General Discussion

tblue37

(68,445 posts)

28. Republicans follow this tactic, and they get a lot of what they want.

Reply to Fantastic Anarchist (Reply #13)

Tue Sep 24, 2013, 01:01 PM

Sep 2013

They stake out their starting position at some bizarre, outrageous extreme point. Then they "accept" what they really wanted in the first place--and sometimes even more than they thought of asking for.

As I said in the post I linked to below (in which I am arguing a point similar to that of the OP), one of the things that bothers me about Obama is that I do think he tends to start negotiations at a weak point, offering to compromise up front, perhaps because he wants to convince others that he is being reasonable and cooperative. But that means the Republicans are able to force all the real compromise from our side while giving up nothing of substance in return, since what they finally concede are merely points that they demanded not because they wanted them, but because they wanted to have something to give up without budging from their real demands.

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A Short Note On The Democratic Party And The Progressive Left.... [View all] The Magistrate Sep 2013 OP

Beautifully written JustAnotherGen Sep 2013 #1

Thank You, Ma'am The Magistrate Sep 2013 #4

-1 GeorgeGist Sep 2013 #6

I was going to highlight the second paragraph as well. Nuclear Unicorn Sep 2013 #21

As usual, we are *here* I highlighted that exact same passage from the OP Number23 Sep 2013 #162

getting people to change their minds is always tough hfojvt Sep 2013 #2

That Is True, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #7

Centrist Reagan Democrats & DLCers SUCK leftstreet Sep 2013 #3

'Reagan Democrats', Sir, Are Republicans.... The Magistrate Sep 2013 #8

Correct. When are they going home? leftstreet Sep 2013 #14

Someone Once Said, Sir 'A Savage Converted To Christianity Is Christianity Converted To Savagery' The Magistrate Sep 2013 #19

Indeed leftstreet Sep 2013 #26

"Be Realistic. Demand the Impossible." Fantastic Anarchist Sep 2013 #5

Cute, Sir, But We Both Know It Is Just A Bit Of 'Feels-Good' Noise.... The Magistrate Sep 2013 #10

I was actually trying to somewhat supplement your post ... Fantastic Anarchist Sep 2013 #13

I Apologize For Mistaking Your Meaning, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #15

ODS! ODS! ODS! beerandjesus Sep 2013 #18

No problem, sir. I should have clarified in my original post. Fantastic Anarchist Sep 2013 #24

Republicans follow this tactic, and they get a lot of what they want. tblue37 Sep 2013 #28

Absolutely agreed. Fantastic Anarchist Sep 2013 #38

Awesome analogy riqster Sep 2013 #9

80% of Lefties support this POTUS. Rex Sep 2013 #11

We always hear that but truebluegreen Sep 2013 #181

The percentage never changes. Vanje Sep 2013 #196

Yep. truebluegreen Sep 2013 #215

Do you support the President's kill list? Or drone strikes that kill kids? R. Daneel Olivaw Sep 2013 #253

And it never changes....nt truebluegreen Sep 2013 #273

That's bullshit. Of course when some MSM pollster asks me if I support Obama I will say yes eridani Sep 2013 #266

Well stated mcar Sep 2013 #12

Either the working poor are helped or they are not. mick063 Sep 2013 #16

^^ This. Labels matter far less than intent and action. n/t winter is coming Sep 2013 #33

I Sympathize With Your View, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #39

I would argue that the center/right needs to accept that the left represents the majority view of grahamhgreen Sep 2013 #17

There May Be Something To That, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #31

In a way it means that the 'progressive left" would better be referred to as centrists, and the grahamhgreen Sep 2013 #37

+1 leftstreet Sep 2013 #35

So, if the majority view of the country as a whole is better represented by "the left" as opposed winter is coming Sep 2013 #48

Depends on the issue: grahamhgreen Sep 2013 #90

K & R Scurrilous Sep 2013 #20

KnR. I posted something along these lines in another thread last night: tblue37 Sep 2013 #22

Very well said. nt sufrommich Sep 2013 #23

K&R - nt Ohio Joe Sep 2013 #25

mote, eye, beam, etc.. cthulu2016 Sep 2013 #27

Kicked and recommended. Uncle Joe Sep 2013 #29

At root are the failings of a two part duopoly political system compared to multi-party systems. nt Bernardo de La Paz Sep 2013 #30

That Is A Solid Point, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #34

Disproportionate power to small fringe parties ... JustABozoOnThisBus Sep 2013 #267

I am far left ideologically, but when it comes to STRATEGY, I realize progress happens incrementally KittyWampus Sep 2013 #32

"Agitators" Vanje Sep 2013 #58

That's what they called us when we spoke out against the Vietnam War. Enthusiast Sep 2013 #264

A lively agitator Vanje Sep 2013 #305

Representing majority American opinion is now 'agitating?' leftstreet Sep 2013 #64

And you take the 'long view'? Kitty, you advocated 'civil unions are as good as marriage' Bluenorthwest Sep 2013 #67

Whoa. Vanje Sep 2013 #73

You didn't post the entire thing. Nor did you or the agitator above post what my views were in FULL KittyWampus Sep 2013 #96

I posted the link so that everyone can very easily see the context. Vanje Sep 2013 #99

Post removed Post removed Sep 2013 #105

Civil Unions for everyone" Vanje Sep 2013 #111

Another example of creating a wedge within the DEM Party about gay rights. DontTreadOnMe Sep 2013 #133

Dont tell me. Lemme guess...... Vanje Sep 2013 #134

Post removed Post removed Sep 2013 #136

...so I gather, from looking at your transparency page Vanje Sep 2013 #142

"crap flinger"??? Is that what you call agitators when they show your true colors? R. Daneel Olivaw Sep 2013 #255

Ugh Capt. Obvious Sep 2013 #79

But it's just pragmatism and taking the long view! Bluenorthwest Sep 2013 #83

I think Martin Luther King should have advocated for Capt. Obvious Sep 2013 #103

Amazing, you must look up stuff about any DU'er you don't like or disagree with. It's sick, really. KittyWampus Sep 2013 #109

I have a memory, so all of your name calling is just your anger at being a known entity Bluenorthwest Sep 2013 #122

This Capt. Obvious Sep 2013 #123

People can arrive at the same place at different times, Abraham Lincoln's views as President Uncle Joe Sep 2013 #185

A Good Point, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #187

Absolutely. His approach to the issue of emancipation is a prime example. Adsos Letter Sep 2013 #208

That Was, Sir, A High Point Of The Democratic Art, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #245

You're right Vanje Sep 2013 #193

To this I defer to Yogi Berra Uncle Joe Sep 2013 #194

Its NEVER over. Vanje Sep 2013 #197

Then when progress is made Uncle Joe Sep 2013 #199

Yes Vanje Sep 2013 #201

The former can become the latter, Uncle Joe Sep 2013 #204

Honey. I know it works. Vanje Sep 2013 #207

That's when you need it the most to Uncle Joe Sep 2013 #211

Recent friendly overture- Vanje Sep 2013 #222

There are four elements Uncle Joe Sep 2013 #231

You're reasonable, and exactly right Vanje Sep 2013 #224

In This Sort Of Thing, Sir, I Prefer The Magistrate Sep 2013 #198

Yes sir, Uncle Joe Sep 2013 #202

These are the lies that the left <<< the real Dems, have to put up with all the time. R. Daneel Olivaw Sep 2013 #256

Don't confuse knowing how to use Google with stalking DisgustipatedinCA Sep 2013 #216

not stalking per se but arely staircase Sep 2013 #274

What, you mean civil unions for everyone? Yeah, I'm the awful person. LOL KittyWampus Sep 2013 #95

As long as you admit it Capt. Obvious Sep 2013 #101

yes, I advocated Civil Unions for EVERYONE. Gay and straight. And too bad you didn't bother KittyWampus Sep 2013 #93

Are YOU married? Vanje Sep 2013 #100

As I posted up-thread, I posted about my experience years ago. And since you & the other person KittyWampus Sep 2013 #107

It Is An Easily Misunderstood Position, Ma'am The Magistrate Sep 2013 #106

Old joke from my grandmother> Why does the fool keep banging his head on the wall? KittyWampus Sep 2013 #112

Understandable Vanje Sep 2013 #116

if I had a life, I'd go through your posts and throw some of them in your face along w/your buddy. KittyWampus Sep 2013 #118

+1 treestar Sep 2013 #148

Oh, no doubt. Bluenorthwest called YOU out in a thread you weren't even in >>> KittyWampus Sep 2013 #246

Yep. Plus the standard for "homophobic" is absurd. treestar Sep 2013 #278

we've been looking at the "long view" for thirty years now frylock Sep 2013 #126

"far-left"? Thanks for the laugh! Far-left don't compromise when it comes to Universal Human Rights. idwiyo Sep 2013 #219

In this country the "far left" label means those considered middle road I believe in your country. Dragonfli Sep 2013 #252

We are just goal orientated and results driven. grahamhgreen Sep 2013 #303

You are talking about... RedFury Sep 2013 #310

The tactic of supporting Team Democratic regardless of the position that team Warren Stupidity Sep 2013 #36

This country and it's politics does not revolve sufrommich Sep 2013 #40

The think the DU factions are an echo Vanje Sep 2013 #77

"hostilities will continue"- as far as I'm concerned you just outed yourself and your intent. KittyWampus Sep 2013 #42

outed myself as what? A person with actual principles? Warren Stupidity Sep 2013 #46

No, a person only interested in being hostile. KittyWampus Sep 2013 #97

You're quite hostile. Capt. Obvious Sep 2013 #104

Oh for fuck's sake. The hostility here and elsewhere within the Democratic Party Warren Stupidity Sep 2013 #137

Funny thing is, a lot of people simply reject as untrue your personal belief that Obama is a geek tragedy Sep 2013 #163

A lot of people once thought the Sun revolved around a fixed Earth Vanje Sep 2013 #200

Must be rough to know everything and never geek tragedy Sep 2013 #283

Gettn that out of your system.... Vanje Sep 2013 #304

I didn't realize that conceding that the other person geek tragedy Sep 2013 #306

^^^This! Fekking This!^^^ R. Daneel Olivaw Sep 2013 #258

You've already been outed as being a fabrication of a left leaning Dem. R. Daneel Olivaw Sep 2013 #257

Hostility is not a sign of principles nt geek tragedy Sep 2013 #164

The beatings will continue until morale improves. Autumn Sep 2013 #43

I Do Not Think That Is What Is Happening, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #44

I disagree. I think they are way to the right of most of the party and trying to pull Mojorabbit Sep 2013 #63

And you would be spot on in that analysis. Skidmore Sep 2013 #78

If you know of another team that has a chance of getting something done, let us know. randome Sep 2013 #57

It is a big tent treestar Sep 2013 #149

that's a hoot coming from you. Warren Stupidity Sep 2013 #150

That is just ad hominem treestar Sep 2013 #151

Ad Hominum? Not you! Vanje Sep 2013 #205

I didn't call you anything treestar Sep 2013 #210

Quiet, you! You have plenty of rights! QC Sep 2013 #289

I asked her for an apology the other day for that Puglover Sep 2013 #318

That is one of the ugliest things I have ever seen posted on DU. QC Sep 2013 #325

You weren't kidding with your threat to engage in 'hostilties' towards partisan Democrats. nt geek tragedy Sep 2013 #161

Allying with people includes Vanje Sep 2013 #203

"the hostilities will continue" until people stop disagreeing with you geek tragedy Sep 2013 #160

Well now this is a rare sight on DU! JNelson6563 Sep 2013 #41

Interesting points LondonReign2 Sep 2013 #45

Regarding Your Points, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #66

Politics it the art of compromise question everything Sep 2013 #47

The rest of that quote is telling too... stevenleser Sep 2013 #50

Thank you for the addition question everything Sep 2013 #53

Spot on Vanje Sep 2013 #68

Sadly, the country has shifted question everything Sep 2013 #250

68? The primary in which the Party favorite was gunned down prior to convention? Bluenorthwest Sep 2013 #72

Yes, '68 was a terrible year for Democrats and the Nixon machine question everything Sep 2013 #152

What an insipid response. Dripping with arrogance and contempt. Seriously shitty rhetoric. Bluenorthwest Sep 2013 #170

I have never "alerted" that a post is hurtful, etc. and should be removed question everything Sep 2013 #249

"...come to take what began as deliberate exaggerations for effect to be statements of fact..." SunSeeker Sep 2013 #49

Kick & Rec BklnDem75 Sep 2013 #51

This exquisite exercise in logic ought to be pinned to the top of GD. stevenleser Sep 2013 #52

It's a Recession when your neighbor is unemployed, a Depression when you're unemployed.... Junkdrawer Sep 2013 #54

"I am not a member of any organized political party. I am a democrat." Ishoutandscream2 Sep 2013 #55

mostly agree bigtree Sep 2013 #56

Emotions Certainly Must be Roused, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #290

I read you loud and clear Capt. Obvious Sep 2013 #59

"mounds of spice and little else" panader0 Sep 2013 #60

+a nanallion Cryptoad Sep 2013 #61

This is well-written, but please allow me to summarize DisgustipatedinCA Sep 2013 #62

With all due respect sir, SomethingFishy Sep 2013 #65

I Consider Myself, Sir, A Leftist, and Address Myself To Fellow Leftists The Magistrate Sep 2013 #69

Hmmm.. Ok that wasn't clear to me in the OP.. SomethingFishy Sep 2013 #70

No Need To Apologize, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #71

I consider myself to be slightly more handsome than Brad Pitt. Bluenorthwest Sep 2013 #82

No Idea, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #84

I think you unintentionally hit on something there. Beauty and "who is left enough" are both stevenleser Sep 2013 #85

Everyonehere seems to describe themselves as Left Vanje Sep 2013 #98

And Standards Can Very Locally, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #120

Post removed Post removed Sep 2013 #165

Indeed, Sir: Your Wit Went Right Over My Head, With A Perceptible 'Whoosh'.... The Magistrate Sep 2013 #169

I don't claim to know your views better than you do, I am just not assuming that your Bluenorthwest Sep 2013 #178

Just Advancing To Claiming You Know My Inner Self Better Than I Do, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #180

All of you who claim others aren't "progressive enough" are claiming you know them. You really dont stevenleser Sep 2013 #212

To see an excellent example of why civil discourse isn't going to happen, take a look at some of the JoeyT Sep 2013 #74

Posts from The Other Direction Could Be Adduced From The Above As Well, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #76

Oh good lord yes. JoeyT Sep 2013 #186

I understand your point Joey, but would argue that posts such as the OP here are civil discourse. bluesbassman Sep 2013 #87

Hot damn! BumRushDaShow Sep 2013 #75

I agree in general. H2O Man Sep 2013 #80

An Excellent Analysis, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #81

I would agree, however... kentuck Sep 2013 #88

Well..then those of us in the ACTIVIST LEFT are by standards of yours KoKo Sep 2013 #237

I've edited above post, several times...in anger. n/t KoKo Sep 2013 #240

I also agree in general H2O Man Sep 2013 #286

Thanks for sharing update of what's been going on in your area... KoKo Sep 2013 #309

Recc'd. Thanks for being civil Vanje Sep 2013 #86

The whole "Left v. Right" motif is becoming increasingly obsolete 99th_Monkey Sep 2013 #89

Some very good points, but I strongly disagree BelgianMadCow Sep 2013 #91

I Appreciate Your Comment, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #94

It's interesting your bring up revolution BelgianMadCow Sep 2013 #113

In My View, Sir, 'Working Outside The System' Is Revolution The Magistrate Sep 2013 #117

The Memoranda of Understanding are sufficient to see that indeed, Europe isn't a democracy BelgianMadCow Sep 2013 #119

It Was Greece I Had Particularly In Mind, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #121

Discourse, diplomacy, discussion, dialogue...reasons I became a proud Liberal Left-wing Democrat. libdem4life Sep 2013 #92

This ProSense Sep 2013 #102

It is noteable that you speak of "The Left" and "progressive people"... bvar22 Sep 2013 #108

Notable To Me, Sir, Is The Instinct For The Capillary You Display In The Pretext You Take For Anger The Magistrate Sep 2013 #114

And it is notable to me that you choose diversion... bvar22 Sep 2013 #124

You Would Have To Have Made A Point, Sir, To Require Rebuttal The Magistrate Sep 2013 #127

....And now we have blind denial, bvar22 Sep 2013 #143

Then By All Means, Sir, You Tell Yourself You Have Proved Me Neither Leftist Nor Progressive.... The Magistrate Sep 2013 #145

What a cowardly response. U4ikLefty Sep 2013 #206

Thank You For The Laugh, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #209

There you go again, pointing out facts. Efilroft Sul Sep 2013 #238

Well done. Enthusiast Sep 2013 #268

The New Democratic/Republican Dynamic colsohlibgal Sep 2013 #110

it certainly is a good idea to keep in mind just how reactionary the current political culture is Douglas Carpenter Sep 2013 #115

Sir Hekate Sep 2013 #125

"First, it has to be acknowledged"... ljm2002 Sep 2013 #128

A-freakin'-men! dgibby Sep 2013 #129

As Observed Nearby, Sir, Above The Magistrate Sep 2013 #130

Historically, the faction that 'bolts" time and time again is the center-right faction. Warren Stupidity Sep 2013 #131

There Have Been Two Sizeable 'Center-Right' Bolts, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #139

I don't see anything but conjecture and characterization in your post. Bluenorthwest Sep 2013 #156

What You Cannot See, Sir, Is Neither My Problem Nor My Concern The Magistrate Sep 2013 #171

Your assertions fail. It is those to the right who bolt the Party, as Warren said. Bluenorthwest Sep 2013 #182

Three Well Known Examples of Left Bolt Were Presented, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #184

I do not disagree... ljm2002 Sep 2013 #132

+1 idwiyo Sep 2013 #221

I'm not sure what it means to be a Democrat Jeff In Milwaukee Sep 2013 #135

Indeed, Sir: The World Is an Intricate And Complex Place The Magistrate Sep 2013 #140

If they oppose 'gay marriage' they are bigoted fuckwads, Party affiliation is moot. Bluenorthwest Sep 2013 #153

Ted Cruz Vanje Sep 2013 #172

I'm a creature of hyperbole and here to recommend this post. hunter Sep 2013 #138

With all due respect - fuck pragmatism. TBF Sep 2013 #141

I Agree We Need To Fight, Ma'am The Magistrate Sep 2013 #144

It's not clear to me that the conservative Democrats are fighting very hard. They like to compromise rhett o rick Sep 2013 #146

I Expect The Senate Will Hold On This, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #147

It's not clear to me that they're fighting at all. At least for the 99%. winter is coming Sep 2013 #158

I agree. nm rhett o rick Sep 2013 #233

It's "Smoke & Mirrors" and how many times have we seen this crap going on? KoKo Sep 2013 #243

Don't forget that they are entitlements because people actually ARE ENTITLED to them. Dark n Stormy Knight Sep 2013 #259

Very True, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #301

If any post has convinced me that the Party has left me, the OP has. mick063 Sep 2013 #154

I'm with you, Mick. Enthusiast Sep 2013 #269

"When a Democrat "moves to the center," he is adopting a conservative position Zorra Sep 2013 #155

As A Matter Of Language, Ma'am, Mr. Lakoff Is Quite Right The Magistrate Sep 2013 #167

Or, what is necessary is to move the center closer to your end, and that's what the RW has Dark n Stormy Knight Sep 2013 #262

Excellent post Sir malaise Sep 2013 #157

The attempt to reason with these folks is a noble one. A complete waste of time, but noble. Number23 Sep 2013 #159

A ray of sunshine Vanje Sep 2013 #174

Would I Be Wrong, Ma'am, To Suspect You Of Indulging In Sarcasm? The Magistrate Sep 2013 #176

You would not be wrong, Sir. Vanje Sep 2013 #188

Nor Do I, Ma'am The Magistrate Sep 2013 #189

It wasn't meant to be. It was my take on what's happening and has been happening Number23 Sep 2013 #226

It Is Simply my Preference, Sir, To Bring People More Into Agreement The Magistrate Sep 2013 #232

Well I agree. I didn't attack anyone with my post. I noted that for too many on the left Number23 Sep 2013 #234

Fair Enough, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #235

Would you be in that group hug? Then I would seriously need to reconsider it Number23 Sep 2013 #179

Sir, I think you implicitly conflate left/progressive ideology with geek tragedy Sep 2013 #166

Opposing The Very Concept Of Authority, Sir, Is Certainly A Strong Strain In The Left Here Today The Magistrate Sep 2013 #168

there are a remarkable number of people on both the far right and the progressive left geek tragedy Sep 2013 #173

Indeed, Sir: There Is A Place Where Far Left And Far Right Meet And Do The Booty-Bump The Magistrate Sep 2013 #175

Elevation of ideology over fact, from climate denial to Lysenkoism, geek tragedy Sep 2013 #177

This message was self-deleted by its author Number23 Sep 2013 #183

Good one! Thanks! Humor is medicine for the Self-Righteous Syndrome. ancianita Sep 2013 #190

So where do you put Bernie Sanders in the left - right spectrum, and do you think Zorra Sep 2013 #191

I Think He Is The Best Man In The Senate, Ma'am The Magistrate Sep 2013 #192

I agree. nt Zorra Sep 2013 #195

I have to admit after years of being told if I were to vote third party I would basically be voting liberal_at_heart Sep 2013 #213

That is exactly how I feel Lydia Leftcoast Sep 2013 #228

I did vote third party last year. Efilroft Sul Sep 2013 #239

This sounds to me LWolf Sep 2013 #214

Well said, LWolf. smokey nj Sep 2013 #217

I agree LWolf. liberal_at_heart Sep 2013 #218

Me too.......nt Enthusiast Sep 2013 #270

... winter is coming Sep 2013 #220

+1 idwiyo Sep 2013 #230

Great post! n/t Efilroft Sul Sep 2013 #241

This. Starry Messenger Sep 2013 #263

"If they want us at the table, they have to set us a place" ljm2002 Sep 2013 #281

I used to laugh at 1960s radicals who referred to their opponents as "fascists," Lydia Leftcoast Sep 2013 #223

Your post deserves a K&R. idwiyo Sep 2013 #229

Yes it does. I'll give it a big PLUS ONE! nt Enthusiast Sep 2013 #271

Agree...and it's certainly a WAKE UP CALL...but our Dems REFUSE to see it KoKo Sep 2013 #242

The Democratic Party has moved right. It has moved left. DirkGently Sep 2013 #225

But, then, Dirk ...WHY DO THEY DO IT? KoKo Sep 2013 #244

Because what the right and the center hold most in common is they both loathe the left Fumesucker Sep 2013 #261

^^^This!^^^ whatchamacallit Sep 2013 #280

+1 idwiyo Sep 2013 #285

There Is Something To That, Sir: The Left Is The Cassandra Of Political Life Here The Magistrate Sep 2013 #292

Lately this site has been in the mainstream and the political leadership are to the right. dkf Sep 2013 #227

The president and the DC Dems are far to the right of the majority of rank-and-file Dems Doctor_J Sep 2013 #236

No One has mentioned "Citizens United Decision!" No One! KoKo Sep 2013 #313

then do something about that, or again stop lying and pandering in the Doctor_J Sep 2013 #314

We ARE Doing Something! Bill Moyers and Many Others..Partial List here: KoKo Sep 2013 #315

Welcome To The Wonderful World of Friendly Fire, Doctor The Magistrate Sep 2013 #316

After so many tit for tat posts at DU recently, I embrace this post, sir! SaveAmerica Sep 2013 #247

Two-Thirds of Americans are for Medicare for All MannyGoldstein Sep 2013 #248

Yes Manny mick063 Sep 2013 #254

Those positions favored by two-thirds of Americans are being characterized as far left positions. Enthusiast Sep 2013 #272

I Agree With Every Item On Your 'Two-Thirds' List, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #276

The problem is that the Republicans exploit these inconsistencies MannyGoldstein Sep 2013 #293

Here We Are In Substantial Agreement, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #300

+a gazillion! ljm2002 Sep 2013 #284

Two-Thirds of Americans fadedrose Sep 2013 #288

Also wanted to add that I'm tired of labels. I don't even know what I am anymore - SaveAmerica Sep 2013 #251

''...the only tool available at present...'' DeSwiss Sep 2013 #260

+1 whatchamacallit Sep 2013 #282

If Your Point, Sir, Is That Our Political System Functions Poorly The Magistrate Sep 2013 #287

I love the Twain quote. bvar22 Sep 2013 #295

"Reasonable" is utterly meaningless without a context eridani Sep 2013 #265

Sometimes, Ma'am, People Argue With Constructs In Their Own Minds The Magistrate Sep 2013 #277

Check out the WA State Democratic Party platform if you don't think most grassroots eridani Sep 2013 #320

So people who advocate policies to the right of Reagan are 'center-left'? TransitJohn Sep 2013 #275

Yeah, it's like visiting a Twilight Zone. UK's zany Tory PM looks downright commie idwiyo Sep 2013 #279

A judicious enough statement, which ought to be expected... malthaussen Sep 2013 #291

A Very Thoughtful Reply, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #297

The problem you address is a real one... malthaussen Sep 2013 #317

I Am Glad We Find Points Of Agreement, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #322

Ah, when you put it that way... malthaussen Sep 2013 #324

Solidarity! librechik Sep 2013 #294

Brilliant! Unca Jim Sep 2013 #296

Well written Grateful for Hope Sep 2013 #298

People who write abstract posts with no concrete examples, no discussion of specific issues, JDPriestly Sep 2013 #299

Among Other Things, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #312

I agree with you on the following: Wilson was not what we would call a Democrat today. JDPriestly Sep 2013 #319

I Am Not Downplaying Mr. Roosevelt's Achievements, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #321

My parents were very idealistic at the time, but not Communists. They absolutely JDPriestly Sep 2013 #323

No offence, Magistrate, but this is wrong. last1standing Sep 2013 #302

Your Post Is Not The First To Make Me Think, Sir The Magistrate Sep 2013 #307

You know what your intent better than I. last1standing Sep 2013 #308

The Republican Party cannot use it's own rhetoric to box in the left. sibelian Sep 2013 #311

Well, if the Last fredamae Sep 2013 #326

Honestly, decades of being told TDale313 Sep 2013 #327