Maher: "When did the fierce urgency of now turn into, "Please continue to hold." "

[eleny]

That was the last line of Bill Maher's end of show New Rules editorial tonight.

[Cha]

1. When things aren't happening fast

enough for those who aren't doing the work.

[MarjorieG]

3. Or having to get results from Congress, who don't want to work-for us.

[Cha]

4. There's more than a few obstacles

but the important part is we have people in charge who are dealing in reality and want to get it done.

Anybody can get on a soapbox and whine that it's not fast enough.

[IndianaGreen]

21. You must stop accusing progressives of whining and of not 'dealing' reality.'

Your constant use of the "whining" label is tiresome and unfair. It is also rather odd because you have accused LGBTs of whining because of our legitimate grievances at Obama for his lack of "fierce urgency" when it comes to stopping the discharge of gays and lesbians in the military (which he can do right now by means of Stop-Loss orders), his continued defence of DOMA in the courts, and his opposition to full equality to LGBTs (despite his empty words to the contrary).

And I haven't even touched his deal with Big Pharma, his carrying water for Big Insurer by keeping Single-Payer off the table, his continued pursuit and expansion of Bush's imperialist policies in Latin America and elsewhere, his refusal to reverse Bush's assault on the Constitution and our civil liberties, and his keeping our hard-pressed troops in Afghanistan in limbo while he goes through "buyer's remorse" of the war strategies he himself announced earlier this year.

[inna]

32. excellent post, i wish i could recommend it. nt

[Overseas]

27. GOP obstructionists are the biggest obstacles, atop their cash boxes.

Let's continue doing what our President asked us to-- let him and our legislators know what we want. Wanting change more quickly is not WHINING-- it is recognizing national emergencies and supporting our president's acknowledgment that change is urgently required.

GOP obstructionists know they can impede our President with delaying tactics like tacking 500+ amendments onto a bad bill to make it worse and then try to debate each amendment for an hour.

Those of us who demand faster change are trying to embolden our Democratic legislators to fight against the GOP obstructionists. We are speaking up about the needs of the large majority that voted President Obama into office. And thank goodness our president has asked us to do that.

[Cha]

30. I'm not saying everyone who criticizes Obama is

whining..I know the difference. I'm talking about the really nasty whining.

[inna]

33. all you're doing is mainly attacking progressives on this board.

<< I'm talking about the really nasty whining. >>

and i'm talking about the really nasty bullying.

[eleny]

6. But like Bill said, Medicare was providing benefits 8 months after it got passed

Now, even our response to climate change won't affect the problem for another decade. He has a point, that being that America knew how to get things done in the past and has somehow lost that ability or desire.

I remember those days. The days of Eisenhower and Kennedy and Johnson when big things like Medicare and Food Stamp proposals were accomplished and went into effect quickly after making it through Congress. Needs were met. I remember when moms on AFDC could actually go to college or trade school and it was paid for. Now, it's an outrage to propose health care for all.

Today was a tough day. I got into the face of an old fool in front of my library. Wait, here's the url for that story.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=142x7432

And now I have to go hang out on our enclosed front porch and try to catch the bastards that drove across our front yard two Saturday nights in a row. Nothing like having your labor of love destroyed by people who get a perverse kick out of destruction.

Right now I'm not so in love with where my country has gone. It's going to be a long four years. I hope Obama keeps the faith. I certainly need some lifting up right about now.

[MarjorieG]

12. Heard from soneone reputable that we could make whatever we plan faster, but would take money...

[Cha]

13. Oh dear, I'm so sorry about the

vandalism on your front yard, eleny. That's a terrible violation and invasion of your property. :hug:

I used to live in Lakewood, Co in 1990 to '92 on Pikeview and drive into Denver to work at Cherry Creek shopping center..

How stupid to stand in front of a library and ask for lower taxes when it's our taxes that have made those libraries possible along with all the other services that people appreciate when they're needed.

At least we're on a reality path..I know the wheels are moving slowly and it won't always be linear but we're so fortunate in our country, as you know, that the fearwing did not take over the White House again.

[eleny]

25. Thanks, hon

You know how I want the president to succeed. It's really the only option.

Along with all the other happy horseshit going on, we got notification from our retirement association (the state PERA) that our health insurance premiums are going up 30% come December. Oh joy. So I'm going to switch my option and opt for a higher deductible that's about double what it is now. What's annoying is how that option can make a person think twice about going to the doc when you think you might need to see them. We can afford it. But my concern is for those retirees who can't.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

2. Michael Moore is on.

I'm watching it in Central Time.

Also he will have Eliot Spitzer and the guy Randi Rhodes lusts after, Paul Krugman.

:D

[eleny]

7. It's a good show tonight

[Jennicut]

5. Congress moves sloooow.

And bringing about something like health care takes time, its a huge change to our system.

[eleny]

8. Meantime, people die

Excuse me if I'm not so thrilled with reality tonight. :hug:

[Jennicut]

20. Its okay. The process of change moves like molasses and that can be aggravating.

Its understandable to be frustrated.

[boppers]

45. Molasses kills.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Molasses_Disaster

[Life Long Dem]

9. When they want to run out the clock to the final second.

It adds drama to the ratings game.

[MadBadger]

10. Why is Bill blaming Obama for the slow pace of Congress?

And he surely is blaming Obama because he was the one who would always talk about MLK and the fierce urgency of Now during the campaign

[Touchdown]

41. The OP didn't give you enough info. Bill was not criticizing the slow pace.

He was criticizing why implementation of these bills will be 4-6-10 years away.

Medicare was passed in 1965. Seniors were getting their benefits 18 months later. Now, it's 35 MPG by 2020. Big woop!

[TomCADem]

11. Obama Is Trying To Do Too Much!/Obama Is Not Doing Enough!

What is the talking point of the moment?

Or, is it:

Obama is not out there advocating for health care reform!/Obama is over exposed!

*yawn*

[Proud Liberal Dem]

14. +1

I've lost track myself!!!

:crazy:

[rockymountaindem]

15. It happened in the year 1787

when the framers of the Constitution decided to make a system of government that pitted politicians' goals against each other and placed an emphasis on the rights of the minority as a way to prevent too much change from happening all at once, lest we drive off a cliff. The US government is designed to work sloooooooow.

[SpartanDem]

16. I think we all thought we'd get more done this year

but the reality of the speed that Congress operates, pushing these challenging big issues like cap and trade, health care and financial reform that always move slowly. Then there's not having 60 votes for most of the year with Franken's election issues and with Kennedy's illness. You have a White House who is reluctant to add anything else to it's plate so they've put off things like EFCA and DADT In many was it's been frustrating, but I think after health care is done that things will pick up. I also find not getting caught up in the daily media mood swings really helps with sanity, I think would've had a stroke if I took at face value every report about what Obama is going do, what he's not going do.

[girl_interrupted]

17. eleny Maher had a good show tonite, but I am confused about something

The show was very thought provoking & I thought Maher & his guests provided some interesting insight. What confuses me is this...When Obama originally started with healthcare reform, he said it would have to happen by August. Did Obama know at that time, that members of his own party were on board with this ? How can you put a deadline on something, unless you are certain you have the votes? I know republicans have thrown a few roadblocks up, but so have members of our own party. Would it have been better if Obama knew for certain, his own party would go along with it before proceeding with a deadline? Thanks!

[eleny]

23. I don't think so

Presidents have the bully pulpit and always work to get their party members on board even if they disagree or hesitate.

There are lots of threads around DU recently pointing out the tactics that LBJ used to convince members of Congress to go along with his policies. I don't believe that Obama needs to follow the Johnson model. But LBJ is an example of a president working with members who need coaxing to go along with him.

[uponit7771]

19. No we "all" didn't, I had expected Obama over 8 years to change health care and energy and smash the

...GOPs current culture into something Americans can't stand

[uponit7771]

18. Maher post on DU

[Uzybone]

22. Dont take Maher seriously, he is a comedian, and clown and at times a fool

Us who have been watching his show since the jump remember the time where he was advocating Bushs' strategy in Iraq (pre-surge), saying stupid things like "maybe history will vindicate him". Take anything he says with a trailer load of salt.

[eleny]

24. My monthly health insurance premium just went up 30%

Maher's message hit home last night.

[Overseas]

26. I liked his making those points-- and using the protest chant--

What do we want-- modest incremental improvements!
When do we want 'em-- in 2016 !!

And really appreciated his pointing out that when Medicare was passed in 1965, seniors began receiving services eleven months later. That was part of a whole list of significant national changes made in shorter time spans.

Yes, sure, we can say we understand that change takes time, but pasting 564 amendments, each requiring an hour of discussion at least, onto the Finance Committee health "reform" bill that many described as greatly flawed, is clearly a delaying tactic. Will our legislators then need to proceed with 500+ amendments to the health reform bills of the six other committees? I suppose the answer is YES if the GOP can still wield their 25% popularity as though it is a mandate against change.

[Phx_Dem]

28. SInce when does the "fierce urgency of now" mean right this

second, or in my first 3 months; which is when this this absurd argument began. It's already March and Obama hasn't repealed all the anti gay rights laws! He hasn't fixed the ALL of financial regulations problems! He hasn't fixed the unemployment problem! I STILL don't have health care!! :cry: :cry:

Mahr is a decent entertainer, but no one takes him too seriously on politics, and this is why. Even though he's a smart man, he's a whiner who has no concept of reality.

If Bill could pull his head out of his ass for a minute, he would realize that "now" means in our time as in "during my term," not immediately after I finish my inauguration speech. We're a democracy that relys on more than one branch of government to enact legislation -- and that takes time, and planning.

But this is what Mahr's problem has always been -- he can't see the forest for the trees. He wishes Obama was a progressive Raul Castro or some other dictator that doesn't have to consult or work with anyone else.

[eleny]

29. "fierce urgency" implies one helluva lot

One thing for sure, it doesn't mean "hold your horses".

[Phx_Dem]

31. It means it's important. And who is holding their horses, exactly?

What's the matter, isn't the economic recovery, the nearing of health care reform passage, the thwarting of 4 imminent terrorist attacks, a new Supreme Court Justice, a tax cut, the extention of CHIP, and about a dozen other things enough for you in the first eight months?

I suppose you could always move to Cuba where Castro makes laws immediately without consulting anyone -- just the way Mahr likes it.

[eleny]

38. Hyperbole isn't the best tool for you to use in this discussion

Obama asked us to hold our horses when he said, "... we shouldn't let the perfect be the enemy of the good."

Instead of moving full speed ahead towards the goal of achieving a strong public option, he was asking us to begin to settle for something less.

This is how I interpret his sentiment. You're entitled to disagree.

I'm done with you regarding this issue since you chose the route of an ad hominem attack. Please take the last word if you wish.

[ipaint]

35. The longer health care reform can be drawn out the more money floods

washington on both sides of the aisle. This whole manufactured ordeal isn't about doing what is right by the citizens it is about creating the appearance of doing something while making sure corporations, who apparently are our real ruling bodies, make it through this faux reform intact, grossly profitable and preferably much stronger.

This isn't taking a long time because they are figuring out how to best implement a truly universal program available to all americans funded with taxpayer dollars going directly to health care. It isn't about honestly dealing with climate change and sitting down to figure out the best way to move forward asap.

It's all about corporations remaining intact and looking at increased profits in the foreseeable future. If they can pretty that one and only goal up with a couple crumbs for a few of us, after all it's our tax dollars they are looting, and call it the result of the impossibly long and hard work of reform they all whine about, mission accomplished.



The Story of Mouseland
As told by Tommy Douglas in 1944

snip

"...All the laws were good laws. For cats. But, oh, they were hard on the mice. And life was getting harder and harder. And when the mice couldn't put up with it any more, they decided something had to be done about it. So they went en masse to the polls. They voted the black cats out. They put in the white cats.

Now the white cats had put up a terrific campaign. They said: "All that Mouseland needs is more vision." They said:"The trouble with Mouseland is those round mouseholes we got. If you put us in we'll establish square mouseholes." And they did. And the square mouseholes were twice as big as the round mouseholes, and now the cat could get both his paws in. And life was tougher than ever.

And when they couldn't take that anymore, they voted the white cats out and put the black ones in again. Then they went back to the white cats. Then to the black cats. They even tried half black cats and half white cats. And they called that coalition. They even got one government made up of cats with spots on them: they were cats that tried to make a noise like a mouse but ate like a cat.

You see, my friends, the trouble wasn't with the colour of the cat. The trouble was that they were cats. And because they were cats, they naturally looked after cats instead of mice."

http://www.dcf.ca/en/mouseland.htm

[Prism]

34. Way to be ignorant on LGBT issues

"It's already March and Obama hasn't repealed all the anti gay rights laws!"

Please, do you honestly think that's why the community is pissed off? Because it all isn't being done right now? Since that seems to be your impression, allow me to educate you.

DADT has not been touched. Lives are being destroyed on account of it. The President has it within him power to cease the discharges. He chooses not to.

The DOJ continues to defend DOMA in court, with an almost blithe unconcern for how offensive and awful their various legal strategies are. They sort of learned back in June due to the massive outrage in the LGBT community. And by learn, I mean they say "Sorry!" before slapping us in the face again.

The administration has done next to nothing on LGBT issues to date.

NOTHING.

Oh, I'm sorry, some partners of employees in federal government get moving expenses now.

What the hell, it's only our lives. We're so petulant and impatient about that whole Getting Fuck-All from the President who promised to be our "fierce advocate."

It isn't about "all right now". It's about direction. He got the world's biggest homophobe at the inauguration, gave us a solemn promise that wasn't indicative of things to come, and then did nothing whatsoever to allay the community's anxiety that our very equality is that the very bottom of the barrel of this administration's priorities.

Everything? Hell, I'd settle for something at this point. The only time the President bothers at all is when the community gets so pissed off that he has to listen because we shut off all the fundraising valves. Meanwhile, whenever we do, we're endlessly told here we're whining about ponies, or poutraged, or ungrateful, or whatever's-wrong-with-gays-this-week.

We're so touchy about our lives, ya know?

[eleny]

36. Thank you

Maher was addressing the issue of health care reform and climate change. And in those issues lives are being lost day by day. Your assertion of lives being destroyed in the LGBT community as well is spot on.

[Touchdown]

44. Shove a chainsaw up your ass, one who has all his rights now.

[question everything]

37. The Michael Moore interview

before will be removed from YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_6dAvVfABQ

[moondust]

39. Maher blew a golden opportunity with that show.

He should have started with Michael Moore and let that lead into a free discussion with the Nobel economist and the Sheriff of Wall Street FOR THE REST OF THE HOUR. You don't fly those guys across the country just to treat them like Joe Schmoe from Topeka for chrissakes and cut away to 40 minutes of bullshit.

[Touchdown]

43. Blasphemy! John Waters is KING!

He's always great no matter what he's on. And they were still able to talk with Waters there. Besides, now you know the movie where teabagging came from.;)

[BlooInBloo]

40. Possibly Maher is discovering that sometimes thing are happening that you don't see.

[Touchdown]

42. Eleny, posters here don't know in what context Maher said that.

You should have let them know about the slow implementation of the bills, such as 25mpg by 2020, or a public option by 2015.

Almost everybody here is under the assumption that he's talking about the slow pace of congressional sausage making.

You didn't give enough info. :hi:

[Touchdown]

46. Maher should have brought up the speed on how telecom immunity was implemented.

11 months for Medicare to begin working... how about telecom immunity retroactive to 2001?