My Last Hurrah (at least for a while)

[Mythsaje]

We hear over and over again that "DU doesn't reflect America." Well, no shit. Too damn bad, that is. For the most part, anyway. Too much of America is too wound up wondering who's going to win that night's competition on "Dancing with the Stars" or some such crap, or glued to their couch with a beer in hand watching the latest "big game."

Fucking sports. What an example of pointless mental masturbation spectator sports are.

Hell, there are some people here who seem pretty fucking clueless too. And I don't mean just those who support candidates other than mine. I can accept that different people see things differently. But those who can't or won't understand how important JE's populist message actually is really confuse me. "I'm not really much of a populist."

To me that more or less translates as "I don't give a FUCK about anyone who's not like me."

Do I sound like a judgmental ass? Perhaps.

People accuse Johnny of being "too slick" or "a snake-oil salesman." Well, in this particular case, that so-called "snake oil" is a wonder drug. Because we NEED someone out in front who's willing to take on the corporate control of our country and bust the monopolies we've allowed to form since Teddy took them on back at the beginning of the LAST century.

Even a President can't do it alone. But Johnny's right. The President has a bully pulpit and it would be nice to have one sitting in the White House who was willing to use it for something other than attacking Social Security, the idea of universal healthcare, and trumpeting the (usually bullshit) case for war with anyone he can.

I've said it before that I think any one of our candidates would do all right, and be a damn sight better than what we've had, or what the Repugs have lining up on the other side of the great divide. But the simple fact is that only ONE of the candidates who even has any kind of a shot seems willing to take on the power players directly.

Is he angry? I sure as hell hope so. Because turning the other cheek is a damn stupid thing to do when your adversary is trying to carve you up like a Christmas ham. And make no mistake, that's what's being done to us RIGHT NOW. Every single thing that remains good about America is being chopped apart and passed out to all the "right" people and they're sitting there with their napkins tucked into their shirts and their knives and forks at the ready to dig in and eat America's heart in a couple of big gulps.

In one breath we condemn Congress for rolling over again and again, and in the other we (some of us, at least) condemn Edwards for being "too angry."

I don't think the other candidates are angry enough by a LONG shot. While the big wigs are fighting over the few remaining scraps of meat left on our bones, the last thing we need is a Democratic candidate who's trying to sweet talk them away from the table.

What is it about this that some people just don't get? "I'm not much of a populist?" What, you LIKE seeing people pushed into a corner and eaten by the corporate scavengers because they have no way to fight back? You find that amusing, do you? Or do you just turn away because it has nothing to do with you?

I don't get it. We should ALL be concerned about the invisible and forgotten folks in this country--the homeless vets, the working poor, the kids who are on the edge of death because what they need doesn't do anything to help the bottom line of those who make the decisions. All the people who have no voice because they have no money.

And don't tell me that the preservation of the middle class isn't a major part of this fight. It is. A strong and vibrant middle class is a necessity to help bring people up out of poverty. Without an expanding middle class, there is simply no place for them to go. A shrinking middle class indicates people falling INTO poverty. It's really that simple.

His is a message America desperately needs to hear. "WE ARE BEING EATEN ALIVE." Because we are. This isn't hyperbole. America is being consumed by vast corporate entities so powerful they are like nations unto themselves, though far more diverse in terms of territory. Americans are losing the ability to pass a better life to their children, and entirely too many of us are blissfully unaware of it.

I LIKE Obama's message of hope. I truly do. I think that's necessary too. Doom and gloom isn't going to get us anywhere in the end. But hope without a real dedication to fight isn't going to solve our problems. The cannibals aren't going to set their knives and forks aside because we ask them nicely. We may have to flip a few tables, scatter the place-settings, and chase them from the room for a while.

This is a battle that needs to be waged, and it needs to be waged RIGHT NOW. We cannot timidly edge into it, hoping we can appeal to the conscience of those who aren't fully invested in the gruesome meal they're all set to share.

What really strikes me funny is to see the occasional poster here mention the "class war" in almost Republican terms, as if it isn't being waged whether we participate or not, as if the powerful didn't fire the first shots and aren't busy parceling the rest of us out to consume at their leisure. The class war is here whether we like it or not. This leaves us with only a few choices. We can stand back and hope to ride it out unscathed (unlikely), try to join the currently winning side (possible for some, but hardly a perspective worth of consideration or respect), or take off the gloves, roll up our sleeves, and get ready to do battle.

The way I see it, the last option is the only one worthy of us.


Something needs to change. Desperately. There comes a time when it's time to make a choice and that time is now. We can either choose to fight back, or play dead while they sink their knives into our unprotected flesh.

I know what I mean to do. I aim to misbehave.

In the end it doesn't matter if you believe Edwards means what he's saying. We all know the message is true. He's been in the belly of the beast and he's come out to tell us about it. You can assume that he's just spitting a line--saying what he thinks we want to hear.

That's fine. But we damn well better be listening to the message. He's not crying wolf. Or, if he is, it's because there's a big slavering monster outside looking for the next available snack.

Step lively, or be its next meal. That's the choice we all face.

Deny it at your peril. At ALL our peril.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

1. You're right. And you know what? The Repukes have created this class system in the U.S.

At least the Republicans, the rich & corporations. The class system is not something that was invented by John Edwards. He merely pointed it out and continues to point it out. The media is scared SHITLESS of John Edwards. Corporate execs get the dry heaves when they see him. The rich begin to tremble. They know if Edwards were president, their life as they know it would be history.

The way I see it, the rich, the media and corporations have brought it to a point where the only battle that can be fought has to be called a class war. This is feudalism at its finest, and it has to stop.

[Orsino]

75. The class system existed before the United States.

Modern Republicans are simply perfecting it. But every day we're not in the streets, we are tacitly supporting it.

[Two Americas]

140. great point n/t

...

[Sarah Ibarruri]

149. You are they are perfecting it. nt

[Yael]

2. Thank you

Well stated

[Subdivisions]

3. Agreed Myth. We are in BIG trouble in this country and I

believe Edwards is our best hope to institute the change we so very desperately need.

Good post. I hope we see you again soon.

Meanwhile, go misbehave. But do be careful.

[Booster]

4. Couldn't agree with you more. Take a break, but come back.

[calimary]

63. Indeed. Come back.

We need you!

[annabanana]

5. You have put your finger on it m'dear. Anyone who isn't

angry doesn't have enough of the necessary information.

America is being hollowed out. It still looks the same, it sounds the same, but there is very little left holding up the pretty pictures. Katrina showed us that.

Our way of life, our futures, our safety and our National Security have all been sacrificed to fill the pockets of the pirates that have the helm of the Ship of State.

[KittyWampus]

17. Anger makes a person stupid. The last thing I want in a candidate is anger.

Anger also seeps ones strength.

Anger is only productive when it's channeled into resolve.

[Mythsaje]

19. There's hot anger, and there's cold, deep, calculated anger.

Never underestimate the latter.

[femrap]

26. huh? Anger is the best emotion of all....

it warns us of injustice and tells us to right the wrong.

You enjoy being a doormat?

[Triana]

73. Bingo - what femrap said. ANGER can be a really GOOD thing...

...like PAIN - it warns us that something is wrong that needs to be fixed. With anger - that something that needs to fixed is often something outside ourselves. People like Edwards who can channel that anger AT WHAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED - when it is a good an righteous and just cause - are invaluable. (fighting the INJUSTICES of corporatism for example and the stranglehold they have on this country and our government and fighting for the people this hurts so badly).

TOO BAD so many people see his anger as a "bad" thing.

I contend that it's how that anger is used and channelled and where it is directed that is important.

Further, I think where JRE is concerned, what people are seeing is passion, not necessarily anger. He has said that this is a personal cause to him. And I WANT a president to whom this cause is personal.

[femrap]

94. Hi Triana....

Anger is your friend!!! Go Edwards!

[rhett o rick]

87. Well then call me stupid. I am sure the hell angry.

There is way to little anger from our elected reps if you ask me. When someone violates the Constitution I expect anger. I would agree that uncontrolled anger isn't effective. But when our government starts to act like a fascist state, I want anger. I think controlled anger can be effective.

[rhett o rick]

88. Go to a window, open it up, stick your head out and yell, "I am mad as hell

and I am not going to take it anymore". It may be stupid but it is a good start.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

150. Not being angry is more pleasant for everyone, but what the powerful have done to the rest....

.... causes anger. And anger is what the powerful fear in the majority. Anger is a powerful emotion. It causes things to happen.

[dorkulon]

6. "it doesn't matter if you believe Edwards means what he's saying"?

Huh. That's funny, because I thought that was the only thing that matters.

Because I've seen a hell of a lot of people get elected who plum forgot all the promises they made on the campaign trail.

But it doesn't matter. Huh.

[robcon]

8. Good point, dorkulon.

The only thing that matters is that we can trust the candidates. Without trust, we have nothing.

[Mythsaje]

12. This message matters.

He's not lying about the threat. THAT'S what matters.

[robcon]

14. NO. It matters A LOT whether he believes his message.

Saying it doesn't matter whether Edwards believes it is godawful cynicism.

[Mythsaje]

16. Of COURSE he means it.

It's the truth. We all know (or should know) that he's not lying about it.

The question is whether he means to fight, whether he actually means to do something about it. That's where the doubt comes in. A lot of us believe he does...others do not.

But that message HAS to get out, no matter how hard the corporate media tries to squelch it.

[Orsino]

74. No, that's not a given.

When I see Edwards say that he opposes same-sex marriage, I don't necessarily believe him. But even if I did, I would have to suspect that he is less than the champion of the downtrodden that he markets himself as. His opposition to same-sex marriage tells me that there are some people he will abandon. It's a sad point that somewhat undercuts his otherwise great message.

Edwards' message is an important one, and it is precisely because so few are willing to stand up for it that we have to examine the messenger, and ask whether we believe he will live up to his words. If we ultimately reject Edwards himself, though, we'd damn well better be working to carry that torch ourselves--because almost no one else looks ready to stand up to corporate dominance.

[Two Americas]

138. analyzing the messenger

We are subject to the continuous assault by an army of highly paid, perfumed and pampered, bribed and corrupted pompous idiots all over the airwaves, and all they ever do is analyze the messengers. It is a subtle but relentless and destructive form of ad hominem attack, and the more anyone speaks out for the people the more subject they are to this.

I say we abandon once and for all the corrupt and morally depraved politics of personal destruction.

This is the box that we have been led into, and that will always harm the Democratic party more than the Republicans; it will always hurt the poor and the working people more than the wealthy and the powerful; it will always hurt the people more than the rulers. It is an absolute guarantee that we will remain enslaved and have no voice in out own future.

If you think there is anything about Edwards the man that "undercuts his otherwise great message" what does that say as to how committed you yourself are to that message? No one can undercut the powerful and universal message represented by the traditional principles and ideals of the Democratic party for me.

No one.

That is not the risk, and that is not the problem. Quite to the contrary - the message has been put at risk because none of our politicians have had the guts to express it and the people have not been given any opportunity to hear it.

[Orsino]

143. His message *isn't* universal, though.

As long as he's pandering by opposing same-sex marriage, he's a little too "traditional" for my taste.

My commitment to anti-corporatism is not all-encompassing; it doesn't help me grin and bear it, or "get over it," or whatever you're hinting I should do. I am saddened that a great candidate has such a visible lack of courage. Thing is, I don't see why I absolutely can't vote for him, and that saddens me a bit, too. It will hurt me to vote for him, knowing that his apparently great vision is going to leave certain people behind.

Edwards undercuts his progressive message by pandering to bigotry.

[Two Americas]

152. ok

I was addressing the other part of your post.

I understand the fear of being left behind.

I happen to hear Edwards address GLBT equality informally in response to a question as he was wandering through a crowd and was impressed. He said it is a matter of equality and civil rights, period. No discussion. No argument. Now that could be seen as "pandering to bigotry" because of what he did not say, or it could be seen as a solid platform - unassailable by the other side - upon which much more could be built. I don't know. I do know that if we could take away an issue from the right wingers - without needing to throw anyone under the bus or compromise - that it would be a good thing.

It has not been so much a matter that we have been losing battles, as it is we have been playing on a field, created by the right wingers, that precludes us from winning any battles. The Edwards candidacy, in my opinion, offers us the best hope for changing the context within which we are forced to fight so that we aren't laboring under such handicaps anymore.

But I don't know for certain Orsino, and I am not trying to dismiss your concerns. We have such a long way to go and there have been so many betrayals along the way.

[Orsino]

162. His pandering to bigotry has been a little more specific.

He's on record as opposing same-sex marriage. He's done some hand-wringing when cornered on the subject, and to his credit admits that this is the hardest issue for him. He's even tried to split the difference by noting that his wife favors same-sex marriage, and that he himself opposes a constitutional man-woman amendment. I think he wants to be progressive on this issue--witness his inability to articulate just why he opposes same-sex marriage--but lacks the necessary courage. I believe that if Congress managed to repeal DOMA, or if a bill came to him legalizing gay marriage, he'd sign it. Maybe this is all we really need from a president, but I'd really like him to lead on this issue. He's correct, at least, that this is a matter of equality and civil rights, so it's doubly hurtful that he has arrived at a discriminatory position.

And yet...with the exception of Kucinich, I think Edwards is the candidate who is most nearly right on a host of issues. I'll probably vote for Edwards in the primary, gritting my teeth ever so slightly.

[Dorian Gray]

84. But it also matters

that he does something about it if we choose him after all the promises he is making. If he doesn't, then his message means little. And I am at the point in determining whether I believe that he will, indeed, make the changes that he's promising. What he is talking about is important, but pointless unless he follows through.

(JMHO, of course. I understand why you think the message is important.)

[Mythsaje]

10. America desperately needs to grasp the message.

I think he DOES mean it. But anyone stupid enough to deny this particular message because they don't trust the messenger needs to re-examine the issues.

[AmBlue]

41. I'm with you, Myth. I know it's true because I can smell it.

It's the wolf at my door, and your door, and everyone else's doors that aren't living in those wealthiest-of-wealthy neighborhoods. You know the ones. The ones where you can't even see their yards because they've got eight foot high concrete walls built around themselves and driveways a mile long.

That wolf has already breached the front door of many homes and families in this land of ours and gorged itself on all that it could, leaving virtually nothing for the prior occupants. Others are still managing to keep that wolf outside-- only by sheer luck-- by having an employer that hasn't laid them off and sent their job overseas yet, or by not having a child struck by a life-threatening illness that bankrupts them, or by not having a monster hurricane hit that takes out their entire home town. People need to get real about the fact that any one of countless scenarios can occur that can send the dominoes of their lives falling and skittering. Then, just like we saw in New Orleans, there is no safety net for us poor middle class slobs. We simply fall off the radar, left to slither on the underbelly of society and what's left of a barely functioning economy teetering on the brink of collapse.

So in the blink of an eye WE can be that homeless guy on the streets we struggle not to make eye contact with. We must take our heads out of the sand long enough to think about this long and hard. For if we do, we will know the truth of it in our bones: But for the grace of God or this universe or simple dumb luck, it is our OWN future that we dare not look in the eye if we don't take up the cause and do something to fix this mess NOW. Nothing less than EVERYTHING is riding on this election.

The truth of John Edwards' message is painfully evident, Mythsaje, my friend. It's everywhere we look and, yes, we best take heed.

Don't be gone too long.

[dorkulon]

46. You're talking to a Nader voter.

(from NY, don't shoot!)Of course the message is important--THE important message--but it's Joe Trippi's message. The question at hand is whether Edwards' sincerity matters, and, well, of course it does.

[Mythsaje]

49. A lot of people, people who have met him, think he's sincere.

He believes what he's saying...because it's true.

But, for all of those who don't believe him, they damn well should believe in his message.

And what did Nader say about Edwards?

[dorkulon]

50. Just so I understand you:

I should vote for Edwards, even if I don't think he's sincere, because his message needs more attention. And even if he gets elected and completely abandons his campaign platform, it will show other politicians that this message, these issues, can work for them.

That about it? It actually does make decent sense, I think.

[Mythsaje]

51. By supporting the man, you support the message

by supporting the message, you SEND a message. "This is important to us."

First, there's no credible reason to believe that Edwards doesn't intend to follow through on his message. He's been inside the system and knows how it works. Since then, he's been on the outside making as much noise as he can about how corrupt it is and how it preys on ordinary people to the advantage of the insiders.

[Two Americas]

57. it is about us and about reality

It isn't about Edwards. Can't you see that?

He is not promising anything. He is not pandering to anything. He is speaking about what he sees. It is nmot Edwards that people are believing in - "oh this guy Edwards says we are hurting so then I guess we are." People criticizing Edwards' sincerity are using a completely nonsensical premise.

People know they are hurting, they are not being tricked by Edwards into believing that. Edwards then says that the wealthy few are prospering at our expense. People are finding that argument to be persuasive - more so the more they look at it. Still, nothing has been "promised" or "sold" by Edwards, and no "pandering" has happened.

Then Edwards says that it is going to take a fight.

Now, whether or not you "trust" or believe any of that has nothing to do with Edwards. None of us believe that those things are true because Edwards said them, so where is all of this "Edwards is a phony" and "we can't trust him" bs coming from?

What you are perhaps saying is that YOU do not believe that the people are hurting, that YOU do not believe that this is being caused by the wealthy few preying on the many, and that YOU do not believe that we are in for a fight.

That is not a reflection on Edwards.

[Mythsaje]

58. Well said...

That's exactly the point. Where the question lies is whether people believe he's actually in it for the fight, or just saying all this to get elected. To what end, I have to wonder, since it's obvious he's not in bed with the corporations who've been running things, so he's not after the job to pander to the oil companies, pharmaceutical companies, or insurance companies. In fact, he's more or less calling them a bunch of thieves and scoundrels.

This whole "I don't trust him" thing puzzles the hell out of me. How is he lying?

[dorkulon]

59. Bullshit.

Of course Edwards is telling the truth about undue corporate influence. Nearly every candidate is telling the truth when they talk about a number of issues. In case you haven't noticed, THERE IS A MARKED DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CAMPAIGN RHETORIC AND ACTUAL POLICY ONCE ELECTED. Don't fucking pretend that just because Edwards talks a lot about the very real problems facing the country, it's somehow insane to imagine it might just be a strategy to win.

Please.

Besides, this all started when Myth said "In the end it doesn't matter if you believe Edwards means what he's saying." THAT's the statement I had a problem with. Convincing me he DOES mean what he's saying in no way addresses that issue.

[Two Americas]

128. you aren't following

Or perhaps I wasn't clear.

Yes, there can often be a marked difference between campaign rhetoric and actual policy. That is not saying much of anything. I am not sure what the relevance of that is to this discussion.

Then, you contrast a candidate talking about the problems in the country on the one hand, and whether or not they are merely doing that to win on the other. That again does not say much of anything.

Both of those questions could be raised about any candidate and any candidacy - actually, about any human being in any endeavor of any kind.

I will answer those two.

I don't care if he is saying what he is saying "merely to win." Actually, I hope he is. Saying what he is saying is a win for us. If he wants to gamble his possibility of winning and make it subordinate to all of us winning, I say that is great.

Democrats suffer from some sort of strange disintegration, and every election cycle we try to assemble a new Frankenstein monster from the various parts and send it lurching out into public hoping it will succeed this time. Principles and ideals are over there, winning and electability and practicality are over there, what we really intend to do is one thing, what we say to the public to get elected is another, what we believe and what we must doi to be "practical" are two different and only vaguely related things. The whole process has been sliced and diced by the highly paid "experts" and consultants and pollsters and hucksters and analyzed until none of it makes sense any more, and 6 figure salaries are lavished on those insiders who do the embalming and dissecting of our democracy for us- idiots and fools, all.

We now have a once in a lifetime opportunity - what is practical, and what is idealistic are the same thing.

Our true ideals and principles as Democrats are by definition the very heart and essence of practicality.

In Edwards many of us see the integration of practicality and idealism. There no longer is any such thing as doing one thing and saying another. It is not possible to have any evil come from having a candidate expressing the traditional fundamental principles and ideals of the Democratic party (finally we have a voice!) no matter what happens. To have someone express those Democratic party ideals and principles in such a way that they are communicated to the public effectively - that is something that many of us have been waiting to hear for decades. It is an exciting and positive thing, no matter what you or anyone else thinks about the messenger. It will light fires, it will get people thinking, it will bring people into the process, it will inspire hope where there has been none. It is starting a movement that will not stop no matter what happens both the candidacy of this one man.

Because it is what the public is hearing and how they are responding that matters. I cannot imagine how anything could be more important than this to anyone seriously and sincerely committed to being a Democrat.

Mythsaje said "in the end it doesn't matter if you believe Edwards means what he's saying."

You object to that. But I agree with Mythsaje on this, as strongly as I have ever agreed with any political statement.

What matters is this: the people believe what they are hearing. What they are hearing is true. They know that. It is like the first rain after a years of drought. It isn't about them believing in Edwards - it is about them believing in themselves and believing in what they see with their own eyes and what they feel in their own hearts.

Edwards himself could not stop this now even if he wanted to, even if every slanderous attempt at character assassination were true.

[Mythsaje]

129. Bingo. You get it exactly.

I'm not sure what "faux populist rhetoric" is--I see it said quite a lot here on DU with regards to Edwards. The rhetoric isn't "faux" anything. It's the plain, unvarnished truth. And we need to hear it, trumpeted from the tallest building in the land.

It's about goddamn time.

[info being]

80. Exactly. Anybody with his message...I'm with him

Regardless.

[NorthCarolina]

92. Exactly What Makes you Believe?

I am not trying to slam, I am really trying to understand. Lets be totally honest here, now...JE's voting record simply does NOT match his current populist rhetoric. I would love nothing more than to believe him, but I lived through his representation as our Senator from NC, and as soon as he took office he started rubbing elbows with the DC powerbrokers and forgot all about his constituents. He was a fervent supporter of the Patriot Act, and was an advocate for the war because, more than anything else, I believe he simply wanted to be a DC insider...one of the BIG GUYS. It is undeniable that he would not have been re-elected had he run for a second term here in NC, and he remains very unpopular to the residents here to this day.

I am very curious what it is that allows folks to completely disregard his past and throw caution to the wind and give complete credence to his current campaign rhetoric? I have to be honest, I am nowhere near being able to do that myself, but no doubt many of you have and I would like to know in clear and concise terms what it is that gives you Edwards supporters faith.

[judaspriestess]

125. For lack of a better term he's seen the light

You are absolutely correct as far as his previous voting record. He got to Washington and got sucked into the glamorous part of being a Senator, into all the lies and deceit. He got out and now he sees all the mistakes he made. It was a serious life lesson for him. He had a magnificent opportunity and squandered it on being overly ambitious to become one of the big players in DC and he got burned. I suspect it pisses him off that he got taken just like all the others.

So now he is out there getting back to who he truly is, to fulfill what he sees is his mission in life. To fight for what is right and I believe his wife is a big part of that. Elizabeth Edwards is a major part of why I support John Edwards. The guy is not perfect but he is humble enough to admit what he did wrong and I truly respect him for that.

(I'm sorry for explaining my view in very simple terms but its the way I like to explain the point I'm trying to make.)

[NorthCarolina]

126. No Need to be sorry, Simple is Best,

and I thank you for your perspective on the issue. I think I am likely a bit more skeptical on the "epiphany" and whether it was morally or politically induced, but I appreciate hearing how you have reconciled with yourself the giant leap of faith that Edwards represents.

[Two Americas]

133. the future

How can we do this?

We are looking to the future, not to the past.

Our trust is in the people, not in a personality.

We believe in the principles and ideals of the Democratic party, not in the person who is expressing them.

Don't worry, we will beat the crap out of the guy some day for his past mistakes. And should he betray the implied trust he is establishing with the people, may heaven help him. Those are gambles he is taking. We aren't gambling. We have nothing more to lose.

Right now, the people are more important than any of the politicians. He has cast his lot with us. People who are struggling to understand this are perhaps not willing themselves to cast their lot with the people. Those unwilling to trust Edwards are perhaps really unwilling to trust the principles and ideals of the Democratic party that he is expressing. We are so whipped and beaten and discouraged and have been told for so long that "the people don't agree with you" that we keep cringing in fear and mistrust. The people DO agree with us, we just needed a platform, the right time and one person somewhere willing to take the risk for us and with us - to set the course, to raise the call. One person is doing that, the time is here, and we have a platform to stand on, founded on the principles and ideals that have resonated down through the ages from the voices of all of our greatest leaders at the times of our greatest success.

When I say "the people" I am including the 70% who are invisible and might as well not exist. I am including the homeless, the infirm, the elderly, the impoverished, the forgotten, the lonely, the left behind and the left out, the downsized, the evicted, the humiliated, the foreclosed upon. Those in despair and pain, those with no future, those hanging on for dear life.

And, no, I do not believe - as such a shocking number of people even here do - that all of those people have no one to blame for their suffering but themselves. I don't believe they all made the "wrong choices." Reagan said that in 1980 and I rejected it, when two-thirds or more of the people were still fairly prosperous. I reject that today when only 10% are still fairly prosperous.

We will fight for you, whether or not you are willing to fight for us.

Will you cast your lot with us?

Will you stand with us for the traditional principles and ideals of the Democratic party?

Will you trust us?

Will you believe in yourself and your fellow Democrats?

[Mythsaje]

137. And even "wrong choices" is no excuse...

A single "wrong choice" can devestate a life and allow few good ones in the future. We're not soothsayers or prophets. Few people have the innate ability to know that doing this one thing will ruin their life.

How about the "wrong choice" of joining the military in the hope of getting money for school and ending up homeless when they get home? How about the broadcast meme "Train for a job in the civilian world" when often times there is no transition to a civilian job?"

Or maybe the wrong choice was being born poor, or Black, or Hispanic--treated to sub-standard schooling and and atmosphere of disdain and disinterest from the general public? The curse of low expectations?

I hate Runny Rayguns. I did back then too. Lying piece of shit.

[Ninga]

7. You have my respect and gratitude for such a right on and heartfelt OP.

Some times I think it is easier for those who go through life with blinders on....looking straight ahead, not daring to make eye contact for fear someone will ask them for something.

Thank you for such passion and putting it out there.

:hi:

[L0oniX]

9. "Fucking sports" LOL so true. I don't watch millionaire's play with balls.

Who the hell should care about these rich bastards tossing a ball around? Aw, the poor underdog struggling his way to the top while making more money per year than most people do in 10 years. I even hear them called hero's. What utter nonsense.

[Dawggie]

11. "Fucking Sports?" I missed those. What channel are they on?

Other than that, Great post!

Recommended!

[Catchawave]

13. Well done Mythsaje !

:applause:

I agree with every word you say....we HAVE to fight for CHANGE. Not feel warm and fuzzy and be nice :toast:

[MADem]

15. Well, I'm down to three candidates, and Obama isn't one of them.

If he wins the nom he gets my vote in the general, but it's either Edwards, Clinton or Richardson for me in the primaries. I'll probably flip a coin if I don't get closer in the weeks ahead. I like Edwards' message, I like Richardson's worldview, and I like that Evil, Socialist HillaryCare, to be blunt.

Stop worrying so much about what other people think --it just causes you unnecessary agita and those who like to yank your chain get a little psychic 'satisfaction' for the short term, though karma will hopefully one day bite them in the ass.

The ones who post the bullshit hit-and-runs like 'slick' or 'haircut' or whatever have absolutely nothing else to say because they haven't done their homework. And they find it easier to shit on someone else's candidate than tell you why theirs is any good.

I have to laugh at most of them--many don't even know their candidate's positions, half of them. They're just going on 'feelings' and what some other bozos TOLD them. Many are shocked or call you a liar if you point out inconvenient facts, even when you provide a cite.

Some treat this shit as a contact sport, and not a vitally important decision. There are 'teams' and ya gotta support your team, even if you don't know your 'team's' view on environmental sustainability or what their actual health care plan entails!!!

It's kind of funny in a sick sort of way, and kind of pathetic.

[loudsue]

83. "Hillarycare" is not socialist. It is corporatist. n/t

[unapatriciated]

132. so true so true

She had a decent plan when she was the First Lady but for some reason she decided to play ball with the Insurance Industry and Big Pharma. Her plan will allow the Insurance Industry to continue in their greedy quest for more and more profits at our expense. Her plan is no where near a socialistic plan, it's not even close to the non-profit plans of the early years of health care.

[MADem]

157. It covers EVERYONE, though. At least that's the promise. No one else goes there. NT

[Sarah Ibarruri]

153. She's planning to put a lot of money in corporate pockets with HillaryCare

Time to stop sweettalking corps. Either they get with the ticket or not. I'm focusing on Edward's message, pure and simple. Period.

[MADem]

156. At least it's INCLUSIVE. That's more than anyone else can say.

The parsing on who gets covered was OBVIOUS in the last debate. And not in a good way, either. It stood out to me.

I'm not ruling out Edwards, though, but crapping on the one candidate that said, unequivocably, that "EVERYONE" would be covered with health insurance isn't the way to convince me.

[Greylyn58]

18. I totally agree with everything you said

This country is being shredded and bled to death by every Tom, Dick and Haliburton. Their only love is money and couldn't care less what happens to the rest of us.

We need someone to speak for the nameless, invisible people of this country and John Edwards is just the man we need.

[uppityperson]

20. k&r, thanks for this.

[pacalo]

21. "Hope" is all we've had to get us through the last 7 years; it's not enough anymore.

We, the little guys, need someone with fire in his belly in regard to what the boy king has done to this country.

I'm done with politicians who want to play nicely. As we've seen for the past 7 years, it doesn't work with power-hungry, power-grabbing desperados. Edwards is the only "viable" (I'm hating that word now) one left who is willing to stand up to blatant criminality.

[info being]

81. That's a great fucking line

Somebody needs to use that.

[pacalo]

119. Thanks, but the credit goes to the plain, heartfelt truth. :)

[FloridaJudy]

22. Great rant!

While I usually try to avoid ideas that can be stated on a single bumpersticker, I love the one that says "If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention".

Kudos.

[JeffR]

23. "Step lively, or be its next meal. That's the choice we all face."

13 words that exemplify why your voice is so important.

FWIW, I'm a rabid Kucinich supporter, as I was last time around. But if we really are down to the final 3 standing now, and it seems we are, then there's no doubt in my mind that Edwards is the one. I was delighted to vote for him for Veep, and I'm looking forward to voting for him again, for the top spot. I think he would be an exceptional president, maybe a transformative president. And that is surely what our battered, bruised and bleeding nation needs right now.

[upi402]

29. we are the prey. Like a Cheney hunt. Or like humting cow... n/t

[FREEWILL56]

66. There are 2 aspects in this thread the 1st of which is the fact that

corporations have extended their powers farther than should be. I am a DK supporter and I do agree with the statements Edwards makes in general for the subject of corporatism going too far. Do note Jeff that for the record you are not a rabid DK supporter as you seem to have dropped him.
Anyway, that brings us to the 2nd aspect of the thread that has been brought up and that is whether or not Edwards will act on his words. His word is very much in question and was the reason why DK did ask votes in Iowa to go to Obama rather than Edwards. Though DK is not endorsing any other candidate as he is very much still running and he thought it important enough to question where Edwards is coming from to the point of asking votes normally going to himself to go to Obama. Let's face it now, the real advocate for eliminating this excessive corporate power is DK and he will act as a spoiler to stop corporatism.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3127545#3127557 (post #8)
If Edwards is to be believed he has to offer some proofs he is willing to act when it is shown that he is very much a part of that corporate system.

[JeffR]

91. There is a burden of proof, I agree, though how he meets it

at this juncture, I just don't know. (And I should have clarified that despite my enthusiasm for what he's saying now, he's still a fallback candidate for me. My concern is that with the ludicrous frontloading of the primary process, Dennis might not even be in the race by Super Tuesday. I'm really unhappy with that possibility, but it's pragmatic to be thinking about other options. Of the top tier, Edwards is the candidate least requiring a leap of faith. If, hypothetically, he were to abandon his anti-corporate stance after securing the nomination and winning the GE, millions of people would be disaffected, and not just progressives. He'd face justified charges of hypocrisy from all sides.)

[FREEWILL56]

121. Like Pelosi?

[JeffR]

124. That comparison works to a point

But I think the firestorm over a president knifing his base in the back would be an order of magnitude more extreme than a Speaker.

What concerns me is less the question of whether he's being sincere - I think he is - than whether he could really achieve these things if he wins. He's a great lawyer, obviously, but he was a pretty lousy senator.

[flyarm]

24. OH THANK YOU Mythsaje!!..i keep asking ..why do people vote against themselves?

I went to Iowa and froze my ass off (I live in Fla in winter) to take John's message to the middle class of Iowa..

As with all of Edwards volunteers..we traveled on our own dime..we paid for our own airfare, our own food and our own hotels and car rentals.

Unlike other candidates volunteers(?) there..we were not paid..and most rented their own cars..( i had to take rides from other volunteers, as there were no rent a cars left to rent) John Edwards volunteers were truely grass roots.

I went to Iowa because i know John Edwards is not slick..i know him as a truely wonderful man..He always looks me directly in the eye and he tells it like it is.

John and Elizabeth Edwards are the real deal..tghey are compassionate and passionate..they give a damn ..about you and this country.

Of that i have not one ounce of doubt..i would not have gone to Iowa if i did not believe that, in my heart and soul!

I will also be going to South Carolina to volunteer if my health lets me.

Every Volunteer i met, was there for the same reason and felt the same as i did .

I am proud to say i know and volunteered for John Edwards! He is a man of the working person of this country..and the middle class and the poor.

I don't think you could give a better compliment! John Edwards is a wonderful kind and caring man..but he is a fighter..and he will fight for you even if you don't!



fly


p.s. hey Mythsaje..please don't you dare go anywhere but here..your voice is one of the most valuable here..please stay and help keep some sense of sanity here at DU!! I respect your opinion highly!!
If it hadn't been for your voice and reading your posts the past couple months i would have left DU ..

and I thank you for all your words!!

[Mythsaje]

28. Thank you for putting the time and energy

into working for Edwards in Iowa. If I can, if it matters by then, I'm going to attend the caucus here in Washington State. I was invited to the preparation thing today but I had to work until half an hour after it started, and the trip there would've taken at least another half an hour. Added to the fact that I got only about 4 1/2 hours of sleep last night (an early morning shift when I usually stay up quite late) and it was out of the question.

But thanks so much for doing what you do.

[emmadoggy]

116. Hey Fly! Sorry to go OT but how was your trip?

How long were you in Iowa and what areas did you work in? So glad you were able to come and help out the Edwards team!

BTW, he won in my precinct and I am going to be an Edwards delegate at my county convention - a totally new experience for me. :)

Hope you've gotten some warmth back in your bones!!! :D

[femrap]

25. K and R

Kick ass post! Love it. As FDR said to the Corporate Pigs: "I welcome your hatred."

Let's get 'em! I'm with Edwards...the only one who is willing to fight for our way of life.

[ben_thayer]

27. BRAVO!!

Well said, Myth!

[Raster]

30. Here's to misbehaving!

I turned 51 in December. I've watched the rich get richer and the poor being eaten alive. This isn't the country of my youth. Ronnie the Raygun was the second worst President in my lifetime. The only thing the "great communicator" communicated was greed and arrogance. I don't want another corporate-owned shill in the White House. I want someone that can force a change in direction and have the intelligence and compassion to lead the way. Yes it's wonderful that America is considering electing a woman and a black man. Both are long overdue. But one's sex nor their skin color should be criteria for President. And I don't want to hear wispy platitudes about hope and new days. I want a leader who will kick ass and take names. Lots of names, and lots of ass. And I want a President that won't pander to bigots just to win their votes. I still get tears in my eyes when I hear Martin Luther King Jr. tell us about his dream. And I believe with every fiber of my being that content of character is far more important than race, age, sex or sexual orientation or how much money you have in the bank.

Wake up America!:kick:

[SnowCritter]

79. Bravo!

I, too, turned 51 in December and I cannot recall a worse span than the last 7 years. But you are correct - it pretty much started with St. Ronnie. I used to lean to the conservative side, but over the years I discovered that being a conservative meant being incredibly selfish - something that was totally against everything my parents instilled in me.

Just say no to the status quo - vote Edwards!

[Raster]

96. "Just say NO to the status quo!" What a KICK ASS slogan!!!

Thank you, SnowCritter! And welcome to DU. You are among friends!:hi:

[SnowCritter]

123. Thanks!

It just popped into my head while taking a shower this morning.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

31. "Something needs to change. Desperately."

Truer words have never been written.

What we need to come to understand is all our bickering among ourselves here will in the end amount to nothing. Nada. Zip.

We need to focus on our society and what exactly can be done to repair the vast amounts of damage that have been done to it. Then we need to look at our choices and decided who is honestly the best one in our mind to begin that repair. After we've finished those two tasks we need to get active, either working phone banks or donating money, registering voters or in whatever capacity we're able to work toward that goal.

It won't happen without our hard work and support.

Edwards messages is true to our situation and what we need for a cure. If you disagree with the messenger then find one that you think can better bring it to fruition. Just be sure after you've chosen to get off your butts and start walking the walk, rather than just talking the talk.


White, Discussion ~ Live

I talk of freedom
you talk of the flag
I talk of revolution
you'd much rather brag
and as the decibels of this disenchanting discourse
continue to dampen the day

the coin flips again and again, and again, and again
as our sanity walks away
all this discussion though politically correct
is dead beyond destruction
though it leaves me quite erect

and as the final sunset rolls behind the earth
and the clock is finally dead
I'll look at you, you'll look at me
and we'll cry a lot
but this will be what we said
this will be what we said

Look where all this talking got us, baby.

[Mythsaje]

33. All too true.

The bickering IS rather pointless. And I suppose there's no point in trying to convince anyone that Edwards is the best candidate. If they can't see it by now... :shrug: But I feel like I have to try.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

40. It's not that there's no point it trying to convince people about Edwards

It's that there's no point in trying to convince those who refuse to hear. The futility of it will steal your sanity and render you useless to convince someone who is willing to listen.

Certainly work to promote Edwards to any and all who will give you an honest opportunity. Just remember not to use yourself up on the ones with their fingers in their ears chanting, LaLaLaLaLaLa...I can't hear you. ;)

[Breeze54]

32. Is this a new "Last Hurrah" or a renamed "I'm out of here" Hurrah?

I'm getting confused now!!

So many Hurrahs, so little time... :P

[Mythsaje]

34. Last major post for a while.

Thought I'd try to go out with a bang rather than a whimper.

[Breeze54]

36. Why not just take a break like I did?

I slept all week and caught up on my re-runs! :P

June is a loooooooong time to be gone from DU!

Last primary is June 3rd!!!

:hug:

[Mythsaje]

37. Probably won't be that long...

I just need to concentrate on other things for a while. And work on lowering my blood pressure and increasing my patience threshold again.

[Breeze54]

39. I understand. I slept and this week shipped my kid to the slopes!

So, now I'll have two weeks stress free! ;) ( I'm sneaky!) :P

I hope you feel better soon! Here... have an ice cream!

Get some rest and don't let them get you down. This will all be over very soon. :hug:

[saracat]

65. Thanks Mthysaje! On the money as usual! You summarize my attitude almost perfectly!

Don't stay away long, if at all! We need you.

[JVS]

35. I'm Doug and I'm outta here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLwIFPRMcCk

[UTUSN]

38. Again?!1 n/t

[blues90]

42. You are absolutely right

If people were paying attention all the evidence of this corporate take over can be seen in NOLA . What we don't need is the power elite to own and control the horse , the buggy and the food that keeps the horse alive and the grease that keeps the wheels from freezing up , but that's what we have .

There is no way on earth we will pull out of this without a fight and Edwards has the message which seems to be what scares the crap out of people either because they fear they will lose their seat at the dinner table even if it's at the childrens table .

People seem to think that because right now they are doing ok just ignore the reality that it only takes one thing to drain them and put them right where the poverty level comes in , either that or they are in complete denial .

You cannot go along to get along .

[mitchtv]

43. You can say that again

I agree, but please don't repeat. You are too cool

[Lugnut]

44. K&R and thank you

[Fading Captain]

45. BOOM!!!!!

Come on DU!!!!!!!!

Get behind Edwards!

I finally watched the debate tonight, and for the first 45 minutes, I was pretty disappointed in Edwards, after reading how he sizzled.

But when he gets on his message, it's such a sound for sore ears.

I gotta say, all four Dems were pretty good, considering the alternative.

But Edwards is beyond pretty good.

Win or lose, having him articulate his position to the American public in a general election would be a wake up call for America.

[bobthedrummer]

47. When you realize that we've been fascist since the coup that installed

these criminals, and that they are engaged in a different kind of total war, as more and more of US are stating-well, welcome home...

[HughMoran]

48. Very good argument

Thanks for making me think - I will consider your post as I make my decision on who to vote for Tuesday.

[NanceGreggs]

52. Hear, hear!!!

:kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick:

[Stardust]

53. It's scary when only I and one other selected "poverty" on a DU poll of issues.

It's not just the Conservatives or Republicans who are selfish anymore.

[Mythsaje]

54. I didn't see the poll, unfortunately.

It's damn well an issue with ME.

Do you have a link?

[Stardust]

164. Here's the link, Mythsaje. (Hopefully the results have improved since I voted)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2612203&mesg_id=2612203

[Two Americas]

139. I refuse to vote

Yiou are absolutely right.

Poverty is not merely another "issue" on some buffet table for us to muse over as we "choose" how we feel about things and "select" what is most important to us.

Everything starts with us taking care of the less fortunate among us. Everything. "But the resolute enemy within our gates is ever ready to beat down our words unless in greater courage we will fight for them."

Necessitous men are not free men

That very word freedom, in itself and of necessity, suggests freedom from some restraining power. In 1776 we sought freedom from the tyranny of a political autocracy—from the eighteenth century royalists who held special privileges from the crown. It was to perpetuate their privilege that they governed without the consent of the governed; that they denied the right of free assembly and free speech; that they restricted the worship of God; that they put the average man's property and the average man's life in pawn to the mercenaries of dynastic power; that they regimented the people.

And so it was to win freedom from the tyranny of political autocracy that the American Revolution was fought. That victory gave the business of governing into the hands of the average man, who won the right with his neighbors to make and order his own destiny through his own Government. Political tyranny was wiped out at Philadelphia on July 4, 1776.

Since that struggle, however, man's inventive genius released new forces in our land which reordered the lives of our people.. The age of machinery, of railroads; of steam and electricity; the telegraph and the radio; mass production, mass distribution—all of these combined to bring forward a new civilization and with it a new problem for those who sought to remain free.

For out of this modern civilization economic royalists carved new dynasties. New kingdoms were built upon concentration of control over material things. Through new uses of corporations, banks and securities, new machinery of industry and agriculture, of labor and capital—all undreamed of by the fathers—the whole structure of modern life was impressed into this royal service.

There was no place among this royalty for our many thousands of small business men and merchants who sought to make a worthy use of the American system of initiative and profit. They were no more free than the worker or the farmer. Even honest and progressive-minded men of wealth, aware of their obligation to their generation, could never know just where they fitted into this dynastic scheme of things.

It was natural and perhaps human that the privileged princes of these new economic dynasties, thirsting for power, reached out for control over Government itself. They created a new despotism and wrapped it in the robes of legal sanction. In its service new mercenaries sought to regiment the people, their labor, and their property. And as a result the average man once more confronts the problem that faced the Minute Man.

The hours men and women worked, the wages they received, the conditions of their labor—these had passed beyond the control of the people, and were imposed by this new industrial dictatorship. The savings of the average family, the capital of the small business man, the investments set aside for old age—other people's money—these were tools which the new economic royalty used to dig itself in.

Those who tilled the soil no longer reaped the rewards which were their right. The small measure of their gains was decreed by men in distant cities.

Throughout the Nation, opportunity was limited by monopoly. Individual initiative was crushed in the cogs of a great machine. The field open for free business was more and more restricted. Private enterprise, indeed, became too private. It became privileged enterprise, not free enterprise.

An old English judge once said: "Necessitous men are not free men." Liberty requires opportunity to make a living—a living decent according to the standard of the time, a living which gives man not only enough to live by, but something to live for.

For too many of us the political equality we once had won was meaningless in the face of economic inequality. A small group had concentrated into their own hands an almost complete control over other people's property, other people's money, other people's labor—other people's lives. For too many of us life was no longer free; liberty no longer real; men could no longer follow the pursuit of happiness.

Against economic tyranny such as this, the American citizen could appeal only to the organized power of Government. The collapse of 1929 showed up the despotism for what it was. The election of 1932 was the people's mandate to end it. Under that mandate it is being ended.

The royalists of the economic order have conceded that political freedom was the business of the Government, but they have maintained that economic slavery was nobody's business. They granted that the Government could protect the citizen in his right to vote, but they denied that the Government could do anything to protect the citizen in his right to work and his right to live.

Today we stand committed to the proposition that freedom is no half-and-half affair. If the average citizen is guaranteed equal opportunity in the polling place, he must have equal opportunity in the market place.

These economic royalists complain that we seek to overthrow the institutions of America. What they really complain of is that we seek to take away their power. Our allegiance to American institutions requires the overthrow of this kind of power. In vain they seek to hide behind the Flag and the Constitution. In their blindness they forget what the Flag and the Constitution stand for. Now, as always, they stand for democracy, not tyranny; for freedom, not subjection; and against a dictatorship by mob rule and the over-privileged alike.

The brave and clear platform adopted by this Convention, to which I heartily subscribe, sets forth that Government in a modern civilization has certain inescapable obligations to its citizens, among which are protection of the family and the home, the establishment of a democracy of opportunity, and aid to those overtaken by disaster.

But the resolute enemy within our gates is ever ready to beat down our words unless in greater courage we will fight for them.

FDR
June 27th, 1936

[Yuugal]

55. K&R Awesome

[deacon]

56. k + r n/t

[Tyler Durden]

60. Always LOVE your stuff.

But why do you get SUPPORT, while my stuff always attracts the attacks?

Not important in the long run. Keep writing; somebody articulate needs to be out there. Maybe some asshole running for office needs a policy writer?

[trumad]

61. Fucking sports. What an example of pointless mental masturbation spectator sports are.

I like masturbation.

[Tyler Durden]

62. So do I, but only as a PARTICIPATORY SPORT!

Watching? Boring.

[trumad]

64. Depends on who you are watching.

[FREEWILL56]

67. You don't paint a very good picture of yourself.

[trumad]

77. I was trying to say----

Fuck people who don't enjoy watching sports---and that includes the OP.

[Swamp Rat]

68. "I don't think the other candidates are angry enough by a LONG shot." - I disagree.

I like your post, but I disagree with the statement, "I don't think the other candidates are angry enough by a LONG shot." I believe Dennis Kucinich is every bit as passionate as John Edwards regarding the issues you mentioned, perhaps even more.

For example, the other day on CSPAN Kucinich said, "I will see them (Bushler and Cheney) prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." He is serious as a heart attack about prosecuting them for their numerous crimes.

Hope to see you here again soon! :hi:

[fascisthunter]

86. Good Correction on Kucinich

[WillyT]

69. Big K & R !!!

:kick:

[BrklynLiberal]

70. ..and another big K & R

Why aren't the media even mentioning Edwards? All they talk about is Obama won and Hillary lost...If one did not know better it would seem that there was no one else in the race!!!!!!!
I heard someone on NPR comment on this same thing yesterday...
The media is ignoring Edwards!!!

[Triana]

71. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ...

...VERY well said.

[reprehensor]

72. Let it fly.

Sounds about right.

[MissDeeds]

76. You speak for me

Thanks for this, Mythsaje. I alternate between outrage and despair. The other dem candidates are better than any repub, but none seems to really get it and see the picture like Edwards. This country is being killed from within, the victim of too much apathy and too little outrage from the populace.

I want a candidate who is as angry as I am. We don't need a professional politician who will pander to the right and stick the proverbial finger in the air to see which way the wind blows before taking a stand. We need a fighter. We need John Edwards.

[SammyWinstonJack]

78. On playing nice with the other side, I can still hear bu$h saying these words on 12/18/2000

Standing with the House Speaker and the Senate Majority Leader, he said that he might have too twist some arms and bang some heads and that it would be easier if this were a Dictatorship so long as he were the Dictator. Yuk Yuk Yuk Funny guy, that george. :eyes:

Of course as it turns out he really didn't need to twist some arms or bang some heads. Anthrax and 9/11 took care of that.

[blondie58]

82. well said, Mythsaje

If you're not angry, you're not paying attention.

HEY! don't stay away too long. We need your voice of reason in the coming year.

[Vilis Veritas]

85. 99 percent right on. Edwards is right and ready to fight.

Then there is the 'fucking sports' thing.

You could have just left your message at 'turn off the TV and get off the couch'.

As a coach and mentor to young kids in my area, I will only offer one thing to this op, focus on the message and avoid comments about personal peeves. Our children are getting lazy and fat in this country and most of the problem is due a lack of excercise.

SPORTS are not the problem, being LAZY is the problem.

Peace

[LibDemAlways]

93. Completely off topic, and some kids are no doubt lazy, but

at least part of the problem of overweight sedentary kids these days is an overabundance of homework that keeps them seated for many hours after they get home. My daughter is in 9th grade. She gets home at 3, starts her homework, and typically keeps at it until 10 or 11 when she falls into bed exhausted. I would love for her to get some exercise, but apparently the school doesn't think that's as important as the papers, projects, tests and on and on. She even has written homework in PE! It's insane.

Sorry for the mini-rant, but your post really hit a nerve with me.

[Vilis Veritas]

99. You missed my point and assumed I was calling your daughter

lazy.

Far from it.

My apologies.

[LibDemAlways]

102. No, I know you weren't specifically calling any kid lazy. Just

that there are reasons kids don't get enough exercise these days that have nothing to do with laziness! No need to apologize at all!!

[Mythsaje]

112. Watching sports isn't going to give any kids the exercise they need.

Participating in sports, I get. Watching it as if the world hinges on it? Not for a minute.

[Vilis Veritas]

120. Good.

Your meaning was less than clearly stated.

Watching sports on TV, an example of pointless mental masturbation.

vs.

Fucking sports.

The rest of your rant was spot on, enjoy your respite.

[druidity33]

155. trouble is

participating in sports often makes one want to watch them. I can't speak for all sports fans but the only time i watch "as if the world hinges on it" is if it's "my" team in the Finals/elimination round. Like most things, when taken in moderation, there are many benefits to both watching and playing.

Also, i think sports are the only true Drama left on TV. Not scripted, anything can happen, "heroic" feats, etc...

just my 2c.

otherwise i agree with everything else you've said. i'd been planning on throwing my ballot to Kucinich, but i might go to Edwards if i think he's got a shot. MA primary is March 4...

:shrug:

[Mythsaje]

159. I don't see the attraction to watching them. I just don't.

I think they're a tremendous waste of time and energy better spent doing things that actually mean something beyond another excuse to engage in stupid competitions with other people. All too often they lead to ridiculous rivalries between communities and individuals, feed egos that hardly need the nourishment, and cause cities to ignore the wishes and votes of the taxpayers in order to build elaborate stadiums on the public dime. They're bread and circuses to keep the masses complacent, entertained, and stimulated to the point of nearly mindless aggression for no good purpose.

The only thing worse than watching it is listening to the damn interviews with the athletes after the game. Ten minutes of "So, how do you think you'll do against such and such team?"

"Well, they're pretty good but if we work hard we'll be able to beat them because we're hard workers."

It's as intellectually stimulating as a Bush speech.

I'd rather take a belt sander to my genitals or guzzle drano.

[druidity33]

161. you don't get it.

and i don't suppose you ever will. If you didn't grow up in the thrall of a Major League sports team and their players, you'll never know the excitement of watching your team and hoping they win. By dismissing sports altogether and calling them "stupid", you dismiss MANY good and democratic Americans. Having an interest in a National/traditional pastime can be fun. Things don't have to be "intellectually stimulating" at every point in the day for me.

Go take a break from here... you need it. Oh and feel free with the belt sander or drano... i'll be watching the Pats try for an undefeated season AND a championship. And i'll be enjoying every minute. I may even watch the interviews.

:)

[Mythsaje]

163. Actually, I like baseball. I played LL for four years.

I GET baseball. But the slavering fandom? Nah. Don't get it. Don't want it.

[rhett o rick]

89. At least Edwards is talking the talk. Other top two candidates are being careful

not to offend possible future cash donors. Sen Clinton even waffles on torture.

[Annces]

90. I think you are right about need to fight

It is a matter of who will take the reins. Right now the corporations have the power, and all they care about is money, so it is a road to nowhere. If a leader can galvanize the people to make some changes, that would be monumental.

[immoderate]

95. I'm with you. K&R.

Hope you're not gone long.

--IMM

[Kurovski]

97. K&R. (nt)

[shaniqua6392]

98. But the media wants us to vote for Obama!!!

What are we to do? He keeps talking about "hope" and "change", etc. I have been HOPING my country would CHANGE for seven years now. I want action, not a sermon from the mount. People just don't realize the reasons that Edwards is not getting a lot of attention. They barely spoke of his SECOND PLACE win in Iowa. Why is it that the corporate owned media conglomerates do not want JE to go to the forefront in this race? It is because they fear him and the changes he wants to bring about. John Edwards is exactly who we should be voting into the White House. I feel like everyone watching Obama give a good speech is falling for a line of crappy rhetoric and they are under the same kind of spell that the Republicans were under when they thought George Bush was going to be the great uniter. We sure seem to fall for it every time. How absolutely scary.

[Dumak]

154. The insecure men have found their guy

It seems this way every election year. The insecure macho-man types need to vote as a block, or they feel uncomfortable. They walked into their Iowa caucuses, saw all the other macho guys standing in the Obama corner, and headed there - the politics hardly matter. This year it is going to benefit the Democrats, but in the last two election years they couldn't get enough of GWB's fake inflections and gunslinger hand posturing. Before that, they were called the "Reagan Democrats". Huckabee has a token macho-man on stage with him at all time, in hopes of capturing these people.

Note: I'm not slamming Obama with this. He could make a great president, and his oratory skills are a huge, real plus.

[LSK]

100. Well said, thank you

[hunter]

101. The bridge ahead has washed out, but the train steams full speed ahead.

The candidate fights to be the engineer, to be the one who holds the throttle as the train plunges into the flood.

The next president will be first to fall, first to hit the water, probably the first to be buried under a great heap of wreckage that will never be cleaned up on human timescales.

Our only hope is to elect someone with the foresight to slam on the brakes, and then maybe, by some extraordinary fortune or divine providence, the train stops in time.

That's a false hope. The international trade of oil and natural gas will cease, the ice caps will melt, the seas will rise, and the first world economy will collapse. These things are inevitable. The promises of our politicians are empty.

From this foundation of profound hopelessness all the noise here on DU, all the sniping, all the mean-spiritedness, all the drum-beating, ceases to have any significance to me. Between the Republicans who will take us full throttle into the flood, and those Democrats who will take us half throttle into the flood, what does it matter?

It matters that we elect a Democrat.

November will be another world from our January of discontent. By then the Kijŏng-dong flag pole posturing of the Republicans will be obvious to most everyone who works for a living, and to those who can't find work. Ordinary people who shop in ordinary grocery stores, ordinary people who change their little kid's diapers, and pump their own gas, and struggle with their mortgages or rent, those ordinary people will no longer believe the Republican market puffery and lies. They will be seeking this generation's FDR, and that FDR will be a Democrat.

[frogcycle]

103. bravo

Some few above have taken exception to one sentence in an excellently written piece - the part about it not mattering if he believes in it. I admit that on the surface it sounds wierd, and taking it over-literally and ridiculing it is easy, as some have done. But it is absolutely valid.

Here's the thing: There IS a war on the middle class and it's not just Edwards noticing it. Read Thom Hartman's book. It is not just that they have relaxed a regulation here and there, cut a few taxes, and are licking their chops at getting the SS $ into the hands of Wall Street gamblers. It is an all-out campaign to roll back every populist step that has been made since the frigging Magna Carta was signed, to restore feudalism. Think that sounds like hyperbole? It's not. The RW radio mouthpiece whose initials are r-l has been quoted:

"Roosevelt is dead. His policies live on, but we're doing something about that." He's a blabbermouth, but he was speaking the party line of the oligarchs.

Orwell's 1984 is just a high tech version of feudalism. Owe "liege" to the local baron or duke or earl or whatever, work his fields, pay him taxes, work his blacksmith shop, pay him taxes, make a subsistence (if that) living and do as you're told while the nobles build huge castles* and cathedrals, have fancy balls.Permanent state of war to keep the serfs under control. They dare not protest too much lest the earl not send his knights to defend them from the next raid by the neighboring earl's knights. In 1984 it was Big Brother. Same relationship.

The same sort of class stratification existed in Pharoanic times. Only the elite got to attend those famous Roman orgies; the commoners were too bust busting their butts to pay for it.

There are various components of the problem that are criticised in isolation, but the "big picture" is rarely recognized. Privatizing healthcare was like deciding to create more earls and dukes. They are the CEO's of the healthcare giants. It was creation of some additional feifdoms based on a guaranteed permanent need - healthcare - based on the same premise as the permanent state of war - using disease as the enemy.

Deregulation and "free trade" are all part of transforming our country from one governed by "We the People" to one ruled by the powerful rich - an Oligarchy. The Founding Fathers argued this issue long and hard - it is one reason it took a decade to get a Constitution agreed to. Many of them thought it was crazy to let all those common folk have a say. The Jeffersonians won out, but the other side has been fighting it ever since. Jackson saw that when the Second Bank of the US was becoming all-powerful - it then was what the K-Street crowd is today - big money controlling policy. He came into office and tackled it, eventually destroyed it. He made plenty of enemies (and had SERIOUS flaws w/respect to treatment of Native Americans and other issues), but he preserved the then-young constitutional government.

The Republican Party that first elected Lincoln was not the party we know of today. Big Business took it over in the late 1800's - the "robber barons," the Carnegies, Rockefellers, etc. The labor movement in that period, starting with coal miners, extending to railroad workers, and eventually to most workers, was part of this war. It created a middle class. It made it possible for people who were not born to wealth, who worked with their hands, to actually accumulate wealth, get educations, etc. The period of boom and expansion that ran with a few setbacks from the end of the Civil War until the Great Depression saw many skirmishes, but basically the available territory into which to expand allowed such an expanding economy that the rich could enjoy their wealth and still allow those commoners to have a share. They, of course, played around with artificial and risky financial ploys (why does ANYONE call the republicans "conservative"? They just love to gamble! They love futures markets and deriviatives and all manner of complex and risky schemes to get even richer, particularly if they can put the risk on someone else). Anyway, the economy imploded, there was a war, there was a New Deal, and that brings us to modern times.

THIS WAR GOES BACK TO THE BEGINNING OF CIVILIZATION!!!

So Edwards is today's Jackson. He is ready to call them out, to fight the battle. EVEN IF he proves to be a false leader, if his clarion call gets all those farmers into the streets with pitchforks, it will be the shot heard round the world. A resounding vote for Edwards says, as was suggested above,

"We're mad as hell and not going to take it any more!"

Nothing short of that will do. Saying we need to "reach out" and "have them at the table" is just getting along to get along.

*before anyone grabs the opportunity to snipe: I KNOW Edwards has a big house. If you honestly believe that makes him a wolf in sheep's clothing, I can't change your mind and you can't change mine, so just give it a rest. I will stipulate that it smacks of conspicuous consumption. He does not, as far as I know, keep slaves or serfs. And to those unaware of the fact - while that sounds huge (it is) by most standards, there are thousands of such homes being built in many parts of the country. Take a GoogleEarth tour of Lake Barrington, Il. some time if you want to really see big.

[Plucketeer]

104. Absolutely!!!

The lambs are so conditioned to being led to slaughter that they obediently take themselves there on their own now! It's just easier that way. Why rock the boat when you'll only get wet feet at best??? :grr:

[peacock]

105. JRE is still in this race & I am standing up with him!

JRE is not giving up and neither will I.

[solara]

106. Beautifully said and I couldn't agree more - thank you

:kick:



INVESTIGATE IMPEACH INDICT IMPRECATE INCARCERATE :patriot:

[Martin Eden]

107. "trumpeting the (usually bullshit) case for war"

Unfortunately, that was John Edwards in 2002 -- trumpeting the case for war in Iraq and co-sponsoring legislation to give Bush the green light. The fact he's admitted it was a terrible mistake doesn't negate the abysmal judgement he showed at the time. This was no small error, and it makes me question his foreign policy judgement today.

On the positive side, I think Edwards is sincere in his populism even if his campaign and policy positions are to some extent political calculation to do what's required to win the Democratic primary. He's a very smart trial lawyer, and though that career instills some suspicion it also demonstrates intelligence and determination. John Edwards is a fighter, and I'm fairly confident he will continue to fight on behalf of us when president.

I'm still undecided between Edwards and Obama. My heart is with Dennis, but on Feb 5 my vote will likely go to a candidate other than Hillary who will beat the Republican nominee.

[tom_paine]

108. We are "Mike and Ike, we think alike". K & R, Sage!

I just posted something very similar in response to another thread, although not nearly as eloquently said.

And time is running out. This may now literally be our last chance, and a slim one at that, to restore the Old American Republic to health.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

109. we ALL have a share of responsibility

how many time do we hear 'I'm not going to vote', 'I don't care' 'what difference does it make', 'they are all the same'
....and yes they then go to the fridge and pour themselves a beer and turn on the 'Game' so what's the solution?

People have to realize it is 'WE the people'. It is not 'them' or 'they' or 'the government' that has control of our lives. 'We' are the ones who should have control of what is going on. I fear the only way to make inroads is by changing the electoral system with a multiparty system (proportional representation). There should be delegation of power down to local government which should have far more power to serve the needs of the community. The Federal part of the government needs scrubbing down and lobbyists got rid off.

People should be made responsible to look after their own country not leave it to the elected ones 'the ones who don't have 'our' interests at heart'

[Mrs. Overall]

110. I agree. K&R

[Lindsey]

114. I totally agree. I'm going to be doing phone banking for JE this week

to Californians for our primary on 2/5. He's my #1 and has been since it became evident that Gore wasn't going to be in the game. Good luck and we will welcome you back when you're ready. :-) peace.

[desertflamingo]

111. interesting...

i, TOO, turned 51 in december (is this a trend, or what?!) and i'm scared shitless about my future. i don't have kids, a spouse or anyone i need to take care of but myself - and, i'm unemployed. recently. i own a home, a car, have a college degree, a skilled trade and yet... there's not much out there for me unless i want to work for $10/hr, which, of course i will do if i have to, but... for the last 6 or 7 years it has been an unbelievable struggle and i don't see an upturn in the near or even distant future. john edwards gives me hope because he not only rips off the mask of this country and acknowledges what so many of us have known for so long, but i truly believe his passion and his ANGER are real. dammint, i'm angry. i've been angry since '00 when our future was stolen from us and nothing was done. i've been angry since 9/11 when that idiot chimp embarrassed the hell out of me as an american... since the invasion of afghanistan (yes, i was and am completely against that- i saw 9/11 as a criminal action not a war but hey, that's just me), the unjust and criminal invasion of iraq, katrina... i'm fucking ANGRY. and i'm glad to finally see someone running for president as angry and willing to do something about it. i WAS a dk supporter, and waffled between edwards and him, but i'm pissed about him throwing his votes to obama who i see as just another corporate shill with a rock star delivery. at any rate, edwards is my hope for the future and i will do whatever is in my power to get him elected.

EDWARDS '08

[lisainmilo]

113. Thank You

Yes we are living in a fake world right now. The bubble is going to burst. I heard HRC speak about the times getting as bad or worse than 1932 on her recent campaign trail in NH. She admits we are in trouble. Bush says, "go shopping!" The papers today talk about another 12,000 job lay offs with Chrysler. When will we listen? The train is on track, full speed, I guess most want to pretend we will be o.k., it is scary.
All one has to do is a little bit of research....one day to see where we stand economically in the world...it is not good. So we can continue to live in this "Walt Disney" world or wake up, stand up, and make the necessary changes to stop this train wreck. I totally agree with the OP, John Edwards is our only hope and as a middle class citizen I hope people do the research.
I am afraid that most want "change" but just a little change, they don't want to face or believe the United States is in this kind of trouble. We are being eaten up....
All I wish and beg ( if you will) if you love this country research research research, you have all the access at your fingertips. This is the most important election ever.

Starters:

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article17667.htm

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i5TtajgUpSm7KY5jf-lCJGHBB-tAD8U10RHG0

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7174694.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7132840.stm

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/5429983.html

[SlowDownFast]

115. K&R. Go Edwards! n/t

[emmadoggy]

117. Fantastic post, Mythsaje!

K & R. :yourock:

[Kermitt Gribble]

118. I always look forward to your posts

this is the best one ever!!! Thank you!!

[progressoid]

122. "Thank you for your recommendation."

You're welcome!

[earth mom]

127. At this point, if you aren't angry, then you aren't paying attention.

I don't want an empty message of "hope". That idea is too little, too late.

There are way too many horrific things that have happened and it's time to make it right.


I want to see some serious a$$ kicking and name taking! Edwards sounds like the man for the job.

[bonito]

130. Thank you! Edwards is my hope as well.

[donkeyotay]

131. Rest up and come back soon.

We hear over and over again that "DU doesn't reflect America." Well, no shit. Too damn bad, that is.

We're getting punked again. The same teevee that's been laughing at the dems - saying they don't have a spine, can't get anything done, and pointing out their falling approval ratings, are now claiming that THE SOLUTION is to move to the right, compromise, get along and apologize for opposing the rightwing takeover of our country. The right, meanwhile, is expected to do nothing except keep calling us weenies and looting the treasury.

Say, you don't suppose that Lou Dobbs, the CNN populist will now endorse Edwards and throw his Independent (copyrighted) Party behind the candidate that is now concerned with the middle class? Rrright. Ha.

Thanks for the post, Mythsaje

[Left coast liberal]

134. Beautifully put. I'll be misbehaving with you..Go get 'em John Edwards

[unapatriciated]

135. I have been angry since 2,000

and will stay that way until they either get it in DC or I take my last breath. It keeps me motivated to continue fighting for my grand-children's right to the same freedoms and chances I enjoyed. My family was able to go from dirt poor to lower middle class because of Unions. They made it possible for my father to earn a living wage. Most people I talk to do not even know the difference between minimum and living wage.

[FlyingSquirrel]

136. If only a TENTH of Clinton/Obama supporters read this...

...and let it in... it would be all over. Edwards would be the nominee.

[Djinn]

141. no you just sound politically naive

To me that more or less translates as "I don't give a FUCK about anyone who's not like me."

Do I sound like a judgmental ass? Perhaps.

There are many reasons to be distrustful of what is termed "populism" (which would more honestly be termed expediency) and none of them have anything to do with not caring about other people's views.

:eyes:

[Mythsaje]

142. Politically naive? I don't think so.

I stand by my position. You stand...wherever the hell people like you stand.

[rhett o rick]

145. Curious, who is your candidate? nm

[Usrename]

144. It's the honest apraisal of our circumstances that gets to me.

Edwards was the only one looking at things realistically. But I think that is changing. And what Obama has to say is important, too.

I've been thinking for the past two or three days about what could be the absolute best possible outcome.

I think President Obama and Attorney General Edwards works the best for me right now. Really, I think it could be the best outcome.

In my imaginary scenario we would need someone with Edwards' passion in that critical position. And we would also need a unifying personality in the Oval Office to deflect and deflate the resistance that know will loud and insistant.

(P.S. - for those Hillary supporters, she could play Darth Cheney!)

[rhett o rick]

146. I understand your frustration. Please don't be gone long. nm

[RevCheesehead]

147. A-Fucking-men!!!

:applause: A most excellent rant!!

BTW, when Edwards was asked his favorite Bible verse, he said "Matthew 7 - 'whatsoever you do to the least of these, you do unto me.'"

The heart and soul of the gospel is a call to lift the forgotten, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the oppressed in prison, and care for those who have no means to support themselves (in Jesus' day, that was widows and orphans). Edwards' position seems to emulate my most favorite Savior. O8)

[Sarah Ibarruri]

148. I AGREE MYTH! That's what's so important about Edwards' message!

NO ONE dared say it. NO ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Until Edwards. I am so grateful to this man. I pray and hope he is the nominee somehow, some way. The media, corporations, and the rich, are terrified of him. I'm ready to canvass door to door for him and hope he makes it for our sake.

[Jacobin]

151. Agreed. Good post

Unfortunately, it looks like we are going to end up with Obama versus Romney or Huckleberry or McCain and we will have another 4 years of republican rule.

I do not understand why the party insists on nominating candidates who are doomed to failure.

Democrats would rather lose than nominate a candidate who will win. I'm horrified to face that fact which is becoming simply undeniable.

[bdamomma]

158. excellent post.

:thumbsup:

[AzDar]

160. Edwards is the right person at the right time for this country.