I'd like to take a moment to reiterate that Obama is the presumptive

[rasputin1952]

Democratic nominee, and while I can understand that this being a discussion board, there are many differing views and some of them are quite valid.

But we seem to be tripping over ourselves in the criticism department, so I'd like to bring up some points that might help in understanding some of what is going on in the political world right now.

I've been involved in some form of political activism my entire life and I've learned a few things over time, but I do not claim to be an expert, politics is a weird business and many things happen that are unexpected, but there are plenty of things that are consistent.

Some of the things I've noticed, (whether you like Obama or not), is that he draws huge crowds of supporters. Some of this is because he has taken a higher road than McCain, some of this is because he is an affable guy and a good speaker as well as someone who truly appears to care about the nation and it's people. In other words, he is drawing people because he has a vision that things can be dramatically better.

Another is that his campaign has been pretty close to flawless. He's gotten out of situations that would have crushed others easily. He's had his gaffes, but he's also owned up to quite a few of them. This is another reason why people are drawn to him, they see something of honesty in the man.

ALL politicians will promise things they cannot deliver on. It has always been that way, and the nature of the beast is that no one can possibly live up to the things promise. They are talking to an audience that wants to hear things, knowing that they won't get everything, but they can get something, (and anything is better than what the GOP has up their sleeves).

NO politician can please everyone all of the time. No matter what the issue, someone will literally take issue with it down the line. The idea that there is any human being out there that can make everyone happy is absurd, so while there are votes he's made that I have been against, I cannot fault him for the few "bad" votes, but not recognize the "good" votes he's made.

Lately, a lot of stuff has been posted, in numerous threads, many of them dupes, about the negative aspects of Obama...well, it's OK to talk about things like this. But there has also been a lot of stuff posted that is getting to the point where the negativity has taken over the reality that Obama will almost assuredly be nominated in Denver. It seems to me, we're going to have to come together pretty quickly if we want to truly trounce McCain and the GOP in upcoming GE.

I have my views on the FISA situation for instance, but if we do a hell of a job in November, what is becoming law today, can be rescinded the following year...if we have the large majority of the people we need in both Houses of Congress and a D president that can lead. I think Obama can lead, I think that with excellent #'s in Congress, we can get this nation back on track.

There is a scenario we are in right now that threatens us, and it has become, essentially "us". The nitpicking, the barrages of personal attacks, the waiting for the "one phrase" that can be used to knock down Obama is our potential downfall. Why have a GOP if we are willing to tear ourselves apart over things that are peripheral in the scheme of things?

If there is one area where each and every one of us should be coming together on, it is the complete and utter destruction of the McCain campaign, (he's doing a damn good job of crushing himself, but that shouldn't stop us from tossing more bricks on the pile). Obama, and by his coat-tails, for others to be elected to seats is the best option we have, in reality, he is the the option we have.

So, as discussions move forward, we should be dealing with real problems, voicing our opinions and looking to a future where we can undo the past 7+ years. We can't do that through division by peripheral fiat, we can only undo the past errors by completely ousting the GOP. The stakes are far to high to "decide" on a single "issue", we need to look at the larger picture, the very future of our nation. If the GOP retains ANY power, we are in some pretty serious trouble.

I'm asking, simply as a member of DU, that we come together before we go any further down these many forks in the roads we've taken. We can do this, we all know what is at stake, we all know can do this if we work closer together.

Finally, I've served this nation in many capacities, I love our nation, and I know we can once again move toward justice, freedom and human rights...but we have to do it together.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, I know some will take issue, but I also know that the vast majority of members here will draw closer as we move forward.

[JeffR]

1. As you always do, you've made a compelling case for reason.

K & R.
:kick:

[NanceGreggs]

2. Thanks.

I know that's just one incredibly simple word. But there's a lot of gratitude behind it - more than I can express.

Thanks.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. My dear ras!

At last, a post that stands by itself, that I can freely recommend!

And I just did, BTW...

Beautifully said!

Thank you...

:hug:

:patriot:

[cliffordu]

4. K&R. Excellent.

[Egnever]

5. Good stuff

to the top with you

[gblady]

6. thanks....

Job 1 is to get Barack in the White House...

[RNdaSilva]

7. You're in my top ten...

[Undercurrent]

8. Recommended!

Terrific post.

[intheflow]

9. So true, so true.

Obama should easily be above McCain by double digits in the polls. Part of that is the media not accurately reporting McCain's ineptitude, but another big factor is that we're helping McCain by attacking our candidate for him. Obama is the furthest left candidate I've seen since I've been able to vote, over 25 years--a quarter century! Once we get people in power who at least sympathize toward the left, it will be easier to reverse the damage the junta's done since seizing our government.

[defendandprotect]

42. The excitement of the populist messages . . . .

was bringing people out to register to vote ---

that's important.

When we stand for the Constitution and against right-ward shifts, this should continue.

[slinkerwink]

10. thank you.

[rufus dog]

11. Very well written

Kudos to you!

[NattPang]

12. I feel very much the same.

This election is about so many issues,
and we cannot get bogged down. Not now.

[LaurenG]

13. Yay!!!

Time to roll... :kick:

[JVS]

14. Totally agreed.

[Douglas Carpenter]

15. couldn't agree more!!! kick and recommended!!!

[Skidmore]

16. Thank you.

We can only defeat ourselves. And, together we can only win.

[Political Heretic]

17. Exceptionally well said!

[countingbluecars]

18. K&R

[H2O Man]

19. Thank you.

Nominated.

[nc4bo]

20. Thank-YOU!!! n/t

[merh]

21. A love a voice of reason first thing in the morning

kick and recommended and much appreciated

[KAZ]

22. Fantastic! Man, what a read! K&R

[highplainsdem]

23. Please remember, too, that uniting the party means including Clinton supporters, so attacks on the

Clintons and on their supporters must stop here. Those attacks are doing great damage to party unity. Even the topics about the unity appearance in Unity NH brought out lots of anti-Clinton trolls who put bashing the Clintons above party unity. That foolishness is a threat to our chances of beating McCain in November. Hillary Clinton got approximately as many votes as Obama in the primary race, and Bill Clinton is the most successful Democratic politician of the last few decades. There cannot be party unity if the Clintons are treated with contempt.

Obama seems to realize that, but too few of his supporters here seem to understand.

[rasputin1952]

24. I have always respected HRC and Bill, and yes, the race is

over.

Attacks and denigration should indeed cease and desist. Such things do little more than further the divide, and we need to get past the animosity on all levels.

We will, we have to.

[ekwhite]

25. Thank you

We absolutely need to work for the election of Obama. The alternative is a further slide into fascism. If John McCain has the opportunity to appoint one or two more Supreme Court justices, you can kiss what is left of our democracy goodbye.

The netroots rancor over Obama has been part of the narrative used against Obama in the MSM. Now is the time to support Obama. We can apply pressure AFTER he is elected.

[rasputin1952]

29. One of the great failures of democracy in this nation is that

constiuents refuse to hold their elected officials feet to the fire when necessary, and give them plaudits when they earn them.

We tend to elect and forget, something we really need to stop doing. My Rep (Fortenberry R-NE-1st District), gets so much from me, I'm surprised he doesn't shudder the few times he actually comes to the area. In fact, here in NE this might be the first time in decades we actually go purple and maybe blue, Fortenberry is on some very thin ice, people just think the guy is little more than a shill at this point, that "R" might not mean anything this time around...:D

[MasonJar]

26. Thank you for a solid reminder that I know I personally needed to read.

[Flying Dream Blues]

27. Well said. nt

[Bluerthanblue]

28. You have spoken with wisdom and beauty. Thank You

so much for this.

much needed words- for everyone.

peace~

[DevonRex]

30. K&R for truth. nt

[Lisa0825]

31. K&R!

:kick:

[azmouse]

32. Thank you.

:patriot:

[DeeDeeNY]

33. Very well said

At this point, it's really counterproductive for the repetitive and seemingly endless posts criticizing Obama. McCain is the one to whom the negative posts should be directed, and there certainly is a wealth of material on which to criticize him.

[rasputin1952]

35. Yes, to be sure, there is a gold mine of criticism for McCain...

he is one of the most inept pols I've ever seen, and the hypocrisy is bordering on the appalling.

I have a feeling that soon enough even the MSM will break down and realize that McCain is little more than a paper thin piece of crap...;)

[sniffa]

34. Outstanding

:thumbsup:

[Barack_America]

36. Indeed.

Bravo.

It's time to be goal-oriented.

[Faygo Kid]

37. Thanks. Recommended.

Our nation's future is at stake. Obama must be elected; we have got to change course.

[leapinggnome]

38. Awesome

Eloquent! Valid points throughout and very persuasive (even though I didn't need persuaded on who I'm supporting!)

Thank you so much

[rasputin1952]

40. Welcome to DU leapinggnome...

:hi:

[AlbertCat]

39. Very nice

I like a level headed work of reason....and optimism.

But let's not stop criticizing. That's how things get changed. Let's just not go overboard and take things so personally. My favorite posts include "I can't believe Obama did that...but I will vote for him anyway" because it shows Independence of mind (a Dem trait that may make things harder but achieves better results....unlike lock step Repug follow the leader) AND a grasp of the situation...which is...when the house is on fire, it's not time to redecorate. Put out the fire 1st!

[blondeatlast]

41. Simply--bravo. Well said. Thank you. nt

[SidneyCarton]

43. Always glad to K&R rational argument

[Danieljay]

44. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! N/T

[applegrove]

45. Way to say it.

[bertman]

46. Rasputin1952. Interesting choice of screen names. Were you reincarnated?

Let's qualify the "large majority of people we need in both houses of Congress" to read "large majority of PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS". We have far too many DINO's taking up valuable space and giving off toxic gases in the halls of Congress now.

IMO, you are way off base when you say "there has been a lot of stuff posted that is getting to the point where the negativity has taken over the reality that Obama will almost assuredly be nominated in Denver." 99% of what I read on this site ASSUMES THAT OBAMA IS DEFINITELY GOING TO BE NOMINATED IN DENVER AND ELECTED IN NOVEMBER. What you describe as negativity is not negativity at all. It's a genuine desire being expressed by loyal Democrats that Barack Obama stand behind the progressive principles he so eloquently presented to us during the primary campaign. We want our voices to be heard and our positions to be part of his platform in Denver. Making those types of demands of Our Candidate is a positive approach to party unity. It's part of the runup to the Convention. And now is the appropriate time to do that.

Also, what you consider nitpicking might be what others consider raising an important point.

I don't feel that I'm going down any forks in any roads because I examine Senator Obama's positions openly and fairly in a Democratic party forum.

Once again you insinuate that others are naive about what's going on in the political world now and you say you're asking for unity when it seems you just want to stifle people who don't agree with your point of view.

[rasputin1952]

57. My idea is simply that people look at the larger picture...

and I have never "stifled" anyone's opinion as a member of DU. I have upheld the rules as a Moderator, that is part of the job. As long as people stay within the bounds established, discussion is openly encouraged.

As a nation, we should set priorities to issues. The war, the national debt, the crumbling infrastructure, energy, food, air and water safety are some that stand out.

Another thing about elections and the cycles that I have seen, the most a pol can take on with great is force is generally 3. More than that, they become peripheral, even though important as a whole or to certain groups.

The hardest thing a pol has to do is to pick the 2-3 issues that will be the foundation of the platform. Only then, can the platform be built.

[SwiperFox]

47. NO.

He is a PUBLIC SERVANT! Have you forgotten that? You treat him as royalty and that is right-wing foxnews behavior. He must follow the will of the people. Anyway, the elections were rigged in the past, so I wouldn't be so fervent in lauding this "lite" alternative to the malignant McCain. We either have true constitutional change or extreme (1789-1795) change. Taking a big douche or a crap sandwich a la southpark is truly unacceptable.

[rasputin1952]

55. For the record, welcome to DU, and I treat no one like royalty...

Obama has done a good job getting too where he is. He has flaws, just like everyone else, but he has far less flaws than some others, especially McCain and the neo-con GOP.

It'll be pretty chilly in hell if you ever see me post that I have any type of adoration for any politician.

Obama is what we have, it is either that or McCain...I'm going w/Obama on this one.I want this to be a crushing defeat for the GOP, I don't want a mere win, I want utter destruction of a corrupt and despicable group of people that have gone out of their way to destroy this nation.

I know some pretty decent Republicans, hell, my mother is a die hard R. Never voted D in her life, but she refuses to vote for McCain, and sees that the bush administration has been a complete disaster. She is sickened that what was once a party of some dignity and quality has become little more than a snake-pit.

In my wildest nightmare, I cannot picture Obama as being anything like what the GOP has become, but I also accept that he will make errors. We can minimize those errors by definitive action, but we've got to come together.

[SwiperFox]

73. Obama as an only choice...

The outstanding problem here is that dems and repubs have formed the republicrat party. Be it McCain or Obama, the agenda will be the same. They cover each other's crimes and work hand in hand to commit new ones. Look at FISA, for God's sake! Obama didn't even wait for the election to break the constitutional oath. The followers try to rationalize his actions as "a failure to please every one". He does not need to please individuals, only follow the constitution of the united states and honor international law/treaties (this administration's war crimes, etc.). Hope is what keeps me checking on DU since, sadly, hope is the last thing one loses, but every day that passes these "elites" keep making the charade more blatantly obvious. It pains me that intelligent people, such as yourself, have not, apparently, arrived at this realization.

[rasputin1952]

76. Sorry for inflicting pain upon you, that was most certainly not

my intention.

However, it appears that most of the pain you are feeling is self inflicted, as I get the impression you are searching for some masterful individual that can do it all. Adhering to the Constitution is the primary responsibility of any president, (or anyone else for that matter). I think Obama would do a better job at that than McCain, but unless you go back to the very beginnings of this nation, your not going to find what you think you may, we were a mere 9 years old as a nation before we were hit w/the Alien and Sedition Acts, which tried to curve around the Constitution...and push ed by one of it's authors no less, John Adams.

Perfection does not exist, especially in the political world. Just my opinion here, but I think Obama will do better than McCain, (we're talking by miles here, not inches), and since no 3rd party has a chance...my vote will go to Obama.

[cbc5g]

86. We have two choices. One of them will be President. McCain or Obama.

If you can't see how electing Obama would be different from McBush then you have something seriously wrong with you. That Nader logic got us 8 long disastrous years where thousands of peoples lives and livelihoods have been wiped out. Don't dare tell me that if Gore were elected it would have been the same.

Like the previous poster said, perfection doesn't exist and you won't find it. And if by chance you did find it, that person would never be elected in America.

[Jazzgirl]

48. Thanks for being a voice of reason in a sometimes

contentious atmosphere. K&R!

[BlooInBloo]

49. (shrug) It's your folks' choice to allow the underminers.

[JVS]

90. Good point.

[nevergiveup]

50. Best post I have read in a long time

We have much work to do and there is so little time.

[yardwork]

51. Yep. k&r.

[Coexist]

52. Great post, thank you.

[Cha]

53. Just wanna say

Thank you, rasputin, and keep up the good work.

[AtomicKitten]

54. Wonderful. Thank you.

[1776Forever]

56. This made me think about something I know others are thinking too about vote counting...

I have a sick feeling listening to the so called "news" channels and their reports on how Obama is losing points in the "polls" that there is going to be a surge to try and steal the vote again - I know I can hear a bunch of you saying "duh"! That is obvious but what can we do about it? I think I will volunteer in my Ohio voting place to try and watch the votes during the day. I will register anyone who comes in and messes with the voting machines and ask where and how the votes are to be counted. Anyone else have ideas on this?

Thanks - great post!:hi:

[rasputin1952]

59. Years ago, I worked on the Mohave County Board of elections...

On election day, some Reagan people showed up with signs and such, and started electioneering right at the door. I went out and asked them to move to the limits that had been prepared beforehand, and the refusal was a flat "no". We had instructions to call a # if this type of thing happened, so I did call that #. Within 3 minutes, I kid you not, the AZ DPS (Troopers) were there, the signs were placed in the trunks of the cruisers and the electioneers were arrested. No "Move out there sir/ma'am", straight up arrests, they were charged on the spot, given their rights and off to jail they went to be booked.

Things have changed a little, especially with electronic voting, and cheating in politics was born w/the process of elections back in Greece. Today, I think that w/many counties dumping their electronic machines, cheating will be far less of a problem this time around.

Problems in Ohio and other places have brought some changes as well. If you were in line to vote at the time the poll closed, poll workers or an officer were placed at the "cut off point". Everyone already in line could vote, even if we had to stay open for hours after "official closing". The doors didn't slam shut, you just could not enter the line after the polls closed.

It's a little different everywhere, but just getting rid of the touchscreens is a huge leap forward.

[1776Forever]

60. Thank you - I agree totally. Very interesting story!

:hi:

[NC_Nurse]

58. Excellent post. Thank you!

K&R

[AZBlue]

61. K&R

Thank you for your post!

[Omaha Steve]

62. Many issues divide us, but we are coming together

We can argue till dinner time about what we should have for breakfast. Gay unions or not. Guns. Abortion. Labor. Add up the plus and minus, and we vote for Obama this November.

[kestrel91316]

63. IMHO DU is infested with LARGE numbers of trolls posing as Dems

whose sole purpose here is to divide us. They skirt the very edge of permissible posts criticizing Obama all morning, noon and night. Just like they posted vicious anti-Hillary crap ad infinitum.

They aren't fooling ME, and I hope they aren't fooling anybody else.

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

64. Thanks for saying

what many here have been trying to say over the past couple of weeks. We need to keep our eye on the prize - it's the end game at this point that matters, or else we could lose a lot more than just an election. We face losing the core principles of our country if McCain gets elected.

[scarletwoman]

65. Thank you for a well-said and thoughtful post. This election is Big Picture time.

Let's get our Dem in the White House, and THEN start hammering out the details of where we want to go from there.

sw

[scarletwoman]

66. I'm kicking this again, because I'm really tired of seeing some of the other crap that keeps

crawling up to the top of the page.

sw

[rasputin1952]

67. Thanks...(I think)...but others have the rights to their opinions as

well.

I think the closer we get to Denver, the closer we'll come together...:hug:

[scarletwoman]

69. Sure, others have the rights to their opinions, but after seeing the complainers predominate

for so long, and posts like yours so rare, I'm looking for at least a little balance.

[Laurab]

68. Excellent post - thank you! K&R n/t

[Tigress DEM]

70. Really. Let's not do the "rethugs" job for them.

The thing is...we DEMs give the people we like a hard time if they don't seem to be consistent.

[Sunnyshine]

71. K&R - Vote your conscience. Take a chance to make a difference. Obama '08

Meanwhile- Bush and GOP keep peace on ban, and McCain wants to bomb, bomb, bomb, Iran. :evilfrown:

We got wars here and wars there, soldiers sorting oil for the tyrants greedy share. :wtf:

Torture and prisons makes civilians fear, the invading armies that gather near. :scared:

Humanity is under rigorous attack, because of the money and power we commoners lack.:spank:

Children thirst for a drink that is clean, as golfers drive balls onto well watered greens.:cry:

Babies bloated from hunger and disease, we got plenty to waste so we do what we please. :puke:

Schools and education are driven to the brink, as families go broke and politicians throw sinks.:grr:

Pollution fills every breath we take, and companies jump over the environmental laws they break.:hide:

Empires suck energy to cool buildings of excess, their rule of thumb declares: More is less!:crazy:

Not enough jobs for markets to gel, but WOW those Wal-Mart's greeters are really swell. :silly:

Nuclear rods kept cooled by refrigeration, and countries forbid the end of proliferation. :nuke:

Insurance funneling my hard earned money, and when I am sick they think its funny. :shrug:

We all want to help end the suffering and trauma, our chance for great change is in voting Obama! :patriot:

[Top Cat]

72. I'd like to take a moment to reiterate that Obama is the presumptive

YES WE CAN!

[Sunnyshine]

75. I believe we can too Top Cat and everybody at DU...its more about us than it is about them. n/t

[TreasonousBastard]

74. AMEN! No time for whiners, concern trolls, purists, or...

any of the others who refuse to get on board or get out of the way.

We have a winner in Obama, and that's a damn good start.

[bjobotts]

77. You're way behind. No question of voting for Obama. No question in standing for the constitution eit

[bjobotts]

78. Stop blaming Obama supporters for Obama's mistakes. Kerry lost by moving right.

[bjobotts]

79. Dems won in '06 by standing up and not moving right. We want obama to win also

[bjobotts]

81. Being silent and accepting when he screws up is not supporting Obama

[bjobotts]

82. It's enabling losing behavior. We stand with him for all the right things he does.That's encourageme

[bjobotts]

83. I refuse to leave my critical faculties at Obama's alter. He needs our input too.

[rasputin1952]

87. Precisely...he will be working for us, that is what a president is

supposed to do.

It is our responsibility to ensure that he leads the nation in a new direction, a responsibility that we have faltered on w/bush.

[rasputin1952]

85. I am not silent when he screws up...

but I am impressed when he realizes he messed up and tries to correct the situation.

[bertman]

92. I was impressed with his handling of the Rev. Wright situation and his Philadelphia speech.

Other than that I'd love to hear what other "mess ups" he's tried to correct, thereby impressing you.

[democrattotheend]

93. I thought he handled "bittergate" pretty well too

He hit back hard. Unfortunately, he was still maligned for it, but I thought he hit back quickly and forcefully. He took responsibility for the fact that his words were inartful and apologized for offending anyone but clarified what he meant and hit back at both of his opponents for calling him out of touch.

[midnight]

80. rasputin1952 your involvement in politics over the many years

probably explains why you are hopeful FISA will be changed.

The framers of our Constiution knew that those profoundly privledged people who would be running this country would be far from perfect. They made sure that those privledged people were forced to work with oversight to protect our freedoms. Not comprimise our rights with secrecy and spying. This country should draw closer to our Constitution, and stop treating it like an inconvience.

Our constiution is our single most important tool we have against terrorism-domestic and foreign.

"ALL politicians will promise things they cannot deliver on" Our polititcians promise to uphold this constitution, and as nitpicky as I might sound, I expect them to uphold their oath to protect our consitution.

I will take one day at a time from here on in. I will not be rushed. I will be thoughtful and most importantly I will be watchful of our Consitution. I hope you will too.

[rasputin1952]

84. I am very watchful of our Constitution...

and I know things can change, but usually over time.

Prohibition is a prime example, it took years to rescind the Amendment that brought it about, but in cases like tis, it is merely an act of congress, not just Congress and state ratification.

Any previous law can be amended, rescinded; and such items like "signing statements" become moot when a new president comes on board. What it takes is action, and elected officials do act when pressed.

In a very short period of time FISA and the Patriot Act could be taken out as laws, but we have to pressure Congress to act. The great failures of our democracy are essentially twofold, our lack of voting and our failure to keep our elected officials feet to the fire. When some 42% of eligible voters turn out for a GE, and we don't throw bad pols out on their ears, we have become the problem.

The Constitution gives us the right to do both of these things, but our failure to do either has created what we have now.

I want to see the neo-con agenda buried so deep it can never be found again, but without our collective protection of our Constitution, is will rise again. We have lost our vigilance, we act as if we don't care. FISA is a bad law, we can change it with a new Congress, but we've got to get them in their first. Obama can counter all of those insane "signing statements", but he's going to have to act, something he can't do if he doesn't end up in the Oval Office.

on edit: It should be noted that very few people have actually read the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and it's attending amendments. Personally, I find it appalling that women were denied the vote until 1920, or that a prohibition of slavery was lined out in the original Document. My point is, it took a lot of work to get basic human rights into the Supreme Law of the land, but it can be done.

[barack the house]

88. The finest post I have read for a while. Great job.

[Adelante]

89. Very well said

:kick:

[ileus]

91. so ure sayin' hillary may be our nominee after all???