If I were a Democrat in Congress I would read DU every day

[NoBushSpokenHere]

to keep a pulse on the thoughts of my constituents. Where else would they be able to really hear the voices of America? If they do not have time, they should consider hiring a paid staffer to read and report to them. How else would they know what really matters to us?

I also believe the healthy debate regarding various topics of discussion we read and participate in here at DU would also help them make decisions or at least enable them to "hear" all sides of an argument.

America spoke on November 7th, much to all of our surprise. Now, we just need leaders to continue to listen with the ear to the underground, the heart of America, right here on DU.

It might behoove us to draw their attention to our movement by sending a line or two to them, offering our congratulations and encouragement and mentioning DU.

Kick if you want, ignore if you must, recommend if you agree, but above all remember "There is no better remedy to a problem than a voice speaking for thousands" - NoBushSpokenHere

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

1. I Have No Doubt That They Do. I Mean, How Couldn't They?

I bet my bottom dollar that it is a guilty pleasure for many of them. :)

[Patsy Stone]

2. This is widely read

media, politicians, radio hosts a lot of people. Don't doubt that they might be reading right now.

[Speck Tater]

3. I find it truly ASTOUNDING

that anyone could harbor the fantasy that DU represents the constituents or "the voices of America". We are a fringe group. Face that reality and deal with it, or you are in the same fantasy land as the freepers who also believe that their members represent the heart and soul of America. Taint so for them. Taint so for us. I know that sucks, but that's the way it is in the real world.

[spindrifter]

4. The real value of DU is the issue

spotting that happens ahead of the curve. We have many aha and oh-no moments at DU as a result of the information our postings spread. I think anyone who deals with public policy and media interests is well served to see the topics that emerge and re-emerge here.

[NoBushSpokenHere]

6. I find it astounding that you believe 98,000 voices

from various parts of the country do not represent anything more than a fringe group. Do you think these 98,000 members do not speak to others who do not read DU? Do you think that they do not carry some of the same sentiments of those who do not read DU? Face the reality or deal with it, you say? I say listen to the people - and you will hear similar voices across the nation.

[flowomo]

11. DU does not have 98,000 members...

that's "total registrations" since 2001 -- including all the hit-and-runners, trolls, tombstoned, deceased, multiple accounts etc. I don't know how many "active" DUers there are -- maybe a few thousand, plus a number more silent observers, and more who look but don't register. It's a small group in the big picture and not likely to be an influence of any consequence in the larger political world. Just my view.

[NJCher]

7. guess you've missed the posts on how the progressive wing

that anyone could harbor the fantasy that DU represents the constituents or "the voices of America". We are a fringe group.


The progressives are the biggest part of the Democratic party. Something like 20.8 per cent. Wish I could remember what thread I saw it on but I can't. Maybe someone else will step in and cite it.

DU and some of the blogs are way ahead of the rest of the country. Anybody who wants to know what's coming down the pike should be reading this Web site.




Cher

[immerlinks]

8. What's with the "fringe"?

I realize I'm a newbie but I haven't read anything on these pages that any normal thinking person could describe as being on the "fringe" of rational political discourse. There are certainly instances of sarcastic hyperbole but it is more than obvious that the poster is indulging in imaginative musings.

Perhaps, these pages do not currently set the agenda in the upcoming Congress, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't try to do so in the future. Trying to help direct the course of the country toward a more just and equitable society is my goal here, and from what I've read I believe it to be a goal of many of my fellow posters.

I can't speak for the freepers and can't imagine anyone who would want to.

[stillcool]

10. that's right...the voices of America are...

Boeing, GE, Exxon, Pfizer, Dow, The Carlyle Group and on and on. Oh, and btw, my real world works just fine.

[Canuckistanian]

5. No kidding!

Sometimes, I get the feeling that Congresscritters have no clue what's going on in the REAL world.

DU, the blogs, sites like Buzzflash, Thinkprogress.... if only they'd follow the latest news, important quotes and latest opinion pieces, they'd be much more informed.

Sometimes, I'll hear a quote from a major Democratic mover and shaker displaying such ignorance of the latest GOP hyposcrisy on this issue or that killer quote from a progressive blogger that I slap my forehead in dismay....

My opinion is that every major Democratic up-and-comer should pay a staffer to do nothing but dig up ideas, quotes and opinion pieces gleaned from the internets. To be USED in PUBLIC STATEMENTS and POLICY ADVICE.

Not to mention the fund-raising possibilities of grass-roots efforts and the GOTV effort that WON the last election.

THIS is the new voice of the poeple.

[Tatiana]

9. Many staffers do. n/t

[Imagevision]

12. Kiddin? if Rush & Hannity do, --> Democrat's in Congress Are No Strangers either...