I hate to be so critical (of our "Democratically-Controlled" Congress)

[fiore280]

But, I really don't hate it that bad. I don't think anyone needs a lesson in Civics and Government 101 to understand that our "Democratically-Controlled" congress is not doing its job. Sure, legislation can be esoteric and complicated. Throw politics into the mix and you get a bastardized versions of the legislator's original good intentions. I understand that it is hard BUT...

All Democrats should have REFUSED to vote on the MoveOn resolution. The war is so unpopular that the nation doesn't give a shit, especially since Petraeus didn't change the public's minds one bit.

http://tpmelectioncentral.com/2007/09/poll_67_say_petraeus_show_didnt_change_their_views_of_iraq.php

Democrats should MAKE Repukes filibuster on Habeus Corpus. It is so obvious that the American people will find it odious that they would FILIBUSTER over not restoring your RIGHT to have your jailor justify and tell you why you have been detained!

Maybe it's too early to actually expect them to use the power of the purse to stop the war (according to the "strategy" put forth by Rahm Emmanuel et al). They are trying to tie it around the Repukes' neck for '08 but:

They should Repukes them filibuster on the Webb amendment. This will ensure that the American people are clearer on who is screwing the troops.

Maybe they don't have the votes to overcome the filibusters, but they should just let them happen. It's the only way to hold Republicans accountable for the votes that they obstruct. It is also, in my opinion, the fastest way to end the war without using the power of the purse. Oh how I wish they would, but I am not expecting that. However, if they followed these recommendations, I believe they would be doing a helluvalot better. And I don't claim to know much about how government works, per se.

Maybe if they all had the moral clarity of Dennis Kucinich, we'd be doing a lot better.

[lateo]

1. They don't want to bite the hand that feeds them.

So they play along.

[cali]

6. What hand is that?

[lateo]

8. You really think they work for us?

Really? Time and again we get disappointed by the actions of our elected party leaders. Time and again they cave to special interests and leave us scratching our heads. They talk the talk but they don't walk the walk. Why is that? Because they don't answer to us. They answer to the corporations that gave them the ability to run very expensive campaigns.

[BridgeTheGap]

2. There are 2 major factors involved here

1. The influence of money/special interests over the political process through campaign contributions which both major parties participate in.

2. The demise of grassroots organizing within the Democratic Party.

They are connected, as #1 has fueled the move toward and reliance upon soundbite ad campaigns. The average voter in the U.S. is dependent upon mainstream media to provide meaningful information in making decisions on whom to vote for and what issues are important. MSM is complicit in the process and is tilting hard to the right.
The only way to deal with this is through old fashioned grassroots organizing which the hierarchy of the Democratic party has avoided for decades. Howard Dean, as chair of the DNC, is helping to turn the tide but it will take many rank & file Dems to turn this shit around.

[fiore280]

4. good response

Those two factors you mentioned are important, especially #1. But the public is already against the war. I just don't see why they can't make them filibuster on the Webb Amendment and Habeus Corpus. Since they don't do that, does that make them complicit? Do you suspect that some Dems actually do not want to get those thigs done? Do you think that the Corporations have enough of a stake in the Iraq war that the Dems don't intend to do anything about it? You don't have to answer all of those, but they are important questions to ask oneself.

[BridgeTheGap]

5. Peak Oil?

This may be part of it - what do they know that we don't know (most of us any way)? The fact that Greenspan says that Iraq is about the oil may be a clue.
Also, most members of Congress are millionaires, including Dems. Class consciousness is real and I think they prove it.

[Warpy]

3. Democrats in Congress are spending too much time in DC

and on junkets. They have completely lost touch with the people of this country. They've certainly lost touch with the reality of public opinion against the GOP war.

Any Congressman who is ignoring public opinion to this extent on such an important subject needs to be defeated.

We can only hope this can be done at the primary level.

[BlooInBloo]

7. "I don't think anyone needs a lesson in Civics and Government 101..."

... Perfectly captures the American pro-stupid mentality.

[fiore280]

9. what do you mean by that? n/t