'Y'all know what's happening right before our very eyes? You do know, don't you?

[Ninga]

we are being played

I have an idea. How about we move the tidy, planned in advanced, colorful, sign filled women's march scheduled for NEXT YEAR to the end of this week.

All the analysis, outrage, interesting threads, funny videos, are not laying one hand on the GOP.

If we don't rise up and meet this moment....then we have no standing to be outraged and victimized.

I guess I don't belong here. I think I joined in 2004. Maybe I don't fit in with the purpose of this forum.

[notdarkyet]

1. We should march now. Next year will not help.

[Ninga]

2. I agree. I do not know what must happen for people to understand we are the ones

we've been waiting for......

[Separation]

59. Ive already stated

That if Kavanaugh is confirmed. I am taking my damn self to Washington! I am militarily disabled, I don't have a job, I literally have nothing better to do. I know I'm a nobody, but I also know I'm not some mythological unicorn either. There are others out there that are like you and I that will go to Washington if he is confirmed.

If he is confirmed I hope to see you there!

[Croney]

3. In 37 days our voices will be heard. GOTV.

[Ninga]

4. In my opinion if we stand by and watch the WH manipulate the FBI investigation, we

are complicit.

Voting in Nov is important, but it is not a replacement to the sham being shoved under our noses today.

[Croney]

7. Trying to somehow make a giant rally happen in a week takes away precious resources needed to

GOTV. I'm not disagreeing with you, just wishing we could fix what's happening. I think we will. I'm planning ahead for the January rally. Surely by then we will be looking at better news than we have now.

[Ninga]

9. I disagree. Activists can gather in cities all over for one hour. In my opinion, this week

and the Supreme Court deserves all the attention we can muster.

I am 75.

I marched in the streets many times to give voice to stopping the Vietnam War.

If citizen soilders can give enough voice to stopping a war.....why not take to the streets to stop Kavanaugh?

[Croney]

10. I'll be 74 on Veterans Day.

I like your energy.

[pazzyanne]

23. I am also 75 years old and my patience is running thin as well.

It seems that for every step forward, we fall 2 steps back. Have been an activist all my life and what is happening right now in this country is a travesty. It is hard not lose heart and focus. In my heart of heart I think we are losing our country. The only real choice we have is to fight now and fight hard before all is lost.

[Honeycombe8]

15. Then go to a march. Get a protest together. I'll watch it on tv, but there are no marches in my area

Nor are there enough people to have a march in my dark red Trumper area. Me and Betty with signs would be a waste of time. Our time is better spent reaching many more people on the internet.

We each do what we can.

But I recognize that the Democrats have little power to change the course of Kavanaugh being confirmed. Our representatives have done what they can and have fought the good fight. But we have little power in this, since we are in the minority in the legislature.

The minute Garland was told he wouldn't be spoken to or considered, the future was set, if the people didn't show up in massive numbers and vote for the Democratic Party candidate.

Then when the Kennedy scheme came about..I knew what it meant. Didn't you? There are consequences to elections. We are living it. We can blame different people. I sure do. But what can we do? The only thing we CAN do that will change anything is to vote and to reach as many people as possible. Having a march in my deep red corner of the world won't reach many people who would even consider voting for a Non-Republican.

[Ninga]

41. Of course. But Chicago, and Detroit, and Seattle and St. Louis and and and have plenty

of people....

[DownriverDem]

16. The Dems are

demanding from the WH the scope of the FBI probe. GOTV and we can slow/stop the repub/trump agenda.

[Me.]

42. Due Respect

but I wish just one day would go by without the Dems being blamed, held responsible or accused of being complicit for what the GOP/Comrade Trump does. Those who are, are the ones who didn't vote last time around, voted for people like Stein or even the Comrade in the WH. As far as I know, people are doing the best they can when they don't have a shred of power and more than anything voting is most important. Just yesterday we were told, that despite everything, there will only be a modest uptick in the Latino vote. I understand the frustration but the constant scolding from every area....media, GOP, extreme left and here just doesn't help. And that is IMHO.

[mcar]

47. This!

[Me.]

50. Thank you

[woundedkarma]

12. If we wait for the vote

It might be the last vote we ever get.

EVERY PIECE OF TRASH CHALLENGE to ANYTHING that ever makes it to the SCOTUS will go for republicans.

[Augiedog]

14. In 5 days our voices will be silenced by a sexual predator going on the Supreme Court

[jcsg]

68. shades of Clarence Thomas

I'm not even over that yet

[Atman]

24. If Kavenaugh is confirmed, 37 days will be too late.

Once he is on the SCOTUS all bets are off. Citizens United will become our Constitution, and Trump and his gang of criminals will all get a get-out-of-jail-free card. We need to take action NOW.

[Hoyt]

26. Exactly, everyone needs to march right down to the polls. In meantime, donate what you can.

[Ninga]

5. I sincerely think people have no earthy idea that we can be powerful if we only make

the effort.

[angrychair]

38. If only people remembered

The lessons of history.

To many are stuck in the “middle-of-the-road” cooperation mode and have lost the activist spirit that is starting to be reborn in our young people. The serious risk is that this new born activism rising up in our young people will be crushed or undermined by the “cooperating/compromising” wing of “adults” that have become so desperate that the only way they see to have a majority is to adopt republican ideals to appeal to republicans and telling everyone else to “shut up and live with it”.

One of my favorite lines from The American President
“They don’t drink the sand because they’re thirsty, they drink the sand because they don’t know the difference”

We don’t inspire a next generation by being the same, we inspire them by reminding everyone why we are different.

[Ninga]

39. Truth to power, well spoken. It is hard to not be disheartened.

[dalton99a]

6. Agree 100%. Why next year?

[Kaleva]

8. Why do you allow yourself to be played?

If you don't stand up, you'll have no standing to be outraged and victimized.

[Honeycombe8]

11. I'm not in an area that has marches for liberal causes.

I also can't kennel my dog and fly somewhere, then rent a car and pay for a hotel, to attend a march.

Millions of women are in my position. What do I do? I am a reliable VOTER. And I post on forums, including my local community very red FB group. I post on my representatives' FB sites, countering the lies they spew.

A protest doesn't do any more, except that it's more visible. But a march won't change the facts that Kavanaugh will be confirmed, although it does rev up the base.

I don't think we should criticize those who do what they can with what's available to them. You are in an area where a march is possible for you. Good for you.

[qwlauren35]

43. Another thing you can do -

Postcard Campaigning - [link:https://postcardstovoters.org//]

It's one on one, which can be frustrating in this time when we want to reach out to thousands at once. But it's something.

Also, [link:http://www.vote411.org|] helps people register to vote. It's perfect for those on-line all the time.

Sometimes we have FB friends who read what we post and don't share it. Consider messaging those people with 1000 friends and asking them to blast vote411.org. It's not partisan, so it's hard to feel like you're taking a side in a mixed environment.

Give it a shot.

[CrispyQ]

55. I love postcardstovoters!

Swing Left is also a good GOTV org to take back the House. https://swingleft.org

[Honeycombe8]

66. I'll check into these things.

There are some here who are liberal, but we lie low. The hatred by the conservatives is palpable.

[Honeycombe8]

65. Excellent ideas. I'll follow up on that.

There is actually a large African American community in the area. IF most of them voted, this would, I think, be a 50-50 red/blue area. I don't feel safe walking around in those areas, since they are high crime/high drug areas. Really. The violent crimes rate here in those areas rivals any large city.

Why isn't there a Democratic organization here that could involve them? I guess they're not interested enough in politics. Yet, we do have some black local politicians...on the school board and such.

AND there have been some LGBT posters in our community group. Where there are a few, there would be more, because they get slaughtered by the conservative majority (figuratively). So only a few of the braver ones would dare post.

I'll do some checking on this.

[qwlauren35]

69. Look into Color of Change

Let me know where you are, and I may be able to look also.

[llmart]

13. I'd like to preference my post by saying, please don't take this as opposition.

but, in spite of the massive protests women (and some men) were able to accomplish after the inauguration and the incredible amount of media attention that we received for all of it, Trump is still in office and the GOP is still raping our democracy left and right every single day.

I am not saying protests don't help, but I actually think that at this point the very most important thing to do is to make sure the people who are appalled and concerned about this administration get registered and get out and vote. I also know that we can do both, but right now we really, really need to not just barely win in November. We need massive wins in November all all levels of government.

[WhiteTara]

17. I'm waiting for the election.

Then it will be a mass demonstration in DC.

Right now, carry registration forms with you. Ask EVERYONE if they are registered, if not, hand them a form, help them fill it out Make sure it's signed and turn it in. Forms are at DMV and County Clerk's office. We have to take the steps, otherwise it will be so disorganized that it will be impossible to regroup.

[The Liberal Lion]

18. Yes, yes, yes! You get it.

We are most certainly being played. The time for action has long passed, and we are sleeping into an anger filled coma. Yes we are angry, but no we aren't doing thye right things to bring this corrupt system and the farce of a government to it's knees. I am sure of what comes next, but I'll let those who still want to play by the "rules" get thru the midterms and see where we stand. I have a feeling many will come out of their slumber and be ready for action. Great observation on your part.

[Ninga]

19. Thank goodness the people protested Vietnam

If it were now instead of then...would we?

Isn’t Kavanaugh our Vietnam?

[Cousin Dupree]

20. I agree 100%! We are being played and Flake IS NOT a hero. He is in on it.

[Ninga]

29. I agree somewhat. We won't know however until it's over haw badly we were played!

if the WH is directing the FBI with written instructions, why would anyone think that would be a good thing?????

[Fred Sanders]

21. Disagree. Flake and Coons torpedoeing the vote for at least a week...for a criminal investigstion

by real investigators of a real historical sexual felony is no small thing.

It would have been enormous if you remember how we all thought last Thirsday night and during the time just before the Judiciary vote was cast. How was that us being played?

How many "he will be confirmed" predictions have there been in these preceding weeks...it is defeatist.

Let the investigation by the FBI play out...filling the news void with speculation and defeatism is not productive.

[geardaddy]

22. There should be a nation-wide women's strike

Refuse to do anything but protest.

[bdamomma]

25. I think we can do both.

Organizations are out there to mobilize quickly. If push comes to shove we can mobilize quickly. There is nothing to stop us.

[Ninga]

36. The more we talk about it it may happen......from my mouth to her ears! Nt

[Ninga]

27. Boston has stepped up! Nt

[B Stieg]

28. Bait and Switch is pretty much ALL Trump knows

And the FBI investigation is one more case of that!
The only anecdote is to REGISTER and VOTE!

[Hotler]

30. Do not doubt yourself, you belong here.

You can not embarrass the GOP. They wear their hypocrisy and nastiness on their sleeves and don't care. Everybody should be marching as one, should have done it years ago for any number of issues. You have to hang tough around this place.
take care

[Ninga]

32. I learned long ago that saying it and believing needs a third leg....boots and Birkenstock's and

sneakers and flip flops on the ground.

nothing compares to massive amounts of human energy, speaking at the same with one voice.

Nothing.

[LakeArenal]

31. Women I know just marched all over

Canvassing for local politicians.

I’m sure they would welcome you with them.

[Ninga]

33. Yep I've seen them when canvassing for our Congressional candidate. I am an activist in

every way possible. I even phone bank which I do not like to do.

[LakeArenal]

37. I can't march anymore. Severe arthritis but

I contribute in stationary positions.

Thanks for helping! 🙋🏼?♀️

[Moostache]

34. More than 15 credible accusations against Trump pre-election 2016...

A FUCKING TAPE of him bragging about and admitting to sexual assault AND stating out loud that he "grabs them by the pussy"...and STILL the election installed him as the President of this broken experiment in self-rule.

Face facts people, the election in November is going to disappoint because it will not change anything. The bull running amok in the china shop is smashing things into tinier pieces, but the main damage - stacking the courts and especially the SCOTUS and destroying the financial status and future ability to respond to crises through tax giveaways to the 1% - is done already.

Also, anyone else notice how this is ANOTHER example of how to relieve pressure from the Mueller investigation AGAIN? I am sickened to my core at how easily Trump spins off new outrages to make the others seem less bad or to take away the momentum building on any one disqualifying trait or act or statement.

This nation's government has been killed by hyperpartisan acts and apathy of the voters. The manipulation of a supposedly impartial FBI investigation through setting absurdly narrow guidelines is only the latest example of the truth - we have no functioning representative republic any longer, we have nascent fascism, period.

[LakeArenal]

40. Wow just wow.

I’m not as dismal as this. Are we to give up? I’m not sure of your message here.

We should recognize the place we are, I hear that.... The Gov is or has been destroyed and given to oligarchs. I hear that... But then...?

Venting? Given up?

[Moostache]

49. Starting over is a distinct and real possibility at this point...

I'll posit that we (Dem's) take the house but not the senate in November...then what?

We can hold investigations until the cows come home, the only thing it will achieve is making us look like them - they will play it as Benghazi II or "revenge for the Clintons" and they will get away it because that is what they do...when Democrats hold investigations, Republicans cry foul and whine louder and harder and longer than Democrats. The opposite happens when the roles are reversed.

There will not be 67 votes to remove any one from any office at the current time.

There is one thing that MIGHT make a significant impact - a return to the Fairness Doctrine in all media (including social media outlets) but that has almost ZERO chance of being implemented. We have gone crazy over "free speech" to the extent that we have codified propaganda like Fox "News" and Drudge and the like into legitimate 'news' organizations. The results are clear over the past 40 years.

Mid-terms and GOTV are cute ideas...and really everyone should ALWAYS vote...but by themselves, they are not close to enough. I hear a lot of GOTV and take back the house and senate blah blah but precious little about what would that actually be used for...I am disillusioned and bitterly disappointed in the state of our republic, in actuality I would simply prefer a split and redrawn national borders over dealing with the current trajectory of the country. We are going to have a ultra-right wing SCOTUS for the next 30 years, regardless of demographics, election results and future nominees...I won't live to see the end of that timeline, so yeah, I do feel despair about it.

[LakeArenal]

52. Still, are you venting or throwing in your towel?

All your anxiety seems to be speculation.

This type of speculation seems to go against your “everyone should vote”.

It also seems very defeatist. I’m definitely not in that place and hope most on DU aren’t.

But I wish you some peace because it’s obvious you are down.

Just wanted you to know I listened and heard what you had to say.

[Moostache]

53. Thank you...

Its a primal scream of rage at the tempest more than total capitulation....but man am I down...since November of 2016 I have been in a state of depression that alternates between resolve to see real change again and total despair...

I am getting too old for this...to realize that my sunrises are dwindling in total and the state of the nation is such a mess that I can't see it ever getting back to treading water some days...its terrible but I appreciate the effort to let me know you hear me too.

This is such a helpless and soul-crushing feeling that at times its overwhelming...

[LakeArenal]

64. A couple of things that help me...

As old folks, we can do little but vote.
But that’s most important of any other measures.

I take heart that the young people out there are beginning to take politics seriously. Even if the Court is highjacked for 30 years, as you say, these very young people will just be coming into their prime.

That even if we miss the Senate and regain the house, 1% business as usual will be affected. But should we control both, (which I think will happen eventually) Justices are impeachable.

That Germany recovered from a tyrant. And we will as well.

That when you are low there are people who still care. And hope they can lift you up.

Our plan is to move to a place where we will be able to live quietly and as cheaply as possible. ( Took some research to find where, but it occupies your time when you feel defeated).

That I believe “we” outnumber “them”..

That eventually the Repukes will begin to eat their own in the race for power.

Of course, I bless DU. It is a constant source of support and creative humor.

I guess I’m a blooming optimist. Feel better.

[Ninga]

63. I hear ya, and concur with your assessment....but be careful, least you not be called out for being

melodramatic....

Living as long as I have does not allow me to ignor when the American people are being scammed.

[WiffenPoof]

46. Great Post

Great rant.

[homegirl]

35. Right on,

Sister !!!

[WiffenPoof]

44. I agree!. And...

I was going to start a related thread that touches on the fact that we are taking very little of this seriously.

Even on MSNBC, commentators seem to laugh a lot and talk about Trump in humorous terms.

THIS IS NO JOKE

We have been laughing about this for way too long. Our democracy is in trouble and it is no laughing matter. We are in danger of turning over our country to 30% of the Right Wing loonies.

Did you watch Trump this morning? His so called "press conference" was frightening.

It's not enough to simply recognize that we have a serious problem. We must act before it is too late. (Of course, it should be done following all legal means).

Paige

ON EDIT:. I'm sorry, but I have little hope that we will do ANYTHING to stop this madness.

As Mike Malloy stated recently...we need just ten percent to take to the streets and we would see change. But we all know that nothing is going to happen. We are a lazy people.

[Ninga]

45. Welp....tRumps presser - Kavanaugh a shoo in......nt

[NurseJackie]

48. ...

I guess I don't belong here. I think I joined in 2004. Maybe I don't fit in with the purpose of this forum.

Okay, well, goodbye... have a nice life. Vote for Democrats!

[Ninga]

51. Trying to muster taking to the streets was mostly greeted with crickets. Hence my

musings.

I'm 75 and was arrested during a scuffle in the street during a Vietnam War protest.

LBJ was the first Dem I voted for....

It is kind of you to wish me a nice life.....
But
Do you think I should leave DU? Am I not welcome?

[NurseJackie]

54. That's rather up to you, isn't it?

Do you think I should leave DU?

That's rather up to you, isn't it? If you insist on leaving... if you feel that's best for you... then what reason would anyone have for begging you to stay? If you're unhappy here, then staying here would only continue to make you unhappy.

Am I not welcome?

I do not know. Actually, I'm not in a position to answer that question one way or another. I think that's something that only you can decide for yourself. Ask yourself if you *feel* unwelcome? Do you feel out of place? How important is it for you to feel more welcome that you do now?

Maybe it's not so much a matter of your literally being UN-welcome by the majority... but that you, yourself, for whatever reasons, whether real or imagined, feel like you don't belong. And if that's the case, then perhaps you have your answer already.

Your choice, it seems, would be to change yourself (something that many people reject and dislike doing) or continuing to complain about the members here (how inferior and disengaged and superficial you think we are?) and nagging everyone until we "shape-up" and conform to your high standards that all Democrats should strive for.

Good luck!

[LanternWaste]

56. When confronted by melodrama, your patience is far greater than mine

Probably best I leave it to what you said rather than calling out Max Bialystock's bad stage lighting.

[NurseJackie]

57. Thanks!

[Ninga]

61. Asked and answered. You've made yourself quite clear. Nt

[NurseJackie]

62. You're welcome.

Farewell.

[JI7]

58. lol

[lpbk2713]

60. Everything positive about our country is being destroyed.

All because of the (R)s win at all costs mindset.

Nothing is out of bounds. Whatever it takes.

[bdamomma]

67. Whatever it takes

If they keep pushing us there will be push back