[woofer]

I really believe the Dem's as a party are finished because their leaders stopped caring, a long time ago, about their own rank and file party members. They place too much emphasis on seizing power instead of problem solving.

I agree, summer. But with one caveat:

Over the past four years, nay all the way back to 1993, the Dem's have sought to keep, retake, overcome, whatever, the power base in Washington for the purposes of raising taxes and to "punish" the rich, while shielding the foibles of the standard bearer from public scrutiny.

[summer]

...while shielding the foibles of the standard bearer from public scrutiny.

Yes, I hear you on all that.

BTW, speaking of "foibles" of the Dem Party -- have you read the current issue of TIME magazine? They have an article about this recent indictment in NJ of a major Dem donor, named Kushner, who was being investigated for wrongdoing in campaign financing of I believe Dem gov McGreevy. So, to intimidate witnesses, Kushner hired prostitutes, lured witnesses, videotaped encounters, and is now being accused of obstructing justice. One of the videotaped prostitute encounters was with a hooker and his brother-in-law, and Kushner is alleged to have mailed that videotape to his own sister, who was cooperating with investigators.

When you read articles like this, it just makes "public service" seem like the last profession you would ever want to get into.

[summer]

Also, woofer, thanks for your comments here. :)