I know many of you are sick of replies to Obama already, but this is mainly meant for the Senator to read. So, read if you like, if not, I won't be offended. But id you recommend better chance he may read it.
Senator, I want to say first and foremost that your post is very thoughtful and very relevant to the current political atmosphere. It's also very non-DC, non-typical Senator/Congressperson.
Therein lies the problem. Because, while I agree with much of what you post, I completely feel the pain in RenaRF's post and plea. While you seem to be at odds, you are both articulating the same problem: in a nice, polite way, you are castigating other Dems who are NOT standing up and saying this:
more...
"Finally, I am not arguing that we "unilaterally disarm" in the face of Republican attacks, or bite our tongue when this Administration screws up. Whenever they are wrong, inept, or dishonest, we should say so clearly and repeatedly; and whenever they gear up their attack machine, we should respond quickly and forcefully. I am suggesting that the tone we take matters, and that truth, as best we know it, be the hallmark of our response."
You start out by defending those who voted for Roberts "after careful consideration" -- but I ask you this: Were they carefully considering their seats, or carefully considering their conscience in how the vote would affect their constituents? If the latter, that's fine with me. I respect that, although if I disagree I don't have to vote for him or her. However, if it is the former, I -- and I would safely venture most people on this site -- am outraged to the point of tears like Rena.
We, well, I do, want unity in the party, not straight party-line votes. However, if there is NO cohesive vision, you should be in DIFFERENT parties... Lieberman is not being reflective, he's being conservative. He should join the Republican party. There are legitimate reasons why so many Dems are losing faith in the party--we don't like double-speak, we don't like hypocrisy, and we don't like corruption. I'm not pointing fingers, I'm just saying those things are not limited the Republicans, although they seem to have perfected them to an art.
You speak of honest debate and insightful evaluation of the status quo. Great! All for it. If it makes sense, let's go for it. If it improves the state of our nation, builds back the credibilty of our government so squandered, yes! If it values citizens over big corporations, whether that be environmentally, fiscally, or otherwise, I will thank you and the others. If it places value on children and their health and respects their right to a real education, yes! If it confirms civil rights for all people, of all races, genders, sexes, orientations, religions, (dis)abilities, thanks!
But, BUT, you can't win over the conservative, moderate, independent, or non voters if you (plural) do not display honesty, integrity, and, above all, Leadership. My father a conservative/moderate Pennsylvanian who always votes, mostly conservative, but voted for Clinton, didn't vote in the last elections for the first time in his life, because he was disgusted -- at the mud-slinging, the articulate-to-the-point-of-convuluted responses from Kerry, incompetence, and his perceived lack of Leadership. He bemoaned the dearth of Statesmanship, true debate, not prostitution of floor votes for election's sake.
He lost faith and trust in the system altogether. You know who he would voted for, if he won the nomination? Howard Dean. Because he was HONEST. Even though a few of his stances my father adamantly disagrees with, such as abortion. Because was a LEADER, and he was honest, dammit! Now he distrusts the system.
My mother, who voted Republican every election except for Jimmy Carter, who has 15 million "support the Troops" magnets on her car, told me to carry a sign for her at the anti-war protest last weekend. Because she is disgusted by lies. She was going to write a letter to editor of the Post-Gazette abuot her outrage that Bush wasn't allowing 1,500 Cuban doctors, who have much experience in disaster situations like this, go to New Orleans after Katrina, because of petty politics with an old man.
She is outraged that Republicans on the Hill were trying to repeal the gun ban in DC where her daughter (me) lives, and as a vet-supporter, apalled at taxation without representation for the citizens of our nation's capital. She is upset, and now also has lost hope in the system, not just Republicans.
But this does not automatically translate into Dem votes. You know why? In case you don't, it's because a Republican who didn't trust the Dems before, who is screwed by the Republicans to whom they've been loyal, expects to be screwed even worse by Dems.
My parents are not atypical of the voters you are trying to reach out to. So, when you and the other Dems are busy compromising and having reasonable, honest, discussions, you all better remember that Leadership is what people are looking for -- not intelligent compromises. I'm not saying to vote stupidly or just whatever way the political wind is blowing that day -- vote with integrity, write bills with integrity, but stand behind them with all your strength, and tell the people why you did what you did, for the betterment of their lives. What you want to do and why, for the betterment our--no, THEIR--society, their environment, their children, their economy, and THE FUTURE OF THEIR COUNTRY.
Take no prisoners, and call the Repubs on their lies. Stand up to lies, don't flinch from the mud-slinging, take the heat and give it back. Politically astute does not equal a gelatinous spine, last I checked, prostitution is still illegal.
Thanks for listening. I, as so many people do, see so much promise in you. I see integrity, and I see intelligence and insight into everyday people. I'm also reading your book and that biases me. But I can tell you are a good man. Don't let us down, please.
I hope you get something out of this. If you do, for God's sake, pass it on.
Another Concerned Patriot