The game the Republicans are playing is called Bluffing the opposition

So far Republicans have done nothing more than make demands for 'bipartisanship' in which they get everything they want or just 'say no' tactics. They've been bluffing the Democratic party and the President and we've been falling for it.

What if our side had refused to extend the tax cuts for the wealthy? Is it possible that the Republicans would have realized that refusing to extend unemployment relief would have cost them much more than they're willing to sacrifice?

All they've done in the last two years is threaten to filibuster or threaten to vote against everything or threaten to say no. They haven't had to actually do anything because the President and the Democrats have fallen for the threat.

They've been bluffing and they've been winning. That's how the minority gets what they want.

I hope the Democratic minority learns that most invaluable of tactics that bluffing is. But I have my doubts.

all practical purposes (given the power of the filibuster) the Senate.

They also control the Supreme Court.

That's my point.

Getting the tax cuts for the wealthy for another two years, just in time for the Presidential elections in which they can pull all the stops out, isn't small potatoes you know.

Of course it specifically wasn't used against the Republicans who have the publically stated goal of destroying him.

Oh well, baby steps.

the necessary thing. He's smart as a whip, but he either falls for the bluff or he allows the bluff to dictate his actions. I'm still trying to stay on the fence about this one. He seemed sincere, and that makes me pause enough to think he is sincere.

It's not about hope anymore. I've lost hope. It's about trying to see the truth. Is he smart as a whip but at the same time falling for the bluff, or isn't he. I guess time will tell.

They are more than willing to do away with unemployment entirely. Their supporters are convinced that people who can't find jobs are deficient people who don't deserve to live. They believe that until they lose their own jobs and can't find any others; then they believe that they deserve unemployment, but "all these other people" don't.

That's why I believe they are bluffing. Just say no, and making up sound bites and even declaring they have only one goal is as good as saying they're bluffing. Most Americans want jobs and to feel economically secure.

That is how they get people to back down, to get them to think they have power.

Most of power is getting someone to do what you want them to do. Power is when someone does something for you.

There are two ways to do that, bluff them with intimidation.
Or try and teach and educate what is best.

Coercion
Education.


If you move by coercion, the fear based stuff, then you live in fear and never learn, since you only do for some self preservation.

If you ignore the fear and demand an explanation, then they have to explain it to you to get you to move, and you can learn or even teach till a position is found to be best. Or if you stand up to fear and make them explain it, then you can learn and not just be told what to do.


There is also a trick in poker, You play with someone elses money, then throw each hand to pay the guy that says he will give you a cut later. Then you are not being bluffed, you are folding with good hands, becuase you don't want to win for your group.

The Rich side is playing with wealthy money, some Democrats are playing with the peoples money, but they keep folding the best hand, since it is not their money, and they expect the Republicans to cut them in after the game.


I ask this, if the Rich side is getting you to throw your hand to help them, for a promise of something later, if they can, they will get someone to turn you out for their profit also. That is why that side ends up with one thing with everything, and everyone else serving that one thing, (there can be only one) while the other side tries to help most people. The triangle and V again. And if you throw your hand and do not defend those who you say you do, why would anyone later want someone like that to be with them.

It is why exclusive clubs always find ways to hurt more and more, and it is obvious. Why exclusive groups eventually go after their own members, It was seen in the temple years ago, when what was good for a few started to be more important then what was good for all, and even people that a few generations before were considered part of the same group, were driven down to only having 2 cents. That is what happens when it becomes about consolidation and not the entire community.

:shrug: it is not like it is anything new. You either accept people as being worth as much as you are adding to your group, or you exclude until you are alone.

I'm trying to find an answer to why. Why is Obama conceding everything. Is he in cahoots with the Republican Party or is he being manipulated by them? Is he the good intentioned President who's in over his head with people who are not interested in governing as much as in ruling, or is he secretly one of them, only in it for his own future benefit?

I'm still not convinced either way. But I'm willing to look at all the evidence before I say one way or the other. This isn't about defending him or condemning him. I'm simply more than a little curious about what's really going on. I'm seeking the answer to why.

would hurt me a little. really really little

but it would hurt others a lot.

how easy for me to say, call them on the bluff and let chips fall where they may

not very "progressive" of me.

it appears obama is not much into playing games. especially when it is peoples ability to feed themselves.

It's in the nature of a bluff that the people bluffing can't back up their threats. Many people who are pretty important Op Ed writers have been urging Obama and the Democrats to call the bluffs. But no one has, and that's an important thing to remember. It can't be that the Democrats don't get the bluff game.

hurting.

you are making assumptions as fact. as are those you hold up suggesting calling bluff. all can assume the repugs would not be able to back up threat. but that really is not a reality we know, now is it.

point being, as a person that will feed my kids, and will have a christmas, and is as secure as can be with a cushioney safety net, it is easy for me to say call bluff. goes with my nature. want it really really bad.

i can also see the other side.

and it was a compromise. repugs did compromise. as much as we dont like to state that out loud, too.

at every turn. They've just gotten more bold as Democrats keep giving in. It isn't hard to see the patterns. And as a parent I get the whole concept of nipping it in the bud. The Democrats didn't nip it.

Ever watch the Sopranos. When they tell you they will break your knee caps if you don't pay them they do just that. The Republicans are like the Sopranos.

willing to lose what ever negotiating. that is my way, style, personality. i cannot stand wobbling. hubby though, more obama style. i see the two different worlds. i see what hubby accomplishes, his over all success, and karma back because of his stance (though not exactly but easiest to explain). his life is much easier. and it comes out ok. mine though.... i am willing to do without for principle.

i also wont be flying around the world. and he will.

i would be willing to lose the UI and expire taxes for all.

that is really being selfish and a bitch, knowing it is not going to hurt me.

how the dems do is not my way and is hard for me. always has been. but i see obama accomplishment that he gets no credit for, i get it intellectually. emotionally, not satisfying at all.

i am reading a dem revolt. will be interesting. but i really dont have the dog in the fight so expiration on all doesnt hurt me allowing me a freedom to enjoy the toss int he air adn see what happens mentality

Many people have no idea who controls Congress, let alone the nuances of the filibuster. They never follow politics outside of the voting booth. When things are bad, they eject the President. Therefore, Republicans have every incentive to make things as bad as possible.