jahf @ 317 – sorry if I misconstrued your post. Myself I would try to push left in a (D) primary, then vote for Frank Zappa or Pigasus or who/whatever else rather than lend a micron of support to some warmonger.

Silbur is correct that there is no difference in their overall foreign policy worldview, and they have all proven to be willing to demonstrate a great and passionate attachment to the wishes of a country other than their own … 97-0, sh*t!

homunq – good call – a lot can be learned from the strategies of the right and the neo-cons.

cynic – also good strategy. we need a Lamont here in Illinois to ask Joe-Bama some hard questions in a primary, it would clarify things nicely.

though the greatest test bed should be San Francisco- dumping a sitting Speaker would be a proud accomplishment for the contrarian Bay Area to claim. Someone should form the Emperor Norton Party!

props as well to Ed Kunin – I’d like to see more evidence that (D)’s really want to change anything… thats why they don’t and won’t follow such suggestions as Ians.

The problem is that I don’t think the Dems will do anything you suggest. I don’t understand why. Take Kerry getting swiftboated in the 2004 election. First he says nothing and then responds apologetically. His courage (at least Kerry served in Vietnam) was questioned by an AWOL National Guard pilot and a much deferred draft dodger. Where was Kerry’s outrage? Even today, with political ambitions gone and no need for money, his voice is muted.

We need to talk about creating an alternative to Democrats and Republicans. That’s a dark and scary road. I don’t see another choice.

Steve T. @ 54

We can talk and talk (and we will, we will) but the question remains: How do we get Sen. Reid and the rest of them to listen? I’ve already emailed my Dem Senator Mary Landrieu saying, make them filibuster for real. I’ll keep repeating that too. But what else can we do? I’m thinking of writing a polite but angry letter, following Trex’s excellent instructions, and hand delivering it to her New Orleans office on Monday. Might not only have more impact, but it gets around the anthrax screening delay too.

I won’t bother with my other senator. I think Mr. Vitter has other things on his mind.

Most certainly! Don’t chop it off!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A39J32gPxU

We make it very clear to Mr. Ried and Ms. Pelosi that they will not be back. And we do something about it. Up to and including writing in our own names. The Democrats think they are the only game in town. Well, what’s the good of them sitting in there if they’re letting the Rethugs do what they want to? Two years of a house and Senate where there are no democrats won’t hurt us any more than the last few years, where the democrats sat on their hands. So if you’re going to be an activist, you have to say to these people, unless you are willinig to do thus and such, I will write my own name on the ballot in place of yours.

Another tactic, one that takes a little money (George Sorros) is to quietly investigate every last one of them. What stocks do they own, what deals are they involved with. Almost no one in politics is clean. It is coming to the point (or maybe it has reached the point, that is we don’t do something soon, we will lose the republic. Maybe it is time to form (or join, if one exists) a Greens party.

And, oh, yeah. If we find the dirt we’re looking for, we don’t refer it to law enforcement, because there is none for them. We try it in the Media. Right here.

Additionally, there is going to be a draft pretty soon, and they 18-year olds will have a chance to stand up and be counted. It happened in Vietnam.

Unlike Lieberman, she couldn’t win as an independant in San Francisco, where the people are totally fed up with her inaction on impeachment.

Also, Reid is not up for re-election till 2010, but progressives can start promoting an alternative. Make the weak Dem’s pay for their candy-ass behavour.

Any comments, ideas, support for this?

Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi: grow some Balls and grab the GOP bullies by the short hairs! You should make them work for whatever victory Senator Levin or Gene Taylor eventually makes you give them, for God’s sake.

…we live in a Democracy where the people are truly in charge and Democrats should respect that.

I live in the United States of America, an oligarchy. Where do you live?

Ian, I have a question. Have you seen this in Harper’s? I’d like your views and analysis if you are so inclined.

I hadn’t read it till just now Lindy. Thanks for pointing it out. The problem with this particular case is that it’s just worse in degree, not kind, to the way that Republican believe in using not just law enforcement, but all powers of government (IRS audits of liberal, but not conservative churches, are another example.)

As an aside, I would add that as admirable as the Roman Atticus was I think his decision was the wrong one and Cicero’s, however hopeless the right one. Partisan politics can be disgusting, but if you don’t participate you hand power to those who will.

Ian,

I have posted excerpts of your stunning article on the Thom Hartmann forums with a link back to it. It must be passed around far and wide. With your permission, I would like to excerpt five paragraphs and send them as emails – with a link, of course – to all my progressive friends.

This is the gold standard plan for regaining the debate. The GOP declared war on us 30 years ago and we ignored it. They used scorched earth tactics while we offered compromises. They destroyed Clinton personally, while this Congress plays footsy with the most power hungry, the most incompetent, the most dangerous Administration in the history of the Republic. We are long overdue; we must finally put on our war paint and face them down. They are bullies after all, and bullies will run from a hard fight.

By all means. I am honored that you think it’s worth sharing.

Arthur Silber basically argues, convincingly in my opinion, that Dems want the same thing as Republicans. The intent of my question, if it was not evident, is to ask why one would support Asses any more than one would support Elephants, if the actions of Asses lead us to the same undesirable place as the actions of Elephants?