Many politicians we support have sometimes disappoint us--like the Dem Senators and Congressmen---except Gov Dean---he continues to work to make the Dem party for the people, of the people and by the people--encouraging activism---and his work make doubly hard by the growing cynicism as the realization that the Dem congressmen and senators continue to disappoint us by not fighting hard for what is right.

Posted at December 21, 2007 7:09 PM in response to Looking Forward: Prospects for Carrying on the Legacies of the Dean and Lamont Campaigns

Yes SS isnt in trouble.

But I agree with Obama in removing caps.

I also agree that General Tax should pay for their borrowings from SS used to pay for deficits ---after all, as it is today--it is not the Govt money, it is insurance money paid by employees.

And if there is no money in General Tax--then they have to find a way -- like increasing taxes from the higher income brackets. But Loan should be Repaid.

Posted at November 16, 2007 4:44 PM in response to The Left's Obama Problem

Present netroots may be connected to 60's in a way.

The 60's movement made a lot of gains which became official policy or institutions such as environment, desegregation, civil rights, social welfare, women's rights, abuse of power(Nixon and Vietnam) etc.

We see those gains being reversed and netroots reacted wanting to protect it.

Posted at January 22, 2007 11:18 AM in response to An Afterthought on the Aftersixties

Forward 2008, Bush is gone, Democrats gain the WH or a moderate Republican palatable to Democrats and Congress is still Democratic and Senate may be a toss up. And troops are back home from Iraq.

Whither does the netroots movement goes?

There was an outrage against Iraq and corruption and Republican abuses against Constitution and civil liberties spawning the "movement". But once they are resolve, what happens now?

Posted at January 16, 2007 11:58 AM in response to Institutions Talk, Enthusiasm Walks

The New Left is anyone who is left of the present Republican Party who are extreme Right wing.

Thus it is a misnomer to say that the netroots are left. They are really moderate, pragmatic and want governement that works for the common good. These are not the left of previous era nor the European left. Again netroots are wealthier, more educated, internet savvy wants to get involve but dont have time to put boots in the ground thus do it by blogs.

Their policies are more in line with the public (see polls) thus in fact are the real center not the center of Washington politics. I call them the more informed public and can serve as a focus group if the public has the same information as the netroots.

ie., netroots knew the WMD evidence is wrong or that Iraq had no connnection to 911 thus they vehemently oppose it, the public were not informed by the press thus was for the war. Now that the public knew the real situation they too are vehemently oppose to the war.

Posted at January 16, 2007 8:02 AM in response to MY LEFT FANNY

But blogs have realize their power to persuade and put down a candidate and thus can be exposed to abuse--such as blackmailing a politician subtlely to advertise with them or they dont get articles that promote them instead get articles that criticize them.

How do we prevent that? How do we differentiate a puff or paid article which promote a candidate vs a genuine spontaneuous sentiment? What are the rules that govern disclosure of their relationship with a candidate?

Posted at January 16, 2007 7:45 AM in response to Medium and Movement

Internet is another way to get organized and participate in the political process but it selects peole who are internet savvy, educated, etc and thus the higher average income (blogads--most earn more than $75K). These people may not have the time to put shoes on the ground but internet provides them an easy way to get involve.

Thus the whole grassroot movement of the Democratic Party may be composed of several groups of people with different stripes but are united with one goal to elect Democratic Party leaders who share their common ideology and netroots is just one group.

Posted at January 16, 2007 7:44 AM in response to Medium and Movement

How do we make sure that blogs with their power to influence netroots dont blackmail politicians to advertise with them or hire them or else they get criticized in articles?

Posted at January 16, 2007 7:25 AM in response to What is this new movement?

For me it started with Social Security, reinforced by Katrina and Terry Schiavo

Posted at December 26, 2006 12:00 PM in response to Event of the (Two) Year (Cycle)?

Apologize Mr. Bush!

What if all Dems--blogs, TV, RAdio repeat this phrase until election day.

Kerry apologized for a blotched joke that was insulting to President Bush only but George Bush has a lot to apologize to USA and the troops.

Posted at November 2, 2006 5:20 AM in response to Where's the Outrage?