Crazy idea: Democratic walkout during the State of the Union

[WilliamPitt]

We have ten days to write, call and fax all Dem representatives. They walk out en masse, and deliver their own state of the union on the Capitol steps before a zillion cameras. Change the story, lay down a vision, and let the planet know that opposition to this administration is indeed alive and well.

A crazy idea. It just might work.

[Midlodemocrat]

1. Not a crazy idea. But will they do it?

I've been faxing and dialing my fingers off and I don't think it has made a difference.

Why not do this? They sang God Bless America on the steps of the Capitol in response to 9/11.

How can we get them to do it?

[cantstandbush]

185. They don't have the guts to dot it. n/t

[Liberty Belle]

233. They might. A lot of them refused to clap last time.

[frankly_fedup2]

340. They walked out one time (I think it was during the right's impeachment

of Clinton), and walked out as a group to the steps on the capital. They sure as Hell weren't afraid then and should not be now.

The first words out of Bush's mouth should be, "The state of this Union is corrupt . . .and is corrupted by the Republican Party. (that would never happen)

Also, I say the big networks should be faxed too. If it is scheduled for a Sunday night then we can fit over not being able to watch our favorite shows. That has worked before . . . just a thought.

[harpo]

370. I agree...won't happen...but it would be nice

[radfringe]

236. would love to see that

but won't get my hopes up.

another suggestion: considering how bush* and repugs have pretty much shut down any opposition - perhaps what may be more fitting is for Democrats to where duct tape on their mouths to symbolize they have been silenced from voicing their arguments?

Granted a mass walk-out would be more dramatic - but once they are out of the room, the speech goes on. Whereas, cameras panning on an entire side of the aisle showing all the Dems with duct tape will last for the duration of the speech

[MaryRN]

343. LOL!

I love it!!!..but thanks for the visual of Lieberman sitting there like that!

[helderheid]

2. I love it but you KNOW how it will be spun. Still, would love to see it -

K & R

[immoderate]

104. Agree. No net gain.

Since the State of the Union is mentioned in the Constitution, it is a process of government. We will be called disruptors and anarchists. True or not that will be the discussion. There are better times, I think, for a walkout. This would be bad timing IMHO, but I'd love to see it.

--IMM

[Carni]

109. But consulting congress and not making your own laws

Is also covered in the constitution and that certainly didn't phase the chimp and company!

[immoderate]

119. I'm not defending the idiot.

It seems to me that this event in particular lends itself to be spun as "they hate America."

OTH, when else do they get the chance to walk out on the president?

--IMM

[Carni]

126. I know you're not and I am not trying to be glib

I am just frustrated because he's such an asshole that quite frankly I AM starting to hate America under him...and that is ONLY because this isn't the America I knew and loved, this is an abomination of crooked greedy pigs robbing the treasury.

I am just completely fed up at this point.

[immoderate]

156. I'm sure we agree on most of this.

It just might work.

--IMM

[f-bush]

330. Well Said!

I usually try to say that, but end up swearing in the end!

[dchill]

193. The only reason I agree with "no net gain"...

is our fabulous news media and how they'd cover the "traitorous Democrats." But still, I'd love it, too.

[Raksha]

229. I'm sick of us Dems being so cowed by the media all the time.

Really, what do we have to lose? Do we ever get POSITIVE coverage from the corporate media? So they bash us a little more, who the hell cares? You never can tell, some of those mythical swing voters watching the show might decide those Dems have guts, regardless of what the RW pundits say.

[onenote]

271. what do we have to lose?

I'm trying to figure out what the purpose of walking out would be. To demonstrate to chimpy and the repubs that the Democrats think they have screwed the country left, right, and center. Well, assuming that they don't already know we think that (which is a pretty big assumption), what do you expect their reaction to be? A little light bulb going off followed by mea culpas and promises not to do it anymore? Mass resignations?

Okay, so if its not to demonstrate anything to chimpy and his fellow repubs (and thereby influence their behavior), it must be to demonstrate something to the public at large and influence their behavior. Well, one portion of the electorate (represented by folks here at DU among others), we already know that chimpy and his gang of thugs are fucking up our country. So nothing really accomplished by a walk out other than a feel good moment.

The one group who we should be trying to influence are the moderate and independent voters who are beginning, finally, to come to the realization that voting for chimpy and the repubs was the stupidest thing they've ever done. Its their kids that are dying in Iraq. Their pension plans that are going under. Their transportation costs that are skyrocketing. Their right of privacy that is being compromised. However, poll after poll show that while these folks don't trust chimpy much anymore, they haven't exactly fallen in love with the Democrats. They think both parties put politics above everything and don't care about taking care of the things that need to be taken care of. Well, I'm not sure how the Dems walking out of the SOTU convinces these folks that the Dems are interested in governing. It will be spun that the Dems don't want government to work.

What we need is a strong response to the SOTU and we need to start the 2006 campaign, on a national basis now. We need to begin running ads -- national ads -- spelling out how Dems are the party of American Values -- of democracy, protecting individuals' privacy against government intrusion, etc etc.

What we have to "lose" by an empty symbolic gesture that will be characterized by the media as a petulant tantrum is the momentum we have in getting independents and moderates to support Democrats in November and beyond.

onenote

[Raksha]

371. The thing is, Democrats have TRIED reasoning with the public

over and over again, but what good has it done us? We've tried reiterating the facts or the law (as the case may be), but we only come across as "nuanced" and therefore weak. No matter how strong our case, no matter how much the truth is on our side, EVERYTHING we say or try to say gets drowned out by the Great Wurlitzer, aka the Republican Noise Machine.

Re>>The one group who we should be trying to influence are the moderate and independent voters who are beginning, finally, to come to the realization that voting for chimpy and the repubs was the stupidest thing they've ever done. Its their kids that are dying in Iraq. Their pension plans that are going under. Their transportation costs that are skyrocketing. Their right of privacy that is being compromised. However, poll after poll show that while these folks don't trust chimpy much anymore, they haven't exactly fallen in love with the Democrats.<<

Have you noticed something? People don't always want what they claim they want. They may claim that they only want "the facts" or "the evidence" that Bush lied about Saddam's WMDs or whatever. In reality they want no such thing, and tune you out when you try to present it. What you get is Dick Cheney saying that while the Republicans prepared for war, the Democrats "offered therapy and indictments" to the terrorists.

You may have noticed that the Repukes don't even TRY to appeal to the rationality of the masses, such as it is. Their appeal is always on the level of emotion, and usually pretty base emotions at that--i.e. fear, the desire for revenge, the desire to feel superior to somebody else. While I'm not suggesting we should try to appeal to those emotions, maybe they're on to something we have yet to learn?

Maybe Will is right, and it's time to experiment with a little street theater. Walking out on Bush would send an unequivocal message: "We reject you and everything you stand for." For those folks who don't trust Chimpy much any more (even if they voted for him) but haven't exactly fallen in love with the Democrats, that message might resonate on a visceral level, regardless of how the Noise Machine tries to spin it.

If the SOTU goes the way it usually does, they will spin the counter-message afterward as just more "Democrat whining." Been there, done that!

[dchill]

278. Hey, I agree with you...

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. And the NSA.
:)

[onenote]

286. funny, that isn't what I said. Of course you know that

What we have to lose is the growing chance that we make signicant inroads in the House and Senate in less than 10 months and can set the stage to recapture the White House and both houses in 2008. It really shouldn't be that hard for people to see that stalling our momentum by having Democrats spend this year answering questions about whether they want to be part of the government or not would hurt,not help.

But hey, feel free to write and call your representatives.

onenote

[dchill]

360. Actually, my reply was to Raksha...

but I agree with you, too. "What we need is a strong response to the SOTU..." I just happen to believe that a little one-upsmanship and physical hyperbole could be in order in this insane political climate.

Democrats, you may have noticed, can't be part of the government right now - they're not allowed. Also, I think that they should answer all questions with, "Illegal spying, illegal torture, illegal detention, Abramoff, DeLay, Ney, and Noe. This country needs an opposition party NOW."

[yurbud]

297. EXACTLY, act and be smeared or do nothing and be smeared. If you act...

you at least have the chance of getting something done.

Also, some of your message might leak through, or people will at least see Dems are upset, and since majority of Americans are upset, it is possible they will be pissed at the newsmodel dissing the Dems rather than the Dems themselves.

[radio4progressives]

234. Is Congress Obliged to Sit in Respectfully to a Despot?

I don't think that's in the Constitution. Sitting there during such an address without turning their backs on the despot, would be the same as an appeaser.
It would be a slap in the face to the American People.

[drfresh]

163. How will it be spun? Has it ever been done before? -nt

[helderheid]

184. Well of course I can't say for sure but the term "sour grapes" pops into

mind. It's all I heard when those of us who had/have valid concerns over the legitimacy of the last election brought it up. Still, I think it would be great. If not walk out, how about they all stand up and turn their backs on him?

[phylny]

265. How about they all wear something purple?

The men can wear purple ties, the women purple sweaters or dresses. They'd make an announcement that while the Republicans seek to divide us, the democrats know that much unites us.

I don't like the idea of a walkout at all.

[donheld]

378. Any reason you don't like a walkout?

:shrug:

[phylny]

380. I don't like the idea, basically because while it's a GREAT idea,

in this culture and in this day, it will be spun out of control in a negative way. I much prefer a way that will still make an impact, but has less of a chance of being negatively spun.

[immoderate]

240. They hate America!

Who else would walk out on a Constitutionally mandated speech?

--IMM

[Cheviteau]

270. SOTU speech

The speech is not constitutionally mandated. The President is obligated to report to the two legislative branches anually on the SOTU. Until recently Presidents did this by written reports. Just so you'd know. No snark intended.

[immoderate]

276. Yes, I was aware.

The mandated part would be part of the spin. Sure, it's bogus, but it would be another diversion. Commentators would assemble panels to debate the information that you just mentioned. Ivy League scholars will intone the history of the SOTU. It will suck the atmosphere out of the corruption debate for several news cycles.

I should have said it would be argued as a "constitutionally mandated" speech. I said it with sarcasm. The pubs will throw it out as if it's real.

No snark taken.

--IMM

[onenote]

280. while a speech isn't mandated, its been the practice for a long time

Washington gave the first SOTU speech in 1790 and repeated the practice throughout his presidency. It was Jefferson who dropped the practice (supposedly because he felt it was too imperial). But it was revived in 1913 by Woodrow Wilson and has been the practice ever since. So, I don't think "until recently" really is accurate.

onenote

[Cheviteau]

338. SOTU Speech

Uh....1913 IS recent to me. I'm pretty damn old. It's easy to lose track of time.

[brainshrub]

353. I did not know that.

Thanks. And welcome to DU.

:toast:

[yurbud]

292. the dreaded "obstructionist" label would have a different effect now that

majority oppose Bush.

The public wants Democrats to obstruct Bush and are waiting for them to do so.

Also, what Democrats fail to realize is that however distorted the presentation of their actions is, the public will at least see that Democrats are upset enough about what Bush is saying or doing to act in an extraordinary way.

[Imagevision]

384. nothing to lose and all to gain - Murtha couls pull walking out easily!

[rfranklin]

3. Better yet, don't even show up....

Give press conferences at another location, saying that we've heard it all before , it's a pack of lies.

[IndyOp]

97. RFranklin Has A Good Idea! - We've heard the lies before, not going.

Hold press conference at another location. I like it!

[f-bush]

332. No it's much more dramatic if they walk out...

If they start at another location it would be just reported as a by-story to the speech itself.

[IndyOp]

339. If they will walk out - then WOW! - if not then not going is next

more dramatic and then not responding is least dramatic.

If those suckers *applaud* I am going to *explode*!

:kick:

[f-bush]

368. God me too

the very least they can do is sit there in stony silence.

[Imagevision]

383. Murtha could pull this off - more to gain then to lose that's for sure!

[hwmnbn]

162. That was my first reaction.......

imagine when the chimp is announced and he comes in to a half empty house.

On the other hand, walking out in the middle of his speech would be more dramatic.

nope, I vote don't show up.

[f-bush]

333. Walk out right he starts speaking!

[phylny]

266. I like your idea as well n/t

[AbbyR]

302. I like that idea, too.

...how about they all call in sick - sick of Bush, that is.

[Burried News]

4. If this gains momentum it is gonna be one hell of a problem for

Joe Lieberman.

[ClayZ]

118. Joe can go alone!

Wouldn't that be a sight for sore eyes!

[Kalisiin]

262. Nah, Zell Would Join Him. For That Matter, So Would The Asswipe

from Nebraska...what's his face, again, anyway?

[babylonsister]

5. Will, would you consider drafting a letter we could all sign, and

direct it to a Dem with the biggest cojones that might actually read it and take action?
I'd sign...

[WilliamPitt]

10. I will take a shot.

Give me a couple of days.

[babylonsister]

15. Terrific! Thank you! nt

[Midlodemocrat]

134. I'd sign, too. Thanks, Will

[Lochloosa]

138. Ditto. Where is the bottom line?

[KalicoKitty]

142. I also would sign!

Thanks, Will!

:bounce:

[annabanana]

167. thanks. . you'll get plenty of signatures...eom

[RagAss]

179. Will....I think it may be a good idea to have them show up first...

then walk off to a location for the press conference.....if not I'm sure their seats will be filled with repukes... and a full house is not what we want.....

[dchill]

196. You're on - I guess I can give you a couple of days.

[il_lilac]

201. you have my sig waiting! n/t

[AbbyR]

258. I'll sign, too...

I AM a part of the press - very small - and I am so sick of the way the big guys spin everything. GWB and his cronies are not listening to the Democrats anyway, so why give him the courtesy of listening to him?

[f-bush]

334. Let me know when you do...

...I'll be more than glad to sign it and get others too my email is [e-mail]

[LadyMorgain]

249. I would sign

it in a heart beat. Please try and get this done.

[donheld]

377. He'll do it. Welcome to DU LadyMorgain

:hi:

[dogday]

6. It would send one hell of a message

I had an idea about 50 protest in 50 capitol cities, all taking place at the same time. Thought that might get some attention.....

[helderheid]

32. that is happening:

http://worldcantwait.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=578&Itemid=208

[dogday]

34. Great, thanks for the info eom

[Marleyb]

41. cool thanks

Washington DC: In DC, we will gather as close as we can to the scene of the impending lies:

We will be on the west side of the Capitol, around and in front of the reflecting pool. The Press will be parked along 3rd Street and along the South Side of the Capitol (Independence). Cindy Sheehan and Ann Wright will speak to us (and them) at 8 pm; they will be followed by other speakers (the Rev. Yearwood and Doug Nelson, an Vietnam War vet) and then at 9, the main event will begin:

Picture a marching band/brass ensemble, a drum circle, a choir, tap dancers, a rock ensemble, hip-hop poetry, other spoken word, hootenany, African, Asian, Irish glorious soaring rhythmic, each beginning and doing a few minutes in sequence, followed by overlapping moments, followed by at least 30 minutes of jazz-like improv, call and response, followed by one fully stunning long-held harmonious wall of sound that rises to the heavens.

The whole main event lasts 50 minutes, from 9-9:50. It’s possible the media might be roused from their hypnotic stance to report on it.

If you are interested in either helping with logistics or performing, or can help us get great performers, please email Karen Bradley at [e-mail] or call 202-669-3927.

[tavalon]

49. So did worldcantwait.net

[Carni]

115. The problem with just whoever protesting IMO

Is these things tend to get hijacked lately and then turned into something all together different than what the protest was supposed to be about (that would be bush being a criminal)

If the elected officials actually did this at the behest of their constituents we would be a little more difficult to ignore (I hope anyway)

[yvr girl]

7. You do know how to think big

I'd love to see the MSM cover this. The dilemma - cover the latest packet of lies from Jr. or the breaking news on the steps of the Capitol.

[hootinholler]

242. Yep, would they cut away?

Probably not, but even on tape delay it would be powerful.

-Hoot

[AtomicKitten]

8. The Dems are so marginalized, why not dramatize the status quo?

I think it's a brilliant idea.

[EFerrari]

114. They can't be marginalized or else the GOP would have no way

to define themselves.

The Dems are very much in the center. :)

[AtomicKitten]

175. by marginalized, I mean made diminutive in significance. n/t

[nicknameless]

246. I agree. Dems are shut out of meetings and can't hold hearings.

They're subjected to endless rule- and law-breaking by the rethugs.

Their absence at the SOTU, IMO, would symbolize what has really been going on in Washington. The Dems are absent -- not by choice -- from too much of the process.

Better that they boycott than have to sit there, the captive audience to this farce.

[GOPFighter]

9. It certainly makes sense!

The Republicans have done everything they can to squeeze the Democrats out of the political process. I would love to see the Dems boycott the SOTU and tell the American people why, and what our vision of the future is.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

11. We Can't Even Get Them To Fillibuster Alito LOL

Just kidding. I'd love to see that. It would be the pristine time to lay out the case for why and what we need to do as a country. It would enrage the right more than anything in history, but if we remained calm and on point I think it would be an incredible advantage for us.

Thing is though, it would take balls like have never been shown and I'm not too sure they're up for it.

Here's to hoping though!

:)

[IndyOp]

102. Yes we *can* get them to filibuster Alito --

We are still working and tide is turning - enough? don't know. We have at least a week yet.

Just yesterday Durbin said he thought a filibuster was possible, though a week ago he would not have thought that.

Yesterday evening a staffer at Reid's office said all options *are* on the table - staffer sounded energized.
<http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x203958>

Keep on kickin'

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

117. I know. That's Why I Said Just Kidding.

Believe me, I'm hoping with the rest of ya, and it ain't over till it's over, hell no!


:)

[MuseRider]

12. Hey, they don't listen to them

when they are there so why should they have to sit and listen to the leader of the gang? Why bother, they are really of no importance according to the Republicans so why bother showing up? I would cheer so loud from my little Kansas living room that they would hear me all the way over in DC. Interesting idea but I doubt they would do it, something about respect I suppose but I just can't seem to think of one single reason they owe that to this bunch.

[tnlefty]

128. Yep. Totally shut out. Holding "Basement Hearings" where there is more

debate and intellectual thought going on than anything I've heard come from the mouth of a repub in I can't remember how long! Hell, I wouldn't just cheer from my living room, I might actually try to get my ass to DC once again!

[Marleyb]

13. great idea

and we should join them

[DS1]

14. What's a Democrat?

:shrug:

[jus_the_facts]

68. Oooh burn...

[Double T]

16. How about NO DEMOCRATS even show up at ALL.........

they have heard the same lies before.

[WilliamPitt]

18. More of a statement to walk out

It would shake up the press corps, shake up George at the podium, change the story entirely.

There is something to be said for political theater.

[helderheid]

44. I can totally imagine * not knowing what to do, looking from side to side

and blinking furiously!

[TankLV]

195. And that glaring smirk of his.

It would be priceless.

Of course, they should have decided to do this the FIRST time they were locked out of meetings and votes because the repukes "didn't need our votes cause they already had enough votes" crap.

[benny05]

60. What about Tom Kaine though?

He is delivering the Dem Response. Do we wish to kill all of the good will he has received by beating a Rethug for governorship of Virginia? Or would he just not deliver the message at all?

[Brundle_Fly]

82. it's a briiliant idea...

but one we know the dems could never all get behind, for some reason the democrats don't like to work "lock step" like the pukes even when it seriously compromises them as a party.


I fear until they have a fully connected decision making engine in place, the pukes can continue to paint us as weak.

It sure would be beautiful, I wonder if CNN would cut the feed?

;)

[Catchawave]

263. LOL....the MSM would have multiple orgasms over a

Walk-out!

[dchill]

194. If I were a member of Congress...

I'd consider it a duty and a privilege to walk out on bullshit.

[Catherine Vincent]

17. I agree with the other poster. Just don't show up.

With the media the way it is, having video of Democrats walking about of the SOTU address would be horrible.

[mod mom]

19. CRAZIER IDEA: Dems boycott elections until they are verifiable!

[IndyOp]

98. Mod Mom - I love you, but this would backfire, I fear.

We have to participate in greater and greater numbers until everyone *gets it* -- hopefully they'll get it sooner, but not voting I think will backfire.

:hi:

[PATRICK]

20. The last time

The infamous ten words launched the war on Iraq. If something comparable surfaces this time, walk out. Unfortunately it seems people like kerry have again been going out of their way to legitimize action against Iran while those ruling OUR nation are incapable of casting the first stone justly or competently or with any real concern for "world security" in mind. When no lines have been drawn will they have even the emotional inkling they should do such a thing- as is NORMAL in most other democracies in our condition- should Junior drop a big one?

Will they sit there with frozen faces afraid the probing GOP media will be using their facial expressions for spin anyway?

[Libby2]

21. It's a great idea.

Do we have time to build a spine for them?

[Surya Gayatri]

22. But I'd worry about the inevitable media overkill

& right-wing reaction, which would surely spin the gesture as "Divisive Dems going too far--showing disrespect for Office of the Presidency". Mightn't this blow up in their faces? SG

[NV Whino]

38. So fucking what!

It's time they got "divisive" and "went to far."

[Surya Gayatri]

48. Like you, I'd love to see it, but

with the media ranged against them, would they get any political advantage out of such a gesture--or would they once again be branded "loonie libruls"? Open question...SG

[NV Whino]

64. What do they have to lose?

Likewise, what do they have to lose by filibustering Alito?

Answer: zero, zip, nada.

[Surya Gayatri]

76. Maybe the middle-ground

swing voters who who are beginning to see a glimmer of light, but who are still viscerally afraid of "moonbat lefties". Might drive them into the ranks of non-voters.

As for filibustering Scalito--there I agree with you. But the filibuster is a venerable Senate tradition and not an overt gesture of "disrespect" to the "Office of the President" (as a walkout would be framed). SG

[NV Whino]

77. Catering to the middle ground

is part--a large part--of what got us into this mess in the first place.

[Surya Gayatri]

81. Perhaps, but we need some of them

to win elections. The large majority of Americans fall somewhere in the middle--when the vote is fraud-free, radicals rarely win. SG

[TankLV]

200. Then they must choose. It's either us or them.

WE are the base. They can't have BOTH.

Time to put up or shut up.

Give me a reason to vote FOR them this time around.

I will DEFINITELY not be crawling thru a horrible flu like I've done so many other times previously to vote. I will take care of myself FIRST and just maybe sit this one out if they don't give ME a reason to vote!

[seabeyond]

206. if you cant see why it is important to vote dem, then it doesnt matter

what anyone says to you. education. health care. just someone who thinks is a good starter. but...... if you dont have a huge ass list, then really it is a waste of time. if you really dont see anything the dems have done in the last year, and how effective they are, i truly dont understand why you are even on this board. stay home, dont vote. because i dont think there is a more unreasonable stance than you present

[TankLV]

344. Then good luck without US. There are too many of US to ignore.

Ignore US at your peril.

But thanks for NOT making any good arguments, and lecture US, as you have continued to do. It will keep US away, that's for sure.

I KNOW of all the FEW good things the dems occasionally get right, and so far it has not reached the tipping point for me, but throw away qays, choice and separation of church and state at your Peril.

The onus is on YOU, not US.

[Surya Gayatri]

237. Can only concur w/ Seabeyond...

see post #206. Politics is and always will be, I'm afraid, the art of compromise. We'll have to swallow at least a bit of our bitterness, bite the bullet and deal with some of those benighted middle-of-the-roaders, if we hope to get back into power. SG

[in_cog_ni_to]

101. HEAR! HEAR!

:thumbsup:

[TankLV]

198. and what's there left to "respect".

by still being there, bunkerboy is shows the greatest "disrespect" for this once noble office.

He's unfit to sit in an overfilled, dirty outhouse.

[Catchawave]

267. What respect ?

George W has given the Office of the Presidency a black eye. How can we respect the Office if the position is being used and abused by Rethuglicans spewing fear, lies and loathing on a daily basis?

I desperately want to respect my President and what he stands for, no matter who occupies the White House. George Bush and cronies are mortally wounding the American Spirit!

[natrat]

23. please-stupid fuckers cant even see the train wreck coming

[FreedomAngel82]

24. As much as I'd like it won't happen

[babsbunny]

250. I remember when people here on DU was saying, "It Won't Happen"

to Impeachment, but everyday we are hearing that beautiful word.

[Jeanette in FL]

25. I bet my congresswoman would do it.

Corrine Brown of North Florida. She has had enough of this group and has the balls to tell them. Hell she even got sent to the back of the room and forbidden from talking for the rest of the day on the floor, not too long ago.

I will call on Monday and tell her as one of her constituents, I would like her to do this on our behalf.

[dogday]

26. If they stick together and all do it, not

one can be singled out and that's what they worry about. The media would describe it as all Democrats and not certain ones. It is worth a shot providing they have the stones to do it all...

[nuxvomica]

27. Not so crazy

Of course my rep is John "Kick-ass" Sweeney so I don't think I could write a convincing enough letter. But I'd certainly write Clinton and Schumer. The point needs to be made to the Dems that they can't just keep complaining about how marginalized they are if they haven't pulled all the stops to reverse the situation. The Repubs have been outrageous in their tactics to obtain power. We needn't lower ourselves to use the same methods but we can be just as outrageous but in an open and forthright manner.

[seabeyond]

28. you guys actually are still under an illusion the media is not biased

and doesnt work for bush. our people do what is right, say what is right and it is turned on them, bammmm fast as pie. this hasnt been thought thru. fun yes. doable no

[dogday]

30. So why not do this then because

the media is going to cast their light on whatever and whoever they want. At least this way it would be a group and not an individual and a group carries a greater message than one person....

[TankLV]

203. If we don't hang together, we will surely hang separately.

Where have I heard this before?!

[tavalon]

57. I haven't seen anybody here in a long time

who is under the illusion of which you speak.

But the media sometimes covers theatrics. They try not to because their masters do forbid it unless it's about blondes in Aruba or pregnant murder victims, but sometimes.........

There will be no coverage for the Dems if they stay. There may, though likely spun badly, be coverage for the Dems if they walk out. I mean that is historic.

[seabeyond]

65. it probably will be covered and fry the dems.......

now if we all understand how it will back fire and the dems will be painted as disrespectful to president and how no congress has ever been so "unfair and mean" to the president in the past, and how the dems are out of control and whacko and wtf....... and we understand this will be used clear up to 2006 during the election campaign, continually dissing dems time and time again how unamerican they are, and we lose the 2006 advantage we may have........then i am all for it. it would be fun and a bold statement

[TankLV]

204. And these are the most corrupt repukes ever and this "pResident" is the

most corrupt ever. He shits on the constitution. By any measure possible, he is guilty of treason and should be removed and imprisoned.

There is no debate to this. It is a fact. In fact, he BRAGS about breaking the constitution and bill of rights.

This would show that we give this asswipe the "respect" he deserves - NONE!

It's time to call a spade a spade and a LIAR a LIAR. A WAR CRIMINAL a WAR CRIMINAL.

[seabeyond]

209. they are. the dems are doing a good job and they are doing it the

right way and they are still getting dissed, but not nearly as much as they would with a stunt, and with the stunt, there would actually be a basis to the trashing of dems. dems are kicking ass. and because they have for a strong year, it has made bush weak. he couldnt get his numbers up solidly and permantly for the rest of the term. time and time again the dems have spoken out against bush, and even with a media that helps bush at every turn, still the dems are being effective.

of course he is a liar, and a media that keeps hiding his lies. yes he is corrupt and media that hides the corruption. he rags he breaks the law and media endorses it and convinces the american people it is ok

and what is the media gonna do if bush walks. all of a sudden present their side so bush will go down

not even logical

[TankLV]

345. We will get bashed no matter what we do, if not this, then something else.

NOW is the time to do something creative, such as this long overdue walkout or no-show.

This is the perfect time for it.

[Redstone]

29. They haven't the guts. Not even one of them.

Woud be nice, but...

Redstone

[AspenRose]

173. I think the Congressional Black Caucus would do it.

But they'd be by themselves (again).

[sendero]

31. It's a great idea..

... but I can't see the Dems doing it.

[cynatnite]

33. I think it's a grand idea, but...

I think it possibly could make things worse than they already are. Words like anti-American, treason and all that would really heat up the rhetoric. From there it would spiral down...fast. It makes me kind of queasy when I think of all the scenarios. Corporate media would join in tearing down the dems.

The way I see it, if the dems really want to protest, they should do it where it counts and not some publicity stunt. That's how I see it. They should protest by filibustering Alito, and do everything they can to put a stop to any and all legislation put forward by the repukes. They should also slam hard at every drop of a hat for open hearings on the wiretaping, DSM, Plame and the rest of the damn corruption that permeates this administration.

It's time to go nuclear, IMO.

[ruggerson]

35. I think it would look like a childish temper tantrum

and the media would DEFINITELY play it that way and it might severely hurt what are now pretty good chances of taking back one of the houses of Congress.

And for what? To make us all feel good for a couple of hours?

[BlueCollar]

36. Nothing crazy about it

I think they should do it...but I doubt they have the cojones....

[senseandsensibility]

37. crazy in the sense

that it has no chance of happening, yes. I would LOVE to see that, and I will dutifully e-mail, but, yes, it is crazy.

[progressoid]

39. Hello, Satan? Is Hell freezing over?

[EFerrari]

40. What do you think this is, Canada?

Good idea, Will. But, no chance. The Dems are too polite to be so effective.

I wish I didn't think that, but I do. :(

[dogday]

45. Was it the last SOTU of the very first one?

that the Democrats would not clap... I remember the one where Democrats would not clap at all and it was very noticeble...

[EFerrari]

50. I remember but don't remember. Was probably too mad

for my brain to register the experience or later produce a memory.

:(

[dogday]

52. That's how I am

I remember, but don't remember when it happened, only know that it did at one particular speech...

[benny05]

56. Wasn't It Reagan, 1983?

eom

[helderheid]

75. I think it was shrubby's second.

[Pryderi]

42. Call for a closed session...like Harry did before.

[drfresh]

164. They can't do that at the SOTU

It only applies to the Senate's business, I think

[jus_the_facts]

43. Gotta LOVE IT....wishful thinkin' of it bein' bipartisan.....

www.thelandofthefree.net

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

46. Instead of walking out, maybe they should just all stand up

turn their backs to him when he walks to the podium in the House and put on "bullshit protectors" like that old boyo did last summer at the VFW Convention when that wanker spoke there.

I know the outcry from the corporate media and the right wing would be "Democrats have no respect for the President", but who cares at this point. I certainly don't.

Chimpy doesn't have any respect for American men and women that are dying in Iraq, the Constitution, and most importantly for the American people.

[SammyWinstonJack]

96. ROFL

:rofl: I'd plan to watch if the Dems wore those bullshit protectors. OMG, that would be priceless! :evilgrin: pResident Pissypants would have a cow over that! :rofl: And the Corporate Media afterwards....:evilgrin: :rofl: :rofl:

[hootinholler]

245. MOON HIM!

Obscenity begats obscenity.

-Hoot

[MuseRider]

47. I would just be happy

if they did not clap. If they just sat there and looked bored or shook their heads from side to side but everytime I see them clapping I just want to yank their hair out.

[benny05]

51. Interesting idea

But you do realize that the Democratic response is being done by Gov Tom Kaine?

[ruggerson]

71. Exactly

1) they have a Republican wannabe giving the Response to the SOTU, so it kind of looks like talking out of both sides of your mouth.

2) what would be the point of doing it? Other than a quick high.

3) it would be a huge media disaster for the Democrats

[MichiganVote]

53. They are all too chicken to do something as radical as that

[Tuesday_Morning]

54. I think it's a great idea.

And, at the very least, if we roust them and roust them, some Dem leader will have to speak to it.

[Gregorian]

55. It's not a new idea. But maybe the timing is right.

How can we make this so that it's meaningful? Legitimate? Enticing to the senators?

This needs to be presented so that doing it is stronger than not doing it. Doing it is more legitimate than not doing it. Doing it is something that stands for something.

Those congressmen who do this could be part of a new society. Not beholden to Abramhoff. The "clean society".

Someone can make this into something that is much much more than just a demonstration. This could be the beginning of a New America. A new Democratic party. A clean slate. We need ideas to present to the congressmen. It could even be something that is not partisan. Those who want to break free of the lawlessness of the administration, could do something. Leave. Not show up. Something more than black armbands. Meet in a predetermined, agreed upon, location.


We talked about this on another forum, during other SOTU's. But this time it's more of a pivotal concept.

[leftyladyfrommo]

58. Sounds Like a Plan to me.

[tuvor]

59. When was the last time they ever spoke with one clear voice?

And why aren't they bright enough to come up with the occasional brilliant idea?

These guys need to be pushed and prodded for everything.

[Initech]

61. A crazier idea - Bush getting booed and heckled

But that would play into the rethug stereotype that Dems are childish. :grr:

[Heewack]

62. You are correct, it's crazy.

That would have to be the WORST thing we could do.

[neweurope]

63. Not a crazy idea at all. It's what I've been expecting of an opposition

that deserves that name all along...

That would finally make the international press. And believe me, you - and we over here in Europe -need it.


----------

Remember Fallujah

Bush to The Hague!

[Heewack]

79. It would surely make the news

And it would show that we walk away when things are not going our way. Totally the wrong message.

[neweurope]

84. Totally the right message from an international point of view,

I'm unable to understand many of your points here - and so is our press and so is our public. For the Europeans the message the Dems send time and time again is simply the following: We agree with Bush, and everything is just dandy over here in the good ole US of A.

"Walk away when things are not going our way": What is that supposed to mean? You think sitting there and applauding a mass murderer is the better choice?! You'd walk away to show the world what's going on in the USA to-day- that Dems don't count for the US press (and therefore for the press of the world), that the constitution is in danger etc., etc. An action like that would be followed by interviews in the international press; oh my God, it could do so much of good...

And don't tell me that one or the other American citizen wouldn't wake up when he saw that on TV!

-------------

Remember Fallujah

Bush to The Hague!

[Heewack]

137. You're right on that aspect.

It would certainly send a message internationally. One that would bring nothing good to the U.S.. Stateside it would be political suicide.

[Pharaoh]

158. We need it more!

I hope some balls and spine surface soon...................

[NanceGreggs]

66. As an earlier poster said here ...

... there's something to be said for 'theatre'.

My husband and I had this discussion just recently, i.e. the fact that a little drama and theatre is the way to go.

We know the Dems don't get any air-time under normal circumstances - but ALL of the Dems walking out, en masse, during the SOTU speech would be WAY TOO IRRESISTABLE a story to cover, and you just KNOW there would be commentators and camera operators who would folow them outside, to try and get comments on why they did what they did.

"Same old speech, same old lies," is all that need be said - but they could certainly say a lot MORE!

Brilliant idea!!!!

[seabeyond]

73. so neg press on how unamerican the dems were is a good thing

all the way to election 2006......where we may have a chance on getting the majority of americans on our side

[NanceGreggs]

78. I'm not sure I even understand your comment ...

... but there is nothing un-American about saying, "On behalf of my constiutents, I refuse to sit and listen to talking points that, time and time again, are proven to be false, misleading, and simply a regurgitation of old ideas that have been shown to be totally ineffective."

If you think theatrics don't work, just think back to Ms. Alito's cryin' jag a few days ago ... the MSM just CAN'T RESIST A DRAMATIC EPISODE and, once on-camera, the Dems have access to the audience at-large to speak their minds.

[seabeyond]

85. ms alito is repug with media support. you are suggesting that

they would even put on a democrat talking to their people why they chose to do it. i suggest that they wont put on the dems, and they wont allow the dems to express why they made this choice. i suggest it is more likely that media would use this to say no congress has ever been so disrespectful and mean to the president. that the dems have lost it. dems are out of control. the dems are unamerican. and this will be said over and up to campaign 2006 using htis to fry dems every point of the campaign, when we are trying to win over the congress they will paint dems in childish and unreasonable manner.

[NanceGreggs]

88. You said it!

"... no congress has ever been so disrespectful and mean to the president. The dems have lost it. The dems are out of control. The dems are unamerican."

They're going to say all of that ANYWAY! If we're going to have the NAME, we might as well have the GAME!

Or the Dems can just sit there and applaud every tired old talking point Bush is bound to bring up; yeah, that works. That'll get the voters out in DROVES, voting for the alternative -- oh, they won't know if there IS an alternative, will they?

[seabeyond]

90. well, it will be a lot harder to sell to the american people

if they dont do what most american people will see as a childish act walking out during soua

i personally dont see that it will be effective, but will be damaging

[NanceGreggs]

93. Once upon a time ...

... people wondered how throwing a bunch of tea into Boston Harbour would be effective. It seemed a 'childish act' at the time to many.

Desparate times call for desparate measures -- and if we're not in the middle of 'desparate times' right now, I hope I don't live long enough to see what 'desparate times' look like.

Carrying the sword of honourable conduct is a noble thing -- but when you bring that sword to a gunfight, you can count on getting creamed.

[seabeyond]

124. but when they have the grenade to drop or missile, a gun....

well..... lol lol. hey i dont care. would be fun all the way and i would totally and absolutely support them if they did it. now, i see thru this thread, it has been used to mostly critize the dems and call them wusses, useless, noneffective and spineless, that seeing how you will probably not get all of them to do it together it will just be another position to trash dems on.

but, i am all for it and certainly will support if the dems were to walk. i would go up against the media and repug when they attack. and i would defend the dems if it causes them to lose in 2006 and so many on the board trash them because they did this and lost, including the ones on this thread.

so.... i am flexible.

[NanceGreggs]

132. "Freedom is just another word ...

... for nothin' left to lose."

If not now, when? If not this way, how? If not those of us who believe there is an alternative to this group of self-serving charlatans passing themselves off as the US government, then who?

And if not, why not?

[Carni]

122. Just my two cents--I think most of the American people hate bush

I don't mean the top 3% that are lining their pockets from his tax breaks or the freeper type enthusiast of all around stupidity--but the average whoever fed up with trying to put gas in their tank and heat their homes this winter.

I don't know if it's my state or what-- but the people I encounter (some of them former repukes) all seem pissed off and I think a rousing chorus of anything directed at herr buishit would have people out in their yards rejoicing--regardless of how childish the stunt.

[seabeyond]

127. thank you. it would be grand to see the support, unfortunately in my

area that is not the feeling i get. but then i am in very red, panhandle of texas. i know this has got to NOT be the norm, this area. oh please, let them not be the norm.

[Carni]

131. I really don't think it is

Just over the last year I have seen a total change of tune in MANY people.

I think his die hard fans are about 20% of the population and then I think he has about another 5% who can't stand him but he benefits their wallets--then beyond that I think the populace can't stand him.

[onenote]

285. you really think all Americans except the top 3% hate chimpy?

Well, if that's the case, then we can all relax. We'll capture every every seat in the House and all of the contested Senate seats in November and be able to impeach him in a couple of weeks. Hell, I know a lot folks that are in the top 3 percent who hate chimpy (there are wealthy Democrats in case you haven't noticed) so it must be even less than 3 percent.

Oh wait, its not just the top 3% but also the "freeper type enthusiast" that doesn't hate chimpy. Curious, how many of those do you think there are?

In the real world, there are a lot of people who in the past have hated chimpy, but aren't freepers. They are the swing voters and they are the ones that are coming around to the point of view that supporting chimpy was a big mistake. But these same voters don't necessarily think Democrats are the cat's meow either. And a showy symbolic gesture that does nothing to help these people but rather feeds into their fear (fueled by the media) that both parties are more interested in political fighting than actual governing.

Again, not that this discussion matters, because if you've spent even 2 minutes on Capitol Hill you'd know that the folks that get themselves elected as Democrats still believe in the "system" and aren't going to suddenly turn into revolutionaries no matter what we say.

onenote

onenote

[Carni]

354. I worded that wrong but no need to get combative

I don't think it's the entire 3% approval by the top tax brackets, I think it's 2% of that 3% and then probably an additional 30% of average people and freepers (who are just plain stupid) who totally approve of bush because he serves their agendas.

I believe his true *approval* rating is a little under a third of the country.

As to your "if you didn't have your head up your ass" type comments (more or less that's what you are implying)I don't know Why TF you're shooting the messenger...if the Dems do nothing they are toast because these rules aren't being played by this admin along the lines of "politics as usual" so what's the difference?

I don't expect a revolution but I do expect the application of common sense and a certain willingness to take risk by the people that I helped to elect and fund.

[onenote]

359. my apologies

Sometimes I get frustrated because I feel like there are people here who spend more time and energy pursuing unworkable, and in some cases, unhelpful, strategies when the fact is that what we need to so is work harder to get our message out, to organize, and ultimately to get out the vote less than 10 months from now. I shouldn't have assumed anything about you or your motivees and I'm sorry if I went off on you inappropriately.

onenote

[Carni]

362. Apology totally accepted

I see what you are saying regarding the media fallout from this, but on the other hand I am thinking what do we have left to lose?

It's a crap shoot and there is no fair outcome so I have arrived at the "might as well go down swinging option"

It's just all bad!

edited for spelling

[seabeyond]

364. we have a good shot at 2006. dems out polling repugs significantly

i am hearing a lot of what do we have to lose. that is a big one to me. that isnt that far away. we have the advantage. make em steal it from us. no sense just handing it to the repugs by killing the dems 10 months before election so every repug can use this in every campaign.

that is what we have to lose

[Catchawave]

268. Democrats are already damaged.....

...daily...just for breathing :hi:

Seriously, MSM cameras will only do close-ups of Hillary looking bored and pissed during the SOTU, like last year. That worked well for us?

[onenote]

274. thanks seabeyond

Every once in a while the preaching to the choir mentality here at DU loses sight of the fact that if everyone felt the same way they did, we wouldn't be in the situation we're in. (And yes, I know that if the SCOTUS had not handed the election to chimpy we wouldn't be in this situation, but until someone invents a time machine, we're stuck with that result, as unconscionable as it was).

So...how do we ensure that the swing voters -- the ones who decide elections in the divided country we live in -- swing towards the Democrats. I agree with Seabeyond that it won't be through empty symbolic gestures that will be characterized -- like it or not -- as a childish tantrum. The day after the speech, the Democrats in the House and Senate are going to show up at work and there will be legislative proposals in front of them, including Feingold's proposals for changing parts of the Patriot Act. If we send the message that we don't want to be part of the government, how do we govern.

Finally, anyone -- and I mean anyone -- who has spent any time in Washington working with or for COngress -- realizes that this isn't going to happen and that the time spent writing letter, petitioning etc and cajoling Democrats to do so is wasted and could be better spent writing letters to the editor, sponsoring meetings, and organizing for a set of elections, less than 10 months from now, that are crucial.

onenote

onenote

[TankLV]

205. They're saying it NOW! or haven't you been listening?

It might make no difference to the whore media, which I think is wrong - it WILL make a difference, but it will make a hell of a difference to John/Jane Q Public.

[seabeyond]

211. you think

they have convinced a lot of americans it is good bush spies. a t first strong majority opposed. three weeks of media and now much more even americans believe bush is doing a good thing spying. you think john jan q public are going to see and hear the dems and be convinced, or will they hear the media spin given to the by rove..... and hate the dems. i will go on consistancy and past experience. dems will be trashed

[Beelzebud]

67. It'll never happen.

A few would go along with it, but lets face it. A majority of them wouldn't have the guts.

[deutsey]

69. Well, in order to walk, they need a spine

which would leave quite a few of them quivering in their seats.

Still, Conyers and others like him could make a very strong statement by walking out.

[Fiendish Thingy]

70. I say go for it- we have NOTHING to lose

Let the media spin away; it would dominate the news for days and obliterate any lame message on healthcare or whatever The Chimp has planned. It would be critical to have a news conference immediately following the walkout, in fact it should be timed say, midway through the address for maximum disruption, and to allow the Dems enough time to regroup outside the hall to begin just as the SOTU ends. This would force the TM (traditional media) to decide whether to have pundits covering the aftermath of the SOTU ("the president seems determined to stay the course, blah, blah, blah") or cover the Dems press conference live. The great thing is, the networks will already have set aside time for the SOTU and Dems response...this could be the act of defiance to the King (an anagram for American Revolution is "Revile the Monarch") that, like the Boston Tea Party, could "catapult the propoganda" , in this case, the focus on corruption, torture, lies, and the "Unitary Executive".

I say they leave chanting "No More Lies! No More Lies!"

Will, just let us know where to take this...

I'm thinking Reid and Pelosi should lead on this, with muscle from Dean, Conyers, Boxer, and the other elected dems who have spoken out in recent days about a special prosecutor and impeachment...

[zippy890]

72. Love it!!!

Great idea, maybe crazy enough to be....
effective!!!

[LiberalEsto]

74. I like it

but doubt they would do it.

It would take more guts than most of them have got.

[Carni]

80. It's an excellent idea

I am 100% for this.

[Pharaoh]

83. A Great Idea!!!

But do they have the balls?

Calling Dr DEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!

[greiner3]

86. What a great idea! n/t

[The River]

87. How About 50 Generals with a brigade of MP's

show up instead
and just arrest the entire building full?
Render them all to an undisclosed location and
call for new Elections this summer using paper ballots
in all 50 states.
No government for 6 months would be better than bad
government for 3 more years.

/daydream off

[Pharaoh]

159. sweet idea...........

[4morewars]

255. Right on !

That's the same daydream that gets me through most days !

:toast:

[hvn_nbr_2]

89. Why not "wire-tap" King George?

All bring a short length of wire and instead of applauding, just tap the wires on their desks or their hands or their laps. Let the sound of tapping wires be the only sound from the Dem side of the chamber.

They could also wear "no-crown" pins along with the obligatory flag pins. Pins with a royal crown, with the international "no" sign of a red circle and line across them.

It would also be good to bring along copies of the Bill of Rights to unroll at appropriate moments.

But let's face it. No one besides the CBC and a few other stalwarts will do anything to disrespect the king, even though the king tramples and burns the constitution.

[Fiendish Thingy]

108. Oooh! I like that! n/t

[f-bush]

91. Yes I'm all for it!!

I hope the Dems have the balls to do it and have a press conference right outside in hallway during the SOTU speech.

[robcon]

92. A very silly idea.

Nothing would be a worse symbol for Democrats than refusing to listen to the SOTU. Nothing.

It's one thing to respond with vigor and facts. Quite another to walk out.

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

94. the SS would shoot them

you do not stand up when junior is around.

[IndyOp]

95. At the very LEAST - sit still, do not rise, do not applaud

Stony silence. No greeting the pResident. Nothing. MoFo's should publically be treated like MoFo's.

:nuke: :nuke: :nuke:

[yurbud]

303. at the very least. No pro forma respect.

[in_cog_ni_to]

99. It's the ONLY way for them to get on camera, get attention.

It just might work. I'm game.

[KoKo]

100. Sounds GREAT...but you MUST be DREAMIN'

Never Happen...and not worth our time bothering with it...

But it was a GREAT THOUGHT...

[MercutioATC]

103. Would they issue apologies afterwards?

:eyes:

I think it's a great idea, but it seems they're too busy trying not to hurt anybody's feelings to make a statement like this.

[understandinglife]

105. It's time. No doubt about it. I'm on it ....

21 January 2006 (# 47)

Dear Gov. Dean,

Urge a Boycott of SOTU

William Rivers Pitt has posted what he calls a "crazy idea." He proposes that all Democratic Senators and Representatives walk out of the State of the Union (SOTU) address and hold their own SOTU on the steps of the US Capitol.

It is not a crazy idea.

It would be a clear message to our fellow citizens that a true opposition to the crimes of the Bush's administration and the complicity and corruption of the Republican Congress has formed, and will be unrelenting in upholding the law and protecting Americans from any further abuse.

Congressman Conyers, as you know, yesterday held a remarkable hearing on Bush's abuses of FISA, the National Security Act and the 4th Amendment of the United States -- in a basement room.

Senator Frist, for once, spoke the truth and declared that Alito is "the Democrats worst nightmare." He was gloating. In the face of a totally corrupt Executive and a relentlessly complicit Republican Congress, the Democrats are the butt of a chuckle from a guy who should already have been forced to resign. He chuckled as the Nation is now threatened with a life-term appointment of a person to the Supreme Court who has been more than eager to transform the Office of the President into the Throne of the King.

The scale and scope of lawlessness, avarice and disregard for humanity that characterizes Bush's neoconster regime and the 108th and 109th US Congress are historical facts. To sit in the people's house and give witness to a President who has admitted breaking the law and brazenly declared he'll continue breaking is simply not acceptable.

If you want to see the Democratic Party be the force that repels the nearly complete destruction of the Republic and the nearly complete transformation of America into a lawless totalitarian state, then the way to announce that to all our fellow Americans is to Boycott SOTU.

And, during the broadcast of the boycott, deliver the message that business as usual is over until Bush, Cheney, Rove, DeLay, Frist and many others are brought to justice. Make it clear to every American and to the whole world, that an opposition party has emerged and it will not stop until those who have done so much damage to our society and humanity are held accountable.

Please use your considerable influence to convince our fellow citizens to call upon their representatives in the Senate and the House and urge them to Boycott SOTU.

Thank you for your continued leadership,

Maybe you can ask Skinner to have this be a "DU Activist" endeavor.


Peace.

[babylonsister]

110. I like the DU activist idea, and I love your letter! nt

[understandinglife]

150. Thank you. And, here's a link to what I posted in Senator Kerry's ...

... second diary at dKos:

http://www.dailykos.com/comments/2006/1/21/114957/967/645#645

That should give him something to talk about on tee-vee tomorrow ;)

Imagine the impossible and make it real -- that's what inventors, poets, musicians ... and leaders, DO.


Peace.

[understandinglife]

111. Cumulative letter index:

# 1 -- Dear Gov. Dean --- America, Or Not?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5531641

# 2 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- Bush knows he's lying ...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5541924

# 3 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- Talk about extreme hiking …
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5551415

# 4 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- About those “Niger forgeries” ...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5560254

# 5 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- On Passing the "Nuremberg chalice" …
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x5568226

# 6 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- Beyond a wall for “The Fallen Legion” …
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5574037&mesg_id=5574037

# 7 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- Let’s take Wally O’Dell at his word …
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=203x404707

# 8 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- “Making it up” … Must Be Stopped
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5593443&mesg_id=5593443

# 9 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- "Accumulated evil of the whole"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5601256&mesg_id=5601256

# 10 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- Just dial 1-800-CALL-SPY ...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5608382&mesg_id=5608382

# 11 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- "Same Intel as Congress," NOT ...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5611041&mesg_id=5611041

# 12 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- On Concealing Crimes …
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5608382&mesg_id=5615989

# 13 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- No One Is Above The Law In America
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5630443&mesg_id=5630443

# 14 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- Why did Bush violate FISA and the 4th Amendment?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5638345&mesg_id=5638345

# 15 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- "From Conservative Scholars to Sigint specialists …"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5647673&mesg_id=5649953

# 16 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- The BIG New York Times story yet to be told …
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5660702&mesg_id=5660702

# 17 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- The rabid dogs are cornered …
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5666006&mesg_id=5666006

# 18 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- Bush's Treasonous Christmas Gift to Iran ...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5675687

# 19 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- Make Room at the Inn for the Two Ethnic Uighurs ...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5679357&mesg_id=5679357

# 20 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- The Destruction of Meaning ...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5684701&mesg_id=5684701

# 21 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- It's No Longer Baseball ...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5687852&mesg_id=5687852

# 22 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- It's the Oppression of Females ...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=29232

# 23 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- “GOP wins Senate, holds House, CNN projects"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=5703874&mesg_id=5703874

# 24 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- GOPers either Impeach Bush or Lose in 2006
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=19413

# 25 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- Coleen Rowley speaks truth to Bush's liars-for-hire …
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=8294

# 26 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- The Bush, Blair Confess-or-Boil Policy ...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=2667

# 27 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- "Total Information Awareness" -- For ALL Americans
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=31336&mesg_id=31336

# 28 -- Dear Gov. Dean - Even Ashcroft said “No”; So, why did the NYTimes hide it?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=37023&mesg_id=37023

# 29 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- Congratulations, and …
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=43982&mesg_id=43982

# 30 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- NSA, Telco illegal spying pre-dates 9/11 ...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=52300&mesg_id=52300

# 31 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- “Solving” the Iraqi WMD problem …
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=52300&mesg_id=59094

# 32 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- So, they attack Rep. Murtha instead of the criminals …
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=70009&mesg_id=70009

# 33 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- Bush’s lethal, impenetrable narcissism …
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=75571&mesg_id=75571

# 34 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- The Dearlove-Tenet Summit and Bush's Crimes ...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=84233&mesg_id=84233

# 35 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- “I would not have gone to war on such flimsy grounds”
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=84233&mesg_id=89044

# 36 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- “I know the capacity … to make tyranny total in America”
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=92335&mesg_id=94250

# 37 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- Alito is a liar; time to filibuster …http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x100900

# 38 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- “Finally, it has started.”
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x113728

# 39 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- “I learned from my mistake …”
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=124921&mesg_id=124921

# 40 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- Of all of Bush’s lies …
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=133942&mesg_id=133942

# 41 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- They just start educating and they don’t stop …
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=141686&mesg_id=141949

# 42 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- Amplifying awareness of the Bush regime’s mendacity …
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=149007&mesg_id=149007

# 43 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- "We the People ... Have No Clothes"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=149007&mesg_id=153653

# 44 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- Bush is not, Constitutionally, Commander-In-Chief …http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=149007&mesg_id=167458

# 45 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- Urge support for Murtha to deliver SOTU rebuttal
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=149007&mesg_id=180960

# 46 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- OBL; are you sure? (No ‘tin foil hat’ required) …http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=187606&mesg_id=195020

# 47 -- Dear Gov. Dean -- Urge a Boycott of SOTU
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=204315&mesg_id=205035

You are free to distribute these, and make use of the content within each letter , without having to contact me. If anyone would like a .pdf compilation of all the letters, just pm me with an email address and I'll send you a copy.


Peace.

[2QT2BSTR8]

284. Reply to understandinglife number 111

How do I contact you for the PDF files if I do not have enough posts yet?

[bleever]

149. GREAT letter.

Please consider posting as its own thread, for maximum visibility to the issue and this letter you've written.

:thumbsup:

[flyarm]

220. I DO SEE OUR FOREFATHERS DOING THIS...THEY WERE FORTHRIGHT

and they had guts because they knew without guts they would never make this republic stand strong...but this bunch??

they are draped in cowardice...i just wonder ..do any of them really care about this republic..or is it their own pocket books they truely care about??

what they are strapping our children and grandchildren with makes my skin crawl..it makes me cry at night...and makes my heart ache for the truely wonderful nation we used to be!

it makes me feel shame to call myself American many days!!..and i never thought i would live to say that!

I am truely glad my father is not here to see what this nation has become in the last 5 years...my father fought for this nation and her constitution...and he died young because of his sacrifice...he is surely rolling in his grave right now...

and for that i feel shame...it seems my generation has destroyed the legacy of democracy , and our constitution!

fly

[peekaloo]

106. Cheney would have his "I'm comin' Elizabeth" moment and Hastert

would soil his Turkish drawers.

One can dream.

:-)

[ClayZ]

107. Respect is earned... bu$h gets NONE!

[Quixote1818]

112. That would be STUNNING!!!! But it could backfire!

It's worth considering but they better have their ducks in a row if they do it. They would have to have totally unified and be able to state their message as clearly as the Declaration of Independence does.

[thefool_wa]

113. That's what called a revolution...

And they don't have the balls.

prove me wrong.

[Quixote1818]

116. IT'S TIME TO WALK OFF THE PLANTATION!

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[democrank]

136. OMG!!!! OMG!!!! OMG!!!!

Quick! Call MSNBC. Someone just used the word plantation. We`re ruined! The sky is falling! It`s a permanent stain on our moral fiber!

[Quixote1818]

120. IT'S TIME!

:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

[Quixote1818]

121. Let Al Gore give the speech on the steps of the Capitol.

He is the Real President. Him and John Kerry! Co-Presidents!

:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

[Arkham House]

123. What if the Repubs call out the Capitol Hill Police--

--and force the Dems back to their seats? Think they wouldn't? I don't...they'd do it in a second, and relish the Dems humiliation...
A broader issue. What, exactly, would happen if the two parties really start to get nasty? More so than even now...if we actually had a whiff of banana republicanism here? *Would* the Capitol Hill Police get involved in a real dispute between the parties? The FBI? The Secret Service? The Army? Would the Dems be able to count on the DC police? Should the Dems, *very* tentatively, start thinking about these issues? If *I'm* thinking of them, surely others are...at least, perhaps, the Black Caucus, who have the guts for it and could mobilize the Capitol if anyone could...

[TankLV]

207. Then all amerikkka would see once and for all that america is finished.

And commence the restoration of democracy BY ANY AND ALL MEANS POSSIBLE - hopefully.

[DanCa]

125. That'd be cool . I wonder what the ramifications would be if....

Dems would just go out on strike alltogether. I am tired of everyone bashing Democrats and than expecting the Dems to bail out the gop screws up at every turn.

[ClayZ]

139. You mean all Dems in the country go out on strike?

Had Enough?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

129. I like it. It's a time to forego politics as usual.

It's also time to bring, forcefully, a statement home to the people of this country just what dire straits we are now in. Faced with encroaching fascism and corruption at the highest levels.

Crazy hell. It's downright responsible.

[Mike Nelson]

130. Yes, and declare the legit US Government in EXILE...

and we will follow the US constitution, etc and declare they do NOT recognize the government of George W Bush and consider ALL his decisions NULL and VOID

[democrank]

133. Best idea in a long time.

This is one story the White House stenographers would have to cover.

[Mme. Defarge]

135. THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world."

http://www.duke.edu/eng169s2/group1/lex3/hyprdecl.htm

[bleever]

148. That's it, exactly. "...when a long train of abuses and usurpations,

pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

[Mme. Defarge]

151. And get load of this ...

"The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world."

Saying NO to this administration is the most radical action we can take -- according to the true the meaning of the word radical: Radical is derived from the Latin word radix, which means "root". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radical

The only way our democracy will survive is to get back to our roots as nation, as spelled out in this declaration.

[bleever]

152. Radical: one who advocates thoroughgoing analysis or change "at the root".

Wiki's offered definition of a radical, in the broadest sense.

"...a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States..."



If I have to choose between the Constitution and the President, I choose the Constitution. It's the American way.

[The Straight Story]

215. Hence, to me, the 2nd amendment

The ability to do as needed is part and partial to having all the tools our forefathers did to fight off such forces as would oppress them.

[Raksha]

235. Something for them to do after they walk out...

READ the Declaration of Independence! It's been way too long since many of the sheeple have read it, heard it or thought about it. Time for a little refresher course. And the media would HAVE to cover it, regardless of what they said about the whole thing afterwards.

[acmavm]

140. I'm with you 100%. They have no say in the government of our

country. Why should they sit there and give the Unelected Fraud any facade of legitimacy? Why should they pretend?

[Mme. Defarge]

141. If now is not the time

for our congressmen to drop the pretense that this is a legitimate administration, when is?

THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES!!!

[YvonneCa]

143. How about standing up during the whole thing...

...standing up for the American people? Afterward, they can answer questions about why they stood.:patriot:

[Hissyspit]

144. Is(Are) there any historical precedent(s) for this?

Students of history?

[mcscajun]

180. Not a one.

Our first two Presidents did deliver the speech in person to the Joint Session of Congress. Jefferson discontinued the in-person speech as too "monarchical"; the address was then hand-delivered to Congress to fulfill the Constitutional requirement, so there was certainly no opportunity for protest in all of those years.

It was President Wilson who restored the personal approach, and while there have been some exceptions to how it has been delivered in the modern era, including at least one postponement, no protests, walk-outs, or other deliberate disruptions by members of the Joint Session have been recorded.

Just for the record, Supreme Court Justices are guests at the speech, and it is tradition that they do not participate in applause during the speech, as they are supposed to appear above partisan sentiment. They do however participate in the applause greeting the President's entrance and introduction, as that applause honors the office, not the man or his words.

So, if there was to be a walkout, it would rightly occur after that point; Democrats could then have respected the office, and disrespected its current holder.

I expect this walkout to occur sometime after pigs fly, hell freezes over, and fire shoots out of Rove's butt. (I might pay good money to see that last one, if I didn't actually have to see Rove's butt.)

[Hissyspit]

182. Thanks! n/t

[Taxloss]

145. Meaningless gesture politics.

It would achieve nothing. It would do more harm than good. And that's only if it happened - and it won't.

[seabeyond]

160. i agree

and gives everyone on here having their little dream of what can happen just another oppotunity to bash dems. and they have literally done nothing...... yet, lol

[TankLV]

As opposed to the current course which is just the same result

constant bashing of dems - honerable veterans like Murphy and Kerry and support of AWOL LYING WAR CRIMINALS like bunkerboy and his gang of thugs.

Take a chance. Do something DIFFERENT. DRAMATIC.

They are bashing dems NOW!

[seabeyond]

224. yes they are and it is effecting the repugs. granted it is taking time

but it is effecting the american people. as opposed to the dems "doing" something to actually turn off the american people. big difference. we have damn repug military men from old repug adm standing up for these people being attacked now, because they are finally at the point of being digusted.

why now, when we are getting our pay off would the dems do something where repugs can point and say, see told you they were babies, whiners,..... and actually turn off people to democrats opposed to repugs.

they arent going to do it.

wouldnt work if they did

and i dont want to throw away 2006

[TankLV]

208. Totally and utterly disagree.

If would be the best thing ever for this country and the world.

[BigBearJohn]

146. Marvelous idea! But the dems would have to grow a set of cajones first

There would never be a prouder moment for me than to
see every single democrat walk out of the state of the union.
I get chills thinking of it. What was that about a snowball in hell?

[Mme. Defarge]

147. Then tell them

to go find another party!

[liberalnurse]

153. One might call this

the Congressional Version of a "Boston Tea Party". I don't recommend that they dress up in Native Indian Costumes......I do suggest they all wear the same colored shirt/jacket or blouse.

[Beetwasher]

154. Ha! I WISH!

Great idea! I totally wish they would do it. I would be amazed.

[Dora]

155. Yes, please! n/t

[Hubert Flottz]

157. Bush will just tell America another pack of lies.

I don't think patriotic democrats should stand up in front of the country and cheer for a dictator's lies. Bush and the GOP don't give a shit about protocol and Bush said that, "the Constitution was just a Goddamned piece of paper," so why should our party leaders show any form of respect for the pretender and his henchmen? The GOP has turned our government into a sham government. The world is laughing at us!

[Pharaoh]

161. They are worthless scum!

who don't have a clue to how normal people survive.........


they care only for the rich corporate elite...........

[annabanana]

165. It would be lovely..

But we have Harry apologizing for naming names... How will we convince them to turn righteous backs on this pig?

[Fenris]

166. Utter foolishness.

Such a puerile and frivolous action during the State of the Union would do far greater harm to the Democrats than to the president. They will continue to do what opposition parties have done in the past - simply not applaud.

As for "laying down a vision," perhaps they ought to find one first.

[SillyGoose]

168. I think we would all be better served if the Dems worked on a kick ass

rebuttal to Junior's SOTU. Theatrics like this can backfire big time and would IMO not accomplish much at all.

[mopinko]

170. you're right

everything is going so well, why fuck it up? :sarcasm:

[seabeyond]

172. with you sillygoose. i jsut think it wont happen, will backfire

and just leave people on this board to be angry at the dems not doing what they want, once again. regardless of how unreasonable it is or unlikely. unrest created

[SillyGoose]

177. I agree with your comments up thread about how the media would

likely spin this. The MSM outlets are all in Junior's back pocket so its a given they'd rip the Dems to shreds over something like this.

[Mme. Defarge]

188. "Damn the Torpedoes, full speed ahead!"

This is not the time for a cost/benefit analysis. This is a moment of truth and authentic action.

[seabeyond]

190. and screw 2006 election. damn the torpedos. well i can say,

thankfully, our dems arent so impulsive and fuck the nation type attitude. for once i can be thankful of their more steady approach

[Mme. Defarge]

192. The 2006 elections? You can't be serious.

This is an illigetimate administration that attained power through election fraud on a massive scale.

[seabeyond]

199. saying we dont care about 2006. we think we will just get

stolen from us again. a possibility. i am a believer it was stolen in 2000, 2002, and 2004. but i am not willing to chuck it and allow them to win legitimately because a bunch of dem did something that now has a true majority against them. i would rather watch them steal it .... again. and maybe with all the awareness, an election ahead from 2004 they will be caught this time. but we allow them to turn the nation against dems, then where is the fight against theft of 2000, 2002, and 2004.

you argument makes no sense.

throw a fit
let media and repug destroy dems
lose 2006 no chance for congress control

[TankLV]

213. Like the sheeple pay attention to THAT! Riiiiigt!

[ulysses]

169. I like.

Not that they will, but still.

[mopinko]

171. failing that, if they could visibly sit on their hands,

or pass out sick bags on our side of the aisle?
or wear these-


really, tho, something, anything, prove you are alive ferchrissakes.

[gordianot]

174. I have advocated this on DU several times.

This would be one act the talking heads in the media could not ignore. It won't happen. Pelosi really thinks Democrats can win in 2006. The Democratic unwillingness to address voter fraud guarantees Democratic failure in 2006 and beyond. Might as well make a statement while we still can as the Republican dictatorship progresses.

[bread_and_roses]

176. YES! What a statement that would be! And they have nothing to lose.

They are already shut out of normal Congressional processes half the time. They are already either ignored or villified by the MSM nearly all the time.

Everyone complains that the Dems get no coverage for their talking points, but they don't do much for themselves in that regard, with usually timid, qualified criticisms, their "me too but nicer" stance on so many issues, their endless apologies anytime one of them actually speaks the truth in plain language that ordinary voters can hear and understand in a twenty second sound bite - in other words, any time they say anything effective. ("they" means most, there are exceptions, but unfortunately it's that "most" who get any air time at all)

Let them do something that CAN'T be ignored, for once, and use it to condemn the current madness and present an alternate vision for our future.

I'd call, write, sign letters, spread the word, mobilize others to do the same.

And with most of the public tarring the Dems with the same brush as the Rs, with the R's tanking approval garnering NO increase in favor for Dems, what on earth do they have to lose? Maybe some people would finally have reason to think there might be some benefit to supporting a Dem.

[proud patriot]

178. I'm pretty sure crazy ideas are the only ones that work

:hug:

[bleever]

226. At this moment in history,

I salute you for having hit the proverbial nail upon the veritable head.

:thumbsup:

[flamingyouth]

181. What exactly would this accomplish?

:shrug:

[flyarm]

221. what did dumping the tea in the boston harbor accomplish? n/t

[RagAss]

183. There's 10 days to go....and if the Dow craps by then......

and millions of Americans are sitting in their living room thousands of dollars poorer and retirement looking like a fools dream, then a walkout may find support with a whole new group of people....the American Desperado !!!!

[helderheid]

186. If not walk out, have them stand up and turn their backs on him just like

he's doing to our democracy and the constitution.

[Baconfoot]

187. No. They should stand up and turn their backs to him while he talks.NT

[helderheid]

189. WOW great minds! Look at my post above yours!

[Mme. Defarge]

216. Or,

they could hiss during his speech.

[helderheid]

217. that could too easily be covered up with RW applause unfortunately

[TankLV]

191. God I wish they would. From your/our lips to gods' ears.

[gordontron]

197. just wait and impeach

[Peter Frank]

202. I Would Stage it So That...

The first time the Republicans give a standing ovation -- the Democrats stand up as well. As the Reps sit down -- the Dems walk out.

Now that would be a dramatic statement.

[thatsrightimirish]

212. That'll be awesome

who cares how the media spins it. Actions speak louder than words. The Democrats are so afraid about how everything they do will be portrayed they end up doing absolutely nothing. That's got to stop! Walk Out!

[colinmom71]

336. I'd say to stand and walk out when the line...

"The state of our union is strong" is declared. As soon as that usual speech line is delivered, all those choosing to walk out should then stand up, declare back en masse "No it's not.", and then walk on out...

Then they head over to a press conference and procede to list exactly why and how this union had been failing The People for the last 5 years. Because that's the real problem we're facing. This is no longer a Congress that exists to protect The People, and it needs to take back that role by using Congressional powers of oversight to rout out the corruption of lobbyists and the now too concentrated powers of the Executive...

[Clarkie1]

210. Yes, it is a crazy idea.

The founding brothers (Jefferson, Washington, Franklin, etc.) certainly would not approve of such a misuse of an important constitutional provision.

It would show such an unwillingness to engage in the governmental process that if it happened, it would probably be the beginning of the end of the Democratic Party. What we would see would be a Democratic Party essentially completing the disenfranchisment the Republicans have already begun. This would be followed by the "old" Democratic Party splintering into several smaller parties, unable to form a coalition to defeat the Republicans, who would be more unified than ever in their one-party rule.

Not a bright idea, imho.

[thatsrightimirish]

214. no

i think they'll be much more outraged with Bush spying on Americans than the democrats walking out on a speech full of lies.

[Clarkie1]

218. They aren't....only about 1/2 of Americans is outraged on the spying.

That's just the hard facts. Walking out would make most Americans believe the Democratic Party was too extreme, partisan, and childish to bring the country together and lead. Americans are looking for progressive leadership, not more partisan whining.

Major political parties in this country are born and eventually they die. It doesn't happen very often, but it happens. Personally, I belive there is still a chance the Democratic Party can survive. Walking out on the State of the Union would essentially say, "We give up on America and the constitution (the state of the Union is after all a contitutional provision)...the Republicans have won."

And most Americans would give up on the Democratic Party. Don't kid yourself...this country is not DU.

[thatsrightimirish]

219. I think Bush's record

On not admitting he has done anything wrong. Not willing to compromise on anything. His lack of respect for both the legislative and judicial branches. And support for corrupt people speaks for itself. The fact is that 60% of Americans believe the spying was wrong. Majority believes that Terri Schiavo was wrong, that Iraq was wrong, that the nuclear option was wrong. Bush shows absolutely no respect for constitutional powers and is the model of what not to do when you are president. And the Democrats have been a very weak opposition. It should change now and it should happen at the State of the Union.

[flamingyouth]

222. Well said.

:thumbsup:

[SupplyConcerns]

223. I reluctantly agree.

We have to be realistic here. If they had been laying the groundwork for years by consistently highlighting the dictatorship that the Bush admin has longed for and successfully achieved, then it would resonate properly. But it makes dem lawmakers look more like grumpy protesters than competent adults (just the spin that would be put on it).

[seabeyond]

225. i could go for kerry, boxer. clinton, conyers, waxman, gore, dean

clark, kucinnich, ..... a huge ass dem rally with our leaders as speakers in march or april. huge ass. huge......

and not that org last year that took us to extremism. but our leaders calling us to march washington. that would be effective. that could be powerful and our representives can make it happen

[Raksha]

227. I've been fantasizing about that too for the past few days

but haven't said anything to anyone. I've been visualizing the left side of the House EMPTY, all Democratic senators and reps having joined the protestors outside. I should have known I couldn't be the only one visualizing this.

[stevietheman]

228. Crazier idea: They should go but keep their backs turned. n/t

n/t

[rumpel]

230. At least no applause?

[iconoclastNYC]

231. That'd be amazing. But it won't happen.

It's justified definately, and I think it'd be good for the party. But I think the Dems are best to muster all thier bravery to fight Alito.

[radio4progressives]

232. It's not crazy at all. I just posted that they had better damn well

do anything and everything in their arsenal to block the nomination of Alito.

bravo to Conyers who courageously marched ahead with holding domestic spying hearing yesterday in a basement again - but the OTHER House dems should have come back from recess right after the holidays, stormed the castles and reconvened the house despite the fact that the majority leader said "no" .

as for the SOTA, this is quite appropriate, very fitting and yes they should do it.

[NJmaverick]

238. It would be the smartest thing the Dems ever did

With the right spokespersons and the right messages this would be great

Talk about the corruption of Congress and White House

The lack of investigation into the crimes of the White House


It would be a story the Republican controled media couldn't ignore.

[bklyncowgirl]

239. This would be great political theater--the Democrats have nothing to lose

The State of the Union Address is all about political theater but it is predictable, boring and ripe for drama.

The moment would have to be carefully chosen and coreographed and everyone would have to do it.

Let's say the Democrats stand and applaud politely as Bush comes in. As he launches into his speech, however, they refuse to applaud and absolutely refuse to join in standing ovations--and then--if he talks about the need for bipartisan cooperation, responsible dissent or the right of the executive branch to do whatever it damn well pleases the Democrats should, on a signal from, let's say Harry Reid, silently stand up and walk out.

The Democrats could march silently through the streets to some patriotic backdrop--let's say the Lincoln Memorial where a carefully chosen speaker could give the party's version of the 29 Theses or the Declaration of Independence--a list of grievances on behalf of the American People.

The news media would not be able to resist the drama. Sure the Republicans and their apologists in the media would scream bloody murder--so what. If the Democrats behaved in a dignified, organized and solemn manner this gesture would, #1. Get attention--which any Democratic rebuttle to the State of the Union would not and #2. Dramatize the fact that the Democrats have been frozen out of the government.

Harry, Nancy, go for it. Like the song says "when you got nothing you got nothing to lose."

[Martin Eden]

241. How would Chimpy handles it onstage?

If dumbya was unprpared for it, would he be as clueless as when he listened to a reading of "My Pet Goat" while our country was under attack? Would he stutter and stammer, and read his speech as if nothing unusual had happened?

More likely, his handlers would have gotten wind of it (can't keep secret something like a planned en masse walkout) and he would have some prepared remarks with biting humor and condemnation that would play to his favor in the MSM.

To have an entire party walk out on the SOTU would be an amazing precedent, but what would really be its effect? Would it serve primarily to sharpen the divide in this country and change the SOTU into a strictly partisan event -- wouldn't the Repukes retaliate by walking out on the next Democratic president?

One thing is for certain: it would get everyone's attention.

To make it work in their favor, the Dems would have to follow up with real leadership and a positive agenda for what ails this nation.

But it ain't gonna happen -- the walkout, I mean. I hope the Dems can articulate a positive agenda the party can agree on and the MSM can't ignore.

What I can't stomach is when they applaud Chimpy as he enters. Respect for the office is one thing, but when the holder of the office is a war criminal who shits on the Constitution, giving him accolades is worse than being accused of staging a partisan stunt.

[coffeenap]

243. This is probably the ONLY way we have left to tell the world that we,

the citizens, as represented in Washington, DO NOT support this adminisration. We have had no dramatic way to show the world that our country is NOT permanently lost to this regime and its world view. This walkout would send the most powerful message possible under the circumstances. We can't worry about domestic political ramifications at this point--we MUST send a message around the WORLD that * does NOT represent the people.

Go Will! Go us!

[Glidescube]

244. It would help if the media would be in on it too

If ALL the media outlets followed the Demos out the door and they had a press conference outside. The only place the world would be able to watch Bush's lies would be on CSpan and PBS.

[Joanne98]

247. GREAT IDEA!

[LadyMorgain]

248. Not crazy...lets make them do it

I think it would be the best thing to happen. Maybe if they had the balls to do this, it would finally be the light under the fire to get everyone inthis country that is sick and tired of Bush and Vader CHeney, and let everyone knwo just how sick we are of the whole bunch.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

251. What If They All Wore Black?

What if they wore black to signify the death of American democracy?

[Donailin]

252. great idea

but doubtful that they'd do it.

[ComerPerro]

253. Somebody has suggested this every year. It will never happen

[Hotler]

254. They could all wear B.S. protectors on their ears. eom.

[Historic NY]

256. They should all wear straw hats..............

since its being made a big deal over the plantation term being used.

[seabeyond]

257. no, no i got it...... lets dress em all like clowns. you know, a red

ball on the nose.

[WyLoochka]

259. John Shadegg - the guy

who just might become the repub majority leader, boycotted at least one of Clinton's SOTU speeches, the one that was right after the House had voted for impeachment. He didn't show up at all - and got plenty of supportive press coverage. While Shadegg was boycotting and getting good press - the cameras inside zoomed in over and over and over again on Delay and Dick Armey who sat on their hands and alternately scowled and joked during the entire speech and the media didn't bash them one bit for doing it.

I think the Dems should not even go at all. I detest that glad handing and back slapping, to both sides of the aisle, during that walk to the podium. It is so disingenous on Bush's part with the exception of course being that he really does love Joe Lieberman and Joe really does love him back.

Let Joe be the only Dem there when the creep walks in if he wants to be - but the rest of them should boycott the speech entirely.

[VP505]

272. During that walk to the podium

would be the time for the Dem's to turn their backs to chimpy, I agree that: "I detest that glad handing and back slapping, to both sides of the aisle, during that walk to the podium" That would make a powerful statement that the cameras would have to show.

[JusticeForAll]

260. Yep Crazy Idea

How about they just do their damn job?

[the other one]

261. You mean the Democrats in Congress?

Listen to their constituency? Try to lead? Sense an advantage? Do goddamm anything except for portray themselves as Republican lite? That will be the millenia...

[angryxyouth]

264. They could all just cough "Bull Shit" or "Fascist" during the speech.

Or choose someone to challenge his statements/Lies with facts during his speech. Bush would fall apart if he had to respond off the cuff.

[BattyDem]

269. I love the idea! There's just one thing that scares me ...

If we had a "real" media who would report the story honestly and explain to the public exactly why the Dems did it, it would have a HUGE impact! However, we all know that we don't have a real media and they wouldn't report the story honestly. The Dems would be painted as traitors and disrupters who have no respect for our country or our government. :-(

[MakeItSo]

273. I think it's a bad idea

This would be spun by the Rove crowd and the corporate media as unpatriotic and direspectful to the office of the presidency. I think it's more important that they get a good speaker who gives a good speech that isn't written by committee, as it was last year. I don't think Nancy Pelosi is the right choice. How about Obama? They might try to get some injured Iraq war vets to chime in. There are plenty of them.

[BattyDem]

277. That's what scares me

With a real, objective media, it would be a great way to protest Bush's assault on our Constitution and let the uninformed populace know that there's something very wrong in Washington. However, the media is in Rove's back pocket and it would end up being disastrous for the Dems. :-(

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[bpilgrim]

281. much better idea

we should focus any activism on their part to filibustering scAlito.

peace

[AGENDA21]

275. Its a good idea ,if it goes ahead.

[Imagevision]

279. The Dems should prove they stand for some damn thing (pussies!)

[2QT2BSTR8]

282. Let me see...One Nation Under GOP, I I I mean GOD...

I think this is a really great idea, and I would sign any petition that we could deliver to our elected Democratic leaders. Unfortunately, at the same time, I think this would be detrimental to our cause. To start with I would like to see something that shows me that something of this nature is not "against the rules". For as a Democrat, I really don't want to support anything that our ignorant Republics brethren http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagbush.htm would use as attack material for the upcoming elections. For those of you who are leaders, supervisors, managers, executives, etc. just stop and think about this. Part of being a company, is that you unite even in times of strife to listen to what the big boss has to say, even if you don't like the news or the boss. If this were to happen in a company, would this not scare to death those who are not privileged to the information. All it does is start nasty rumors and stories that float around the office. Have any of you gone through a corporate downsizing, or been bought out by another company? I recently did, and for weeks as a manager all I heard from my staff and other employees was hundreds of different "Did you hear this or did you hear that?" type of statements. Now think of the uninformed voter out there who only listens to and will continue to listen what CNN and other mainstream media feed them, along with terrestrial radio, the right wing spin is all they know. And if a walkout during the SOTU were to happen, we have to stop and ask ourselves is that all they would hear about in the upcoming years and generations?? This idea has its upsides and downsides. Again I just do not wish to provide the right feeding chum such as this idiot http://www.uhuh.com/reports/headsup/state98.htm Can someone point me in the direction where the rules of the SOTU would be located? I am going to pitch this idea to some of my terrestrial and satellite radio contacts to get their input, and I will report back here. If anyone finds a site with an online petition please post here.

[TankLV]

347. The US is not in any way shape of for like a company.

A company's EMPLOYEES are just that EMPLOYEES - they DON'T get to set policy, they DON'T get to choose the boss, EMPLOYEES work for the BOSS.

Not in any way shape or form similar. It's a ridiculous comparison at best.

[ArmchairMeme]

283. A fantasy reaction

Just vision the dems leaving one at a time and the last ones bolt the doors from the outside. The cameras roll and finally someone realizes that AHA! Things are not going as planned they are left to realize that they are imprisoned in a place of their making. It would be fun the see the looks on their faces as the cameras roll. Just a lark - no bad feelings meant.

[understandinglife]

287. Good to see this on the DU Homepage. How about making it a DU Activist ...

... endeavor???

It would be a great one for everyone to focus during the next 7 days.

And, thank you again Will, for taking the intiative!


Peace.

[mb7588a]

288. the SOTU is a joint session...

Sorry, Will, great idea, but it'll backfire either if they walk out or don't show up. We can't control the spin.

Joint sessions are chaired by the Speaker.

My guess is they'd sit in quorum call until a reasonable number of dems showed up. Meanwhile the world sits and watches Bush lean on the podium smirking on every network, cable news network, and C-SPAN while he waits for the Dems to show up.

Unfortunately, I can't find the official rules that apply to joint sessions. Anybody wanna help on this?

One thing they MAYBE could do is filibuster the concurrent resolution to even HAVE a joint session (getting 41 votes for this would be very very difficult).

I just don't see how it goes well for us.

[seabeyond]

290. a whole different perspective i didnt think of. bush, his smirk

he would have a hey day thru out the whole thing .... with his smirk, knowing the dems hung themselves. yup

but.......

as we see too many reasons not to do it. people on this board all jazzed for it. some even calling our dems pussies..... knowing they wont do. all this thread did was set the dems up to disappoint everyone on this board rooting for this to happen. regardless of the fact it isnt going to happen for too many reasonable reasons.

i could just see bush.

[TankLV]

349. The only thing I agree with is that it ain't gonna happen.

As much as I and many others here think it would be great - we are preaching to the choir.

The dems don't have balls or sense enough to do it. They are fence sitters. It will be more of the same and we will lose again, unfortunately.

[ruggerson]

293. Stop being an adult and making sense!

You're not fitting in here, dammit.

;-)

[mb7588a]

296. I know...

reason and restraint are forbidden on DU :P

[samhsarah]

289. sounds good to me.

i'll start calling and writing tomorrow. thanks, will!:kick: :yourock:

[donheld]

291. If only we can find Democrats with the balls to do just that

We've got to find a way to get it done.

[yurbud]

294. I was electrified when Dems dared to boo him. They should do it.

[mb7588a]

295. How about at least a few theatrics:

1. Holding a piece of wire and tapping it with a finger instead of applause.
2. Holding up a constitution with the fourth amendment hi-lited.

I'm sure there's more.

[onenote]

372. you want do these stunts at a political convention, fine

But the American people still think that their institutions should be treated with respect. The fact that chimpy and company are trashing the constitution doesn't mean that we should act like adolescents on the playground in the Capitol Building. It will go over like a lead balloon.

onenote

[yurbud]

298. I think yelling LIAR at appropriate moments would do the trick too

Bush will look annoyed, and he is incapable of improvising, which makes him look even stupider.

It might also make a couple of papers fact-check whatever was called a lie.

[Hardrada]

348. Gimme an L!!

[Tactical Progressive]

299. It's a lousy idea

more than a crazy idea.

Take that energy and committment and political capital and put it where it should be: filibustering Alito.

That's a move that would garner respect. Walking out on a SOTU would do just the opposite.

[Daylin Byak]

301. I like it

The republicans are always complaining that we don't have a plan for the future, so where's the place to deliver our plan, the state of the union address in front of all the media.

Also, when is the union address?

[yurbud]

304. do both--political capital isn't finite. They more you use, the more you

get if you are doing the right things.

[Glidescube]

350. I have to agree. It's Un-American

We would look like a buch of spoiled bratts adn could further cost us seats. the SOTU adress is a constitutional obligation that all lawmakers should attend, However, there is no reason not to hackle!

[drduffy]

300. haven't seen much evidence of balls....

now, if the dems fillibuster Alito-shit I might have more faith.

But you know they won't. And they won't do squat at the State of Union address.

I got a contributin letter from the DNC. I called them on Thursday and told them I'd donate 500.00 if they ended up fillibustering Alito but that I would no longer be a member if they did not. I bet I will be saving 500 bucks.

[elehhhhna]

305. WILL PITT. WHy why WHY have you fallen into the Liberal trap of

PREFACING YOUR PERFECTLY APPROPRIATE WALKOUT SUGGESTION by calling it "crazy".

It's not crazy but if it gets any wide exposure the lead will be "...self-admitted 'crazy idea'...blah blah blah"

Why in hell do we (and I mean 99% of the party) feel obligated to freaking PRE-APOLOGIZE for truthful remarks? Surely it's not because we're fighting reasonable, repectful opponents.

I love your writings Will but that opening line burns my cork.

(Will's otherwise compelling & persuasive argument here: http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/012206A.shtml )

[MercutioATC]

306. I actually like the "standing and turning their backs" idea better.

It'd take more guts and it might be harder, physically, for some of the older Congressmen but I think it would make more of a statement (one that Bush would have to look at through his entire address).

That said, walking out is a great idea.

[mirandapriestly]

307. I agree, it would take more guts.

I remember how horribly rethugs acted to clinton when he spoke.

[NorCalDem]

308. Stand backwards until Bush says something you

vehemently disagree with. Then walk out one by one, until every Democrat has left the room. Once outside, then you hold your press conference and proceed to allow each congressmen to dissect the point of emphasis that prompted him/her to leave the chamber. THAT would certainly get people's attention.

[MercutioATC]

310. Excellent! Generates multiple stories.

I like it!

[yurbud]

324. I do like the idea of walking out one at a time instead of en masse

that will throw Bush off balance more and have a cumulative effect.

[elehhhhna]

309. Murtha, Kerry and anyother Purple Heart Congressmembers

should throw their medals at him, for starters. I mean, he's Mister Fuckking War President and their wounds were phoney anyway, right? They might also consider turning their backs (and maybe pulling their pants down?) on Alito.

[seabeyond]

312. people are suggesting our dems dress up in straw hats.

these people take themselves seriously. i really doubt they will do a little dance for everyone.

[TahitiNut]

317. There's almost nothing that'd cause Junior to melt down more ...

... than people turning their backs on him and ignoring him. He absolutely must have their attention. He feeds voraciously on the reactions of others. He's a pathological narcissist (Narcissistic Personality Disorder, per DSM-IV) and is far past the point of no return. He belongs in a padded cell.

If the Democrats turned their backs, they'd have to ignore him no matter what he said.

[elehhhhna]

320. Drown him out w/ shout os SHAME SHAME SHAME

[MercutioATC]

323. I'd rather see silent protest than disruption of the address.

I think it'd be more powerful, but that's just my opinion.

[elehhhhna]

355. Me too. turn the backs. AND NO ROCKSTAR ovation when he shlubs onto

the stage.

[TahitiNut]

326. Nope. That's what he'd feed on.

Narcissists feed on reactions, positive OR negative.

[ruggerson]

311. It's not crazy, it's just a horrifically bad idea

[elehhhhna]

313. why?

[ruggerson]

322. Because Americans will see it as childish and moronic

and it would possibly greatly damage the very real chance we have right now of recapturing either the House or Senate or both.

It would make us all feel good momentarily, but would have a tremendously damaging effect.

And the media would compound it. It would be a public relations disaster of unprecedented proportions.

[MercutioATC]

328. We see how successful we've been with our current strategy...

I'm not denying that some would spin it negatively. I think it would generate a LOT of press, however....press that could be used to our advantage. It's not like we're making great strides with our current methods...

[TankLV]

351. Some will, most will see it as a courageous act. ALL will go "WTF"

It will shake up the discourse and WE will control the discussion.

[LuckyTheDog]

358. I agree

It would be a gift to Karl Rove.

Instead, I think the Dems need to change the story by using their response time to announce some really bold reform plans intended to clean up Congress. They should use the phrase "culture of corruption" about 12 times.

[seabeyond]

314. and thankfully our dems ARENT going to take it seriously

then all on this board will seriously throw the tantrums and WALK from the party, ..... again

[DemBones DemBones]

329. It's the adolescent in all of us that wants a walkout, or

a turn your back on Bush demonstration. Adolescents want to show disrespect, without regard to the fact that many Americans think (wrongly, in my view) that it is unpatriotic to show disrespect to any president.

The adult in all of us knows that there is no way in hell the media would portray this as a courageous act on the part of the Democrats, and that it would drive people who have previously voted for both Dems and Reps further into the GOP fold. We need to think about the political consequences.

The best strategy is for Dems to withhold applause, or give only tepid applause, and not to stand except when Bush* is entering the House and "Hail to Chief "is being played. (Of course it would be fine for them to applaud if Bush* actually says something applause-worthy.) In addition to the usual Democratic rebuttal, I'd like to see our best Democratic speakers appearing on talk shows in the following days explaining what was wrong with the SOTU speech and what is wrong with this administration.

[seabeyond]

331. you stated it well. and i like your conclusions

you whole last paragraph works for me.

[Blue-Jay]

316. I disagree.

It actually is crazy. A bad idea, too.

It'll never happen.

[EFerrari]

318. I disagree, although I have no right as a Green to disagree.

So, read on or put me on ignore.

Progessives have been waiting for progress.

For being unafraid to stand up for what is constitutional, let alone what is right.

I really don't see how the party could immediately garner new supporters more swiftly than to take such a risky, clear cut action.

Give us third party people a good reason to vote with you. Please!

[TahitiNut]

325. "Give us third party people a good reason to vote with you." (Exactly)

As an independent, I'd sure like more than "not as bad as Hitler" for a reason. :shrug:

[TahitiNut]

319. Well, you sure do give a lot of reasons for your opinion. 'Discussion'?

:silly: :dunce:

[NorCalDem]

321. I think it could certainly backfire on the Dems

the Cable News could easily spin it as how DISRESPECTFUL the Dems are for walking out on the Pres-O-Dent in a time of War, but at least the left in this country would finally know for sure who are leaders are and who is finally willing to take charge and lead an assualt against the assholes in the WH. The Media may crucify them for it, but I really think that those who listen to the media at this point are doomed to hell anyway. Anyone that pays attention would certainly know the real story (and what a story it would be :D)

[liam_laddie]

346. A suggestion to Dems for the SOTU

Everyone wear a tie or scarf of EXACTLY the same blue. No gladhanding. Everyone sits with folded arms.
NO applause. Everyone brings one of those party props of a pile of dogshit and puts it on their desk. The
color coordination of accessories and props would be handled by an experienced consultant. Not Bob Shrum.
Everyone gets a small plastic case on a neck chain (or ear protectors) with "Lie Detector" label, big enough
to be read by the cameras.
A walkout, though an emotionally satisfying moment, would be a PR disaster, knowing how the state-managed
media would react and spin it. Downside risk far outweighs any upside, short-term satisfaction. Better to have
a really passionate Democratic response after the tele-prompted recitation of Rove's speech. Let's hope the
Dem responder is not chosen by the DLC! BTW, a filibuster of Alito is essential.

[ClassWarrior]

315. Excellent point, el. Ain't nothing crazy about it. OURS are...

...the BEST of American Values. We need to remember that.

NGU.

[specimenfred1984]

327. "Burning Your Cork" is Called a Hook

It's put there to grab the reader's attention and hook you and other readers into reading it. It's a common practice, he didn't invent it and it's not his fault.

I'm not suggesting that you or I like it, I'm just saying that's one way people sell things.

[Mme. Defarge]

337. The Founding Fathers Understood Will Pitt!

From the Declaration of Independence:

"Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

[Autumn Colors]

335. Absolutely....

I just went through and wrote to every Democrat (+ 1 independent) in the Senate + Howard Dean.

Will start working on the House Dems after dinner tonight ... and will forward this idea to moveon.org, ActForChange, TrueMajority, etc. If you can think of any other activist organizations, let them know so they can get some email forms up and going.

I kept mine short and sweet:

"I just saw an idea someone had regarding the evening of the State of the Union address. I'm passing it along to you because I support this idea wholeheartedly:

Just as the President is about to start his speech, all Democrats in the chamber should walk out en masse and deliver their own state of the union on the Capitol steps before a zillion cameras. Change the story, lay down a vision, and let the planet know that opposition to this administration is indeed alive and well."

Anyone who sends out mass emails to family and friends, get them in on this, too. We can swamp them easily in 10 days.

[lakeguy]

341. great idea if it would happen....

present a REAL state of the union with dem priorities for everything from domestic to international. that would shut the media up about how the "dems don't have any ideas, they just complain."

probably the only way the dems can break into the media monopoly as well. corporate whores would find a way to spin it as shitty as possible i'm afraid though.

[MaryRN]

342. Bravo, Will..

I've been waiting to see this for the last 2 SOTU's and I don't think there could be anything more powerful at this time.

I don't think it matters how it will be spun. The majority of people do not watch cable news but it will surely gain the attention of the MSM. We can't hold them accountable for the outcome but we can certainly hold them accountable for their action(s) (or lack of) which is why we're all here in the first place.

I will support this effort wholeheartedly and I urge everyone to do the same. As always, actions speak louder than words and one united action just might go a long way toward re-establishing any remaining credibility they have.

Thanks, Will.

[The Onyx Key]

352. I DO think such an act would garner a lot of attention, but

this is just mental masturbation. The will is not there.

[Lone_Wolf_Moderate]

356. You know, I was just thinking about how last year someone came up

the same crazy idea. A stupid plan then, and a stupid plan now. There really is no possible justification for this idea, unless you want to kill the Democrats' political chances for the next 50 years, not mention be really childish.

Let me say it plainly: THIS IS A BAAAAD IDEA. A REALLY BAD IDEA.

[LuckyTheDog]

357. It'd backfire

Karl Rove would have a field day with it.

I think the Dems need to do something bold -- but not that.

I think using the night of the address to announce a comprehensive plan to clean up Congress would make more sense.

[bridgit]

361. works for me...

:thumbsup: pump up the volume :headbang:

[redwitch]

363. sigh. It would be perfect.

And I don't give a good God damn how it gets spun. I don't think it's a crazy idea at all, it will give us all hope again.

[AAARRRGGGHHH]

365. This is not at all a crazy idea

.

[mnhtnbb]

366. Forget walking out. Stand up and chant LIAR LIAR LIAR!!!

[screembloodymurder]

367. Why wait for the Dems.

Why don't we start by walking to DC. If thousands of us show up on the Capitol steps, we can show the world the real SOTU.

[Dickster]

369. Bullshit protectors will do the trick

I agree that walking out would be a great way to make a statement. But the media will destroy any advantage gained by it. Shrub went ballistic in California when some fo the Legion members wore the bullshit protectors. Think how he'd react if Dem. members of Congress did it. Ignore him, don't clap, turn your back on him, and wear the bullshit protectors. Give a good reply afterward.

[jsmithrn45]

373. Think its a good idea..............

SOTU ADDRESS=STFU ADDRESS :puke:

[muchacho]

374. I love the drama of it - do they have the guts?

[Tripmann]

375. How about...

The best of both worlds??

Stand with their backs to the chimp-in-chief, and then walk out bit by bit from mid way through the speech, completely freaking him out, then Gore giving a summary version of his now infamous speech on the steps with other dems behind him on the steps after the walkout.

Devastating, but unlikely. We can dream though...

[Paradise]

376. Drastic times call for drastic measures!!!

Where are the statesmen???

[Old Smokey]

379. They should all hum "Battle Hymn of the Republic" as they exit

....they way the Deltas did on Animal House when they were walking out of thier double secret probation hearing as Dean Wormer was screaming at them.

[PegDAC]

381. Will,

it's a brilliant idea!! :toast: :yourock: :applause:

[Imagevision]

382. Murtha could pull it off -- A walk out would be the patriotic thing to do

with a renegade administration - my hat's off to you Mr. Pitt, Randy/Malloy should somehow run with this superb idea!

[RogerARTcom]

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