JON CARROLL: You Believe Anything, Democrats?

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 9/27/5 | Jon Carroll

[SmithL]

I'm not sure when I first became fed up with the Democrats. Probably sometime during the Kerry campaign, although at that time I was being eaten up by the Fear and not noticing the flaws of the Kerry campaign so much. I feel foolish now. Many of us feel foolish now.

But here's the moment at which it all crystallized for me: It was at the beginning of what was then called "the great Social Security debate," which was a brief fad that hit America at about the same time as the 2005 Rose Parade.

Congressional Democrats solemnly announced that they were not going to come up with an alternative plan, because that would be politically unwise. It would be much better for the party to just snipe at the Republican plan. Yeah, I know, Social Security was not in nearly as bad shape as the GOP said it was, but could certainly have used -- still certainly could use -- a little help. Innovative thinking, maybe. Or, you know, the appearance of innovative thinking. Something other than "This plan is very terrible, and that's good for our side."

But it's typical. The party of Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson is back on its heels. It is reacting rather than acting. It is getting sucked into pointless debates. It is providing zero leadership. Some individuals within the party are trying -- hello, John Edwards -- but there's no vision.

What do Democrats believe? Well, you know what Republicans believe. Well, Democrats believe the other thing. Democrats stand for a vision to be named later.

[texas_mrs]

They also believe:

Gays make better parents.

The lowest form of life is more important than a humans' life. And baby in the womb IS the lowest form of life, to them.

It is okay to say something horrendous about someone of the other party even if it is a lie, but the other party should not do the same, even if it is true.

And lastly, the Reverend Jackson really is a reverend. Same for Al.

[goldstategop]

This liberal writer doesn't get it either. What do the Democrats believe in? He doesn't say. These people know who and what they're against but they can't tell the country what they're for. They have to hide who they are and until they're honest with themselves, they'll keep losing elections.

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)

[goldstategop]

Exposing a person's counterfeit values isn't "sliming" them - its informing the public about their real beliefs. I thought the Democrats would welcome it. Jon Carroll and his moonbat ilk are resentful of honesty. I thought for a moment he was going to announce we're finally believing in something. Apparently not. All those kook beliefs and the smartest people in the roof can't tell Republicans we're proud to be liberals and the hell with Republicans! Oh have you noticed something? Carroll can't even say the "L" word! How in the heck do these people have a chance? But they're never wrong, Republicans are evil and that's precisely the heart of the Democrats' problem. They're avoiding having to take a real stand. No guts, no glory.

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)

[jocon307]

This guy is obviously a big liberal but this was a pretty funny piece. I liked the part about "are we running a country or a hair salon".

Let's hope the dems don't start listening to any of this advice.

[CIB-173RDABN]

I agree that they think Republican's are "evil".

And that is at the heart of their problem.

[Shery]

This guy is delusional.

[Designer]

"..see if these people are really telling the truth?"

Well, there you go again, GianniV. No offense, I simply want to point out your error: The truth and liberals bear no commonality whatever.

[highlander_UW]

It's doubtful that this author and I would end up agreeing on many issues, but he has a classic line here...

Democrats stand for a vision to be named later.

[highlander_UW]

And I believe the Battle of the Network Stars should be fought with guns

Now that'd be compelling reality programming I might actually watch.

[SendShaqtoIraq]

"Hmm. Peacetime 9/11 attack: <3000 U.S. dead. War in Iraq: >2000 dead in 3 years, despite constant attack." You've got your signs backwards. It should be >3000 and

[LexBaird]

Isn't the pointy end supposed to point at the smaller number? Oh well.

[zip]

The signs are right. > means less than and < means more than in math.