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Village Blogs To Voters: "Grow Up"

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Media
Posted on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 11:48:06 AM EST
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From "Change You Can Believe In" to "Grow Up", from the "smarter elements in Washington, D.C.":

[I]t’s also worth sparing a few words for the potentially demoralized voters who are considering staying home. To wit: Grow up. [. . .]

There's a winning message. My message to the Village Blogs: Contempt for the electorate is not a winning strategy.

Speaking for me only

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    Village Blogs To Voters: "Grow Up" | 46 comments (46 topical)

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    Heh (5.00 / 3) (#1)
    by cawaltz on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 11:53:13 AM EST
    It worked during the primaries.

    This must be at least the (none / 0) (#2)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 11:59:02 AM EST
    50th or so such BTD diary, and on this issue he is never wrong thusfar but ummmmmm.....other bloggers just can't seem to deal with the facts of life :)

    Parent
    It is hard to grow up though (none / 0) (#3)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:01:33 PM EST
    It is much easier to declare everybody else infantile, then you are magically more grown than they are in your own tiny cheetoh strewn perception.

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    Oh God (none / 0) (#4)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:06:53 PM EST
    One self employed poster called Matt a trust fund scumbag.  Now that's funny

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    Oh darn (5.00 / 2) (#8)
    by cawaltz on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:17:11 PM EST
    Evidently I didn't read down far enough into the comments. I wonder if Matt will call him uneducated or a Republican in return.

    This would all be quite amusing to me if it weren't for the fact that we have too many people in this country suffering because neither political party actually represents the majority of the country very well. So instead we teeter  back and forth between incompetence and apathy.

    Parent

    My quote of the day....thanks (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:21:32 PM EST
    So instead we teeter back and forth between incompetence and apathy.

    And I think this is all that postpartisan unity gets us.  Without honest thunderous debate, what can we actually achieve in nation of our size and scope?  Politicians don't care what the people need, and in the current climate they don't have to either.

    Parent

    Oh, my. More from the baby pundits (5.00 / 5) (#5)
    by Cream City on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:11:08 PM EST
    who may just find out the meaning of getting too big for their britches.  Pottymouths that they proved to be last year.  They have not grown up at all a year later, have they?

    I should be much more upset (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:13:12 PM EST
    but I'm laughing like mad right now.  Perhaps tonight I'll be ticked.  Time and pressure makes a diamond though, they aren't born brilliant :)

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    Yeh, you also know a temper tantrum (5.00 / 3) (#19)
    by Cream City on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:29:18 PM EST
    when you see one as a parent, and you also know what to do.  Isolation is good, so let's pull the plug on their blogs.  One of mine liked solitude, though, so I opted instead for confiscation -- taking away his favorite new and shiny toy.  Same result, though: pull the plug on the baby pundit blogs, ignore them, and make them go get real work.  Then they will see how well temper tantrums at the boss, stamping their tiny feet and demanding that the boss grow up, works in the world aboveground from the baby pundits' basements.

    Parent
    To quote Vampire Willow, "Bored now". (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by tigercourse on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:16:04 PM EST
    We're on a dreary little merry go round that never ends, even after we get motion sickness.

    Sure (none / 0) (#9)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:17:58 PM EST
    I skip this stuff on the weekend and may retire to my developing Sports Left blog.

    Parent
    Not bored with your writing, bored with (none / 0) (#11)
    by tigercourse on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:21:02 PM EST
    the ... whole world I guess.

    I haven't been able to shake this ennui since the melancholy.

    Parent

    This time of year doesn't help... (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by Dr Molly on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 02:45:30 PM EST


    Parent
    Melon Collie (none / 0) (#16)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:26:01 PM EST
    and the Infinite Sadness.

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    Oh man, if I didn't have work to do I'd be (none / 0) (#25)
    by tigercourse on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:34:26 PM EST
    crawling back into bed with a bottle of Gin.

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    And olives? (none / 0) (#29)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:38:30 PM EST
    And you need to leave the olives on the counter for a few days until the liquid looks really nasty.  And it needs to have floating bits of garlic in it too.  And the gin needs to be Sapphire and you must pull it from the freezer before I follow you.

    Parent
    If you have ever have a little time on (none / 0) (#34)
    by tigercourse on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:53:27 PM EST
    your hands, I recommend a "rickshaw" - 2oz gin, 1oz lime juice, 1oz Basil syrup (in a saucepan combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water, bring to a boil until sugar is dissolved.  add 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh Basil leaves and simmer for 5 minutes. Let stand at room temp for about 8 hours, then strain out the leaves and it can be refirgerated for a long time) combine with some ice in a shaker (or any closeable container) shake and poor over crushed ice. Very good.

    Parent
    Next weekend :) (none / 0) (#35)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 01:04:57 PM EST


    Parent
    OMG. Sounds like Yanni. (none / 0) (#38)
    by oculus on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 01:26:37 PM EST


    Parent
    Don't threaten me :) (none / 0) (#13)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:23:18 PM EST


    Parent
    What was it - six Congressional (5.00 / 3) (#10)
    by inclusiveheart on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:19:03 PM EST
    elections?  I think that's the correct count of how much the Democratic Party hemmoraged with the "grow up, voters" DLC philosophy.

    You remain in my soul (none / 0) (#17)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:27:08 PM EST
    a singular beating heart archiving recent century historical D.C. scummy trends and nasty half truths dressing the current ladder climbers.

    Parent
    LOL (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by inclusiveheart on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:41:26 PM EST
    Right now on my TV - speak of one of the DLC devils!  Andrea Mitchell is hosting a debate between Pat Buchanan and our old buddy Bob Shrum!

    They're baaack!  Shaking head.

    Parent

    I will never grow up, but I will show up. . . (5.00 / 3) (#15)
    by andgarden on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:25:55 PM EST
    on primary day.

    Oh, so will I -- as staying home (5.00 / 3) (#22)
    by Cream City on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:32:02 PM EST
    just lets the baby pundits blame it on voter apathy (plus I just have to vote; I owe it to those who fought for us to have the franchise).  

    Instead, to show voter anger, it is important to go to the polls and vote -- but perhaps not in all races, as I did last year in those that were sure things here, anyway.  However, such tactics did send a message that puzzled a lot of pundits here, trying to reconcile the numbers in some races vs. others.

    Parent

    I love you (none / 0) (#18)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:27:54 PM EST


    Parent
    Peter Pan w/a brain. (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by oculus on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 01:28:46 PM EST


    Parent
    Be careful of what you wish for (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by mmc9431 on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:29:31 PM EST
    The problem with growing up is that people tend to lose their idealism and innocence. These were the very qualities that got Obana elected!

    Yes and adolescence is a very (none / 0) (#27)
    by inclusiveheart on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:36:11 PM EST
    unpredictable and complicated process.

    Seriously, my greatest fear about the extreme nature of the Obama veneration was always about the eventual backlash and potential for deep cynicism to take root if he didn't turn out to be the bestest, bestest, nicest most excellent President evah.

    Parent

    I think what Yglesias meant to say (5.00 / 9) (#28)
    by Anne on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:37:07 PM EST
    or that "Grow Up" is meant to telegraph, is that there is just way too much harsh being inflicted upon the mellow Obama brought to the White House, and it's just not as much fun anymore now that more and more people are not being hypnotized by the soothing sounds of their absurdist blogger rhapsodies.

    I suppose my response would be, "Wake Up," or possibly, "Wake the Frack Up!" or my favorite (from "Moonstruck"), "Snap Out of It!"

    I don't need to grow up - I actually AM grown up.  I've been around the block a few times, seen more than a few elections and candidates, lived a lot more stuff, know who I am and what I want, am just plain over this kind of self-important mewling.

    Maybe what we need to say to Matt and Ezra and their peers is: here's your blankie - isn't it time for your nap?  

    speaking for me, (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by cpinva on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 02:30:46 PM EST
    the "villagers" have shown, for the past 17 years, that they know nothing beyond their tiny sphere. i pay as much attention to them as i do the fly i just swatted.

    Oh rilly?? (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by DancingOpossum on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 03:12:23 PM EST
    It would be terrific to have a viable 3rd party (or 4th or 5th) in the US, but it doesn't work.

    It doesn't work because not enough people are aware of this option, and for those that they do, or worse, dare to have the gall and audacity to deploy this option--oh my heavens, the reaction they receive!! Look at how Nader voters were so horribly maligned in the Bush/Gore race, treated like scumbags -- I admit I myself engaged in some of this, because I was an idiot who didn't know any better.

     What if all the disaffected Democratic voters (30 percent, some estimates say) voted for third parties? What "works" there is the message you send.

    The US system does not support voting you're conscience except as a throw away protest vote.

    I call b.s. on the idea that a protest vote is a throwaway. If it sends a message it isn't a throwaway. I know several Democrats who voted for McCain as a protest vote: They couldn't stomach Obama and wanted to register their protest of the DNC's choice as strongly as possible. I personally voted Green: That was both a protest vote and a conscience vote for me: I couldn't stomach Obama AND I happen to agree with most of the Green agenda, so it was a daily double for me.

    But according to your line of thinking, these votes were "throwaways." Well, I don't consider any vote a throwaway and have admiration, in fact, for people who broke out of the herd mentality to vote for Libertarians, to write in Ron Paul, to vote Socialist, or Green, or Nader, or Constitution, or anything else outside the corporate stranglehold of the two-party system.

    You have options. Exercise them. If more voters did, politicians would pay more attention. Continuing to vote for people that abuse you, backstab you, and then harangue you is like staying with a spouse who gets drunk and hits you. Resigning yourself to it because there is "no choice" is not the decision of a free, independent adult. Methinks it is Matt and his ilk who need to grow up.

    2 Words: (none / 0) (#14)
    by pluege on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:23:30 PM EST
    Ralph Nadar.

    If that isn't forever enough to get democrats off their a*ses no matter how bad obama gets, no matter how bad the rest of the democrats get, then there isn't much you can do or say to such fair whether voters.

    If today's psychotically, violently insane republicans are sufficient motivation for democrats and independents to get out and vote, if nothing more than out of pure fear of republicans in power, then we're all effed anyway (which is pretty much the case).

    Agreed, contempt surely won't help no matter what, but as much as I hate to agree with obamafan yglegias, other than his misplaced "grow up" charge the rest of his post is pretty correct.  

    I voted Democrat every election since (5.00 / 3) (#23)
    by BobTinKY on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:32:39 PM EST
    I first cast my vote (for Ted kennedy in the 1980 RI Primary).  I used to be pissed at 2000 Nader voters.  Not anymore.

    After what I've seen from this Administration and Congress, I'd vote today for Ralph if he were running and was 10-15 years younger.  Maybe the Republicans ruining the country is the only path to adotping liberal/progressive policies like single payer, the only path to cutting defense spending and letting go of empire, the only path to fair labor laws that are enforced.

    It seems the only thing the Democrats do well is enable Republicans.

    Parent

    I'm Completely Sympathetic, but (none / 0) (#40)
    by pluege on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 01:47:46 PM EST
    recognize the disastrous folly of Nadar voters. (What a different world it could be today.)

    It would be terrific to have a viable 3rd party (or 4th or 5th) in the US, but it doesn't work. The US system does not support voting you're conscience except as a throw away protest vote.

    If one wants to count, you must vote one of the putrid candidates of the 2 main parties. The system is built around the lowest common denominator so the viable candidates will always be horrible to a anyone interested enough to know what is going on.

    And worse, for those pissed off enough to stay home, you are still counting - you are voting for the worst of the two candidates (same as the protest vote).

    The system stinks, but it is what it is.

    Letting republicans ruining the country is inhumane.

    Parent

    LOL (5.00 / 5) (#24)
    by inclusiveheart on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:33:04 PM EST
    Well, I guess it is the best last resort for the DNC now.  They've tried everything else - spinning and declaring victory after what they claim have been hard fought battles where Obama "won't back down" etc.  So, their next fundraising script maybe could go something like this:

    DNC: Hello may I speak to Mr./Mrs. X?

    Democrat: This is he/she.

    DNC: We want some of your money.

    Democrat: I'm tired of you people.  I'm not sure I'm going to even bother voting.

    DNC: Grow UP! {click}

    End Script.

    Pure political and fundraising genius at work there.

    /snark

    Parent

    2010 is not 2000 (none / 0) (#46)
    by lambert on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 11:52:10 PM EST
    And 2010 might not be the 2010 we know if the Dems hadn't caved to Bush v. Gore.

    The current system is completely broken. The legacy parties are both owned by the bonus class. We need some place to go. And the way out is the door!

    Parent

    First reconciliation story in trad. media (none / 0) (#21)
    by magster on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:31:50 PM EST
    since Lieberman's double-cross just referenced in USA Today quoting John Podesta, Obama transition team head.

    (as re-reported in TPMDC)

    There's a caucus meeting tonight too. Hope there is a speech about "teamwork" by Al Capone at this meeting (except using a removal from a committee chair on Lieberman instead of a baseball bat, of course).

    Let's hope this means something (none / 0) (#26)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:34:37 PM EST
    Podesta is not nobody in DC.

    Parent
    Just heard Schrum on MSNBC (none / 0) (#31)
    by magster on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:45:26 PM EST
    say that the Dems will use reconciliation if they can't get 60 votes together, and that they won't accept no reform.

    If the talking heads are mobilizing to spout  "reconciliation" as a talking point....

    (hope)

    Parent

    Shrun is not nobody either (none / 0) (#32)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:46:48 PM EST
    Something may be afoot.

    Parent
    Dana Bash on CNN sez (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by gyrfalcon on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 03:44:38 PM EST
    White House, or at least Rahmbo, is now pushing reconciliation and dropping the Medicare buy-in.

    If this makes little sense, remember I don't report the news, I just report what the reporters report...

    Parent

    That could just mean passing the House bill (none / 0) (#45)
    by andgarden on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 05:10:58 PM EST
    Of course, the problem is how you kill Stupak.

    Parent
    So Obama says that this is DONE by (none / 0) (#33)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 12:50:12 PM EST
    Christmas and reconciliation magically appears and the reality of reconciliation magically shows up in the news cycle.  But Obama is powerless.

    Parent
    Question what happens (none / 0) (#36)
    by Socraticsilence on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 01:10:52 PM EST
    when the superior math of reconciliation runs into the inevitable fail of Bob "why do people keep hiring me" Shrum?

    Parent
    Shrum is not advising here (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 01:20:21 PM EST
    He is in on the chatter.

    Parent
    Village Blogs To Voters: "Grow Up" | 46 comments (46 topical)

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