I was shocked an appalled at how the democrats let republican operatives steal the election in 2000, when Al Gore was voted out by the supreme court. Our party, and Al Gore, decided it was better not to fight or highlight how big a victory he had won in the popular vote.
In 2004, After Kerry lost to Bush, I became energized, became active on this site, and passionately worked for both more and better democrats. I gave money to many Dems who though elected, have sabotaged health reform and financial reform - the two greatest needs facing our country.
Maybe its time to reconsider. I sure know that I am as angry at many democrats these days as I was at republicans in past years.
I am not disappointed that Obama has not been able to enact huge reforms. I am disappointed that he has ceased to act and talk like a reformer.
The health care bill has become a travesty in the Senate - and will likely become a disaster for the democratic party for years to come. In the present climate, Americans will blame democrats for this disaster - and for their increasing helplessness before big insurance and Wall st. banks.
So, why support the party, rather than support the reform. I don't want to support any democrats who will not be principled fighters for ordinary Americans, and who will educate, cajole, and above all vote, over and over again to kill bills that reward insurance companies and banks.
The very idea that mortgages cannot be adjusted in bankruptcy, but every other business contract can be, is a total travesty - yet the democratic controlled house voted to give the banks this special protection at the expense of all American homeowners.
As for health care - the idea is really just to expand medicare. Let anyone who is forced to pay over a certain premium just up and abandon that insurance company and buy into medicare. Let medicare bend the cost curve.
I feel our message is being drowned out by a hostile media and a compliant congress.
The new strategy should be to move the "overton window". Why are we even being defensive about protecting insurance companies by weakening and weakening a public option. We gave up on single payer too soon. And I thought at the time it was a good idea. Now, I wish we had a block of 40 or 50 house members who would say single payer or nothing - because we are going to get nothing.
I think the democrats are heading for disaster in 2010, and they deserve it. I am ready to try a different strategy.