Do I feel a tide that is turning? Why, my goodness, I think I might!

[Kablooie]

The last couple of weeks I have begun to feel a tonal shift.

Up to now our liberal representatives have let the GOP continue to march over them in spite being the majority and the GOP being exposed as a laughing stock.

But there has, rather suddenly, been a shift. The Dems are beginning to play offensive and the GOP is, rather pitifully, playing defense.

Up to now it has felt like Bushies were still slithering around behind the scenes but finally the slime trails they left behind might be cleaned up.

I sure hope it's real and continues so the country can begin to right itself from the imbecilic right.

[annabanana]

1. The Country will not stand upright again until the "loyal Bushies" in

the DoJ are kicked to the curb. But I am finally beginning to believe that their tenure is limited.

[armyowalgreens]

2. The Neo-Cons may be gone, but the lobbyists have barricaded themselves in.

Unfortunately, the tide has not changed. Only the rhetoric has changed.

[Joe Chi Minh]

3. We shall see.

[babylonsister]

5. That is also changing...

Several federal agencies set to implement lobbyist ban
http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/62347-agencies-set-to-implement-lobbyist-ban
By Kevin Bogardus - 10/09/09 06:05 AM ET



Several of the biggest departments in the federal government plan to adhere to the White House prohibition on lobbyists serving on their advisory boards and committees.

The Hill contacted all 20 Cabinet-level agencies to see if they intend to follow the guidance issued two weeks ago by the White House.

Twelve agencies returned messages before press time and all said they would adhere to the guidelines.

A spokesman for the Defense Department said that it plans to stick to the guidance but is reviewing how best to implement it for now.

“We fully intend to abide by the new White House guidance but are still in the process of evaluating it and assessing its impact,” said Geoff Morrell, press secretary for the Pentagon, in response to questions from The Hill.

snip//

But watchdog groups have applauded the White House request.

“The government actually wants to hear from CEOs and those who have something at stake to advise them,” said Craig Holman, campaign finance lobbyist for Public Citizen. “It is perfectly logical to remove paid lobbyists from these positions. It is a means for their networking. For them, it is just business.”

Several other departments — such as Education, Interior and Transportation — confirmed before press time that they were following the guidance. That won praise from the White House.

“The administration does not believe all the wisdom in America resides on K Street. To further clamp down on the special interests, we are inviting voices outside of the Beltway to participate in the governmental process,” Eisen told The Hill. “We are very pleased that the agencies are following the president’s lead.”


Lobbyists Stew After Being Bounced From Boards
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=8685569

[Tuesday Afternoon]

4. Time will tell.

[Vinca]

6. I think Alan Grayson has demonstrated how good the Dems

can look when they reveal their spines.

[KharmaTrain]

7. GOOP Poutrage Hit The Tipping Point...

There was a tonal shift last November...when 54% of the American electorate repudiated rushpublican rule and not only elected President Obama but gave him larger majorities in both Houses. Now the corporate media didn't quite get the message and continued to ape rushpublican talking points or did their "fair and balanced" bullshit where they always had to have a GOOPer spewing their crap on any and every issue.

What's happened in the last couple months is the total meltdown of the right wing mighty wurlitzer. Between the Tea Bagging and the talk to school kids to the Olympics and now the Nobel, the GOOP has attempted to discredit this administration, but their constant harping has taken a toll. People are now starting to ignore them...they see how over-the-top goons like Dreck and Rushbo have gone and also how the GOOP has no answers, just obstruction. They've been on the wrong side too many times and it's taking a toll.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

8. Who is responsible? Grayson? Simple passage of time?

People simply getting tired of the nasty faux outrage? Obama's speech on healthcare regaining the initiative? :shrug:

[Kablooie]

9. My guess is that the financial situation took priority over Dems establishing themselves.

The foundation of the financial repairs has been set so now they can turn their attention to pushing the GOP out of the way.