That's a good plan, Jim...

"Now I'm in the majority it would be wise to keep my mouth shut and actually plan how I'm going to do what's right and how to defend myself when we put something out there," 

~Rep. Jim McDermott in an interview by the P-I's Charles Pope

Comments

[torque]

I used to agree that Jim is a useful idiot, but now I'm wonderin'-- is he really useful?

[Pilgrim]

Not a big fan of Jim's, but hey, his constituents apparently have been quite happy with his service as he gets re-elected by wide margins.

Its only a matter of time before he sticks his foot in the Dem's mouthes.

[misty]

He's all yours, Seattle.

[JakeD]

Service? Patty and Norm Dicks deliver the goods to Seattle. Jim sits on his ass with his foot in his mouth.

[raffi]

Yes, he stood up to Bush on this war when Dicks, and Cantwell would not. I'll never forget the political bravery of that, and all the shit he took and still takes for it. He's my congressman for life.

[Duffman]

Anything Mr McDermott can do to further the advancement of a health care plan will help me curb my tounge otherwise about him.
I do not care for the gentleman, but I will appreciate his help when Mrs Clinton decides what plan is feasible.

[chucks]

The term useless idiot comes to mind. That man has done nothing for his district or the state since first elected. Now that the Democrat party is temporarily in control of the house, he may just get promoted to useful idiot. Still an idiot, but at least he will fall into line when Pelosi tells him to. That may help the Democrats national agenda, but Seattle will still be neglected.
Why doesn't Seattle draft Darcy to run against McDermott. No doubt that she will move anywhere to get elected to something. And Seattle will still have a left wing loon, but maybe one that can get something done.

[JakeD]

I just think Seattle deserves somebody who is not so lazy, and dare I say, old? Someone smart and in the room like Inslee or even Adam Smith.

[cowpotpi3]

First off, Chuck, its called the Democratic Party, please try and leave the right wing playbook at the door. Do you think anybody really buys into that "oh gosh don't call them Democratic because that has a positive connotation?" I always laugh when I see this stuff...straight off the Fox News presses!

Now on to your post. The first rule of pointing the finger at a group of people is to be sure those you represent are not just as guilty of what you are railing about. Carpetbagging? You are aware of the goodly number of local Republicans who have tried this, right? So I guess when your constituent representatives stop doing it then you can make that point, until then its a weak one. Secondly, McDermott hasn't done anything locally. So I am sure you can point to Republican reps and the great number of things they have done?

[Andy]

Darcy will beat Reichert in the 8th. He is a putz, a pretty face, she just about got him last time. She has lived in the 8th District for 10 years--why do you think she'd move, Chucks?

[Claude]

Why don't the Republicans put up somebody for real against McD? They don't even try, they just put up weird, pissed off people who couldn't get elected in conservative Mt. Vernon, much less Seattle. They just like to mope around and act like martyrs. The reason I don't live in Seattle is because the Republicans (and I am one) are such chicken shits.

[joanie]

Ah, Claude, the Publicans are chicken shits. From the mouth of one who should know. . .

chucks has that same addiction you'll notice in all Publican banter . . . inability to state truthfully or factually. I think they call that addiction Faux adNewsium.

[chucks]

I was not even thinking about carpetbagging. That is a non issue. Both sides play that game and pay it to win. I was thinking that Darcy wants into the game. She will not beat the Sheriff. Can't do it.
I am serious about McDermott. He has been useless forever. Seattle is going to vote D no matter what.
So get a fresh face that has some ambition to get something done for the state. As for the Democrat Party thing, I believe that is a great deal less offensive than some of the names I have read on this blog for my party. So just get over that one. We all know the many shitty names for your party on the right side blogs. I choose to be no more offensive than calling it the Democrat Party.

[Brad]

So why dont you run for office, JakeD and chucks. It is a lot harder to put your money on the line to be a public servant, than it is to sit in front of a computer and bitch. Have you written to him? Have you called his offices and left a message for him telling him of your displeasure? Easier to sit on a blogsite and complain instead of working to change things.

[Steve]

"inability to state truthfully or factually."

Joanie, you seem to be coming down with this syndrome yourself lately. Have a great vacation.

[KS]

McDimwit has way too much baggage and a history of being a useful idiot and a hater to be taken seriously. Too bad he didn't walk that talk starting in 2002 - but that is not in his character.

[KS]

Of course, McD is the voice of the Seattle liberal elite. So let's just see how this plays out for the future of this deteriorating megalopolis...

[joanie]

How anybody can denigrate a man who had the balls to speak out against the invasion of Iraq and speaks out for universal health care is beyond my comprehension.

What do you fools want? Do you wan Big Brother sneaking peaks at everything you do while you are busy declaring bankruptcy over medical bills and burying your kids as they come home in flag-draped coffins or figuring out how to shelter and feed them because they can't do it for themselves anymore because they are brain damaged?

Please, find me some intelligent reality-based Publicans - please!

[chucks]

I don't know about Jake, but I am almost as lazy as McDermott. No elected office in my future, thank you. Besides, I believe in an honest days work for an honest days pay. Don't think that I would fit in. Additionally, I have been working exclusively commission for thirty years. Can we say corruption? No doubt that I can be bought in my own mind. Just nobody has offered me enough to have corrupted me yet. I have no idea what my price would be so I shall stay where I am and never find out. Leave the corruption to the experts.

[raffi]

KS: have you noticed the construction cranes all over this "deteriorating megalopolis."

[KS]

Ph(J)oanie said; "How anybody can denigrate a man who had the balls to speak out against the invasion of Iraq and speaks out for universal health care is beyond my comprehension."

Simple, I/we don't want a socialist utopia with his universal health care that clearly sucks worse than our current system, but you apparently think it would be just ducky. I don't mind him speaking out against the invasion of Iraq - its the way he did it. I take offense at the way he has emboldened the enemy by his claptrap rhetoric that has no regard on how it affects on the troops. I stand by my earlier post.

[KS]

"What do you fools want? Do you wan Big Brother sneaking peaks at everything you do while you are busy declaring bankruptcy over medical bills and burying your kids as they come home in flag-draped coffins or figuring out how to shelter and feed them because they can't do it for themselves anymore because they are brain damaged?

Please, find me some intelligent reality-based Publicans - please!"

Intelligent reality-based ? oh puleeeeze...You are living in the theoretical world in la-la land. The current system needs tweaking - to be sure, but Hillary/McDermott care is not the answer ! Insurance companies are the alleged culprit here, but in Universal Health Care - the Government becomes the insurance company there is no way I want the Government to be the insurance company. You logic is downright scary !!!

[chucks]

KS is 100% correct. When the government gets hiway maintainance correct, then they can screw with health care. When govt gets Social Security correct, they can take over my health insurance company. When government gets the federal check book balanced.......

[joanie]

Ask people about social security who were alive before social security was available.

Ask citizens of other countries if they want to give up government-sponsored healthcare.

Ask all the people who have no health coverage or have had to declare bankruptcy about our great healthcare system.

Ask your corrupt Publicans why the checkbook isn't balanced.

You are one truly propagandized and greedy individual, chucks. So much for christian charity on the right. Sorry, chucks, but your values are clear.

[chucks]

joanie,
I do not owe you free health care. I do not want to pay for your health care. And I do not have to ask anybody about filing bankruptcy over health care bills. Been down that road all by myself. Thought that health insurance was a waste of money. Took three years under the old chapter 13 program. I learned the hard way. Now I buy my health insurance.
I am far from being a greedy individual. But charity is not the right of government. No where in the Constitution or Bill of Rights does it say that the govt can or should pay every ass holes medical bill because it would be a nice thing to do. Take responsibility for your own bills and leave my wallet alone you pompous keyboarder.
And for my source, You can read the Constitution of The United States of America or the Bill of Rights.
The right to the pursuit of happiness is there somewhere but no where does it guarantee you will catch it.

[chucks]

Oh yeh ms joanie,
I just spent $4500.oo on back surgery for my freaking wiener dog last week. Do you think that shit should be free as well? That would feel good wouldn't it.
Good God, who much will a trip to the doctor cost under guvment bureaucracy?
I can not believe that an educated woman can think that anything the guvment does can be done well. How screwed up is your job? No red tape in your job? All your kids getting everything they need at your school? They all read well?
I hope they spell better than I.
Do you get all that you need to take care of those little minds?
We pay a crap load of money for schools. Do our teachers get what they are worth? No freaking way. I will bet 40% of what we pay for schools gets sucked up in admin.
Who is gonna get rich on health care? Maybe when it becomes guvment controlled, Halliburton will get in to it. Yes, thats it. That will make it all better.

[Steve]

Chucks, I know how it is to spend money to keep pets alive and healthy. I lost a dog to a snake bite last year but not after paying over $4,000.00 to keep him alive. A vial of anti-venom cost over $800.00. I hope your little one is doing great.

[joanie]

Took three years under the old chapter 13 program. I learned the hard way. Now I buy my health insurance.

I don't know if you've been down it or not. I don't care if you've been down it. If you have, you certainly picked the right time, didn't you, chucks. Under the new bankruptcy laws, you'd find yourself in a little less positive position.

Of course, you don't care. Why should you as long as you can keep yours.

In the past, I didn't use ad hominems but I sure do now. Because, there aren't enough negative labels for people like you who are selfish, uncaring and unsharing. As long as you've got yours, that's all that counts.

Oh, I'm sure you'll make sandwiches on Sunday for some poor homeless person. That way you can sleep at night.

You don't know the meaning of charity, chucks.

[joanie]

I just spent $4500.oo on back surgery for my freaking wiener dog last week. Do you think that shit should be free as well? That would feel good wouldn't it.

So now you equate a dog with human beings . . . children?

Well, I guess enough said.

[Recife]

ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL, BUT SOME ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS. (George Orwell, 1945)

Which animal are you Joanie? I’m thinking Muriel; you are far more intelligent than the sheep.

And McDermott? he reminds me of Squealer

[Steve]

"So now you equate a dog with human beings . . . children?"

What happened to the "Polar Bears are having to swim farther to find food" bit you cried about earlier this year.

For someone who is into environmental issues as you are Joanie, I am surprised you would ask that question. Pets, like children rely on their owners/parents to protect them and take care of them. Not abandon them. If you can't afford all the needs of a pet or child, then don't have them.

[Recife]

• No Support for the Provisional government.
• Fight for the Soviets to take power.
• End the war.
• Confiscate the big estates.
• Nationalize the banks.
• Establish workers' control of industry.
• Replace the police and army with a workers' militia.
• Replace the old state bureaucracy with workers' administration.
• Proclaim a Communist Party; establish a new international.

Lenin’s April Theses (Main Elements)

Now let’s change a few words and see what we have

• No Support for the current government.
• Fight for the Republicans to take power.
• End the war.
• Confiscate the big estates.
• Nationalize the banks.
• Establish Unions control of industry.
• Replace the police and army with a workers' militia.
• Replace the current republic with a Socialist administration.
• Proclaim a New Democratic Party; establish a new international.

Some things never change

[Recife]

My Bad,

Should have read "Fight for the Democrats to take power"

[joanie]

To be honest, Steve, I'm for all life. I think we can have it all . . . if we didn't have so damn many corrupt politicians on both sides.

But, when you combine corrupt politicians with ignorant and greedy citizens, the result is chaos and universal corruption which serves neither human nor animal.

Recife, we are all animals and what effects the least of us will in time effect all of us. The inability to understand that is the core stupidity of you people.

Our poor live like third world people. Our rich live like kings and queens. The middle? That disappearing middle? Which these blowhards will find themselves part of one day - disappearing I mean - they will inherit what they earned. Unfortunately, they are taking me with them.

One thing I can guarantee, chucks. your illegitimate grandkids will suffer much more than you . . . but you are too stuck in your belief that all is well for you and yours to see it. One day - if you live long enough - you will see it and weep.

[Recife]

Joanie I was talking about "Animal Farm", you know, the Book? Or have you elitist removed that from the mandatory reading list as well. Probably replaced with "Sally has two mommies"

[joanie]

Recife, why does it have to be one extreme or the other?

I don't think I get your point. Sorry. Wish I were smarter here.

Tell me what you are getting at, please.

Do you consider Sweden a communist country? Do you consider European nations communist? Socialist?

I'm tired of extreme scenarios. When will common sense and some acknowledgement that power corrupts take hold?

Our pharmaceutical companies are sending drugs overseas to third world that kill kids . . . spread HIV. These are the people you think should be in charge of health care, chucks?

Coal companies destroy environments rather than spend a teeny bit more money to care for the environment that pays them so well. These are the people who will see that your grandkids have a healthy environment in which to play?

Insurance companies are busy defrauding Katrina victims. These are the private entities you want to entrust your health care and and home insurance to, chucks?

You have the addiction called Faux adNewsium. You need therapy and fast.

[joanie]

Of course I knew it was animal farm, Recife. But it has been thirty years since I read it . . . so didn't respond specifically.

Do I sound like I get all my information from Faux News?

Why would you accuse me of being an elitist? What have I said that would support that?

What have I ever said that would indicate I'm for book banning?

Are you confused? Or forgetful?

[joanie]

Your cute reference to animal farm and the notion that some are more equal than others: explain.

Is it your supposition that America is not a bastion of equality . . . that all men are not created equal? That we should not work to make the credo of our Founding Fathers a 2007 American value? Are you in favor of abandoning that which supposedly makes America different from the rest of the world?

That which we are fighting to instate in Iraq?

Please, inform me.

[Recife]

Yes Joanie, after living in Europe for five years, I do consider them Socialist. Hell, just ask 'em they will tell you the same thing. Don't get me wrong, I loved my time there. But I wasn't a tourist, I got to see up close how Socialism works, it ain't pretty. Just ask the people in Paris, when thier cars are on fire.

The inherent vice of capitalism is the uneven division of blessings, while the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal division of misery. Sir Winston Churchill

[joanie]

You quote a lot of people without comprehending their quotes.

Churchill was talking about communism. Communism and socialism are not the same.

And there are degrees of socialism. You again haven't not addressed my questions. Those of you who see everything in black and white cannot seem to tackle those hard questions. You have given me nothing here to think about.

Try responding with something substantial. I am interested.

What about cars on fire? what does that mean?

[Recife]

No Joanie, read the quote again. He was talking about Socialism. The Paris riots, Joanie you do know about them don't you? They happened last summer. And BTW my Sister In Law is English, she could share some nightmare stories about government controlled health care. And the point about "...some are more equal than others." That's how people like McDermott, Gore, and Hillary think. Do as I say, not as I do.

[Recife]

And I do understand his quote, in a capitalist society YOU determine how blessed you are. In a Socialist society, the government decides, and everyone is equal all right, equaly miserable.

[Recife]

Okay, I'm done for the night, but I'll leave you with one last quote, and I believe it.

"You can always count on Americans to do the right thing—after they’ve tried everything else."
Sir Winston Churchill

[joanie]

And how many people get thrown under the bus while we're waiting . . .

And you still haven't responded to my point that it doesn't have to be either/or. You people on the right conveniently ignore that which you can't easily dispute. England is more socialist that we are. So, was Churchill denigrating his own? I don't think so.

I know . . . easier to find quotes than to think about issues. Even if you don't really know what the quotes mean or the context in which they were said.

Thanks for a very unsatisfying discussion. If you wish to talk again, please listen and respond from your own intellect - if you can.

[Steve]

"I'm tired of extreme scenarios."

Joanie, you posted this, yet thats all you are doing.

The temperature rises 1 degree and you think the world is going to end.

One Republican Congressman gets put in prison and you think all should be there.

One child dies in a Africa of a drug overdose and its the pharmaceutical companies fault.

A person chooses to live in a flood zone without flood insurance and yet you thinks it's the Insurance Companies fault.

Next you will tell us it was President Reagans fault for the AIDS crisis.

Extreme senarios indeed. Step back once in awhile and look around. Take a deep breath. Whats happening today has happened thousands of times before and will happen a thousand times again no matter what is done.

[Recife]

Joanie I do know what context he was speaking of, and he was addressing his fellow countrymen. And as for shades of gray, I suppose so, I mean you can be partly murdered right? You can be partly wronged, correct? And how easy it is to point to Europe and say we should be like them, when you have no idea what it is really like. Joanie there is such a thing as right and wrong, and socialism is wrong.

[joanie]

Steve: The temperature rises 1 degree and you think the world is going to end.

One Republican Congressman gets put in prison and you think all should be there.

One child dies in a Africa of a drug overdose and its the pharmaceutical companies fault.

A person chooses to live in a flood zone without flood insurance and yet you thinks it's the Insurance Companies fault.

You don't have a clue about which you speak, Steve.

Most of the world is responding to climate change and they are concerned.

Who said Africa? Don't put words in my mouth. The blood that American companies could not use because of HIV was shipped overseas . . . you fool, do you think nobody got HIV from that blood? Thalidomide - the drug that was supposed to help morning sickness - was banned in the US and was sent overseas. Thousands of children born with incomplete bodies. You fool. Get yourself informed.

Wind insurance should pay when wind causes damage. Why do you think insurance companies are being sued up their asses as a result of Katrina?

"SPENCER MICHELS: But the tricky issue isn't wind, but water. If homeowners haven't paid specifically for flood insurance, they are unlikely to collect on water damage. And a Rand study estimates that only 60 percent of homes affected by Katrina have flood insurance. So, the decision over how damage occurred has become highly contentious.

In Mississippi, the state attorney general has filed suit, claiming that homeowners are being tricked by five insurance companies into signing papers that say they were victims of a flood in order to get emergency money. And a similar class action suit has been filed in Louisiana. Companies say the allegations are unfounded. Robert Phillips manages a State Farm catastrophe team."

also

"Homeowners Insurance and Katrina Hurricane Katrina could be made worse by insurance companies that attempt to limit their losses by refusing to pay claims that are due to homeowners. Insurers have already told some homeowners in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast that it was flooding not the hurricane that did the damage, so they are not covered. Of course, the flooding only occurred because of the hurricane and insurers should be required to pay claims. Read about La. Insurance Commissioner J. Robert Wooley's $577,000 in insurance industry campaign contibutions."

So, insurance expert Steve, if there had been no wind, would there have been a flood?

Insurance: Ray Bourhis

"Fighting for the Rights of Insurance Policyholders" site that helps people hold insurance companies accountable . . . of course, you'll never need them. I'm sure only bad people have problems collecting on their insurance.

One Publican congressman? That doesn't even deserve an answer . . .

[joanie]

recife: Joanie I do know what context he was speaking of, and he was addressing his fellow countrymen. And as for shades of gray, I suppose so, I mean you can be partly murdered right? You can be partly wronged, correct? And how easy it is to point to Europe and say we should be like them, when you have no idea what it is really like. Joanie there is such a thing as right and wrong, and socialism is wrong.

Well, this is tantamount to no answer at all. Black and white thinking . . . quotes that are irrelevant to our current situation. No substance . . . no thoughtfulness . . . no intellectual discourse at all.

As for partly murdered - wtf does the mean? What does murder have to do with anything. How is that relevant?

Dead is dead. But how one died has many possilbe considerations; intent has a lot to do with consequence. You see, nothing is simple Recife.

And, according to the insurance companies who covered Katrina, you certainly can be partly wronged . . . collect for wind but not for flood . . . how much damage was caused by which? Sounds like "partly wronged" to me. If wronged by wind, we pay. If wronged by flood, we don't pay. Hmm . . . who is to decide?

I know . . .should be black and white, but it isn't. What would poor Recife do if he had a vacation home in Louisiana? I know, accept his losses, pat his insurance company on the back, and give them more money. I'm sure.

Ah, I ask knowing I shall receive no answer. You have none. Your thinking cannot decipher such complex issues.

Again, you people on the right try to simplify everything. You are devoid of reflection, understanding, or common sense. You are downright scary.

Socialism is wrong? What is socialism? Do we have it? Is France the old Soviet Union? Is England's socialism the same as in France? Is our socialism more or less than England's? Does Canada have more or less than England? I'm confused and you are the expert: socialism is wrong. You said it. Are these countries all socialist? Why don't they change to our way if it is wrong?

So tell me, what is socialism and how much do we have and where is it and what would you change in the US to eliminate all the socialism you see that is wrong?

Does subsidizing corporations count as socialism?

[joanie]

Steve, sometimes you actually look at sources . . . try CSpan right now - CSpan 2 Comcast 25 in SEattle and watch Chalmers Johnson . . . give it a try.

[Buckaroo Banzai]

Has anyone noticed that for a blog that is supposed to be about talk radio that the banner artwork shows the classic RCA dog listening to....a record player? Not exactly accurate.....