If we bargain away the most critical elements to placate those who will not be placated

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

who will then bludgeon us to death with a cudgel we manufactured for them, who will WE (us, the Democrats) blame if we don't get the desired results?

[msongs]

1. dems afraid of a repub filibuster?...and repubs know it. when your actions are fear based

you give the authority to those you fear. well let em fillibuster for a few weeks.

Msongs

[Skink]

2. I wish Franken were in on this.

We need more Democratic cycisism and sarcasm on the Denate floor.

[stray cat]

3. What are the most critical elements we have bargained away?

I thought the aid to states was critical - but some aid is still there.

I also thought the increase in foodstamps was critical - its decreased but still there.

I think the extension to unemployment is still there.

I think the tax cuts to low incomes is still there but phased out an an earlier cap - I think that is wise as if I get it I'm just going to pay bills with it or put it in the bank.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

4. Krugman - short and to the point about the issues.

http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/07/what-the-centrists-have-wrought/

[TheBigotBasher]

6. The cuts

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8179445

Worse - some of that money, which of course was "wasteful pork" when going to the poor, is now being redistributed to the needy defence industry.

[applegrove]

5. GOP wants to push away from government competence on all issues. They will

push and push and push to water down all bills. This is all they have to offer: proof that governance isn't the answer. They make it happen and then they get people to judge government when it comes up wanting. That is psychopathic.