I'm all out of outrage.

[Skidmore]

Exhausted and feeling overwhelmed from the effort of trying to move mountains in an uncaring and, I'm coming to believe, undeserving world. SO buried in the detail of what needs to occur and what is occurring that I can no longer see either the forest or the trees and the world blends together in an amorphous grey mass. Beginnings and endings are illusions. I'm still one person among many one persons being cast aside by great forces and small, by friend and foe alike.

I don't know about you, but I'm very rapidly losing the will to fight.

[barbtries]

1. i hear you

sometimes i find myself rejecting reading something on DU just because i know it will trigger the outrage, and i'm tired. still think it would be worse to disengage, but i can't argue the position. nothing much good seems to go on.

[timeforpeace]

34. With Obama as Prez and the Dems in control of everything, still being miserable and unhappy may mean

it's personal, not political.

[tavalon]

52. It actually hurts more to be betrayed by Obama and his do nothing Congress

[SammyWinstonJack]

57. Exactly!!!

[peace frog]

89. HELLO

Betrayal by the ones you trusted is the final blow. I'm close to done.

[geckosfeet]

93. They are 1,000,000 times better than what was there before. Much better than McLame/Palin too.

Nowhere near perfect and disappointing in many ways, but an incremental improvement. The right direction.

[FedUp_Queer]

128. Really?

First, I, for one, am sick and tired of the "at least they're better than McCain" argument. A cold is "better than" the flu. Breaking my nondominant arm is "better than" breaking my dominant arm. It's all about lies and deception.

1) Bagram Air Base (Obama's Gitmo) big and getting bigger...$60 million for add ons
2) TARP
3) Geithner, Summers, etc. (like putting heroine addicts in charge of curing a heroine problem)
4) Military Commissions
5) Indefinite Detentions
6) War, War, War
7) Dragging feet on DADT, DOMA (in fact arguing gays don't have a 'right' to marry)
8) State secrets
9) Warrantless wiretapping

Obama is largely turning into just another corporatist, war-mongering, national security stooge.

[CrispyQ]

137. Hear, hear!

He's a prettier, nicer, less extreme version of boosh.

I think this is one of the best articles on the current American political scene.

Buying Brand Obama
by Chris Hedges

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/05/04

snip...

Barack Obama is a brand. And the Obama brand is designed to make us feel good about our government while corporate overlords loot the Treasury, our elected officials continue to have their palms greased by armies of corporate lobbyists, our corporate media diverts us with gossip and trivia and our imperial wars expand in the Middle East. Brand Obama is about being happy consumers. We are entertained. We feel hopeful. We like our president. We believe he is like us. But like all branded products spun out from the manipulative world of corporate advertising, we are being duped into doing and supporting a lot of things that are not in our interest.

What, for all our faith and hope, has the Obama brand given us? His administration has spent, lent or guaranteed $12.8 trillion in taxpayer dollars to Wall Street and insolvent banks in a doomed effort to reinflate the bubble economy, a tactic that at best forestalls catastrophe and will leave us broke in a time of profound crisis. Brand Obama has allocated nearly $1 trillion in defense-related spending and the continuation of our doomed imperial projects in Iraq, where military planners now estimate that 70,000 troops will remain for the next 15 to 20 years. Brand Obama has expanded the war in Afghanistan, including the use of drones sent on cross-border bombing runs into Pakistan that have doubled the number of civilians killed over the past three months. Brand Obama has refused to ease restrictions so workers can organize and will not consider single-payer, not-for-profit health care for all Americans. And Brand Obama will not prosecute the Bush administration for war crimes, including the use of torture, and has refused to dismantle Bush's secrecy laws or restore habeas corpus.

Brand Obama offers us an image that appears radically individualistic and new. It inoculates us from seeing that the old engines of corporate power and the vast military-industrial complex continue to plunder the country. Corporations, which control our politics, no longer produce products that are essentially different, but brands that are different. Brand Obama does not threaten the core of the corporate state any more than did Brand George W. Bush. The Bush brand collapsed. We became immune to its studied folksiness. We saw through its artifice. This is a common deflation in the world of advertising. So we have been given a new Obama brand with an exciting and faintly erotic appeal. Benetton and Calvin Klein were the precursors to the Obama brand, using ads to associate themselves with risqué art and progressive politics. It gave their products an edge. But the goal, as with all brands, was to make passive consumers mistake a brand with an experience.

===

more at link

It's a fairly long article, but worth the read.

Welcome to DU!

[truth2power]

159. "Obama....could be painted as all things to all people." says Hedges...

Back during the primaries, when I couldn't summon up any enthusiasm for any of the choices we were being offered, other than perhaps Kucinich, who hadn't a chance, a co-worker of mine expressed his excitement over Obama.

At the time I said, "Obama gives all-purpose speeches." I wasn't impressed. But eventually I got on-board, motivated in part, I guess, by the prospect of McStupid and the Wolf-killer. Eventually, I began to think that things might turn out all right after all. I guess I was wrong.

You know, I wasn't even shocked to see the article on DU about the rendition plane that had been spotted. I remarked to a number of people, back when Obama made his statement about torture, that he had chosen his words very carefully. That he said WE wouldn't torture, but he didn't exclude the possibility that we would send people to places where OTHERS would torture them. See how that works? Obama is very smooth.

Way, way back, 7/8 years ago, Mike Ruppert (remember him?) wrote an article, the title of which escapes me, where he said that if we weren't careful we would end up with a new boss much the same as the old boss, only with more pleasant background music. A prescient statement, perhaps.

I don't think any nominee for high office is even presented to us who hasn't been vetted and approved by the military industrial corporate complex.

[geckosfeet]

157. I see. Where were you for the previous 8 years?

[FedUp_Queer]

161. Here's where I was...

In law school; working to help my Brazilian partner with his education and immigration situation, trying to inform people about the way this government treats bi-national, same-sex couples, representing people in court seeking asylum. You? Don't patronize me.

[geckosfeet]

162. Oh. I wouldn't think of patronizing such a saintly visage.

My point being, that for the last eight years the country has been raked over the coals. Obama is so very much an improvement. Granted, imperfect, but we can't all be like you.

[T Wolf]

111. Exactly. Betrayal and failure by expected allies is worse than expected betrayal and failure by

known enemies.

At least under Bush, there was the hope that if we could win elections, things would improve.

The reality of the emptiness of that hope is far worse than the damage the pukes were doing. Now we know that destruction will continue with the eager aid of the "democrats" in office.

[galloglas]

64. Or perhaps not

It may mean it is political and not personal, based on a political emotion somewhere between



1) disappointment with Obama and the Dems for their (apparent) inability to do anything much for the average citizen of the country, compared to what they do for the PTB, M/IComplex, and the Oligarchic-Corporatocracy,

and


2) absolute outrage at Obama and the Dems, for taking the support of honest Progressives to A) win an absolutely historic election while promising to B) address the everyday problems created by the benign neglect of the GOP over the years, as well as to C) tear off the huge and growing scab of Fascism that was brought to us by the Psychotic-Religious wing of the GOP party, yet once in office, selling us out Heart and Soul to the PTB, M/IComplex, and Oligarchic-Corporatocracy,


Meet your new boss! Same as your old boss.

[ProleNoMore]

2. I Am With You In Spirit - I Choose To Fight Less And Live More

If moving mountains was my personal Karma, then a lever I would be.

Sadly, I am one person stuck in a system that cares not a whit about myself and most others.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

104. A win-win.

A win for you and personal betterment.

A win for them because they're one more step toward acting with impunity.

Have a nice day.

[bobshin]

138. Exactly.

When I hear people at our local meetings get up and "threaten" to move elsewhere and the like, I say the same thing. However, I would call it a lose-lose. The loss of a caring, educated, willing, brave voice in the effort and one less soldier in the well-financed war against humanity.

On the other hand, if you become so obsessed with winning the fight that it affects your personal ability to continue then you're not doing anyone any good.

[lonestarnot]

3. Tired as hell, but never giving up!

[MH1]

4. Try taking on small battles and being happy for small victories

Gandhi: "Whatever you do will be insignificant but it is most important that you do it."

A lot of small victories add up to progress. Even small actions can influence others.

[jwirr]

30. That is how I feel. Tired after 40 years of activism - yes, giving up no.

I see small steps that lead to the top and just keep going. Sleep is a vital tool of an activist. When I am down - even to the point of being suicidal - I sleep for long hours and awake with a fresher look on things - if not the same hope as in the past.

[rucognizant]

78. Absolutely!

Gandhi: "Whatever you do will be insignificant but it is most important that you do it."
At the end of the day Gandhi's impact was VERY significant.
This society's atmosphere of instant gratification.................makes it difficult. BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE!
Begin in your own neighborhood and do it with love..............really works.

[underseasurveyor]

5. It will ebb and flow

You just need to recharge a bit. That fighting spirit will come back when it's ready. Every time I've said, fuck this I'm done, it may be a week, it may be a month or more but that fighting spirit always comes back. It's part of who I am and I can't help it. It's like that for people of conscience.. Like you.

Allow yourself to recharge

[rhett o rick]

8. Well put. nt

[ldf]

16. there's "ebbing" and there's "flowing"

and the same group of citizens always end up in the "ebbing" column.

not just of spirit, but in recovery and inclusion.

i'm so close to the same point as the op.

our party refuses to do it. they are no longer part of the answer.

the republican party may very well split itself in two. but do you think the democrats would then, with complete control, the presidency, and huge majorities in both houses, do what it takes? unfortunately, no. they can not wean themselves from the corporate teat.

it seems the only real answer is to, en masse, stay home. LET them win. and then let them take us to rock bottom. (more likely off the cliff, but the pain obviously has to get a lot worse before we, as the citizenry, have the guts to do what HAS to be done.)

the conservatives aren't the answer, and if we give them the rope, they will prove it.

the republicans aren't the answer, 'cause they will be trying to out-conservative the conservatives.

the democrats have proven they will never, ever step up to the plate.

i would be willing to bet that, by then, the response to a progressive alternative would be overwhelmingly positive.

there has to be an alternative to the democrats. and all of us who can no longer stomach the cowardliness of the democrats, and the few remaining republicans with a shred of integrity (all 3 or 4 of them; if you still can stand to admit to being a republican, after the last eight years, you have no integrity), should move, en masse, to the new party.

a party that throws out the playbooks of previous parties. one that will address everything that needs to be addressed.

the democratic party isn't going to do it.

edit for spelling
re-edit, spellcheck is not always your friend

[Nay]

23. Amen, ldf. New party needed. nt

[Andronex]

73. In Canada...

the party most responsible for the public health care has never taken power nationally, the new democrats (social democratic) by getting a significant portion of the vote, 10 to 15% has forced the debate to the left, so much so that even the conservative party of Canada on most issues is left of the US democratic party. There is a lesson there, if you want the democratic party to earn your support and stop taking you for granted there has to be a credible alternative...

[underseasurveyor]

26. I was here....

"en Massey, stay home. LET them win. and then let them take us to rock bottom. (more likely off the cliff, but the pain obviously has to get a lot worse before we, as the citizenry, have the guts to do what HAS to be done.)"

...8 years ago.

But I still find myself getting back up and fighting other battles because like I said, it's part of who I am and my conscience simply won't allow me to ignore some things. I fight where I can and sit back when I feel it would be wasted energy.

But yes I hear ya and I'm there... I've just been patiently waiting for the rest to catch up and get there too.

Cheers

[Enthusiast]

41. Extra nice post award.

[liberalmuse]

6. I hear you loud and clear.

The more we try, it seems the more bigots and assholes climb out of the woodwork. I've learned you can't force people to behave decently and give a shit about their fellow human beings. Imagine how it would be living a few hundred years ago when injustice was rampant. It's frustrating. The human race is moving forward, but it might be much too slowly to do any good, or save us from ourselves.

[Warpy]

7. People out in the world are stressed to the max and getting meaner

and I'm finding it increasingly difficult to stick my head out the door when I need to go grocery shopping or do anything else.

I do find that George Carlin provides an antidote, though, manages to put things into proper perspective.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eScDfYzMEEw

[dixiegrrrrl]

19. Damn, Warpy..I thought that was just me.

Glad you said something.
I had heard " 80% of maturity is fatigue"
and figured maybe that was it.
but I find myself wanting to tune out, feel exhausted from paying attention to all the RW outrage and the glacial pace of "change".
Not to mention the over all gloom of the economy.

[Lorien]

22. Many of us feel the same way

I no longer turn on the TV, even for a little while. The people of this country have gotten too ugly and too self centered. Life has become horribly cheap to most of them. They see nothing outside of themselves. That in itself is causing me to lose hope.

[Warpy]

39. I had a great time commiserating with a DMV clerk yesterday

when she asked a co worker if she could put "jerk" as the former customer's occupation.

It could be worse. I could have a job and be forced to deal with them 8 hours a day.

[pipi_k]

9. My outrage supply ran out just before the election last year

It had been on Maximum for eight long years.

I'm out. Almost completely empty. I also have no more will to fight about some things.

Anybody who still has the energy left to be outraged or to keep fighting...go for it. Have at it...be my guest...

I just don't want to be bashed by any of the people who still have fight left in them just because my tank has run dry. Being perpetually outraged for eight years has made me sick, and I have nothing left to give.

I know there are many of us who feel the same way

[Nay]

28. As a former Vietnam war protestor, I also have run out of outrage.

Time for the kids to stand up and do their fighting. If they like things the way they are cuz they can still clap a cell phone to their ear and buy a burrito at Taco Smell, well, who am I to argue?

I thought Reagan was a moron, and whoever bought that shit was a moron, too. Turns out I was right, but they're still clinging to that moron's dead carcass. Bush II practically shoved it into our faces that he was an idiot who was there to get what he could get, and he STILL got voted in - or weaseled in - twice, with no one, including the Dem candidate, putting up a fight.

Obviously, as the OP sez, things need to get a lot worse before the scales fall from a bunch of eyes. I won't vote for a Republican, but in my view, this country needs another Pub prez, and all the shit that comes along with that, before it can even begin to smarten up. But it won't smarten up, cuz it will all be Obama's fault, anyway.

[Enthusiast]

32. But if we quit, things will get even worse.

Well, things will probably get worse anyway.

But, imagine this country without a free internet. The print media is controlled, the radio media is almost completely under RW influence and the TV M$M media is ridiculous. Without someone to challenge this things could get even uglier.

Just sayin'

[RadiationTherapy]

141. 'the kids'. hahahaha.

[Enthusiast]

43. I think this is what

the PTB are counting on. That our outrage tanks are empty and we will quietly accept what ever kind of bullshit they shovel our way. They use experts to figure this stuff out so they are mostly right.

We need to surprise them.

[HughMoran]

10. It is difficult to keep perspective at times

Especially when we're right up against the giant sequoias and it's nearly impossible to see anything else. We will be able to see the forest again soon enough and it's never as bad as it seems when we are overwhelmed.

[tblue]

11. It's called Outrage Fatigue.

Those of us who practically spilled blood for Change and are told now to STFU while the President thanks NOT us, not Senator Wyden, not Rep. Weiner. No. He thanks Olympia Snowe! -- How else could we feel?

We didn't do what we did to enact the HCR policies of 4 conservative Democrats, Traitor Joe Lieberman, or Olympia Snowe. Or did we?

I've worked in every presidential and most congressional elections since 1992. I don't expect so much as a thank you. But this?

[Enthusiast]

44. Nice post, tblue!

[Tansy_Gold]

56. +1000 n/t

[angrycarpenter]

12. Sometimes I just have to give it a rest.

Lately I been giving a lot of thought to Michael Moore and his latest movie. I expected it to renew my convictions and refuel my will but the opposite happened. I am beginning to think that things are just too far gone and we are just doomed. The last line where he says that he is getting too tired to do this anymore almost sounded like an admission of defeat. The last couple of weeks I have been trying to find other more mundane things to occupy myself rather than the usual deep daily look into the pit of despair called humanity, it is just too depressing.

[blues90]

25. That's really the main problem

"I am beginning to think that things are just too far gone and we are just doomed"

Not that I blame you or dissagree at all , I feel the same way.

We are forced to depend on those in power to do the right thing and they are not doing it. I would rather they just put all the truth out there so then at least the people (who I do think can handle the truth) could decide where they can go from there.

While they play with health care and wars and the economy and inject statistics as if these actually represent the truth we are left with no answers.

Many say be patient yet many people do not have that luxury. I feel the main anger is that the last admins 8 years was even allowed to happen because if it were not we not not be here now.

[niyad]

13. almost all of us go through burnout at times--we NEED to take a break, or break our hearts.

all of you who need to rest, or just stop because it is too painful, will hear no criticism from me. there are days I want to scream at the stupidity, the hatred, the violence, the sheer unbelievable magnitude of what is wrong --oh, and do I ever scream.

"illegitimati non carburundum" (very bastardized latin for "don't let the bastards grind you down" is my motto. I am too stubborn to give in, too stubborn to just let them have their way without hearing that there are people here who care, and care deeply. doesn't do much good-as I can attest with countless battles with local govt. but I won't give up.

years ago, while fighting yet another TX effort to ban abortions-- I told one lege to just go ahead and pass whatever stupid legislation they wanted--that eventually they would all die off, and we would dance on their graves (well, I actually had another verb in mind. . .) and then fix whatever the hell they had done. I still need to believe that is possible.

for all of us in the fight, I pray for strength, courage, and peace.

[mule_train]

14. Until you realize that BOTH parties are in on most of this, you'll never get anywhere

both parties are involved in free trade/globalist/open borders that will competely finish off our working and middle classes. been this way since at least 1992

and even then, you still might not

but when you have a true understanding, at least you have a chance

the people who fight H-1b understand that, and have at least (mostly) held ground for 5 years, under withering, blistering, never ending assault, up against a mountain of lobbying, paid for politicians and brainwashing media, along with false accusations of 'racism', 'xenophobia', being 'unskilled' etc. you just come to terms that you're up against raw unfiltered scum, that their barrel has no bottom

i quit being outraged a long time ago (well, ok, i have to admit i still do, but i try not to focus on it). I'm up agaisnt offices of people who are like the terminator. if i go on an emotional roller coaster, they'll outlast me, period

i just FIGHT

i stay informed on the nuts and bolts, and fight

they WANT you to feel defeated, so they can finish you off

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

15. I'm tired of being outraged too.

I was 11 on a scale of 10 throughout the whole Bush Presidency. I thought it would be all over with Obama and that hasn't been the case.

But the whole healthcare reform has opened my eyes to one thing - it's a lot worse than anything I ever imagined. Our entire government has been penetrated by people who are either too cowed or corrupt to do the things that are necessary to protect the rights and interests of the American people.

I think we have to start over and I don't just mean with healthcare or any other legislation.

I think we need a new movement or party that will simultaneously focus on:
healthcare reform (the real thing)
campaign finance reform (the real thing)
removing the invisible corporate hand running the United States like a fiefdom for entrenched interests

Until all 3 of those issues are addressed by a loud public voice simultaneously we will just descend lower and lower until there is no such thing as a middle class, we will LITERALLY be wage slaves (it won't just be a funny moniker anymore),and we will be spending 50% of our incomes on healthcare and another 25% on water which will soon be controlled by private interests if we keep headed down the road we are on.

[Enthusiast]

35. Really really very excellent good post, Phoebe!

I think the same about health care reform. In a way corporate America has betrayed their best interests because now most of us can see through the facade. They exposed themselves and their congressional allies.

And, like you said, it IS worse than anything we could have imagined. Now the PTB are using RW crazies to attack financial services regulation and energy use legislation.

If we don't implement the solutions you suggest we are doomed. This imagined terrible future society that some envisioned will actually come true.

[bikingaz]

51. Vote against all incumbents (both those with R & D)

Don't vote the party ticket & kick the incumbents out regardless of their party.
It would shake things up. If things don't straighten out, do it again.

[winyanstaz]

122. You are right.....

This is the way it is now..we have been sold out.
I believed we were sold out a long time ago but I have been holding on trying to believe in Obama.
I feel more and more like we have been played and I keep seeing Bush's agenda staying in place..it is infuriating and depressing all at the same time.
However, we cannot give up..we must keep on trying.
I am hoping they will reinstate the draft..because perhaps then the younger generation will get off their asses from in front of their video games and get out on the streets.
I don't see much hope unless there is a radical change and so far..I have not seen any change.

[glitch]

17. There's some good advice on this thread. Take a break, and take care of yourself.

Lots of sleep and eat healthy. I mean it.

[niyad]

18. hyacinths to feed thy soul

(I know this doesn't help much, but it is something I try to keep in mind when things are really hard)

If of thy mortal goods thou art bereft,

and from thy slender store

Two loaves alone to thee are left,

Sell one, and with the dole

Buy Hyacinths to feed thy Soul.

[Altoid_Cyclist]

20. At times, it seems as though the whole concept of right vs. wrong has been discarded.

Things used to be more black and white as to what was the morally correct thing to do. Now, it feels as though the planet is controlled by a giant smoke and mirror machine. There's a mesmerizing haze enveloping everything that we are told or led to believe.

Reality now appears to be whatever our "leaders" and the "media" want us to believe is reality.

Because of serious health problems and being unemployed for the last 18 months with the obligatory mountain of medical bills, I couldn't even bring myself to watch "Sicko" until yesterday.

I knew that emotionally it would be a little too much until I was in a little happier place. It was still hard to watch and I'll leave it at that. The one positive is that it has restored some much needed energy if only because I'm so pissed at what this country has become during my lifetime.

When continuing the fight gets too hard to handle and the mountains seem too high to climb, anger can serve as an adrenaline rush. The overwhelming apathy from so much of America acts as a narcotic that hopefully will in time wear off. It's a delicate balancing act that people with a conscience must perform. Too much of either anger or apathy is bad, but the fight must go on by people such as yourself that care.

I realize that not everyone likes Celtic Music, but these guys have gotten me through some tough times.
It's not a panacea, but the right music can help reinvigorate us.

http://www.highlandreign.com /


A much needed rest from time to time can be cathartic, so try not to feel as though you aren't allowed to get discouraged or just walk away for a recharge.

[Enthusiast]

37. You are certainly right about

the concept of right and wrong being discarded. And those claiming to be moral in the loudest voice are the ones that have discarded right and wrong the most completely. Have we ever seen such levels of hypocrisy?

[Altoid_Cyclist]

47. The two that spring to mind are these.

#1 Holy Roman Empire (from Yahoo Answers)

What is the meaning of "the holy roman empire is not holy neither roman nor an empire"?

It was predominantly German, not Roman. It was political, not holy. It was a patchwork of principalities and kingdoms, not a unified empire.

#2 Moral Majority (from the Urban Dictionary)

1. Group of people who think and act as if they are BETTER than you. Especially if you do not worship the same deity in exactly the same way they do.

2. People who use the Bible as a facade to promote their political agenda. Also, quoting the bible out of context to emphasize their political agenda.

3. Absolute hypocrates!
The moral majority helped to re-elect George W. Bush at the expense of the middle class, the poor, and all the military service men and women.

Of course, we're still dealing with a lot of the people who thought that they really were the "MM" so it's actually the continuation of their twisted ideas of what morality is that we're seeing today.

Every day, I get a little stronger feeling that we're now living in "1984".

I don't mean the good one either! (Van Halen)

[CrispyQ]

129. There was a bumper sticker several years ago, that we should bring back.

The Moral Majority Is Neither

The severely compromised media puts these whack jobs front & center, 24x7, so their voice seems bigger than their actual numbers.

I wish I could say that I am a 'glass half full' type, but I'm not. I have very little hope that this country is going to recover.

[Altoid_Cyclist]

139. I hate to say this, but I couldn't be more in agreement with you.

Whenever someone asks me if I'm a glass half full or half empty type of person, I respond that I'm in a third category.

I figure that it doesn't really matter whether some metaphorical glass is half full or empty. We're doing so much to doom our species that I couldn't care less about a glass of water. Some people say that there's no difference between a pessimist and a fatalist, but I consider myself a fatalist. Hhhmmmmm maybe I'm a radical pessimist since the media loves to put "radical" in front of something to villify it.

As you said, I think that we've lost our way as a civilized country and I don't see anything that is going to change that for the better in my lifetime.

Republicans...controlled by the corporations (for the most part).
Democrats.................... Ditto.................................
News organizations............Ditto.................................
Military......................Ditto.................................
Too many Americans thoughts...Ditto.................................


Too many Americans have become so enamored of the apathetic lifestyle since it makes it easier to ignore what the human race is doing to itself, that I don't see anything like the 60's type of active involement ever happening again.

[snagglepuss]

144. "Apathy is a narcotic. " Very true. Good post. nt

[Altoid_Cyclist]

150. Thank you.

At times I think that apathy might be one of the most dangerous narcotics known to man.
It certainly seems to be addictive and it causes a lot of harm when too much is consumed or forced on other people.
Sometimes I think that the Pod People have already taken over.

[OwnedByFerrets]

21. Sadly K and R

[City Lights]

24. I hear you, Skidmore!

And I'm right there with you. I try to stay positive, but feel like I'm under constant assault. I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that my voice doesn't count for much when looking at the big picture. The only way I can cope is by tuning out. I've all but abandoned the corporate media, and don't even bother with Keith, Rachel, or Ed anymore.

[whathehell]

45. It must be an epidemic.....

I've been feeling the same way.

[pundaint]

27. Why do we have to work after the election to get our way?

That's what we hired these jerks in Congress for. If they can't do the job without constant nagging, then they need to be fired like any other employees delivering such a performance would be. We got two parties serving the same corporate masters, so while in theory I'd like to beat the democrat incumbents in the primary, if that doesn't work, it's most important to beat every one, Republican or Democratic, who doesn't actively fight for single payer. If we turn out a whole Congress we'll get action for the people pdq.

The power we would get by turning over about 360 congressional seats would be immense. THAT is change we CAN believe in!

[Dinger]

75. Been Wondering That Myself (nt)

[blindpig]

100. The obvious conclusion:

Elections are worthless, as things now stand.

There's no getting money out of politics, we must attack the money.

[CrispyQ]

29. You are not alone, my friend.

The system is so corrupt & compromised I don't believe we'll ever get it back. There's not going to be a revolution in America. We're too divided. The working/unemployed class will continue to fight among themselves & hatred will continue to grow & the PTB will continue to prosper on the suffering of the rest of us.

I reached this point once before, in 1980, during the Iranian hostage situation. When I saw how Bush/Reagan manipulated that situation to win the election I was sickened & I didn't vote again for two decades. I'm in that same place again, only worse.

There's something to the saying, "Take care of your own little corner of the world." I've found it hard to disengage in national politics, but the few weeks I have managed to turn off the 'news', stay off of DU, & not read anything political, I've felt better, calmer, more positive. Sure, I've been less informed, but I've been happier. I completely understand the saying "ignorance is bliss" now.

I wish I could offer encouraging words, but I simply don't have those words to offer.

[Enthusiast]

46. I was right there with you

in 1980.

And now TV talking heads still speak with great reverence for Reagan as if Iran-Contra was a figment of our imagination.

[ChiciB1]

121. Crispy! You Talk For Me Too! I've Been Trying NOT To Tune Into The

LATEST GREATEST NEWS of the day!! I've dug my nose into getting some of those things down around the house that I've put off for all too long!

Not things that needed done right away, but just sitting there looking at me. Clearing out closets, etc. I've felt burned before, know well how to lose gracefully, but NOW feel BETRAYED by our own!

REVOLUTION won't happen, people don't have the will or courage for it anymore! Too much APATHY! I had thought it was the lack of funds because of the economy that was keeping people from rising up, but I think people ALWAYS find a way if they REALLY believe in a cause!

Today on C-span the FIRST question of the morning was "Is America Going Broke?" and the comments were not very uplifting to me! There was also a sense that "we the people" just DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!

I've been around since Viet Nam and have seen some "bad times" but the American people DID RISE UP and FIGHT! The fact that there is no real MOVEMENT other than those such as ANSWER (which is fractured to say the least) tends to make me feel we are looking more like ROME than the fight of the American Revolution!

We've lost our way, and our so called leaders don't care much about anyone but themselves and where they can get their next buck!! With this type of leadership, we won't be able to OVER COME!!

The days of the past were volatile, but we prevailed, now I think our constant bickering will be something that will lead us to ruin!

JMHO!!

[RagAss]

31. Take a week off Skidmore...take it from me....it recharges the Piss and Vinegar glands !!

[snagglepuss]

38. "Piss and Vinegar glands"

ROFLMAO Thanks.

[FrenchieCat]

33. They want you to lose your will to fight......

those in the opposition and even those who try to say they are on our side....

We have made a lot of progress, and more is waiting to be made....
but if you give up, then they win, and so yes....we lose.

Don't let the skeptics and the naysayers get you down; cause that's their job...

Most folks who trust that things are changing for the better and will change even more still,
are not posting so much on DU, because in life, when things are going in the right direction,
the only folks who post on blogs, for the most part, are those who have major gripes.
You can clearly see that any good that this administration does gets basically little if any comment here, while anything that is perceived as bad news gets many threads all saying the same thing,
and many opinions.

DU is kind of like Cable News, where Bad News is the only thing that folks care about.

In the end however, when tallied up, the good news will outweight the bad by a large number...

so what you see here is politics....
which is why I post less than before.....
cause I know what kind of post I will be reading on DU, and 75% of them will be negative, if not more.

[Skidmore]

42. I don't post much anymore, except for an

occasional comment or question. Most of the replies are just riddled with plain ugliness so it is not worth the effort. I miss interacting with some of those who were here at the beginning, when I joined. I know some of those who frequent now are here to sow dissent and to deceive. But then, again, I've found myself surprised that such venom could erupt here.

[Altoid_Cyclist]

48. I haven't really been here long enough to confirm or nullify what you just said.

But for what it's worth, I wholeheartedly agree. I didn't find this place until the day after numbnuts....er I mean ex-president "W" was supposedly "re-elected." Not that he was ever actually "elected" the first time either, but to the idiots on the SCOTUS who appointed "W", thanks for 8 years of hell.

But it's very noticeable that the isms here on DU have gone downhill since that disgrace to America left office. I don't include everyone here, but there just seems to be more intolerance, baiting and disruptive
posts since the beginning of the year.

I've mentioned in other posts that it seems like the old theory is still holding true today. Once a common enemy or threat is removed, people who were united against the common foe will for some reason tend to turn on each other.

[nannah]

49. interesting observation skinner. i am a long time member who reads here more than i post.

there is a fundamental ruthlessness encouraged by the corporate world that has removed concepts like honor and integrity from conflict; they play dirty and justify "winning" at any cost. it is hard to remain yourself if you take on the tactics of the ruthless. principled people are vulnerable to people who are ruthless. righteous is often the cloak worn by people who are ruthless. one of their very successful tactics is control of information; they are not hindered by a need to be honest; information and communication are tools to be used for shaping perception and belief. it is a gauge of DU's effectiveness that we have spinners here. the question is, what do we do?

[prairierose]

109. Skidmore, I miss the interesting discussions we used to have....

here and the amazing amount of information and research that used to go on here. I see so many posts that show such ignorance as well as enmity. Ignorance can be remedied with purpose but enmity is another matter. I still come because this is a fast way to find links to news items and read occasional posts but I do not post much anymore either. I find that it is impossible to have a conversation with trolls and disruptors so what is the point. And sometimes I am just too tired to try to educate the ignorant, even though, in many cases, it is really not their fault.

[ChiciB1]

124. There Is Opposition AND Then There Is Opposition! Here At DU I've

NEVER seen more opposition and infighting since I joined! Even those of us who are supposed to be united in "some" way find that comments being made get attacked with vehemence and hate!

If it were only "they" we had to fight it might be easier... but the FRACTURING here is very discouraging! I don't comment anywhere near as much as before, AND I'm beginning to think that blogging is getting IGNORED by our LEADERS too!

They seem to dismiss what we say out of hand, because we only "blab" and "blab" some more! I CAN'T even get my neighbors interested in ANY type of political action because most say.... "there's no way, and there's no use" they're going to do what they want anyway!

THEY could be correct when we have such APATHY in this country!!

Other poor countries have found way to organize and make their voices heard, even if in the end they didn't achieve the purpose, but at least you have to give them credit for TRYING!!!

There is a chasm of UNITY lacking here and in the American countryside!!

[CrispyQ]

135. "I CAN'T even get my neighbors interested in ANY type of political action ..."

My friends all think I'm a political nut. Only one other friend keeps up on what's going on - the rest just don't give a damn. Like you said, most believe that they can't make a difference anyway, so why the hell care. When the biggest voting segment in our population is the non-voters, no fucking wonder we can't implement any change! And yet, I'm so discouraged that I'm almost at the point of joining them.

Arghh!!!!

I look at the list of some of the good things Obama has done & I'm glad those things have happened. But they are mostly small social or environmental things. Am I glad we have stem cell research? Absolutely! But we also still have the Patriot Act, the Military Commissions Act, torturers are free men, bragging about what they did on national TV, Wall St. is living large on the taxpayers dime & we are about to give the health insurance industry, who has treated it's customers like crap (!) millions of new 'mandated' customers.

I realize this is Obama's first year, but the trajectory isn't looking too good right now.

[ChiciB1]

152. At Least We Seem To Agree... I Too Am Looked Upon As A Political Nut!

I used to always reply to others that WHAT goes on in D.C. affects them directly if they would just pay attention! I tried so hard to get people out to vote many many times and now there's a certain irony going on!

Many I tried working with, actually going to their homes, sitting down and pointing out certain aspects of things, stating my opinion and saying YOU should have one too, many times leaving because they wouldn't get off the dime! Now, I've had people call asking me questions about "where they can get help" because they have been so affected by the economy! I want to laugh in their faces and remind them how much I tried to get them off their asses!

But, I'm not afraid to tell them, I TOLD YOU SO!! It's crazy how many people who don't vote even when you take an absentee ballot to them!

I've seen more and more disdain and apathy than ever before and I too think that sticking your head in the sand is the better way to go.

Regarding Obama, I came late to supporting him but I did, and worked hard to help get him elected. He HAS disappointed me by many of the decisions he's made even IF it's only been a year! I do realize things take time, however too many "pretty speeches" just don't cut it for me! Given all that is going on today, I simply think that there are times he should just do something like slam a shoe on a podium or at least do some serious FIGHTING back! Plus, I'm always "wondering" exactly where he really stands on things. Seems like it's always some sort of "wait & see" thing when I feel he should have much more CLARITY and shout it out loud and clear!

Oh, I've gone on too long... time to hit the kitchen and the pots and pans for dinner!

[snagglepuss]

145. Now bush is gone, common ground is hard to find. Just look

at Health Care debate, there's no agreement among democrats. There doesn't seem to be anything democrats can all rally around. I also agree with another poster who said apathy is a narcotic especially when personal stresses abound.

The other narcotic that dsinclines people to action is the internet. Sites like DU don't promote apathy but they do provide a mirage of involvement. I'm in no way dissing DU, it's just that it has an addictive quality. I suppose people get informed at the cost of being active in the sense of going to meeetings.

[Delphinus]

36. Funny you would post this

I mentioned to someone this morning I was going to back off and let things go. I'm tired of beating my head up against a brick wall - getting the clueless to get a clue is not something I've been successful in. I've failed. I need to let it go.

[Enthusiast]

40. This is a timely thread!

I think we are all feeling this to one degree or another.

Several on this thread have suggested a rest. I agree. Maybe a nice break and you will gain new vigor for the good fight.

[Laelth]

50. The days are getting shorter and it's getting colder.

Depression is rampant. None of us is immune.

But remember this ...

These really are the best of times. Slowly, oh so slowly, we have gotten better and better over the years. The government has always, and I mean always, principally served the interests of the ruling elite. Look at those rich white guys who signed the Declaration of Independence. Nary a woman nor a person of color, nor even a white indentured servant in the whole lot. Ours is a government of the rich, by the rich, and for the rich (even though our rhetoric says something else).

Slowly, over time, we have improved the Country and brought our reality closer to the rhetoric of our founding documents. We abolished slavery. We established public education. We granted women the right to vote. We reformed labor practices. We actually gave people of color substantial rights in the 1960s. We got Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. As many problems as the Country has right now, in truth, this is the best it has ever been. Hell, we just elected a black President. He may be a corporate toady, like all the rest of them have been, but so what? What did you expect?

Does that mean that silence and acceptance are the answer? No. Of course not. We will continue to do what liberals do. We will keep our eyes open, talk to one another about the problems we see, care for our families and neighbors, vote for the people we think are more likely to share our values, and, occasionally, write letters, march a bit, or otherwise scream our heads off until someone with power listens to us.

And they always do, in the end. Conservatives are wrong on the issues 95% of the time, as history has well proven. So, be proud of what we liberals have accomplished, and just keep doing what we do. What alternative do we have, really?





-Laelth

[pengillian101]

62. Great post. n/t

[snagglepuss]

146. I've been thinking along same lines, though I would say its important to

look back over the centuries and take note of countless people who fought the good fight.

I am speaking as someone who is also exhausted by outrage, just wanting to disengage from that heightened emotional state. Being involved just means being continually angry not just by those who are creating the problems but those countless others who don't care. I'm not happy with this situation and I've tried things like mediation but it doesn't work for me which is how I came to your line of thinking.

I'm now thinking that instead of focusing on those who are so maddening and conditions that are so overwhelmingly bleak would it not be better to focus on people both living and dead who fought the good fight, people like MLK or Jane Goodall who never seems to give into despair or the countess activists we never hear about in places like China where social change seems totally hopeless.

Perhaps that is why Catholics have saints or why MLK talked about going to the mountain top. Maybe the key is to sustaining sanity is not to focus on that which enrages one but focus on that which inspires.

And this is not an endorsement in any way of positive thinking which can create way more problems than it solves and IMO often masks a cynical mindset; rather what I've being mulling over is more along the line of McCrae's thinking

snip

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

[Laelth]

153. Beautifully said.

I certainly insist on giving credit where it is due as a method of maintaining sanity. Gandhi, MLK, Tommy Douglass, Tony Benn, FDR (or, more importantly, Elanor Roosevelt), Teddy Roosevelt, Lincoln, Tubman, even Jefferson ... and many have been left out ... all of these and more serve as inspiration. They are to be admired, and some may draw strength from their examples.

But for me, I am merely compelled to fight injustice where I see it. I can't really give anyone credit. I just do what I feel is right. I can't help it. That's why I encourage all those who are losing faith to just keep doing what they're already doing (what they too may be compelled to do) ... as I said above ...

"We will keep our eyes open, talk to one another about the problems we see, care for our families and neighbors, vote for the people we think are more likely to share our values, and, occasionally, write letters, march a bit, or otherwise scream our heads off until someone with power listens to us."

I couldn't sleep well at night if I didn't do these things.

Thanks for the response.



-Laelth

[MoonRiver]

53. Let go, and let God.

It's a wonderful release.

[Kitty Herder]

54. Me too.

[treestar]

55. Giving up never leads to success

Persistence does.

[Skidmore]

58. I'm not certain what I'm fighting for anymore.

Only what I think I'm fighting for. And I feel alone in fighting for those ideas. Where is teh cohesiveness from the election period? Has it been totally lost.

[saracat]

69. I feel the same. My ideals have been trampled on. I feel lost..

[Jackpine Radical]

59. I find more and more lately that I'm just not seeing political action as the way

to accomplish meaningful change in the world. Instead, I think we need to make some very deep changes in our souls. The world needs more love, less fear, more concern for our fellow humans and for the Earth herself, less single-minded greed and acquisitiveness. I see us headed for really tough times, and foresee a need for all of us to pull together and take care of each other. Somehow, the conventional route of politics just doesn't seem to cut it. I'm not sure just what does, but I personally have been devoting more time to meditating, to filling myself with peace and calmness, to making contact with others on a deeper level, and in various ways to putting my own house in order.

[eridani]

82. All that stuff is political too, but it still matters who holds office n/t

[Jackpine Radical]

118. I agree that it matters who holds office.

I'm just not sure that I need to put as much attention into that arena as I once did. This is about focusing my own energies, not meant to particularly influence what others do. I'm not professionally a politician or political activist; I set out in life asking questions about interactions among body, emotions, mind and spirit. Sometimes the hurly-burly of politics seems like a major distraction from the things that concern me the most. And likely this is a passing phase for me; that kind of thing has certainly happened before.

[eridani]

60. I will not go gentle into that good night

Rage, rage, against the dying of the light!

[donheld]

61. Been there done that.

[inna]

63. Lots of great posts in this thread.

I feel a litte better now...

[Deja Q]

65. Define "fight".

[philly_bob]

66. REC cuz sometimes I feel same and cuz think I know an answer:

Belong to a community of like-minded folks who alternate outrage with fun and the pleasure of everyday life.

[mullard12ax7]

67. You are 100% correct and I understand

The U.S. has never been this bad although as a friend of mine told me just tonight, it's still one of the best countries in the world. Corruption, stupidity and laziness rule the day and very little is being done about it and as you just said, we are just 1 person, there is very little we can do.

I don't have anything to say except to repeat that you are right.

[juajen]

90. Actually, one person can do a lot.

I have seen a reawakening of love and caring upon the death of my husband. I posted here on DU about his passing and over three hundred of my DU friends posted comforting me and wishing for a renewal of my spirit.

At his wake so many good friends were there with wonderful things to remember and say about my dear love of 50 years. I am getting by with help from every last one of my friends.

It makes me want to make a difference in someone else's life, and I will, in the name of my husband, who gave his all almost every day, though faced with a long horrible illness.

He would say that in History life repeats itself. Change can come from faith and making little inroads, one life at a time.

Thanks again, all my friends, for your loving help at my dark hour, and, please, do not give up, for all it takes is making a difference in one person's life, and it spreads, and spreads, and spreads.

[snagglepuss]

148. What a beautiful post.

I'm very sorry for your loss but now he is with you in spirit. Love like that never ends.

[GreenPartyVoter]

68. Time for a mental health break.

I felt that way for a long time, got revved up and started annoying congress critters over healthcare. Now my mood goes up and down with all the different info coming at us. Sometimes I want to fight and others I think staying in bed and hiding under the covers feels so much better. So those times you don't see me much on DU, know that I am tucked away in my safe little nest.

[Name removed]

70. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Mithreal]

74. 24/7 365 outrage and effort, you will tire as well.

Make an allowance for those that need to catch their breath.

I admire your energy though. If it is at all motivational then I support it.

[northernlights]

83. welcome to ignore

It's not about one team or the other team winning the election.

It's about cleaning up the shit TPTB has shoved down our collective throats for nearly 30 years. The democratic administration, for the most part, appears intent on shoveling additional shit down our throats I suppose as gratitude for our votes.

I, for one, felt a surge of great hope when Obama was elected. I haven't felt that way since shortly before Bobbie Kennedy was assassinated. No doubt the rest of you had even more invested in Obama than I did, as I came late to the party. I cut him slack over early appointments I was unhappy about. Who better to help undo landmines than the people who set them to begin with.

But instead of using Summers/Geithner/et al point out and defuse the land mines, they've been given free rein to lay more land mines and lure more unsuspecting into newer mine fields. Trillions of tax dollars to the banksters so they can continue to collect their multi-million dollar bonuses. And the rest of us can eat shit and die.

He took single payer off the table from day one, starting negotiations from the middle and moving right from there. If you can't afford to pay extortion to the health insurance industry, than you can go eat shit and die.

I didn't expect him to get us out of Iraq in a day. It's simply not that simple. And I knew he'd probably up the ante in Afghanistan. But he gave us a head fake by pretending to follow Biden's suggestion to narrow the focus on al Qaeda, and now is turning Afghanistan into another Nam. And he's given Bush/Cheney a free pass on torture in our names and continues their worst policies at our expense.

And I cannot for the life of me understand why he's appointed Olympia Snowe president. I've lived in Maine for 6 years. With apologies to the Mainers in this forum, because I know that there are some decent, intelligent Mainers out there, I've never met such a collection of ignorant, corrupt and stupid thugs in one place at one time in my 56 years. Maine is a state of extremes: you are either in the extremely wealthy very tiny minority, the miniscule and daily shrinking middle class, or one of the vast majority of dirt poor living hand to mouth, pilfering from transplants and neighbors, while worshiping the wealthy masters. It's the land of poppy bush, for cryin out loud. It is the shining example the right wing can point to when they spout about the incompetence of government. It is overflowing with Kristian schools turning out students who believe, and this is a direct quote, "Darwin is bunk."

I'm going back to my original belief about Amurka. I simply can't be part of what's going on any more. I didn't bother to get a converter box and have been without t.v. since June. I miss it, but I missed it when I had it. I miss having real news on the news hour, having creative entertainment or educational programs during prime time. Look hard at what passes as news and as entertainment. It's worse than American Idol, which at least is some people with a modicum of talent. It's a bunch of narcissictic, whining, back-stabbing, self-important fools on some stupid reality show. That, sadly, is the real Amurka. And I simply can't care about those people.

Somewhere along the way, Amurka took one fork in the road and I took a different one. I have nothing to do with that Amurka and when I look at tv and "news" I'm glad I don't.

As a country we are done. Stick a fork in us already.

[handmade34]

87. your's isn't the only story

...that may be the primary reason for the fatique... to see the Dems numbers and still not be getting serious results. Your response to the op is unnecessary.

[VOX]

88. Calling out an established and fellow DUer is not only bad form, it's against the site's rules...

Best not to make an entrance to DU frothing and flinging the angry horseflop, or your stay will not be long.

[Chemisse]

96. Wow - that was over the line. Simmer down pup. nt

[FarLeftFist]

71. Sometimes I miss being on the offensive and bashing the Republicans for the last 8 yrs

But then I remember how horribly evil republicans are as Presidents, politicians, activists, pundits, etc. and am of course much happier we have a Dem President. Just sometimes wish we had a more Progressive one.
The only thing I'm getting tired of is having to vote for "the lesser of 2 evils" and the 2 party system.

[Mithreal]

72. For me, part of it is the shorter days

and the outrage has been so regular that I often feel like the only thing I can feel any more is the rage. I spent some time outside today to soak up the sunlight. Got some exercise too, daily even in little doses, and try to eat more healthy, working on that. Learn a few new recipes, unclutter and clean the home. Anyway, I am feeling the same and wonder how many of you escape the frustration. Stay warm and healthy, witt.

[NuttyFluffers]

76. Isn't that an Air Supply song?

i think Kirk Cameron's character from Growing Pains used to sing it karaoke style or something...

[Missy Vixen]

77. Bravo

I'm with you.

The only thing that makes me want to get out of bed in the morning is that I started taking care of myself. I wrote on a thread yesterday that politics is now kabuki; once I figured that out, the rest becomes too frustrating to stress over.

to you.

[PuraVidaDreamin]

79. You know

there is a plan for day after day massive civil disobedience in DC this spring
1000 people a day- putting it on the line.

[BigBearJohn]

80. Focus on your own community of friends. Join hands with them

and make the best you can of your life.

[Le Taz Hot]

81. We've all been there.

Luckily, I've been around long enough to know that NEITHER political party is working for OUR interests so there was no big surprise when Obama ended up being just another politician. But I do understand your disappointment and your resignation.

So, this is it. Spend whatever time you need to mourning -- perfectly healthy. At some point, however, you WILL start feeling "normal" again. When that happens, look around and choose a fight. There are MANY causes that need your fight and activist spirit. Maybe tackle something a little closer to home. My two causes at the moment are working to get Prop. H8 overturned (one way or another) and keeping MM dispensaries open and accessible to MM patients.

I'm not a real "huggie" kind of person, but here:

[zippy890]

108. I lost my wild-eyed idealism in 1972

and woke up to what our country really is politically.

I am not surprised about Obama's presidency, He could NEVER deliver what people - progressives- expected of him, especially young people. The disappointment was inevitable.

your advice is good - there are many local & regional issues that need a LOT of attention.

I for one am content with Obama in the White House. When his second term comes -thats when he'll try to have more impact on issues.

[juajen]

84. Same here, more's the pity. NT

[gooey]

85. You may not like it but...

You can't save the world. I know that's a platitude but it's also true.

One day if and when you have to means to save the world then you are more than welcome to make an attempt. But since that day is not today what can you get done TODAY. Do that. You may not see tomorrow.

All you can do is leave a mark. A legacy. All you can do is influence those around you. You already DO influence them anyway.

Focus on here and now. The next person you speak to may be the last person you speak to. What kind of impact do you want to leave on them?

Something physically that you can do to help is to go without something you enjoy. Internet, TV, sex, marijuana(that's a tough one for me), even food. Abstaining from certain activities/comforts helps us gain perspective on how these things affect our mental state.

__

P.S. If you're feeling you need something beyond any of that. Go visit a third world country for a month to gain some perspective on what really matters to you.

[goclark]

113. I feel like you feel ~ well said

I certainly feel better about our world situation today than under GW.

I refuse to complain if every issue, including Health Care, which I am passionate about, doesn't go my way.

I am happy to be alive!

[gooey]

160. Then you are a step ahead of a lot of people.

[shadowknows69]

86. You decribed how I've been feeling exactly.

I'm hoping going to see VP Biden today will re-spark some of my passion for politics, because lately I just don't freakin care anymore. And that scares me.

ETA:

[ChiciB1]

127. The Very Fact That So Many Of Us Are Posting Here With Almost The

same message says VOLUMES! We're tired, we feel defeated and we don't see much good coming in the future! My first POTUS vote was for McGovern, so I've been in the political realm for a very long time... and I've never felt so VERY ALONE!

I don't think re-charging our batteries are going to be the answer. We need NEW BATTERIES with updated capabilities! For those of you who are younger, I salute your dedication and youthful thinking, it may help, but I'm not THAT old and I've seen this country FIGHT back in a much better way!

We are watching things slip away because we DON'T KNOW what else to do!!

[quaker bill]

91. I ran out of outrage

5 or 6 years ago.

[handmade34]

92. take a break

...the road is long, but the sun is coming up

[geckosfeet]

94. Yes. But we nudged things in another direction. A better direction.

Have a rest and come back.

[Greenheron]

95. Yep

I lost it years ago and decided if I didn't start do do something for the benefit of my family and stayed on the grindstone I would go mad. This is what we did.www.fuenteverdecommunity.org Still looking for some more like minded cool people.My email is enlightenedgringo@gmail for anyone with questions.

[Ganja Ninja]

98. We asked for a public plan that cut insurance companies out of the picture

because we really can't trust them and what did we get? We got a plan that forces us all to buy their less than satisfactory services under penalty of law. Better not nudge them them any more or they'll be selling our organs to the Chinese.

[geckosfeet]

158. Ah. Cool rationality.

[twitomy]

97. To think we will ever have a completely "just" world

is folly. So dont get too worked up about it. As long as the individual has free will, the ability to choose justly or unjustly, so long will those unjust choices extrapolate to an unjust world. No laws, no economic system, no politician, will ever stamp out ill-justice completely as long as there is free will. Perhaps this is why people turn to a higher power. The best a person can do is to do right by themselves and their fellow man and to influence others personally, or in your vote to do the same. But your own choices ,influence, and prayer, (if you are a beleiver), is all one really has so dont beat yourself up.

[placton]

99. Yup - Obama and the Dem Congress

killed it for me. Good luck America. I plan to watch the train wreck from the sidelines.

[Horse with no Name]

101. My friend

I feel I lost that urge during the Primary cycle.
The realization is that the only thing I can do is best prepare and keep the ones around me.
I cannot save stupid people from themselves. It is impossible.
May you advance to a peace that your wants and needs are not considered frivolous because they are not someone elses wants and needs.