Democratic House leadership ..... can we discuss the need for change?

[Stinky The Clown]

The headline might be a bit misleading. I am on no particular crusade to unseat the House leadership. Instead, I want to start a discussion about the need for change .... or not.

I *like* Nancy D'Allesandro Pelosi. I include her maiden name as a way for those of you who wish to look back at her roots to have word to google. For me, she's a home towner (Baltimore, not San Francisco) and comes from a really good, DEMOCRATIC family. I'd be perfectly content for her to become Speaker.

But is that really the best choice for our party?

To my mind, the fiercest fighters for core Democratic principles are to be found among the members of the Congressional Black Caucus. The list of fierce fighters is not limited to this group, but, as a group, they are surely the most united and the most fierce. Maxine Waters (yes, I know there's some ethical issues she's facing) was no doubt touching to many of us with her lonely walk to the Senate in the waning hours of the fight to hold Al Gore's 2000 victory. Just a brief listing of names will raise cheers from any Democrat: John Conyers, Charlie Rangel, Sheila Jackson Lee, to name but three.

But there are others who deserve serious consideration. Barney Frank comes to mind here. Can anyone name a more competent debater? A more fierce defender of democracy? A better Democrat? A man more willing - and capable - to *strongly* project truth to power?

Dennis Kucinich. 'Nuff said.

The Republicans - say what you will about 'Uncle Tom' or 'Oreo Cookies' - have indeed put many black and ethnic faces in serious positions of power. The motivation for doing what they do is of course suspect, but it is what it is.

Our best chance for some piece of the American power structure is the House in 2006. Our only opportunity to show who we are as a party is in the choice of our House leadership.

In my mind, the best would be Sheila Jackson Lee for Speaker, Elijah Cummings of Maryland for Leader and Barney Frank for whip.

That's MY dream team. What's yours?

[LiberalEsto]

1. Can't complain about your list

as long as John Conyers heads the Judiciary Committee and gets power to subpoena members of the Misadministration!

[BOSSHOG]

3. Do members of "leadership"

(speaker, leader, whip) give up their committee chairs and memberships?

[BOSSHOG]

2. Charlie Rangel as Speaker??

I think Pelosi would fit in the job very nicely. Hell, a freshman democrat would be much more competent then the fat fuck taking that seat now.

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

8. LOL BOSSHOG, re: Speaker of the House

"a freshman democrat would be much more competent then the fat fuck taking that seat now."

Perfect description of "Fat Denny" if I ever heard one.

:toast: :thumbsup: :yourock: :applause:

[BOSSHOG]

9. Thank you, thank you very much!

At least my congressman, Gene Taylor(D), Mississippi takes care of himself and looks like a man.

Off topic: Can my Saints beat the Packers this coming weekend? Bears spanked em but I don't know how good the Saints are at this point. They beat Cleveland, but Cleveland looked pitiful on both sides of the ball.

[babylonsister]

4. Can Rep. Ryan be utilized anywhere? Linked is a compelling

speech:

http://www.theleftcoaster.com/archives/002832.php

And what's the name of the female Floridian rep who is so outspoken, in a really good way?

I love Sheila Jackson Lee; good choice!

[Stinky The Clown]

5. Are you thinking of Debbie Wasserman Schultz?

I'd bet that's who.



The link didn't play for me, but I'm pretty sure, reading the link, I recall Ryan's speech.

[babylonsister]

6. Here's a good link-worth your time to watch again and remember.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePHJ5fWUgFQ

And yes, Debbie Wasserman Schultz is the woman I was thinking of. Every time I see her I like what she says.

[Stinky The Clown]

7. Yup, that was the speech I remembered.

He's a good guy.

Maybe a little young for a leadership post .......