Failed Again (Full Version)

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puella -> Failed Again (5/23/2007 6:29:40 AM)

I really do not know what to say this morning.

After hearing yesterday afternoon that the people I worked so hard for, the people who passionately promised to represent the will of the people of this country, the people who talked tough (for about 10 minutes) in the face of a tyrannical pseudo-monarchy on behalf of ‘us all’ had caved, I find that I am depressed, disheartened, worried to death and feeling quite hopeless.

It feels like the worst of betrayals; they caved like we all worried they would, but hoped beyond hope that they wouldn’t. They did what they so stereotypically do and cowered, and gave in, and pc’d themselves and all of us to death.

I do not want to hear about not having enough votes to veto. I do not want to hear about small steps to progress. I do not want to hear about hands being tied and doing what can be done. I have been failed... failed by the people who begged me to trust them; failed by the people I worked so hard to put in place to do what was right, not what was easy.. the people who swore they would be my voice and my reason.

I busted my butt, locally and nationally for the last election. I set aside my worries, given the weakness of Democrats in the past on tough issues, and perhaps worst of all, I allowed myself to hope for something that is incredibly important… so vitally important.

My brother is in the 10th Mountain Division out of Ft. Drum. I thank God that he is not among one of the men who were taken prisoner, and for whom the government only could manage to muster up $200,000 as a sum total worth for their lives, even as one was found dead outside of Baghdad this morning (I guess it is apt, $200,000 is well over 3 times the worth of the sum of each of their pay added together for an entire year)… but I am faced again with the lack of strength and clarity on prescient issues and in leadership of the Democratic party to whom I worked so hard to give power; and they have crucially failed me and my brother and all his comrades and the question just keeps shifting back to the same, inevitable one that is asked every morning…. Will it be today that he dies? Will today be the day that the government, who is supposed to be serving me and my brother who serves their defunct and demented ends, issues my brothers death sentence, for no good enough reason?

I feel betrayed. I feel duped. I feel disgusted and I feel hopeless.

I have been failed…we all have been failed and today nine more of our own have died in betrayal..



Mercnbeth -> RE: Failed Again (5/23/2007 6:42:08 AM)

puella,
Your feelings are common, many people I've talked to have them. As long as you aren't an apologist for either party you aren't happy with what is occurring in Washington and expected better. It takes massive rationalization not to think so.
quote:

I do not want to hear about not having enough votes to veto.
The veto excuse is most misleading. No veto is necessary. A veto was needed to override the Funding Bill. Don't pass any Funding Bill and there is nothing to pass in Congress. No funding, no war, troops come home. A simple majority accomplishes this.

I thought that is what we voted to accomplish last November. Instead we get a funding bill of $120 Billion to continue a war for a people whose only desire is for us to leave so they can get on with killing each other as they've done for thousands of years.

quote:

I really do not know what to say this morning.
Don't forget. The congressmen that were voted in all will be up for re-election;  vote them out. Forget party lines, the only vote any of us really have is yes/no. Regarding the incumbents, ALL of the incumbents, we should all vote NO!



imthatacheyouhav -> RE: Failed Again (5/23/2007 6:42:56 AM)

I'm sorry you feel that way...and i'm sorry you are so worried about your brother...i pray that he is and stays safe.....and i pray for an end to this so that we all can live in a safe world.



farglebargle -> RE: Failed Again (5/23/2007 7:52:52 AM)

It's ok. The vast conspiracy to force Administration Resignations will continue unabated.

Gonzales is already impotent and trashed the reputation of the Justice Department, the pressure will continue.

I wonder what Bush had to give up to get this. I *expect* Alberto Gonzales will resign VERY SHORTLY.




slaveish -> RE: Failed Again (5/23/2007 8:02:30 AM)

It is very frustrating, this ... ummmm ... oh ... let's call it a "war" (but it's more like an ego trip and a waste of time, money, resources, and lives). If they want to kill each other, let them. If they want to tear down their new "democracy" so be it. Get our troops out, cut off all aid, find a better, cleaner source of fuel immediately (and please don't be so naive as to think it hasn't already been done), and stop taking responsibility for the rest of the world. Global PC'ness is out of control.

The United States is not the source of all ill, nor is any other country in particular. Apathy (and finger-pointing, come to think of it) is the culprit, and we're all in this mess together. Is there a political answer to this? I don't think so. We would have to band together, en masse, to effect major change, and work at fixing problems instead of expecting others to do our bidding.

Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Why is someone going to get off the gravy train (once I vote him on it) by doing something unpopular with the PACs, big business, or other special interest groups? I don't see major change occurring as long as the cable is working, the Internet is running, and my belly is full. Unfortunately, it seems to take extreme events to get us all working together. Otherwise, our interests are splintered - our small interests take precedence when we have nothing monumental to keep us strapped together.



puella -> RE: Failed Again (5/23/2007 8:07:30 AM)

To he honest fargle... it's not a good bargain.  I would take another two years of shit eating and keeping Gonzales in there doing his crap over the death of 9 Americans (and that is just today's tally).  Then again, I am incredibly down right now so... who knows.



caitlyn -> RE: Failed Again (5/23/2007 8:18:20 AM)

I know the "first step" and, "not enough votes" talk may not be what you want to hear, but it may also be the reality.
 
Real change will require either a veto-proof majority in Congress, or a Democratic President. It may not be in the party's best interest to force the issue right now. The only way to get either of the above, is to attract the votes of people in the middle, and sadly, the "you don't support the troops" and "you are being obstructionists" talk does play well ... right or wrong ... it does play well.
 
Imagine if Congress cut funding, and the troops were pulled out today. Do you think they would come home in a thankful mood? There would likely be a disaster in Iraq, and General after General would stand up and claim that civilians lacked the will to see this thing through, right when events were starting to turn in our favor. It would be impossible to prove them wrong, and the spector of those risking their lives, standing up and saying they were betrayed, would all but hand the next election to the very people that got us in to this mess in the first place.
 
I campaigned hard for Ron Paul in the last election, who is obviously opposed to the war, and there are times I also feel betrayed. The only comfort I can take, is that continual work may eventually bring a real result. It seems a difficult task ... more than one election can ameliorate.
 
Keep swinging!!



farglebargle -> RE: Failed Again (5/23/2007 8:21:15 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: puella

To he honest fargle... it's not a good bargain. I would take another two years of shit eating and keeping Gonzales in there doing his crap over the death of 9 Americans (and that is just today's tally). Then again, I am incredibly down right now so... who knows.


That is the inevitable give and take of our system.

First you need to amass enough dirt, then you can use it to extort whatever demands you require. In this case, it's obvious that Bush blinked, and this is part of a quid-pro-quo.

If they wanted to be hardliners, they could have said, "You got your appropriations at the beginning of the year, see us next year."




Sinergy -> RE: Failed Again (5/23/2007 10:12:21 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mercnbeth

quote:

I do not want to hear about not having enough votes to veto.
The veto excuse is most misleading. No veto is necessary. A veto was needed to override the Funding Bill. Don't pass any Funding Bill and there is nothing to pass in Congress. No funding, no war, troops come home. A simple majority accomplishes this.



This not the way Congress works.

If no funding bill is passed, the funding provided to all Government projects is the lowest of three amounts.

1)  The amount approved in the Senate

2)  The amount approved in the House

3)  The previous year's funding.

Assuming neither the Senate or House can approve funding, because the Republicans can tie it up with procedural nonsense, debate, filibusters, etc., AnencephalyBoy still gets last years funding and there is nothing Congress can do to stop from happening.

quote:



Regarding the incumbents, ALL of the incumbents, we should all vote NO!



I have said before that we should have term limits.

Serve your term, go to prison.

Sinergy



Mercnbeth -> RE: Failed Again (5/23/2007 10:33:30 AM)

This not the way Congress works.

quote:

If no funding bill is passed, the funding provided to all Government projects is the lowest of three amounts.
1)  The amount approved in the Senate
2)  The amount approved in the House
3)  The previous year's funding.


Except this is a SUPPLEMENTAL funding Bill. The requirement for approving it, IS how Congress works, at least how it is supposed to. It is, or used to be, one of its main purposes - control over spending. The Federal Budget falls under your assumption. That money is gone. This is supplemental.

Congress can stop it, they are voluntarily choosing not to. They are also voluntarily adding to their personal pork projects back home. This Congress is in the process of passing two key Bills give full support of the President. The ongoing funding of the Iraq War, and the amnesty bill for criminals and those that hire them. The later, if approved, would be an accomplishment that failed under the prior Congressional Majority.

Good thing we voted for a change last November.



farglebargle -> RE: Failed Again (5/23/2007 10:35:06 AM)

quote:

The Federal Budget falls under your assumption. That money is gone.


In other words, Bush is Fiscally Irresponsible and can't control his spending.

He doesn't DESERVE supplemental funding.




Mercnbeth -> RE: Failed Again (5/23/2007 10:40:46 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: gelable

quote:

The Federal Budget falls under your assumption. That money is gone.


In other words, Bush is Fiscally Irresponsible and can't control his spending.

He doesn't DESERVE supplemental funding.
Yes that sums it up nicely. And it is my opinion that supplemental spending should not be granted.

However, we are all fools for the distraction. The purpose of the rhetoric and political posturing regarding the troops is a smokescreen. Once again, the solders are pawns, playing the role of the pretty woman for the magicians in Congress. The result is all those pork programs that went into the supplemental spending bill "for the troops" will be funded. When the final Bill is signed, I anticipate the money for the Iraq War will be less than half of the total approved. The majority of the money will go to the Senator's/Congressman's home districts.



Sinergy -> RE: Failed Again (5/23/2007 10:53:54 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mercnbeth

Congress can stop it, they are voluntarily choosing not to. They are also voluntarily adding to their personal pork projects back home. This Congress is in the process of passing two key Bills give full support of the President. The ongoing funding of the Iraq War, and the amnesty bill for criminals and those that hire them. The later, if approved, would be an accomplishment that failed under the prior Congressional Majority.



Congress passes anything because of the dispensation of pork.  Scratch my back, I will scratch yours.

This is politics in the United States.  I would love to see the United States voting populace rise up and pass a law preventing Congress from attaching riders to bills.  I dont see it happening any time soon, and I have already decided what the best use of my time and energy is at making the world a better place.

On a related note, I contacted my representatives and Senator to state my opposition to these bills.

Sinergy



Sinergy -> RE: Failed Again (5/23/2007 10:56:00 AM)

 
Not that it did any good, but then I think Harmon wants to be a Republican anyway.

Sinergy



Mercnbeth -> RE: Failed Again (5/23/2007 11:21:13 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sinergy
On a related note, I contacted my representatives and Senator to state my opposition to these bills.

Not that it did any good, but then I think Harmon wants to be a Republican anyway.Sinergy


The Republican/Democrat label has as much meaning as that of Master/slave/Dom/sub. Actions define; most observable actions and results are contrary, in my opinion, to the best interests of the US at large. It is for this reason it is necessary to go beyond the 'spin' focused buzz-words from these people and judge them on their results or the lack of same. Very often the goal and real purpose are not obvious. Most often, "we the people", are assumed to be "those taxpaying fools".

You are absolutely correct - is IS politics in the US. It is why the political parties offer no distinction and no change occurs when majorities change. It's why for the past 8 years my only vote has been against any incumbent. My one exception, the 2004 Presidential election. I am doubting the belief I had at the time, that Senator Kerry was the worse of two evil choices. At this point, I don't see how. President Clinton represented more Republican "values" (whatever they are) than President Bush. Were I a Republican power-broker, I'd be trying to get him to switch parties. Then again, would it matter?

I come away with the same sentiments and frustration regarding my daily contacts. At least now I don't get a busy signal for hours on end; but that may be a bad thing. I don't know if it is a luxury or curse to have the ability to make calls and email every day.



Vendaval -> RE: Failed Again (5/24/2007 2:33:13 AM)

I swear, fargle, that when first reading this sentence it seemed to say -
 
"That is the inevitable give and take of our asylum" !  [sm=hewah.gif]
 
Must be a malaproprism on my part, or perhaps a Freudian slip,
either way it makes sense in a non-sensical-off-kilter-kind-of-way.
 
Late night ramblings on way too little sleep....[sm=goodnight.gif]


quote:

ORIGINAL: farglebargle

That is the inevitable give and take of our system.




farglebargle -> RE: Failed Again (5/24/2007 5:07:34 AM)

Asylum works, too.



pahunkboy -> RE: Failed Again (5/24/2007 5:24:56 AM)

before i moved i had the luxury of worryuiiing about national stuff. now i dont. im trapped in a "gentifrication" fight amongst the towns people. ill probaly see more national stuff here.

in this town new york and washington barely exist- we are too busy bickering over these oh so slipppery slope issues that i left chicago over.

well chicago will work them out before we do.

i was lovingly trapped in a mode of consternation. now i feel that regans infamous trickle down has done trickled down.

i dont want to live in reality. heck i barely want to live. maybe the river will wash us away today- some days i really REALLY WANT TO DIE.   then theres the part of me that should have gone to xhixago with my mom. 

i hate loss.


my place has a carport= ill spare you any doom scenarios- other then a garage would be better.

this my friend, is me in a good mood.  at least the here and no0w mood.





Vendaval -> RE: Failed Again (5/24/2007 6:23:45 PM)

hunkboy,
 
If you are feeling that down in the dumps, I suggest that you speak
with your doctor or a therapist.  This is sounding like a depression
episode and you need support and understanding in person.
 
Take care,
 
Vendaval



dcnovice -> RE: Failed Again (5/24/2007 7:23:46 PM)

Puella ---

I hear you, my dear, and I hope and pray that your brother comes home safely and soon. Ditto for all those servng with him.

I honestly don't know what the Democrats should have done. Had they failed to authorize funding, they would have been accused by all and sundry of not supporting the troops and playing politcs with soldiers' lives. Perhaps they should have been strong enough to face down that criticism. Part of me thinks they should have kept sending Bush timetables to veto until the message sank in.

I agree with Merc that stuffing pork into the bill was appalling.

I wish I had something more comforting to say.

Peace,

DC



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