I want to apologize if I offended or upset anyone

[WilliamPitt]

with this thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=257323&mesg_id=257323

That's how I see it shaking out.

But I did not say that the fight must continue, and I should have.

I did not say that registering our desires and discontent must continue, and I should have.

I did not honor all those who have fought for this filibuster, and who will continue to fight, and I should have.

Everything that has taken place has been worthy, honorable and absolutely right.

Win or lose, you stood up. That is never, ever, ever the wrong thing to do.

And hey, maybe I'm totally wrong. Maybe a weekend of pressure will change minds. Maybe the GOP won't have the votes for cloture. Maybe some Dems will abstain when the time comes to vote on cloture. Unless the pressure is kept on, that won't happen. But maybe, with pressure, it will.

But even if it doesn't work, the effort was and continues to be worth every second.

[Midlodemocrat]

1. That's big of you, Will, but I don't think you owe anyone

an apology. You are entitled to think what you choose. Others are entitled to disagree. You're civil in your discourse which is one of the reasons I like reading your posts so much.

[stepnw1f]

2. You Owe No Apology, But Thanks Will

And no offense taken.

[huskerlaw]

3. Thank you for the clarification

and I agree. It may well be over, but that doesn't mean we should quit fighting. Hell, it's worth a shot.

:patriot:

[Sammy Pepys]

4. No apology needed.

That's the reality of the filibuster at this point.

[Not_Giving_Up]

5. No apology needed

What's important is that we see some backbone!

[Deep13]

6. Don't apologize for telling the truth. nt

[Avalux]

7. We're all wound up pretty tight right now.

I'm about ready to explode. An apology isn't necessary but thanks - and for the message - keep fighting.

[EFerrari]

18. We need a valium smilie :)

[Call Me Wesley]

36. LOL! (nt)

[TayTay]

8. Will, I get what you were saying

We know that this fight is uphill all the way. But it's still worth it. We just need to be both hopeful and realistic. This is, in a way, a beginning and a very, very good one. Should this outcome, despite all efforts, not be the way we want, I'm not going to start with the pissing and moaning about it. I'm going to be happy that we did 'stand and fight' for principle this time and get ready for the next fight with a hell of lot more joy and resolve than I've felt in a long time.

I love the Fighting Dems. This is great.

[Beetwasher]

9. Dude, Not Necessary

You're just calling it the way you see it, no need to apologize...But if you want to that's cool. :shrug:

[KarenS]

10. speaking the truth does not require an apology,,,,

but sometimes the messenger gets wounded.

You did nothing wrong.

[KarenS]

11. dupe,,,,

[ixion]

12. apologize for what? speaking your mind?

never do that. :-)

[sandnsea]

13. We should be rallying more support

We should be hammering the media for the way they reported it. We should be flushing out exactly who the "party leaders" were that oppose the filibuster. We should be reminding the public that Democratic Senators represent more people than Republican Senators do. We should be contacting the Dem Party of these red state Democrats and make our case to them. We should counter the liberal label ads that are being run in those red states. There's alot we should be doing. Having a happy weekend isn't one of them.

[bliss_eternal]

20. holding the media at large accountable, is definitely in order--

I say we start a boycott the likes of which they haven't seen sense that hideous company was planning to air the smear documentary on Kerry in '04. That was a beautiful thing--msm is long overdue being held accountable for their role in the decay of our society.

[Armstead]

14. Defeatism doesn't become you -- It aint over til it's over

Whether or not it's a lost cause is beside the point right now.

[helderheid]

15. we're in Apollo 13 mode. No need to apologize.

[clitzpah queen]

16. I think it's GOOD that you apologized. Thank you. It's not that you

said what you believed to be true that was problematic-- it was the way (kinda punditry from on high) and the timing (right before many are engaged in the last gasp-- on THIS one). The repair was eloquent and heartfelt and much appreciated.

[BlueIris]

39. What queen posted. Will, you know I love you, and I respect your opinion,

but...thanks for your apology.

[Peace Patriot]

17. Thanks, Will!

We are ALWAYS up against a 60/40 or so Congressional split with the odds against us, in this junta with its rigged elections. Doesn't mean we shouldn't storm the Bastille again and again, until its electron-thin, illegitimate walls crumble before the vast American majority that disapproves of Bush and every one of his policies.

When we restore our right to vote (Yolo County, California, just threw their ES&S election theft machines into 'Boston Harbor'--Yea-a-a-ay!*), we can build and rebuild whatever structures we need to, and take whatever actions we need to, to reform this country like we have never seen it reformed before--including impeaching a criminally appointed Supreme Court, or amending the Constitution to increase the number of justice, to shorten their terms, or to make them electable. We, the people, are the sovereigns in this country, and we WILL take it back.

-------

*http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=203x410986

*http://www.californiaaggie.com/media/paper981/news/2006/01/24/CityNews/Yolo-Rejects.Electronic.Voting.Machines-1502763.shtml?norewrite&sourcedomain=www.californiaaggie.com

[uppityperson]

19. Keep working, keep trying, even if you don't think you will succeed.

That's the ticket.

[jsamuel]

21. It's hard to keep fighting... draining sometimes, but we have to keep up

don't worry about it...

[izzybeans]

22. I suppose there is no disagreeing with it.

Why apologize? You stated the obvious.

Anyone who claims that you implied the contrary to what you typed above is holding on to a thin thread. Sometimes it takes two slaps to the face and some smelling salts to come to.

[Peace Patriot]

24. Izzybeans, that is exactly the point that Will did NOT intend to make,

and which he has now clarified. He did NOT mean to "two slaps in the face" for people who are engaged in a difficult political battle with the odds against us. He absolutely did NOT mean that--and you are wrong to say it.

I criticized the tone and timing of his post, because it did seem to say that--inadvertently. And Will is a powerful voice, whose brilliant columns are held in the highest regard by me and many, many others. It seemed to cut the knees out from under people who were just gearing up for a final push for those 1 or 2 anti-cloture votes that are needed--it's so-o-o-o close!--and from under people who feel that this highly just cause MUST be pushed to the end, no matter what the odds are. But I was certain he did NOT intend to do that, and didn't realize what effect his words might have. No one wants him to stifle the truth as he sees it. But there are ways and ways of saying things. It was just off-tone, that's all. Had an inadvertent effect.

Again, thanks, Will! You are a true gentleman, to listen to criticize, and respond with such grace.

[izzybeans]

25. I agree.

I was directing my comments to some of the statements barely stopping short of calling him a defeatest.

He stated the obvious and people misinterpreted it. I don't think its more complicated then that.

On edit: I don't mean to call you out personally. This was not my intention. You are correct on the timing issue. There were a handful of responses that were not thoughtful IMHO. If you feel as if I lumped you in to a group unfairly I apologize as well.

[babsbunny]

23. Free Speach Will!

I love DU!

[helderheid]

26. even your apologies make the greatest page! :)

[bigtree]

27. tough times

hard to get a purchase on our party's direction. I'm thinking that this may be our ultimate test, as well as a test for our leaders. Much will be learned about how our advocacy affect those we have elected to oppose this administration. It's past time to hold them accountable. I'll continue to challenge them, but, this is as good a defining moment as any to come. Hearts on our sleeve, much to lose and a high probability of defeat . . . but, still fighting. Sounds like the party and people I know and love.

[Vidar]

28. Apology appreciated

[Tactical Progressive]

29. Well, that's better

We really didn't need a fourth quarter time-out to tell us to 'face it, we're four points behind and we're going to lose - start to deal with it now' pep talk.

We'll deal with losing when we lose, how about that?

As a breakdown of the situation and a heads-up on where the problems lie, it was fine, informationally. But we can do without the 'accept defeat' tinge until next week.

This is so much more positive. Thanks.

[IndyOp]

30. Apology Accepted. You occupy a priveleged position Will -

Because you do good work and because people at DU see the respect you are given by others and they tag a long.

To those whom much (privelege) is given, much (sensitivity) is expected in return.

:kick:

[LiberalInGeorgia2005]

31. You were right though Pitt

55 republicans + 3 democrats voting for Alito + upwards of 10 democrats voting against Alito and against a filibuster. I'm sorry but I do give up. I'm taking a rest of the weekend, maybe do something outdoors weather permitting.

I believe John Kerry is just looking to rally us for 2008. I am not buying it! Why not do it back in mid-November and build the momentum on our side? Why wait until AFTER 60 senators announce no filibuster? The only thing I can think of is that Kerry wants us to donate to his PAC, why else would he ask for money on it after you sign his meaningless "filibuster Alito" petition? Ugh.

Wesley Clark in 2008.

[mom cat]

32. We need to fight to win...and we still can. So get on the phone Will!

We need all the help we can get!

[Roho]

33. can you ask the moderators to lock the thread? n/t

[Marnieworld]

34. A moment of doubt?

Well apparently you're human. I guess we'll just have to learn to accept that. :sarcasm:

Seriously Will, all you were doing was trying to brace yourself and us for the worst by dealing with some cold hard facts. We've all been down these roads before where our hopes are raised only to come crashing down. It's normal to try and prepare and shield ourselves from this trauma again and again.

It's a tough fight and it will come down to the wire. Who really knows what will happen? Just remember the Red Sox of 2004. They were all but lost to the Yankees but we know how that turned out.

NGU! :patriot:

[understandinglife]

35. "We the People ..." will prevail. Alito will be filibustered and kept off

... of OUR court.

No need for apologies, Will. You're working as hard as all of us to protect the Republic from further destruction by Bush and his neoconster minions.


Peace.

[ItsTheMediaStupid]

37. Voting yes for cloture is voting yes for Alito

Why isn't that clear to everybody involved?

[wookie294]

38. I'm suspicious of Kerry and Clinton

I think it's quite possible Kerry and Clinton are trying to appeal to the Democratic base (like people at DU) by supporting a filibuster, even though the two senators know it won't pass (and, secretly, they don't want it to pass). By appearing "tough" on the filibuster, Kerry and Clinton make us happy for 2008, but in the end they are secretly opposed to a filibuster that they know can't pass.

[bigwillq]

40. Wow, first Oprah apologizes

and now Will Pitt :P :)

Scary times indeed! ;)


No apology necessary. :hi:

[Just Me]

41. Thing is, none of us can predict outcomes with absolute certainty.

I understood your position but if we always operate on anticipated outcomes, would we give up prematurely or maybe not bother to fight at all?

We are/have been confronting a formidable enemy: one that doesn't play by the rules, has infiltrated numerous important institutions, and is willing to risk an entire nation to acquire power. This isn't a fight that will last a few years,...it may last decades in order to eradicate such destructive forces against fundamental democratic notions and values.

This is it.

[LibertyorDeath]

42. Win or lose, you stood up. That is never, ever, ever the wrong thing to do

Thank You

[PBass]

43. It's not about winning

It's about going on the record as opposing Alito to the fullest extent possible.

It's about leaders who want to fight for what they believe, instead of the cowardly "picking our battles" approach.

Alito cannot be allowed to be seen as a "BIPARTISAN" appointment. Alito is out of the mainstream.

Bush should have appointed a moderate, instead he picked a radical. Anyone who isn't willing to fight that, should not be in a position of power within the Democratic party.

[marions ghost]

44. exactly

the message sent to congress by the people about this nomination is critical, regardless of who "wins."

Of course Will is welcome to express his opinion anytime. But I appreciate his apology because he obviously did not realize the deflation of group spirit that his words would cause. Rallying groups to action is such a fragile thing. That momentum and what it can accomplish should not be underestimated.

Especially in a culture where you never have to say you're sorry, it is only the strong and honest who apologize so immediately. Thanks, Will.

[AntiFascist]

45. Um, don't you realize that senators can change their minds?

Some already have!