Op Eds: Mehlman, fear and terror. Dean, hope, change, optimism

[madfloridian]

Howard Dean's op ed in USA today is filled with hope and sensible solutions to the nation's problems.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2006/11/post_14.html

"The American people deserve political leaders who will ask the tough questions and make smart decisions about our foreign policy and homeland security, not just tough talk around election time. Sixteen intelligence agencies agree that the Bush administration's failed Iraq policy is increasing terrorism around the world. Our brave troops have become occupiers caught in a civil war. Democrats are united behind a strategy of phased redeployment and benchmarks that make it clear to the Iraqis that they must take responsibility for the future of their country."

"We will end Republicans' deficit spending and restore pay-as-you-go discipline. We will restore the Republican cuts to Pell grants and other programs that make it easier for our kids to afford to go to college. We will protect, not privatize, Social Security.

Democrats respect hard-working families and the work it takes to make ends meet. We believe that strengthening the middle class is essential for a thriving economy that rewards work, opens the door of opportunity to all, and makes it easier for parents to devote time to their families. We will ease the burdens on middle-class Americans with middle-class tax fairness, increase the minimum wage and reverse Republican health care cuts. We want to make a down payment in ensuring affordable health care for every American, and fix the Medicare prescription drug program. We will protect Social Security so that every senior is ensured a retirement in dignity.

We will enact real ethics reform in Congress."

Mehlman must follow wherever Dean goes, his little shadow. He spreads fear and terror as he travels.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2006/11/post_17.html

From the narrowly averted plot to blow up airliners bound for the USA to North Korea's nuclear detonation to last week's missile test by Iran, we are constantly reminded of the threat against free nations by terrorists and despotic leaders who support them. The war we fight today is not a new war. For a generation, terrorists have attacked free nations, from the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, to the U.S. hostages in Iran, to Beirut, to the World Trade Center in 1993, Riyadh in 1995, Khobar Towers in 1996, the U.S. Embassy attacks in 1998, and the USS Cole in 2000. Too often, free nations responded weakly or not at all, so the enemy grew emboldened, leading to 9/11.

Today, the Republican Party has learned the lessons of Sept. 11, and understands the importance of using every single tool at our disposal to win this war — but some Democrat leaders would take those tools away. Democrats in the House and Senate voted against re-authorization of the USA Patriot Act. The overwhelming majority of House Democrats voted against legislation to make it easier to intercept terrorist communications. Democrats voted against tribunals that will help us get the information we need, and have time and again voted against missile defense.

That man Mehlman drives me crazy with his talking points, with his lack of caring.

In fact he is in trouble over Abramoff and the NH phone jamming, and it never sticks. He just keeps yakking his talking points.

Mehlman, phone jamming, and Abramoff, never covered by media

[WildEyedLiberal]

1. And what sickens me

Are the Dems who help Melhman spread his lame callous talking points and who attack Dean and Dems like him for being too "crazy" and "scaring swing voters."

When are they going to learn that having the courage to stand for something is the only thing that will convince voters to change the course?

[madfloridian]

2. It will change, just takes time.

Dean is not about to give up no matter what happens on Tuesday. He has the loyalty of those who elected him. And he will continue.

I think the fight for change really starts after Tuesday. First we get power, then we really start holding them accountable. We did make changes already, but not enough yet.

I won't forget who went after Kerry this week, telling him not to appear with them. I have a long memory. Those very people are the same ones who will be after Dean and others next. It is not going to work this time. They can kiss my you know what.

[NastyRiffraff]

3. Amen!

I won't forget who stuck the shiv in Kerry either. (Hello, Hillary. Harold Ford). I ALSO won't forget who didn't support the Democratic nominee in CT, Ned Lamont. In fact, many so-called Dems actively supported the man who CT Democrats rejected.

Dean is a hero to me. He had the courage to stand up to those in the party who wanted the same ol', same ol' (losing) strategy. Now, we're looking at a very good possibility of winning the House, and have a chance at the Senate, because he stood up for Democratic values and has a strategy for actually (gasp) winning!

[WildEyedLiberal]

5. Notice that the ones who betrayed Lamont are the same who betrayed Kerry.

It's not a coincidence that the Dems who betrayed Kerry this week are the same ones who endorsed Lieberman outright OVER Lamont (like Ford) or the ones who supported Joe wholeheartedly during the primary and who gave merely lip service to Lamont after his primary victory. It's also not a coincidence that Kerry has been one of Lamont's most steadfast supporters, sending out at least three fundraising emails for him and hitting the trail with him in late October.

No, it's no coincidence that the same people stabbing Kerry in the back now are the ones who left Lamont out to dry, ignoring the will of Democratic voters in CT and instead protecting their old buddy Joe who long ago sold any Democratic principles he had down the river.

Ford has really left a bad taste in my mouth lately, but I hope he wins JUST so we can get the Senate majority back and put people like Boxer, Kerry, and Kennedy in charge of committees. Get the majority and set the agenda, and we can clean house later. But Hillary - who is wiping the floor with her opponent - has no excuse for the lack of loyalty she has shown for other Dems lately. None. She merely sensed blood in the water and hoped to land an early blow against a leading critic from the liberal wing of the party, even if it meant backing up the GOP. She has no excuse and I will never forgive her for her craven treachery.

[WildEyedLiberal]

4. They've been after Dean and Kerry and anyone who dares to speak up

The pieces of the puzzle have really fallen together for me in the past few months - the battle lines have clearly been drawn between those who want change and those who benefit from keeping the status quo.

What they don't realize is that grassroots Dems are waking up to their games. I know it took me awhile to wake up and see this whole power struggle for what it really is, and I don't think I'm alone. But once people's eyes are opened, they won't be forced shut again.

The tide is turning, and they can kiss my you know what too.

[madfloridian]

6. A kick for fearful Ken's ability to have nothing stick to him.

Abramoff, NH Phone Jamming. Just did a search on him, and not a word on either.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/484