Over the past few weeks, and more frequently over the past few days, there have been a number of excellent comments and diaries about why (or why not) Dems should take a stand on Roberts.
I have been more impressed with some diaries and comments that have hit on a broader theme - one excellent diary a few weeks back nicely tied Katrina's disaster into what happens when we let the conservative agenda take over. Kid Oakland has an excellent diary called "Flip the Rock" - again about exposing the Repugs for who they are.
There were more than a few "GBCDems" diaries as well as well, and when I finally got a chance to digest it all, it hit me.
Just Say No.
(more after the jump)
We all remember how annoying Nancy Reagan was when she trotted that saying out every chance she got. But we still remember it.
I started thinking to myself, "self...your ideals are progressive, you agree more often than not with the Dems, yet you have always been a registered independent and never wanted to make the formal alignment with the Democratic Party." And with all the diaries about what went wrong on Roberts (or whatever else), and how we can organize, and how a third party would be a great idea but probably would cement the Repugs powerhold for at least another decade, I asked myself what, as an independent, would make me respect the Democratic Party (not the netroots, but most of the elected officials), their leadership (although Dean is great, Reid is solid for the most part), and possibly jump all the way in the Party waters.
And yes, they are in the minority everywhere in DC, so I know that they can't advance their agenda, but it would be nice if THEY, not we, would scream it from the rooftops.
Just Say No. It seems perfect.
I just can't respect that they don't take a principled stand. When the Repugs were in the minority, they took a stand on everything - they didn't care if one or two things wouldn't work out in their favor. They took a stand.
Just Say No to the Bush/"Conservative"/Neocon/Republican agenda.
Really - so what if they are "branded" as obstructionists by the RWCM? By Hannity. By Rush. By O'Reilly. They are preaching to the small and getting smaller choir.
Here is the truth - the agenda over the past 5 years has been totally self serving and against the principals of We The People. And for the Dems to not "Just Say No" means to me that they are complicit, or agree with the agenda.
What are some of the "highlights" that the Dems could have Just Said No to (in no particular order)?
Not one, not two but three massive tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy.
Record deficits as far as the eye can see.
Cronyism, gutting of professionals and ineptitude throughout many many important federal agencies.
A "bankruptcy bill" that helps the credit card companies at the expense of We the People.
Osama Bin Forgotten
The Iraq lies and illegal invasion
Drilling in ANWR
Medicare bill that cost hundreds of millions more than advertised - resulting in a windfall for the drug companies.
Halliburton, Halliburton everywhere.
Criminal negligence regarding Katrina
"Tort reform" that hurts We the People and benefits insurance companies.
Mission Accomplished.
Diversion of funds from much needed programs to line the pockets of cronies/contributors
Erosion of personal freedoms and human rights.
Abu Gonzalez and his merry band of torturers.
Clear Skies Initiative that loosened environmental rules
Withdrawal from the ICC
Withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocals
NCLB as an unfunded mandate resulting in states and localities suing the Feds.
Endangering national security by outing a CIA agent and all of her associates.
A disasterous energy policy that benefits their oil baron buddies.
Downing Street Minutes.
A transportation bill that is chock full of pork (mmmmmmmmm, pork).
well you get the point....
Just Say No - what could hurt by saying that all of the above are horrific policies, decisions and appointments? Sometimes, taking a stand against lunacy and policies that go against what the majority of people in this country wants, needs and stands for.
This, in my mind would tie right into what the Dems "say is their soon to be rolled out agenda".
Taking a principaled stand would regain my confidence and trust that they are "looking out for me". Voting against Roberts or Bolton, or anyone else for that matter because the Repubs. have done nothing to be deemed trustworthy on is a good enough reason for this independent.
Just Say No. It worked for the Repugs. It can work for the Dems.
I, and likely many others, including some who just recently left the party, would respect that much more.