Or something. Look, yes, there are reasons for progressives to have arid underpants about many of Obama’s appointments. And there are also reasons why progressives might want to be giving Obama a wait-n’-see. Do I know what the correct approach is? No!
What I do know is that the nation has been dragged absurdly far to the right over the past several years. Radically so. Hell, I’m not even sure we’ve been dragged to the right, as opposed to The Crazy. Is it really so trivial a matter that the next president of the United States of America will be at least… presentable? That the leader of the entire free world won’t be a… punchline?
This is a point so basic, so obvious, that perhaps it has gone unremarked. Over the past few years whenever progressives have gotten their noses bloodied in a defeat, we’ve reminded each other that this is a marathon, not a sprint. (To violently mix metaphors.) Well, why is that no longer true? We won one, and that’s supposed to be it?
We’re in deep holes, domestically and internationally. Cesspits, actually. Were any of us kidding ourselves that it would be anything less than the work of an entire generation, and probably more, to get all the way back to firm ground? All I’m saying is, if you think we’ve made it to shore, we haven’t. But neither are we as close to going under as we were.
We need to remember we’re playing a long game, one measured in more than one or two election cycles. And if we’re not, we’re just wanking.
Oh, and this sounds like the worst thing ever. What Kevin K. said.
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thers!
The ever presentable Thers and his ever present “FUCK!”
arid underpants?
Thers, I know the correct approach — wait and see. Sorry to my fellow pups, but I’ll even give HZoldr a chance
Call me “presntable” again and I’ll kick your ass!
You really must Digg this post right now!
Thers!
Took generations to fuck this shit up.
Don’t go over to the Greens, yet.
Dugg!
thanks neuro
I third that.
thers! being foulmouthed is one thing, but must you SHOUT?
I don’t think the country will survive long enough for a long slow incrementalist approach to its problems. It would sort of be like repairing the hole in the Titanic one bandaid at a time.
BTW as noted in a post below Geithner wants to get rid of the head of the FDIC Bair, the only person who has actually tried to do something constructive about the mess we are in, because she is not a team player. When the meme being passed around is that Obama is going for a team of rivals, what does this mean? That she wouldn’t play along by playing along or not playing along?
Arid…? ;-)
Eyegore was one of early favorites, no wonder I’m so warped.
It is much more satisfying to shout, “FUCK!” from the roof tops than to whisper it in the basement.
Dugg!
well…
i’ve got my hand on pocketbook since FISA. I shifted from O to Merkley.
time will tell. cynical is a state in Oregon.
Hee hee. I’m proud of “arid underpants.”
Look, I don’t know what the correct approach here is, but I am pretty sure that a squabble over Obama’s appointments — which is not trivial, don’t get me wrong — in the long run is not the ultimate test of the Progressive Movement.
Only when I’m FRANKENTHERS!
Holder. Gates I wasn’t happy about. But so what? Geez. Nobody can put together a perfect cabinet. Give these people a chance.
And if all goes well, we’ll have Sarah Palin to kick around in 2012.
Does it have to be one or the other, not both? Personally, I prefer to pass my winters with a combination of sleeping, eating, and wanking… in no particular order.
From the looks of it, she will be competing with hordes of mouth breathing troglodytes. Definitely time to stock up on popcorn now.
I thought she appealed to “the base?”
Oh, I agree.
Obama is the cork in the Titanic hull, though — we have to realize that. Even those of us who are most willing to give him the benefit of the doubt I think need to realize that. It’s really not an exaggeration to say that for the next two years it’s going to be very ugly.
I thought he was talking about the other GOP primary candidates.
Completely OT not sure I caught the closing oil futures quote today but it was something like $43.82. This is important because as I wrote a while ago $50/bbl is a rational price for oil with $45/bbl being a reasonable floor. Anything below $45/bbl should be seen as deflationary and a really bad sign for the economy.
i prefer just to work it into conversation. easier done with “fuckin’”
She does, but it looks like all the other lemmings in the party are following her over that cliff and looking to out crazy each other.
Thers !
hey thers – nice having your special fuckery here on thursday nites
Yep. And it would not matter who we put into office. Hell, a Karl Marx-Che Guevera ticket would need at least a couple of years to clean up the wreckage Dubya, and Daddy and St. Ronny before him, have wrought on our country.
I gotta agree. Not only does a wait and see approach allow one to quietly observe it also affords oneself a peace of mind by not getting caught up in the daily tit for tat.
Damn right … 23 years later, we end up with Vista …
But, Thers, arid implies a dry scenario and I’ve already changed a few pairs of dirty undies over his selections…! ;-)
((((Petro))))
Yes, and the Republicans are nothing if not base.
Spoken like someone for whom the term has an operational referent.
Might I suggest that we troll R sites and extol her virtues ? … under pseudo-pseudonyms of course …
I’m going with “Reaganesque charm”
Who’s “we?”
Aloha, Suz! You back in Oregon?
unhand that watertiger you brute …
Might as well use the mention of troglodytes as an opportunity to offer my favorite music video.
They are now officially Thersdays.
Oh, this is ordinary fuckery. Must not stretch too far on the first go.
All the more reason to focus on progressives for 2010.
LOL
I think it will take 2 years for all the truth to come out …
I’m sure she can fend for herself… She does wield some seriously sharp claws, ya know…! ;-)
G’d Evenin’ Sah !
nope, head back tomorrow
how could i have not seen that one coming (laughing)
How are you doing? Any more news from home (hopefully some of it good)?
The Editors reveal the ratfuckery. The Flopping Aces thing is both comical and all-around depressing.
Mine at 51 is for Petro. Stupid refresh and reply…..
suze!!!!! long time no see.
Get a torch n’ pitchfork dood
fart!
cork in the Titanic hull
good. never heard that. didja make that up? i like arid underpants better, though.
hey man, it’s December and you know what that means……………
Immediate family members are safe. Many friends were cut down by the cowards.
There are two orphans that I know of, not counting that little Jewish baby.
The people are galvanized for change … either they will follow Bush’s policy or a sensible one …
Well, then Frankenthers it is! Nice you see you on a Thursday. You are right, it’s a marathon.
These terms of endearment fill my eyes with tears …
Bullshit
Why? We are used to stretching things out at these hours… Makes for more fun! /s
Syrupy Sarah.
Our thoughts are with you and them. May they find the path to enlightenment and not to madness.
I did make it up. I am very clever.
Burp.
And full of erudiction.
It’s easier to talk to them than my American friends(not you guys) after 9/11, filled as they were with rage.
Having the teachings of yoga as their foundation, I’m sure they will take the enlightened path; however there are some who will do anything to have power.
Indeed you are. That’s why you have your own post thing on a regular basis. But seriously, this was insightful and well timed. I was just thinking how I was getting sick of some of the whining comming from some of my progressive/liberal friends.
Faaaarrrrrrrt.
Fuck yeah!
Yup. Me too.
Sadly, they are everywhere.
Damnit, man, we’re DEMOCRATS. We’re supposed to wail and rend our garments over our own, especially when we’ve won the Presidency. Appointments are what we fight about; they are called “the spoils of victory!” If we rolled over to have our tummies rubbed and wriggled our tails, we’d be GOPs — or shiba inu.
Anyway, Thers, I like your philosophy, Nothing like a little castle-keeping to give an agua-kitty the vapors.
I have arrived in DeeCee for Mike Rogers’ big gay bloggers confab this weekend. Thanks to the Blue Van from Dulles for a wonderful, as-if-planned tour & driveby of my old apartment buildings and hangouts in Dupont Circle! More reports tomorrow!
Yup, we’ve got a chock full up here … in our time of greatest need, Harper has suspended Parliament.
This means that millions of Canadians will spend the Christmas holidays worrying what will happen to them for the next two months.
Teddy!
we’re different now, man! didn’t ya hear? no drama , man. we’re cool. unflappable. nothing can flap us.
I saw that. I thought we were the only ones that had to deal with that level of wankfest.
Sorry, not “gay bloggers” — GLBT bloggers.
I am introducing a motion this weekend to pronounce this “glibit” as it’s easier to say than GLBT, what say you all?
Teddy !
hiya!~
Now that I’m on the East Coast I understand why they call it “Late Night FDL”
… and he had the full backing of Mulroney, who was great friends with Raygun and Poppa Bush …
Petro, What’s up with this…
Why did the Queen get involved…?
i second the notion.
good, i could never figure out how to say GLBT or even the order of letters.
Oh goody!
Yes, but you may be shouted down by the “ligbit” contingent. They are a rough bunch in my experience.
Heh, I see you remarked about it…! Oops…
I have arrived in DeeCee for Mike Rogers’ big gay bloggers confab this weekend.
DEE CEE DESTROYED BY GIANT GAY BLOGGERS!
OK, here, let me go to Tokyo movie studios with this pitch. Mormons tamper with the primal forces of nature, unleash GAYZILLA, who go to Washington DC and SMASH and DESTROY! ROAAAAR!
A hit! A palpable hit!
Couple weeks is time for the 2nd Annual FDL Best Phil Ochs Song Contest.
palpable. I love it. the language tonight. i love it. palpably arid underpants stuffed into the Titanic’s breached hull.
I don’t know why the GG agreed to Harper without first meeting with Opposition leaders.
Harper must have read her a convoluted explanation of Constitutional Law.
And like your spineless Dems, I hope the Libruls don’t split into camps and allow Harper to win in Jan.
But, but, Thers, you’re married with kids…! ;-)
Ha ha! But you will never be a foul mouthed FEM BLOGGER.
Though I suppose Altmouse might….
Yes it is Gayzilla here in DC. TEDEEEE!!!
But not to worry, GAYZILLA is on the way!
She is the only one with the power to remedy the situation. Her choices were to prorogue, call a new election or allow the opposition to form the new Gov’t.
Strange that she did not meet with the Opposition Leaders before making a decision. Harper adopted a terribly vicious stance, calling the coalition “separatists” … this will have long term consequences to the nation of Canada unless he is turfed in Jan.
please, one giant monster menace at a time, FRANKENTHERS!
So was my dad, and man is he gay.
Homophobia messes with more than just gay people themselves. When you’re compelled to live a lie, it can twist other people’s lives too. Like my mom’s. 20 years with someone, and you find out they were lying about you being the love of their life? That’s harsh.
Harsh, man.
well. i’m fucking tired and I wanna be awake tomorrow in order to not do shit ’cause it’s Friday. I need to be rested.
Though I suppose Altmouse might….
She is very proper.
MORE WINE!
My way of saying good night people.
Night BFL!
MORE WHINE!
There, fixed it.
is she that one who was all shitfaced on that Youtube who was obsessed with some woman’s boobs in a picture with Bill Clinton ?
That be the illustrious alcoholic law professor.
Harsh would be one way of putting it…! My condolences to you and your Mom for his denial…!
is she nice when she’s sober?
No one knows. 8-P
Only if everyone else is drunk.
Okee dokee, midnight for me. Must poison the youth of America in the AM. Niters!
g’nite fart
g’nite thers
Night, Thers. I too must depart. Has to be awake for my last day of teachifying for the semester.
nite thers
*sigh* Both you and Thers relish the role of corrupting our youth…! ;-)
g’nite drdick
won’t make it til LLN tonite. Big Sleep calls. nite all.
g’nite neuro
nite johnboy
FRANKENTHERS versus GAYZILLA
Where Frankenthers and his trusty helpmate, the Lady of the Tiger Water, save DeeCee from marauding GAYZILLAs and teams of Moron Lads, two by two….
Look, Obama is not now a liberal, nor a progressive. He was not a liberal five years ago, and won’t be one five years ago. All this despite his, “Most Liberal Senator in the US” reputation aside. He’s not more liberal than Russ Feingold, and by comparison with Bernie Sanders he’s positively right wing.
Barack Obama is a centrist. In terms of policy stances there’s not a pubic hair’s difference between him and Hillary Clinton. Nobody with two functional neurons would call HRC a liberal. (The two functional neurons rules out Bill O’Liely, Plush Limpaw and all the other brain-dead characters on Reich-Wing talk radio/TV.) Obama isn’t a liberal, and his cabinet choices prove it.
If Obama were a liberal, we’d see serious talk how we will transition to single-payor health care. Things like whose model we should follow — France? Spain? Not the UK, for sure. Sweden? Switzerland? Absolutely not Canada (though in fairness, the Canuck’s system is distorted by our existence across the border.
If Obama were a liberal, we’d be hearing about how we’re going to reduce our military expenditures. The United States military budget is bigger than the rest of the world’s, combined. Why do we need military expenditures that large? Why do we need maintain 10,000 thermonuclear warheads? We’d be discussing how those military resources are going to be converted into diplomatic and civilian uses.
If Obama were a liberal, we’d be hearing about what is going to be done to halt the transfer of wealth from middle class to the plutocracy.
Obama is a centrist. That’s not necessarily bad … FDR was a centrist too. We can get some (not all) of these things, but we have to make him to them. We won’t be seeing Obama pushing hard on many of these things.
Obama’s model for getting to single payor health care finance is incremental — get closer to universal coverage, then allow the government-sponsored plans to supplant private coverage.
This was the approach that was advocated when Medicare was implemented. We’ll get health care for seniors, and for poor folks (Medicaid). We’ll expand coverage from there, and by date XXXX (varied, depending on who was doing the guesswork) we’ll have a single payor system. And we won’t have to go through the pain of creating one to supplant the previous system.
Well, it’s 2008. Do we have single payor yet? Not a chance. Every time progressive forces pushed to expand Medicare down, the reactionary right quashed it. With the sole exception of SChIP, attempts to expand government-sponsored coverage from below have also failed. SChIP has been successful, but how much has it expanded in the last years of Bush? That’s right, not on the Federal level, some at the State level through waivers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
We need to figure out our priorities (EFCA is a good one, the biggest expansion of Medicare coverage possible is another good one) and push hard to get them through Congress. Obama will sign them, he may even take credit for them.
But the heavy lifting is ours to do, don’t count on leadership from Obama on liberal issues.
If Obama were a Liberal, he would not be President-elect.
… and poodles. There should certainly also be poodles, too.
Hi Jane, hi Suzanne, hi newt. It’s very Late here on the East Coast. Now I understand why they call it Late Night FDL.
BC, that’s a great Oxdown Diary right there!
ya think that’s bad, wait until late late nite hits…
Hey, Teddy!
It’s so damned late there, it’s practically tomorrow.
Thanks Teddy, but how would I do that?
It’s already yesterday.
And it would need some fleshing out and references, methinks. Not to mention the typo in the first paragraph.
Except in Tokyo and Seoul and Canberra where it’s tomorrow.
start here
Heck, there’s summer just around the corner.
Doesn’t seem like it when i gotta go out soon and shovel lake effect!
Very straight foward, BCT, go to Oxdown, hit ‘create a diary’ and type…! The first block is a short synopsis, tho…! *g*
ThersDay, yay!
crap, everyone has fallen asleep and is gonna miss late late nite.
Whuch corner Newt? We haven’t even reached the Solstice yet. It will only get colder before it gets warmer!!
zzz,zzz,zzz
Wha? oh…
Hey Suzanne.
Heh, you wish…! ;-)
Well, you could certainly add those things, but I think it’s a fine statement of the state of play just as it is. Oxdown is FDL’s newish diary site, very fun place to have your say and, if your diary is recommended, its title appears in a front-page box on FDL! The link Suzanne provided shows all you need to know to get started.
Howdy nahant.
I had my A/C on in the car today.
It’s RWC, after all.
Not me Suz we just finished dinner… lamb chops rice and Broccoli … Mrs Smiths Carrot cake for desert so I am wide awake at least for a while… watching a great Sharks game 3-2 Sharks under 5 to go…
ya’ll got real quiet. the hairs stand up on the back of my neck automatically when it gets too quiet.
I am awake, just plowing through 250 emails that accumulated during the four and half hours flight time. Well, a little more time, actually, since there was travel time on either end. More like seven hours.
Mom instincts + cop instincts = lotsa hairstanding
You betcha
Oh gods, my mom still bitches about how much she hated Mulroney! She’s about as enthused about Harper in the same way even if she’s over here. Gramma’s got her own set of colorful descriptions for both of those idiots too. Gramma does live in Ontario, so she’s stuck in the thick of it too.
I actually thought Chretchien(sp?) was tolerable to a point, especially when he told the W to go piss up a rope, instead of following him into Iraq. Harper though? Oh my GOD the twit! I saw the headline about the GG this morning and literally facepalmed. Of all the things to do…
nice to be back visiting dc teddy?
I was running the Solar again today all afternoon just to see the meter spin backwards… Loved it! RWC building inspector will be here Monday and then we can go live all the time!! Of course I disconnected the internet connection for the monitoring so they won’t know I am Cheating…
They monitor it by the web…? ;-)
Alright, Teddy. It’s edited and posted.
Linked!
It’s a beauty.
… and we’re back …
((( alias )))
Chretien did brown nose to Dubya before 9/11 exposed his NeoCon mindset. No surprises with Harper, he only cares about himself and that was obvious from the get go. His Gov’t will fall after the Throne speech.
and recommended
Here’s the linky
Petro, these machinations of Harper’s sound a lot like a coup.
Yep! They have a wireless connection from the two Inverters which connects to the internet via my switch. I can also monitor it via the web. I just login to my SolarCity account and go to my monitoring page with all the stats of power being produced by the hour, day ,week, monthly and yearly. Really cool to be able to watch it all from my computer…
Sharks just won a hard fought game 3-2 and now nine in a row and are extending their records breaking run theis year!!
Thanks, Newton, and Suzanne.
late late nite upstairs
Oh no, it is well within our Parliamentary Democracy and gives him time to bash the opposition for 2 months.
you gotta be f#cking kidding me! I’m missing a f#cking Thers post??
Dugg your Diary BC well said! BC
Or time for the opposition to get good and solid and kick HIS ass for 2 months. Which is ideally what i hope happens.
Me too but the opposition has a nasty habit of losing their spine when it matters most …
And as you have repeated, the Libs are weak-kneed.
Gee, where have I heard that?
True. I wonder what the BQ could do with that, to give them a bit of a spine injection. Dion really needs to step down >_
Harper’s comments have given the ‘Separatist’ movement a much needed shot in the arm. Defeating his Gov’t after the Throne speech is necessary if only to show BQ that we do not accept Harper’s insults towards them.
Phil Ochs. What a hoss. I keep forgetting how many things he wrote back then.
I’d forgotten he’d written Joe Hill. I’ve been thinking for years now that was an old 40’s tune about 30’s miners.
His list goes on forever. I’m torn between Talking Vietnam, Small Circle Of Friends (always my fav) and a few others. A loss too young, a tortured soul. But what a voice for a generation of change. Alas, maybe it was just too much pressure . . . .
~~ModNote: Link fixed.~~~