{^_^}

It’s pretty clear that, baring the unexpected event that we should all expect, Sen. John McCain is going to be our next president. He’s a good man and won’t lead the country to disaster.  It’s too bad that he’s not a…

- The Cat

It is impossible for the people in Washington to be that stupid. They must have a bigger issue !

Once interst groups realize they can feast off the public treasury with the connivance of those elected to guard it, representative government goes south. I’m normally a pretty optimistic person, but the system can’t last at the present pace and direction. Term limits would set much of it right, but that won’t be done because it would require support by those most guilty. We’re cooked.

a capella on May 15, 2008 at 10:11 AM

I agree wholeheartedly. Democracy seems to be eating itself in America. Greed is rampant. God Bless and save America.

Entelechy on May 15, 2008 at 3:01 PM

Good points, but with all due respect, until we rid ourselves of professional politicians for life, this is just a face lift. I notice none of the party leadership got excited till they realized they are going to lose badly and are now searching for a silver bullet. They aren’t chagrined because they conducted themselves poorly, they are upset because the results will have negative splashback on them. They are only concerned about their own careers. Enact term limits, eliminate pork which ensures re-election, and the party will regain vibrancy/focus. There is no excuse for people like Ted Stevens and Don Young to be representing the GOP.

The Clerk of the House reports every roll call vote. Just bookmark this page.

paul006 on May 15, 2008 at 12:29 PM

Thanks. I went there first, but (unless I’m missing something) it doesn’t break votes down by party and I don’t have time to look up every rep in my state to see how they voted.

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=2&vote=00130

1. Get a clue

This is actually the most important step, and having listed it first is encouraging. Acknowledgement is the first step to improvement.

2. Cut the crap

I agree with the diagnosis but not with the solution. Here’s a humble suggestion:
Get off the holier-than-thou-pedestal/horse, and quit pontificating for unrealistic and perfect status on: humanity, decency, sex, religion, marriage, sexual preferences, bla, bla, bla.

Accept that conservatives are fallible humans, like all other. You’re not worse, but you’re not better, and heaven and hell await all of us. Quit talking about it. Make it a mute topic.

3. Beg for help

If the others are addressed, this will happen, though asking is better than begging, but don’t take anyone and anything for granted. Ask constituents to get involved. They want to be asked, and want to be a part of something, but you must follow through on your babble.

4. Burn the Bush

But burn him with cold fires. Give credit and explain 9/11 and the times, then assess current needs, and offer practical solutions, not pie in the sky. Times are different and the thinking must adjust, and rapidly. Be principled, but flexible too. Above all be bold.

5. Change the pitch — and your face

Don’t spare the lefties a thing. They won’t. Get in their faces, in the old style of Karl Rove. On “your face” be who you are, and all are welcome. As related to item 2. quit judging people by their anything, except for what they will do to solve problems for the good of the country, and the local principalities. Be absolutely honest, yourself, no matter what, work for synergy where it matters, while maintaining individuality. Stand your ground.

6. Fan the fear

Nah. Just get rid of PC. State the facts and what you will do about them. Forget the multi-culti BS and the PC mania. The folks will get it exactly. They sense what protects them – it’s instinctive.

I’ll add one of my own

7. Remember Reagan and keep the tent as wide as possible. See my write-up on 2. to get over yourselves, and be less judgmental. It will help everyone.

The American people want change, but not the kind Obama offers. His is vacuous and will tax us into oblivion, offering programs for sheep to vote for him. The middle class knows better, and fortunately it is very large in this country, still.

Finally, tell the constituents to get on board, do something, or shut up.

There are 300 MILLION people in the US… so… thats $1000 for every man woman and child in America….

So, me and my two kids? $3000 they are spending… Wow….

Not only are our congresscritters in love with pork, but they heart the corn that feeds it.

Someone from the Heritage Foundation needs to educate our representation in Washington before any funding bill comes up for a vote.

Yes, I know that Insty already gave you this link by, by gum, its worth re-reading.
Those price increases? Blame OPEC, for causing fuel prices to rise 60% this year, plus increased demand from China and India. At $5 per bushel, the corn in a $3 box of…

I saw the polar bear thing. We have really gone over the edge when a animal whose population has been increasing for years is put on the endangered species list in the name of political correctness and to pacify the global warming nuts.

duff65 on May 15, 2008 at 10:22 AM

The polar bears were put on the endangered species list to prevent drilling in ANWR. Check. Mate.

A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention, updated throughout the day…so check back often….

They get their congressional pay whether or not they work.
snaggletoothie on May 15, 2008 at 12:33 PM

Case in point. 3 Senators campaigning full time for President for the last year and a half. Salary and perks intact. No wonder they are willing to buy votes to get re-elected.

WE ARE GOING TO CHARGE CONGRESS FOR THE UNBELIEVABLE HEALTH CARE THEY ARE GIVEN

They need great health care since they are owned by K Street, they need to be kept around to do their master’s bidding. Why should any of them represent me. They get their congressional pay whether or not they work. And K Street pays them if they do what they are told. They even pass laws to make their favorite forms of bribery legal.

If you want to see how your reps voted, go here.

It is way too difficult to find this info …

Buy Danish on May 15, 2008 at 11:34 AM

The Clerk of the House reports every roll call vote. Just bookmark this page.

Never let it be said that Ed missed an opportunity to take a cheap shot at ethanol.

Sinner on May 15, 2008 at 12:19 PM

Hey, there’s nothing cheap about ethanol.