Naming liberal values after a single politician is fucking weird

[NurseJackie]

18. When any liberal leader has difficulty in turning his or her visions into reality, that tells me ...

... that he or she may not be as successful as some believe or assert.

I suppose it's one thing when a politician's rhetoric is able to enthrall liberal voters, but what he or she is actually able to accomplish (in the form of legislation) is the TRUE MEASURE of whether he or she has been an effective representative or just a gadfly to entertain those who are perpetually discontent.

We probably shouldn't consider things like resolutions, which are either symbolic or procedural in nature... I'm talking about things that actually help citizens and make their lives better, or that help our government to run better, or that benefit our planet.

Now, I realize that I'm probably sounding a bit harsh. So I'd like to add that junior (or first-term) lawmakers shouldn't be judged as critically as their more seasoned colleagues. After all, it does take a while to get a feel for how things run, and to develop friendships and alliances. In that regard, it makes sense that first-term senators may not be as effective as someone who's been in congress for 25 years.

I imagine it might be difficult (at first) for a newly-minted lawmaker to find his or or political niche where he or she can advance their political and ideological priorities.

Sen. Jack Reed (for example) is a Rhode Island Democrat who has amassed 25 years in Congress and who has has had eight bills signed into law out of 376 introduced. That's an impressive record of success.