The battered American syndrome.

Had enough abuse yet?

Gas prices are over $2.10 a gallon. Home insurance rates have doubled.

Our country is in a never ending war in Iraq costing $300 Billion. Tax dollars are used to build schools in Iraq, while taxes are raised to build local schools.

We have lost 1600 American soldiers for a war based upon false information. We have killed tens of thousands of Iraqi children. We have lost our credibility across the world.

We have the worst deficit in history. Wages are stagnant. The dollar has lost 30% of it's buying power abroard.

Unfortunately, many have nothing but excuses: "Gas is $4.00/gallon in Europe." "Freedom isn't free". "We inherited a recession". "We need to be safe."

This attitude is much like an abusive relationship where the abused continue to make up excuses for their abuser's treatment. They are afraid to speak out and would rather just accept the abuse with the final excuse of "I can't do anything about it." All while nothing is being done to stop the abuse from continuing. It is a vicious cycle.

On the other hand, maybe Americans just love the misery. God help us all.

told not to whine enough..

Abused women stay in an abusive relationship -- because of Learned Helplessness.

The abuse is continual and non relenting.

Even when the abused animal is free to leave -- it does not. Abuse has became a "normal" part of it's life.

I believe that we are beyond being shocked by what the thugs in the white house can or will do. They lie outrageously, they are stealing everything that isn't nailed down. And now they are trying to convince Americans that Soc. Security is "welfare" -- and a commie plot.

Remember the Jews who were tortured -- not all fell into the Learned Helplessness trap. Even though they were constantly abused a few were always looking for ways to escape.

On DU I see both types of people -- although we are all being abused -- many of us can see what is happening and will fight.

makes any difference, you just learn to go along to get along.

feeling greedy, but he's promised he'll change. See, how he went to bat for that nice man DeLay.

He's my man-date, and he will too change, you just watch.