I think many Democrats, including Obama supporters...

[CoffeeCat]

...are searching for support, discussion and a place to emote. I've been on DU for a few years, and I
originally came here looking for support because I was upset about the Republicans.

I am an Obama supporter, and a former precinct captain for him. I worked damn hard to get him elected and
I even gave a speech at our caucus--trying to woo the crowd into Obama's corner. However, I am very upset
with the decisions that have been made, thus far. And I'm not whining because our social agenda or a few
Democratic ideals aren't being realized.

Our government is no longer "by the people, for the people and of the people." It represents the corporations;
not "We The People." This is a very serious situation that began decades ago, and worsened under Bush.
I HOPED that Obama would stop it, but it's continued at the same pace as the Bush Adminstration.

Long-time DUers, as well as DU newcomers, are looking for emotional support. They're upset. They're
wondering what the hell is going on. They're wondering where the change is. During the first several months of Obama's
presidency, many people kept waiting...giving him the benefit of the doubt. As time passes, it's getting tiring
(and surreal) giving the benefit of the doubt--while waiting for this big "change" that we were promised.

There were ten women in my city to which I grew close, during the Presidential campaign. We were all
Obama precinct captains. Some of us were Republicans, some were Dems. The talk on my Facebook is
that everyone is wondering just what in the hell is going on. Republicans AND Dems were united
against the CORRUPTION and the USURPING OF OUR CONSTITUTION. We wanted the country back on the right
track and the fricking corporate interest OUT OF OUR GOVERNMENT. We also wanted these ridiculous,
for-profit, unnecessary wars---done.

None of that has happened. Furthermore, healthcare reform has become a joke--with the corporations
dictating our national policy.

People are upset. When they're upset they seek comfort and people who understand. That's what I
think is happening on DU and in the country. I am upset and disappointed, and you couldn't have found a
bigger Obama supporter, in me, during the campaign.

You have to remember--when it was Republicans fueling the corruption and destroying our democracy--it
was quasi-expected. That's what those scurrilous bastards do. But when the Dems continue the
corruption and the corporate takeover of our government---it really, really hurts. It's so upsetting
because it makes it more clear that our government is totally gone, and that nothing in the system itself
can save it.

Many people, especially Dems, are beyond upset and disappointed--they're afraid for their country.

[tavalon]

1. Well spoken and yes, we are stunned

Those who weren't Obama supporters are having such fun rubbing our faces in what is happening, that is, if they aren't accusing us of always hating Obama. It feels like a President Clinton redo. I hoped Obama would step up and become one of our greatest Presidents. He isn't doing such a hot job at that.

[eridani]

3. Obama has done plenty of good things

--but not a single BOLD thing. What we need is BOLD--on climate change, health care and financial reform--and we aren't getting it.

[tavalon]

5. Yes, that was what I was referring to when I said he could have been one of the greats

He's too measured, too careful, too beholden to the wrong interests.

[bigwillq]

7. Very good analysis.

:thumbsup:

[goldcanyonaz]

4. I'm not. I really feel for all of you that put your blood and sweat into his campaign.

I wasn't one of those Obama supporters but I am now.

We didn't get into this mess overnight and we won't get out of it any time soon.

I am disappointed that we dropped the ball on HCR, I thought it would have been put in place in the first few months of his presidency. Unfortunately it wasn't the case.

:hug:

[ixion]

2. very well written... proud to kick and recommend...

because I relate to your premise.

[DemReadingDU]

6. It's really not Democrats vs Republicans anymore

It's lobbyists and corporatists and banksters vs we the people.

[CoffeeCat]

9. How do we build bridges to the other side?

The only way to bust up the corporate/political crime syndicate that is controlling
our goverment, is for "We The People" to unite and fight back.

It's the only way.

They orchestrate our division--hence our inability to fight them---ever day.

That's what right-wing talk radio is--amping up half of the country against the other
half.

We need to figure out how to extend a hand to the other side and build common ground. If
we all don't stop the corruption and get our government back--neither side has a chance
at getting anything they want. We all lose.

[DemReadingDU]

11. First we need to change how we vote

Personally, I don't see that there is any way to build bridges because of all the money involved in elections.

When more people lose jobs, their income and savings, have no food to eat and are homeless, that is when they will become convinced that we need to change the way the politicians are elected. Get out the lobbyists and money. Bring back government of the people, by the people, for the people.

Perhaps select our Representatives and Senators by jury-lottery. Everyone's social security number is in the lottery (similar to PowerBall). Balls are selected from each of 9 containers. The 1st ball is the 1st digit of the SS#...9th ball is the 9th digit of SS#. This will give a random pool of SS numbers to select the candidate. Specific criteria could be used to discard potential candidates, such as too young, too old, moved, died, etc. Eventually, the candidate is chosen and serves for the position he/she was selected for.


This will not happen in my lifetime, maybe in my kids, most likely during my little grandbabies lifetime.

[CoffeeCat]

12. I agree...

...that this should be a major part of the revolution. We have to change how we vote. The machines
are hackable, and cheating can happen. As you said, the money needs to be taken out of it. Candidates
are funded by the corporations that are now getting their way--with everything!

The banksters, the pharmaceutical companies, the health-insurance industry, Wall Street--they paid
handsomely for our government.

Because the system is so horrendously corrupt, the only way it will change is via "We The People".

We have to band together--left, right, conservative, liberal--and agree that we AT LEAST must have
a functioning democracy and a system that follows the Constitution.

Until we unite---the criminals who have hijacked this country--win.

[DemReadingDU]

13. so true

Unfortunately, this is going to take time. Those in power will not easily give up that power. But eventually, the people will prevail, and the country will be better for it.

[LakeSamish706]

8. A very well thought out post and it is exactly how I feel. Very upset having

both voted for and donated to get Obama elected.

[Johonny]

10. what I'm still not mad at Republican?

Yeah I see tons of post on how a small number of Dems are holding up legislature in Congress, but nothing about the Republicans who except 1 person will not vote for any Democratic bill. So to me my anger is still flat out on the Republican party. If there were even 3-4 Republicans in Congress with decent values wanting to help Americans, then the Joe Lieberman's of the world would be powerless. I do not expect perfection from Democrats, but am amazed how nearly perfectly vile Republicans remain. They still get the bulk of my anger, sorry.