So we supposedly want to end the oil subsidies, and to tax the rich

[Enrique]

I've heard all the great-sounding rhetoric, very populist, very much in line with public opinion, etc.

But are the dems really working for these things?

We've just learned about two concessions the dems have made. First, to expand drilling, and second, to require federal workers to contribute more to their pensions, essentially a 5% pay cut, or you could even think of it as a tax increase.

Are we getting anything for these concessions? For example, are we getting these two things we supposedly want, the end of oil subsidies and the tax increases on the rich?

Or is this what's happening: we TALK about increasing taxes on the rich, but we ACTUALLY increase taxes on federal workers. And we TALK about ending oil subsidies, and yell at them at hearings, but we ACTUALLY expand their drilling rights.

[azul]

1. We are at war with the Middle East

We have always been at war with the ME. We will always be at war with the ME.

The wealthy investor war profiteers and oil companies are largely why we are at war in the ME. The TALK is just blowing in the wind while the generals and captains of industry have the keys to Fort Knox.

[Curmudgeoness]

2. One of these days. We have to take it slow.

But one of these days we will actually do these things, and all the other things that were promised. :sarcasm:

Actually, one of these days the Dems in power will find that the Dems who vote will stop voting for them. Hell, I never vote outside of the Dem party, but that could change in the future. And I never miss an election, but that also could change in the future. If I get the exact same policies from the Dems that I get if the Reps win, would someone please tell me why I bother?

And down the road, if they don't get votes, it will be a mystery to them what happened. Duh.

[Dragonfli]

4. down the road if they don't get the votes they won't think it a mystery

They will do what they always do and pretend it was because they were not far enough to the right, then they will course correct and move further right but only as a bargaining position to move even further right later in the negotiations.

That is how a crazy Newt Ginrich plan to give more power and money to the insurance companies claiming it is health care reform can become a "liberal Democratic plan" just a few years later. The longer you wait the more Republican plans will be AUTHORED by Democrats.

Neat system isn't it?

[Curmudgeoness]

5. Ah, you are even more jaded than I am. nt

[Dragonfli]

6. I try not to be, but the obvious tactics force me to be that way

Perhaps they will do something different next time and change my mind.
I would love it if that happened!

[Hannah Bell]

3. kr. we'd like to, but it's hard work. those evil pubs always thwart us.