we are at a turning point, we are tired and we still have a long way to go. I was very pissed and disappointed by the move on vote, but I was more pissed about the bankruptcy vote and so many others. My dad was a long time dem, good friends with Lieberman and in someways I am relieved that he is not here to see what has become of his beloved country. On his death he told me that he would feel better going if there was a dem in the white house. He died right before September 11th and was spared so much. I hate that I don't have his voice to soothe me right now, and soothe me he would because he loved this country so much. He would not lose faith and either will I.


Having said that, think about Leahy for a moment. One of our hardest working senators and yet he voted for the move on bullshit. Why? Because his generation doesn't politicize the military. Period. He won't be a part of it. I see my father in Leahy every time he questions somebody. He doesn't agree with not showing respect to someone who has served our country. It is really very simple to him. Should he not vote his conscience to satisfy us? Is that what we really want? Isn't that what the republicans do to pander to their base especially with the Webb amendment? Doesn't that make us sick?


The silver lining in the move on situation is that I gave $25 and have been going to their site more and I am sure that I am not the only one. Move On has gotten tons of free advertising and has been mentioned in the main stream media more than it ever would. I think this played right into our hands.

The tide is turning. Think of Al Gore in The Inconvenient Truth when he said that things in politics change quickly once people start demanding it. From a NYT article, "The political system, like the environment, is nonlinear," he said. "In 1941 it was impossible for us to build 1,000 airplanes. In 1942 it was easy. As this pattern becomes ever more clear, there will be a rising public demand for action."

There is a rising public demand for so many things right now because Bush screwed up so many things. That demand is because of US. Me and you and everyone here who pays attention and calls our critters and does our part. And we are growing in numbers. Ever since Cheney shot that guy in the face the tide has been turning. Have faith Redstone, it is going to happen and it is going to be sweet! Look at Keith's numbers. It is happening.

As for as the senate and house I believe that they are working their asses off and instead of the press saying that the republicans are blocking everything they say the dems failed and we can't fall for that. WE CAN NOT FALL FOR THAT. Not us, of all people. We have to know the truth and spread the truth. I may not agree with everything our reps do but I can't deny that they are trying. Personally, I don't want to be pandered to, I want our politicians to find a way to represent all of us. We all pay taxes and we all deserve representation. That's the high road and that's the one I am staying on.

It is awesome. It is called the Gospel Truth and it is so great. Really smart and political and I know you guys would love her. Just thought I would share.


www.susanwerner.com

Really, that is it in a nutshell. From Chris Matthews acting like nobody works as hard as the 'laborer' to the people who say that government can't act efficiently so privatize, privatize, privative to the stupid war on terror and even the war on drugs for that sake. It is so DEFEATIST!!!!!

We need to really start playing offense.

After this election is figured out we need to change the course of this country with a vengeance!

If America is fooled into honestly voting for the republican ticket than they deserve what they get. We cannot make people pay attention and we cannot explain things to people who are not reasonable.

If the election is stolen and we don't march in D.C. then we deserve to be represented by these despicable human beings. We can't make people stand up for themselves.

I for one believe that I have done just about all I can for the love of this country and for my children's future. I believe that we all have done more than many Americans. We have to take a deep breath and hope for the best.

I am going to my 9th grader's conferences today and realize that this nation is a child still. I can't make my son do his homework or pay attention in class. I can encourage him and try to help him make the connection between school and the rest of his life but I cannot do it for him.

The same is true for this nation. We cannot make Americans act responsibly or make the connection between the politicians and their own livelihood. We can keep trying and we will, God knows we will. But as a good citizen and as a good mother I have to come to terms with the fact that I can't make people do what is in their best interest. They have to do that for themselves.

Not an easy task. The hardest part is that we are not asking much. Just pay attention and do your homework.

Why do I need an ad campaign to remind me about September 11?
by John in DC - 8/31/2006 08:36:00 AM

There's a new ad campaign meant to apparently remind us that September 11 happened and was a really bad thing.

Where were you when you heard about Sept. 11?

Kiara Bradley was driving a bus. Gary Robertson was on his farm in California. Fire Department Lt. Mickey Kross was at New York's Engine Company 16, before he went to the burning World Trade Center and survived the north tower's collapse.

A national ad campaign being launched on Thursday features the stories of people who remember where they were when they heard of the 2001 terrorist attacks.



snip


What the hell is our obsession with remembering September 11? We remember it, ok. I don't need a TV commercial to remind me of that day or how I felt. I was there. It took me a long time to get over it. And I most certainly don't need my politicians, or anyone else, trying to drag me back to that day kicking and screaming several times a year as if I don't remember it, and as if it's somehow healthy to keep bringing it up.

snip
You want an ad campaign? Here's an ad campaign:



Check out the whole post! Good Stuff!

http://americablog.blogspot.com/

Both repug and dem are pro life and pro gun!

http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?old=tru...

Ms. Sharon Marie Renier (MI)
Current Office: Challenger
Office Seeking: U.S. Representative
District Seeking: 7
Party: Democrat




2004 Congressional National Political Awareness Test

Please Note

The National Political Awareness Test (NPAT) asks candidates which items they will support if elected. It does not ask them to indicate which items they will oppose. Through extensive research of public polling data, we discovered that voters are more concerned with what candidates would support when elected to office, not what they oppose. If a candidate does not select a response to any part or all of any question, it does not necessarily indicate that the candidate is opposed to that particular item.

Project Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any negative campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.

snip


Abortion Issues
(Back to top)
Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding abortion.
a) Abortions should always be illegal.
b) Abortions should always be legal.
c) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
X d) Abortions should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape.
X e) Abortions should be legal when the life of the woman is endangered.
f) Prohibit the dilation and extraction procedure, also known as "partial-birth" abortion.
g) Prohibit public funding of abortions and of organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
h) Other or expanded principles


snip




Gun Issues
(Back to top)
Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding guns.
a) Renew the ban on the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting.
b) Maintain and strengthen the current level of enforcement of existing federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
c) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
d) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
X e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns.
f) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
g) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
h) Require a license for gun possession.
i) Establish a national database of ballistic "fingerprints" to track guns used in criminal activities.
X j) Support legislation that would protect manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and importers of firearms from civil lawsuits by crime victims.
k) Other or expanded principles
snip

I worry about our anxiety being part of their childhood. My kids are big, 22, 19 and 15 but they will remember this time as anxious. There is no way around that. But we have to remember that things happen for a reason. I really believe that. After 23 years of marriage at 42 years old I have had my share of worry. Last time I was this anxious on a daily basis Reagan was in and I had a 2 and a 4 year old. And I was 24. Scary times.

But not like this. Maybe it had to get THIS bad for the stupid American people to wake the f--k up. You know what I mean? We all know these people, they dismiss us, think we are crazy, even make fun of us. I have too much class to make fun of them now, but I have made it known that I think they are foolish. I have lost respect for them and they know that, too. It is uncomfortable but I can't help it. I am parents with these people. I see their kids making mistakes and I watch them judge their own kids. It is the saddest thing. So many of these parents will call me and ask me advice as to how to deal with certain issues. I talk to them because I love the kids but every time it is a control thing. I always push them to accept that we truly have no control over our kids. If we are lucky we have control over ourselves. Our kids have to control themselves and we have to let them. The crazy Christian repugs can't and don't get that.

Here's the good part. These kids are more sophisticated than their parents. I tend to spend a lot of time with my kids' friends, mainly because I feed them. Well worth the investment. I talk to them. We talk about everything. I mean everything, especially my older daughters' friends. I don't hold back. These kids hate Bush, don't hate gay people, don't care if other people are religious, worry about the environment, aren't racist and are extremely tolerant people. Almost all of them anyway. If we can get through this rough spot, I believe that the future is bright.

The point is that worse case scenario, and brace yourself because I am the queen of imaging worse case scenarios, the planet slowly dies and we suffer a horrible death. (The silver lining is that in that world I spend every waking moment with my husband.) Look up tonight if it is clear. It doesn't make sense to me when I look up that we are it. Life, in one form or another will go in. It always does. Nobody can stop it. In the meantime, we survive. And we usually manage to do quite well. Have hope, friend, that our worse case scenario is science fiction and our best case scenario is sweeping the house and the senate in '06 and taking back the white house in '08. We are part of something big and it is scary but no matter what, life will go on. Feel good that you are among the knowing and not the ignorant. We are in good company!! I say get ready for a party!!!!

But, if the democrats in this country realize that we can get what we need!!!! Which is a democrat in the White House!!!


I am so sick of people being so GD picky when it comes to candidates! Do you really think that everyone has to agree on every frickin issue!!! I watched Bill Mahr the other night on some old video and he was talking about the voter and how they suck. You know, it's true. I hear people complaining about the dems and saying I'm not supporting this one or that one because of this or that. You know what, we can't all be happy about every single issue! I hear people saying that the dems need to stand up about this or stand up about that. We are not there. We truly don't know what we would do. They are in a horrible position. How many of them are wishing they never signed up for this shit? Would we even be willing to go into politics? I don't think I would. I like my life. I like my nights at home watching Keith with my husband and drinking tea. I will fight for this country, but I am not willing to do what they do. Not yet anyway. And I don't want to so God bless them for even wanting to. Can we show them some respect, even? I know many of us here do, but as a society we don't. What does that say to our kids? It's nuts!

The republicans have themselves up against a wall because they can't bend on so many things. Let's use that to our advantage and show them just how open minded we really are! Let's wait and see who is running in '08 and let's promise ourselves to be fair and realistic!


Say what you want about my intellect, but I voting for fricking Mickey Mouse if he runs as a dem and against anybody that has the gall to run as a republican. I won't take their calls in my home and I won't listen to what they have to say. I will question the dem and I will know where they stand on things. If I don't agree I will let it be known to them as often as I need to. I will let them know that I have voted for them because they are a democrat so I do expect them to act as one.

I will vote and support the democrats because these rat bastards have to go!

Sorry, my country's at stake. If people don't like what I say and then they don't have to talk to me. I'm ok with that. (I'm telling you ladies this menopause thing isn't is bad as they make it out to be. I care give a rat's ass what anyone thinks of me and I say it's about time! Don't give me a pill, I kinda like here!)

The night after the election I went into a bar with my husband. It was crowded so we sat at the bar. I hadn't eaten the whole day. I ate the day my died dad, ok. I remember being hungry at hospice. I couldn't eat the day after the election and of course I had a couple of drinks before I ordered dinner. The guy next to me had voted for Bush. It was obvious. He was decent but clueless. The ones we need to reach. We talked for a while and he was trying to reassure me that it would be alright. I think he was moved by how upset I really was. We talked about our kids, the environment, homophobia, education. We had similar ideas. He just didn't want to pay more taxes and many people think that dems will raise their taxes. I turned to him finally and said, "I'm a liberal, are you afraid of me? Huh, huh, are ya, are ya, are ya? Boo! BE afraid, be very afraid." I said it a couple of time. The guy just looked at my husband and kind of smiled, like you poor guy. My husband was just as despondent as I was, so we just left. But, yeah, I get in people's faces. I am an east coast girl living in the mid west and sometimes I really think God put me here to wake a few people up!

By the way that guy said something to me that night that I hope we both still think about. I still see him from time to time and he just looks at me and smiles and I say hi kind of sheepishly. I want to say BOO! to him so bad you can't imagine, but I behave. I got my point across, why let him think I really am crazy?

Anyway,
he was from Ohio originally and that night, the night after the election he said to me he couldn't believe that Ohio went for Bush. He just couldn't believe it. Everyone he had talked to was hurting money wise and was going for Kerry. I dismissed it that night, but I have thought about it very often since then.

Let's hope he has, too.

Let me say up front that she doesn't hate Lieberman. She is not always happy with him but she doesn't hate him. She listens to AAR and reads all my crazy emails and understands our issues with Joe Lieberman.

However, I grew up in West Haven (I'm in MI now) about 5 miles from Westville which is where Joe Lieberman lived. My dad was very involved in politics and adored Joe Lieberman. They were friends when Lieberman just started out and Lieberman has always been seen as a working man's friend. My dad was a mediator for the labor Dept and so he had a lot of respect for Lieberman. My dad died in June of 2001 and so I have no idea what he would think of this mess. Before he died he told me he was worried about the White House being controlled by republicans. He was VERY pro America and I can't imagine him saying anything bad about this country no matter what. Honest to God, on his deathbed he would wake up and tell us all that he loved us and then say, "What a wonderful country we live in, this is a wonderful country!" He said it so much we decided to put it on his tombstone, right next to St. Anthony and the NY Giants logo. (The Giants logo we had to fight for because it is a Catholic cemetary.) I tell you this for what it is worth in understanding my mother. My mother thought what my father thought until he died. Sometimes I think she is still trying to figure out what she thinks on her own. It has been interesting. Anyway,



Having said that this is her take on what happened last night...

She said that there were about 1700 people there and that there were about 100 people there supporting Lamont.

When Lieberman got up to speak people booed and hissed. My mother said that she heard it but Lieberman went on speaking and it didn't interrupt him. She said that he gave a good speech and that people were engaged. This part, I think is most important, and that is that many people at her table and that she spoke to after about it felt that it was in very poor taste. These are seasoned politicians and my mother's words were that Joe Lieberman is a gentleman and the people who booed and hissed appeared ignorant. You don't do that at this kind of thing, she said. She also said about ten times that Lamont is from Greenwich. Lieberman is from New Haven. We're from New Haven essentially and Lamont mine as well be from NYC in the eyes of many people. He is from 'way over there' as my mother put it. He's a millionaire, you know, she told me a few times.

She also said that when Obama got up he defended Lieberman and spoke about his environmental record and how he was always there for the working class people in CT.


I could be wrong but I don't think Lamont can beat Lieberman. Another friend of mine from the New Haven area who is more my age, 42, has kind of dismissed Lamont to me as well. Same idea, he's from Greenwich, what does he know about CT. Greenwich is not working class CT. I do think that Lamont will do better than my mother and friend think, but I really think that people will stand behind Lieberman on a local level. He has been good to the working class people.


Another interesting point from last night is that DeStephano and Malloy, the two dems running for governor were there and they seemed to be more Malloy supporters than Lamont supporters. Malloy is from the Greenwich area as well, according to my mother, and DeStephano from New Haven. My mother does seem to think that Malloy will win, again the money issue came up, so who knows really.

Please keep in mind that my mother, God Bless her and pray for me that she never reads this, is a combination of George Costanza's mother and Maude. Yeah, I'm not kidding. She speaks her mind and says some really smart stuff and then every so often George's mother comes out to play. Every Greenwich comment was said by George's mother, you with me...

Best book ever, for me anyway. The Outer Most House by Henry Beston probably second.

I can still remember the night I finished Trinity for the first time, 20 years ago on a very stormy night. My two baby girls were sleeping in the bedroom probably 10 feet away from me and my young husband was working late. I kept getting up and just staring at the girls and feeling so fortunate to be safe and warm and fed. I will fight with every Irish bone in my body for justice in this country and I am sure I am not alone. Rest easy, fellow Irishmen, over our dead bodies will this country go down!