"I've Had It"

[H2O Man]

What to do at 1 am on a rainy night when this old bag of lard & bones aches? I had been under a quilt in my rocking chair, watching a podcast that I like. I had first come across it a few weeks ago. After catching up on a few episodes, I came on to DU:GD to see what, if anything, new was going on. So I read a few OP/threads about a Senate deal, and the reactions of two distinct groups – those okay with what some Senate Democrats are doing, and those who feel betrayed.

After over twenty years here, it does not come as a shock that there can be harsh disagreements on this forum. Is it possible that there are trolls afoot? Maybe some kids who weigh three to four times their IQ, in their mother's basement? Maybe. Even a single actual political operative, seeking to stir the pot? Or might one have to kid themselves to think such an unlikely thing in November of 2025?

Now, I wanted two things: first, for Democrats to break republicans, and second, to be 100% sure that people had food and health care. That would seem the least a civilized society could provide. Deep down, of course, I favor improving our educational system, including lowering the cost of public colleges and universities.

That may be in large part because I am convinced that one of the most dangerously entrenched problems today is economic warfare. It seems we are to avoid talking about this in proper society. We can talk about sexism, racism, street crime, inflation, and the president's tiny, mushroom-shaped prick, as one of my friends recently pointed out. But not how the opulently wealthy are treating the vast majority of American citizens. Thus, I will not even so much as hint at the context in which I view the cruelty involved in current events.

Instead, I'll recommend that people watch the podcast “I've Had It.” It features two women – Jennifer Welch, a Democrat, and Angie Sullivan, a former republican. They have interviewed individuals including Barack Obama, Elizabeth Warren, and Kamala Harris on their show. But they lean to the left, and thus have also interviewed AOC, Bernie Sanders, and Zohran Mamdani.

On of the things they stress is that we should look to see who their biggest sources of income are, in order to understand the positions they take, and votes they cast. If they take substantial income from a foreign lobbyist, perhaps one that isn't registered as much, it just might influence their stance on foreign affairs. Or if they take money from a domestic source, it is within the realm of possibility that this could influence their votes.

Now, this is just my opinion, but a government that will support the cruelty that one nation inflicts upon human beings – let's say the people of Gaza and the West Bank – is capable of inflicting cruelty upon segments of its own population. Others may disagree – perhaps strongly – and I can respect that. This is merely the thinking of an old man, in the early hours after skimming through DU:GD. I shall wait until I wake up later to decide if I'll even post this.

Last Tuesday, a number of different Democrats won elections. In some places, a progressive candidate may win where an establishment candidate such as Andrew Cuomo cannot. Yet in other cities and states, a conservative Democrat may be the best candidate. But one thing seems clear, at least to me: to win in both 2026 and 2028, our party needs the support of liberal and progressive independents. And the supporting of cutting back on the social safety net is not going to gain their support. In other words, we don't need the Weather Channel to see which way the wind blows.

Finally, let's be respectful of those on this forum who hold different opinions. Harsh and insulting responses will not change minds.

(Note: As a result of some interactions here this afternoon, I decided I would post this, which I wrote in the wee mourning hours.)

[MarineCombatEngineer]

1. Food for thought.

Thank you.

[H2O Man]

2. Thank you!

[CentralMass]

3. Trolls afoot ? Possibly but there appears to many long time members here who do not like this vote.

[H2O Man]

4. Right.

That is what I think, as well. I count myself among them.

[maxsolomon]

9. I was accused of being one last week.

For expressing my well-warranted cynicism.

I've been on here for 20+ years.

[H2O Man]

41. Years ago,

a DU posted "proof" that I was Patrick Buchanan. Within two weeks, she was served pizza.

[maxsolomon]

53. Most times I think DU prefers Pollyannas to realists.

Rah Rah Go Team, when the reality is we're in deep shit here. As Democrats and as a Nation.

[H2O Man]

56. Exactly!

I would prefer that DUers mistake me for the character that inspired Lennon's "Mean Mr. Mustard."

On a much more serious note, I don't think everyone understand recent events affecting the food supply. But they will pretty soon.

[Maru Kitteh]

64. I'M ONE OF THEM. THIS VOTE IS AN ABOMINATION.

I do not approve of this abject sickness, this steaming pile of worthless sentiments and hollow regards from current leadership and nobody on DU.or elsewhere will succeed in gaslighting me into believing that I do not see what I see with mine own eyes.

[Bluetus]

103. There are trolls on every forum. And we should expect more trollish activity as AI bots proliferate. In this case

I think it is mostly the case that, in life, most of us evolve in our thinking. Our views (political, culturally, artistically, economically ...) SHOULD change as we gain more life experience and see things from perspectives we had not experienced before.

And what that means is that people gain wisdom at different rates and different times. There are still a few people who are trying to defend the old guard's lack of imagination, vision, and fortitude. Some of us got to that point years ago. Some reached their "last straw" on Sunday.

I think our challenge is to be patient with those who are slow to come to see the depth of problems we face with Party leadership. We need to be nurturing but firm. And we cannot let those who are still struggling distract from what most of us know must be done. We need to channel our energy into accomplishing the necessary changes in our Party and society in general, and not let the latecomers slow our pace.

[Easterncedar]

5. I have been feeling storm-lashed today

I am happy to catch a ride on your even keel. Thank you

[H2O Man]

6. And thank you!

I had a person attack me today, including accusing me of kicking people off this forum. Yikes! I don't have -- or want -- that ability. Neither do I care even a tiny, tiny bit when people disagree with me, or dislike who they think I am. Water off a creek's back, or something like that!

[Easterncedar]

8. There are trolls here

I am glad you are shrugging them off.

[H2O Man]

26. My children note

that I look like the senior of the Billy Goat Gruffs, hence trolls are no problem.

[Easterncedar]

39. One of my very favorite tales!

The goat comparison is a solid compliment. I love goats!

Here in central Maine the Pumpkin Vine Family Farm, which raises the loveliest goats and makes fabulous cheese, is the happiest place I know. They nurture their land and cultivate diverse habitats for birds, insects and mammals. They host a couple of concerts under a tent each summer and hold farm markets and festivals, nature watches and goat pageants and hikes. I love walking among the young goats, they frolic so hilariously. Their harvest festival this month encourages people to dress up as Tomtens, Scandinavian gnomes.

The family is a blend of Indian/Caribbean and Anglo-American. The pumpkin vine is a Caribbean symbol of family connection. The couple are dedicated to building a community of kindness and warmth.

Today being a tough day, I am indulging myself in describing something beautiful in the world, remembering to be grateful for good people. And the most beautiful goats!! (Nubian and Alpine. The Alpine bucks have the handsome beards.)

Thanks for mentioning goats, H2O Man. Down with trolls!

[H2O Man]

46. In the 1990s,

I dated a lady who raised goats. Fascinating beings! (When I introduced her to my father, he told a few stories about raising goats on the farm when he was young. The family lived on a farm without electricity or running water at the time. He said that one had to watch billy goats as closely as republicans, as they would often attack you from behind. He told of his brother's goat that knocked a board loose on their barn. My uncle's widow loaned me a picture of him and the goat, which I used in my book on How the Irish Saved America, though I was advised not to use that as the title.)

[Easterncedar]

48. What title did you use, may I ask?

Or will that blow your cover?

Change of topic. Do you know Eric Gansworth? I started reading his fiction a few years ago. His description of life on the Tuscarora reservation - not 5 miles from my childhood home - has had a profound effect on my thinking. I was so shamefully oblivious.

[H2O Man]

54. I shall send

you a "private message." And if you aren't careful, and let me know your address, I'll even send you a copy. It paid for several semesters of one son's education, and so I tend to just give it away to unsuspecting victims. (It's not fiction. I'll even go so far as to say parts of it are true.)

[Easterncedar]

57. You are kind

[usonian]

7. Progressive or not, we need to weed out cowards. This is Armageddon for democracy.

Ezra Levin writes on BlueSky

Ezra Levin ❌👑
‪@ezralevin.bsky.social‬
In March, after Schumer last surrendered, we called an emergency meeting of Indivisible leaders. 92% told us to call on him to step down from leadership (which we did).

In a poll over this weekend, 98.67% said we should keep up the fight.

https://bsky.app/profile/ezralevin.bsky.social

[H2O Man]

27. Way back in time,

I saw a young lady was going to primary ten-term incombent Joseph Crowley. He was what I considered an establishment Democrat, and the chair of the Democratic Caucus. Now, I was in no way "anti-Crowley," and in fact thought he might be a good candidate in the district he actually lived in.

But there was an excitement in AOC's campaign, despite the establishment thinking she had no chance. They made it sound like she had no political experience, though I knew of her connections to Senator Ted Kennedy and Bernie. So the very afternoon I heard about her, I texted her campaign. An hour later, I was on the telephone with them.

At that time, I thought of a brash young heavyweight contender named Cassius Clay, who was preparing to fight the legendary, all-time great light heavyweight champion, Archie Moore. Cassius created the following poem:

"Archie's been living off the fat of the land.
I'm here to give him his pension plan."

I think we need more young contenders such as Cassius and AOC in the party. I'm never offended when someone points out to a problem in our party, for I never encourage anyone to be a bleeting sheep in a herd. Just not my way of doing things.

[h2ebits]

29. Thank you! Point well made. . . .

[H2O Man]

47. I still have

my copy of Cassius's classic 1963 LP, "I am the Greatest!" I remember one brother annoying our other brother, father, uncles, grandfather, and Dad's friends by playing it when they were positive that Sonny Liston would easily flatten him. As he progressed to being Cassius X for a couple of months, then became Muhammad Ali, my respect for him grew. (My brother ended up in Ali's training camp several times. Ali used him for a prop before audiences, having Dundee "hold him back" from an attack, but was really nice to him away from crowds.)

[h2ebits]

82. I'll have to remember. . . . .

"Archie's been living off the fat of the land.
I'm here to give him his pension plan."

I've definitely been thinking along those lines for a long time regarding the state of the nation. The arrogance of wo(man) that "Only I can fix this problem."

[H2O Man]

101. He predicted that

he would knock Archie out in four rounds. He did! And Archie retired.

[Easterncedar]

40. I love this

[Maru Kitteh]

75. +1

[Random Boomer]

102. What "cowards" are you talking about?

The Dems who capitulated were not cowards. They were carefully chosen, a coordinated group of senators who were not facing re-election.

Someone PLANNED this. Someone who had the authority and persuasive powers to make this happen. The majority of Dems could take a stand by voting "No", while the designated group voted "Yes" to keep the rest of the party in the good graces of voters.

I don't know how many so-called leaders of the party were part of this strategy, but my guess it was more than just Schumer. Maybe they had a good reason for doing this, but we'll never know because they don't trust voters with the truth.

[demmiblue]

10. Those two women give me life!

They also have another podcast called IHIP News, which are shorter, daily podcasts (usually 2 per day).


* WARNING: this video may contain harsh criticism of certain Democrats.

[Tom Dyer]

12. They are fantastic!

[H2O Man]

28. Thank you!

Just my opinion, but I think they represent the values our party needs to embrace to win elections. I know that others thought bring the pre-corpse of Dick Cheney on stage to endorse our presidential candidate was a stroke of genius. I didn't. While we surely picked up all six votes that Dick carried, I think that was the one thing that led to VP Harris's defeat. Far too many people remembered that dick-dripping as a war criminal.

Especially thanks for mentioning their other podcast. Very much appreciated! When I wrote the OP, it was very late, surely a valid excuse for my fading memory! I wasn't sure I would post it when I got up today. Lately, I've been posting more on another internet site, which is overwhelmingly older females, with Democrats and independents against the felon. They want to be activists that do more than vote. That is who I am most comfortable with -- activists. And I tell them that I am convinced that it will be grandmothers who heal this nation.

[spanone]

11. Good thoughts.

Thanks

[H2O Man]

31. Thanks!

[Mystery To Me]

13. I'm thankful you decided to post this.

I'm always interested in your take on what's going on (for many years now). Especially when things get as crazy as last night.

[H2O Man]

32. Well thanks!

I try to add a bit of sanity.

[cachukis]

14. I too am in mourning.

[H2O Man]

33. Ha!

I have to admit that I was kind of hoping one of my favorite spelling nannies would say I had mis-spelled it!

[cachukis]

44. Did you? Doble entendre?

[H2O Man]

49. Yes.

Despite being Irish, there are at least four words I can spell correctly. More, I love John Lennon's books, and in my own feeble way, attempt at times to give a tip of the hate to him .....despite having 18 parents call my house to complain when in 6th grade English, when we had to read our very favorite poem to the class, and I read one John authored at age 17. (The teacher told me the following day that the school had many, many complaints.)

[cachukis]

55. Thought so. I too, use them and most often, they go

unnoticed.
My father admonished me not to bring shame to the name. And yet, I had my share of detentions.
Kindred spirits admire the test.

[H2O Man]

59. In high school,

I was a homeless teen, the one parents warned their kids to avoid. I set the school's record for suspensions in my senior year. I have been demanding that the school's sports hall of fame induct me for that -- and get one of those nice state historical markers in honor of my effort.

[cachukis]

71. Remarkable.

I suspect your introspection through it all, inspires sharing your insight. Lucky to read it.
Thanks.

[LoisB]

15. I agree.

[H2O Man]

34. Thanks!

[Gore1FL]

16. I hear a lot about how liberal ideas can't win in places; Let's test the theory and try sometime. nt

[H2O Man]

35. Right!

Just for the heck of it, we should. To quote John's response to Paul's, "It's getting better all the time," I'm unsure if it could turn out "much worse."

[yellow dahlia]

17. IHIP news - great podcast.

I have noticed there seem to be some trying to bait others on this forum. i wondered if there are plants and/or trolls.

Thank you for sharing a range of valuable thoughts.

[H2O Man]

38. Thank you.

I agree that some will try to bait others. There have been individuals looking to stir the pot for as long as I've been here. I try to separate them from good people who tend to react emotionally on issues where due to lack of understanding, they feel outraged and betrayed. We witnessed something like that a few days ago, regarding Justice Jackson.

It might be beneficial for all of us to keep in mind that no one else has had our life experiences, is in the exact position we are in now, and views things exactly like we do -- which can only result in mistrust. The Democratic Party includes very different people, with very different education, life experiences, and hence values. There is but one thing we all have in common -- alone, we are individual fingers that our opponent can easily break. But together, we form a powerful fist capable of protecting us all.

[Lifeafter70]

81. I was one of those who was upset with her ruling

Until others on this board explained a few things regarding her ruling.
I'm very upset with this senate vote but can understand why those senators made that deal. Many dems feel we had the Republicans backed into a corner and should have kept them there til we got what was needed for the aca to remain solvent. Maybe they would have given in maybe not. In the meantime people were going hungry, losing jobs and possibly their homes
I wanted them to hold out but I can see why they didn't.
So I will keep my opions to myself until January.

[H2O Man]

99. Right.

I wasn't upset by Justice Jackson's ruling. But I have mixed feelings about the Senate. I am not happy about it, but I'm not mad, either. My opinon is that after Tuesday's elections, the republicans would likely have recognized they were in a bad spot, and would have given in within a short time. But it is what it is. We continue the struggle.

[c-rational]

18. Thank you H2O Man.

I'm

[H2O Man]

50. Thank you!

[True Dough]

87. I believe you were trying to say

I'm at a loss for words.

[c-rational]

89. Not sure how that happened...but I do always enjoy H2O's posts. In anyt event, thanks for the smile.

[True Dough]

91. What's not to enjoy?

H2O Man is a DU treasure!

[flashman13]

19. The problem is that this deal won't get people health care. Their premiums are going to sky rocket

and they will be priced out of their insurance. So much for affordable care. I wouldn't really count on SNAP, no RIF, back pay or any other part of this deal.

Ultimately the pocket book issues will break the Repugs, but in the mean time there will be a great deal of suffering (especially by MAGAts FAFO).

[H2O Man]

52. Absolutely.

Many people will suffer. It's likely that some may die due to this cruelness. You nailed it, 100%

[flashman13]

69. I'm just a joe average dummy and I figured it out. Either the Quislings are really stupid (not imposible) or

just like the Repugs, THEY DON"T CARE. They have excellent health care which we are providing to them.

[pecosbob]

20. It's sad, but I fear the Senate acted just as the founding fathers intended...to prevent mob-rule, aka democracy.

Personally, I'd prefer senators that don't have casino owners on speed-dial, so I'll be looking for a bit more 'progressive' candidates for Senate in the next few elections. I just hope that the Democratic Party isn't declared illegal before I get a chance to vote.

Just my two cents.

[H2O Man]

73. Very good!

I agree.

[ananda]

21. The "mourning" hours have been here since Trump got elected.

Now it's just one death cycle after another.

[H2O Man]

100. True.

It seems like non-stop cycles of outrageous news. It's no wonder that good people here are on edge at times.

[ananda]

104. Yes, agree. I would worry if we weren't.

Non stop maniacal, murderous chaos is not
supposed to be easy to take.

Fight!

[EmmaLee E]

108. I see it not so much as a cycle of outrageous news

But as a whirlpool, that sucks the good people down with it.

[AllaN01Bear]

22. thanks for your insight.

[OneGrassRoot]

23. Those two had me at:

“Cankles McTaco Tits”

😂😂😂😂😂😂

I’m enjoying their podcast as well. And, as always, appreciate that you share your insight and wisdom.

🥰

[bigtree]

24. I found them to be hyperbolic and often very anti-Democratic party

...like I've said, there is no podcaster's party, and if they're not supporting Democrats, dragging them whenever they get a bug up their ass, they aren't worth a shit to me or anyone else looking to defeat Trump.

Some of the shit they say... I can't anymore.

I think these podcasters either let their frustrations spill out in public deliberately for clicks, or are just too privileged to care about preserving our Democratic majority. They probably have many more clicks and money with this gig spreading cynicism and gaslighting people than with a stable Biden presidency which they also swung wildly against.

What a curious effort many in that profession are making today to demoralize Democrats, even as we've gained actual political advantage outside of the parameters of this internet expectations game that assumed republicans were going to budge on ACA, or that a few months extension is the end of the fucking world.

Who does that?

[H2O Man]

30. Oh, heavens .....

I had a chihuahua attacking me today, going so far as to claim that I've kicked progressives off of DU. In an attempt to take a firm bite on my ankle, the little pooch even tried to one-up me on progressive activism. Gracious! I've always thought that progressives made progress, rather than engage in a brat attack worthy of a spoiledf child.

Both you and I have been here long enough that we could anticipate such emotions being splattered upon the forum. Don't get me wrong -- I understand emotions. I actually experienced one as a child, before that was beaten out of me. These days, I am limited to rational thought though, surely a handicap in times like this.

Thank you for all you do here. It is appreciated.

[bigtree]

58. I was talking about the ladies on the podcast

...why you put yourself in that line of fire...

Did you think you'd only get hurrahs for those two?

They're just awful, not withstanding whatever you find appealing about them.

I would not reccomend them for the simple reason that they are repeatedly inclined to attack the party. I'd guess they don't have as much at stake as many of us out here to be so blithe about promoting cynicism about our Democratic party and our elected leaders.

Nothing about that was directed at you, so still cool, you.

[H2O Man]

60. Ha!

Oh my gosh! I assumed you were whining about DU! I'll rejoin the catholic church of my youth, so I can go to confession for my error!

I am definitely directing this at you. I think you add a lot of really good and important things to this forum. But there are a few times I think you are off the wall. And all in all, you're just another brick in the wall.

I do think my post is worthy of at least three hurrahs, though not from you.

Keep up your good work. Though we are beyond the times when I considered us friends, and though we have distinct values, we are on the same team, and I appreciate you.

[Betty Boom]

25. Not sure why this needed to include a fat insult

I understand what you were trying to say here, and I appreciate the overall sentiment. However, I’m not sure why it needed to include a gratuitous insult against fat people. In this very progressive forum, I’m consistently disappointed by the number of times that I see body shaming as acceptable. It seems to be one of the last acceptable forms of hate speech.

[Jersey Devil]

36. Where did this happen?

I read the OP again and all I saw was some self-deprecating humor in the first paragraph calling himself a "bag of lard" which I'd hardly consider to be a "gratuitous insult against fat people."

[Celerity]

63. I assume the other poster was vexed about this:

Is it possible that there are trolls afoot? Maybe some kids who weigh three to four times their IQ, in their mother's basement?

[Betty Boom]

94. This

“ Is it possible that there are trolls afoot? Maybe some kids who weigh three to four times their IQ, in their mother's basement?”

[H2O Man]

61. Oh, that's easy.

I am fat and Irish. Hence, I feel able to tell jokes about both fat and Irish, and even both at the same time. I am not in the least ashamed of my body now that I'm fat, even when my children make rude jokes (they are Irish, too).

[babylonsister]

83. Haha! I prefer chunky and Scots/Irish

for myself, but close enough- I've never thought of you as fat though I will admit as I've aged I've relaxed my standards.

[Betty Boom]

95. That's fine for you, if it's actually true

My objection is to the fact that you felt the need to characterize trolls with a stereotype of them being fat slobs living in their parents’ basement. It’s such an easy mark. And it’s hateful and would be found unacceptable on this forum if it were another marginalized group.

[H2O Man]

98. I think that

you did that. I didn't say anything close to "fat slobs." You did. I did not estimate their IQ, hence not their weight. Instead, I paraphrased a quote from the felon-in-chief. And many children live with their parents, who have wonderful basements. Big, beautiful basements. The type that make four really big, strong men with tears running down their cheeks say, "Sir, you have a nice basement. You should make it into a ball room. Hey, what's wrong with your ankles?"

[PatrickforB]

37. Hello! Well, I fall square in the camp that feels betrayed by institutionalist Dems. However...

something you said really struck a chord.

That is the bit about economic warfare. This republic has often waged economic warfare against other nations, causing privation for the offending nation's people to pressure whatever government they may have.

The GOP is now waging economic warfare against WE THE PEOPLE.

The real problem H2O Man, is that I paid over $18K in TAXES last year to the federal government.

So what do I have in return for that big chunk of my income?
1. Nearly $10K in HEALTH CARE DEBT because of our stupid monetized health 'care' system.
2. My Social Security Old Age Pension is in danger because of the giant tax cuts for corporations and billionaire parasites.
3. My Medicare is in danger, again because of the billionaire and corporate tax cuts.
4. I'm still working BECAUSE OF THE ABOVE, and my employer-provided healthcare 'benefit' has gone up 19.2%, with INCREASED copays and deductibles.

So here's the deal. At my kitchen table, I'm getting squashed under the weight of these billionaires and I honestly do not see how my taxes have been paying for anything that materially benefits me and my family.

Didn't we fight a war over being taxed without representation? Because that I how I'm feeling right now. And now Schumer is squandering any advantage by caving into the Republicans over the fucking KEY DEMANDs around ACA. I am done with the institutionalists because this is not politics as usual. This is Russell Vought screwing us over with a billionaire coup.

Time to STOP COOPERATING altogether. Sorry but it is. I'd like to see blue states withholding payment of payroll taxes and other taxes to the federal government. If the fucking federal government WON'T SERVE US, then we need our states to do so and they need money to do it. Because what do any of us have to show for a year of Trump? Not a fucking thing.

[H2O Man]

62. I hear you.

This is a tough time for me, as well. But I know that there are many others who are hurting far more than me. And I can say that this is exactly and exclusively what we have to show from a year in the felon's second term. More, I anticipate it will get worse in many ways, before it gets better. There are a few things that keep me going -- my children and grandchildren, and despite being a pathetic old man, I somehow have maintained my love for the toughest fights that defined my boxing career. So for as long as I remain on this energy level on this living planet, I intend to fight the Good Fight.

[PatrickforB]

74. Darned right! I'm with you on fighting the good fight. n/t

[godsentme]

42. Been watching "I've Had It'

I discovered their podcast a few weeks ago. Love them.

[H2O Man]

65. Me, too.

I let them know I'd be sending a link to this OP/thread this evening, if anyone had responded.

These days, I tend to communicate primarily with the hosts of a few "true crime" podcasts ..... I'm a long retired forensic social worker, with decades of experience in that field from my years at the county mental health clinic. I also love a few podcasts on human evolution, as the growth of modern human's brains fascinates me. But when it comes to politics, "I've Had It" has become my favorite.

[Lifeafter70]

84. I knew there was a reason I liked you lol

I have been a fan of true crime shows for over 20 years. The advances we have made in forensics boggles the mind.
Lately I have been reading more on cancer research and imunotherpy. My son was diagnosed with a rare and untreatable cancer. So I have been reading everything I can find regarding research into acc cancer

BTW I enjoy those ladies podcast too.

[multigraincracker]

43. Yep, old age has its advantages and disadvantages

I know I can’t wish or pray for anything, it doesn’t work that way. The whole world is random and not much I can do about how the deck is shuffled. All I can do is play the hand I’m dealt, best I can. I realize there’s good and bad, can’t have one without the other. Best I can hope for is they balance out in the end. Doing my part, I try hard to be nice, fair and honest. I screw up sometimes and hope I recognize it when I do.
Was talking to a professor that taught Buddhism, told him I was interested in Taoism. Later as we were talking, told him I appreciated trump. He gave me a weird look and I told him he was my perfect example of how not to be. If I did or said something I wasn’t sure about, I’d ask myself is that something trump would do or say, I’d know it was wrong for me. He looked at me and said “You are a Taoist”. Put a smile on my face.
I’m figuring that the further the pendulum swings his way, the further it will sing back the other way, if I live long enough.
Anyway, that’s where I’m at.

[H2O Man]

66. Beautiful!

This is great! I really appreciate your posting this. Thank you.

The older (and moldier) I get, the more I am aware of how little I really know. Thus, I tend to appreciate the opportunity to watch films of Christopher Hitchens on youtube. My late friend Rubin, a devote atheist, always urged me to read the works of the Masters from around the globe, throughout time. And that includes the benifits of reading/listening to others who challenge one's firmly held opinions.

[Joinfortmill]

45. I love "I've Had It". Great post, thanks much.

[H2O Man]

68. Thank you!

Thus far, only one DUers has posted his negative thoughts about the podcast. I respectfully disagree with him on this. I am convinced that the only way to win in 2026 and 2028 is to respect those of us who relate to this podcast. I think it is silly to believe that every politician who is registered in the partly is wholly wonderful and above disagreeing with. Of course, I'm not for ethical lobotomies. But that's just me, and I'm okay with people having different opinions.

[markodochartaigh]

51. "...one

of the most dangerously entrenched problems today is economic warfare. It seems we are to avoid talking about this in proper society. We can talk about sexism, racism, street crime, inflation, and the president's tiny, mushroom-shaped prick, as one of my friends recently pointed out. But not how the opulently wealthy are treating the vast majority of American citizens."

In my opinion this is no random feature of US society. Our oiligarchs are more than happy to keep us divided and distracted and thus more easily controlled using social issues about which they do not care. These social issues absolutely are important to many of us in the 95%, but most oiligarchs really could care less. They care about the money. Keeping the electorate focused away from economic issues as much as possible helps to keep action from occurring which might cost our oiligarchs money.

[H2O Man]

72. Definitely!

Thank you for this!

I think it is essential to recognize that this economic warfare is not an accident, or the opulent rich doing their best for the "common folk" that they actually view with utter contempt. We have entered an era of high-tech feudalism, which includes their preparing for things such as increasing environmental catastrophe and the social unrest that accompanies the decay of empire.

Most of us know there are the Democratic and republican parties. Some of us recognize that independents now outnumber each of those traditional parties. But far too few appear to grasp that billioniares and corporations are the 4th party in American politics, and hence, society.

[mvd]

67. Good post

I think we need a new Senate leader and think it was a bad deal for us, but unlike MAGAs, Democrats don’t mind listening and debating amongst ourselves - a healthy thing.

[Martin Eden]

70. My thoughts on this revolve around 3 questions:

1. If Senate Democrats continued to hold out for restoration of ACA subsidies would the following have happened: Republicans would ultimately pass ACA subsidies in the Senate; then in the House; then The Felon would sign it?

2. How much additional human suffering and continued dismantling of government agencies would occur as the shutdown dragged on?

3. How would prolonging the harm in #2 affect the outcome of the 2026 mid-term elections?


I highly doubt #1 because the Republican Party has for generations wanted to dismantle the administrative/welfare state embodied in Project 2025. The Felon was practically gleeful about the shutdown, and I'm sure Vought was as well. The meager concessions gained by Senate Democrats will ostensibly prevent further mass layoffs and obtain back pay for government employees. That partially addresses #2 as well. Government employees would certainly suffer, as would numerous citizens who depend on services disrupted or dismantled. Also, SNAP benefits would be delayed or worse. Hungry children are a consideration.

I think the paragraph above explains why Senate Democrats decided to end the shutdown. They do NOT want the ACA subsidies to end, but saw little chance the R's would pass legislation to restore it (#1) and saw that prolonging the suffering and destruction was too high a price to pay in a battle for ACA that could not be won. Not this year, at least.

#3 is the real wildcard here. We HAVE TO win back at least the House, or The Felon's power and destruction continues unabated with no effective oversight. Last week's elections show that voters not only tend to blame the party in power, but are increasingly appalled by ICE & troops in American cities, alienating our closest allies, and much of what The Felon is doing. So the question here hinges partly on the blame game 11+ months from now. Would the increased suffering & damage of prolonging the shutdown land entirely on the Republicans, even if the Democratic holdout severely impacted Thanksgiving and Christmas (canceled flights to visit with family, etc)? The answer is in who gets the upper hand in blame game messaging. The other thing the mid-term elections hinge on is voter turnout. Will this recent "capitulation" by Senate Democrats reduce souls to the polls like the Gaza atrocity did last year, or will so much Orange shit be flung between now and next November to energize voter turnout?

By no means do I have all the answers, but I think I'm asking some necessary questions.

[Ninga]

76. I appreciate your thoughts very much. And I agree.

What is the most upsetting for me is the very public fighting among all manner of D’s.

I dare say MAGA do not care one bit about Americans - children- veterans - elderly- families and so on…. But we do.

I am continually amazed and appalled at how little reading and thinking too many do not engage in.

[Martin Eden]

78. We have all been on outrage overload for a long time.

Emotional fatigue is not conducive to taking a deep breath and a step back to calmly take an analytical approach rather than venting the anger we all have.

Disagreements among allies can quickly turn into sharply divided camps.

The most effective strategy of our mutual enemy is divide and conquer. They've already succeeded in dividing Americans who are essentially in the same economic boat into two bitterly polarized camps.

We need to remember that our camp is a big tent with room for everyone who shares common goals but may have different ideas on how best to achieve them.

Strength in diversity applies to more than race and religion and gender -- if we can muster unity for what matters the most.

[Ninga]

80. So well said. Emotional fatigue is real.

[Clouds Passing]

77. Always bringing us back to balance, H2O Man. Thank you

[AZProgressive]

79. I watch IHIP News on Youtube all the time

I wasn't aware of them several months ago but after a couple times they went viral I've been following ever since.

[BigmanPigman]

85. FOLLOW THE $$$$$$$$

[bagimin]

86. Always a voice of reason...

thank you, sir.

another old man

[Queso Delicioso]

88. Fine thoughts, well heeded.

[True Dough]

90. Wise words, as always, H2O Man.

We do need to embrace the center left and the progressives, and, as you indicated, it does very much depend on the city/state which type of candidate is most likely to prevail.

Enjoy your evening in that rocking chair. Hope the quilt is keeping you plenty warm.

[Bristlecone]

92. It's funny, today I felt - for the 1st time in a very long time

That maybe I need a DU break. It’s not just the infighting, it’s constantly being ground down by a theme that seems to be pervasive:

“You just don’t get the 4 D chess that’s going on.
“Robert Mueller’s on the job”
“Joe Manchin is voting for democratic agenda”
“Merrick Garland has it all in hand. Justice takes time”
“Jack Smith is on the case” (add in pic of his serious, bearded face while wearing his purple Hague Nehru jacket)
“Diane Feinstein asleep in a wheelchair is ageism”
“Chuck Schumer has a plan”


on and on; All the while it’s fairy dust. Almost idealistic hero worship.

Being angry and disheartened by our party leadership are valid emotions. In this case, I think they are warranted.

Yes, we won some state and locals; awesome, I’m glad. But we are getting our asses kicked on the national stage over and over. Time to fire some coaches.

[Pinback]

93. Thanks for the tip on "I've Had It."

Subscribed.

As usual, your post is thoughtful and provocative.

I’ll say this: the CDC staffers I know are damn glad they’re not staring down the barrel of an entire 4th quarter 2025 with no paychecks. They’ve already been through the wringer this year, aside from the shutdown — one losing 40 pounds due to DOGE-induced stress during the Elon tyranny; they were also working on a floor where a window was blown out by the shooter a couple of months ago.

I also know a very dedicated National Park Service employee who’ll be glad to get back to serving the public.

I am disappointed that the Dems seem to have capitulated with not much to show for it, but then again stopping at least some of the bleeding at this point is not nothing. I just hope they don’t fumble the messaging and lose the P.R. battle to the shameless, skilled liars in the Republican caucus.

[jfz9580m]

96. Thanks H20 man

Good read. I am not familiar with the podcast you mentioned ..I am old-fashioned ;-/. Text remains my preferred mode of communication.

I really liked this part:

Now, I wanted two things: first, for Democrats to break republicans, and second, to be 100% sure that people had food and health care. That would seem the least a civilized society could provide. Deep down, of course, I favor improving our educational system, including lowering the cost of public colleges and universities.

That may be in large part because I am convinced that one of the most dangerously entrenched problems today is economic warfare. It seems we are to avoid talking about this in proper society. We can talk about sexism, racism, street crime, inflation, and the president's tiny, mushroom-shaped prick, as one of my friends recently pointed out. But not how the opulently wealthy are treating the vast majority of American citizens. Thus, I will not even so much as hint at the context in which I view the cruelty involved in current events.

[DFW]

97. So true: "Harsh and insulting responses will not change minds. "

But remember--"get a life" is not enforceable in a court of law. It's all some people have. Being married to a career social worker for all these decades has taught me that, if nothing else.

Besides, if I made use of the "ignore" feature every time someone came at me like that, I'd have worn it out by now. Instead, I have never used it once. After all, you never know when that "complete waste of space" might come up with something inspiring, and then I would have missed it! I ignore posts, not posters. For that matter, there are plenty of Democratic politicians out there now for whom I have, to put it politely, less than "full admiration." But, OK, that's how I originally felt about David Souter, and he actually turned out to be a decent human. (yeah, yeah, I know, "who was David Souter?"--ancient history, he was a legal adviser to Hatshepsut).

[Pompoy]

105. Why are so many trying to blame this on Schumer, and pushing the idea that he picked who was going to cave in?

I'd rather believe that eight of them caved in for their own reasons. Remember Manchin and Sinema bucking the Democrat leadership/Party?
Two from New Hampshire, two from Nevada, an independent from Maine, Fetterman. Come on, this is self defeating.
Tim Kaine from Virginia probably was too worried about all the government workers.
https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-8-democrats-e83180c0b69642a00a234c244d9ea76e

[malthaussen]

106. I must form a third group: the SSDD group.

Perhaps you are also a member of it.

Democrats gonna Dem. Republicans gonna ReThug. We have a Congress full of old dinosaurs who think it is still 1965 and "gentlemen of good conscience" can reach compromises which, if they do not satisfy all, at least will not offend too badly, and how's your golf game going, Senator?

We have the spineless and shell-shocked (I'm pretty sure one of Pennsylvania's Senators falls into the latter category), the time-servers and the time-wasters. And the Young Turks who think -- nay, know -- they have the Final Solution. That's on both sides of the aisle, too, though the Solutions vary considerably. All doing their immortal dance, which to me resembles nothing so much as a carnival side show, and I want my money back, they promised me a tattoo'd lady and all I got was a dog and pony show.

Betrayed? Hardly. SSDD, my friend, SSDD.

-- Mal

[greblach]

107. Insightful Comments

Bits and pieces of this have stormed through my brain as well...Just came back from a Patti Smith concert in Seattle that was gloria (aaaayy) and words of wisdom were prominent, i.e. People have the power...The No Kings protests are but a smidgen of the thought of the people. We (the people) will get through this and make it better. I am still savoring Election Day progress...

[Wild blueberry]

109. Appreciate your musings, thank you

You have it succinctly in "economic warfare" -- our second biggest problem, after climate change.
The IHIP two talk frequently about economic warfare and how it's being waged against most people.

I'm looking for the helpers and the fighters. Hope to use the rest of my old age doing both.
Thank you.