Why I Am Angry

[Avalux]

Here we go....

I am angry because the nominee of the Democratic Party will be either Kerry or Edwards.

I am angry because I don't care for either one of them very much.

I am angry because I will be forced to vote for either Kerry or Edwards to send * back to Crawford.

I am angry because both of these men represent the establishment and not real change.

I am angry that our nominee will be pro-IWR and * will use this to prove he did not mislead the country.

I am angry because major media outlets are the mouthpiece of White House propoganda.

I am angry because no matter how hard many of us tried, we failed.

I am angry because my friend's husband just left for Iraq for a year and she is now alone with 2 small children and no support system.

I am angry because I live in Texas and I'm sick and tired of hearing how great * is.

I could go on, but my blood pressure can't handle it.

[Guaranteed]

1. I hear ya.

You're not alone.

[WilliamPitt]

2. I'm angry because my anger thread was totally wrong

Thanks for this.

[Avalux]

3. You're welcome

and don't worry about it; I think we're all kinda "crawling in the dark" right now.

[Guaranteed]

16. I don't think you were wrong,

but I don't think that you were specific enough. Politicians are people. And we're angry at those people.

[West Coast Democrat]

40. No, it wasn't

I think you are on the right track.

[JackRiddler]

44. You have my respect

for being able to say when you were wrong. Thank you.

Besides that, I like you a lot.

But my impression is, you too often get taken in by your own ability to produce ephemeral but flowery argument. To generate pundit-ready prose that seems insightful but plays only with the shadows.

Your "anger" post was simply condescending. You should have seen that.

Regardless: Be well and prosper.

[edzontar]

51. I don't know if your thread was wrong.. because I could not

Understand it.

You seemed bitter yet excited by the same political themes....and I didn't really get it....

Sorry.

[Lefta Dissenter]

4. I'm sorry

:hug: I know that it's difficult to feel inspired, but I try to reassure myself with the thought that ousting bush from our White House is only the first step in getting our country back on track. I know that's little consolation, but that's all I can come up with.

[VelmaD]

10. Yes Yes Yes

You get it. The election is not the end...it's only the beginning. We elect the Dem we can get elected and then we work on them...support them against the right when they need it and give them hell and force them to do the right thing. We didn't do this with Clinton and we have been reaping the results since.

[Avalux]

11. I know

I keep telling myself the same thing, ABB. Thank you. :hug:

[lastliberalintexas]

5. I agree

But having the luxury of living in Texas means you don't have to vote for either if you don't want to. We will not be a swing state, and the election likely won't be very close at all. At least I will still vote FOR someone or even something in November and keep my conscience clear.

At this time, I will not vote for anyone, Dem or otherwise, who voted for the IWR, NCLB, the Patriot Act, Homeland Security, and/or Shrub's tax cuts. Nor will I vote for anyone who perpetuates the myth that Shrub's tax cuts were actually good for or helped the middle class in any way. That eliminates Kerry and Edwards for me. But we will have a Green candidate on the ballot in Texas- and I think maybe a Socialist candidate as well. One of them is likely to get my vote, for many of the same reasons that you listed.

Ironic that it will actually be a benefit for me to live in a solidly red state this year!

[dave29]

37. From what I am hearing, Texas Dems may have cause

for hope that the hypocritical GOP may be in for their karmic retribution...

http://www.burntorangereport.com/archives/cat_texas_politics.html#001085

At which point we should move fast and furious to take back Texas from the likes of Delay, Perry, and other Bush/Rove puppets.

[mmonk]

6. I understand completely

It would have been nice to have someone with enough support to win that could be in a better position to challenge bush on the Iraq issue. I'm going for Kerry because though his vote hurts the argument, he seems to be more willing to take issue with the premise of bush's reasoning. But it's still a compromise for me. It's a debate needed for the country.

[xultar]

7. Couldn't have said it better myself! I hear YA!!! n/t

[Avalux]

14. Hi xultar!

:hi:

[AngryAmish]

8. I am angry

I am amish.

[RichM]

9. These are all very valid reasons to be angry.

I feel generally the same.

[JVS]

12. I'm angry because little devils taunt me in my sleep!

[BL_Zebub]

48. Hey, I resent that!!

Those little devils are just doing their job. Give us a break :evilfrown:

[Anwen]

13. Me too.

You're definitely not alone in your anger. :hug:

[sadiesworld]

15. There is still time for peaceful change, but not much. ABB

[JitterbugPerfume]

20. at this point

ABB will have to do

[DaisyUCSB]

17. I'm angry that so many have to take out your sadness on those of us

who don't buy into the demonization of people like Kerry and Edwards, who don't call them "establishment" or imply that their candicacies are less worthy of my investments of hope and my fondness those candidates just because you buy into that.

I'm guessing you're a Dean supporter, but I could be wrong. I'll never be able to miss a movement that was just so, so, negative at it's core.

[Avalux]

19. You're wrong

I'm not a Dean supporter, but in principle, I agree with what he represented.
My opinion is just that, and my need to vent on this board should not be taken personally. Sorry if I offended you.

[DaisyUCSB]

28. Who did you support then?

I was very let down when Clark dropped out, but I don't think it would have been right to imply to all the Kerry and Edwards supporters that they were supporting aweful candidates and therefor they must just have aweful taste or their stupid or something. You didn't say that, but what are we supposed to say.

Right now the most constructive debate is wether Edwards is better than Kerry, not that they both suck. That gets the party nowhere

[Avalux]

30. Clark

and, no, Kerry and Edwards are not awful and their supporters are not stupid. They just don't do much for me.

[truthspeaker]

27. nothing wrong with negativity if it's justified

If you're not outraged you're not paying attention.

[Avalux]

33. Thanks n/m

[DaisyUCSB]

39. I'm not outraged at Edwards and Kerry.

I'm paying plenty of attention, to all sides of all arguments, unlike alot of people who seem to not be suspicious of any propaganda against them but are of any defense for them

[T Wolf]

18. Use the anger in an effective manner.

Don't just "piss into the wind."

We know what we are up against, and looking at the Bush* machine realistically, there is only a very slight bit of hope.

The power of the dark side is almost total and they are almost completely in control (money, media, military, and the government). The optimists (here and elsewhere) just do not recognize the depths to which the repukes will go to hold power. If you think the shit they pulled in 2000 was outrageous, just wait 'til this fall. Back then they were trying to grab power, and were successful. Now, they have the power and even more influence and to think that they will be less successful in holding it is delusional.

As long as we try to fight on their terms, or rather, on the terms they pretend to adhere to (fair elections), we lose. Thus, we waste millions of dollars and countless hours of effort in trying to play in a rigged game.

Repukes have well learned the lesson of Bush*, that is, there are no consequences for any of their actions. They lie and nothing happens. They destroy lives and nothing happens. They kill and nothing happens.

The ONLY way to fight them is to make them personally suffer consequences for the things they do. Not in do-good and feel-good activities, but direct actions against the enemies that cause so much harm.

Mass or group actions, when lined up against an enemy that has all the power and force on their side, are doomed to fail. One person can do things that bring the effects of their actions to them. That would appear to be the only way.

Finally, the Democratic candidate CAN atone (slightly) for his pro-IWR vote by simply saying, "I voted that way because I could not believe that a president would actually lie to con the country into a war." Now that I know the truth, I deeply regret my vote. I will not make the mistake of trusting this administration again."

[West Coast Democrat]

21. No one candidate can be all things to all people

Don't allow yourself to get angry about it. Just keep trying to work for change.

I was angry when Paul Wellstone died. He won't get another chance. That is something to get angry about.

[Avalux]

22. Sorry

I have a right to be angry. Today, I am really, really angry because my friend's husband is gone, she has a 7 year old and a 4 year old, and now she needs knee surgery. It tears me up listening to her try and figure out how to do it since she has no family here. Some of us will help, but still. I HATE THIS GDDAMN WAR.

[West Coast Democrat]

25. The war is something to get angry about

Kucinich is by far the strongest anti-war candidate, and he's still running.

[Lindacooks]

23. Why are you angry that Kerry or Edwards

will get the nomination? This is how democracy is supposed to work. This is grassroots democracy - people voting and gradually building a candidate's base and support. I think it's ridiculous to be angry over primary results. You're playing right into the Repukes' hands.

You should be angry that Bush stole the White House, that he's raping the environment, that people are dying daily based on his lies, that he's eroding our precious privacy and rights.

You're wasting your anger and energy being upset about the Democratic candidate. And that's just what the Repukes want you to do.

[Avalux]

26. Please don't minimalize how I'm feeling

and call it rediculous; that's so insensitive.
I'm still ABB. It's those that intend to vote 3rd party who are playing into repuke hands.

[West Coast Democrat]

29. Yes, exactly what I was thinking

Anger directed toward any Democratic candidate is just destructive. Someone's political goals should not shrivel up and disappear just because their candidate has dropped out of the race.

[Avalux]

32. Geez

My political goals have not disappeared and I will continue to work towards them. Anger is a gift.

[West Coast Democrat]

34. Okay, but I'm assuming you started this thread to get responses

Now you're just getting more angry because others look at things differently.

[LittleDannySlowhorse]

24. I can't say I disagree

I'm mad as hell and it's been that way since December 2000. I have really surprised myself in the intervening years at how much I have NOT been able to get past it.

What you're feeling is healthy, believe it or not. You SHOULD be enraged at these assholes.

[West Coast Democrat]

31. One person's nomination to the Democratic ticket would not

fix all of your problems or anyone else's. It's a continual process.

[edzontar]

35. I agree with you, but I am more sad and disappointed than angry

And frankly, I am tired of the use of the word "angry" to characterize my candidate and myself.

[littlejoe]

36. Be glad you weren't a hippie in the 60's.

Talk about getting steamrolled and disillusioned by the establishment!!!

[MuseRider]

46. I remember.

Gives one perspective, not that that is great right now.

[littlejoe]

38. People have to live somewhere. But Texas?

just kidding.

[Avalux]

42. lol

not a native; transplanted yank. :hi:

[littlejoe]

53. Understood. I have relatives in Texas, but I still speak to them.

[rbnyc]

41. I'm angry because we know this and most states...

...haven't even voted yet.

I hate the momentum created by our constant temperature taking. I hate that the media can decide who is viable and who is not viable before a single vote is cast. I hate how people are afraid to think for themselves.

[littlejoe]

43. What you have said, I sympathize with to some degree.

Wouldn't it be nice if we lived in a perfect world? But these are minor annoyances, compared to the corrupt bunch of murderers who are calling the shots right now. Do me a favor. Save your anger for Bush.

[Avalux]

45. Yes it would be

and don't worry, * gone is the ultimate goal.

[citizen snips]

47. It's Ok to be angry.

Just as long as you don't hold grudges.

I am an Edwards supporter.

On edit: puncuation mistake.

[LoneStarLiberal]

49. Howdy, sparenosnare

If there's one thing I hate about my Lone Star State since 2000, it's all the DBTE (I pronounce it "dee-bite") people here..."Dead Behind The Eyes."

Sometimes I look around and wonder how it is all the resourcefulness, innovation, and hard work that formed the foundation of what it means to be Texan (yes, in all fairness, along with slavery, repression of Mexican citizens, JFK, and the oil industry) ended up being co-opted by a carpetbagging moron from the Northeast and his message of fear, his loathing of anyone not white, rich, and male, and his hatred of liberty.

President Cornelius sucks, and I've found that here in North Texas, a pretty good measure of how much he sucks can be easily seen and heard in how many people talk about what a great American he is and how many Bush bumper stickers you see on vehicles.

If you were a Dean supporter or Clark supporter, don't be discouraged about this election cycle and absolutely don't think of the campaign ending for your candidate being a failure. It's impossible to simultaneously argue for revolutionary overthrow of your own party's hierarchy, the entire government's hierarchy, and win a nomination in a crowded field. Just winning the nomination is tough enough.

Revolutions take time, patience, and commitment. Continue to work on the local level and with others within the former campaign you were involved in and continue to spread the message of grassroots involvement and empowerment. 2008 is not that far away but three years' worth of organizing and continuing to spread the message will go a long way to solving some of the issues both the Dean campaign and the Clark campaign faced in this cycle.

[Avalux]

50. Good advice

and I love that - "DBTE" - describes many here in South Texas. I'm not a Texan, and a lot about Texas is still a mystery to me - but as you pointed out - how can this man have such a hold over this proud, wild state? Anyway - I won't give up my cause; us Texas Democrats must stick together.
BTW - I was very discouraged by the gerrymandering that took place this year but with any luck, our esteemed governor's impending scandal will give repugs a humongous black eye.

[LoneStarLiberal]

52. I Love Texas But Hate The Jefferson Davis Conservatives

I'm a native and while I love Texas, I have a pathological dislike of what it has become politically.

The racial redistricting that took place this year courtesy of our Confederate Conservatives in Austin and Washington D.C. was a massive disappointment. I hear you're going to have an interesting House race down in South Texas (I don't know if you're in south-South Texas (the Valley) or in north-South Texas (San Antonio or thereabout) with Rep. Gonzalez; apparently his estranged ex-wife is running against him as an independent:

<http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A46477-2004Feb16.html>

Here in North Texas we've got a fight of our own with getting Rep. Martin Frost re-elected thanks to the Jefferson Davis redistricting plan our legislature passed, our Justice Department approved, and our courts signed off on. Come to think about it, we're looking at three battles all the way down the I-35 corridor: Frost in Dallas, Doggett in Austin, and Gonzalez in San Antonio.

BTW, since I've had to listen to all these bogus juvenile labels the Confederates dreamed up over the last couple of decades for liberals, I plan on tarring them here in Texas with their own instruments: Confederate conservatives, racial redistricting, Jefferson Davis redistricting, War on the Poor, and anything else I can think of to frame them in the proper (or at least the richly-deserving) light they need.

If you're looking for some good stuff on Texas history, shoot me a private message and I'll send you a few of my recommendations...balanced, of course!

[Avalux]

54. Interesting

I'm in the San Antonio area, and the Gonzalez vs. bitter wife race is either comical or disgraceful, depending on how you look at it. She has publicly stated she could care less about politics, the sole reason for her bid is to kick him out - revenge. She will surely get votes from other disgruntled ex-wives - but how could anyone else vote for her?

Look for a PM. Thanks.:hi:

[nonconformist]

55. I'm right there with you

I'm angry because we had a couple of great candidates that I could get behind 100% that are now out.

I'm angry because my 8 year old son asked me why dropping bombs on innocent people isn't against the law.

I'm angry because if there was ever a perfect time to break from the status quo and nominate someone who was clearly different, it was now and we blew it.

I'm angry because I've been marginalized.

Most of all, I'm angry because there is a lot of damn good reasons to be angry - and our ANGER is what will eventually change things.

[OneBlueSky]

56. politics is all about compromise, and you never get . . .

100% of what you want . . . further, you generally have to accept some stuff you REALLY don't like to get just some of what you really want . . .

this country is not yet ready for the kind of fundamental change that a Dean or a Kucinich or a Sharpton represents . . . they SHOULD be, but they aren't . . . simply because change is scary, and most people (at least those who vote) are relatively comfortable in their personal lives . . . the thought of massive change implies that they'll have to change their lifestyles -- smaller cars, more expensive gas, not as many toys, etc. -- and they won't want that until it becomes so obvious that change is necessary that it literally kicks them in the face . . . that hasn't happened yet . . .

but it will . . . and my guess is sooner rather than later . . . until it does, we'll continue to vote for the "lesser of two evils," because those are the choices we'll be offered . . . and all we can do is the best we know how -- keep working, and hope that fundamental change can actually happen sometime down the road . . . but it ain't gonna be this November . . .

[eissa]

57. I'm angry because everyone tells me

that neither I nor my candidate are allowed to be angry. And I hear you re: living in Texas. I'm in CA, but in a extremely freep area that worships dubya :scared: