It all came down to this moment.
I waited two years for this. For two years, I seethed in silent rage (or sometimes, as Victor has experienced during Williams' class, not so silent) at the failures of American democracy, the incompetence of the current administration and the rubber-stamp congress... For two years, I've seen powerful political figures make frightening references to the dominant Christian faith. For two years, I saw how narrow-minded prejudices hijacked true moral issues of justice and equality. For two years, I watched as the administration covered up realities of their corruption from an inept media. And for two years, I waited for an election in which I could not participate, because I believed that democracy still existed.
And I confirm now with a satisfied grin on my face and Metallica's "Attitude" playing in the background: democracy is alive and apparently kicking some ass.
The Democrats took back the House and possibly/likely the Senate after years of passively watching the Republicans abuse the power and stick a shaft up the Democrats' asses. This is the most obvious victory, but one that is also underscored by a huge level in state-level elections. This signifies a shift in political direction of the country, or perhaps an ideological awakening of the electorate. And the Democrats took back Congress by winning traditionally "red" states. And they won those states by running strong candidates and, in the case of Jon Tester in Montana, "real American" candidates who espoused real American values, rather than artificial ones concocted by a right-wing faction.
Americans told their political leaders to fucking get back in shape, because they deserved better. Incumbents usually have a huge advantage in congressional elections, since they have the money and influence to win campaigns. Not this time:
The GOP can try to frame the argument however they like, but the fact is, Republican incumbents took a really hard hit. And what makes this victory even sweeter is that they brought this upon themselves. As sad as it is to admit that the Democrats are sometimes really incompetent at managing national-level elections or campaigns, it was nice to see justified response of the American public without Democratic intervention. It gives hope that this country is not the same moronic one that elected a buffoon to the presidency TWICE.
The electorate has spoken, and as in the case of the Special Elections... told a misguided and stubborn leader "YOU FUCKED UP". Read what I read above... But let's put it this way. The morning after a brutal election night, the president cites a need for a new perspective on the war in Iraq (not sure about the person he chose, but hell... the Dems can fillibuster his confirmation until they officially take charge and then flat-out reject him) in replacing Secreatary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. This midterm election was as much about voters' attitudes about the current administration as it was about congressional power. The war in Iraq worked against the GOP, for a change... No wedge issue could avoid the fact that it was the Republican-controlled government that got us into the current situation in Iraq that needs no explaination nor description.
Now, onto the effects of the shift in power:
DailyKos bloggers had some pretty amazing summaries of what this means for the liberal movement:
So here it is... my hopes for the next two years. They're idealistic, but that's not to say that they aren't realistic:
1. Bipartisan cooperation
WHY: The obvious. I had a discussion during lunch with an acquaintance about how difficult it is to be a true moderate because it seems as if no politican is ever moderate. Bipartisanship, or at least an opportunity for bipartisan efforts would allow more independent action outside of party lines.
HOW: It's obviously difficult to accomplish this in the intensely political environment of Capitol Hill, where a few votes can sway the balance. George brought up the hypothetical situation in which Lieberman defects to the Republicans (assuming, of course, that he hasn't done so already) and the reverse of the chaos in 2000 takes place in what would be a situation of painful irony. However, Democratic control of the House (and the Senate) allows liberals a voice for dissent to balance a conservative administration. And given the resignation of Rumsfeld and Bush's reaction to the midterm elections, the hope for bipartisanship and moderation seems promising:
2. A refocusing of priorities and issues
WHY: Because frankly, gay marriage should not usurp the national sense of morality and justice. There are children who go hungry at school and at home because of the widespread but silent issue of poverty. There are
HOW: Well, back to that San Jose Mercury News article:
WHY: Look through this blog (when there are posts >.<) or any archive of political activity in this country for the past year or two... It's AMAZING the kind of shit that happens, much of which never gets exposed to the general public. Having a conservative Congress also gave the President an incredible amount of power in dealing with Iraq, and I suppose it's obvious that in retrospect, that wasn't such a great thing.
HOW: Restoration in the system of checks and balances, reforms to counter the ridiculous/unacceptable amount of scandals in politics, and involvement of "average" American people in politics... just to name a few. Tightening lobbying restrictions will definitely be a goal of this Congress to redeem itself after what seemed to be a series of scandals that disillusioned many (including yours truly). I'm most excited about this... I'm not rooting for impeachment, although I must say it would be very well-deserved, but I'm definitely hoping for some key hearings and investigations regarding Iraq policy and this supposed "war on terror".
One of the first entries I did on Decaf Democracy was a mock State of the Union Address based on the real one. Before that came countless Xanga entries (whoa, what's this Xanga again?) compiling my initial source of interest- political humor. Here I am now, no longer the overwhelmed high school junior who had just tasted a bit of the real world outside of school and "mundane trivialities of adolescence," but a college student living away from home (technically) who doesn't even read the paper every morning (because I'm usually either sleeping in or running to math- if I go). But that's okay. Because ole Rummy's gone :D and Pelosi is going to be a kickass Speaker of the House. Hopefully... but before George or Jason or Victor or Teagle shut down my dreams... I politely extend to y'all my middle finger. Pre-emptively, of course. Because up until now, that's how foreign policy works in this country.
I'm tired. Goood night. Take care of yourselves, and each other.
And I confirm now with a satisfied grin on my face and Metallica's "Attitude" playing in the background: democracy is alive and apparently kicking some ass.
The Democrats took back the House and possibly/likely the Senate after years of passively watching the Republicans abuse the power and stick a shaft up the Democrats' asses. This is the most obvious victory, but one that is also underscored by a huge level in state-level elections. This signifies a shift in political direction of the country, or perhaps an ideological awakening of the electorate. And the Democrats took back Congress by winning traditionally "red" states. And they won those states by running strong candidates and, in the case of Jon Tester in Montana, "real American" candidates who espoused real American values, rather than artificial ones concocted by a right-wing faction.
Americans told their political leaders to fucking get back in shape, because they deserved better. Incumbents usually have a huge advantage in congressional elections, since they have the money and influence to win campaigns. Not this time:
Representative Rahm Emanuel of Illinois, cast the election in historic terms this morning, saying that as things stood, with some races yet to be decided, no incumbent Democrat who sought reelection to the House was rejected by the voters, possibly a first in modern electoral history.
The GOP can try to frame the argument however they like, but the fact is, Republican incumbents took a really hard hit. And what makes this victory even sweeter is that they brought this upon themselves. As sad as it is to admit that the Democrats are sometimes really incompetent at managing national-level elections or campaigns, it was nice to see justified response of the American public without Democratic intervention. It gives hope that this country is not the same moronic one that elected a buffoon to the presidency TWICE.
The electorate has spoken, and as in the case of the Special Elections... told a misguided and stubborn leader "YOU FUCKED UP". Read what I read above... But let's put it this way. The morning after a brutal election night, the president cites a need for a new perspective on the war in Iraq (not sure about the person he chose, but hell... the Dems can fillibuster his confirmation until they officially take charge and then flat-out reject him) in replacing Secreatary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. This midterm election was as much about voters' attitudes about the current administration as it was about congressional power. The war in Iraq worked against the GOP, for a change... No wedge issue could avoid the fact that it was the Republican-controlled government that got us into the current situation in Iraq that needs no explaination nor description.
Now, onto the effects of the shift in power:
DailyKos bloggers had some pretty amazing summaries of what this means for the liberal movement:
"Yesterday, the electorate ended its 12-year love affair with the Republican Majority..." (The Great American Break-Up)I like that all of these sum up the victory in context of a larger political history. And yes, they tend to be a bit optimistic, and I know some of you will take issue with that. But hell, I know I'm probably the most optimistic of the Decaf team. But I've waited for this for TWO FUCKING YEARS. I'm entitled to indulge in this change which in and of itself is a progress and thus a victory.
"Despite the many billions spent in building this modern conservative movement, history will label it a grand and remarkable failure. And we will look back at 2006 as the year this most recent period of American history - the conservative ascendency - ended..." (A Day of Reckoning for the Conservative Movement)
"The Democrats didn't win because of the press. They won in spite of i... In the face of such a hostile media environment, the Democrats still won. And that, my friends, is a true miracle." (The Miraculous Appearance of an Agenda)
And because I love Cheers and Jeers:
"...We are the champions my friends
And we'll keep on fighting till the end
We are the champions
They're not the champions
Limbaugh's a loser
cause we are the champions...of the worldThey thought we were licked
A minority for life
But you brought passion and persistence
and everything that goes with it---I thank you all
But it's been no bed of roses
Here on the "Tubes!"
We considered it a challenge before the whole human race
To make the Republicans lose..."
So here it is... my hopes for the next two years. They're idealistic, but that's not to say that they aren't realistic:
1. Bipartisan cooperation
WHY: The obvious. I had a discussion during lunch with an acquaintance about how difficult it is to be a true moderate because it seems as if no politican is ever moderate. Bipartisanship, or at least an opportunity for bipartisan efforts would allow more independent action outside of party lines.
HOW: It's obviously difficult to accomplish this in the intensely political environment of Capitol Hill, where a few votes can sway the balance. George brought up the hypothetical situation in which Lieberman defects to the Republicans (assuming, of course, that he hasn't done so already) and the reverse of the chaos in 2000 takes place in what would be a situation of painful irony. However, Democratic control of the House (and the Senate) allows liberals a voice for dissent to balance a conservative administration. And given the resignation of Rumsfeld and Bush's reaction to the midterm elections, the hope for bipartisanship and moderation seems promising:
"Impeachment is off the table," she declared, spiking one dream that many liberal activists cherished. "Democrats are not about getting even . . . This election is about the future, not about the Republicans" [...]And the article brings me to my second point...
Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., who's likely to become Senate majority leader, echoed Pelosi's conciliatory tone. "We are not going to treat the Republicans like they've treated us," he said. Reid will become majority leader if Democrat James Webb's 7,000-vote lead over Republican Sen. George Allen in Virginia survives an expected recount [...]
Al From, the founder of the Democratic Leadership Council, the centrist wing of the Democratic Party, said that between now and 2008, "if Democrats act as problem solvers, not polarizers, that future will be very bright" [....]
Even as she pledged bipartisanship however, she challenged Bush to "signal an openness to new, fresh ideas," especially on Iraq, by dumping Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, a move that, as it turned out, the president announced an hour later.
[bold/italics mine]
2. A refocusing of priorities and issues
WHY: Because frankly, gay marriage should not usurp the national sense of morality and justice. There are children who go hungry at school and at home because of the widespread but silent issue of poverty. There are
HOW: Well, back to that San Jose Mercury News article:
Pelosi also reiterated the Democrats' consensus agenda for the 110th Congress, which convenes in January:
_Raising the minimum wage.
_Repealing oil company subsidies.
_Expanding stem cell research.
_Allowing the federal government to negotiate lower prices from pharmaceutical companies for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
_Reducing college loan rates.
_Tightening lobbying restrictions.
_Adopting the 9-11 commission's anti-terrorism recommendations.
I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty good to me, especially the last one. And I'm hoping things don't stop there, because there are plenty of issues, such as poverty and education and health care, on which Democrats and Republicans can agree.
WHY: Look through this blog (when there are posts >.<) or any archive of political activity in this country for the past year or two... It's AMAZING the kind of shit that happens, much of which never gets exposed to the general public. Having a conservative Congress also gave the President an incredible amount of power in dealing with Iraq, and I suppose it's obvious that in retrospect, that wasn't such a great thing.
HOW: Restoration in the system of checks and balances, reforms to counter the ridiculous/unacceptable amount of scandals in politics, and involvement of "average" American people in politics... just to name a few. Tightening lobbying restrictions will definitely be a goal of this Congress to redeem itself after what seemed to be a series of scandals that disillusioned many (including yours truly). I'm most excited about this... I'm not rooting for impeachment, although I must say it would be very well-deserved, but I'm definitely hoping for some key hearings and investigations regarding Iraq policy and this supposed "war on terror".
One of the first entries I did on Decaf Democracy was a mock State of the Union Address based on the real one. Before that came countless Xanga entries (whoa, what's this Xanga again?) compiling my initial source of interest- political humor. Here I am now, no longer the overwhelmed high school junior who had just tasted a bit of the real world outside of school and "mundane trivialities of adolescence," but a college student living away from home (technically) who doesn't even read the paper every morning (because I'm usually either sleeping in or running to math- if I go). But that's okay. Because ole Rummy's gone :D and Pelosi is going to be a kickass Speaker of the House. Hopefully... but before George or Jason or Victor or Teagle shut down my dreams... I politely extend to y'all my middle finger. Pre-emptively, of course. Because up until now, that's how foreign policy works in this country.
I'm tired. Goood night. Take care of yourselves, and each other.
posted by christie at 3:53 PM
1 comments
