When Democrats Join the Dark Side - Propping up the Republicans

[otohara]

Their Kowtowing to Home-State Industries Props up the Republicans
by Jonathan Chait

Not long ago, I was listening to Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) being interviewed, and I was struck at how intelligent and morally serious he was. Biden is justly viewed as a smart foreign policy hawk, but he also expressed his opposition to Social Security privatization in a particularly lucid way.

All in all, he came across as just the sort of person you'd like to have as president.

There's just one issue that's the exception. And that's what's wrong with most of the Democrats: There's always one issue that's the exception. But before we get into that, let me explain Biden's particular problem.

Biden supports a bill in Congress that would make it harder for people to declare bankruptcy. This is one of those abysmal pieces of legislation that exists only because businesses with a vested interest in it have lobbied hard for its passage and that would have no chance of success if more than a tiny fraction of the public were aware of its existence.

Bankruptcy filings have risen slightly in recent years. Credit card companies argue that it's because people are gaming the system, going on irresponsible spending binges and then using bankruptcy to stick their creditors with the bill.

http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0304-26.htm

[Melodybe]

1. Biden is a fraud and a two tongued snake as far as I am concerned

DINO's make me sick, if Biden actually voted in the best interest of the people maybe I wouldn't dislike him so much, but unfortunately like many dems it is all just talk.

[mermaid]

2. Lovely. The Enablers Want To Be Protected From What THEY Enabled!!

Anyone ever bother to tell these credit card companies that if they did not ENABLE people to have huge revolving balances, and more credit cards than they can handle, that people wouldn't be ABLE to go on "irresponsible spending binges?"

Anyone ever bother to tel CITIBANK that fucking STUDENTS don't usually make much, if any money, and so why do they give the students credit cards?

Anyone ever bother to point out to the credit card companies that most bankruptcies are caused by a catastophic event in someone's life (divorce, serious illness, extended period of unemployment?)

bottom line: The credit card companies actively seek out and supply plastic to those among us who: A - are likely to carry high monthly balances B - will carry a higher APR due to shakier credit history C - Are therefore likely a lot closer to the edge than more stable, but LESS PROFITABLE customers D - Are more likely to be "irresponsible" because now, for the first time in their lives, they can have the things so long denied to them...and now they want to be protected from what THEY enabled and ENCOURAGED? Especially after most folks who declare bankruptcy have already more than paid off the actual amount they "borrowed" in interest payments alone?

Shit, why don't they just open up CITIBANK prison or something while they are at it? Does no one deserve a chance to start over anymore?

OK, so a few people may "game the system." So go after them CRIMINALLY. And leave the rest of us honest folks alone...those of us who, God forbid the wrong circumstances were to befall us, we would find ourselves suddenly in a position of having to declare bankruptcy and make a fresh start.

[Warpy]

3. Biden's just plain been there too long

and he's been corrupted by corporate money and a soft life with the best socialized medical care our money can buy him.

He needs to go.

Even if he's replaced by a pubbie for one term, it won't be much of a loss.

Had my Democratic senator voted the way Biden did, I would actively be trying to unseat him come the next election.

As it is, I will be working to oust our DINO governor, Richardson.

At least the last pubbie we had in there wanted to end the drug war.

[veteran_for_peace]

4. When will we take it back.

When I was in the military I was able to spend sometime in south and central America. I remember going through Manta, Ecuador and I remember look seeing the poor shanty towns on the outskirts of this busy city. I was amazed at how incredibly poor these individuals lived. I remember seeing a small child jumping in to a drainage ditch that was full of raw sewage to retrieve money, probably no more than a quarter, that was tossed in this slop by American tourist who were drunk and laughing at this child. This scene had a big impact on me.

You can judge a society by how they treat the poorest among them. It shows a thing or two about the values that they hold dear and the leadership that they select. The question that needs to answered is when will we take it back. When will we the reject the values of materialism and fight for justice. When we will begin to put our value s not in our own short term monetary gain but invest in the future of all people.

[dbeach]

5. I have heard of..

similar behavior by VN veterans {I am one} in abusing the locals ..other Americans also besides GIs do same...
I always try to be a good will ambassador in foreign lands..most respond well..

Another Dem who bows at the satanic alter of bush& co..
When will any bush supporters or voters figure out ,that family bush will abuse its own base in this long run to damnation brought to you be the family that made TRAITOR an everyday household name..

Veteran for Peace and Freedom not the nazi "freedom" of occupant bush