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Liberal response to GOP victory: A public nervous breakdown
WorldNetDaily ^ | 11/11/02 | Michael Medved

Posted on 11/11/2002 6:00:51 AM PST by 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.

Special Offers:

"Hollywood vs. America" is here! Michael Medved provides provocative insights into the U.S. entertainment industry. Autographed copies now available in WorldNetDaily's online store!

Also, Medved brings American history alive. Twenty-four-tape set presents nation's story from the founders' perspective. Also available from WorldNetDaily's online store.

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.


TOPICS: Editorial
KEYWORDS: crybabies; demonrats; getouttamywallet; hateamericacrowd; liberallosers
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To: FreedomWarrior
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?
21 posted on 11/11/2002 6:58:57 AM PST by PolishProud
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To: Mercat
Take your pick of bases here.
22 posted on 11/11/2002 7:00:19 AM PST by .30Carbine
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To: PolishProud
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!
23 posted on 11/11/2002 7:08:37 AM PST by altura
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To: MadIvan
"...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$$$.

24 posted on 11/11/2002 7:11:23 AM PST by bribriagain
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To: FreedomWarrior
"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.
25 posted on 11/11/2002 7:12:47 AM PST by GodsLittleOne
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To: Mercat
"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.

26 posted on 11/11/2002 7:13:18 AM PST by bribriagain
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To: Lancey Howard
Matthew Miller ... "IS THERE ANY LIMIT TO GOP TAX CUTS?"

Got a link?

27 posted on 11/11/2002 7:13:34 AM PST by MrB
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To: FreedomWarrior
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.

28 posted on 11/11/2002 7:14:31 AM PST by yoe
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To: Mercat
If have ShockWave plugin, Main screen turn on.

If no, You are on the way to destruction.

29 posted on 11/11/2002 7:19:03 AM PST by angkor
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To: TonyRo76
Yo Tony, does et al include Jessica Lange? That beeeeiiitch needs to mentioned with your sad lot of human beings as well.
30 posted on 11/11/2002 7:37:12 AM PST by Prolifeconservative
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To: .30Carbine
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!

31 posted on 11/11/2002 7:39:16 AM PST by Auntie Mame
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To: Mercat
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.
32 posted on 11/11/2002 7:53:20 AM PST by sittnick
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Comment #33 Removed by Moderator

Comment #34 Removed by Moderator

To: sittnick
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.

35 posted on 11/11/2002 8:01:48 AM PST by strela
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To: PolishProud
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.
36 posted on 11/11/2002 8:02:57 AM PST by beaversmom
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To: bribriagain
What you say!
37 posted on 11/11/2002 8:10:14 AM PST by Billthedrill
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To: FreedomWarrior
"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?

38 posted on 11/11/2002 8:16:12 AM PST by sweetliberty
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To: FreedomWarrior; ArcLight
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.
39 posted on 11/11/2002 8:21:48 AM PST by denydenydeny
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To: FreedomWarrior; PeaceBeWithYou; Mo1; lodwick; Budge; parsifal; TLBSHOW; stop_the_rats; wattsup; ...
"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!

40 posted on 11/11/2002 8:25:54 AM PST by sweetliberty
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