Why are we offering concessions to get republicans to vote

[Jakes Progress]

for the bail out. Raising insurance levels. Tax holidays. More republican ideas like the ones that got us here.

Why don't we try to appease some of the Democrats who voted no? How about progressive concessions? Are we just too accustomed to "cooperating" with the republicans that we can't do this? Why not try offering changes to get the liberal, progressive Democrats to support the bill.

Equity and regulation or no bail out. With no bail out, everyone goes down the toilet. Without equity and regulation, even with a bail out, most of us will go down the toilet. But the people who gave us the problem will be sitting on the rim, watching us swirl.

[RufusTFirefly]

1. I believe it's a variation on the Stockholm Syndrome

"Stockholm syndrome is a psychological response sometimes seen in an abducted hostage, in which the hostage shows signs of loyalty to the hostage-taker."

The Rethugs are holding the country hostage, and some Democrats apparently have grown devoted to them.

[Jakes Progress]

9. It does seem that the Democrats

have become textbook pathological. My first wife got nothing but scorn and ridicule from her mother all her life, but she spent every waking moment trying to get her approval. It was sad to watch. So is Congress.

[Vincardog]

2. Regulate first. IF any firm gets federal money their CEO gives back 50% of everything they earned

last year.

[JuniperLea]

3. It's all political now...

The mutual ass kissing is on my last nerve.

[adamuu]

4. None. next bill will originate with Democrats. all the dems and a few moderate R will vote for it.

The ideological free-marketeeeers will not participate.

[anigbrowl]

5. Because if it's a democratic rather than a bipartisan bill, Rs will blame the Dems for everything

From now until the election and afterwards. And we are quite a ways from hitting bottom with this financial crisis, so they'll turn it into an issue with which they'll attempt to steal the election.

[Jakes Progress]

7. Which they will do anyway.

There is no way we are getting a majority of republicans to vote for this. They will do just as you said - sit it out and blame Democrats for whatever happens. If we are going to get blamed either way - and we will - then use the opportunity to do something positive. Just giving another lap dance to the neocons won't get us any good will from them so I don't see why we keep doing it.

[Mojambo]

6. You can't put forth a partisan proposal until after the election.

Too much risk in allowing either side to sit this out before an election.

Which is why I'd prefer to see some kind of delaying action and then tackle this thing with a full on progressive solution after the election.

That may not be possible though.

Tough decisions.

[Jakes Progress]

8. When you're gonna take a hit no matter

what you do, why not do something good?

[sixmile]

10. This is the Shock Doctrine at work

I'd go further to predict this whole mess is nothing less than the systematic, premeditated dismantling of every New Deal program and ideal by the republic party and its supporters. A long term goal coming to fruition.

[Jakes Progress]

11. grover norquist has said

that the goal of the neocons was to break the government. Make it so broke that social security, medicare, public education all must be privatized. They miss the 1890's, the era of the robber barons. cheney, norquist and their partners see themselves as the new Vanderbilts and Carnegies. Naomi Klein said on Bill Mahrer's show that the current banking issue isn't the crisis. The crisis comes in two or three years when the $700 Billion is used up and we owe for it and the war at the same time. No money for any of the social fabric of what we have come to see as the United States. Don't even start to believe that the money will be used to fix things. They will see to it that it is wasted and squandered. They want us broke and beholden to the corporate class.

[RoyGBiv]

12. Because we're stupid.

Sorry. That's all I got.

[ShortnFiery]

13. I hope that the progressive member of the democratic House "stay strong" and NOT belly-up

for Pelosi. Tell her, "Hey Nancy, THIS bill is still off of the table!".

Especially if the moderate whores for the Corporate fat-cats give EVEN MORE perks for the large banks ... I hope and pray that the progressives stand tall. NO! HELL NO! :-)

[Jakes Progress]

14. If we were a three party nation

made up of Democrats, republicans, and Progressives, the Progressive party would be very, very, very small.

[ShortnFiery]

15. I seriously doubt that ... and as things become more dire, our numbers will grow.

IMNSHO, Jesus was the BEST, the original LIBERAL aka Progressive. ;)

long-haired radical socialist Jew

Well Jesus was a homeless lad
With an unwed mother and an absent dad
And I really don't think he would have gotten that far
If Newt, Pat and Jesse had followed that star

Refrain: So let's all sing out praises to
That long-haired radical socialist Jew

When Jesus taught the people he
Would never charge a tuition fee
He just took some fishes and some bread
And made up free school lunches instead
So let's all sing out praises to....

He healed the blind and made them see
He brought the lame folks to their feet
Rich and poor, any time, anywhere
Just pioneering that free health care
So let's all sing out praises to....

Jesus hung with a low-life crowd
But those working stiffs sure did him proud
Some were murderers, thieves and whores
But at least they didn't do it as legislators
So let's all sing out praises to....

(Modulate to A)

Jesus lived in troubled times
the religious right was on the rise
Oh what could have saved him from his terrible fate?
Separation of church and state.
So let's all sing out praises to....

Sometimes I fall into deep despair
When I hear those hypocrites on the air
But every Sunday gives me hope
When pastor, deacon, priest, and pope
Are all singing out their praises to
Some long-haired radical socialist Jew.

They're singing out their praises to..oooo..oooo..
Some long-haired radical socialist Jew.