The Bush Years Have Changed My Life. How Has Bushco. Impacted You?

[DistressedAmerican]

My father once tried to tell me that politics does not greatly effect your life. That in essence it exists outside if your day to day existence. I disagree strongly. That may be the case most of the time, while the system is in balance. The past 5 years have been distinctly different if you ask me.

Just five years ago, I never could have dreamed how Bush's presidency would impact me. At that time Bush was appointed, I figured he'd be a one term crippled presidency. I figured he would be Poppy all over again. Man was I wrong!

The first several years I was amazed at what the administration was able to jam through. Of course 9/11 changed the whole game. Almost every segment of our society freaked out after the attacks and decided that any dissent from the official presidential line was unpatriotic.

This overreaction by our freaked out society had some PROFOUND EFFECTS. First, it left the Democratic leadership supporting The Patriot Act, The Iraq War Resolution and numerous other bogus initiatives out of their own weak willed fear that not doing so would hurt them come election time. As it turned out those votes both sent us into a tailspin of misdirected overreaction and hurt them come election time. Hard to say you oppose legislation you voted for. Suckers!

At the same time, the media went completely jingoistic. There was a lot of pressure to keep up with all of the nationalistic furvor. In essence, they abandoned any attempt to contradict or investigate the statements of the White House and Congress. They clamored for a war in Iraq, figuring it would be good for ratings. They soon found out that America just wasn't interested if bombs were not raining out of the skys. Now the barely cover the conflict. Just too depressing. Not good for sales.

So, after all of that, I found myself more and more frustrated. It was clear that there was no one out there that was gonna ride in and fix things. Rather than sit here and eat my head, I got busy.

Step one was working for Clark in New Hampshire. From there, it was graphics, then the website, rallies, endtheabuses.org and endless hours spent working. I feel the need because so few of us hear the call. Even fewer of us can arrange the time.

A year ago I would not have described myself as an activist. Now it is one of the first things I think to tell folks about myself when I meet people. So, while politics may exist outside of the lives of most, it has become a major part of mine.

Thanks Bushco. I needed the wake up call. I had become TOO complacent.

So, what's your story?

Have the past four and a half years significantly impacted your life?

Have they made you more radical? More involved? Crushed your hope?

[NorCalDem]

1. I have definitely become more involved

and pay attention. However, I have mostly become jaded and frustrated at everybody else in this country and world. I am no longer apathetic as I once was, and everyday someone else wakes up too.

Hackett was a start, we're building momentum!

[rotwang]

12. And some of have become less involved

Like me. I know when it is time to work, to act in the name of improving our society, and I also know when it is just no use. I had not missed a vote since I was 18 in 1976, when I was in the military, till I got my democratic absentee ballot from Leon County Florida the day after the 2000 election.

I leave for Argentina when my lease is up in February. Don't cry for me Amerika.

[NorCalDem]

105. Argentina is very nice, or so I'm told.

Have fun. I'd rather stick around though, even if our rights are eventually stripped and we live in a true fascist state, I'm stayin here and fighting for my country. Right now that's political activism, perhaps down the road it will be revolutionary activism...

[warrior1]

2. My swearing has gotten worst

the fucking shit head dickwad. See.

[unrepuke]

13. Hmm. No, sorry, I don't see ...

unless you mean to say worse instead of worst

or is shit head one word?

Nothing wrong with your swearing, maybe not enough of it.:7

[SammyWinstonJack]

71. Picky, picky.

Are you the spelling police? :eyes:

[Donailin]

51. Aint that the truth???

I rarely ever used profanity and prided myself in being able to control my anger, IOW, not sweat the small stuff. But it dawned on me that this administration will affect the lives of my children, and all our children in such profound and negative ways.

Now, I can't listen to the news without cursing, I can't have a conversation about Bush withour cursing and whenever I talk to myself, it's usually a string of curses.

"Fucking lying bastards" is the term I used most.

[Donailin]

52. I don't have that general well-being feeling anymore.

I don't have good moods like I used to. I don't have hope and optimism like I used to. I don't trust like I used to. I now look at the republicans I know with contempt and disdain as being part of the problem and as racist hateful bastards.

Every time I see a Bush sticker on a car, I want to shoot the bird at them. (I don't, but I want to)

But most of all, I am affected profoundly because I know when I'm being bullshitted, and to be bullshitted by the media and the government day in and day out makes me want to pull my hair out. I was married to a patholigical liar for ten years, I left without one regret because liars want to make you think that you're the one with no common sense, or no ability to add 2+2. They want to make you think you're the crazy one that can't recall facts or events.

And besides all that, I'm making more now than in Clinton years, but it's costing more to live now, so I'm really making less. Haven't had a vacation since 2002.

[bobbieinok]

117. EXTREMELY good point

I was married to a patholigical liar for ten years, I left without one regret because liars want to make you think that you're the one with no common sense, or no ability to add 2+2. They want to make you think you're the crazy one that can't recall facts or events.


and it's based on your experience before you probably ever heard of W

[FreedomAngel82]

88. Oh yes

Same here. I used to never say any bad language but now everytime I see a bad article dealing with Bush I just get more angry and pissed off. I have been working on it though and now I'm trying to get to the point of not being angry but just trying to do SOMETHING. The anger I feel inside me helps to motivate me. Instead of sitting and whining and complaining I try to do something.

[Coventina]

55. LOL! Me too. Especially on this board

I've become as foul mouthed as a sailor.

Thanks Bushco!

:puke:

[Spike from MN]

75. I find I stumble when I try to say his name.

For instance, I try to say "Dubya" but end up saying "goddamned lying son-of-a-bitching election-stealing war-mongering coke-snorting TANG-deserting language-mangling Jimmy-Jeff-poking asshole." Apparently it's some sort of word association thing that is stuck in my brain and there's no way I can avoid it. Luckily I live in a blue state so it doesn't really cause me any problems.

[Donailin]

94. you forgot drunken frat boying

:rofl: . . word association, indeed!

[Spike from MN]

119. Good point. I'll add it to the list. I also forgot

gay-hating CIA-outer-coveruppering Bill-of-Rights-slashing Bolton-appointing and sooooooo many more. Hey, it's hard werk trying to keep track of all of the descriptive terms that have come to be associated with the arrogant ignorant jackass. The list just keeps getting longer and longer. ;)

[izzie]

3. I sit and stare in to space more.

OK?

[LoKnLoD]

6. can't hardly

afford to feed my family of 5 a steak anymore, cause it cost $35 a week to fill my car with gas. I was never interested in politics before *. I woke up about a year and half ago and became active.

[KansDem]

4. Great thread subject!

I feel like I've lost a lot of empathy, and I tend to curse more.

But really, I look at people differently than I did five years ago. I used to think we were "all in this together" in making our democracy work. I used to think we compromised and made sacrifices for the common good. I used to think no one got 100% of what they wanted but in the end, life was much better for all due to empathy, education, and perseverance. Now, I don't think that way. Now, when I go out in public I see stupid, greedy little people with stupid, greedy little minds. I see people who couldn't care less about the human condition and I'm repulsed by them. I'm not as gregarious as I once was and I don't say much, but I'm more inclined to speak up or confront someone if that person offends or annoys me. I don't have much tolerance anymore...

[Clark2008]

5. My career has stagnated

I am, at least, employeed, but I cannot find a better position because there are simply too many people looking for the same opportunities (can't blame them, of course).

And, thank you for working for Wes. I did, too. I had been a reporter for years and changed careers (at an awful time, apparently) because I couldn't work those ridiculous hours and be a single Mom. However, I'd never worked on a campaign because of the appearance of impropriety with reporting.

The combination of my disgust of Bush and my love of Clark brought me out of my political malaise.

[DistressedAmerican]

7. I Think That Happened For A Lot Of Folks!

Both the career stagnation and the activating the old political engines.

[Clark2008]

11. Oh yeah. I'm definitely not alone in the "career stagnation" role.

Some people can't even find anything remotely like what they want to do.

At least I'm assistant to people who do what I want to do (and can do), so I'm on a possible track - possibly.

It's just tough being 35, single, with a kid and no money. And, to think, I went to college for THIS?! :grr:

[DistressedAmerican]

19. Makes You Want To Run Right Out And Donate To The Alumni Association!

:puke:

[YOY]

54. Same here

I can't get my career going anywhere I want it to. I remember jobs-aplenty in the Clinton era. 9-11 aside there is no effort to get the regular economy back on track other than idiotic RW rhetoric.

I've got an MBA from a #1 school in my area of studies and speak several languages.

I can't seem to find anything more than domestic administrative or internships. Since when does one study what I have only to be an administrative assistant?

The alumni have been "less than helpful" as have any career placement. The bills are mounting and my wife and I are not living like kings (more like paupers)!

I can't even feel motivated at what little I have other than to pay my bills... I didn't study what I did to be put in positions for people with 1/4 the experience and 1/10 of the education I have. Then again I have seen some of my MBA colleagues with RW connections find dandy positions based on their cocky swagger, political connections, and pigeon Spanish.

Not that I think I'm that much better than anyone esle...but damn, it is not supposed to be this way! Then again, who ever said life was fair.

[cap]

114. drop out ...

go work for the nonprofit of your dreams. Even if you are only treading water, you will be doing good. One day, your ship will come in.

[unrepuke]

8. "May you live in interesting times."

I don't know whose quote that is... I never paid any attention to politics or current events. Then in 2000 Bushco took over. I discovered DU just before the 2004 "election", now I am addicted.
I missed witnessing the formation of America by 200 years - but I am here to see its destruction. Funny = I always felt my vote would not matter so I never voted - until 2004.
And I voted.

And it didn't matter.



Interesting times, indeed. :-(

[raccoon]

57. I've heard that it's an ancient Chinese curse. nt

[Firenze777]

9. I've watched the bank account shrink

and expenses go up. 2 kids in state colleges now, and it's costing a fortune. Some tax break, huh. And I'm now looking with contempt at people who won't wake up and realize we are all being screwed.

[malaise]

10. I am ten times more cynical

and I no longer enjoy traveling. I also spend a lot of time in arguments with the conservatives in my family. I always attended protests and have always been involved in progressive movements that defend social issues. Now I'm not sure that we can make a difference. I'm terrified for the next generation.
<edit-add sentences>

[ernstbass]

77. Yep, I'm more angry and cynical too.

I don't expect things to get better anytime soon. I have conflict with family members and friends over all of this prssure still goes up when I see a shrub bumper sticker. I have no faith in 51% of the Voting public.

[lynettebro440]

14. I have spent the last 5 years

feeling like I am in the Twilight Zone and only a few other people are here with me (many more now that I found DU). When we first started talking war I went balistic and nobody listened. I got labeled the crazy old lady that was not a patriotic person. I screamed, begged people to see what they were doing and then I had to sit back and simply say I told you so. I am much angrier now, I'm frustrated and my level for dealing with stupidity is almost nill. I speak my mind much more, I piss off a lot more people then I did before and I say what's on my mind (it's easy when you have nothing else to loose because we have just about lost everything).

I have been following politics for about 35 years now, and this is something that I've never seen before. It was different in the 60's, we were moving towards a movement of freedom, now it simply feels like we are trying to hang on to the little freedoms we have left. I am happy people are becoming more pissed off, because without that feeling you can't move forward. I simply keep speaking my mind, and I don't get invited to many places anymore around the repukes. But that's alright by me.

[Conservativesux]

113. You couldnt have put it any better! . nt

[DemGirl7]

15. BushCo has made suicide look like a good thing

I complain more about the gov't, and has became more angry at the gov't because of the assholes in charge. I wish that I was dead on more of a regular basis and have little hope left for the future, I feel the country is in ruins, and and the people in it are fucking morons. :scared: :( :(

[lynettebro440]

17. Nah don't kill yourself for this asswipe administration

you are worth a lot just being here. Just get angry, get righteous and kick some ass.

[rotwang]

20. Agree, Bush is not worth it, though he would like us to jump in the ocean

When I get depressed about Bush, REALLY sad for America, and I do often enough, I just remember that if this evil is going to claim my life then it will do so as I am pointing a gun at the enemy. I am not a leader and don't advocate civil war, but you can DAMNED well guess what side I will be on when it comes. If I am in the country anyway!

[rotwang]

23. I also got my Irish/EU passport

Just in case

[DistressedAmerican]

24. There Are Always Your DU Buddies! I HAve Hit The Wall A Couple

of times and it has been fellow DUers that reached out and set me back on a path.

Never hesitate to PM me! The rest of the world sure does suck. But, I am a prtty nice guy!

[Deja Q]

92. Even I am close to the point where it'd be better to watch the morons rot.

They are not worth saving. They won't be bothered to think outside the box, meaning they just can't be bothered to THINK AT ALL.

Many (and they are repukes) still think that there's a job out there for every American. (yeah right, I should tell them of a certain Carly Fiorina...)

Some think Bill Gates is a great man solely because he gives to charity (more bull and people on BOTH sides like this worm farmer for some reason. His business practices redefine predatory brutality and he gives to his personal foundation, which is little more than a "tax shelter". The amounts he gives, if translated to wage figures you or I make, would be tantamount to you or I donating a NICKEL. Yeah, a great guy. :eyes: )

The country isn't in ruins and it's obvious those in control (the corporate elite) are doing things slowly as to avoid a crash. Since 66% of our economy currently depends on consumer spending, how do you tell people not to spend? You can't. Meanwhile those in controll will make it so consumer spending is not a factor in our economy. That way they're saved and we're closer to slavery. My how the party of Lincoln has changed.)

[walldude]

16. Health Insurance more than tripled since Bush was elected

Can't afford it anymore. Right now my family has no coverage.

[Dragonfli]

18. Funny You Should Ask DA

I used to be a mild mannered, Cabinet maker turned Auto Cad Designer that did not really bother much with politics.
I have become a fight to the death , have to get back our freedoms, democracy or die, die hard progressive.

I have since then vowed literally, to fight against fascism till I breathe my last free breath.

Funny how that works isn't it?

I am also battling personally - the job market, cancer, and liver disease all in the once comfortable place I used to call home.

I used to be such a fun loving pagan carpenter too.

Life is indeed strange, but life is change and I have become, somehow, an agent of change and I prefer now to face that head on rather than deny it.....

....Next question?

[grannylib]

21. I've gotten way more involved, and have recruited many others

to do the same. I have seen too many evil greedy deadly stupidities connected with this unelected moron to keep still.
I am sick of so called Christians supporting this lying evil piece of immoral uncaring noncompassionate filth and watching the rich get richer and the poor get kicked to the curb again and again.
The only thing that makes this tolerable is knowing that all those SOBs are going to someday be the rich man in the parable of Lazarus and the rich man that Jesus told. And won't that be a shock? Most of the Christians that make the most noise about their superior and exclusive brand of Christianity seem to be pretty clueless about Jesus and anything he said or stood for.
So I have gotten much more outspoken and call evil where I see it: in government, in the church, in corporate-whore America where it really shouldn't be all that hard to pay people a fucking living wage.
If we can pay that FUCKING MORON in the White House $400,000 a year, I think we oughta be able to require that any corporation whose profits are above a certain point must pay people enough to fucking get ahead and maybe have a life. And this shit with the disparity between CEO pay and worker pay has got to fucking stop. enough with the greed already, you fuckheads, who do you think is responsible for your grossly egregious wealth?? All the underpaid people doing an honest day's work at subpar wages, that's fucking who.

[Imagevision]

22. Bush has changed the way I view america these days -- only thru

research to find out it's been going on since basically the Indians being slaughtered - Custard? was like an asshole Bush going to prove himself.

Bush will prove himself with Iran if Israel doesn't do his dirty work for him. Iraq? it seems like a loser situation with each passing week lately.

[BIG Sean]

25. I used to be a Right Wing nut....

Of course that was when I was not informed at all. It was because of this Administration that swore to myself that I would keep informed.

I became a big supporter of Mr. Kerry, hosting convention parties and raising funds.

Yes, Bushco had a huge effect on me...they forced me to open my eyes!

[Athame]

110. and may you be joined by multitudes!

Welcome to DU, BIG sean. :hi: Glad you found your way here.

:kick:

[leftchick]

26. I fear for the future of my children

That is what makes me active in politics. I can't handle thinking of how damaged the world has become for my children because of that shit faced shit head. Yes, I am more radical and very much more involved than ever before in my life. If 2008 goes repuke I am outa here with my boys. Hopefully my husband will join us.

[Stirk]

27. I've lost faith in our political system, and I have a much dimmer view

of humanity than I once had.

Just a few years ago, if you'd told me the Bush Administration was going to do the things it's done... I would've laughed and told you to have more faith in your fellow Americans. I would've told you they'd never allow it.

They've cheered it.

[wli]

28. I fear for my life all day, every day now

The practical aspects of life have actually gotten better, for reasons unrelated to the BFEE. You could say despite the BFEE.

[Extend a Hand]

29. I used to think...

that the USA was 'the good guy'
that having a basic understanding of the issues and voting made me a 'good citizen'
that while I disagreed with most republicans on issues like the economy and abortion, that our differences would be balanced out by elections in the end
that US citizens were free and in no danger of losing our freedoms

now I think...
that the US govt. has rarely been a force for good in the world-- and oddly enough it was my republican boss that pointed this out to me.
Our election process is a fraud.
Neocons have conspired with corporate interests and religious whackos to deprive citizens of freedom and opportunity all in order to make even more money and to control the earths dwindling oil supply.

In short, I have been really depressed since the last election. All of the money that I have available to donate, is going to organizations that are working to remove * and the neocons from office. I have started volunteering with the democratic party canvassing and phone banking. I hope that it's not to late to preserve the ideals in our constitution...but I'm not at all sure.

[ellenfl]

30. i wouldn't say i've become an activist but i sure

am paying a lot more attention. right now i am making monetary contributions but, if called upon to take to the streets, i will stand up.

my mother wants me to keep a low profile and my s/o thinks there is no point in getting involved (at 55 years of age, he has never voted). i have gotten my sister more involved.

i got fired up when bush stole the 2000 election and i tried to engage people on the orchid forum i have attended for 2+ years but got pretty well blasted by the conservatives on that board. the webmaster set up a separate political forum and now i can post articles and 'talk' to (mostly) like-minded people. i try to post some of the more illustrative articles (including those to which you guys here at du have directed me) in the hope that even one person will see the light.

so, yes, my life has definitely been impacted by shrub and his criminal cohorts. when people tell me there is nothing we can do i remind them of the anti-war protests of the 60s. there IS something we can do and thank you all for helping to point the way.

ellen fl

[katsy]

31. My husband was outsourced 3 years ago.

The business I started pre-bush has been the recipient of bush's great economy and revenues have fallen off 50%.

I can barely pay health ins. for our family. I'll have to pass on it within 2 months.

My kids would be better off if I die before I can no longer afford premiums on my life insurance. Hopeless enough? No? How about silently apologizing to my babies every time I look at them for not being able to provide even the basics... for giving them a life with little hope for a better future.

And that (financial) aspect of how my life has changed is the least of it.

Knowing that my children will never have the opportunity to attain the personal achievements, dignity and peace I once had has torn me apart. Instead of taking great joy in the achievements of children everywhere... I feel the pain of children being tasered, handcuffed, starved and murdered. That has affected me the most. It has changed me. Now I'm becoming a monster myself... hoping that the children of these monsters in control of the government will suffer as much and more than the innocent children that have been the recipients of their father's wars and greed. That is what comforts me when I'm lucky enough to get some sleep.

I no longer believe in the innate "goodness" of people. I'm amazed that Americans have allowed the murder, rape, torture and pillaging to be committed in their name. I'm baffled and repulsed by this corporatocracy... this repeat of fascist history right here at home. I hate Americans for allowing this to happen... I trust no one.

I have no country, no representation, no hope. I'm a trapped rat... almost like an insurgent in a country I once loved. I've never believed in god, but am living a man-made hell on earth.

[paula777]

65. Katsy, I totally appreciate what you are saying but I would urge you to

seek therapy. You can't put the weight of the world on your shoulders and it sounds like this is what you are doing. Your babies will have opportunities in the future - Bush won't be in power forever. You have to have SOME hope or you will (if you already haven't) slip into a deep depression. Please, talk to a therapist. Most states have county ones if you can't afford it. I'll even help you look if you tell me what state you reside in. TAKE CARE - You really have me worried.

[katsy]

74. Thanks Paula...

This is therapy believe it or not. Working to change things and making myself heard by contacting my representatives is therapy. Reaching out to the uninformed and directing them to sources of information/facts about their representatives is therapy.

Work is therapy... I keep on making ends meet.

Believe me, there is no way I can fail my children and I won't.

[paula777]

81. Yes, sometimes I think this is therapy and sometimes it (to me) highlights

how much in this world is going wrong. Sometimes I have to walk away from DU for a while, just so I am not pounded with bad news over and over again. I'm glad you find DU theraputic ..... keep on keeping on for those kiddos.

[flyarm]

32. i retired as a flight attendant for one of the 9/11 airlines..

i took early retirement , as i no longer felt i could trust my government..not my airline, and not my co -workers , but my government!
i knew from the get go something was severely wrong with what happened..i knew immediately we were being lied to..i knew it from my training and from what did and didn't happen that morning..see i took off out of newark..just ahead of ual flt 93..i knew these bastards in our government lied..they lied up their assholes!
i alway sknew i put my uniform on and i might not come home, my family knew that..and i accepted that responsibility..
but i also knew my government had a responsibility ..to my passengers..and to any crew who took off out of every airport in this country..i hate george * ..i hate him with ever fiber of me..and i have never hated before..i can really say that..i never had hate in my blood..in fact i was always a very happy person..9/11 changed me..i can't say for the best..as i am obessed with getting the truth..of which i never will get in my lifetime..i am sad to say..i lost that hope when the election of 2004 was stolen again..

i took early retirement to go out and educate people..to make people realize they were lied to..
i tried i really tried..

i housed a kerry field rep in my home for 7 months ..my kitchen table was kerry headquarters where i lived until the state dnc put the money up for a headquarters..i worked innumerable hours at the headquarters..i fed the field kids who were working and making pennies to the dollar..
i ran for delegate and was elected..first time i ever ran for anything
i went out and did public speaking ..and demanded people ask for the truth...

i went as a 15 people panel at a major university round table face to face with one of the 9/11 commissioners..and demanded answers..and trained my husband to ask questions as i knew i would get only a couple questions in..so i preped my husband who is non political to ask questions only a flight crew would know to ask..of course that commissioner refused to answer any of the questions i had..
i went out speaking to vets..even with max cleland..
i spent 2 years demanding answers..and i still have none..at least none that are truth...

i dream of having peace again inmy life..but as all of you know..we are all at a point of no return..when we know the truth ..we willnever have peace until these son of a bitches are out of our white house and held accountable..but i fear that will never happen...

i fear for these bastards taking other americans lives over more and more and more lies...

my heart is ill that we have kids dying in iraq..all for fucking lies...

i feel sick when i think of women and children in iraq..dying for these fuckers lies...
i am sorry to say..today i have hate in my heart each and every day for these bastards..unlike anything i have ever known in my 53 years...
i fear for my children..i fear for your children...i fear our legacy will be that we failed our children, our democracy and our constitution...
and i fear the more i know each day..will break my heart for my country...and my countryman...i fear we have failed..there are days i do not know what else i can do..

i started an internet group shortly after 9/11 to search for truth..with some incredible americans..and patriots..they work their asses off educating people on the internet daily..
but its not enough..some days they ask me if this is all futile..i don't know how to answer anymore...

i have given up so many friends who refuse to see the * cabal for what they are..i have no tolerance for ignorance any longer...i tried to educate ..but you can take the horse to water...but the dumb fuckers would die of dehyrdration before they will even look at the truth...
i guess thats where i am now..i have no tolerance left for the son of a bitches who care more about party and winning than their country and their fellow countrymen..

i have no tolerance left in me...

but i will not give up..i will fight for the truth if its the last breath in me!
my co-workers who died on 9/11 did not deserve to die..their government let them down..of that i have no doubt..i call them my angels..as when i want to give up..they nudge me , they won't let me sleep..and they push me sometimes i think beyond my endurance!

but i will forever fight for the truth for them...my lovely angels..

and for my angel ANDY...HE OWNS A PIECE OF MY HEART AND MY SOUL!

fly

[DistressedAmerican]

36. While I lack The Angels, I Know Exactly How You Feel.

It is brutal working everyday to spread the truth in the face of a 24 hour professional lie machine. There are days that I want Bush gone for all of the reasons we all know. On my weaker days, I just want him gone so I can have my fucking life back.

But, I also feel the drive everyday and will keep fighting until I can fight no more.

Oddly this whole episode has made me really love this country. I want it back and will never rest until I get it back. It is a great comfort to know that there are folks like you out there fighting with me! More and more that is what keeps me going.

My best to you and your angels! O8)

[marions ghost]

99. inspiring

:thumbsup: :grouphug:

[demgurl]

33. Funny you bring this up because ...

I started a thread, earlier, about how it has effected me:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4254777

First I started calling my representatives whenever you all asked.
I may have not always let you know, but whenever you guys asked, I was at your service.

When I joined my local MoveOn group I was just getting my feet wet. I ended up also going to a house party for DSM and joining their group.

Then I joined our activist corps here at DU.I have done everything they have asked.

Last week I bought tickets for The Peace Train so I could go to DC and march against the Iraqi occupation.

During all of this there is one thing I did not do. I was very polite and respected all of those around me. A good democrat is nice and we do not just speak out and tell the republicans how wrong they are. You figure if they were interested they probably have found out the information on their own.

Two days ago I reached the point of no return. I started writing to everyone I know. If they get tired of me they can delete my emails. I know I am right and I refuse to be silenced. I will get the word out at all costs.

I pledge all of my efforts to unseating * and everyone around him. I promise I will not stop until I have done everything in my power to get the truth out. I will speak, sing, email, call - I will use everything I have at my disposal.

I used to have a great country and these people have stolen it from me. I have let them do so by my silence. I am guilty. I will no longer participate in their stealing of this once fine country.

Who is with me? I am mad as hell and I am not going to be SILENT ANY MORE!!!!

And now, because of that post, it would seem that I am starting my own little activist group! Ithas effected me in ways I could hardly ever imagine.

demgurl

[DistressedAmerican]

37. I Saw That Just After I Posted This. Great Post! Also Checked

out your torture e-mail thread, as you know. I know that point. It is a hard place to be. It sounds like you are getting to the point of turning full fledged activist.

I guess all of have to go through the pain to see that WE have to act. So glad to hear about what you are up to. I look forward regular updates!

[BeatleBoot]

34. My Employer Went Bankrupt!

[steely]

35. More involved, more aware and 'current'.

Sadder too, but not rolling over.

[eridani]

38. No more vactions for me

I've used all my non-work time on politics, first in the 2004 election, and now back to local politics and issues. Trying to help with building a progressive farm team so we can have people prepared to run for national office.

[DistressedAmerican]

39. Kick!

[DistressedAmerican]

40. Morning Kick

[Swamp Rat]

41. Bush&Co turned me into a newt!

I got better! :D

[DistressedAmerican]

42. How Is Your Weight In Relation To A Duck?

[Swamp Rat]

43. Blue

NO! GREEN! ... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

[DistressedAmerican]

44. So What You Are Saying Is That Bushco Made You A Python Quoting Geek?

Can't blame them for that myself. I was a python geek way before Bush II!

[Swamp Rat]

45. OK...

Bush&Co turned me into a modern day Paul Revere... at least that's my fantasy. :D

I just posted your Santorum pic at Randi Rhodes website (gallery): :)

http://forums.therandirhodesshow.com/index.php?act=module&module=gallery&cmd=si&img=882

[DistressedAmerican]

47. Excellent On Both Counts! You Are Paul Revere! We All Are!

[Mari333]

46. Bush Co took one of our kids to Iraq for a year

which in turn sank my husband into such deep trauma and depression it killed him. I consider the past 2 years to be the most horrible years of my life, actually. So many blows to the spirit, I dont have much energy left.

[meganmonkey]

48. I'm so sorry to hear that

I hope you don't mind a hug from a virtual stranger :hug:

There is probably nothing I can say that would mean much, although by your sig line it looks like you know that things will get better. I hope they do, soon.

mm

[entanglement]

128. That would be virtual hug from a virtual stranger

:+

[DistressedAmerican]

49. Awful! I Am So Sorry! These Assholes Are Destroying Many, Many Families.

Feel free to PM me anytime it gets too ugly. I am pretty supportive. I feel for all that have lost under this fascist!

:grouphug:

[mtnester]

50. Some of the changes I have had are great, others not so

Activism and involvement - good thing

Became more knowledgeable by choice on many aspects of our country in general, by choice and necessity - good thing

Became more paranoid and distrustful - bad thing

Became more aggressive in stating my opinions - good thing most times, some times touchy

Lost some friends - good and bad...good that I don't need friends like that, bad that I could not reach them.

Became even closer as a family - very good thing

[whatever4]

53. My stress level, worries for the future of my children

It's affected me profoundly.

I think, had I not had children, it would not bother me as much. I would ride the tide, do what had to be done to survive, and in the end, make do. It's what we do, and some of us, those who never had much in the first place, well heck, never really expected much in the first place. Fame, fortune...I'll be happy if I see my kids all through college, and that is the only life goal I really have.

This president. He has colored my ENTIRE feeling about my nation, about my neighbors, about Christians, and even about men. In general. I see guys playing the fun video war games, the fun cop tv shows, war shows, war on the news, commercials to get more warriors. I think...what the hell is wrong with all you, our nation is going to hell in a hand basket, and not only are you sitting around playing, but you (please pardon me) you're playing THEIR fucking games!!

Oh, it's done more than made me more radical. Heck, I even hate what he's done to Alaska. I was there for a while, and this monster wants to mess up that TOO!! INsane. TOO insane.

It seems to be turning other people insane. I used to talk to a lot of folks regularly, from my little pc, it was my window out into the world. But after 911, the talk and the relationships changed. People got more ugly, just over suspicions of problems with our government. Forget any actual accusations; they became upset by the very questions.

So now I know. THEY are only going to learn the hard way. And it upsets me. I know myself, my limitations, my outlook is not so worldly, not so educated, not a brain surgeon, no rocket scientists here. In knowing this, I know there is NO EXCUSE for the ignorance. They are refusing to see, all those many people, and so many talking heads on tv. They are letting themselves believe a lie.

I can't figure out why. That is the part that kills me. And it feels like it literally kills me. The stress. The sadness. Sometimes I can't even talk or look at the fools, when I hear the crap coming out of their so-selfish-kill-THEM mouths. I just can't believe.

Honestly? Quite honestly? This man has crippled me. Even if things turn around TODAY, I will never be the same. What our soldiers have done. What has been done to our children, in so many ways, by these greedy monsters, never ending. Just knowing what all has ALREADY happened, so much permanent damage, so many that will never recover. I'll never be the same. Just knowing we did this. Even if we stop. Even if we stop today. I'll never trust the conservatives that supported this president, not even the best sounding of them.

Seeing what these people...my people...were capable of, seeing it firsthand...I'll never be the same. Bush, I'd say, took a lot of us away from the rest of you, because I'll never be the same sweet woman that loved America, I can hardly step out my front door, and I can't possibly be the only one. I'm too terribly average. I look at my world and my fellow Americans with new distrust, new fear, and new confusion over what they seem capable of.

NEVER be the same. Not in this lifetime, and in many ways, I sure as heck wish it wasn't my lifetime. This is horrible. WORSE than prewar Germany; they did not use depleted uranium, and they never PRETENDED to be a bastion of freedom. THEY never EVEN PRETENDED to stand for liberty and religious freedoms, like WE did. We DID. WE were already a superpower. Hitler WANTED to be one. WE already were.

They flat out said they were elitist, those nazis. But our people don't even realize they are, much less say they are. They don't seem to realize a damn thing. In the midst of madmen am I.

Never be the same. That's all I know. Crushed my hope? Yes. My family tells me to stop worrying about it, stop with the news and the stories and feeling too wrapped up with it. And I think...I need to stop thinking then. And feeling. If I could, I would. Perhaps THAT is what so many others are doing.

Here's how I feel. Good song, rocks
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/moderndayzero/sickinside.html "Sick Inside"

So low
Someone show me
What I need to do
To feel like you

Says it all

[holboz]

64. Whew - glad I 'm not the only one

Sometimes I worry that I'm a little bit TOO concerned about what's going on in relation to my daughter's future. Am I going nuts about things? The things that are going on seem hard to believe...like the Rethugs destruction of our government, and starting the culture war and war on the middle class...that REALLY can't be happening can it? But by jove all of the evidence is right there staring me in the face and I can't allow myself to drink the Kook-Aid and tell myself that all is well, move along, nothing to see here.

I think it's natural for parents to want the best for their children. After all, that's what drove so many immigrants to this country in the 19th and early 20th century. And like you, I worry immensely about the path this country is on, financially, culturally, and globally.

[DistressedAmerican]

66. I Have A seven Month Old Baby Daughter. She Cuts Into My Time.

But during her maps it is her that keeps me cranking!

[whatever4]

73. I know, it's hard, what do we tell them

I mean, get a good education, work for a good company? Is that the future now? If they're lucky their employer won't be in business with greedy wealthy folks that fairly well use their consumers and their employees in any manner they see fit? Who to trust, where to go, where to get the money you need for a home and food and a life? When the world seems like a pretty nutty place where they'd better be prepared to work any number of hours the business sees fit, with little or no benefits or retirement, toxic or hazardous environments are considered "part of the job" and suing doesn't hurt a multi-billion dollar company very much, and your life is much more meaningful if you're Christian. If you don't attend the daily morning prayer meetings, you're just not QUITE as good a person. And we all know it; you weren't at the meetings.

Papers please. Oh, I see on here you aren't Christian...what is your affiliation? What groups to which do you belong?? Oh, never mind, I have that list right here... Along with your family names and addresses, health history

Speaking about healthy history, check this out

The other day, at an obgyn appointment, there was a form to sign. This was about 2 weeks ago that I went. Standard form, new patient. On the form, it asked if "you have vaginal sex, and do you use a condom". Next it asked "Do you have anal sex? And do you use a condom?"

Now, I am in my forties. I have had MANY obgyn appointments. NEVER has anyone asked me if I have anal sex. Not in person, and certainly not in writing. It is illegal in some states. This form asked in WRITING. For the very first time.

Yes, I can see how an obgyn might want to discuss that. Discuss condom use, discuss sexual practices as it pertains to our health. But to point blank put it on a form, with boxes for have/don't have, use/ don't use. They wanted me to mark, point blank, whether or not I participated in that particular form of sex.

Anal sex isn't new.

Dangers from disease from sex, of all forms, is not new.

That question was ABSOLUTELY new. And blatant.

I say, be watching for this ladies. For some reason, powers that be seem to want to know which one of us has agreed to that type of sex. IN the guise of worrying about our health.

At the same appointment, I found out that I'd better make sure it's been more than a year since my last pap smear, because anything less than a year between tests, the insurance will not cover it. It's one of those things you find out accidentally; the doctor had the presence of mind to tell me to check, because I couldn't remember precisely if I had, the last appointment, and when.

So...our heath is interesting enough to want to know if we participate in "deviant" sex (it is deviant to these people), but not so important as to allow any accidental extra tests. Even though pap smears are known to occasionally be poorly handled, and require more than just one test a year.

Please, ladies and ladies with daughters. Don't answer that new question the forms. DO not let the feds look into your medical records and target those of us that have had abortions or "deviant" anal sex. It was a new form, blue, very official looking, and those questions were right in the middle of the back of it. I plan on getting copy of it when I go back. IF I can, if they will copy it for me, if it is still in that folder. I cannot imagine what I will wonder if they cannot reproduce that form for me. I signed it; I want a copy. It should be interesting.

On the form, I refused to check a box, and instead wrote ON it that it was illegal in some states, and should not be asked on an official form. No one said anything to me about it. Not a word. Not a whisper.

Horrific that other women are participating in this...whatever this is.

When and if I get a copy of that form, I'll start a thread to tell others about this. Right now, all I have is a suspicion and a strange question the form.

It was strange. There was no way to opt out of either denying or admitting on it. That's why I had to write in my "answer". It bothers me a lot.

Doctors have been used in developing torture techniques in those prisons. This we know. Their oath has been compromised.

We are the next prisoners, political dissenters.

BIG fyi, DO NOT answer that question, or the one about past abortions either. Please gals, believe me, be wary, even of obgyns.

[theboss]

56. I'm generally happier in my personal life

Just because we have an idiot in the White House is no reason to let your own life fall apart. I'm 31. Since 2000, I've double my income, bought a house, and found the love of my life.

Politically, I'm a little more cynical, because I don't feel that the Democrats could find their asees with two hands at the moment. But I try to remind myself that my Republican grandfather survived 20 years of Roosevelt and Truman without hanging himself. And then forty years in the wilderness in regards to the Congress. The Dems are the minority party now. But there is no reason to think that is a permanent situation.

[movie_girl99]

58. i was never involved in politics before until a year or so

before the '04 election. I had always voted Democrat all the while being married to a RW conservative. I woke up from my local news coma when I found DU and started to become active in as much as i could. I now find myself to be always involved in a political conversation.

[raccoon]

59. I’m very pessimistic about the future of the US.

I’m glad I didn’t have children. I sympathize with young people just starting out in this sucky economy.

I curse more, especially when referring to the thugs in power or those who mindlessly support them.

I’m beginning to think I should daydream more, to escape for a while into a fantasy world. And/or read more fiction that is purely escapist. (For some reason I think about science fiction when I think about this—NOT dystopia SF though.)

I hear things like “by the year 2050, yadda, yadda,” and I’ll think, I’m glad I won’t live to see it (in all probability).

I am continually amazed at people’s stupidity in continuing to trust and support this gang of werewolves that are in power. But then, I’ve always been a person to give people (in the aggregate) credit for having more sense than they usually do.

I think about relocating to another country.

Pre-2000, I was very interested in Nazi Germany and Hitler. Even as an adolescent I was. After the 2000 election, that interest suddenly went away. Why research something if you’re living it?

I keep more informed now and call/email politicians.

[d_b]

60. I've learned that

you should never stop taking your nicotine gum on election day.

[in_cog_ni_to]

61. You were a Clarkie???

:hug: I knew there was a reason I liked you so much! :hug: Wes Clark's my guy. Will always be my guy until he decides he doesn't want to run for prez anymore. :loveya:

The THEFT of the 2000 FL. election and the appointment of the idiot-in-chief by the SCOTUS propelled me to get involved. When the SCOTUS did what they did, I KNEW our country was FUCKED. That's what brought me to DU. I HAD to have an outlet for my anger because I am surrounded by freepers here. I live in a Blue State, THANK G-D!, but my village is as RED as it gets. :puke:

I too worked on Wes Clark's campaign. I started with Dennis Kucinich's campaign, then Howard Dean's campaign and then Wes came on the scene and it was all she wrote! The man was EXACTLY what this country needed as a President. Unfortunately, other people didn't see it that way. :grr: I worked my ass off for his campaign. We attended a fundraiser for Wes in Chicago. I wrote hundreds of letters to NH, TN and Ohio. I made phone calls to Ohio voters. I traveled to Nashville, TN with my son IN A BLIZZARD/ICE STORM and worked for 4 days at his TN. campaign office. While there we drove people to the polls, stood on street corners with signs, attended 2 rallies and the TN. Democratic Convention. On the drive home I heard on the radio that he had withdrawn from the race. :cry: DEPRESSING as hell!

I worked on my congressional candidate's campaign in the hopes of getting rid of Jerry Weller...that didn't happen either. :grr: In fact, our local Chamber of Commerce just gave Jerry Weller a "Spirit" award for his voting in Congress. They look at the voting records to see if they vote PRO business and Weller got a 100% rating from them. (I KNOW the Chamber of Commerce is suppose to be Pro business :eyes:) :grr: NO SHIT! See? I told you I'm surrounded by freepers! :grr: Never mind that the bastard is married to the daughter of Guatemala's most BRUTAL DICTATOR! Who cares? right? Never mind that he voted for an illegal invasion of another sovereign country. Never mind he voted for the Patriot Act. Never mind that he voted for the Medicare Bill. Never mind that he voted Bankruptcy Bill. Never mind he's a useless piece of SHIT who rents an apartment in Morris, IL and spends most of his time in Guatemala. :grr:

I attended Meet-ups for Dean and Wes Clark and worked for my local Democratic Committee.

I will always remain involved in politics after what I've seen.....IF we survive this regime, that is. :( We can NEVER not pay attention to the inner workings of our government....we are losing our country because we weren't paying attention and THEY KNEW THAT! Never again.

Yeah, I'm more radical, more involved, but they haven't crushed my hope. My husband keeps telling me that this country has always survived people like this BECAUSE we have ALWAYS had a HERO come forward and save it. We have HEROES....I'm just waiting for them to speak out. SOON! :hi:

[dhinojosa]

62. I am pro-gun now

being worried about my personal freedoms.

[holboz]

63. How has my life been impacted? Let me count the ways!

1) July 2001: Paranoia sets in when I received news that my friend and anti-* author James Hatfield was found dead in a hotel room. Death was ruled a suicide but I have always thought otherwise. This was 2 weeks after James wrote an article about the connections between Bush and the bin Linden families.

2) August 30, 2001: My British fiance comes over to US so we can work on wedding plans together, which we have slated for April 20, 2002. Originally he planned to stay for 3 weeks, but then Sept. 11th happened. At the time his father had a job in which he received high level security briefings and he strongly cautioned against flying back to the UK at the time.

3) October 16, 2001: My fiance and I get a "quickie marriage" performed by a JP the day before his visa expired. This was done under the advice of a government official who said our fiance visa would not be processed in time for our April 2002 wedding date due to the overhaul of the INS. He said if we got married then our family petition would go to the front of the line for processing.

4) January 2004: The birth of my daughter has my husband and I increasingly concerned about the state of affairs in this country and the instability in the world as a result of *'s reckless agenda. I've become more active since becoming a mom because I see her generation paying for the mess Bushco is creating now. I worry so much about the future of the average working-class joes and janes in this country. This administration seems intent on destroying the middle class and that really scares me.

The delimma I feel is this: I am disgusted with what is going on in my country...it's an outright disaster. I think it's important to make a stand and fight for what is right, but at the same time I want my daughter to have the best opportunity that I can provide. I can't ignore that we're in the fortunate position that we can pick up and move out of this country if we want to since my husband is British. We have the UK, Ireland, and Europe at our disposal.

As I was growing up, i never would have imagined that this country would be in the mess that it's in and that I would consider taking my children to another country for a shot at a better life, better security, and better opportunites than the United States of America could provide. But that's what I feel right now.

[lse7581011]

67. I No Longer Fly The US Flag

which I used to do faithfully until the last election!

[Flying Dream Blues]

68. I've become obsessed with DU. I'm no longer

complacently waiting for "our turn"...because we aren't going to get a turn if the *bots have their way. I am much more cynical and feel like the country I grew up loving has become something ugly and evil. I'd like to believe that what was lost can be regained, but I am starting to think it won't happen without a fight. I've never imagined myself being forced to abandon this country, but I think about it all the time now.

[noamnety]

69. Both Bush and Kerry impacted my life

Because of Bush, I walked away from my job as a defense contractor, and took a job as an art teacher for less than half that salary.

Because of Kerry I finally came to terms with the concept of supporting the troops but not the war, and I no longer feel like the years I spent in the army were completely separate from my life as an artist. The two seemingly unrelated threads of my life have mutated into a concept of art as social activism.

I wasn't involved in politics at all before this, now I'm one of those who ran a website, went to rallies, went to dem meetings, I know the local activists in the area, I'm helping to coordinate workshops, and I'm in Veterans for Peace.

[grace0418]

70. Oy, it hurts to think about. I had the misfortune of starting a business

with my best friend in early 2001. We're both designers (and pretty talented, I think) and wanted to have our own hand-made card and gift business. We wanted to start by selling in local boutiques and then eventually quit our day jobs and go national. If you've been to any funky card shops recently, you've seen what a growing market it is to sell really elaborate and pricey cards. We were in on the ground floor of that wave, so things looked great. Our designs were selling well and local boutiques were really excited by our ideas. It was getting to the point where we needed to make the leap and concentrate on this full-time to keep up with demand.

Then 9/11 happened.

My partner's husband lost his job soon afterwards because his industry was one of the first to tank in the post-9/11 BushCo economy. My partner couldn't quit her job because then they wouldn't have any insurance. Both my partner and I had to work longer and longer hours at our day jobs because they were laying off people to save money and forcing the remaining workers to do more. Of course this made our business suffer. Boutiques stopped ordering from us because we couldn't keep up. Neither did we have as much time to devote to new designs. Fewer orders meant less money to buy supplies. Our credit card balances started getting bigger and bigger. We eventually had to cut our losses and close our business because we couldn't risk losing our day jobs.

BushCo and his lovely economic plan also destroyed my dream of moving to California because we have so little chance of finding a job or a home.

BushCo has also caused me to delay having children because I cannot fathom bringing a child into the world he's creating until I see some sign of positive change. Hasn't happened yet and I'm 35.

BushCo has forced me to become more politically active, although I'm really starting to despair that it's already too late.

Have I mentioned that I fucking hate that POS?

[marions ghost]

80. support here for your experience

I'm also seeing small businesses struggling or going under. I really admire people who have the initiative to start them and several members of my family have them.

One of the real things that bothers me about the 2004 election is how the Repugs got a lot of the small business vote. They played on hopes and dreams with that, and obviously didn't deliver. I want the Dems to pick that up and make some real headway with it.

Stay sane -- keep channelling that anger into positive action. Otherwise it just festers... :thumbsup:

[grace0418]

82. Thanks marions ghost.

I do try, and most days I feel optimistic that progress wins out in the end. Today is not one of those days but I will be better tomorrow. :)

[SammyWinstonJack]

72. I spend most days waiting for the other shoe to drop,

both in my personal life and in the world in general.

[pitohui]

76. significant financial loss

ask the good folks at cantor fitzgerald if politics affects one's life

i don't feel like getting into personal stuff, people who think they are above politics and too rich to be touched are delusional and don't care about our stories anyway

no one is so rich and so well-employed and so high in the skyscraper they can't be touched

[hootinholler]

78. My Story

I'm a software engineer, 15 years paid experience in development. Learned how to program when computers had lots of blinking lights on the front panel. Before that I was a hardware technician for 10 years. I was fixing computers when they had transistors instead of chips.

Since the Bush coup, I've been laid off 3 times. Since I hold no degree, it's a bit more difficult to get through the HR gauntlet to land the interview, and about half the time I have to overcome an elitist academic attitude of the interviewer.

In the past 3 years I've worked about half of the time, unemployed the other half. Savings are gone. My current salary is reduced by 25% of its peak, with the same mortgage and my commute has doubled to 100 miles per day.

My marriage has failed after 13 years, so we can add child support for the next 5 years to that too. Thankfully I don't have alimony obligations.

Those costs are small compared to the additional ones I am dealing with.

I am a cold war submarine vet (SSBN). My family has a proud tradition of serving that goes back to the revolution (I have distant cousins who are Cincinnati). We immigrated during the French and Indian War. There are place names all over the mid-west US that bear the name. Let me tell you the apple indeed does not fall far from the tree.

I am considering counseling to deal with the deeply rooted emotions I am experiencing, but, I fear that those records could end up in the hands of the cabal and used against me. I've not cut my hair since Nov. 1, 2004, at that time I sported a flat-top. I don't know why that's important to me, but, it is. Perhaps being raised in the 60's I associate long hair with protest.

I want Justice. It's that simple. With every fiber of my being, every wisp of my soul. It matters not to me what party whomever is responsible belongs to. I want justice, and I will not be denied. As a teen I volunteered my life to protect the Constitution. I took a solemn oath. If the tree of liberty needs my blood for nourishment, so mote it be. I am no longer an activist, I am a warrior.

Thanks for the therapy session DA.

-Hoot

[sakabatou]

79. I have become much more political in what I say

[Hell Hath No Fury]

83. I have been radicalized by BushCo...

I have always been political to an extent. I don't think you could have grown up in San Francisco in the 60s and not been. I have always followed local and national politics, educated myself on the issues, and never missed an election. I have always been a proud liberal who strongly supported the Democratic Party.

During the election cycle of 2000, I was writing my second book on ways average folks could be heroes for their country, communities, the environment and their fellow citizens. I had a chapter on voting, which I thought appropriate with the election coming up. As I did my research on the history of our voting rights, I became inspired to become even more involved with the current election. And what I was finding out about Bush was scaring the shit out of me. Eventually, less time was being spent on the book and more on Bush and letting others know what I was discovering. Then came the election. After Florida, the book project was pushed aside completely and I decided to take my own book's advice: find a cause and get active.

In the early months of the Bush presidency, there were a few times I thought I could let go and get back on track with my life.

But then came 9/11, and the PNAC, and the push for Iraq -- and there was just no going back for me. I simply cannot do it. As long as Bush or one of his PNAC cronies is in office, I cannot rest.

I feel very much like Girl, Interrupted.

One day - sooner rather than later -- I hope that I can just put it all aside, if only for a short time.

[malta blue]

84. surely more involved DA

Before the Bu$h era, life on the farm was an endless loop of taking care of baby and occassional archaeology. Now I am consumed by disgust for the lies and propaganda that the sheeple refuse to question. Thanks to your efforts too, I continuously spread the message of how we are being scammed daily.

[DistressedAmerican]

86. We All Do What We Can! "Consumed With Disgust" pretty well sums

up my state as you well know! These evil, greedy, swine all deserve life sentences!

We will get them though! I have no doubt. My brain refuses to accept that a president can be this fucked up and survive! Not gonna do it! Wouldn't be prudent!

[malta blue]

87. we must continue the good fight my friend. n/t

[FreedomAngel82]

85. Oh yes it's effected me a lot

I've grown as a person and things that weren't important to me before are now important such as the Constiution and the Bill of Rights. I never imagined they would be under attack from one of our supposivley owned. I never imagned someone could steal an election and someone would willingly let 3,000 plus now people die for money. When I was young my parents were both republicans and I used to want to be one. Now I realize the party and how they are now days and I'm a very leftwing liberal democrat. I no longer watch much tv but instead I have a few shows I enjoy, read, and get all my news online. My hope somedays is crushed but then I dust off and remember that we still have the Constution and Bill of Rights and we can't give up.

[FreedomAngel82]

90. I also wanted to add

I'm a LOT more paranoid then I used to be. When I go to vote I make sure to do as much background checking on the person I can. I won't vote for someone just because another person in my family is or someone I know is or even if a fellow DUer promps them up. I trust nobody but myself when it comes to who I vote for. Kind of sad.

[Triana]

89. EVERYONE in my family, including me...

..has been affected RE: jobs. EVERYone. Sister, brother, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, myself have had our lives GUTTED and severely restricted and/or disrupted due to bu$hit's Enronomy.

And my Mom, who is on SS and Medicare - bennies cut - and the shit she has to go through just to get an Rx filled is rediculous. GM, whom she has some bennies through from her deceased husband (my stepdad) jerks retirees around constantly. Those bennies have been cut, as well. Higher deductibles, lower coverage.

Before 2000, I paid attention to politics but didn't get involved nearly as often. After 2000, I CUT my cable teevee service and have NOT watched MSM "news" programs since. I REFUSE. In fact, I haven't had my TV on in over 6 months. And, I started paying attention a LOT more and becoming a LOT more active. Being on DU has been priceless for this.

[Ron Mexico]

91. Bushco has robbed me of all trust in the federal government.

On other threads over the past couple of days I was seemingly a rarity on this site: a Dem arguing against universal health care. I'm obviously for everyone being covered, but I can no longer bring myself to trust the federal government to administer it - Bushco couldn't even handle flu shots properly. You never know how long these assholes will be in charge, or how long we can keep the White House after we finally get it back. Just imagine Jeb B*sh in 2012 threatening to withold health care funding from states which don't cover up naked statues, for instance (I know that's a bit of a stretch, but you get the idea of what scares me).

(Polite request: please don't start with me about UHC itself in this thread if you expect a response, it was just one example that came immediately to mind because of the recent threads)

The amount of damage that can be done in four years, not to mention eight, is staggering. Reagan's policies made my college fund trickle down my parents' legs, and nobody here needs a reminder of what Bush has done. His power grab with airport security, for instance, didn't bring us anything but higher cost, he's running up a huge tab for my grandaughter to pay, and I can't think of a single fucking thing he's done right.

Once you go federal, there's rarely if ever any turning back - so without a guarantee that we'll take the White House back in 2008 (not to mention the Houses), and have it forever, why the fuck should I trust in any single aspect of the federal government after this disaster?

I knew it could be bad under the Repugs, but I never could have envisioned this. I have no trust in the federal government anymore and now look at just about everything in the "keep it out of Washington before they fuck it up" light. Five years ago I never could have seen myself acting or thinking like this.

[gkhouston]

93. I decided not to bring another child into the world. n/t

[Vinca]

95. The Bush years have made me appreciate being older.

I'm so glad I lived during the 50's when moms could afford to stay home and bake cookies and dads didn't worry constantly about losing their jobs. Families were close. Money wasn't that important. I'm glad I lived through the 60's, too. We made a difference. Actually, I was pretty content until the Shrub years. Now I'm terrified. Can't afford health insurance. Can't afford to sell my house that's too big for me because the little ones cost too much. Will social security be there? I don't know. I don't feel safe anymore.

[slybacon9]

96. My friend is dead

killed in Iraq.

I can only speak to half my family.

I'm angry all the time.

And my company that had the best start crashed after 9-11 because it was a travel/leisure based company.

but i know more about US history, politics, the names of senators, and the economy than i ever did before...

it makes me unable to communicate like a sane person in public settings.

[trekbiker]

97. more depressed.. more angry.. drink more..

I've lost two of my best friends (rightwingers) and one girlfriend (so far). Used to be we could debate politics without the intense anger. those days are gone for good. I've never felt this ashamed of my fellow americans or more embarrassed for my country. And the right wing whacko takeover of the media is very depressing. Feels like I'm living in an Orwellian nightmare. At least Reagan wasnt so damned idiotic and we still had a semi-responsible press in the 80's.

the country has never been more divided..

[nadinbrzezinski]

98. Well first I sent a husband to war

TWICE

He was on patrol on 9.11, and I spent that day doing crisis intervention not even thinking about my husband... for there was nothing I could do

A year later I sent him to war

In the meantime I have become increasingly radicalized in my political thinking, which is also influencing my writing in a great manner. My frustration is when I tell people they need to read PNAC and they just look at me with a deer in the haedlight look, for if this has not been on teevee it has not happened... really?

[Lorien]

100. I was "comfortable" and now I'm poor. I never thought I would be ashamed

to call myself an American, never thought I would feel anything but pride in my country-but that changed on election day 2000 when I watched helplessly while white cops intimidated black voters as I handed out voter literature in front of their polling place. I watched as the cops tried to shut down the polls early-but called in to party headquarters to have them reopened. Then the poll workers told the voters-hundreds of them-that they had come to the wrong polling place, and the "right" one was across town. We called in church buses to take the voters across town, but the cops pulled the buses over and said that without a taxi license, they needed to unload. Yes, I live in Florida. :grr:

I talked to reporters, others did to-but the media was silent. I knew that this was no longer the America of my youth. 9/11: NOTHING NEEDED TO CHANGE! What the fuck HAPPENED to us? Instead of saying "Fuck you-you won't terrorize me. You won't make me cower. You won't have an effect", the country did EXACTLY what the terrorists wanted (whoever those terrorists are); they became a Nation of pathetic, thumbsucking bed wetters, willing to give up their Liberty for a false sense of security. I was due to get on a plane to Norway that day,three hours after the attacks. The airline COULD NOT BELIEVE that I still wanted to fly! If I didn't fly, they won. Since my flight was grounded, I went to the bank to take care of some business. The banking officer looked at me when I signed in and said "Why are you here?? Don't you know what's happened"? I said yes; it did not happen in Orlando. No terrorist WILL EVER make me too afraid to live my life! Giving into terrorism makes it successful. It's the worst thing anyone can do-and the whole Nation did it, with the MSM leading us in an orgy of fear. We have lost what we once were.

My personal fortunes have always been tied to the nation's economy. During the Clinton years I had a nice six figure income. Last year I made less than what I used to pay in taxes-much less.I don't see anything but increasing poverty in my future.

[hootinholler]

101. .

[Zorra]

102. Left the country after the 2000 Selection. I'd say that is a significant

life change. I knew Bu*h was a fascist straight out of the bowels of hell I and screamed and begged and pleaded with people not to vote for Nader in the 2000 election.

I've heard a lot of people say, "well, guess you were right" since then. That does not make me feel any better.

I've been an activist all my life. We must form a comprehensive liberal political and economic unified alliance and engage in nationwide general strikes and boycotts ASAP in order to assert and regain our power as a democratic people.

We cannot regain control of the government through the electoral process. All democratic processes within our government have been compromised and corrupted and are out of our control.

All bets are off.

Yeah, a bunch of people here will say I am a radical extremist. blah, blah, blah.

They said the same thing in 1999 when I was telling them that Bu*h was a fascist psychopath in real time and must not be allowed to gain power at any cost, when I said that Bu*h knew about 9/11, when I told them that the invasion of Iraq was bullshit, etc.

[nadinbrzezinski]

106. I'm with you, so when is the strike

[expatriate]

103. I was already living outside the USA by 2000

and I have watched what has gone on since with horror.

I never thought I would be glad about living outside the USA, but I am. I left for entirely personal reasons, with the idea of possibly living there again at some time.

No more.

Watching from outside is incredible. Like looking into a snake pit, full of serpents swallowing their tails.

I've worked a lot on campaigns and trying to raise awareness. I used to love the Internet, and spent quite a lot of time on message boards. Now - well, I only come here once in a while, and have forsaken any other discussion board. I can no longer stomach the illiterate, ignorant, TV and celebrity obsessed people who seem to represent so much of America.

I've been yelling that people have been deliberately dumbed down in America since 1977, when it became very obvious to me that schooling was being geared toward people knowing less than generations before them. It really bugs me now, when people I know who are still living in the USA, and who thought that I was just a bigmouthed loony, sort of shuffle their feet and say, "You know how you were always fussing about how people were getting dumber and that critical thinking and past history were no longer being taught in the schools? Well - I'm starting to think you were right."

What I'm really sorry about is that I can't feel any kind of satisfaction about that.

[undeterred]

104. 52 months without permanent employment

40 months without health insurance
huge career setback
debt debt debt

More involved, angrier than I've ever been before, hope comes and goes.

[Kazak]

107. Made employment much less reliable.

I've had to change jobs. Been screwed out of all kinds of vacation time. Heck, I've forgotten what a freaking vacation is!

[borlis]

108. 2 things come to mind quickly.

1. I am truly scared that my kids will be drafted. I have 3 boys, 12, 8, and 3. I am afraid I will have to flee this country someday. THEY WILL NEVER TAKE MY CHILDREN.

2. My hubby lost his job a couple of years ago. Thankfully, he found a new one quickly, but for less $$ of course. He hates his current job and is always looking. I think he is making what he made in 1992. I only work part time right now, but I think I will be going back full time when my little one is in school all day. The thing is that I always thought that when I went back it would just make us more comfortable. Money put away for college, money in the bank, money for nice trips, etc. Now I feel like when I do go back we will just be catching up. :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

[TheCentepedeShoes]

109. I always paid attention to what was

going on in politics, but maybe not enough. I was a history major in college so I can at least place the WBTS in the right decade and a geography nut, so I can easily find Madagascar on a map. I was 4 yrs old when Churchill made his "Iron Curtain" speech in Missouri (yeah, I'm THAT old). I remember, Hungary, the Suez, the missile crisis, 'Nam (lost some HS and college classmates there}, Watergate. Wrote a letter to Nixon asking for his resignation. Maybe that was the extent of my activism.
I have a friend in Afghanistan right now and the son of another friend is doing his second stint in Iraq. This sucks.

BTW - I like Clark, too.

[earth mom]

111. Awesome posts on this thread! As for me...

The existence of *Co and the realization of how cold hearted and cruel *Co and the republicans really are, has made me experience a wide array of emotions: disillusionment, distrust, shock, frustration, anger, rage, horror and fear. My faith in humanity has been sorely shaken and yes, I have become jaded and cynical.

9/11 was a turning point in my life.

There will always be a before 9/11 and after 9/11...

I will never be the same.

I miss the old me, my old life and old world I used to live in...

That's how I feel on the bad days.

BUT

On the good days...

I VOW to never give up,

To never give in,

To live in love, laughter and light

....in SPITE of them!

Those bastards will NOT get the best of me!

[Daphne08]

112. I've become more cynical

and angry about seeing what has happened to my country and to my fellow citizens (loss of privacy and civil rights, the preemptive war in Iraq, engaging in torture, etc.).

If we allow the government to change our country so much that it resembles the former USSR more than the country it was (the one in which I grew up), then indeed, we've allowed the terrorists to win!

Oh, and this is AMERICA or THE UNITED STATES, NOT The Homeland.

I hate hearing my country referred to as The Homeland. :(

[Raiden]

115. Made me politically active

I was supportive of Bush until the case for Iraq started.

[area51]

116. "How have the Bush years impacted you?"

Like many people, I don't have a job in my profession (Unix/Linux System Administration) anymore. This is a Depression economy.

[Cassius23]

118. Well..let's see.

During the Clinton years I didn't have much of a care about anything. I was in college for far longer than I should have been(though I did graduate) and was, for the most part, relatively happy.

In the past four years I have spent three of it working for a major ISP doing technical support making not that much money at all, what I did made I had to spend to keep rent and utilities and the like. I moved from the deep south to points far north, have had no fewer than 3 nervous breakdowns in the past year.

I would say that, overall, this has been some of the darkest years of my life.

Lates

[genieroze]

120. He made me turn into an agnostic.

These right wing Christians think he's their new God. I kept on thinking, he keeps on saying he's a Christian. Did he ever pick up a The Bible? I did some research, read some books, will read more books and came to this conclusion. He is a Christian in the spirit that the church was founded, and now I'm agnostic. I was a born again Christian since I was 15. At least he made me wake up to reality that our religious history is a sleazy one. Please don't anyone say I'm slamming Christians because I'm not. Believe what you want, it's a free country (at least it used to be before the takeover)

edited for spelling

[LeftyElvis]

121. It does affect

I had a great job when Carter was pres, lost it when Reagan got it, great job when Clinton was in, lost it when bush stole it and have never really recovered; my job was outsourced to a company in Bankok..........after I trained the person!!!!

Were on a ruinous path and anyone who doesn't think it affects them is nuts.

[DistressedAmerican]

122. Welcome to DU LeftyElvis!!!

The more the merrier!

:toast:

[LeftyElvis]

124. Thank-you

I've found a good home; no job but a good online home!

[SonofMass]

123. My income has increased dramatically in the last decade but

working with plasma physics has gotten to be tedious. With the way this country has gone to hell and the right-wing christofascists taking over the world I've been contemplating suicide.

[DistressedAmerican]

125. I'm Sorry To Hear That. Never Let These Asshats Do That To You.

It is a truly fucked up state right now. But, once in the past I almost threw muself under a train. I saw no hope at all. Glad I didn't. I have had quite a bit of fun since.

If I were to that point harming MYSELF would not be my approach.

Try doing at least an hour a day of "hard work" against these criminals. That has made me quite a bit more sane. Just an hour a day makes you feel like there is some hope for change.

Have I seen much? Not yet. But the door is opening and I am busy kicking it in on them. I could use your help out there!

Besides, the freeps would report on it and make fun of your corpse (Scamdy.com proves it is their style). You don't want to let them do that do you?

Feel free to contact me ANYTIME! I'm a pretty nice and supportive guy as long as I do not small freep.

[TriMetFan]

126. Lets see..

1. I fear my Government.
2. I'm more involved in politics then before.
3. I have never hated before until now. I can't even see people in a car with a Bush sticker on it without hating them so much for helping fucking up my Country.

[marions ghost]

127. I have never felt I could really trust the government

...that's a luxury we Americans have not had for a long time IMO, if ever we did (maybe the last time was during WW2, but I'm not sure--maybe those who were alive then could verify that). Maybe there was the illusion of trust and security during the Eisenhower years, I'm not sure about that either. But I'm convinced at this point that whenever a pervasive sense of security has occurred in America in the 20th C, it has been illusion. No wonder Americans are so neurotic about basic security issues. Anyway, I grew up believing that it IS up to the citizens to help the government ("ask not"...and all that yada yada). Nobody in my Democratic activist wing of the family believed you could actually "trust" the government. But I was taught that you should actively work WITH the government and lobby your case and work for candidates and all that. I was taught that success would come with vigilance and hard work.

There's a substantial difference between feeling a lack of trust--a general wariness--and feeling that you have been actively abused and betrayed. It's obvious to many here that the power-mongers in the present administration have tipped the relationship into abuse and left a large part of the electorate feeling exploited, downtrodden, depressed, powerless. When you have been abused by your community --our country being a large community--you do not want to give ANYTHING back. And that is understandable. But you eventually come to the realization that doing nothing is really not an option if you want to keep your sanity.

As a younger adult I felt that at least I could work in certain activist areas to create a better world. But as the Neo-Con phenomenon mushroomed during Poppy 41's term, it became clear to me that anyone who worked for changes at the national level, or spoke up, or objected even in small ways was going to be viciously targeted, put down, ridiculed. It seemed that the only thing to do was to shrink back to the microcosm, to put energy ONLY into family, school, work. So that's what I did in the Clinton years. I thought that if I just put the blinders on and paid attention to the things I could control, everything would be OK...that's the first advice any psychologist will give you when life gets overwhelming. But in the end, I have to say that this strategy doesn't work for me now that the Bushbots are in power and wreaking unimaginable havoc.

I think what I resent the most is the loss of any faith that our country works for me, or for people like me (or those less fortunate than me). Right now I have a roof over my head but there is no sense of security. I have lost a sense of community, of connectedness, or assurance that anything in our society is working. I have faced the awful truth about how really bad it is. That's why I'm here, hanging on to my sanity with others who seem to be at the same point of no return. Together we must begin to pick up the pieces and create a new world. We must fight back or be flattened. I consider the war on the homefront more important than any of our Bushco wars around the globe.

A big disappointment in all this over the last 15 years has been realizing that we can no longer count on the mainstream media to give us an honest or somewhat objective viewpoint. It's all about what sells, mass manipulation --nothing more. We must create new media, and we are doing that I think.

----------------
So in a nutshell, whereas before I was fighting for "a better world,"
now I feel I'm fighting for survival and sanity. Many days I resent having to do this, and I resent that anyone of us should be forced into this position in anything still called a "democracy." But the alternative is unacceptable and I've already tried denial--it didn't work.