tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640470443420164863.post9049265692940126008..comments2024-03-26T10:26:51.288-04:00Comments on Jim Leff's Slog: Endlessly Reminding You That We Hate YouJim Leffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007232702717055047noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640470443420164863.post-64156857419207097132017-01-23T13:12:24.373-05:002017-01-23T13:12:24.373-05:00I am saying that the big turnout is impressive and...I am saying that the big turnout is impressive and an important first step, if it is only a first step. However, without it I'd be fearful that the opposition to what Trump wants to do in the corridors of power would come too late. It is not good enough to threaten removal from office after the fact.Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14081850655221634654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640470443420164863.post-4082500850457176122017-01-22T20:01:56.090-05:002017-01-22T20:01:56.090-05:00I'm not quite sure what you're arguing for...<br />I'm not quite sure what you're arguing for. If you're saying that the marches this week in any way accomplished this goal, I'd respectfully disagree.<br /><br />Political pressure works when it's applied specifically. There's not a Democratic politician in the country who's had the least doubt since roughly 11pm on Nov 8 that anti-Trump outrage is, and will be, high among Democrats. It's a point that doesn't need making. So I'd suggest (and it surprises me that this would be controversial) waiting till there's a point that needs to be made. "We don't like this guy" is a point that was already recently made by 65M voters. <br /><br />Again, if the point is to activate Democratic leaders, then THOSE GUYS should be marched upon. Lord knows the Republican public pressured the bejesus their peeps to fight tenaciously against Obama. But even this could be counterproductive, as such pressure would inevitably devolve (as it did on the right re: Obama) into a never-compromise litmus test, with the mob pointing in fury at any politician failing to condemn 100% of Trump initiatives with maximum stridency.Jim Leffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00007232702717055047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640470443420164863.post-8038253224267583442017-01-22T19:52:09.563-05:002017-01-22T19:52:09.563-05:00It's only self-defeating if it ends there, lik...It's only self-defeating if it ends there, like I already said.<br /><br />The big difference now is that, once benefits are taken away, it could ruin families when the changes go into effect. So the 'long game' you are speaking of will be too late, self- defeating or not. The way forward is to immediately impress upon the Democratic representatives that the people want to fight this beginning with Day One. This still means follow-through is crucial, but we shouldn't be waiting to send that message.Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14081850655221634654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640470443420164863.post-44762513754945391922017-01-21T21:33:23.620-05:002017-01-21T21:33:23.620-05:00Ok, sure, but then I'd rather see people rally...Ok, sure, but then I'd rather see people rallying at these Democrat's offices. Kick ass or we'll primary you. You know, the Tea Party tactics we're all supposed to be using.<br /><br />My problem is I'm not big on dramatic gestures, or endless re-litigation (e.g.: http://jimleff.blogspot.com/2015/04/resilience-giving-serendipity-chance.html ). If there's a problem, work to FIX THE PROBLEM. Two months post-election, we're still sharing our feelings. We're still saying "this can't be happening." Enough of that!<br /><br />It's just more lefty "safe space" thinking, and it's only self-defeating.Jim Leffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00007232702717055047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640470443420164863.post-75085266471012836222017-01-21T21:28:00.519-05:002017-01-21T21:28:00.519-05:00Of course it is important to avoid the age old pro...Of course it is important to avoid the age old problem of protesters who "lose their heart and head for home." (to quote an R.E.M. song)<br /><br />However, this turnout should inspire Democratic politicians to fight policies they abhor from Day One. And fight them hard just tlike they fought Obama. They have to hit him hard and often, and this is important because it looks like a lot of people will lose their health care coverage and the rest of us will lose major benefits like allowing our younger family members to stay on the health plan to age 26, and parity for mental health coverage and substance abuse. This will threaten to break a lot of families financially. This is serious. Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14081850655221634654noreply@blogger.com