[sam_paine]

I know this is bound to devolve into flames, at least initially....but if it does, then that's a valid indicator of the disagreement over what lessons are to be derived from "sitting it out."

I really just want to do this periodically to link the stories which are likely fallout from the 2004 election (such as non-binding resolutions against the troops, minimum wage increase, etc) and more importantly to gauge the feelings of FReepers on the clear dichotomy between the message they think they're sending to the pols and the message that the pols are actually hearing.

[Hydroshock]

They learned what they wanted to learn. Which was wrong, conservatism did not lose, but republicanism did.

[sam_paine]

Just another note for the next installment.

After noticing some of the "don't or die" anti-big tenters here, what exactly is the mindset there?

-Some- not all, of these folks are actually smug in their determination to vote purist come hell or Hillary.

Is there a difference between this smug "they'll be sorry they didn't cater to me" attitude and the outcry from a suicide threat?

If so, what does a politician need to do to talk them down off this ledge?

Sad.

[Pistolshot]

Actually, I think the 'revolt that occurred was because the Repubs in congress forgot the Fiswcal responsibilities that rode them into power in 94. It was not the war that was the reason.
Be that as it may, the Dumocraps are now reminding the Repubs what kind of 'power' they can wield against the administration. Has there been ANY real progress on the ills of the nation that the Dumocraps said they would fix? No. They continue to look for skeletons and scandal so they can punish the administration and prop themselves up for 08.