This is no time for political attacks ?

[kentuck]

We are in the midst of recovering from a national disaster. Democrats shouldn't try to make any political hay from this - no matter how vulnerable the Repubs may seem at this time. Are you in that school of thought? Do you believe this is not a good time to attack Bush or the Republican Party because it looks tacky and insensitive? Is it best to just sit back and let Rove and Bush struggle with how they can PR their way out of this? My opinion is that they will go for another taxcut - as ridiculous as that sounds. They will be able to sell it to their faithful, in my opinion.

[Qibing Zero]

1. Catastrophic events like this reveal people's true colors

My opinion is that this is way beyond politics and public relations. For goodness sake, what could go wrong if a politician told the truth for once? Speaking out about people's lives is NOT political.

[Mikimouse]

2. Bullshit! They are whining about the same kinds of things that...

they so gleefully dumped on Clinton. They are typical cowards who can dish it out, but cannot take the consequences. I hope they all live good long lives, if for no other reason, so that they can see the results of their avarice, selfishness and bullying. May they go to their end being very afraid.

[obxhead]

3. we've given 50 billion a year to DHS

to handle a situation much worse than what has happened in NO. Personally I want some answers. I want SOLUTIONS that do not just suck away our tax dollars and make the elite even richer. I say smite while the smiting is good.

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. This is the time to take charge and stop

dancing to the Pukes, enough is enough!

[TallahasseeGrannie]

5. I got slammed

on one of my first posts here because I felt some caution in this area.

I am now officially conflicted. It has to be done carefully in a manner that makes it clear that the country wants answers so it doesn't happen again. And in doing so, if some fingers have to be pointed, then so be it.

Could we lose support if we come off like we are climbing up the backs of the dead in N.O.? I guess so.

Do we need to keep up the pressure? Yes.

Should we throw caution to the winds and surround the White House with pitchforks and spears and march the rascals out? No.

This administration has shown its weak underbelly. There will be death throes, but in general, they will hang themselves and we need to come up with a strong slate and plenty of money to push it.

The Eleanor Clift article this week is spot on.

[ellenfl]

7. can you link that article, please? tia eom

[TallahasseeGrannie]

11. Sure

Here you go

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9368131/site/newsweek

[KoKo]

6. I think it's "sit back and watch them hang themself time."

After all...it's really up to THEM...they control ALL Branches of Gubbmint...including the "Supremes" and what the Hell...they are "going for broke" in stacking the "Supremes" until most of us are dead and buried...or cremated out into the oceans..:shrug:

;-)'s

[damntexdem]

8. Hell no! There aren't many on here who do think that.

Unfortunately, many Dem pols do seem to think that. But then, those who DO speak out are largely ignored by the MSM.

[ninkasi]

9. I think it's time to point out the truth

it may come across as attacking, but quite frankly I don't care. This is the most corrupt, arrogant administration in American history, and having our leaders stand up to them, point out errors, put a stop to the contracts being doled out to cronies, and stop them from using Katrina as a tool to ram through their own issues is not something we can keep from doing, just so we'll be seen as "nice".

This is too important to silence our leaders, and have them dance to Rove's tune of "no political attacks", and refraining from playing the "blame game". In case we haven't noticed, they are blaming every democrat they can find, and the tragedy of Katrina has not lessened their political attacks.

Why should we be bound by rules they make up, and then don't honor? This is why voters keep from voting Democratic candidates into office...why should they, when our silence gives approval to the status quo?

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

10. Whether to ATTACK is debatable, but at minimum, Dems need to

pound it home that the Katrina outcome represents what can be expected of "ownership society", privatized government agencies, and the whole Grover Norquist modern Republican doctrine of government so small it can be "drowned in a bathtub". All these phrases and imagery should be thrown back in the face of the Repubs.

The concept that government can be a force for good in the nation and world needs to be resurrected, with the Democratic party as its standard bearer. If the Democratic party is unwilling, then another standard bearer needs to be found.

[KoKo]

13. ROFLMAO! That's Old Dem Stuff....Kennedy/Wellstone Crap....Most

Americans don't think Gubmit' can be a Force for GOOD in the WORLD...that's "old, outdated crap."

[TallahasseeGrannie]

16. The folks we are after

might not look that deeply into the theory of political philosophies. I know that I really don't. (not to my credit, but being honest) I'm pretty knee-jerk. Katrina spoke to me because I saw wrong. I'm not the only one.

We need to keep the pressure on about Katrina while also being a part of the solution. No obstructionism when it comes to rebuilding.

But then there is a strange situation developing and one that I can draw an analogy to. There is a point in our lives when if we live long enough, and our parents age, we become the parent. It is an uncomfortable transition.

And in government, suddenly it is the Republicans who are the spendthrift big money government guys. We need to emphasize fiscal responsibility. Now THAT will bring over some of the GOP and undecideds.

They are hanging themselves. Maybe we can help slip the noose on but I am pretty sure they'll jump all by themselves.

[bluestateguy]

12. On December 12, 2000 I made myself and all the Clinton haters a promise

that I would be as fair to George W. Bush as every right wing radio talk show host, every Republican congressman, and right wing activist was to Bill Clinton.

I intend to keep that promise.

[Cocoa]

14. they should make righteous hay

as opposed to petty hay.

They should "use" Katrina to bring about a major progressive shift in politics, as opposed to scoring points off Bush.

I'm NOT saying they shouldn't criticize Bush, I'm just saying it shouldn't be narrow or personal.

[Individualist]

15. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil

is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke