Is this for real -- Dems enforce party loyalty

[BlueInRed]

I am in shock -- it appears the Congressional Dems are starting to punish those who forsake party loyalty, particularly those who did so on the Medicare law. Surely there's a catch.

From The Hill: http://www.thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/010505/loyalty.html
<snip>
Leaders crack whip on loyalty
Democrats make an example of Collin Peterson
By Hans Nichols
Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) was harshly upbraided Monday night by House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) and other members of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee for failing to be a “team player,” signaling that the Democratic leadership intention to impose a strict regimen of party discipline in the 109th Congress.... Hoyer and Miller directed much their ire on Peterson’s Medicare vote, when Peterson was one of 16 Democrats to side with Republicans in the tightest roll call in recent memory. It is a strong indication that Democratic leaders will insist upon party unity as Republicans plan to reform Social Security....
<snip>

[PROGRESSIVE1]

1. At last our leadership is learning something!

We MUST have unity within the party if we are to survive. Mr. Peterson better learn that he is a Democrat and that he IS fighting for America!

[crispini]

2. Well well well.

"Democratic leaders will insist upon party unity...."

A FUCKING MEN. I'm all for diversity of opinion and I treasure our Democratic autonomy, but we are so far lost in the woods that we need to learn that we HAVE to STICK TOGETHER!

[mandyky]

3. While I hate the enforce label,

we better unite or bush and crew will ruin this country.

[w13rd0]

4. good

every one of those tutu's that cross over to advance the Bush agenda is another chit in Bush's claim to being "bipartisan". Nonsense, he's "willing to compromise with THOSE WHO SHARE HIS GOALS", in other words, those who already agree. If some of those Republicans started crossing over, there wouldn't be as much need for the actions of Whip and deputies.

[xchrom]

5. that's how the game is played.

and that's all there is to it.

[Hobarticus]

6. You need to read more into this....

Your opening quote is taken out of context. This is directed specifically at a lightweight who isn't pulling his weight but expects a bone to be thrown his way. Read on:

He (Rep. Collin Peterson) stands next in seniority on the agricultural panel to replace former Rep. Charles Stenholm (D-Texas), who was defeated in November. But questions about PetersonÕs party loyalty, both his voting record and his lackadaisical fundraising, have forestalled what would have been an otherwise routine promotion to be the DemocratsÕ top lawmaker on issues affecting rural Ñ and often red Ñ America.

ÒThere is no doubt that thereÕs a lot of resentment about how Collin Peterson has conducted himself in his time in Congress. ItÕs more than just the Medicare vote,Ó a senior Democratic aide said.

There's a reason why some Dems rise to the top, and why some languish. They're not going to promote a placeholder. Just like any other job. Can't understand how that would shock you.

[BlueInRed]

7. My opening quote is the first paragraph

Huh? I just put the first part of the article in from the first sentence on, so it's hard to understand how that's "out of context". I added the SS part because everyone here is talking about it right now. As for shock, they haven't been enforcing loyalty, so ANY action in this vein is a shock.

[Hobarticus]

9. Sorry, read this the wrong way...

My bad.

Good to see spanking meted out when needed, no?

[BlueInRed]

11. :)

it is good to see a spanking!

[roguevalley]

8. outstanding. I am so glad to see this.

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

10. Maybe the Dems are starting to grow some..

About time...

[zbdent]

12. How much you wanna bet that this gets more airplay on the MSM

than the tons of times that the Repukes demanded a Loyalty Oath to be signed?

About as likely as the constant barrage of the video of W saying he really isn't concerned about Osama, in response to him calling John Kerry a liar for pointing this out: "I never said that!" - George W. Bush, the third presidential debate.

3/13/2002: George W. Bush, in one of the few times he had a press conference where reporters asked questions:

"I -- I'll repeat what I said. I truly am not that concerned about him."