Toyota’s reputation for quality has been severely damaged by the latest problems with their cars. After decades of gridlock and the resulting inability to accomplish anything, the reputation of Congress can hardly be damaged further. At this point, it looks as though the Democrats, who failed utterly to use the power handed to them a year ago, face a humiliating defeat at the polls next November, probably on a scale to match the humiliating defeat the Republicans deservedly were handed last year. Meanwhile, the country’s problems mount, with no end to this absurd merry-go-round in sight.
Great cartoon, Ed and you certainly called it like it is.
Yikes!
I know we are in trouble when Ed is saying the Dems “failed utterly” and because they have, we face giving power back to the folks who almost destroyed the country during the previous 8 years with 2 wars, passing the Patriot Act, packing the Supreme Court that believe corporations enjoy the same rights as people and will strip remaining freedoms like a women’s choice, unregulating just about everything, while racking up huge debts. I could continue the list but don’t have the writing resolve that Donald has. It would be a long one though.
I have to agree with Ed on one count – the problems mount and are not going to get any better anytime soon. Just wait until corporations start running for Congress (Hah – like they don’t already run congress)!
When President Bush was elected in 2000, he had political capital and the opportunity to achieve great accomplishments for our country and he whizzed it away. As Ed pointed out, the Republicans deserved the humiliating defeats they received in 06 and 08.
However, I think we went from the frying pan into the fire when we elected President Obama. Always before, I studied the candidates and voted for the person I thought was best qualified, regardless of political party. After the events of the past year, my voting strategy has changed. It may not be an intelligent strategy but I am going to vote against any incumbent in both parties. I feel that anyone would do a better job than the people we presently have in Washington.
Don Johnson said:
“After the events of the past year, my voting strategy has changed. It may not be an intelligent strategy but I am going to vote against any incumbent in both parties. I feel that anyone would do a better job than the people we presently have in Washington.”
I’ve been doing that for almost 40 years. It hasn’t made any difference.
We have to keep trying, Fred. When enough voters feel this way, it will make a difference.
I hate to tell you this, Don, but it won’t make a difference. The problem is with the system, not the individuals. It takes money to get elected, lots of money. There will always be a price to pay for the money donated no matter what they say.
Besides, since both sides are getting the money, why would I want to vote in someone who has almost nothing in common with the way I feel about things. That’s especially true these days, when a small hard core group of folks are deciding candidates in the Primaries. Take a look at this poll and tell me why I would vote for their choice for any office:
http://www.dailykos.com/statepoll/2010/1/31/US/437
A year ago, I would have agreed with you that it wouldn’t make a difference, but not today. The mood of the voters is a 180 from one year ago, they are disillusioned and angry. Scott Brown raised one million dollars in one day on the internet and it was in increments of ten and twenty dollars from ordinary people. Don’t underestimate the silent majority when they get their belly full of something.
The poll you referred me to was taken among Republicans only. Would you expect it to be any different? That is like polling a ban on smoking and only poll bars and taverns. I suppose I am too dense but I just don’t get your point.
I’ll do this step by step for you, Don:
1. You said to throw out the incumbant
2. If the incumbant is a Dem, that means to vote for a Republican
3. The group that selects the GOP candidate is the group that took the poll (Republicans only)
4. Why in the world would I vote for the candidate they chose?
I agree with you re: the mood of the voters. What I am trying to convey is that voting out incumbants won’t change the way things work in Washington. Check back with me in a year and let’s see how happy you are with Mr. Brown, then.
1. & 2. Are you saying there are no incumbant Republicans?
3. Won’t there also be Democrat candidates?
4. I wouldn’t expect you to vote for their candidate, I believe you are the type to go down with a sinking
ship.
Lastly, I am not saying I am happy with Scott Brown now. I know absolutely nothing about the man except that he made a fool of Democrats in the Massachusetts election. (actually, I don’t give Brown the credit for that, I think the present Administration is responsible).
I surrender, but I’m really starting to believe you are just putting me on. I just know that you cannot be this dense.
However, I have no clue what you mean by a sinking ship but over the last 100 years, we have had 8 Republican Presidents and 8 Democratic Presidents. That would lead one to believe that todays sinking ship is tomorrows rising star. We do seem to swing back and forth on a fairly consistant basis.
I do think that will change, though. In about 2042, whites will be in the minority but almost 1/2 of the country will be folks over 65 and most of them will be white. It’s going to be a very interesting time as all those old white folks expect all those young non-white folks to take care of them in a manner to which they have become accustom. Whose ship will sink, then?
I won’t be here or at least it is very unlikely.
Instead of either of us surrendering, let’s just call a cease-fire. It has been enjoyable and Jerry, I am actually that dense – my wife would testify to that.
Done!
I actually think we agree on the problem just not on the solution. I know I didn’t offer a solution because I don’t know what it is. I used to think it was public financing with spending limits but that has been ruled unconstitutional. I do think that changing who we chose every election won’t change the influence of money, that’s all.