I Wonder How Many Here Feel Like I Do?? It's ANOTHER Friday Night...

[ChiciB1]

Another day gone by, another week pissed away, another month gone to hell and here we sit. I'm not feeling "good vibes" in the air and am almost to the point where It doesn't even MATTER if I care.

I've been a political junky since I was around 12 years old. Naturally at that age it was just a tugging at my coat sleeves. Through the years I've tried very hard to keep myself well informed as much as possible. Anyone who knows me will tell you how political I am, I'm the one they come to for updates. Now I'm no Chomsky or anything, but you get the gist of what I'm saying. Before the Internet where I can now click onto C-Span or other news outlets and get the latest, I would have to "tape" programs just so I could keep up with what was going on. I would stay up all hours of the night just so I could get a re-cap so I was knowledgeable on various issues.

But lately, I find myself NOT even wanting to watch what is going on. With ALL THE STUFF that has happened, and with all the scandals and all the corruption I not only CAN'T see a glimmer of a silver lining, I doubt there will BE one! MSM keeps on churning out stuff on the latest scandal, only to let us know the next day, that OOOOPS actually there is ANOTHER side to the story!!

Tonight, we got Tommy F--k Face and his farewell, we got how the Democrats are so divided and how Murtha is going to fracture an already "split" party by announcing he wants to be Majority Leader if the Democrats win the house, and I almost wanted to run outside and start screaming!! Ann Coulter, a really nasty piece of work gets what SHE wants... her book is Numero Uno, and very very few Repukes are even batting an eye about her vitriol, instead quite a few like Mary Matalin are PRAISING HER!

Meanwhile, polls taken of Presidential hopefuls on the Repuke side show McCain at 70+% and Kerry in his home state in the low 50's. Even our so called "star" Hillary is only polling at 51% from her base. I will have to say, I'm not happy it's even that high, I think she will be playing right into the Repukes hands if she runs. Polling done away from the blogs do show her as the front runner by a wide margin and that makes me feel even worse!

The silent drum beat goes on, Democrats have NO ideas, have NO unity and even with the ball put squarely in front of them can't even punt! It has created a great deal of apathy for me and what's worse I don't see PROGRESS! I already think the word "hope" is a four letter word and innovation escapes me. I would be willing to bet that come November we are going to be in the SAME shape we are now. Awwuunold is doing the BIG come-back and bets are on that he WILL WIN!

Where's Fitz, where's the anti-war battle cry, where's the coverage of the real TRUTH and why are most of MY friends telling me they don't EVEN want to vote??? A few of my best politicos are simply washing their hands and giving up. I think I'm getting pretty close myself.

And before you tell me to get out there and get involved "locally" let me say I already have! I write letters, I call, I read, I contact as many people as I can, I get involved and I sign petitions up the WAZOO, but still see very little progress. It's really slim pickins' down in my neck of the woods. Try Katherine Harris as a representative and you'll understand where I'm coming from! Trying to make a difference is NOT working, at least not from where I'm sitting. It's almost as if America is into one big "turn it off and tune them out!" I'm going to have to climb way up out of this hole just to get to even ground.

This is not a plea for a "pity party" I don't even want to go there... I'm just plain getting to the point where I feel completely WORN OUT! How Do YOU feel? Really?

[RevCheesehead]

1. Weary.

Take a break, and live a little. Laugh, and love whenever possible. I promise you, things will look better. :hug:

[ChairmanAgnostic]

2. four myself, my spousette just poured me a drink

we both had the same emotional response to today.

[ChiciB1]

4. Okay... Pour Myself A Drink... Guess I'll Have To Run To The

store. Oh wait a minute, I bought a small bottle of Jose Quervo (sp) Tequila and extra fixings BEFORE 2004, found the recipe to make one of those good "golden margaritas" so I could CELEBRATE a win.....

It's still sitting around somewhere, but I really wanted to save it for a REALLY REALLY special event! Looks like I'm going to have some well aged Tequila some day for sure.

Perhaps a couple of beers would lighten the mood, but there's always tomorrow, do I drink more then?? But I do think my husband has a few cold ones in the fridge outside somewhere. Bottoms Up!

[lonestarnot]

3. Maybe you just need a vacation to rejuvenate. Never surrender.

[napi21]

5. I hear ya. I live in Ga. and it's not much better here!

I'm still able to stay a bit positive though. Ignore Tommy! He's out of the Hosue, and the House is better for it!

Lots of people aren't paying any attention to this stuff yet. It's stll June! If I mention something about a November vote to people now, they just say, "Oh man, that's a long way from now! I've got the whole summer comming up!"

eck, you seem to e concerned about Hillary and Kerry. Their aspirations are for 2 1/2 YEARS from now! Think about something else for now.

It's Friday, you've got the weekend; have a beer, watch a stupid comedy on TV, and have a laugh. Youll feel better!

Gee, look at that! I had to edit for bad fingers AGAIN!

[Jeffersons Ghost]

6. ChiciB1 there's other names for how you feel. I call it OUTRAGE OVERLOAD..

Their plan is working. I bet you dollars to donuts Administration advisers have some super-secret name for it but to me, it's like a fist-fight where you keep hitting the opponent over and over, while giving no chance for retaliation.

[ChiciB1]

8. Yeah... Outrage IS There & I Can't Seem To Quit Bashing Myself

over the head, it "my addiction" and a hard one to break.

We've talked about this before, but it does seem we are just spinning our wheels! When my friends start fleeing it sends up red flags for sure. I guess I can still WISH! It's not a four letter word yet! But daaayuumm, this is "hard work!" Batteries are definitely on "low!"

[Jeffersons Ghost]

16. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I think it's only beginning...

Al Jazeera will be broadcasting in English in several world markets, including DC, within months and it pushes the reich-wing agenda, forcing their hand to a degree.

You've got to separate emotions from logic. Saying chill-out is not only tripe but also an understatement. When you read, hear or view anything, especially imagery become ice. Cold, hard and calculating wins the day. Analyze they propaganda as a type of prey item; one that you might even be able to compliment for it's potential, if its objective was not so insidious.

There is a time for emotions when you write about it later. It makes great OPs, when emotions come across.

Become a student and weaver of propaganda. Check google images for early WW2 examples and read this quick down to Earth study. http://www.propagandacritic.com/

Once you understand the demon, it loses power over you.

[ChiciB1]

34. WOW... This Is Good...

Thanks for the link!

[guinivere]

12. You're probably right. They WANT to wear us down.

I'm feeling weary and overloaded myself.

I hope the Dems have a psychological warfare plan of their own to implement soon. Like yesterday.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

18. guinivere read back to the red rat 16th post for a plan that works great

[HysteryDiagnosis]

7. I find myself amazed at the stories I hear from people who know

people who have returned from Iraq and being told how messed up many of them are for what they did/had to do in Iraq.... Haditha is no isolated incident from what I am hearing from people who should know.

[ChiciB1]

10. And YET... It Remains As It Was!!

Sure people say they are against the war, but Democrats still AREN'T winning!

Not only do we have to get our leaders UNITED, we have to deal with Gerrymandering! This IS going to be a BIG BIG LEAP!

[MercutioATC]

9. A week "pissed away" puts me 7 days closer to retirement...

...in Costa Rica.

:)

[ChiciB1]

13. My Daughter Just Left For Costa Rica Last Thursday....

said she doesn't want to come back. I had to remind her, she and her husband still have to "work" for a living and have 3 kids to raise! But she sure doesn't want to come back!

They vacationed there once before and LOVED it! I just wish I could have gone! My husband and I have been taking care of his mother for the past 7 years, she has Alzheimer's and will be 94 VERY soon!

We have decided that in another year if she is still with us, we are going to put her in a Care Facility and take a little vacation ourselves! It is needed for sure!

[MercutioATC]

22. It's an amazing place. You'll love it.

[ChiciB1]

35. Are You From There Originally??

My daughter has talked so much about the place and how "warm and gentle" the people are! Not to mention the absolute beauty! Some of the pictures are amazing. I could go on and on about all she told me but if you're from there or you've visited there... you know!

I do want to go someday!

[Rose Siding]

11. Whoa a minute on the Murtha splitting the party

I sympathize. I certainly get weary, too. But Murtha's bid doesn't necessarily do harm. He gets along with Nancy, probably better than she ever has with Hoyer (though they've worked well together) -especially since his plan for Iraq, which she's always supported.

Hoyer is pretty conservative, but so's John. I just hope Nancy stays out of it and let's them duke it out without lending her more liberal voice to one side or the other. That might put conservatives off of Murtha.

[ChiciB1]

14. Oh, Criminey... A Little Crisis Has Just Come Up...

Sorry... gotta take care of some mother-in-law business! I would like to hear comments though.

Sorry, gotta run.. getting hollered at!

[Tsiyu]

15. Time for a break

Sounds like...:hug:

And some clear running stream somewhere and a small backpack hauling some cold beer and boiled peanuts.

Try reading something non-political and escape the madness for a while.

I know I'm nagging but it works.

:hi:

[alterfurz]

17. Non Illegitimus Carborundum!

Don't let the bastards grind you down!

Never give up. Never. Never. Never. -- Winston Churchill

[MissWaverly]

19. Look at the positive side

Yes, DeLay is giving his bitter diatribe that if he only had the opportunity he would be
partisan 1000x, he never wanted effective leadership, just cronyism, BUT the point is that
he is LEAVING, GONE, FINITO, not to return and with nothing more than an applause. The
problem with lockstep rule, is losing the lock on the step and that is what they have lost.
Did they succeed in passing their ULTIMATE attempt to turn our democracy into a divisive
society with the gay marriage ban, NO, did they get their guarantee of a permanent repeal
of the estate tax, NO, their power is weakening, America is fed up, look at any polls
2/3 of the American people have had it with their tricks.

[bdamomma]

20. We all feel that way

defeated and weary, but then again this is exactly what they want, they want us to lie over and play dead. Sorry, I cannot. Their arrogance and ignorance knows no bounds, and they need to be kicked out!! and I;m tired of being taken as a fool. People are saying they are not going to vote? that would be our biggest mistake.

They are playing mind games with us, I hate to use a cliche, but there are more of us than them. Well, try to not to give up on hope, we just have to get our shit together and unite.

[ChiciB1]

36. We DO Need To Get UNITED... For Sure! (nt)

[Fridays Child]

21. The neocons are tightening their collective grip, right now...

...because they realize that the country is catching on to them. Frank Zappa said it best:

"The illusion of freedom in America will continue as long as it's profitable to continue the illusion. At the point where the illusion becomes too expensive to maintain, they will just take down the scenery, they will pull back the curtains, they will move the tables and chairs out of the way, and you will see the brick wall at the back of the theatre." -- 1977

[Gregorian]

23. It's not a good time. You are seeing America at it's worse.

Today at the YearlyKos, Joseph Wilson was asked about his level of optimism. His answer was pretty logical. It's a country based on the rule of law. And as such, he is pretty positive about the outcome.

In high school one of my friends had every Oliphant cartoon of Nixon. They were plastered over every inch of his walls. I don't know how come we were friends, because he was brilliantly aware of politics and getting ready to go on to get his phd in botany. I was a Democrat, but I was really on a one track mindset. PARTY! I can guarantee that we have changed. He's probably paying less attention, and I have finally started to pay attention in a big way.

I was painfully aware of how screwed America had become, when Reagan got into office. It was paranoia in America compared to what it was. Hell, you could get away with just about anything until that joker showed up. Reagan was the end of good times in this country. But I didn't know why I was upset until the second Bush got into office. And only about five years ago, it was that I finally woke up to what I had been experiencing all of these years.

I dropped out when Reagan showed up. Completely dropped out. Politics was just something that happened in Washington, far away. Then came Bush 2. And I woke up like someone tossed a cherry bomb in my bedroom on a monday morning at 7am. Blam! And the psyche was running. Since then I've been a junky.

I'm only telling you this because even though you might feel responsible, you are not alone. And as dark as it gets, there are still people who are awakening. Each day a new person wakes up. And I believe that once awake, they never go back to sleep. Not fully.

Now my dad is 82. And he is fully aware of what is going on. Sometimes I wonder how he keeps up. But evidently, the New York Times is a pretty good newspaper. Because I can hardly floor him with anything I've got up my sleeve from spending time on DU or other forums. We do get the full story here, and most people don't. BUT, even he is starting to feel the crunch. In his life, he has seen the Great Depression, FDR and his famous speech, McCarthyism, and all of it. But he has never been this discourged.

So know that it's bad. Really bad. I want it to get better. But there are some things I've wanted desperately in our society that have not happened. It's slow. You know, I'm really not helping you out. One of the best things for me is to look at Europe. They know fascism. And see what they're perspective is. I was on a European forum yesterday, and had to laugh at how they brushed Coulter off like some stupid animal. I think we're still in the throws of trying to accept something distasteful. They had bombs raining down. And i think as our society matures (which is a way of saying we experience a bunch of bad shit.), Americans will grow up. Hell, we're only 100,000 days old.

Well some help that was. You probably hate me for being so lame, when I should have been marching in the streets during Iran Contra. I'm sorry. But at least I'm awake now. And I'm on your side. That might be of some comfort. And check out the Rude Pundit. That seems to bring a smile to my face.

[Blue Velvet]

24. Call me foolish, but I'm going to try cheering you up!

But first - believe me when I say, I hear (and feel deeply) what you mean insofar as your "outrage fatigue" is concerned. I feel tired and scared a lot of the time. And I've seen a certain number of my friends - who just a few years ago were way more political than me - fall into despair and/or disinterest.

At the same time, I sense the tide is turning. I sense a shift in the general mood of our country and even of our mainstream press. Granted, it might be slight - but in these turbulent times, where seemingly EVERY nook and cranny of corporate media has been bought and paid for, even a slight shift counts for more than it ever has, to my mind. And we all know what a small snowball rolling downhill can 'cause...

And, by the way (in case you're wondering), I do have evidence of the (to some) outrageously positive claims I just made above. So here are some of the bits and pieces - the "snowballs" I suppose - that make up what I hope is an ever-growing avalanche of change in our once-great nation:

First, the fact that Stephen Colbert's Bush-eviscerating Press Corps dinner speech made such an enormous splash in the world of electronic media. Last time I checked, it was STILL in the top ten "albums" on ITunes. This shows me that there is ever greater demand in this land for the truth, and not mere truthiness. I sense a country that is almost STARVING for it. (And, although the media being asleep at the switch is certainly upsetting, the fact that we can fill that void and deliver that truth makes our roles more vital than ever - which can be tiring, to be sure, but which also can be an amazing opportunity. I mean, you just posting your words has inspired me to reply, which might help someone else in turn, etc etc - every bit counts!)

Second, the FRONT PAGE Rolling Stone RFK Jr. cover story about the 2004 election theft. A story that has, I might add, gained some traction in the MSM since it was published (which is something that was UNTHINKABLE mere weeks ago).

Third, tragic though it certainly is, the fact that events at Haditha are finally coming to light - having happened in November, mind you - and the incident is being widely dicussed. The fact that the coverup was unsuccessful and that blame is seeming to capillary-action higher up the command chain (not high enough, of course, but higher) than it was for the "bad apples" of Abu Ghraib also gives me hope and helps me cope.

Fourth, the increasing number of people (especially the retired Generals) calling for Rumsfeld's dismissal (or worse).

Fifth, the fact that Ann Coulter has out and out horrified the nation with comments about the 9/11 widows. Spin though they may, I have a hard time believing the corporate media can frame her exchange with Matt Lauer in ANY way that doesn't come off as gut-wrenchingly shameless and/or shameful (or, dare I say, godless). And the fact that Rahm Emmanuel called the Republicans out on it and the fact that some Repug commentators (like the Mad Matalin) are actually DEFENDING her can only paint the Republican party as a whole with a very soiled brush. (Plus, people are talking about (and listening to) the Jersey Girls again!)

Sixth, Al Gore's inspiring and informative film is - FOR THE SECOND WEEK - the highest grossing movie of any playing in the US. Take that X-MEN!

So (have I bored you yet?) even though I am more fatigued than I have ever felt, having to fight through this constant barrage of BS every day, I am actually (and possibly foolishly) optimistic that things might just be shifting toward a more positive outcome.

(And please, everyone, feel free to add to my list of positive "snowballs" above!)

Lastly, I wanna agree with everyone in this thread who advocates taking a little break from it all - by your account it sounds like you immerse yourself more fully in world events info than most people do, and whereas that once may not have been problematic, these days with the sheer density of toxicity in the air (both politically and environmentally) you're problably getting WAY more of the USRDA in propagandic info-poison than is healthy!

So take a break, pace yourself, and try and stop and smell the roses whenever and wherever you can. Sure it's hard these days, but that's why it's more important now than ever. Peace, my friend! :pals:


ETA: Whew - my post tired ME out, heh! So I'm gonna go night night now, but I'll see you in this thread first thing tomorrow!

[MissWaverly]

32. Thank you for this excellent post

Comment from my sister on this: there are too many buried secrets on Bush, think of them as
wine bottles all buried around, the problem is that he has pissed off a lot of people, thrown
them off the bus to maintain his image and think of that as shaking all those bottled secrets,
she says that the corks will be popping off sooner or later.

[Random_Australian]

25. I am getting ready to fix as much of the world as I can. I am not tired.

When I start, I will never tire.

I will leave this world a far better place than I found it, or die trying.

I have the gift of the ability to comprehend so much, I will make a difference.

Not ready yet, soon though, soon though. I have time. It will take time.

[lvx35]

26. Something is going to happen.

I'll give it 4 weeks. But something is going to happen. There is to much crap on the camel's back. It doesn't mean that Michael Moore will take the whitehouse, but changes are a comin'.

[JeffR]

27. Take 5. Take 10. Take as much of a breather as you need.

It may got a lot worse in the short term, but it's going to get better in the long term. Conserve your strength.

[SeattleGirl]

28. Sometimes I feel exactly that way -- Worn out!

Sometimes I get so angry at the DeLays and Coulters and Frists and Bushes and Cheneys. And sometimes I get so tired of how things are spun in the media, how they will play, over and over and over again, talking point after talking point after talking point from these people, with nary a word from the other side being aired. Sometimes I get so discouraged by the people who are running this country into the ground. And I especially get discouraged feeling like we have NO VOICE any more. None. I do blame spineless Dems to an extent, but I ALSO blame Republicans too. Sometimes they seem to signal a move to stand against some of the more blatant of Bush's power grabs, but then they back down. And since the Republicans are the ones in power, I do give them more blame than I do the Dems. But again, I feel that people like me, and so many people on DU and elsewhere, no longer have a voice. We no longer matter. We are unimportant and expendable.

Yes, sometimes I feel worn out. Sometimes I feel like giving up. But thank The Maker there is still a spark of hope in me, a spark that fuels me, gives me energy to keep fighting, keep talking, keep standing up for what is right, and standing against what is wrong.

[femrap]

29. Everyone needs a break now and then...take it.

Do you have a DFA or PDA group in your area? I attended a weekend long training last weekend from DFA on Campaigning to Win. It was full of practical knowledge. I feel more confident now....I have the skills to help Dems win elections.

And I, too, feel the 'shift.' Think about it....Delay had to resign...he is facing indictment! He may have given a snotty good-bye speech, but the little prick is GONE! We need to celebrate our wins!

I have started making fun of the pugs....ridiculing them in a very humiliating way. I do this out in public....standing in the grocery line. I have the best time laughing at the pug's hypocrisy...it's so easy to point out. People know that our country is in one big mess...and it's this W administration that has put us there....THEY GOTTA GO.

We need to knock on folk's doors, call our voter's lists, hand out literature...and if need be, play dirtier than the pugs. If they start a 'whisper campaign' about one of our dems, then we WHISPER LOUDER. Don't tell me that those little prick pug men don't dress up in high heels and wear women's lingerie. NICE IS OVER....we gotta get down and fight for this '06 Election. We gotta get the House or Senate....then we can HAVE SUBPOENA POWER!!!!

And be prepared for the October surprise....as far as I know, they got Osama on ice somewhere. Americans are catching on to the LIES of this administration. Let this stock market drop some more and those that aren't paying attention, will be. I think we have to have faith in the American people and their love for our Constitional Democracy.

And last..."NEVER DOUBT THAT A SMALL GROUP OF THOUGHTFUL, COMMITTED CITIZENS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD. INDEED, IT IS THE ONLY THING THAT EVER HAS. Margaret Mead.

[pecwae]

30. This is one of the best threads

I've ever read on DU in support of a weary poster! DU'ers coming together to encourage, even amuse another who has put his/her feelings out here. None of the "I hate downers" or "get some cajones" comments. I feel encouraged by this outpouring of positive support. K&R

[ChiciB1]

37. I Was Impressed Myself...

Sometimes, we do eat our own don't we??

[BlackVelvet04]

31. Life's too short......

take some time to enjoy it. Do some of the things that make you feel good. Get a massage, read a good light novel, take a nap, enjoy a drink. Do something EVERY DAY that makes you feel good. For me, it's sitting on my front porch listening to the waterfall and the birds singing and watching the antics of all the little critters in my yard. I do that every day and it brings a smile to my face, peace to my mind and joy to my spirit.

[ChiciB1]

33. Hellooooo To ALL You GOOD People...

It was very very late last night before I could get back here to DU and then today had to get up go to work for a friend. But I just finished reading all the posts and want to THANK everyone who replied. I AM pleasantly surprised at the optimism that I seem to have lost.

As "pecwae" said the replies here have been very sincere and on point and didn't get off message as so many other threads do. I do think I may need to back off a little and not get so wrapped up. As I'm sure so many of us do, we eat, drink and sleep this stuff. And I have called it "my addiction" in that past. But I really do want to make a difference and it's hard NOT to be involved.

It's been such a roller coaster for so long and you get to a point where the ride just makes you sick! Looking back, it's MY political friends who give me the most worry because if you lose them it DOES seem like it's time to quit playing ball. I think I'm going to send the replies to them and see if it makes any difference. But the thought of being governed by so many corrupt people should they win again is simply mind boggling! I mean WHY are so many people missing this stuff??

Anyway, sorry I "ran away" had a mini-fiasco going on last night with my mother-in-law and had to leave. But I did want to thank all of you for your very interesting, caring and insightful replies. All of you! While I was tempted to reply to each one, it would have been kind of silly. So many intelligent people live here at DU!

Tonight... AAAHH, but it IS Saturday and not too much will be happening, I will walk to the beach and stroll along and watch the sun set!! But at the risk of sounding a little snide, I REALLY wish we would get some RAIN! I don't think there's a Red Tide outbreak so it will very probably be a nice outing. A good swim before my walk will be good too. I would swim in the Gulf, but it's been pretty dirty lately... we haven't really had a good rain since December and it's kind of mucky, so I'll have to "chlorinate" myself instead!

Thanks Again! Can't say I won't be back tomorrow, but I did buy myself a book called "Getting UnStuck!" It's not political and I did start to read it about a week ago... time to finish it. But I just got my Rolling Stone magazine in the mail yesterday! Flip a coin??? How can I NOT read Rolling Stone??

[mdmc]

38. Prairie Home Companion will be on at 6pm est

please listen to it.. and watch the movie... it will recharge your batteries...