This deep feeling of "our" country spiraling out of control and into a

[WCGreen]

dystopian future where corporate overlords will destroy any sense of the individual and crush the spirits of the American people is so pervasive that it is almost at the point where it will be a self-fulfilling prophesy.

It's hard to imagine the feeling of hope we had when then Senator Obama stood in front of the crowd in Chicago and accepted the challenge of leading us away from the wars, the greed and into a future of inclusion and openess...

It's hard to believe that less than three years separate us from hope and optimism. It's almost unimaginable that those feelings from the fall of 2008 evaporated so quickly.

Of course any sane person could see that it was all caused by the venal, impetuous leadership of Cheney/Bush.

It's hard to believe, at first blush, that the GOP was able to turn triumph into defeat so quickly and with such venom.

Of course it is president Obama's fault. He was naive, some say, he expected too much, others say, he was ill-prepared for the economic crisis, pundits say...

Anyway, it's hard to think that president Obama will be able to recapture that lightning in a bell jar feeling that inspired so many to come together.

For the sake of the country, I pray that he can.

We know what will happen if the GOP wins again. The complete dismantling of all we hold dear.

And yet, and yet...

Ah who are we kidding. If the people here on DU can't even get excited about the upcoming election, why do we expect those who don't have the passion or time to worry about such things now will...

[kentuck]

1. The cancer cannot be cured without some pain..

Those that believe or preach otherwise are fooling themselves.

[BrklynLiberal]

2. The truth and clarity of your note brings tears to my eyes.

Your thoughts are shared by many of us. I have had several discussions about this recently with various friends.

It is sad and scary as hell.

[kentuck]

3. kick

for the truth and honesty in the post.

[BlueIris]

4. The Democrats will be in such bad political shape by the next election that even I, optimist,

am having trouble imagining how we will pull this thing out.

[Loge23]

5. Horse reportedly missing from barn.

...just saying

[lunatica]

6. Pushing a more progressive agenda between now and the elections

Would see that lightning in a bell jar again.

[n2doc]

9. And whom do you suppose will push that agenda?

Obama? Reid? Pelosi? :rofl:

We either let our progressive (such as they are) pols lose at election time (Feingold, Grayson), get hounded out of office by the media when they screw up (Weiner, Spitzer), or never get enough support to make it in the first place (Halter, etc...). I just don't see enough 'push' from the left to make things happen.

[lunatica]

14. I was sarcastically pointing out the obvious way to get that lighting going

I don't expect anyone to go to the Left. Certainly not anyone who's there now. Pelosi had a great year financially. Why should anything change for her?

It is what it is. Acceptance of facts is the last stage of grief.

[WCGreen]

15. That's why I asked if anyone was thinking of running for Congress

in a thread yesterday...

Perhaps if we get people who push a progressive agenda in the primaries, it might make a difference to the ultimate nominee...

[Maccagirl]

7. K&R

One of the saddest, yet most clear-eyed posts ever. I'm still weeping though.

[uponit7771]

8. The sky is NOT falling as fast as some WANT to believe

[WingDinger]

10. Yeah, but what do you want to do about it? I want to fight. Bare knuckle.

I and most of us that are not depressed into lethargy, are at the point of flash. And it will come suddenly. The real silent majority will speak soon.

[RainDog]

11. k&r n/t

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. Beautifully said, with such clarity and honesty...

I wish I could recommend this more than once.

Thank you, Chris...

[BeyondGeography]

13. And yet, and yet

There is no "and yet," if you're thinking clearly at all.