Your Feelings on the Dem Win

[NJCher]

It is nothing less than a turnaround in our government.

I started this thread over here because I read Skinner's diary entry that talked about how he feels no euphoria about the Dem win. I like to discuss psychological issues and who better to discuss it with than my fellow intuitives? Here's the URL, in case you haven't seen it and want to read it:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x2714906

It's a hard thread to read because the good wishes for the baby are mixed in there with the commentary on how people feel about the win. People also throw in their comments about parenthood.

First, do you feel euphoric? Do you even think it's reasonable to feel euphoric?

Is it reasonable to feel euphoric when our own party has let us down so many times throughout the past six years? True, in many cases we have newcomers to the party. But let's face it, it's a system. These people will have to be incredibly strong to not get sucked in by the system.

We know at heart that our American system of government is sick because of campaign financing rules, yet we must depend on that very sick system to cure itself. It is indeed like asking someone stricken with cancer to heal themselves.

In looking back over the past week, I'd say I've been in shock most of the week. It's still hard for me to grasp what happened. I liked what KoKo1 said on Skinner's thread, though. She said she has at least regained some hope and that the feelings of dread that she woke up to each day have been relieved.

As a baby boomer, I'm old enough to know that we can't expect change from this system overnight. And the damage is so mammoth, so gargantuan, that it will take years and years, decades, even, to fix it.

There are things I feel euphoric about. One is that republican sleaze tactics quit working (Swift boating type operations). They will keep trying those tactics but the truth of the matter is that they no longer work. They don't work because people have seen through them. They won't work anymore because enough republicans have separated themselves from bush that there isn't enough of a monolithic power base to support them. These tactics will eventually die down.

I feel euphoria from seeing the lowlife scum (like Santorum) kicked to the curb. For so long we have seen the dimwitted in America have their hold on our affairs. It is finally time for intelligence to be the order of the day.

On the way to our airport, there were huge signs put out by the Dems. These signs were on every lamppost as one drove down the highway to the airport: "Vote Nov 7 and Stop Bush!" I used to chuckle when I saw them because I thought the sentiment a bit far out. But that's indeed what happened on Nov. 7. Bush has been stopped, and that's the very least we can say. That alone is cause for some euphoria.




Cher

[Why Syzygy]

1. I would say so..

He had to eat humble pie. Eupohoria? Of course not. It has been mentioned in this forum and your post that Eurphoria will have to wait. I do beleive and felt a huge sigh of relief. If the Dem dudes are not going to follow through, then they know we will throw them out too .. eventually.

These people have made a career of "public office". Who does that make their boss? The PUBLIC!
When will we own our goverance again, as was designed? That means no napping at the mall. Don't get to snooze behind the boob tube plug in drug.

Just keep speaking the Truth. Yes it has gotten harder. Is that any reason to give up?

No euphoria. Just common sense comming down. Good enough for now. I don't for a minute think the real good guys have shown up. Don't hitch my wagon to any of the "stars". But we have a start. A new drift. So let's ride it like a surfer dude. Any hope is better than no hope at all!

If those repukes had taken House and Senate again.. then I would be gloomy. I'm sick and tired of the GLOOM. There are enough of us to make a difference.

Priority one .. stop the killing. When that is accomplished, then we can dance.

Let's don't forget that we were endowed with the unaliable, cherishable, right to self govern.
By, Of and For. The PEOPLE. That's Us.
Never lose hope. Eurphoria is optional.

[SouthernBelle82]

2. Oh for sure

This is only the beginning and that is what this past election was about. The democrats could have won more if it wasn't for those machine's but this was a start and it was supposed to happen. We will soon get passed this and we'll one day be sitting around a fire place with our kids or grandkids and talking about this horrific time in our history. It will be interesting to see how the future generation(s) learn about this time. I suggest you go and read the new Matthew message about the elections. I won't spoil it here but it is good.

[Coyote_Bandit]

3. No euphoria here

I see the 2008 presidential election as being wide open for both major parties for the first time in over 50 years. First time since 1952 when Truman opted not to run for re-election. Neither party will field an incumbent president or vice president as candidate - or a candidate who had filled those positions in the previous four years. It has been eight years since Gore held office - and despite a groundswell of support there is no indication that he will run. I think this could lead to a lot of uncertainties and momentum swings in the primaries. That unpredictability and chaos can be a bit destabilizing. And those primaries start in about a year or so.

Only one third of the senate seats were up for election. The second third will be up for election in 2008. The democratic senate majority is razor thin. It could easily shift again during the 2008 election.

Dems took 229 of the 435 house seats. That is a very small majority. Dems hold 52.6 percent of the house seats. Only 11 of those seats need to shift in 2008 for dems to lose control of the house.

Despite the fact that dems took control of both the house and senate I do not see the next year or two as making tremendous positive changes that voters will observe. Many of the issues we face cannot be quickly or easily addressed. I do not expect the current administration to work well with the legislature. Many of the 2006 voters who brought about the change in leadership were angered - and motivated by their anger. Voter turnout was high. Dems will be negatively impacted if voter turnout drops in 2008.

Also, I do not expect any of the campaign tactics to change. Negative campaigning and swiftboating works. Perception is more important than reality. Most voters care about only a few issues. Usually those issues are identified through polling and then the spinmasters figure out how best to advertise and market their candidate. Sadly, most voters are uninformed and buy into the perceptions that are presented to them. In 2006 dems were able to capitalize on the corruption, cronyism and failures of the Bush administration. Because dems now have a share in the power they too will be held more strictly accountable in 2008.

What I really sense is that
(1) dems have an opportunity - but they need to work hard and show some positive results and keep their noses clean;
(2) dems need to unite amongst themselves and quit squabbling over idealogical differences - we need to be pragmatic and focus on making government work for the people;
(3) dems need to work together to define what issues and themes they are going to emphasize and rally around in 2008;
(4) some personal ambition needs to be sacrificed in he primary process to insure that the candidate most likely to prevail in the general election becomes the party nominee; and
(5) dems need to figure out some way to embrace spirituality and those with religious values (of whatever persuasion) rather than ignoring or rationalizing it.

I guess what I really sense is that dems have been given an opportunity - but they need to work together and make some sacrifices to capitalize on it. Dems need to unite.

[Why Syzygy]

17. I would love for Gore

to come back on board. I think he could sweep.

The governorship of Texas went to the scandal again. Some say because there were too many distractions.

I think more just knew his name and felt safer with a known entity.

A lot of people I spoke with did not vote on the propositions which will directly influence their futures. Even though! there are activists out there on the street every day trying to educate the populace. The lawmakers have to have our consent. The outlaws don't.

It might be more effective to do an American Idol series to get people's attention. I do get frustrated with people who are gazing at their wheaties and don't get a clue that our nation has a huge problem. And they can make a difference.

Exactly correct. Need a narrow focus. You mention Truman. Didn't he run on, a chicken in every pot? A chicken? People wanted to eat. I guess? We want to be assured of fairness.

Did you see that video where a smug repuke said the way of politics is to keep everyone confused?

[crikkett]

4. it's positive, but the fight isn't over.

You KNOW the leaders of the Republican party have not rolled over to submit. Every move the D. congress makes will have to be carefully planned and every success will be hard-fought.

There's only a one vote margin in the Senate, and Lieberman has telegraphed that the one-vote margin hinges upon him, in his appearance last sunday on meet the press. He's the Republican wild card.

They're not done fighting, so the fight isn't over.

But it's still very, very positive. They don't have the hegemony they once did and many things will come to light. Perhaps the Democrats can widen their vote margin by letting more sunshine into the Senate chambers, to show us what's really going on.

-c

[GardeningGal]

5. I feel relief that at least now there will be some oversight.

However, I'm not naive enough to think it will solve all our problems. I'm sure there are Democratic politicians that we will have problems with also but at least we have a little checks and balances back again.

[Cleita]

6. I'm really worried about the effects this war is going to have in the

future. Bringing home the troops, while essential, isn't going to solve the problems we will have in the decades to come, not only for the Middle East, but for our nation as well.

We need to make serious amends for doing this before there will be any peace in the world.

[stellanoir]

7. welp

Though I'm pleased and relieved to have a modicum of checks and balances restored. I feel we have to stay mentally focused on the further thwarting of our civil liberties during this transitional period before new leadership gets sworn in.

The restoration of our Constitutional, habeas corpus rights and voting rights is paramount.

Yet we know how this regime has operated blocking and stalling every investigation at every turn.

I'm working on some prayers to effect that. It'll take a while.

Still, as I've said before. . ."Phew" . . .or perhaps a trepidatious "phew."

I do feel there has been a turning of the tide, yet there is much more we can do.

[Digit]

8. I realize our fight is not over

But the pillaging of the treasury will be slowed down, there will certainly be some oversight into questionable awarding of contracts, and there is now a spotlight on corruption where there was none before.

Count me as optomistic.

[Mist]

9. Winning elections this time was just a beginning--there's so much work

to be done to restore our country, and what may be more important, finding out how things got to this point. I've felt for a while that there must be some rotten points, some weak points in our system, for it to have been so overwhelmed by the lunacy and corruption of the RWs. It's also true that destruction can be accomplished in a short period of time, but to build back what the Bush Administration has smashed may take years, if not decades. I'm also concerned that the corporate media is so firmly in the hands of RWs. So, no, I'm not euphoric (though I was, a bit, election night). I just hope our new leadership in January is worthy of our esteem and equal to the task of reigning in this most disastrous of administrations.

[NMDemDist2]

10. i'm not euphoric at all, but now I have some hope for my country and the

planet

it's like we have passed through a door into a new place, but i'm still not thinking "we've arrived" yet

still some massive chit we'll have to live through before the Ascension IMHO

[Grateful for Hope]

11. Yup

I agree, AZDem. As I see it, we have a very long way to go to undo the harm this admin has done to our country, and, we still have to weed out the dems who are more beholden to corpoations than they are to "We the People".

IMHO, it is going to be a process -- and it might take a few election cycles to accomplish.

BTW...I am moved into my manufactured home. Pics to come. We are doing work ourselves (mostly painting and polishing).

I love it. It is so compact (no hallways), and, at the same time, spacious (kitchen=13.5x20).

I can't believe how much I love this place!

[NMDemDist2]

12. great news Hope! they are cunning little homes aren't they?

the longer i live here, the more I appreciate it

make sure you give us some pics in DIY soon eh??

:hi:

[Grateful for Hope]

16. Sure will, AZDem! n/t

[BlueIris]

13. Not feeling euphoric. This is a Pyhrric victory at best.

What I see the progressives still losing is the battle for history, as the media is still so completely rightist and corrupt. Most information systems are at this point.

[rumpel]

14. Certainly not euphoric

I noticed quite a few people the few days immediately after in such joy - which is good. In fact, with all the dirty tactics employed, some were immediately exposed - others will still be.
The really hopeful sign for me, was that people finally saw what is really happening to this country. The win was much much bigger than shown and reported, the numbers were held down by the tricks. We have to stop the assault on the voting system and it starts with the registration.

But the real problem, which I would like to refer to as dark energies, is so entrenched in all segments.
Yes, media, yes corporations, yes financial industry, everything was slowly set up to become what it is today - a government controlled by a very select few who have garnered tremendous power over the people with money and corruption - the ultimate of self interest, wanton disregard of the well being of everyone and everything.

This is only the first step - people waking up. Now the dark energies will kiss up to the Dems - see Clinton & Murdoch, and we will see those who will hold their integrity and those who will not.

If the Dems want to work for the people, as they were vested by the majority, they truly have to hold the interest of the people very close to their heart. The time, or shall I say, era of wheeling and dealing is over. There are two things the Dems have to do, one step at a time and simultaneously
investigate, expose and hold accountable
listen to the struggling, amend, repeal and introduce bills that would bring equality to all, a level playing field and dignity back to the people.
the government has to also stop outsourcing, many of these functions are the job of government

I think if people do not see progress or work done towards this, 2008 is going to be a problem. And we have to continue checking on everything they do locally and federally, and inform those who only have time or access to the MSM. The media is no longer researching - they just repeat what they are told - I am looking forward to all those who are working hard to create new forms of media such as http://www.iwtnews.com/
they are almost ready.

but hope is a good thing, and the collective shift is a wonderful thing, too :)

[Why Syzygy]

15. when you wrote

We have to stop the assault on the voting system and it starts with the registration.

I first read it as starts with the 'resignation'.
Really, in all the hysterics that have ensued, nothing is too good to hope for.

Thanks for the link :hi:. Will check it out. Don't we just need to get the BOR and Constitution restored? Recover the stolen property? Or does the Will of the People take us down another path?

[rumpel]

19. lol, resignation requires realization of mistakes made or

tremendous outside pressure ...pressure for the wrong reasons - such as saving face, hiding facts so others can skirt their responsibilities, or stay in power to continue along the same lies. The first is doubtful - the latter very possible...

grrrr, I guess, some will just not be enlightened at all - and still, would it not be nice to redeem power from those that wrest away power from others through unscruplous means?

:)

[mother earth]

18. It's my feeling our gains, if you can call it that, have been

orchestrated to calm the masses. We are still in no man's land, where they are gaining a stronghold, Rummy's replacement is another orchestrated victory, yet the man who will replace him has quite a history with the CIA & since the purging, I am very doubtful that any of this is for the good of our country.

I feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. I feel like I am looking for positive signs from Pelosi, Conyers and others that may never come. I apologize for negativity, it is just how I feel right now. I want it to be otherwise.

[NJCher]

20. It's definitely different now

For the last few days it has been such a pleasure to come to DU's main page. Finally, for the first time in years, I am seeing headlines that make me feel good and feel that the country is finally turning this huge oceanliner around:

New Congress Likely to Support Net Neutrality :)

HELEN THOMAS: "It's over for them & their big dreams of pre-emptive wars & conquest"

Helen, I love ya'! :loveya:

PELOSI: Bringing This Unnecessary Pre-Emptive War To An End Is My Highest Priority


:bounce: You go, Nancy!!

Fmr Bush Official: "Dems Are The Sideshow-Bush Self-Destruction Is Big Story In Town"

:toast:

I see stuff like this and I literally want to cry with relief.

How long have all of us waited for this? Year after year after year of this fool and his destructive politics. Finally, now, we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.




Cher