OK, so we've spent days, weeks, and months screaming at one another, so I have some questions.

[OmahaBlueDog]

It seems like we are having as many issues with one another as we do with the folks over on Free Republic. There's nothing new in that -- we yelled at each other during the primaries, during the convention, and during the run up to the GE. I can't even say we were all happy after the GE, in as much as Obama won, but many here were infuriated over Prop 8.

So we all know Skinner's rules, and I'm not looking to violate them or call anyone out. What I'd like to do is just try to understand our group dynamic a little better.

1. If you had to pick one issue that is most important to you right now, what is it?

2. If there was one conservative cause or issue that you felt had to be stopped at all costs, what would that be?

3. If you could, succinctly, pick 5 political stands that you feel represent the "litmus test" for being a Democrat, what would those be?

4. Can you cite one issue on which you agree with most Republicans (no matter how trivial)?

5. Can you cite one issue on which you disagree with most Greens (no matter how trivial)?

6. Why do you like DU?

7. Are you Extremely Satisfied, Somewhat Satisfied, Neutral, Somewhat Dissatisfied, oe Extremely Dissatisfied with the President's performance, to date.

8. If you could make ONLY ONE personnel change to a non-elected member of the administration, who would that be?

9. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be defeated by any legal means necessary?

10. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be kept in office by any legal means necessary?

No..there's not a hidden agenda, and I will not use this information to attempt to sell you a time share. I'm just trying to understand why we seem so pissed of at one another, in a political sense.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

1. after you -

:)

[OmahaBlueDog]

8. OK

1. If you had to pick one issue that is most important to you right now, what is it?

Health Care for all Americans

2. If there was one conservative cause or issue that you felt had to be stopped at all costs, what would that be?

Tough to pick just one. I will say stopping implementation of the so-called "fair tax"


3. If you could, succinctly, pick 5 political stands that you feel represent the "litmus test" for being a Democrat, what would those be?

Robust support for public education
Supporting progresive (as opposed to regressive) taxation
Supporting health care for all Americans
Supporting energy independence
Supporting robust policing of American corporations

4. Can you cite one issue on which you agree with most Republicans (no matter how trivial)?

I believe we need to balance the Federal budget

5. Can you cite one issue on which you disagree with most Greens (no matter how trivial)?

I do not believe there is no difference between Republicans and Democrats

6. Why do you like DU?

It's an interesting way to exchange ideas and not feel alone in a sea of conservatives

7. Are you Extremely Satisfied, Somewhat Satisfied, Neutral, Somewhat Dissatisfied, oe Extremely Dissatisfied with the President's performance, to date.

I'm Somewhat Satisfied. I didn't expect miracles in two years.

8. If you could make ONLY ONE personnel change to a non-elected member of the administration, who would that be?

Arne Duncan would need to race to the unemployment office.

9. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be defeated by any legal means necessary?

Michelle Bachmann (that was also a tough choice among many worthy candidates)

10. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be kept in office by any legal means necessary?

Al Franken (that was also a tough choice among many worthy candidates)

[grasswire]

2. you're sounding like a community organizer

...in a good way. :-)

Not sure I've had enough coffee yet for this quiz. I'll try to do it later though.

[rucky]

3. I'll play:

1. If you had to pick one issue that is most important to you right now, what is it?

The Environment. It's tied to our present and future livelihood. It's tied to jobs and regulatory reform, as well. If we do this right, we can breed new business models that are sustainable.

2. If there was one conservative cause or issue that you felt had to be stopped at all costs, what would that be?

Right now, it's the repeal of the Bush Tax Cuts. Reasons should be obvious.

3. If you could, succinctly, pick 5 political stands that you feel represent the "litmus test" for being a Democrat, what would those be?

i) Repeal DADT; ii) Choice: You don't have to like it, but respect it; iii) Ending the wars; iv) If you deny that global climate change is real, you need to switch parties or get a brain; v) Senate rules: You don't have to vote for the bill, but at least give it a chance to pass by a majority instead of a supermajority.

4. Can you cite one issue on which you agree with most Republicans (no matter how trivial)?

um, we need jobs? do they think so too?

5. Can you cite one issue on which you disagree with most Greens (no matter how trivial)?

"They're both the same" is still up for debate. Please be more strategic and I will be more inclined to support you.

6. Why do you like DU?

Current news & info. Sprirted, if not thoughtful commentary. There are some really smart people here.

7. Are you Extremely Satisfied, Somewhat Satisfied, Neutral, Somewhat Dissatisfied, oe Extremely Dissatisfied with the President's performance, to date.

Somewhere between Somewhat Satisfied and Somewhat dissatisfied, but definitely not Neutral.

8. If you could make ONLY ONE personnel change to a non-elected member of the administration, who would that be?

I'd replace Arne Duncan with Alfie Kohn

9. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be defeated by any legal means necessary?

John Boehner. Please support Justin Coussoule!

10. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be kept in office by any legal means necessary?

Bernie Sanders. If they were all like Bernie, we wouldn't need political parties and elections would be conducted on the merits of their ideas.

[unapatriciated]

4. damn good reply.

[rucky]

15. Thanks. I tried to leave a lot of room under the tent.

but not too much room :)

[LWolf]

5. Okay:

1. If you had to pick one issue that is most important to you right now, what is it?

The war on public education.


2. If there was one conservative cause or issue that you felt had to be stopped at all costs, what would that be?

Corporate and Religious influence on government.


3. If you could, succinctly, pick 5 political stands that you feel represent the "litmus test" for being a Democrat, what would those be?

In no particular order:

1. Support for Labor, including backing unions and opposing NAFTA/CAFTA
2. Focus national attention and resources on domestic issues affecting citizens rather than wars of empire.
3. Universal, single-payer, not-for-profit health CARE.
4. Staunch support for fully PUBLIC education.
5. Staunch support for civil rights and civil liberties.



4. Can you cite one issue on which you agree with most Republicans (no matter how trivial)?

The sky, when not obscured by clouds, fog, smoke, or smog, is usually some shade of blue.



5. Can you cite one issue on which you disagree with most Greens (no matter how trivial)?

No. I don't know everything there is to know about the Greens, so some may exist. I just haven't found them.



6. Why do you like DU?

Originally because, having lived in hardcore red areas most of my life, it was refreshing to find people who were left of center to talk to. These days, because there are a few of them left.



7. Are you Extremely Satisfied, Somewhat Satisfied, Neutral, Somewhat Dissatisfied, oe Extremely Dissatisfied with the President's performance, to date.

Extremely dissatisfied.




8. If you could make ONLY ONE personnel change to a non-elected member of the administration, who would that be?

I'd boot Arne Duncan out the door and replace him with Alfie Kohn.



9. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be defeated by any legal means necessary?

There's more than one. Do you want a list? The shorter list would be those that SHOULDN'T be defeated. I don't put anyone on top of that heap.



10. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be kept in office by any legal means necessary?

There are a few. Senators? Boxer. Sanders. Congressmen? Kucinich. Grayson.

There may be more, but those are the first names to pop up when reading the question.

[donco6]

6. Sorry, I don't answer questions from Blue Dogs. n/t

[OmahaBlueDog]

10. Very well, but I take back the part about not trying to sell you a timeshare

[noamnety]

7. here goes

1. Most important issue: stopping both wars (environment's equally large, but the wars have an easier immediately attainable solution.)

2. One conservative cause to be stopped at all costs: The wars.

3. The "litmus test" for being a Democrat, what would those be?
Anti-war, pro gay marriage, treat immigrants like humans, stop using health care to discriminate against women, stop being corporate toadies.

4. One issue on which you agree with most Republicans: I think Bush signed a bill that allowed me to rollover my 401k to a 403b without penalty when I became a public school teacher. I appreciated that.

5. Can you cite one issue on which you disagree with most Greens (no matter how trivial)? Here's their platform: http://www.gp.org/platform/2004/platformIX.html I can't find anything I disagree with on it. I might not know enough about flouridation of drinking water to agree or disagree.

6. Why do you like DU? News stories that should be mainstream but aren't are discussed here.

7. Are you Extremely Satisfied, Somewhat Satisfied, Neutral, Somewhat Dissatisfied, oe Extremely Dissatisfied with the President's performance, to date. Extremely dissatisfied.

8. If you could make ONLY ONE personnel change to a non-elected member of the administration, who would that be? Replace Patraeus with Lieutenant General Gregory S. Newbold. (But I like the above answers regarding Duncan and Kohn!)

9. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be defeated by any legal means necessary? That's like asking if I prefer the spoiled meat or the spoiled milk.

10. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be kept in office by any legal means necessary? Kucinich

[TheKentuckian]

9. I'll give it a shot

1. Clean, affordable, renewable, and available energy. I believe this is the keystone.

2. Corporate capture of the government is the #1 thing that must be stopped.

3. Key Democratic issues

1. Renewable energy
2. Public election financing
3. Protect and restore civil liberties/equality
4. Support Labor
5. Fight corporate influence

4. Gun control

5. I'm a Zionist so...

6. Yeah, but it is degrading fast and seems like a Reich wing think tank more and more that disrespects what I see as basic Democratic and even traditional American values and those who espouse them.

7. I'd say I am very dissatisfied with Obama, that is between somewhat and extremely dissatisfied.

8. Just to see the exploding brain matter I have five words- Dennis Kucinich Secretary of Defense.

9. Where to start??? Diane Feinstine? Shes insidious and is maybe the most ill labeled as a liberal. I'd also say DeMint, Shelton, Randroid (not a member), Baucus, Lieberman, Steve King, Paul Ryan, Conrad, McChinless, Dick Shelby, it goes on and on.

10. Bernie Sanders in the Senate and Alan Grayson in the House. Bernie if I have to take one or the other.

[fishbulb703]

11. 22yo student here.

1. Budget deficit.
2. Religion and state.
3. Entitlements, Unions, Healthcare, Immigration, Peace (although, none of these are an all or nothing litmus test imo)
4. Gun rights
5. Nuclear power
6. People say what they believe, people for the most part don't censor what they believe as in a face-to-face conversation.
7. Neutral
8. Drug Czar
9+10. Throw them all out.

[Greyhound]

12. I think you will fail, but here you are... K&R

1. If you had to pick one issue that is most important to you right now, what is it?
There are really two, but the other would be greatly helped by Universal Single Payer Health Care. Madicare part 'E'.

2. If there was one conservative cause or issue that you felt had to be stopped at all costs, what would that be?
The Federal Reserve Act.

3. If you could, succinctly, pick 5 political stands that you feel represent the "litmus test" for being a Democrat, what would those be?
1. Equal Rights regardless of Sex, Age, or Race
2. The right to an education.
3. The right to meaningful employment.
4. The right to a living wage.
5. Repeal of the War Powers Resolution and reinstating the Congressional requirement to declare an actual war before forces can be deployed. (There are several intricacies covered in the resolution that have to be dealt with, but bottom line is that if they want to fight a war in our name, they have to justify and vote for it)

4. Can you cite one issue on which you agree with most Republicans (no matter how trivial)?
Guns.

5. Can you cite one issue on which you disagree with most Greens (no matter how trivial)?
Don't know enough about their positions/platform.

6. Why do you like DU?
A convenient single place to get the news that's not reported everywhere else. That has changed.

7. Are you Extremely Satisfied, Somewhat Satisfied, Neutral, Somewhat Dissatisfied, oe (sic) Extremely Dissatisfied with the President's performance, to date.
Extremely dissatisfied.

8. If you could make ONLY ONE personnel change to a non-elected member of the administration, who would that be?
Why limit it to one? Well, after the elections Rahm will return to his career stealing money from little people's retirement funds, so I'll go with Tom Vilsack, but there are at least a dozen corporate fifth columnists that need to go.

9. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be defeated by any legal means necessary?
Again too many to pick The One, but I'll go with Nelson.

10. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be kept in office by any legal means necessary?
I don't know why you are stuck on the number one. There's very little that one added or subtracted can change, but I'll pick Bernie

[OmahaBlueDog]

13. I don't think I'll fail. I've seen interesting things already

One reason I did this is a long-held hypothesis of mine: with few exceptions, Republicans all agree on these key issues:

They will all argue that taxes are too high

They will all argue for a return to "common sense government" (aka government run like a business) -- this is code for reducing deficits and reducing entitlements

They will all argue for strong defense - more MI complex spending

They will mostly all argue against activist judges - which covers a wide range of perceived sins, but translates to wanting an end to Roe, Miranda, Gideon, possibly Brown, and other noteworthy SCOTUS rulings.

They will all staunchly defend the second amendment rights of sportsmen

Many (not all) will argue for returning God to the classroom and the village square. This is both a nod to anti abortion activists and also general anger about the ACLU.

In short, there is more of a litmus test on key issues. But, like us, once in office, where to prioritize these issues becomes a matter of great contention.

Imagine you were a fundie activist -- how angry should you be at Bush? Think for a moment - since 1980, you've dreamed of ending abortion, and overturning the school prayer ruling. from '01-'06, you had the WH, both houses of Congress, and a slim majority on the SCOTUS. Yet there is no school prayer, and Roe continues to be the law of the land. Imagine you are a deficit hawk (guilty) - Bush entered with moderate surplusses. He left whti record deficits and a wrecked economy. he had the helm, the congress, and the treasury for eight years. Yet, somehow his supporters blame Clinton?

Never mind..I'm rambling again.

[mitchtv]

14. you fail in my book( not that it means anything)

Blue dogs have destroyed our party, Your post lists criteria to be a Dem, Omitted is full and equal rights for LGBT citizens. Count me out of that party. And no, it doesn't belong lower on the list

[OmahaBlueDog]

20. Fair enough

I didn't put protection for immigrants, ending the wars, or space travel to Mars in the top five either. It doesn't mean I don't support those things - they're just not the five things I look for in a Democrat. The thread isn't about my views - I'm looking for the vviews of others, and I appreciate that you shared yours.

For the record, the Democratic Party holds the White House and a majority in both houses of Congress. It's difficult to argue anyone has "destroyed" a party in that position.

[mitchtv]

26. held and squandered the control

of the exec, and legislative branches

[roguevalley]

30. protection for vulnerable people and equal rights for all.

I didn't remember to put that but its essential. How we treat old, young and marginalized people tells the world who we are.

[Greyhound]

16. I thought you were looking for common ground between the factions within the party.

But what you describe is why the divisions are so deep and why I do not believe they can be bridged.

In the late 70's and 80's the american taliban were allowed to take over the Republican Party and the sensible Republicans registered as Democrats but never liked, let alone embraced the foundation of principles that defined the Democratic Party. Now we have this situation where they have worked for over 30 years to convert the Democratic Party into the old Republican Party and the myth of the "big tent" is used to justify nominal Democrats forcing a Republican agenda into the Democratic Party.

This is a bridge too far. They and we would all be better off if they took their own party back from the truly insane, but they lack the intestinal fortitude for that, so the whole nation is going to go through seven kinds of hell because of their cowardice.

[OmahaBlueDog]

19. I am looking for common ground. I'm also looking for what makes us grumpy.

For what its worth, I am probably to the left of most Blue Dogs. I label myself that - mostly because I support most aspects of the party agenda, but I'm a deficit hawk.

[Greyhound]

21. Well perhaps we can talk about that deficit since it appears that most others are

out enjoying the weekend (that I'm sure is beautiful in other places)?

[OmahaBlueDog]

24. I have the quaint notion that expenditures and recipts should balance

It's not that I disagree with Keynes, but I think deficit spending only really works to revive an economy when, under normal circumstances, budgets balance or we have a surplus.

One obvious answers to this problem is to bring taxation levels back to what they were the last time we had a surplus. Put more simply, end the Bush tax cuts. The second most obvious answer is to get out of the world police business and end the wars. We have more than enough WMDs to guarantee that we won't be invaded in my lifetime.

I have made the unpopular suggestion that raising the age for Soocial Security is probably a good idea. Life expectancy has risen beyond what the system was designed for. That said, modest tax increases could also cover the shortfall.

In a broader view, I see trade deficits as a big contributor to our financial woes. We ship a lot of money out of the country to purchase oil. Solar, wind, nuclear, biomass, and domestic NG could all combine to not only make us independent, but to transform the US into a net energy exporter.

[Greyhound]

25. Deficit spending is currently vital to reviving the economy provided it is spent at the bottom.

This has been so effective every time it is done that there is a real danger of over-revving the economy. We can still outproduce the world if we needed to, and over-production of goods is as damaging as underproduction.

Our economic woes all spring from the same place they have since The Fed was created, too much money flowing into too few hands. Removing any accountability and failure to require those who benefit from participation in the funding of our nation has exacerbated and accelerated the problem.

I don't see any way for a reasonable person to believe that there is any problem with SS. The only potential problem lies in paying back the money from SS that was sent to the banksters, and that's where it must be repaid from or there will be disaster. Projections beyond five years are of little value and going out to 2037 is simply meaningless drivel designed to do nothing but panic people around 40 (the second largest voting demographic after the boomers). So I say, don't worry about it and pay careful attention to what else they are doing while this theater is going on.

The problems with international trade are similarly obvious and exaggerated to hide what is really happening. All the numbers paraded for us merely serve to hide reality behind the jargon and strained definitions. One example I can personally testify to is in computers, HP computers specifically. Details aside, every HP computer sold is counted twice as both export and import, yet HP does not make even one computer that bears it's name. It is an empty paper shell with no U.S. assets beyond the Mothership, and a few offices in Houston. IOW, if/when they declare bankruptcy, there is nothing to divide up among their creditors or their (common) shareholders, nothing. But rest assured that the high level executives, board members, and preferred shareholders will walk away with hundreds of millions.

The DoD is so far out of control that those charged with watching it have thrown up their hands and given up (if they ever tried in the first place) and we are told that there's nothing that can be done, so we'll just have to keep throwing more money than we have down that bottomless pit. I've lost track of how many trillions of dollars they can't even account for in the last 30 years, so instead of demanding more sacrifice and lowered expectations from the people, how about flipping it around for a change? It will be hard and it will cost careers, but isn't that what leadership is?

[OmahaBlueDog]

31. Servicing the debt is a huge cost. Think of how many better ways that money could be spent

I absolutely agree that DoD spending is absurd and out of control. What's sadder is that we spend these untold billions, and don't take care of our veterans. One thing I would hope we could all agree on is that, no matter how we feel about the wars (and most here oppose them), we should do everything possible for our veterans -- especially those who were wounded.

[Greyhound]

39. Yes it is, and under normal circumstances we absolutely should avoid them.

There are so many problems all over this area, a byzantine tax code that is so large and contradictory that nobody knows it, so we end up with taxes being assessed and paid or not because of somebody's opinion regarding some part of it and, unless there is an audit it goes ahead. Huge corporations that make billions in profits get billion dollar refunds. We have an advertised corporate tax rate of 35%, but the average corporate tax paid is 5%.

I think we have gone beyond the point where we really have to scrap some of these systems and start over. Other nations have done it and have benefited greatly from it. I'd start with eliminating the classifications of income. Why on earth should 'unearned income' be taxed any differently than 'earned income', for example? The original reasons for it are no longer valid and it is unjust, even Warren Buffett says that.

Vets should get everything they need for as long as they need it, that's the basic contract as far as I'm concerned. But the DoD money that goes to them, and active service people too, is far too little. What goes to contractors and weapons systems is far too much.

One thing I can tell you from experience is that changing the military makes moving mountains look easy by comparison. If they had had their way all along, we'd still be utilizing the Phalanx and fighting with laser-tipped spears and TOW arrows (they do like shiny stuff).:D



Edit to add; I've changed my mind on the unelected official that needs to go (#5 I think). New answer is Goldman-Sachs (only one entity that is comprised of several people in the White House, all of whom are hurting the nation).

[Greyhound]

17. ..

[Greyhound]

18. Nobody else wants to play?

Perhaps if it were posted by someone less identified with a faction?
:shrug:

[scheming daemons]

22. Ok... here's my answers

1. If you had to pick one issue that is most important to you right now, what is it?

The increasing threat of corporate personhood

2. If there was one conservative cause or issue that you felt had to be stopped at all costs, what would that be?

Intelligent Design/Creationism

3. If you could, succinctly, pick 5 political stands that you feel represent the "litmus test" for being a Democrat, what would those be?

1. Pro choice 2. Separation of Church and State 3. Anti Laisez-Faire economics 4. Progressive taxation 5. Equal Civil Rights for all

4. Can you cite one issue on which you agree with most Republicans (no matter how trivial)?

The "Fairness Doctrine" is anti-1st Amendment.

5. Can you cite one issue on which you disagree with most Greens (no matter how trivial)?

Greens think there's no difference between Democrats and Republicans. Greens are very wrong about this.

6. Why do you like DU?

Used to like it because it was a site where all were united against encroaching Republican power. Now, many seem to want to cut off their nose to spite their face and put Republicans back in charge to "teach Obama a lesson". These people are willing to put our future in extreme danger because of a few disagreements with the White House.

7. Are you Extremely Satisfied, Somewhat Satisfied, Neutral, Somewhat Dissatisfied, oe Extremely Dissatisfied with the President's performance, to date.

Somewhat Satisfied

8. If you could make ONLY ONE personnel change to a non-elected member of the administration, who would that be?

Return Howard Dean to head of the DNC.

9. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be defeated by any legal means necessary?

Jim Demint

10. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be kept in office by any legal means necessary?

Al Franken

[stevedeshazer]

23. Okay, here goes

1. If you had to pick one issue that is most important to you right now, what is it?

Regulation of Wall Street: the end of derivatives and closing the tax loopholes.

2. If there was one conservative cause or issue that you felt had to be stopped at all costs, what would that be?

Unlimited campaign funding from corporate interests.

3. If you could, succinctly, pick 5 political stands that you feel represent the "litmus test" for being a Democrat, what would those be?

a. Job creation for middle and working class
b. Equal rights for all (I mean all)
c. Ending wars of aggression once and for all
d. Real campaign finance reform -- no special interest money
e. Progressive tax reform -- raise taxes on incomes over $250k

4. Can you cite one issue on which you agree with most Republicans (no matter how trivial)?

John McCain is an idiot.

5. Can you cite one issue on which you disagree with most Greens (no matter how trivial)?

Greens need to start running for school board and dogcatcher instead of starting with the presidency.

6. Why do you like DU?

There are very intelligent and interesting posters here; we're ahead of the curve on the news cycle by a day or two.

7. Are you Extremely Satisfied, Somewhat Satisfied, Neutral, Somewhat Dissatisfied, oe Extremely Dissatisfied with the President's performance, to date.

Somewhat dissatisfied, but it beats the shit out of any Republican administration.

8. If you could make ONLY ONE personnel change to a non-elected member of the administration, who would that be?

Timothy Geithner would take a long walk off a short pier, replaced by Elizabeth Warren.

9. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be defeated by any legal means necessary?

Tough call because there are so many. I'd have to go with Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma because he has single-handedly blocked so much using the Senate's ridiculous rules.

10. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be kept in office by any legal means necessary?

Odd phrasing, this question, I don't know why you put it that way (it sounds like I'd want to keep someone in office who has legal problems) but my most valuable Congress Critter is probably Nancy Pelosi. Despite her faults, she's done nearly everything you could hope for as Speaker. The Senate, not the House, is the problem.

There it is.

[stranger81]

27. OK, I'm in:

* Edited after reading some of the other excellent responses here:

1. Ending the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq post haste.

2. Stopping the conservative campaign to turn this country into an oligarchy (largely dominated by corporations) -- in my mind, this includes everything from resisting increases in the minimum wage and voting against unemployment benefits to torpedoing any meaningful corporate regulations and making the way clear for unfettered corporate participation in the electoral process.

3. (a) Firm support for workers (including unions) and workers' rights (particularly when workers' interests conflict with corporate interests)
(b) Unwavering support for individual equality (including reproductive choice, racial equality, equal rights for gays and lesbians, etc)
(c) Unwavering support for strong civil liberties (e.g., supporting the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th amendments against encroachments like the Patriot Act, etc.)
(d) General support for non-interventionism abroad (e.g., resisting GOP efforts to fight wars overseas to enrich corporate coffers)
(e) Strong support for measures to protect our local and global environment (e.g., supporting clean energy technology developments, signing on to international global warming treaties, etc.)

4. I agree with Republicans that we need to eliminate voter fraud and intimidation from our electoral system. I disagree with them as to the source of that fraud and intimidation, however (hint: it's not about two black guys in Philly).

5. I don't disagree with the Greens on any of the issues. They're just not in a position yet to effectively participate in the national political scene.

6. I enjoy coming to a site with many (though not all) like minded folks for conversation. I also love that this site collects so many important news stories in one place.

7. Somewhat dissatisfied.

8. Rahm Emanuel. So far, this is by far the easiest question to answer.

9. Ben Nelson ("D" - NE)

10. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) or Dennis Kucinich (D-OH)

[stranger81]

28. BTW, I think this is a great OP.

I hope others will weigh in, too. We need more substantive discussion of where we actually divide on the issues here, not just the labels.

[blondeatlast]

35. +1. I've been thinking about trying a similar thread but could not figure out a way to approach it.

This is a great way to do so.

[roguevalley]

29. My turn. :)

1. If you had to pick one issue: rising classism which is the root of all the problems we face internally: lack of money available, inequity of wealth, poverty and health problems, all of it.

2. If there was one conservative cause to stop: the corporatization of America

3. If you could, succinctly, pick 5 political stands that you feel represent the "litmus test" for being a Democrat, what would those be?

1. views on eradication of poverty
2. rebuilding the equal broadcast laws
3. fair and rigorous taxation of corporations
4. environmental issues being upfront
5. end the wars and put their authors, all of them, in jail.

4. Can you cite one issue on which you agree with most Republicans? None. I thought about it but they don't believe in anything I trust.

5. Can you cite one issue on which you disagree with most Greens (no matter how trivial)? Can't think of one but that is probably a lack of knowledge of most of their more esoteric platforms.

6. Why do you like DU? Because it has IQ, heart, ideas. It is a home in the port of lies and stupid.

7. Are you Extremely Satisfied, Somewhat Satisfied, Neutral, Somewhat Dissatisfied, oe Extremely Dissatisfied with the President's performance, to date. between somewhat and extremely dissatisfied. I am sick of his dancing with the pugs hoping they will take him home at the end. They never will and it has put a historical moment in the dust.

8. If you could make ONLY ONE personnel change to a non-elected member of the administration, who would that be? Fire Rahm Emanuel

9. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be defeated by any legal means necessary? My senator, Lisa Murkowski. (Any member is good by me but she is an appointee by her *DAD* to this job, his former seat) King of Iowa too.

10. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be kept in office by any legal means necessary? Weiner, Grayson, people with cojones.

[jannyk]

32. FWIW here are mine....

1. If you had to pick one issue that is most important to you right now, what is it?
Universal Health Care for ALL - stop the 2 insane wars to fund it.


2. If there was one conservative cause or issue that you felt had to be stopped at all costs, what would that be?
So many choices...hmmm...Corporate Personhood for Campaign Financing and the overturning of Roe vs Wade

3. If you could, succinctly, pick 5 political stands that you feel represent the "litmus test" for being a Democrat, what would those be?
1. Total equality for ALL
2. Support for the Laboring Class over the Corporate Class
3. Universal Health Care for ALL
4. Excellence in Public Education (for ALL)
5. Support for the Under Class (the Impoverished/Mentally Ill/etc.)

4. Can you cite one issue on which you agree with most Republicans (no matter how trivial)?
No.

5. Can you cite one issue on which you disagree with most Greens (no matter how trivial)?
Nope

6. Why do you like DU?
Used to like it a lot more (and visit a lot more) when we were all on the same side, but most of my 'friends' and hero's have gone away. I have learned so much in the past 6-7 years, mostly thanks to Kpete!

7. Are you Extremely Satisfied, Somewhat Satisfied, Neutral, Somewhat Dissatisfied, oe Extremely Dissatisfied with the President's performance, to date.
I'm very dissatisfied and extremely disillusioned - we had it all, and we blew it.

8. If you could make ONLY ONE personnel change to a non-elected member of the administration, who would that be?
Toss up between Rahm and Timmy

9. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be defeated by any legal means necessary?
Bachmann or Boehner

10. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be kept in office by any legal means necessary?
Kucinich/Sanders/Grayson

[OmahaBlueDog]

33. I pose this to you, but anyone can answer. What is the specific objection to corporations?

Let me clarify what I mean. Lots of businesses are corporations. Your local coffee shop, for example, is most likely a C-Corp, S- Corp, or an LLC.

Is your objection to corporations based on the shield to liability they provide to an owner or officer?

Is your objection to corporations based on how they are taxed?


Is your objection to corporations not really to the businesses themselves, but the culture of CEO and executive compensation that is out of whack beyond all reason?

Do you have different feelings or perceptions of privately held corporations as opposed to those which trade in the financial markets?

Can you cite a corporation that you feel is a good example, or a good corporate citizen?

[jannyk]

36. I never said I'm opposed to Corporations....

...It may surprise you to learn that for 15 plus years, I was one (well...I started a business in SF, was very successful and became an 'S' Corp - retired now, still own a little bit of it).

So, No objection to 'Corporations' per se. Huge objection to any Corporation having political influence, unlimited ability to 'buy' politicians and the ability to shape policy to their benefit (e.g. the Health Reform debacle)

[blondeatlast]

34. Kudos for what I think you are trying to do; k/r. My responses:

1. If you had to pick one issue that is most important to you right now, what is it?
On a Federal level, restoring job safety protection and prosecuting violators (and that includes for undocumented workers).

2. If there was one conservative cause or issue that you felt had to be stopped at all costs, what would that be?
The all-out war on the working class.

3. If you could, succinctly, pick 5 political stands that you feel represent the "litmus test" for being a Democrat, what would those be?
1. Support for public education.
2. Health care for all Americans.
3. Supporting a strong working class.
4. Civil rights for all.
5. Federal protection of the public against poor working conditions, unscrupulous financiers, and religious zealots of any stripe (including non-religious zealots).

4. Can you cite one issue on which you agree with most Republicans (no matter how trivial)?
Old-school, Goldwater-style Republicans, yes—keeping the government out of my private life as long as it isn’t criminal.

5. Can you cite one issue on which you disagree with most Greens (no matter how trivial)?
I’m trying very hard to, but no, I really can’t.

6. Why do you like DU?

Politics makes for strange bedfellows, and people I’ve vehemently disagreed with on some important issues have been strong allies in other issues important to me. That shows that people are actually thinking about the issues rather than following an agenda laid out for them.

7. Are you Extremely Satisfied, Somewhat Satisfied, Neutral, Somewhat Dissatisfied, oe Extremely Dissatisfied with the President's performance, to date.
Neutral; very, very happy with his appointment of Hilda Solis as Labor secretary and Justice Sotomayor, though.

8. If you could make ONLY ONE personnel change to a non-elected member of the administration, who would that be?

Get rid of Arne Duncan—like sending him to Siberia, even!

9. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be defeated by any legal means necessary?
Mitch McConnell/John McCain equally (I live in AZ, btw)

10. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be kept in office by any legal means necessary?

Al Franken—the kind of Democrat my mom and dad worked so hard for and the kind that says “Democratic Party” to me.

[pinboy3niner]

37. I won't play, but you pose some excellent questions

The point, obviously, is that we don't all agree on everything. We have different views on the "most important" issue, and that's fine. On a range of top issues, we'd probably have substantial agreement.

We have disagreements over the President's performance, and that's fine, too. What is tiresome is when threads involve proseletyzing for for one side or another, with high levels of flamebait and intolerance for differing opinions and a general lowering of the discourse. Perhaps that's one way of working through it, and perhaps it's even the only way, but I think it's still traumatic for all of us.

I'm pretty sure that even Skinner, smart as he may be, doesn't have the answer, and can only do the best he can to manage this experiment and hope that WE will be able to come to terms. I suspect he's as conflicted as are most of us.

I have no objection to the OP. In fact, I think it's the fairest I've seen on the issue of DU divisions, and I have to hand it to OmahaBlueDog for such a skillful effort to stimulate productive discussion. I hope to follow the thread--and benefit from it--without takinjg the time to make up and post my personal laundry list (which probably wouldn't matter much to anyone else, anyway).

[democrat2thecore]

38. Here Goes....

1. If you had to pick one issue that is most important to you right now, what is it?

Ending the wars and a desire for progressives to once again revitalize organized labor - even if we start from scratch.
And 'workers' will be defined much more broadly than blue collar. You work in a cubicle? You're a worker.

2. If there was one conservative cause or issue that you felt had to be stopped at all costs, what would that be?

Rollback of financial regulations (as weak as they are).

3. If you could, succinctly, pick 5 political stands that you feel represent the "litmus test" for being a Democrat, what would those be?

1. Standing for the worker versus the corporation 2. Defense Spending rollbacks 3. Truly open government 4. Tax the upper limits of income much higher than present 5. Civil Rights for all

4. Can you cite one issue on which you agree with most Republicans (no matter how trivial)?

They are generally tougher on street crime and law & order. Crime in America is out-of-control. Too many progressives blame "the man." Democrats must want to protect Americans to where they are safe in their homes and on the street. No excuses. Too warm & fuzzy with criminals. But, that's about it when it comes to agreeing with the Republican Party.

5. Can you cite one issue on which you disagree with most Greens (no matter how trivial)?

I'm not sure.

6. Why do you like DU?

A variety of spectrums represented from the center-left to the far-left. I feel like I know so many that it's like a community. I'm saddened by the fighting at times, but it's normal and HEALTHY. No party should EVER march in lock step.

7. Are you Extremely Satisfied, Somewhat Satisfied, Neutral, Somewhat Dissatisfied, or Extremely Dissatisfied with the President's performance, to date.

Extremely Dissatisfied - the difference between Obama the candidate and Obama the President has rattled me with trust issues forever (politically).

8. If you could make ONLY ONE personnel change to a non-elected member of the administration, who would that be?

Dump Rahm. Others: Change the economic team to one that isn't a branch of Goldman Sachs and Wall Street at large. Would have NEVER guessed this from him.

9. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be defeated by any legal means necessary?

Demint? Bachman? That's a tough one, there's just too many.

10. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be kept in office by any legal means necessary?

America's Senator: Bernie Sanders.

[eridani]

40. OK, here goes

1. Ending the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and cutting military spending to sane levels

2. Stopping the neocon assault on Social Security and Medicare

3. (a) Supporting labor over corporations, and tough regulations on the latter
(b) Supporting civil rights (including reproductive rights) and full equality for all
(c) Investing in green technolody and renewable energy
(d) An end to the policy of war as first resort.
(e) Progressive taxation

4. I liked Nixon's establishment of the EPA and Bush the First's disability legislation

5. I agree with the Greens on the issues. I disagree with their attitude that the only qualification for running for public office is being on the right side of those issues.

6. I don't need to go anywhere else for breaking news. I prefer the bulletin board format to the Daily Kos format. I really appreciate the huge collection of personal and professional expertise here.

7. Somewhat dissatisfied.

8. Geithner. Replace him with any qualified economist who was able to forsee the meltdown.

9. John Orange Bonehead.

10. Bernie Sanders, Dennis Kucinich, Alan Grayson

[Yuugal]

41. Here ya go

1. If you had to pick one issue that is most important to you right now, what is it?

The "free trade" agreements that are destroying our manufacturing base.

2. If there was one conservative cause or issue that you felt had to be stopped at all costs, what would that be?

Their endless financial and mental need for war.

3. If you could, succinctly, pick 5 political stands that you feel represent the "litmus test" for being a Democrat, what would those be?

I'm not sure our party stands for anything anymore except fellating the rich; just like the other party. My issues are the environment, civil rights for all, protecting the working class and poor from big money, universal affordable health care, and ending the wars.

4. Can you cite one issue on which you agree with most Republicans (no matter how trivial)?

Mike Huckleberry and others are for ripping up Nafta, or so I hear at election times.

5. Can you cite one issue on which you disagree with most Greens (no matter how trivial)?

10 dollar a gallon gas: way to screw the less fortunate.

6. Why do you like DU?

It used to be a place where progressives could speak their mind, a poor man's think tank if you will. Nowadays it is a haven for the message discipline types and I'm not sure I like the site at all anymore.

7. Are you Extremely Satisfied, Somewhat Satisfied, Neutral, Somewhat Dissatisfied, oe Extremely Dissatisfied with the President's performance, to date.

Betrayed, heartbroken, floored by the sheer immensity of his sellout to the rich.

8. If you could make ONLY ONE personnel change to a non-elected member of the administration, who would that be?

Rahm

9. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be defeated by any legal means necessary?

Cantor

10. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be kept in office by any legal means necessary?

Grayson

[Sheepshank]

42. gotta push this to the top

I'm really enjoying the responses...it's all good.

[OmahaBlueDog]

43. In case you hadn't seen this yesterday

:kick:

[Chan790]

44. Mine.

1. If you had to pick one issue that is most important to you right now, what is it?

Right this instant. I'm committed to thwarting the pacifists on Afghanistan. I hate pacifists under general circumstance but this extends beyond that, the results will be an "I told you so!" disaster that hands power to the GOP for the next 30 years if they get their way. If they do, we should fold up the tent and go home...there will be no point to being a Democrat or contesting elections.

2. If there was one conservative cause or issue that you felt had to be stopped at all costs, what would that be?

Conservative economic policy. Monetarism and tax cuts, specifically.

3. If you could, succinctly, pick 5 political stands that you feel represent the "litmus test" for being a Democrat, what would those be?

a.)Labor issues
b.)Healthcare
c.)Racial/gender/religious/orientation equality
d.)Freedom of choice
e.)Global humanitarian concerns

4. Can you cite one issue on which you agree with most Republicans (no matter how trivial)?

If #1 didn't give it away, I am staunchly an advocate of a strong "global-cop" role of the military.

5. Can you cite one issue on which you disagree with most Greens (no matter how trivial)?

Most Greens I've met are pacifists.

6. Why do you like DU?

The Lounge? It's not as cool as it used to be though.

7. Are you Extremely Satisfied, Somewhat Satisfied, Neutral, Somewhat Dissatisfied, or Extremely Dissatisfied with the President's performance, to date.

Somewhat dissatisfied.

8. If you could make ONLY ONE personnel change to a non-elected member of the administration, who would that be?

I'd replace Emanuel with Dean.

9. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be defeated by any legal means necessary?

Sen. Tom Coburn

10. Which Senator or Member of Congress needs to be kept in office by any legal means necessary?

Ask me after election day...the only person I'm personally concerned with making sure is a member of the next Congress right now is Richard Blumenthal in CT.

[OmahaBlueDog]

45. First, thank you for answering

Second, although I disagree with your stand, I admire your courage for stating that view here.

When I read your views -- both on the war and your five litmus test points -- it evoked thoughts of 1968 and some of the irony of that election. Hubert Humphrey would have been lock step with you on points A-E, and he was also in favor of continued military intervention in Vietnam. Nixon, who would be branded a sellout by todays ultra conservatives, nevertheless pursued socially conservative policies while running as the antiwar candidate.

[OmahaBlueDog]

46. Since I posted to 2010 Senate Poll, I thought I'd kick this again for the night crew

:kick:

For those sick of seeing this - sorry; for those who haven't, I'd love to see your thoughts.