General Discussion

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)

217. The explanation is easy. It's so much easier to blindly follow. It's so much easier to

Tue Nov 4, 2014, 01:11 AM

Nov 2014

decide that the division between good and evil is simple, Dems are good and Repubs are bad. The Ruling Oligarchs love this division in the Democratic Party. One side believes in Democratic Principles and the other side believes in Democratic Idols.

Your detractors didn't even try very hard to answer your question: "Nowadays, however, because some politicians with a (D) after their names aren't, don't or won't stand for some or all of those ideals, pointing that out here and criticizing it has become some sort of high crime. " Their stands on issues are so weak that they can not insure their candidates will win. Therefore they look for excuses. They say the Liberals want too much. I have repeatedly dared them to explain what the Liberals want that they don't want. Never get an answer. Their only answer is that Democrats are better than Republicans. We all agree on that. But when you try to tell them that some Democrats are better than other Democrats, their heads explode.

They will tell you in so many words that winning is more important than having Democratic Principles.

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On the eve of this election, there's something I need your help to understand [View all] WilliamPitt Nov 2014 OP

Brand loyalty. And yet we think we're so much superior to the Republicans because we're blkmusclmachine Nov 2014 #1

Bzzzt. The Democratic party is vastly superior to the Republican party. tridim Nov 2014 #7

He;'s not talking about 'parties'. He's talking about voters. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #11

Democrats ARE the Democratic Party. tridim Nov 2014 #14

Oh how I wish that was actually true. nt Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #23

It would solve a lot of problems, wouldn't it. WilliamPitt Nov 2014 #64

wow, that would indeed make things so much easier. nashville_brook Nov 2014 #85

+1 merrily Nov 2014 #229

What's amazing is that you think that. The grassroots of the Democratic Party are against fracking. rhett o rick Nov 2014 #208

Being against something doesn't matter much if you don't act upon it. The majority ignore primaries. Chathamization Nov 2014 #220

If a voter is against fracking who should they vote for? Does the Democratic Party support fracking rhett o rick Nov 2014 #221

They should have voted for the Democrats who were running on anti-fracking messages? Chathamization Nov 2014 #222

Who is running on an anti-fracking message besides in NY & NC? RiverLover Nov 2014 #230

It doesn't seem like anti-fracking candidates are exactly non-existent in CO Chathamization Nov 2014 #293

Refusing to vote for a pro-TPP, pro-fracking candidate IS acting on it. Doctor_J Nov 2014 #256

We get the government we show up for YoungDemCA Nov 2014 #272

Is That A Joke? billhicks76 Nov 2014 #237

Nail head Thespian2 Nov 2014 #250

Thanks...Prescott Bush Was A Traitor billhicks76 Nov 2014 #296

How do you define 'democrat'? It isn't just a letter and it's amazing, speaking of amazing, that sabrina 1 Nov 2014 #288

Hear hear! True Blue Door Nov 2014 #72

No way, baby!!! vlyons Nov 2014 #104

rec. SammyWinstonJack Nov 2014 #2

thank you for this. +1000000000 NRaleighLiberal Nov 2014 #3

Bingo vi5 Nov 2014 #4

Yep RobertEarl Nov 2014 #5

No you didn't. zappaman Nov 2014 #45

I joined in 2005 specifically to rock the kooky boat nine years later. Orrex Nov 2014 #52

Your posts seem to Be Free of pro environmental messages CreekDog Nov 2014 #120

There was a poll another user did recently that asked people to vote for their Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #6

Actually... jeff47 Nov 2014 #15

I vote in every primary. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #26

Then you should bother reading the last sentence before complaining. jeff47 Nov 2014 #29

Funny you should mention 'Captain Orange' Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #38

You really should try to actually get all the way through a post sometime. (nt) jeff47 Nov 2014 #41

And you might want to try to learn the reality of politics. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #53

You're "brining up issues" that are addressed in the posts you reply to jeff47 Nov 2014 #102

I have a feeling he knows that reality very well. merrily Nov 2014 #234

This is exactly what happened in Ohio RiverLover Nov 2014 #232

Message auto-removed Name removed Nov 2014 #99

Then the last sentence applies. jeff47 Nov 2014 #103

Bingo MaggieD Nov 2014 #278

Well ... 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #17

As I pointed out elsewhere, the % of time you vote with Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #27

Okay ... 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #60

ROVE and Company love this, they love watching us act like adults, something they are randys1 Nov 2014 #277

I criticize the Democratic party often, ZombieHorde Nov 2014 #225

So true! I tout Bernie Sanders because of his pledge to fight for Publicly Funded Elections and Dustlawyer Nov 2014 #283

+1000000000000000 Thank you woo me with science Nov 2014 #286

Well said William Pitt ... I share your befuddlement 99th_Monkey Nov 2014 #8

Well ... 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #9

Do you really think WilliamPitt Nov 2014 #13

Possibly ... 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #28

I can see the headline WilliamPitt Nov 2014 #39

Are you reading what I wrote, or just responding to the voice(s) in your head? ... 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #62

Post removed Post removed Nov 2014 #68

Will, you are not displaying well ... 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #95

Crunch time WilliamPitt Nov 2014 #108

I'll repeat ... 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #118

omg -- if a DUer said it, it must be TRUE!! and lethal to the party! nashville_brook Nov 2014 #67

I can't tell what you are talking about? ... 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #113

I think you think that you don't need to follow the TOS. MADem Nov 2014 #146

Reminds me of an old saying. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #19

Because ... 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #33

You mean the attempts by the President? Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #42

Okay. eom. 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #65

I wondered what that was about. Almost the entire Republican campaign strategy this year merrily Nov 2014 #233

No shit! It seems pretty clear to me! MADem Nov 2014 #145

But, at least I didn't drop another "watermelon" comment on him! eom. 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #152

Really. MADem Nov 2014 #156

The problems will still be around on Wednesday. jeff47 Nov 2014 #10

+1 ... 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #35

Exactly right on all counts. stevenleser Nov 2014 #115

With that last paragraph, you are too charitable. eom. 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #213

I agree with him 1000% and I'm still voting D RiverLover Nov 2014 #235

That has nothing to do with what I wrote. What you personally are doing is not at issue. stevenleser Nov 2014 #260

+1 n/t jaysunb Nov 2014 #140

+ 1,000,000,000 What You Said !!! WillyT Nov 2014 #12

calling the Democratic President a Piece of Shit Used Car Salesman does not = Debate. LawDeeDah Nov 2014 #16

Sure inspired a lot of debate around here. WilliamPitt Nov 2014 #18

It's still a hot debate Will... by people who weren't even members at the time Autumn Nov 2014 #163

LOL WilliamPitt Nov 2014 #165

Yeah not to terribly Puglover Nov 2014 #248

Hey Puglover. How goes it? Autumn Nov 2014 #257

Going good Autumn. Puglover Nov 2014 #258

Last winter here? You are so lucky Autumn Nov 2014 #259

How I see that situation RobertEarl Nov 2014 #24

If that is what WP meant ... 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #36

Pitt was faced with a bad personal situation when he wrote that RobertEarl Nov 2014 #47

"That.... many here are off kilter in their words here on DU." zappaman Nov 2014 #50

This message was self-deleted by its author 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #56

I consider the President a better friend than W. Pitt LawDeeDah Nov 2014 #61

Read the OP again. RobertEarl Nov 2014 #69

Of course you see the situation wrongly. zappaman Nov 2014 #46

There must be scads of Online Writing courses, LawDeeDah Nov 2014 #74

You claim RobertEarl Nov 2014 #82

Well then, why did he say that in the title of his OP? MADem Nov 2014 #154

Damn ... 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #214

If people here went after republicans... RobertEarl Nov 2014 #218

Funny you should say that ... 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #240

"Still carrying it around?" Puglover Nov 2014 #274

You'd think someone who styles himself a writer would have made that clearer, then. MADem Nov 2014 #148

Spend a bit of time reviewing the things said to LGBT people simply for advocating our own equality Bluenorthwest Nov 2014 #20

This is truth. Ed Suspicious Nov 2014 #116

I think that you've made the best point so far... Blanks Nov 2014 #201

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Will Pitt . . . markpkessinger Nov 2014 #21

How many here were here since 2001? JaneyVee Nov 2014 #22

So what, if we're 'newer immigrants' we don't matter? Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #30

What the hell does that mean, and.... JaneyVee Nov 2014 #31

"How many here were here since 2001?" Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #40

Some have solidarity for principles, others for labels. If a pro-TPP, pro-fracking, pro-insurance, Doctor_J Nov 2014 #261

Thank you. I vote for principal. 840high Nov 2014 #25

!... TeeYiYi Nov 2014 #43

K&R! n/t RKP5637 Nov 2014 #32

Seriously, here's the deal maxrandb Nov 2014 #34

+1 ... 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #48

Absolutely right on. olegramps Nov 2014 #86

*Standing Ovation. Why does this have to be said and resaid over and over? LawDeeDah Nov 2014 #97

Define "the country" - TBF Nov 2014 #105

Where to start maxrandb Nov 2014 #167

Excellent start - TBF Nov 2014 #188

"The republicans co-opting of religion" Martin Eden Nov 2014 #241

Great post - TBF Nov 2014 #242

Thank you for this. It IS more than a game for most of us in the real world. canoeist52 Nov 2014 #168

Excellent retort TBF. Outstanding. Well Said! Sadly it goes right over their heads. 2banon Nov 2014 #186

+1. I find your last line the most compelling LordGlenconner Nov 2014 #121

Your problem is not on DU - TBF Nov 2014 #190

And your problem is you covet the struggle LordGlenconner Nov 2014 #270

If you have no idea who Greg Abbott is TBF Nov 2014 #279

Self awareness is good thing LordGlenconner Nov 2014 #281

Jesus Cripes Almighty. I have never seen folks RUN, not walk, RUN to wear the mantle of perceived Number23 Nov 2014 #292

You wrote a lot of words and didn't address his question. rhett o rick Nov 2014 #131

I thought that's what we were doing? maxrandb Nov 2014 #180

You're debating something different. LWolf Nov 2014 #244

I agree with some of what you said, but here's the problem Hippo_Tron Nov 2014 #135

Because you would not have gotten Single Payer maxrandb Nov 2014 #173

Again, why couldn't we have gotten it though? Hippo_Tron Nov 2014 #196

Have you forgotten about the "Blue Dogs?" markpkessinger Nov 2014 #295

Indeed. Maedhros Nov 2014 #136

This message was self-deleted by its author ancianita Nov 2014 #210

Thank you. woo me with science Nov 2014 #251

+1 nt steve2470 Nov 2014 #138

Mercy ! n/t jaysunb Nov 2014 #142

WooHoo! Dont call me Shirley Nov 2014 #158

RIGHTEOUS! !!!!! NT GusBob Nov 2014 #160

THANK YOU! betsuni Nov 2014 #211

That's a long, passionate post LWolf Nov 2014 #245

And you're missing the point maxrandb Nov 2014 #285

I don't think so. LWolf Nov 2014 #291

Exactly MaggieD Nov 2014 #275

^^excellent^^ freshwest Nov 2014 #294

I took this test (New York) and apparently I agree slightly more with the Green Party candidates Rhiannon12866 Nov 2014 #37

I'm surprised too. ablamj Nov 2014 #176

I did better on Socialist than Libertarian, don't remember exactly Rhiannon12866 Nov 2014 #191

If Dems lose seats tomorrow, it's all your fault. MannyGoldstein Nov 2014 #44

That does seem to be the message, every single cycle. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Nov 2014 #70

I like your thinking. We can award him the "Nader Scapegoat" award. I am sure the DNC will rhett o rick Nov 2014 #137

Amen, Will. woo me with science Nov 2014 #49

Did you vote in New Hampshire's primary election this year, Will? MineralMan Nov 2014 #51

You're a dog with a bone. WilliamPitt Nov 2014 #63

You posted the bone, Will, on a public forum. MineralMan Nov 2014 #71

Jeez... Hissyspit Nov 2014 #77

*sigh* WilliamPitt Nov 2014 #79

Well, my first election was 1966. I registered on my birthday, too. MineralMan Nov 2014 #81

Post removed Post removed Nov 2014 #193

I have never voted for a republican in my life. MineralMan Nov 2014 #194

but your OP sounds like you voted, like you always do... LawDeeDah Nov 2014 #93

This message was self-deleted by its author Electric Monk Nov 2014 #144

Right on cue. Can you explain that oddity first, I may have misunderstood LawDeeDah Nov 2014 #155

Zombie sockpuppets don't get to even pretend they have some sort of moral high ground. Electric Monk Nov 2014 #157

Thanks, I haven't thought of this song for ages. LawDeeDah Nov 2014 #161

Have I previously posted that video in reply to one of your earlier incarnations? Electric Monk Nov 2014 #166

Okay, you toodle off then. LawDeeDah Nov 2014 #172

Thank you for keeping this thread active tonight Electric Monk Nov 2014 #189

Interesting, a boomer scolding a 13er. beerandjesus Nov 2014 #198

Apologies in advance WilliamPitt Nov 2014 #212

aka "Generation X" beerandjesus Nov 2014 #253

Nice to come back to DU and see things haven't changed at all. RetroLounge Nov 2014 #219

I'll send you the jury results as soon as I get them Autumn Nov 2014 #164

that jury took awhile GusBob Nov 2014 #171

Well I for one will keep critiquing whoever the fuck I want, just like always. Rex Nov 2014 #54

Even in Denmark? zappaman Nov 2014 #57

Well yeah, Denmark is special but you already knew that. Rex Nov 2014 #59

+10 840high Nov 2014 #169

amen, Will Pitt! nashville_brook Nov 2014 #55

I'm not going to try... That is why I have an (I) after my name rather than a (D) or (R) Xyzse Nov 2014 #58

Thank you, Will Oilwellian Nov 2014 #66

Extremely well written post Feral Child Nov 2014 #73

ask why they want to control the conversation... nashville_brook Nov 2014 #87

Dig it! n/t Feral Child Nov 2014 #96

I was wondering the same thing. Hissyspit Nov 2014 #75

Oooof. The Martyrs. alcibiades_mystery Nov 2014 #76

The obsession with the term "ratfucking" is telling. DirkGently Nov 2014 #78

+10000000 nashville_brook Nov 2014 #84

+1000000. n/t ms liberty Nov 2014 #174

My high school held pep rallies where faculty encouraged students to chant, "We're number one!" tclambert Nov 2014 #80

It can be explained, just not justified stupidicus Nov 2014 #83

I share your sentiment. onecaliberal Nov 2014 #88

We used to be called "Reds", "Commies", "Anarchists", "Peaceniks", and "Hippies". Tierra_y_Libertad Nov 2014 #89

And it's not like they've ever been proven right. DirkGently Nov 2014 #124

admittedly DonCoquixote Nov 2014 #90

I'd rather have a member of the House or Senate that votes with me 80% of the time, than a Ikonoklast Nov 2014 #91

"The perfect is the enemy of the good." WilliamPitt Nov 2014 #92

I have voted already. Straight Democratic ticket, top to bottom. Ikonoklast Nov 2014 #101

It appears that a number here have misunderstood the OP. You said, "People here tend to forget that rhett o rick Nov 2014 #129

If every Blue Dog had won their seat in the last mid-term, the House would have remained Democratic. Ikonoklast Nov 2014 #181

I wonder if you take the time to explain this ... 1StrongBlackMan Nov 2014 #159

Naturally criticism is a necessity sadoldgirl Nov 2014 #94

Save this post. BKH70041 Nov 2014 #98

nope Skittles Nov 2014 #110

How do you know that for sure? BKH70041 Nov 2014 #139

I know it "for sure" because I have been on this site for 13 years Skittles Nov 2014 #200

The liberal bashing is really discouraging. I guess it was only a matter of time Doctor_J Nov 2014 #100

Ironic, that their claim is liberalism "depresses turnout," isn't it? DirkGently Nov 2014 #112

They bash Liberals to discourage them so they have someone smokey nj Nov 2014 #128

I consider myself a flaming liberal and trust me, SMC22307 Nov 2014 #224

oh, THEM Skittles Nov 2014 #106

Moderate Republicans have no place to go ... GeorgeGist Nov 2014 #107

And they bring their hatred of liberals and their DirkGently Nov 2014 #195

word up frylock Nov 2014 #282

I agree with you 100%� I just wish my democratic candidates would say as much in their campaigns. world wide wally Nov 2014 #109

K and R bigwillq Nov 2014 #111

I seem to recall that during the Bush years the "pom pom squad" Warren Stupidity Nov 2014 #114

And Obama was a liberal pipedream! DirkGently Nov 2014 #119

Looks like the party has been co-opted by the Circle Dees. Tatiana Nov 2014 #117

Ratfucking = Dirty Tricks/Sabotage by political operatives. See Nixon admin emulatorloo Nov 2014 #122

"Infiltrators" seem more likely to call liberals "Ratfuckers" DirkGently Nov 2014 #192

It is appalling if some DU'ers are using the term that way. emulatorloo Nov 2014 #262

Very good! H2O Man Nov 2014 #123

Waterman WilliamPitt Nov 2014 #134

Thank you, Will. H2O Man Nov 2014 #204

Where to begin? hfojvt Nov 2014 #125

Well said, sir. hifiguy Nov 2014 #126

Can't explain it, Will. All I can think from right now until tomorrow is that all pundits have.... marble falls Nov 2014 #127

Nixon always had a Democratic House and Senate Art_from_Ark Nov 2014 #177

It's great that you vote on election day, Will. It's even BETTER if you VOTE EARLY. Damansarajaya Nov 2014 #130

Hatchet man.. Docross Nov 2014 #132

Anyone who tells me all Dems are the same is merely a parrot, a Limbot on the other side Roland99 Nov 2014 #133

It is simple really. Criticizing The POLICIES of the Conservadems exposes them for what they are Vincardog Nov 2014 #141

This IS election season here at DU. MADem Nov 2014 #143

Lol Boom Sound 416 Nov 2014 #147

Carl Jung had a term for it: enantiodromia-- Things turn into their opposites carolinayellowdog Nov 2014 #149

AHHHHHH!!!! mstinamotorcity2 Nov 2014 #150

There were a whole lot of fine DUers who got "ratfucked" during those "2,922 days". countryjake Nov 2014 #151

You remind me of a guy that whined and whined until he got a pony, then he CK_John Nov 2014 #153

''Are we really that chickenshit that we can't discuss and debate these serious issues...'' DeSwiss Nov 2014 #162

It's the Third Way doing pre-emptive damage control. Blame Zorra Nov 2014 #170

precisely. nashville_brook Nov 2014 #182

Exactly right. djean111 Nov 2014 #184

+1000 OrwellwasRight Nov 2014 #271

Exactly! or more succinctly� Fuck Yeah! Agony Nov 2014 #175

"Explain it to me." - Sure. You are spending your time with the wrong people. jtuck004 Nov 2014 #178

Thanks Will, great post. Scuba Nov 2014 #179

I haven't noticed that. ozone_man Nov 2014 #183

Kick !!! WillyT Nov 2014 #185

I stand. 99Forever Nov 2014 #187

We have alot of local issues going on Texasgal Nov 2014 #197

No problem bluedeer71 Nov 2014 #199

Ah Will... WillyT Nov 2014 #202

I don't worry about it treestar Nov 2014 #203

Did I miss it or just about miss it? What does the sign say ? lunasun Nov 2014 #205

What's worse than Ebola and more infectious? whereisjustice Nov 2014 #206

knr Douglas Carpenter Nov 2014 #207

Well over 150 recs and still going strong... woo me with science Nov 2014 #209

I just generally stay away from here ibegurpard Nov 2014 #215

I am very glad you bring this up... MrMickeysMom Nov 2014 #216

The explanation is easy. It's so much easier to blindly follow. It's so much easier to rhett o rick Nov 2014 #217

What absolute bilge n/t Jeff Rosenzweig Nov 2014 #226

Ahhh, what a perfect response. Those that criticize the Left have nothing but insults. I rest rhett o rick Nov 2014 #263

You didn't make a case. Jeff Rosenzweig Nov 2014 #280

Speaking of "puerile armchair pseudo-psychological gibberish, ", did you read what you posted? rhett o rick Nov 2014 #287

easy to be an UNDERGROUND when your party is out of the white house. yodermon Nov 2014 #223

Why haven't Democrats taken to the streets over Citizens United? SleeplessinSoCal Nov 2014 #227

Issues don't count.... Spitfire of ATJ Nov 2014 #228

Apparently, the only reasons Democrats lose elections are not their respective messaging, not merrily Nov 2014 #231

Do you spend more time bashing red state dems or supporting liberal dems? IronLionZion Nov 2014 #236

"talk on DU won't swing one election" is the same argument as "my vote won't swing one election" muriel_volestrangler Nov 2014 #238

K&R Enthusiast Nov 2014 #239

De ja vu Le Taz Hot Nov 2014 #243

K&R If we are too afraid to tackle the tough issues. Who won't be? raouldukelives Nov 2014 #246

Trivial. Look at the youth vote. Who motivates the youth? joshcryer Nov 2014 #247

Your post was alerted on and survived 5-2. Ykcutnek Nov 2014 #265

Thanks for letting me know. joshcryer Nov 2014 #266

Damn. DAYUM!! Number23 Nov 2014 #289

This is a great post. PatrickforO Nov 2014 #249

I think whoever got WP locked out of his own thread is the "ratfucker" Generic Other Nov 2014 #252

What ??? - When Did That Happen ??? WillyT Nov 2014 #264

That is shameful & really disappointing. RiverLover Nov 2014 #267

Too many 3rd wayers?... freebrew Nov 2014 #254

We're now supposed to stand for people, not principles Doctor_J Nov 2014 #255

x2 RiverLover Nov 2014 #269

Yeah thats why D and R labels are dead PatrynXX Nov 2014 #268

me, i, its because of the stupid assault on the man and the office mopinko Nov 2014 #273

I hate disingenuous thread titles MaggieD Nov 2014 #276

I agree. Great post Will. Owl Nov 2014 #284

K&R Jamastiene Nov 2014 #290