:

true hope's lost again
bitter unexpected day
corporations win


and I got the syllables right this time!

I am SO not getting a damn bit of work done today. And being a self-employed accountant with tax season starting, that only hurts me. Crap.

[CorpGovActivist]

109. Hey...

... good one, if one I wish weren't true.

:applause:

I have a feeling that by this time tomorrow, a lot - a LOT - of people are going to be switching mental gears to work for down-ticket races (e.g., Senate and House), to help move the other branch toward a more progressive vein, and a more solid majority.

- Dave

[earth mom]

110. I won't EVER give up! Nor will I compromise. Simple as that. nt

[CorpGovActivist]

111. Cheers!!!

:toast:

- Dave

[RFKHumphreyObama]

113. I grew to support both Edwards and Obama equally

I wanted to have an Edwards avatar and an Obama sig line but I couldn't figure out how to do it. But they were on an equal level to each other in my book

I am devastated that Edwards never got the chance to prove what a wonderful, progressive and visionary President and international statesman he would have been. His withdrawal from the race is a great loss and the Democratic Party, the nation and the world are the worse off for it. I truly wish the best for John, Elizabeth and their families

I'm sorry guys. It hurts, I know. Perhaps his greatest legacy will be that he provided so much hope and inspiration to people around the nation and around the globe and that he touched the hearts and minds of so many. His contribution to public life will never be forgotten by all those whom he inspired and I know that he will continue to inspire many regardless of whether he remains in public life or not

[CorpGovActivist]

114. He Will Find a Way...

... to grasp - by fingertips and tiptoes at first - and then by firm handhold and toehold, a higher vantage point.

So will all who hold on, and pull each other up.

- Dave