Post after post of DU'ers congratulating one another for affecting policy change.

[Sheepshank]

I watched with morbid fascination as dozens of posts and follow-up responses congratulating one another for being the impetus to stop the military action in Syria. Oh and Summers...no longer the nominee (because many insist that he was the favored nominee). At first I thought it was sort of tongue in cheek. But in the manner of rubber necking at a train wreck, I stayed tuned only to realize these self congratulatory DU'ers were serious.

So I was wondering, could you please direct your skills and powers, to affect changes in some realistic and sensible gun control legislation?

Thanks.

[Skittles]

1. you forget how much money is involved in pro-gun humping

[Sheepshank]

2. I imagine the military contractors' money backing, and Reps desire for war was pretty powerful too

In the case of Gun legislation, 91% of the people are for it...should be a piece of cake.

[Skittles]

18. the disdain of the Brits, the American people AND congress (certainly it was headed for defeat)

CRUSHED that little piece of warmongering

but there are PLENTY of Democratic gun humpers - NRA propaganda works on more than just teabaggers

[Recursion]

103. As opposed to war or the Fed chair?

It boggles the mind.

[Douglas Carpenter]

3. I think we will abolish world hunger, end global warming and establish a democratic and socialist

republic of North America before the U.S. Congress passes any sensible gun laws.

[Sheepshank]

4. I could go for that too (or instead)...affect legislation designed to reduce global warming.

should be an even easier task.

[JustAnotherGen]

93. +1

Don't forget about infrastructure development and restoration as part of that. Oh the things we could do!

[alcibiades_mystery]

5. Oh, you're in for it now

I got a free psychoanalytic session from one of the dumber members of that crew for expressing hilarity at same, without spelling it out as you do here.

They're going to tear you apart!

[Sheepshank]

6. But why not use that power for more good?

they don't like to asked to produce?

I'm sort of wondering why they waited until now for this recent policy, to succeed.

But I am to trust in their abilities?

Oh, snap!

[Douglas Carpenter]

7. I don't think anyone was suggesting DU members personally changed policy

I think there is a common theory that underpins the assumptions of liberal western democracy that suggest public opinion especially when exercised through a public outcry does affect to varying degrees public policy. I was unaware that it was controversial to believe that. I think they taught us that in eighth grade civics. The alternative is to believe that all political activism is in vain.

[cui bono]

46. Agree. But on here there is a group that likes to make fun of those that practice democracy.

They seem to think we're supposed to wait until things happen before voicing our opinions, except that they also believe we're not supposed to criticize anything that is done. So basically we're supposed to sit down and shut up. Which is the anti-thesis of democracy and a country that is supposed to be governed by the consent of the people.

[Art_from_Ark]

55. The problem with teaching that sort of thing in 8th grade civics

is that concepts like "citizen participation" and "petition of grievances" seem to go right over the heads of too many students at that age.

[Liberal_Dog]

72. Especially Those Who Were Sleeping Through Class

Which, I suspect, a lot of them were.

[Art_from_Ark]

121. In my school system, they taught that in the 8th grade,

9th grade, 10th grade, 11th grade, and 12th grade, to make sure that the students were awake in at least one of those classes!

[Sheepshank]

104. Actually Douglas Carpenter, that is exactly what was touted

here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=3638585

not just the op, but plenty of responders

[VanillaRhapsody]

8. and I want my Jetson flying car too dammit....

and a pony!

Get right on that will ya guys?

May the force be with you!

[Bluenorthwest]

86. Hey it's the pony trope!!!!!

It's like old times, hearing about Pony wanting liberals. Such a time honored classic, the 'you want a pony' meme! It always reminds me of the thousand times DU centrists hurled it at LGBT activists as our work got DADT repealed and DOMA reversed, when the centrists were still advocating either 'civil unions as a solution' or 'we must wait until after the next three elections'. Pony! It's like old home week!

[Raksha]

102. Also notice which poster is pushing that classic pony trope - not exactly a coinky-dink. <G>

[Logical]

9. Please list some realistic items and I will explain why it won't happen! nt

[Barack_America]

10. Sorry, you'll have to go to the gun control forum...

For the, "yes, defeated another attempt at gun control" self-congratulations. There will be no serious attempt in Washington.

[BootinUp]

11. lol nt.

[mick063]

12. The call to stop Syrian action

Was across the political spectrum.


There were multiple factions involved.

[russspeakeasy]

13. Remember when we re-invaded North Korea? Of course you don't

they stopped it.

[Whisp]

14. Still makes me giggle, them taking themselves so seriously that way.

Imagine all the raises they gave themselves for such a smashing job.

Gun legislation Should be next, crew. After that you should tackle on Education, Jobs, & Climate Change. hop to it.
What's the hold up? Are you taking one of those congressional breaks - get back to work!
You are now our employees and we can disrespect you and treat you like a Walmart clerk like the President is treated here by some (too many).

lol.

[JNelson6563]

15. And get the GOP House

out of power. That would really impress me because, so far, I haven't seen how bitching on DU could make that happen but...if such power as that has been channeled into these two big issues mentioned in the OP, anything is possible!1!

Julie

[mick063]

17. My priority is diminishing "third way" influence.

"Bitching" on DU?

Get used to it. Fighting for a true alternative to GOP economic policy as I believe the concentration of wealth and economic disparity are the top priority.

[JNelson6563]

19. lolz

Post on DU all you want, it accomplishes nothing. It's up there with "I'll pray for you!"

Rock on mighty warrior, rock on.

Julie

[Skittles]

20. WHY do you always assume

that people posting on DU do nothing but post on DU???

[Union Scribe]

25. Because it's all they do

most likely.

[Skittles]

30. riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight

because people on POLITICAL BOARDS could not possibly be active outside of the internet

[Union Scribe]

34. I mean the ones haphazardly accusing us of not being active ;)

[Skittles]

36. aaaaaaaaaaaaah

kicking my own ass

[Rex]

99. SKITTLES DO YOU WANT ME TO KICK YOUR ASS!?

As a personal favor.


Jury...loooonnnngggg running joke.

[Skittles]

112. YEE HAW!

what is this jury you speak of? I've never been on a DU jury, nor will you see me whining because someone called me names.

[cui bono]

47. There certainly is a lot of projection from those guys.

Especially their use of the term Obama Derangement Syndrome which does not mean what they think it does.

[Skittles]

50. ODS swings like a pendulum do

yes INDEED

[Fumesucker]

51. Swooners on bicycles two by two

[Skittles]

52. STOP IT FUMESUCKER

[Fumesucker]

53. Actually I should have said.. Boggers on bicycles two by two

My dad loved that song, I heard it many times in my yute.

[Skittles]

54. I was sure someone was going to correct my grammar

I was living in England when that song came out

[Whisp]

49. Some active tennis or similiar activity in between DU screaming is done sometimes

I'm sure.

But there Are some serious workers here, I can name some but you should all know them. They canvass and do the real world hard work. But they tend not to be the excitable screamers that Caps-a-lot.

[mick063]

57. I'll get back to this subject when I have time later today.

As for now, the middle school response from you is gratifying.

If I am bothering one who has sworn fealty, I am having impact.

[Bluenorthwest]

83. If posting here is such a waste of energy why do you have 25,077 posts?

Why did you make this post? And why make the other 25, 076?

[Skraxx]

87. LOL! Indeed!

[LittleBlue]

16. Bizarre claim considering legislators were citing

the overwhelming public response against war in Syria, not only poll numbers but also phone calls and emails.

You're free to believe whatever you wish, though, as is everyone else.

[Rex]

22. It is outrage at getting our way?

Seen several members exhibit this strange behavior.

[LittleBlue]

39. Yep. They are getting frustrated

They have to make us believe that the American people had no effect.

Strange people.

[cui bono]

48. Aw don't spoil their little schoolyard bully game.

They like to ridicule without talking about anything of substance.

[pipoman]

21. ...

[Union Scribe]

23. The grapes are sooo sour.

I am honest-to-God enjoying the fits all of you are throwing over liberal victories in government. The Summers test balloon was shot down by pressure and the presence of a few actual liberals in the Senate. The rush to war was dragged to a stop by domestic and international pressure. Victories have been won, and all some on DU care about is whining about citizens making their voices heard because in their mind it detracts from Obama's glory. And yes, we know that's what it's about. It's not a coincidence that the posters trying to mock democracy in action are also of a certain flavor here.

[Skittles]

27. it is indeed pathetic

[Eleanors38]

75. ^^^ Best response to the impotence-is-cool crowd.

[99Forever]

24. Smells like stinkbait in this...

... cesspool thread.

Ick.

[baldguy]

26. Roosters claiming credit for the sunrise.

[Skittles]

28. yup, the OP is indeed a rooster

[baldguy]

31. Ahhh .... no.

[Skittles]

33. OK, he is just pro-rooster

[baldguy]

41. You're being deliberately obtuse. I would have expected better from you.

"At first I thought it was sort of tongue in cheek. But in the manner of rubber necking at a train wreck, I stayed tuned only to realize these self congratulatory DU'ers were serious."

The anti-Obama crowd here on DU offers nothing more than the same type of delusional "liberalism" that promotes Rand Paul's destructive policies, and casts Ed Snowden as a hero.

[Skittles]

45. WHY do people "expect better" from me?

IT'S NOT LIKE I'M NOT CONSTANTLY MISBEHAVING!!!! And there's no real ANTI-OBAMA crowd except trolls - WE SIMPLY DO NOT RAH RAH 100% because we THINK FOR OURSELVES

[treestar]

29. Hahahaha

Good one!

[MrMickeysMom]

32. To many, it's a football game and they like #45

I think we're forgetting to drill down on the issues sometimes.

[Skittles]

35. they want to AVOID talking about the issues

their one and ONLY subject is *OBAMA*

[dkf]

37. I called my Senators and Reps who said constituent calls made a difference.

I feel I did my part.

[joshcryer]

38. Yeah, I cracked up. Especially since Obama said to put his feet to the fire.

So yeah it was the activists all along that effected change.

Naw, couldn't be that the majority just agreed with 'em for once, at least on Syria.

The Senate was what stopped a potential Summers nomination.

[Coyotl]

40. The same people who stopped Bush from invading Iraq?

What people fail to realize about discussion groups, it is like living in a cave with a small group. You have a very small audience, and maybe someone reads what you post, maybe not even that much happens.

Places like DU can make a difference, such as when they contribute something new to add to the discourse outside their cave. But look at the DU post count and tell me how many of those changed the world even a small amount.

[Union Scribe]

42. You just equated Obama to Bush

The same people who stopped Bush from invading Iraq?

Your argument is that Obama and Bush react the same way to public opinion, so that of course since Bush wouldn't listen to the people Obama must not have either. I thought you were an Obama supporter?

Anyway, the second thing deficient about your post is the idea, argued by no one here, that posts on DU had anything to do with changing anything. That is a complete misunderstanding on your part. No one thinks the President or Senator Warren read DU to figure out what to do next. But the people on DU along with a whole fuckton of other citizens calling, writing, emailing our leaders can change things. And they did.

[Coyotl]

85. Your characterization is only that, a characterization

and, if you don't mind, don't try to tell me what I'm thinking.

[Le Taz Hot]

59. The IWR was after 9/11

and there was a huge outcry to "do something." The politicians who voted "yes" were covering their political asses and some of them paid with their political asses only a few years later. Funny thing is, they're STILL only covering their political asses as the country is war weary. BIG difference between 2003 and 2013.

But here's the rub on DU. Virtually all of DU in 2003 was against the IWR -- invading a country that had done nothing to us. In 2013, with a "Democratic" (nod nod wink wink) president, those of us who were anti-war back then remain anti-war yet those who are Blind Partisans all of a sudden have no problem invading a country who, again, did nothing to us.

That was just too easy.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

43. And what are you doing...

"to affect changes in some realistic and sensible gun control legislation"?

Besides offering up bitter threads to a message board?

[KurtNYC]

61. Naysayers will stop at nothing

(by which I mean they are so cynical that they don't believe anything that anyone does effects anything else so why do anything at all, why not just do nothing, except complain)

[WorseBeforeBetter]

67. I have zero tolerance for folks sitting on their asses in air-conditioned comfort...

attempting to diminish the efforts of those who are trying to make things right. And I say that as a current resident of North Carolina, where thousands have been trying to effect change, alongside Rev. Barber of the NC NAACP.

Superficial thinking, utter devotion to an elected official, acceptance of post-Reagan Democratic politics... what a truly unfortunate mix.

[Octafish]

44. Yeah. It's like they think that they live in a democracy or something.

As for guns, a man killed 20 schoolkids, four teachers and his mother and the government still couldn't pass legislation to limit high capacity magazines, let alone find the courage for universal gun registration, thanks to the money and power of the NRA.

That won't stop me from voicing my opinion and trying to change things, though. Why? It all starts with an idea.

[blackspade]

56. The waambulance has arrived for you.

If your so cynical about democracy in action and liberal discussion boards, why even post?

[SidDithers]

58. DU rec...

The 'Really!! We did do it!!' comments in this thread are awesome.



Sid

[Bluenorthwest]

60. Such sour grape action is rare to see. Public outcry in more than one country put a

halt to trigger happy government starting another war they don't know how to win. I'm very sorry for those of you who were keening for war so hard.
I have to wonder what YOU do about gun policy that you have standing to whine about what others do. Do you do anything at all?
I was organized into opposing Summers by my Democratic Senator. Way back in June. How is that a problem for you? Some of us elect Democrats then stand with them as we make our voices heard. Democracy it is called. You seem to hold democracy in great contempt.
Personally, I don't think there is jack to be accomplished on gun regulations while the discussion climate is so deeply infested with exploitative rhetoric and the need to divvy up into two sides and hurl epithets 'for the children'. To be blunt with you, it is posts like your OP that make the climate unsuited for creating change in the gun laws. If you actually cared about the issue, you would not use it as rhetorical fodder for attacking your fellow democrats for participation in democracy, you might even be taking notes.
It's always the same. Seeing activism upsets some of you because you don't understand how it works and because you are too lazy to take part and because you don't really want to take part in change, you want to make mudpies to fling at other who are on your own side in most things. What you and yours want and what you and yours do it bark at people who supported Obama as much as a voter can support a candidate and snarl 'hater' at them. Irrational, nonsensical and utterly devoid of objective other than personal jollies.

[Tveil]

62. Obama listens to me

He can hear me through my pc

[Zorra]

63. Circle the appropriate response below:

Wise, glorious, and beloved leaders never consider the will of the people when making important decisions about war and finance, because leaders are authorities and always know best.

True

False

[kentuck]

64. This is basically the problem with DU.

There are many posters who think they cannot and have not made a difference. If you think you can't, you want. They tear down whatever DU had build up.

[JoePhilly]

71. When will your next "TPTB control everything" OP appear?

Because those tend to run counter to what you just posted.

[JoePhilly]

65. The same folks also said TPTB were in total control of those events.

For Syria, we were told that TPTB had already decided to invade Syria, and then intended to escalate that into something larger with Iran and Russia. This was a forgone conclusion. It was absolutely going to happen.

For Summers ... TPTB wanted Summers. Period. End of story. All of the other nominees were mentioned as distractions from the reality of a Summers nomination.

In both cases, if you did not know that these things were done deals, you were called an idiot, or worse.

Now that both of those predictions have failed rather spectacularly, rather than just admit they were wrong, admit their hyperbole was over the top, the same folks claim it was they who stopped the all powerful TPTB.

[kentuck]

66. The church mice speak again.

Who would rather chop off their right arm than criticize their government or their leaders and think it would have happened anyway if everyone had just kept their pieholes shut...

[JoePhilly]

69. Running around with you hair-on-fire is not criticism.

Its nonsense.

Making endless ridiculous predictions and then attacking those who don't believe your ridiculous predictions is not criticism.

It's simply the standard manufactured outrage that has come to define DU over the last few years.

[kentuck]

73. Everybody that doesn't agree with you...

...is running around with their hair on fire. Just crawl back into your corner and say nothing. I'm sure our leaders know more than all of us and they will take care of everything. They need no input from any of us.

[JoePhilly]

74. No, people posting OP after OP predicting a future disaster

that was not going to happen, and then did not happen, WERE ACTUALLY running around with their hair on fire.

Day after Day. Total freak out.

Consider this ... the President, who isn't planning to invade Syria, hears folks like you screaming that he plans to invade Syria. On TV, he says "I have no plan to invade Syria", to which the reply from folks like you is "Oh yea, sure ... sure that's not your plan ... pfft!!".

Face it, running around DU making nonsensical predictions isn't providing "input" to the President.

Its just ranting.

[kentuck]

77. First of all, you did not hear me say that the President planned on invading Syria.

I can find links for you if you like?

But it seems to me that the majority of your posts, maybe all of them, are critical of other DU'ers? Do you ever have any ideas of your own?

[JoePhilly]

79. How can you find links to something you say that you didn't say?

Forget it.

DU ... you know ... this site ... spent about 4 weeks in total freak out with predictions of how the President was absolutely going to start a WAR, with Syria.

Certainly you noticed this phenomenon? Right?

Do you think those folks were right?

Or, were they wrong?

I'm pretty sure they were wrong on a massive scale.

Not that they, or you, will admit it.

[kentuck]

82. I think you are the one with your hair on fire.

Yes, a lot of people were worried that Syria might be bombed and were very critical of that possibility. Sometimes you have to yell to get people's attention. No, you should not be silent and put your trust in your leaders. They should know that you vehemently disagree in the loudest and strongest language you can muster. That is what many people on DU were doing. Did they have any impact on the President or the Congress?? I don't know but the Congress and eventually, the President, came around to the same point of view. You are wrong on a massive scale.

[JoePhilly]

84. Did I say be silent?

You tend to make things up I think.

There is a difference between (a) claiming the President is hell bent on going to war in Syria because he's a member of PNAC, and (b) claiming that you are against targeted air strikes after the Assad gas attacks.

Do you see the difference there?

DU was PACKED with examples of "a" above, not so much "b".

Now feel free to mis-characterize what I said here.

[Bluenorthwest]

78. Name calling, characterization and claims of knowing the future and the mind of the

President. That's all your post is. What's to be made of that? It's mostly invective with a sprinkling of knowledge claimed that you simply don't have. But if it makes you feel better to act out, then act out.

[JoePhilly]

80. I'll use that next time I'm called an "authoritarian"

because I didn't think we were going to war in Syria.

Although I probably don't have to worry about that, now that the hair on fire folks realize that we aren't going to war in Syria.

But no fear, I'm sure that they'll be a new round of Wheel Of Outrage starting again soon.

[Bluenorthwest]

97. I've never called you an authoritarian Joe. You know that.

Now type 'hair on fire' again. It's the 'you go girl' of the 2013 Centrist DUer. Because you don't often post anything more than 'hair on fire' and a few words of criticism of the flaws you see in those around you. I have no idea what your predictions about anything were or are because all I ever see you post is negative stuff about all those sinners here.
I really don't give a shit about whose predictions of the future bore out in a political forum, that's all accessories and bling, I also don't make many predictions about politics or world affairs because I don't give a shit about that. In politics I do what I think a citizen is supposed to do, I speak my mind, I say what I would like to see, I promote that which I want as policy. I'm not trying to make predictions, nor to prove I can read the mind of the President, I'm expressing my own opinion. Because that's what we are actually capable of, no human can predict the future, no one knows what the President is thinking, all of that is conjecture and crap shoots no matter how cynical and biting one seems while presenting it. It's bullshit. What I said about Syria was not 'I am Karnac Elijah and I predict' it was 'I'm a voter and I prefer diplomacy'. Which is the way it went. I was thrilled with that.
The views I speak on DU are Democratic views, on Syria and on Summers my view was the same as that of my entire Congressional delegation, which is 100% Democratic, and much of what I had to say about it here came from their offices and emails. So hair on fire indeed. You are busy trying to predict next week's news while I am working with elected Democrats to achieve our goals. By the time DU's centrists started talking about Summers, I already knew the votes were not there and that the Democrats on the Banking Committee were going to say so. It was an issue being discussed for months by Democrats, elected and otherwise. Just not DU centrists. They are too busy with repetitive characterizations and mentalist tricks, 'I predict hair on fire!!!'.
The centrists here bark about the activists here, but that's all about style points. We activists just keep getting things done. The centrists here barked at the marriage equality activists until the day Obama spoke his mind. The week before Obama said 'from Seneca Falls to Selma to Stonewall' I was lectured in two threads by 'Obama supporters'[ that Stonewall should not be listed with the other two, it was not like Selma, Stonewall does not count, they said. Then Obama said that line in front of the public. He'd already used it in front of gay people.
Now say 'hair on fire' again because it just never gets old, it's pure gold and the more you say it the better it gets.

[JoePhilly]

100. Didn't say you called me that.

But it happens on DU all the time.

And as for predicting the future ... much of DU is absolutely sure that they can predict the future.

And if you were not one of those predicting an Iraq style war in Syria, your hair probably was not on fire.

And on marriage equality ... I recall the predictions on DU that Obama was never going to end DADT, never going to stop supporting DOMA.

And on edit: I do enjoy how you self proclaimed activists tell us centrists (proclaimed "centrists" also by you) how things really are.

[Bluenorthwest]

117. You dragged in 'someone called me an authoritarian' what was your point?

Why drag that to me?
And again, on marriage equality and everything else, 'predictions' is not the point for me, what is important is what is advocated. I was not talking about what people 'predicted' because I'm not interested in magical thinking. I was talking about what people promoted. I don't give a shit what people claimed they thought would happen. At all. If you were right in your predictions, well good for you, is there a major award involved?

[SidDithers]

89. Exactly...

how many times was the 2000 PNAC "7 countries in 5 years" document posted, as if it still had meaning 13 years later.

The hair-on-fire brigade around here are fucking hilarious.

Sid

[JoePhilly]

95. Yup ... their predictions were wrong, but their alternative reality ...

remains intact.

Obama is still a tool of PNAC, and the Combustible Hair Club stopped him cold in his tracks.

Tune in again next week for another episode of ...

WHEEL

OF

OUTRAGE!!!!!

(I really need to make a graphic of that)

[Bluenorthwest]

118. Predictions!!!!! I Predict!

[Bobbie Jo]

91. This. nt

[JustAnotherGen]

96. +1

[myrna minx]

68. I find it rather sad to read post after post of those who ridicule political activism. n/t

[Bobbie Jo]

81. Sorry....

Posting on a message board is not political activism.

Its virtual bickering from the comfort of your home.

Activism: http://i.word.com/idictionary/activism

Main Entry: ac·tiv·ism
Pronunciation: \ˈak-ti-ˌvi-zəm\
Function: noun
: a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue
— ac·tiv·ist \-vist\ noun or adjective
— ac·tiv·is·tic \ˌak-ti-ˈvis-tik\ adjective

[Skraxx]

90. Yup, It's Faux Activism So Lazy People Can Feel They're Actually Doing Something

Then they "vindicate" their "activism" to themselves by screeching it was THEM who stopped the President from going to war and from nominating Summers and cutting SS and on and on and on.

I guess it gives them a faux sense of political usefulness. I find it cute and amuzing, in a clownish, pathetic, impotent sort of way.

[myrna minx]

98. You may be assuming that posting is the extent of the political work done by the people with whom

you may disagree. I personally don't care one way or another whether folks on a message board believe that I'm politically active, but I think it's in poor taste to ridicule and mock people (many who may be new to activism) for believing their voice matters - even going as far to discourage people from speaking up and having their voices heard by their elected representation. I think it's destructive. Occupy was ridiculed for their direct vigorous action and those who write their Senators and Representatives are ridiculed as being "chairborners". We can't win.

[Sheldon Cooper]

70. They're no more fascinating than post after post about

how totally awesome and dreamy is Barack Obama, and how he's "MY" president, and all you mean girls who diss him are just suffering from derangement or something. There's much to marvel at here, indeed. So, kudos to you for adding to the pathology!

[JoePhilly]

76. We're all just really upset about the Iraq style war that Obama started

in Syria.

DU predicted it.

Then it happened. Years of escalating war in Syria, and Iran. Now underway.

And now we all have to suffer through the aftermath.

[Eleanors38]

88. A more prosaic explanation: Gun control is not that big an issue...

to most Americans, who by & large believe 2A is an individual right. If gun-control was as important as some think it is, the organizational and activist support for that outlook would extend beyond the ritualistic mumblings of a shrinking MSM, the deep pockets of a self-imortant former mayor, and "studies" sponsored by a few foundations.

Some don't like gun-owning activists (and I find some to be beyond the pale), but they are a powerful object lesson in how grass roots democracy is practiced and practiced effectively.
Believe me: Objectively, there is great sophistication and intelligence within that sprawling movement, something controller/banners seem unwilling to concede.

[JustAnotherGen]

92. Great request!

So I was wondering, could you please direct your skills and powers, to affect changes in some realistic and sensible gun control legislation?

[Bluenorthwest]

94. I congratulate Senators Merkley and Warren, Congressman DeFazio, Senator Wyden

and the rest of the elected Democrats who have been doing the job they are paid to do by affecting policy and advising on choices. I also congratulate the Democrats who elected them as well as the President who unlike GW Bush is not deaf to the world around him and actually has the ability to do process politics. In our system, dear OP, we the people are supposed to direct policy via our elected representatives. Not sure why democracy leaves you in morbid fascination. That's something I'd think about long and hard if I were you.

[NCTraveler]

101. Not sure about Syria....

But we sure as hell should be patting our backs with respect to Summers. One would have to be daft to not understand the outside influence involved in Summers taking his name out of the running.

[great white snark]

105. Real activism takes work. Insults, false equivilencies and conjecture just takes a working computer.

I wouldn't entrust them to anything.

[Sheepshank]

106. "Insults, false equivilencies and conjecture" = Snark

actually I do agree with you, I just was having a little fun with your name

[great white snark]

115. Yup. Also knife smuggled into prison via Gyro = Sheepshank

[Sheepshank]

116. and here I thought I was just tying myself in knots....go figure.

[libdem4life]

107. I consider this a post election (in this case a couple of issues) e-party. After a win, typically,

supporters in attendance at the celebration party are ecstatic, high-fiving, "we won" is a common expression. It's usually the other side that's got the long faces, pointing ominous fingers, pouting, etc.

As a Liberal, I can't remember how long it's been since I called or wrote or emailed my Congressfolk on an issue, especially so quickly, and it happened.

Count this as just one more congratulatory email to myself and all who took the time to think, post, email, influence or whatever else just one little one-vote person can do...go rain on someone else's parade.

[Sheepshank]

108. I totally understand celebrating issues that go in 'our' direction.

But that was not exactly what I was seeing happening in a few threads. Seriously, it was the "We at DU did this..."
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=3638585

I don't consider myself as a debbie downer typically and perhpas the OP came accross that way. But this whole thing seemed more like a finger pointing laughing event rather than raining event.

[libdem4life]

110. I hear you ... lots of mixed messages.

[Romulox]

109. "Effect change". nt

[Scurrilous]

111. LOL

[grantcart]

120. Well there was quite an upswing in the number of visits to chiropractors

physical therapists and deep tissue massage therapists who were called into overtime mode to deal with all the strain in twisted shoulder and elbow strain from all of the congratulatory self back patting.

That has to count for something.

[etherealtruth]

113. You must have misssed all the posts ....

... expressing glee that democrats were recalled. Those particular idiots were all behind effecting (or is it affecting) that change.

[Sheepshank]

114. The effect of all that affection haa haa

[leveymg]

119. Memo to DU: The Left is always ineffective and irrelevant. Stay helpless and shutup, already!

Whatever you do, don't start believing in yourselves. You might really become a nuisance.

[fadedrose]

122. People contacted WH and Congress

about their opposition to military action in Syria, and offered the President the advice that he should get support from Congress, the UN, and any other organization to punish Assad.

Very few wanted military action.,

People are so sick of guns and shootings and many movements are ongoing to solve the problem, but the NRA always wins. One day they won't, and I feel we're getting closer....

Some gun nuts would shoot their wife, parents, children, neighbors, or anyone who tried to limit their gun fetish. It's more like a mental illness with them, like gambling or drugs. Grandma has bingo, and uncle has his guns and they can't live without these obsessions.

Charlton Heston said something about not being able to take a gun from his cold dead hand or something to that effect. If that's not a mental illness, what is.

If they started treating it as an illness, it might be better handled.

[Sheepshank]

123. Yes, concerted efforts from all angles simultaneously working toward a goal

can have an impact. This seems much more likely than than the concerted sets of posts on DU having any effect on policy change.

[Scurrilous]

124. Boink.