Stump Lane
in the dirt since history began

Democrats, Your Politicians Don’t Want to Pass Your Shit

By Montag @ 11:09 AM
Filed under: Simulacrum of Democracy

January 21, 2010

IT DOESN’T MATTER what kind or size of majority you have in congress, the result is the same. Consider:

  • Patriot Act
  • No Child Left Behind
  • Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq

were passed in an evenly divided senate.

  • Partial birth abortion ban
  • Medicare Prescription Drug Modernization
  • Unborn Victims of Violence Act

were passed in a senate with 51 republicans.

  • Bankruptcy reform
  • Military Commissions Act
  • Secure Fence Act

were passed in a senate with 55 republicans.

I didn’t look up all of the votes, but at least one of the above passed, unfilibustered, with less than 60 votes, but many of them passed with significant to total democrat support. Yeah, yeah, it’s that the republicans will be obstructionist and won’t play fair, etc. But all of the above happened when mathematically the democrats could have done the same thing. If they won’t dig in their heels and filibuster the fucking Military Commissions and Sweeping Torture and Human Rights Violations Under the Carpet Act, then what the hell do they represent?

But they’re going to pass health insurance! They haz 2!

One cannot even imagine anything more horrible than the end of the Democratic majority. Therefore, passing a terrible bill that everyone knows is only being enacted as a political ploy to keep the Democrats in power is the best, in fact only, move, because it keeps the Democrats in power.

Witness Massachusetts.

And I just have to point out one more time, there is no health care in this bill. It mandates the purchase of insurance, but does not mandate that insurance companies pay for whatever care you need. Who’s gonna come out ahead in such a transaction? [Chuck Dupree]

In Case of Electoral Defeat

By Montag @ 9:57 AM
Filed under: Simulacrum of Democracy

January 19, 2010

PROGRESSIVES, we can say this because we used to be one, are bracing today for the potential loss of Ted Kennedy’s senate seat in a nuclear republican attack on the democrat’s super-majority that could result in the revocation of democrat carte blanche to save the world, the loss of which will usher in a new era of republican obstructionism and the collapse of civilization.

Progressives, and we can say this because we used to be one, are nothing if not prepared: What if Scott Brown wins today in Massachusetts?
What to do in case of nuclear attack
Image: Make

[Idea credit: Frederick UPDATE! Frederick provides the appropriate visual aid.]

Ever Thus to Deadbeats

By Montag @ 11:40 AM
Filed under: Simulacrum of Democracy

January 15, 2010

SENTIMENTAL NOTIONS ABOUT “DEMOCRACY” aside, the system is a sham, says Digby. But we should keep on voting. Or something:

It’s indisputably true that the political system is run by wealthy plutocrats and much of what passes for democracy is kabuki. Same as it ever was, I’m afraid. But that’s not exactly the point. It’s still worth participating, doing what you can, containing the damage, stopping the bleeding, fighting the fight — for its own sake. [Digby]

What about living well? Now there’s a fight that’s worth the effort.

If you don’t think [participating is] worth anything, however, you do have a choice. The obvious alternative, as PinNC wrote in TBOGG’s comments, is this:

  • If you really think that the political system is broken beyond repair, you have a blueprint from the 1770s to help you out.

Pick up your muskets, kids, or STFU. [Digby]

If you choose, (instead of strapping on a suicide belt and testing your fate against the naked power of the state security apparatus,) to live life eschewing the politics of the day and simply taking joy in the moments of freedom you can eke out under such a system, then, Digby instructs, you should “shut the fuck up” about it.

Oh, please dear! I’ve got news for you: the Supreme Court has roundly rejected prior restraint!

See also: IOZ
More on alienation/abstention in our own Simulacrum of Democracy category.

Follow the Rules

By Montag @ 9:57 AM
Filed under: People of the Abyss

January 11, 2010

the rules

Question Everything

  • Pay attention in class… unless you’ve already mastered the material.
  • Don’t distract others… unless you are creating a diversion.
  • Don’t make fun of people… unless they are an asshole.
  • Don’t do anything to hurt others… unless they are trying to hurt you.
  • Be respectful to your teacher… unless they’re full of shit.
  • Take your turn in class or play… unless you don’t want to.

[Via: this isn't happiness.]

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