Politics over principle.

I am so glad I supported Obama throughout the primaries and general election. It is awesome seeing true change come to Washington. He has no power over what the senate or house do, right? It's not like he has any influence or can threaten to veto a bill without a public option if he really cared about it.

I mean, that's just asking too much. He needs a political victory, screw the real reform. So let's continue to support this President and never question him or the brave Democrats in congress. Let's continue funneling money to them and spending hours volunteering for them because true change will only come if they can just get a FEW more seats! Just a few more and then all our hopes and dreams will come true.

In any case, what's the alternative? The corporate Republicans, who seek to screw over the poor and middle class at every opportunity and help the innocent corporations whenever possible? No, we can't allow that. Luckily our Democrats are much better than that. They will take principled stands against the powerful corporate interests in Washington, if only they have a few more seats.

So keep fundraising for them! Keep working for them! Ignore their votes and actions for the time being, because the promised land is just around the bend, and the alternative is so much worse!

disgusted and betrayed and pissed. Other times, I think -- let's wait and see how it all shakes out -- we're projecting outcomes. We sure haven't seen any ass kicking (what I was hoping for) but all in all, I'm SO happy he's POTUS and not McCain. I'm trying to be optimistic - I do have faith in him and many of the Dems.

Edited to add -- but I ain't waiting forever...

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

My 'cause' is healthcare reform. It is taking the profit-motive out of the healthcare industry. It is providing every citizen access to cheap and affordable healthcare, regardless of preconditions.

While UHC is ideal, the public option is the next best thing and it infuriates me to see DEMOCRATS working against it, and the President going back on his promises.

So, why the constant defeatism?

:eyes:

Having solid majorities in both chambers of congress and controlling the White House just isn't enough to get real healthcare reform done.

Yeesh.

It wouldn't be effective if the truth weren't behind it.

:dem:

-Laelth

Aside from issuing defeatist bullshit on a message board, what have you done to show your support for the president's wishes for a strong public option? Perhaps you, and people like you could drop your keyboards, and take to the streets, if you feel this strongly. That's what the opponents are doing? Are you scared to face off with them?

I know, we should all just pile on the president, when he's obviously down, that's a lot easier than taking it to the streets. Where are the marches on Washington in support of the president's plan? You guys make me sick.

all day whining. You got me!

that your efforts (whatever they may be:eyes: ) are being drowned out by the media circus surrounding the townhalls. You've been out organized, and shouted down. What I can't figure out is why so many of us expect our president and our representatives to have the courage we don't?

The opposition to health care reform has become the nightly news story, and it certainly isn't the president's fault if people choose to swallow M$M bullshit...hook, line & sinker. Most people don't know just how much money is being thrown against meaningful healthcare reform, and you appear to be one of the uninformed.

you're basing your disapproval on. The president has not said the public option is dead. Since he can't use government money to promote his agenda, the insurance lobby & big pharma have very deep pockets, and a corporate media to push their agenda. The president only has us, and if you're not willing to organize, then don't bitch to me about "strength". It doesn't take a lot of strength to type a bunch of snark on a fucking message board.

WEAK ASS!

The conservatives mobilized and worked. Liberals whined on messageboards about single payer that isn't even close to being realistic. Unions have countered the conservatives somewhat but it was reactionary. Where were the townhaller's demanding the public option? Hell, why were the liberals whining on message boards about single payer not out in the townhalls demanding single payer.

Obama needs to pass something unless they make the repugs really fillibuster as Carville has suggested. If this just goes down to defeat you will see the right use it and try to replicate it on every other issue coming in the next 3 years. Want enerygy reform, DADT repealed or DOMA repealed? If nothing comes from the healthcare reform effort he won't have the ability to pass any of those issues. Congressional dems will go into self preservation mode.

The public option is looking unlikely now, and the only reason it isn't totally written off is due to Obama's efforts.

I think the pie-in-the-sky left deserves a republican administration. At least then you seem happier doing the only thing you seem capable of doing... protesting.

...I think that you're absolutely right in that we have to continue supporting progressives over those who would uphold the status quo. And in the political battle, I will always be with the liberals/democrats over the conservative/republicans. However, one thing I intensely dislike is how it doesn't seem to be so much a matter of politics over principle as much as it seems like a lack of principle in politics. If Obama were standing on principle it seems like he would fight a lot harder for this health care change, especially seeing as how he has staked his entire presidency on it. I know I'm not alone in saying that I don't want a political victory right now and if Obama were standing on principle, he would want more than a political victory as well. Now that I've said that, I also want to say that I still believe in Obama and the bill hasn't been finalized yet, so I will withhold judgment on Obama's success/failure on health care change.

...as they say, "Inside every cynic is a disappointed idealist."