Liberal response to GOP victory: A public nervous breakdown

WorldNetDaily ^ | 11/11/02 | Michael Medved

[FreedomWarrior]

Liberal response to GOP victory: A public nervous breakdown

Posted: November 11, 2002 1:00 a.m. Eastern

By Michael Medved

© 2002 WorldNetDaily.com

In the wake of the sweeping, startling GOP victories in last week's election, despairing Democrats confront a bitter existential dilemma: Is life worth living under a Republican regime?

Listening to the grim comments of prominent pundits and politicos, it's obvious that some of liberalism's leading lights feel sincerely uncertain about the answer to that question. Some of them may even be tempted to follow the example of one impassioned partisan in Wasilla, Alaska, who became so "despondent over Tuesday's election returns" (according to the Anchorage Daily News) that he climbed to the top of a 230,000-volt utility tower and allowed the dangerous current to course through his body – in the process interrupting electrical service to more than 30,000 homes and businesses. Suffering serious burns over most of his upper body, the unhappy idealist has been hospitalized in critical condition.

Meanwhile, more mainstream liberals express a similar sense of desperation. "The landscape this Nov. 6 is barren," wailed Matthew Rothschild in The Progressive. From the safe distance of his palatial estate in Revello, Italy, novelist Gore Vidal sniffed: "The same people own the media that own the White House that own the Congress that own the oil fields. They all work together to give a false view of the world to the American people."

Kim Gandy, president of the National Organization for Women, sounded even more pessimistic in a mourning-after statement following the election: "With Trent Lott running the Senate and George W. Bush in charge of the White House and Supreme Court," she warned, "the health and welfare of America's and the world's women and families have never been in greater jeopardy."

Less hysterical observers might wonder if the "the world's women and families" actually faced "greater jeopardy" from Hitler or Stalin (or bin Laden, for that matter) than from Trent Lott and Bush, but such historical perspective could spoil Ms. Gandy's rousing, Churchillian declaration of resistance:

NOW and our hundreds of thousands of advocates will organize, organize, organize cities and towns and communities … We have taken some serious body blows, but nothing will stop us from organizing and rededicating ourselves to progress. We will do whatever it takes to protect women's lives in every city, town and district …

In other words: "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields, and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender."

In a similar vein, James Ridgway headlined his lament in The Village Voice: "VOTERS SET REPUBLICANS LOOSE ON THE WORLD." One can easily envision rampaging elephants, recklessly released from their cages, trampling the last vestiges of civilization and decency. At least syndicated columnist Matthew Miller focused on specific fears in his commentary, under the chilling headline: "IS THERE ANY LIMIT TO GOP TAX CUTS?"

Miller warned the already terrified public that the diabolical Bushies nursed vicious plans "to shrink spending toward 18 percent of GDP by 2011 (from 19 percent today), even while boosting defense and homeland security by historic amounts." In other words, conscientious liberals must brace themselves for the inevitable, unspeakable nightmare that government will insist that they pay less of their earnings in taxes.

To face down this assault on enlightened values, Rothschild, in The Progressive, insists that Democrats must forget the middle class and "start appealing to the poor people of color and the majority of Americans who didn't show up at the polls … The Democrats ought to be able to say: We'll give you a big raise, we'll give you free health care, we'll give your kids a free college education, we'll curb corporate power and take the money out of politics …" Of course, Mr. Rothschild never hints at who might pay for this "big raise" – not to mention the "free" college and health care – nor does he explain how to "take the money out of politics" without shutting down all advertising on candidates or public issues.

For E.J. Dionne Jr. of the Washington Post, the results on Nov. 5 represent "an electoral catastrophe, worse for Democrats than the 1994 Republican sweep. Then, at least, Democrats held the White House and could shape the political argument. Now they have no power centers, no obvious leader."

No power center or obvious leader? What about Hollywood, and what about Barbra Streisand? Her strident rhetoric rallied the troops at the biggest Democratic fundraiser of this electoral cycle, and she posted regular "truth alerts" on her website throughout the campaign season, warning against the depredations of those dastardly Republicans. Couldn't Streisand become the new spiritual and intellectual leader of the dispirited Dems? Perhaps she will assume that role when she emerges from her shell-shocked, self-imposed isolation following the Election Day disaster, and resumes the posting of her truth alerts.

Meanwhile, there is another obvious candidate for new Leader of the Opposition, replacing the now discredited Gephardt and Daschle. As Jay Leno commented on his show: "The final tally is now in and, after this election, the only Democrat who's still in office is Martin Sheen."

Ironically enough, the Wednesday night after the real election, the fictional election on NBC's "The West Wing" played itself out with far happier results for Democrats. President Josiah Bartlett (Mr. Sheen) swept to re-election over his right-wing Republican rival, Robert Ritchie of Florida (played by Ms. Streisand's off-screen husband, James Brolin).

In a sense, with liberal activists feeling hurt and rejected by this corrupt and fallen world, "The West Wing" offers the chance to escape to a soothing, reassuring alternate reality. One can imagine the wounded spirits, sitting in locked and darkened rooms with the shades drawn, trying to shut out all jarring messages from GOP-dominated America, allowing only the eerie blue glow from their TV screens, immersing themselves in a brighter, better fantasy world in which progressive good guys like President Bartlett always win landslides.

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Michael Medved hosts a nationally syndicated daily radio show focusing on the intersection of politics and pop culture. He's the author of eight non-fiction books.

[el_texicano]

Question: How is one a "mainstream liberal"??? Sounds like two mutually exclusive terms to me...

[strela]

In the wake of the sweeping, startling GOP victories in last week's election, despairing Democrats confront a bitter existential dilemma: Is life worth living under a Republican regime?

Dear Democrats,

For you, life is NOT worth living under a Republican regime. You have nothing left to live for, because all your Senate are belong to us, all your House are belong to us, and all your White House are belong to us.

The Kool-Aid dispensers and plastic cups are on the right of the stage; please avail yourselves of them as soon as possible. Drink deeply, please.

[.30Carbine]

Front page top of fold headline, Sunday Times-Argus, Montpelier, Vermont:

What, us worry?
Vermont voters are still up during down times

[TonyRo76]

Does this mean Alec Baldwin, Barbra Strident, Woody Harrelson, Julia Roberts, etal. might finally leave the country like they promised???

[Ed_in_NJ]

"All your 'ratsasses are belong to us!"

[Blood of Tyrants]

Is life worth living under a Republican regime?

No, it isn't. Go ahead and commit hari kari. We'll make sure you get a nice funeral where God on't be mentioned and you are buried in a government provided wooden box.

[Movemout]

"...became so "despondent over Tuesday's election returns" (according to the Anchorage Daily News) that he climbed to the top of a 230,000-volt utility tower and allowed the dangerous current to course through his body – in the process interrupting electrical service to more than 30,000 homes and businesses."

Damned libs can't even exit gracefully without stirring up trouble. I know they are addicted to power but this carries the concept to a whole new level.

[katana]

Suffering serious burns over most of his upper body, the unhappy idealist has been hospitalized in critical condition.

Good. Could be better, but still good.

Natural Selection is our friend.

[Former Proud Canadian]

"IS THERE ANY LIMIT TO GOP TAX CUTS?"

I hope not.

[paul in cape]

wwwwhhhheeeeee!

[Lancey Howard]

...syndicated columnist Matthew Miller focused on specific fears in his commentary, under the chilling headline: "IS THERE ANY LIMIT TO GOP TAX CUTS?"

LOL!!

This is the best column I have read since the election... it reads like an Ann Coulter piece.
Great stuff.

[MadIvan]

Why don't the Socialists all go to Cuba, which is the ultimate realisation of their dreams, complete with Che Guevara posters. I will give real money if they would all leave America and Britain for there.

Regards, Ivan

[WaterDragon]

When the liberals have ranted about Bush being a dumb-bunny, the not-so-subtle message was that his supporters are also very dumb hicks.

Well, as far as the liberals are concerned, we've just proven to them how dumb we can be, and how desperately we are in need of caretakers --- them!!

The liberals in fact are so arrogant, they think we want them to like us.

They haven't been paying attention. We've been discovering that wanting to be loved and liked can get us dead. Now, we're happy if the rest of the world is afraid of us. It's okay to make the Democrats afraid to stir our wrath, too.

[Always Right]

Does this mean Alec Baldwin, Barbra Strident, Woody Harrelson, Julia Roberts, etal. might finally leave the country like they promised???

Have you ever know a liberal to keep a promise?

[Cultural Jihad]

We have taken some serious body blows, but nothing will stop us from organizing and rededicating ourselves to progress.

They say that both cancer and dementia can be described as 'progressive' at times.

[Mercat]

I'm trying to remember how this "All you ______ are belong to us" began. Can someone enlighten me?

[pfflier]

"The West Wing" offers the chance to escape to a soothing, reassuring alternate reality.

Perhaps the NOW and other liberal groups will follow the example of the NEA and endorse the positions taken by Sheen on the West Wing.

Since the reality of rejection is so hard to take, they will continue to play they are in control of their little utopia while telling the voters that they were wrong.

[poet]

Here's my reply to all the whining 'rats:

Mommy, Mommy, Boo Hoo, Boo Hoo

Mommy, mommy, we lost again,
no longer do we reign,
there was a time when,
we could fool them,
but, that "memorial" was the end,

Alec Baldwhine and friends promised to leave,
after Tuesday, they're ready to heave,
alas and alack, they're still here,
still crying in their beer

Everywhere the "bent one" went,
the voters replied and sent,
someone other than he backed,
gone are many leftist hacks,
is this the end of Terry Mac?

Mommy, mommy, we're so sad,
it was the worst day we have had,
Well, we're no done yet,
our plan has been set,
we're going to sue,
Mommy, mommy, boo hoo, boo hoo

[elfman2]

" Ironically enough, the Wednesday night after the real election, the fictional election on NBC's "The West Wing" played itself out with far happier results for Democrats. President Josiah Bartlett (Mr. Sheen) swept to re-election over his right-wing Republican rival, Robert Ritchie of Florida (played by Ms. Streisand's off-screen husband, James Brolin). "

That's hilarious! I can't watch even one minute of that show.

[PolishProud]

Great post.

In my book Medved is the BEST talk show host on air. He is more intelligent and articulate than Limbaugh, Hannidy et al. His only faults is his "who cares" movie reviews and his opinion that if you're not married you're worthless. His debating ability makes Limbaugh look ignorant and Hannity pales in comparison. You can listen to him online at http://www.michaelmedved.com/confirm.shtml from 3-6 pm PT.

PS: Anyone else fed up with Hannity's book promotion and his screener's pregnancy?

[.30Carbine]

Take your pick of bases here.

[altura]

Why bash our two best liberal voices, Ruth and Sean, because you like Medved.

I like him too, but Rush is head and shoulders above anybody. If you don't believe me, just ask him!

[bribriagain]

"...will give real money if they would all leave America and Britain for there"

Not to be confused with "fake" money? I'll pitch in as well$$$.

[GodsLittleOne]

"The same people own the media that own the White House that own the Congress that own the oil fields. They all work together to give a false view of the world to the American people."

Have you watched t.v. anytime this century? I doubt it, since your in Italy; but the liberals own the media.

[bribriagain]

"I'm trying to remember how this "All you ______ are belong to us" began. Can someone enlighten me?"

Be careful what you ask for. We get signal.

[MrB]

Matthew Miller ... "IS THERE ANY LIMIT TO GOP TAX CUTS?"

Got a link?

[yoe]

In the Clinton/Gore years the headlines might have read “Let The Good Times Roll” that was about the wildest party the country had ever witnessed. Stocks were flowing like the promised end of the rainbow, government departments were shelling out credit cards so even the least employee could share in the loot; corporations were also cooking the books to keep more investors investing; terrorists were free to come and go in the people’s house, in and out of the State Department taking anything that wasn’t nailed down, even Los Alamos was getting some ink. Waco was a non-story or tried to be with the press covering for those who should have known better than to burn women and children. China made out like a bandit for the pres. and the DNC; Hillary traveled the world a lot, making monetary promises and leaving a trail of women’s rights propaganda where ever she went. The United Nations claimed more and more of the taxpayer’s land in the Old U. S. of A. and took on a mantle of near respectability for the dictators and other rogues that graced that grandiose place. The White House lit up night after night with the Nouvo Riche from La La Land, neophytes with negligible credentials other than new money all for the Clintons and the DNC along with their rent-a-room racket. Love was in the air and blue dresses were an item.

Oh what a time it was until the last two years when the economy was about spent dry as was the spin; the country was beginning to wake up and the burglars about to be caught. Those socialists who are crying now can blame themselves for leaving morality and decency on the door step while they had such a blast at the country’s expense; not all of us were at the Party. So now while the people who voted to clean up the mess clean it up, will the whining stop and the socialist libs take a hike? This is a Republic not a harem for tax and spend politicians.

[angkor]

If have ShockWave plugin, Main screen turn on.

If no, You are on the way to destruction.

[Prolifeconservative]

Yo Tony, does et al include Jessica Lange? That beeeeiiitch needs to mentioned with your sad lot of human beings as well.

[Auntie Mame]

Front page top of fold headline, Sunday Times-Argus, Montpelier, Vermont:

"What, us worry?
"Vermont voters are still up during down times"

You have got to be kidding (but I know you aren't).

These neswpaper people are so blinded by their own partisanship, they can't even conceive how offensive that headline is to their readers. I mean, they and all their compatriots are rabid dem-socialists, therefore all their readers must be, too, right?

This is an outrage!

[sittnick]

The phrase "All your base are belong to us" comes from a bad translation of a Japanese video game, "Zero Wing". Here is the intro scene:
In A.D. 2101
War was beginning.
Captain: What happen ?
Mechanic: Somebody set up us the bomb.
Operator: We get signal.
Captain: What !
Operator: Main screen turn on.
Captain: It's You !!
Cats: How are you gentlemen !!
Cats: All your base are belong to us.
Cats: You are on the way to destruction.
Captain: What you say !!
Cats: You have no chance to survive make your time.
Cats: HA HA HA HA ....
Captain: Take off every 'zig' !!
Captain: You know what you doing.
Captain: Move 'zig'.
Captain: For great justice.

[TonyRo76]

does et al include Jessica Lange

LOL! Ohhhh yeah. That has-been hollywood hag deserves special mention all her own.

Also her own banana-boat to some remote, socialist Shangri-la where she can hang out with Noam Chomsky, Norman Mailer & other elitist kooks who hate America and Republicans as much as she does.

[TonyRo76]

liberals own the media.

Absolutely! I was wondering myself just what "media" he's talking about. Unless he's over there listening to Rush Limbaugh or Fox News--which I doubt.

Mr. Vidal is one of the truly over-rated writers of all time!

[strela]

The phrase "All your base are belong to us" comes from a bad translation of a Japanese video game, "Zero Wing".

(sniff) Poetry, man. Pure poetry.

[beaversmom]

I agree with you about Medved--he is better than Hannity. His knowledge of history and American history specifically is superb. I love it when he has some liberal professor on (and he's had a lot of loons lately) and tears them up with his knowledge. Hannity drives me nuts a lot of the time because he is a big self promoter, doesn't listen very well, and repeats the same stuff over and over again. Some conservative black military guy was in the audience last Friday and was trying to make a point about Harry Belafonte. Hannity interrupted him at least five times going off on tangents. To me that is rude and shows he is only thinking about himself. Another guy that is absolutely superb is Dennis Prager--Prager and Medved are my favorites. I haven't listened to Rush in a long time but have listened to him recently--wanted to get his take on Wellstone and the election results.

[Billthedrill]

What you say!

[sweetliberty]

"despairing Democrats confront a bitter existential dilemma: Is life worth living under a Republican regime?"

ROTFLMBO!!!! They don't much like it when the shoe is on the other foot do they?

[denydenydeny]

I know schadenfreude is bad for the soul, but, confronted with an article like this, how can you not resist?

I have to indulge a little, I can't help it.

[sweetliberty]

"Some of them may even be tempted to follow the example of one impassioned partisan in Wasilla, Alaska, who became so "despondent over Tuesday's election returns" (according to the Anchorage Daily News) that he climbed to the top of a 230,000-volt utility tower and allowed the dangerous current to course through his body – in the process interrupting electrical service to more than 30,000 homes and businesses. Suffering serious burns over most of his upper body, the unhappy idealist has been hospitalized in critical condition."

I know it isn't nice to laugh at other peoples' distress, but this is just so completely absurd. What the h*ll is wrong with these people???

Y'all gotta see the weeping and wailing and gnashing of liberal teeth. Too much!

[sweetliberty]

"nothing will stop us from organizing and rededicating ourselves to progress"

"nothing will stop us from organizing and rededicating ourselves to progress the continued slaughter of innocent infants by the millions."

[Woodman]

And all of the Democrats collectively say "WE GET SIGNAL!"

[sweetliberty]

ROTFL! Victory is particularly sweet this time around huh?

[bandleader]

What was it that Peter Jennings said after The Republicans"Took Over" The House and Senate in 1994?I think it was something like"The American Electorate Has Had A Temper-Tantrum"!I always like Howard Beal(Network)!He Had it RIGHT!!"We're Mad As Hell And We're Not Going To Take It AnyMore!!!!

[bandleader]

We Live In HOPE!!

[Ditto]

"... he climbed to the top of a 230,000-volt utility tower and allowed the dangerous current to course through his body – in the process interrupting electrical service to more than 30,000 homes and businesses. Suffering serious burns over most of his upper body, the unhappy idealist has been hospitalized in critical condition.",

The very fact that he's alive proves once again that Democrats are not well-grounded.

[VetoBill]

Hey but it was environmentally friendly, setting one's self on fire is so frowned upon, think of all those greenhouse gases.

[bandleader]

I think that we should make it permanent!From here on,the closest that The LiboRATS come to REAL POWER is limited to portrayals in the movies and on TV!!!In 2004,I'll bet that some of the voters in FloriDuh will wonder why they can't find Martin Sheen on their ballots!!!!