Kerry: Democrats Were - NOT - Elected To Be Like Republicans

[kpete]

It’s not a “privilege” for this Administration to protect us from climate change—it’s an obligation. And anyone in power who thinks otherwise ought to have the “privilege” of being voted out of office or fired.

And yet, when it comes to energy independence and fighting climate change, neither the blame nor the burden for inaction falls on one party alone. Washington has never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity.

Even President Bush is now fond of saying that "America is addicted to oil." But Washington’s preferred policy has been to feed the addiction; the government’s attitude on greenhouse gases has been to let them increase; Congress’s energy alternatives have been token; and again and again the partisan approach to crisis has been to denigrate the environment.

...

For Democrats, the energy bill coming to the floor of the Senate is a test of our will, and a question of whether we are serious about the responsibility we hold to govern differently, to deliver bold change—not warmed over offerings. Democrats took a majority of both houses in Congress because we promised to do things differently. We weren’t elected to be the party of Big Oil, only a little less obviously. We weren’t elected to be like Republican Congresses of the past, only a little more progressive. No — if we merely tinker around the edges of energy policy or climate change, or write an energy bill indistinguishable from the ones we criticized Republicans for passing— then we have not earned our majority

more at:
http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=5957

[karynnj]

1. I agree

I really was shocked at the number of Democrats who voted against the Kerry/Feingold to insure that all water projects looked into the impact that climate change could have. This seemed simple commonsense.

[blm]

2. The problem is that TOO MANY Democrats don't WANT to support the drastic steps

needed because they fear the labeling process that activist lawmakers like Gore and Kerry have gone through.

They want a few Dem targets to keep taking all the hits from the corporate media and Bush WH while they keep the powder dry.....again.

[beachmom]

6. Yep, I wrote about that fact here:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/6/8/11114/92623

Some superstar Dems like Webb need to get with the program.

[rox63]

3. Always glad to see my Senator kicking ass on the environment n/t

[Tom Joad]

4. Can't take anyone seriously who voted for War funding several times

and voted for the evil IWR.

[Greeby]

5. Umm, anyone know the bill number? nt

[robinlynne]

7. beautifully said.

[sandnsea]

8. That's my President! n/t

[midnight]

9. Finally someone who takes their responsibility seriously. Did

our newely elected Democratics just want to go to some powerful places, and look at some pretty china and the pretty parties. Let's get to work, and accomplish putting this country back together again-for the people.

[Bandit]

10. I totally agree.

It goes to every aspect of Government especially accountability..Democrats may win big in 2008 but if they don't do the right thing it will be their very last victory..

[politicasista]

11. K&R

:kick:

[ohtransplant]

12. Kudos Senator. Well said and on target - once again.

Kerry to Dems: Time to put up or shut up. Lead on Senator!

Senator Kerry is a great example of something that happens often in other countries but not in the good ole USA. They don't discard their nominees and leaders. If someone seems to have learned from experience, to have honed their thoughts on policy, to have steeled themselves to the battle - they are welcomed to the fray - and sometimes elected to high office. As a country we don't seem to think they're worthy after a loss. In this case no one has fought harder against * and his cronies.

Lead on Senator!

IMHO our best candidate isn't in the race.