rkrenke's Comments (159)

“The "anything is better than nothing" meme is classic Emanuel - it's never about good policy but rather signing ceremonies and preserving the status quo. He drove the Dems off a cliff in 1994 and he's on track to do it again in 2010 and 2012. The Dems would still be walking in the wilderness if it wasn't for Dean's 50-state strategy - a strategy that Emanuel initially fought against and refused to fund.

In a few short months, this administration has managed to alienate the right, left, center, middle class, working poor, young, old, and previously ardent supporters.

Obama had great potential and unwavering support; however, he chose to surround himself with mediocre strategists - the same individuals who created the economic debacle and the Clintonista's that sold their souls and integrity for a few pieces of gold.

Unless the House works miracles in conference committee, how any logical person could think that the Senate's recently passed, horrendously-flawed healthcare legislation will preserve the Democratic majority is truly a mystery.”

“This legislation simply mandates that poor and middle-class people will be forced to buy insurance they cannot afford - hence the 30 million covered. Government subsidies to help them buy insurance will simply result in more profit for the already bloated insurance companies.

Women's health issues have been set back 25-years, Westen outlines this pretty succinctly in his post.

As for reading the newspaper - you mean the corporate talking points put forth by the MSM? Hardly informative.”

“Without a doubt, this is one of the best posts I've read in a very long time. It's all about developing and staying on message. The majority of Americans can distinguish between truthiness and truth - it's about good government and raising the level of awareness by supporting and implementing sound policies. It's astounding that after walking in the wilderness for years that the Dems have yet to figure out that most voters support "progressive" policies even if they don't view themselves as "Progressives".

And it's true that Obama and his advisors love to blame the "left", when, in fact, people across the political spectrum are starting to speak out against his lack of leadership and pro-corporate policies.

Progressives and Liberals won't stay home in 2010; however, they also won't vote for conservative Dems or Republicans - there will be much more third-party support and Blue Dogs are going to see some tough primaries. Unfortunately, Independents may very well vote Republican out of sheer frustration and anger.

We have a civil responsibility to challenge our government when we believe that it's not acting in our best interests. If, as Obama says, we are the change we've been waiting for, then it's time for all good people to let this administration and the rest of our elected officials know why we're unhappy and what we expect them to do about it.”

“Universal healthcare? Women all around the world, we may start hoping again?

Did you read this post?”

“Emanuel has strong-armed many legislators behind the scenes - going so far as to threaten freshmen Dems that if they don't vote to support WH policies that financial support will be withheld for the upcoming midterms.

The "bipartisanship" argument is old - simply another excuse used by this administration to cover the fact that they aren't really interested in pushing progressive reforms.”

“Progressives and liberals will vote (in large numbers) - they simply won't vote for conservative Dems or Republicans.”

“You can continue to post your compiled list of accomplishments - but these policies aren't what we need to help the millions of people currently suffering across this country. On the big issues, the ones that could really change many lives, Obama has performed below expectations and we have a responsibility to let him know how we feel about his leadership, or lack thereof.

Obama seems to have no problems twisting the arms of Progressives to get them to vote his way - why isn't he using this same tactic with the Blue Dogs? He's getting exactly what he wants for the insurance companies, just like he got exactly what he wanted for the financial industry.

Obama isn't the victim, we are.”

“Obama knows exactly what he's doing and he uses Rahm Emanuel to get it done. Lieberman is just another patsy - why do you think Obama convinced Reid to let him caucus with the Dems and retain his chairmanship?

This isn't about preserving Obama's presidency or the Democratic Party - it's about good governance and sound policies. It's about advancing policies that benefit the Greater Good, not the good of the wealthy and elite.

Obama is a public servant and he'll not get the respect he so desires until he does something to earn it.”

“Unfortunately, it appears that Orwell, not Zinn, has become required reading for the Washington elite. I received a copy of "A People's History of the United States", a couple of years ago as a Christmas gift and am truly looking forward to watching this documentary.

In addition to lending his voice to this project, Mortensen deserves recognition for his advocacy on behalf of America's wild horses (Mustangs) and burros. Long recognized as part of our national heritage, the senseless and inhumane slaughter of these animals is just another American travesty that pits the greed of wealthy ranchers and the gas and oil industries against the preservation of creatures that have freely roamed this country for centuries.

It's my understanding that the "Restore our American Mustangs Act" (HR 1018), passed the House last summer - please write to your senators and encourage them to pass companion legislation, which is designed to improve land management and preserve the long-term health of these American icons.”

“This amendment was drafted by Bart Stupak - a Democrat from Michigan's 1st Congressional District. And, despite what he may think, this hasn't gone unnoticed by Michigan voters.”

“Obama will never see a second term if he signs any bill that further restricts a woman's right to choose.”

“There's a clear line between separation of church and state in this country. Any religious institution that actively engages in political lobbying should lose its tax exempt status post haste.”

“We need to boycott Planned Parenthood and NARAL - no more contributions until they ratchet up their lobbying/advocacy efforts. I'm tired of watching these so-called "progressive" organizations cater to this administration - it will eventually come back to haunt every single one of them, including our elected officials.

Also, why isn't the DOJ investigating the Catholic church for politicizing the pulpit? While some may not like their tax dollars used to fund abortions, I don't like my tax dollars subsidizing lobbying firms disguised as religious institutions.

Enough already.”

“Actually, I regularly communicate with my reps - by phone, email, and socially. The "leaving it up to the President" meme is getting old - what has Obama done to advance progressive issues?”

“Do you honestly believe that Progressives, both individually and collectively, haven't contacted the White House and their Congressional reps regarding the issues that are important to them?

Progressives are a pretty vocal group; hence, all these columns by bloggers asking us to be patient.

Until Obama gets out in front of at least one of these issues, there's not much to rally around.”

“Viola, both your and susiesority's posts are articulate and well thought out. Thanks.”

“Obama and Emanuel seem to have no problems working the Hill to secure votes when it relates to policies they want to advance. As a matter of fact, Emanuel has been strong arming and threatening moderate and liberal freshman reps to vote for legislation that they would prefer not to support.

We'd simply like to see the same kind of strong-arm support for progressive issues.

And, yes, I'm a pretty good swimmer.”

“Progressives aren't rallying around Obama because he hasn't given them any reason to. It's disingenious to believe that you can energize a certain bloc of voters by ignoring and/or minimizing the issues important to them.”

“We should commend the Dems on passing some meaningful legislation, but I believe that Progressives are simply tired of listening to Obama apologists.

Obama's failing on the big issues: Iraq and Afghanistan; civil liberties and the rule of law; real healthcare reform; women's reproductive freedoms (under assault by House Dems); financial reform; jobs; and equality for the LGBT community.

These issues resonate with Progressives - the fact that Obama has ignored their importance because they're not politically pragmatic is inexcusable. At this point, Progressives are less concerned with party/political dominance and more concerned about sound governance and policies. It's about leadership, not savvy political games.

If these issues are placed on the back burner because they threaten election hopes, at what point can they possibly be accomplished? Also, Emanuel's behind-the-scenes machinations cannot be understated - we watched him fracture the base in the 90's and we're witnessing it again now. The more he tries to shut Progressives up, the louder we're going to get.

In 2008, Obama supporters shared the same ideals and principles whether Progressive, Liberal, Independent, Centrist, or Moderate - these voting blocs comprised his "base" and everyone envisioned the same goals: progressive reforms or "change they could believe in".

The bottom line - Dems lose when the base stays home, and the base is clearly not happy. Obama will not win another election without the support of Progressives, Liberals, LGBT's, and Independents. It's time to put up or shut up on the big issues - there is”

“Define "center".”

“I don't disagree that the Dems are part of the problem, but how have they given too much power to the state?”

“I don't believe for one minute that the American people are more conservative than liberal - most people couldn't name the Speaker of the House let alone define "conservative" and "liberal". And, Lakoff is correct in his assessment that the Dems (not just Progressives) have failed to frame the debate and make their case for progressive reforms.

Rahm Emanuel, polluted the Democratic Party with "Blue Dogs". These individuals aren't centrists, they're conservatives who vote to protect their corporate donors. Geithner and Summers, both of whom played a role in the economic crisis, continue to advance policies that protect Wall Street and ignore Main Street.

Obama and his advisors don’t seem to have any problems working the Hill to water-down financial and healthcare reforms when it suits their purpose - why don't they work as hard for progressive reforms?

In 2008, voters supported Obama’s reform agenda, i.e., progressive reform or "change we can believe in". Yet, Obama chose to surround himself with people who are neither progressive nor reformers.

While exit polls indicate that the NJ and Virginia races weren’t referendums on Obama, the fact remains that Dems lose when the base stays home, and the base is clearly not happy.

How can the Dems predict how voters will react to progressive policies until they implement a few? People don't care about party affiliations - they want good governance and sound policies. Until the Dems accept this fact, they'll continue to be their own worst enemies.”

“There was evidence that the exit wound was determined to be on the back, not front, of his skull. This evidence and many witnesses support your observation.”

“Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I believe that although the "truth" is often stunningly obvious, we refuse to open our minds in fear of being labeled as different or non-conformist.

I've not done much research on 9-11 so I don't have an opinion, but I absolutely don't believe that Oswald was the "lone gunman".”

“The label "conspiracy theorist" is used to dissuade normally intelligent people from thinking intelligent thoughts. Anyone who questions the government's explanation of an event is automatically labeled as crazy or unintelligent simply to deter them from thinking, "outside-the-box".

There is too much evidence contradicting the Warren Report and other information put forth by the government to believe that Oswald acted alone. Simple Google searches unearth tons of information - is much of it crazy, yes; but there's also much that simply leads you to want to uncover even more information - to follow the leads so to speak.

The most unfortunate aspect of all of this is that the CIA will have destroyed a lot of the evidence long ago - just as it recently destroyed thousands of tapes related to its role in Bush and Cheney's torture and rendition programs.

The links between the "capitalists" and Kennedy's assassination are there – all you need is an open mind and a desire to see beyond the obvious.”