It happened. I finally had it. Not more than a few days after another dedicated Democratic supporter voiced her own exhaustion and exasperation, I finally had my own moment of exhaustion.
The last straw was the disgusting and cowardly move by Senate and House Democrats to punt the tax cut football until after the election. A perfect case where good politics and good policy intersected, and which put Republicans in a terrible bind, and it was thrown away out of cowardice. Truly, truly sickening.
I have had enough, and I sent Reid and my own Senator (Barbara Boxer) letters informing them that they can essentially kiss my ass, my money, and my vote goodbye until they get it through their heads to change their minds and schedule a vote before the election. I'm tired of defending suck. So they better stop sucking before election time if they want my vote. Go below the fold for the text of my letter to Senator Barbara Boxer. It's a little...um, angry at parts so who knows how it will be received but it was what I felt.
Dear Senator Boxer,
All I have done is defend the decisions the Senate Democrats have made. I try and be understanding of the limitations that cause much legislation (Financial Reform, Healthcare Reform, the Stimulus, UI Funding) to be watered down and honestly, it is seriously getting tiring to see you and the Democratic caucus just mess it up so bad.
You had an excellent issue: Dems where for the middle class tax cuts, and we were able to see that the rich had a friend in the GOP. People were on your side in the polling of the issue and it had the potential to energize Dems and others to vote Democratic and thus mitigate the loses we are facing in November (I happen to have seen the memo that essentially told you this). It was good policy and great politics.
So, it is beyond comprehension that you would cave to the cowards in your caucus and throw this advantage away. In fact, it is now my understanding that members such as yourself are behind pushing the leadership to stop the vote.
I'm tired of defending you guys, I'm tired of this non-stop disappointment. This was the last straw, I can no longer defend Democrats because they do not deserve it.
It is probably not just a coincidence that Democrats have seen some gains since Labor Day: in congressional generics, presidential approval, and in some races. No doubt the President's message of being for the middle class, of pushing for middle class tax cuts, along with the resulting GOP reflex to hold those hostage so the rich theirs, has something to do with it. I even saw some movement in your numbers.
Yet, here you are throwing it away. If you or any of your staffers really believe it doesn't matter if you hold a vote since the advantage will still be there: THINK AGAIN!
We are not stupid nor is the American people. You essentially gave the Republicans the campaign commerical that says "Democrats allowed your taxes to be raised" and that will go for the middle and upper classes!
You people are fools and I've had enough of defending fools. I've never missed an election. Never. I live in Washington D.C for school but was going to vote [in CA for Boxer] via mail. You may believe that you stopped this vote to help yourself electorally but you made a BIG mistake.
Hold this vote before the election!
If you don't you can count me out of your team for good.
I will not vote, I will not contribute, I will not advocate for Democrats anymore from here forward. Hopefully all the cowards who pushed for this punt lose their seats. And, if you somehow manage to retain your seat, I hope you enjoy your status in the minority. The minority is where cowards belong and I'm tired of seeing democrats act like cowards.
Good day.