The following letter (a response to an OFA e-mail) showed up in my FB feed:
UPDATE
The actual content of the response to OFA was created by someone who I believe is a Republican with Libertarian leanings. Someone who identifies with a “Don’t Tread on Me” flag - maybe even a Tea Party sympathizer.
Just over one hour after this “not much of a diary” was posted there were 11 votes in the poll where I requested reactions to the posted response to the OFA e-mail.
Leaning somewhat “positive” we had 1 “agree”, 2 “makes some good points” and 3 “can’t really agree” (I take that last that the content isn’t out and out rejected in toto.) A total of 6.
On the negative side we have 1 “disagree”, and 4 “RW Troll”. A total of 5.
Of course this is DKos so we have to have some pie – 1 vote for “buckle”.
In comments there is an assumption that some of this content would appeal to a disaffected progressive:
Could it be that you really didn't read past the first few lines and thought it was a disaffected progressive like you
Someone else asked :
Why did you include this GOP/Fox talking point??
Maybe other points were not so out of place?
Someone does hit the nail on the head
While it's clearly a right-wing response, it does sound a lot like some of the diaries here.
And one response to that was
i really couldn't tell the diff. this time
I’m not sure what to make of it.
Is there some common ground on certain issues between Dems/liberals/progressives and “tea party” types? If so, what do we do with that?
Is there some common ground between the tea party types and “disaffected progressives”? Do the latter know they are aligning with the former (and are they OK with that)?
Thank you Mr. President for the email. That was out of [t]he ordinary and unexpected. Let me reply to some of your message.
> Friend
That assumes facts not in evidence.
> Today I asked for a joint session of Congress
It fine to ask. Probably be better to work out the basics with those involved before inviting the whole country. Basics such as meeting time and agenda.
> where I will lay out a clear plan to get Americans back to work
Cool. That won't be easy or overnight. Must be a whale of a plan.
> Whether they will do the job they were elected to
Remember those two years when you owned the congress? Remember the years before when your party owned the budget, well actually the spending because there has not been a budget? Remember your party brought exorbitant entitlements, the housing bubble and now borrowing $0.40 of every dollar spent by the way too expensive federal government.
> But both you and I can pressure them
I am pretty sure you will.
> to do the right thing.
That's where we the people step in because they work for us too, just like the executive branch and you Mr. President. I can send you over a constitution if you misplaced yours.
> And we must hold them accountable if they don't.
Again, we got that covered. Just like last election.
> http://my.barackobama.com/...
I will take a look.
> No matter how things go in the weeks and months ahead, this will be an important challenge for our organization.
No matter how you manipulate things in the months ahead, this will be of great concern for your party and all of our country.
> It's been a long time since Congress was focused on what the American people need them to be focused on.
Yup all the noise and drama that you injected over stimulus that was not, health care that won't, government takeovers from owners, and meddling in energy, guns, banks and guitar manufacturing. Congress has their work cut out for them. Its not unipartisan for you any more like in a monarchy.
> I know that you're frustrated by that. I am, too.
I am pretty sure that you do not know how frustrated I am with your policies and actions. That is your policy and actions not race. I think you are from a fine race, the human race, just like me. I don't even care that some of your parents are pigment challenged, just like me. Its your policies and actions that frustrate me greatly. I have yet to find solace as I read your letter.
> That's why I'm putting forward a set of bipartisan proposals
Let me explain bipartisan proposals. Both parties create the solution and present it to their bosses, the citizens. Unilateral and bully pulpit is what you are using.
> strengthening our small businesses
That will be good.
> giving needed breaks to middle-class families
Why stop there, how about equal breaks for all. I am some kind of tired of hearing about race and class when you should be improving the situation for all Americans.
> responsible steps to bring down our deficit
Responsible and bring down sound good. I can't begin to tell you how skeptical I am. I imagine you are talking prolonged spending at a high rate above revenues and further erosion of the free and productive economy. Let see what you have in your unipartisan planning and see if you have discovered responsible.
> I'm asking lawmakers to look past short-term politics
You can start and by leading on this change, I hope.
> we've got to do this together
We have to be 1)responsible and 2)follow the Constitution 3)together. Those three givens may or may not include your plan.
> I will deliver this message to Congress next week
Cool. So I got like a preview.
> but I'm asking you to stand alongside me today
Not so far. Well, the asking is there. The alongside not so much.
> Paid for by Obama for America
That's refreshing. Your election team is paying for plans for the economy when lately I have been paying for your multiple private jets, buses, limousines and vacations while you pretend to mix the work of the people in your real election drive.
> More to come
Roger that.
> Barack
xxxxx. Your boss.
Call if you need anything. I am at least as much and maybe even more interested than you in working. Speaking of work I am laying off two more today. Two more are on real thin ice. They are all good people at responsible planning and honest communication. Let me know if you need anybody over there. Our facility is at 25% capacity. How you doing for space?