Reply #133: Not to sound like a fortune cookie here ...

[AnneD]

but all journeys start with a first step. The DEM's have been moving away from their roots every since Bill Clinton signed NAFTA and stabbed unions in the back. I love the big Dawg as well as the next, and I'll defend him, but will say (in private among my Democratic friends) I think he was the best Republican president we ever had. I think on our next time at bat, we need to make it count.

I have watched our DEM leader act like bulls in the arena, charging every time the GOP shook their cape. The DEM's have tried to out GOP the GOP, instead of standing up for Americans and being Democrats. The 06 election should have given them strength-instead-their balls have shriveled up. Bush should not have gotten half the thing passed that he did since then. The Dem's seem confused as to whom they represent.

I am not so naive that I don't know that deal need to be made. Cut the deals that need to be done but stay as true to your DEM principals and get your lips off Corporate America's ass. All I know is that the Democratic Leaders have been making some sorry deals lately and I think part of that lies in the fact that they think that we are like the mindless GOP masses and we will do what ever they say. I grew up believing that I didn't belong to any organized party-I was a Democrat. Votes count and opinions matter.

You are right that our attention has been turned to TERRA TERRA TERRA and the Iraq war instead of the economy, but the expense of this off budget war IS effecting our economy and the middle class is being squeezed to death. I think this can be a kick in the shins that our leadership needs. We can help them win-but I want them to know we are out here watching and they work for us-not the other way 'round. We want more than just a change of President. They need to change their attitude, or they'll be changing their pants soon. Most Americans will not trust a GOP to look after their interests for a long time-this is the DEM's golden opportunity. We need to make it count.