Millionaires Only

In case you haven't heard, Johnathan Tasini was beaten in the Democratic Primary by Hilliary Clinton on Tuesday. I know that was a while back but bear with me, I've been a little swamped lately. Unfortunately, in our great political system where only Democrats and Republicans can win, someone must also be rich enough to combat the filthy, corrupt corporate money machine that spews out money faster than it is created. The turnout was abysmal, running at about twenty-two percent. What the hell is wrong with people? Still, Tasini was able to tap into 17% of the total vote. Not bad for an anti-war candidate who didn't have the name recognition and money to properly campaign against Clinton.

This, however, is sickening. It seems that only a millionaire with enough guts to run has a chance, if that, to beat an entrenched incumbent. It's sad that Clinton didn't face her Iraqi, pro-"war" vote. She needs to. Along with all the other Democrats and Republicans who were/are cheering on the President every step of the way. She didn't want to debated him, most likely because the "war" would be a major issue. She "cut and ran" from her opponent because she knew that the political machine will take care of her. My hope is that one day she will face her vote and recant that. If she plans to run in 08, go for it but make it know that I, and many others I have spoken with, refuse to support a pro-"war" Democrat. I can't do it. Even coming into '06, Iraq is the first and foremost issue. I'm fortunate that my Democrat Representative is anti-war and is part of the " Get out of Iraq" Congressional Caucus. I will proudly vote for him. If the Democrats wish to succeed in 2006 and 2008, they need to pay attention and unify on the important issues. 65% of the public now disapproves of the way Dubya is handling the "war" and 51% says that we made a mistake going in. Now I've seen polls with varying numbers but the point is that people are fed up. The Democrats need not wait until 80, 90, or 95% of the population disapproves of the mess.

However, in some cases this can also be a good thing. Anti-war candidate Ned Lamont was able to topple an eighteen-year incumbant. Ned Lamont was able to tap into the discontent with LOSERman, is a millionaire and has tremendous grassroots support. Ned Lamont is the real deal, as they say, and those who think otherwise or don't know much about him should check him out. In this case, we lucked out. His victory in August restored my faith that change can happen for the better and that it is us who control what happens. His victory in November will only strengthen the anti-war message; instead of a Bush Inc lapdog, we will soon have a Senator who speaks for all of us when we say "Out of Iraq NOW!".

Will the Democrats unite? Or fall like a house of cards??