Although I'm very aware that this forum was, generally speaking, very pro-public option, I'm finding myself surprised that there is so little enthusiasm here - on the level of an election -with regards to the pending HC vote.
I've come here a lot more in the recent week; my attendance has dropped off considerably because I don't feel that the forum has been directing my political energy (e.g., action notices and things of that nature). So, I feel less politically effective here as a result of the site becoming more mainstream.
Nevertheless, I always return at election time because I find the site to be exciting then. In a virtual way, I feel like I'm attending a party of like-minded people. The front-page is updated rapidly with juicy bits of information from knowledgeable people.
Well, this week felt a little like an election to me. It had/has all of the drama. How it turns will have a considerable effect on the subsequent mid-term election. Moreover, there is a single date, like an election day, when a decision will be rendered. Also, there is a number that must be reached, just like an election.
Yet, despite the similarities with an election I find that the forum hasn't functioned to generate excitement among its membership. Because I don't believe DKos wishes failure on the legislation - or the vast majority of its members don't - I suspect the cause for this is a general lack of excitement in the bill.
My understanding of advocacy and protest informs me that you stick to your guns until doing so has no more effect. When you reach that point, you pick a side and fight. Pelosi made clear to us that the bill wouldn't be changed any longer, I believe, on Monday. So why the relative quiet?
Someone will undoubtedly say in response, "Look at the many diaries!" I have read them. Still, HuffPost, Politico, TPM, Drudge Retort and other sites have provided much more information about this vote than DKos.
I'm disappointed. What do you think?