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Subscribe to RSSIn the wake of the shootings in Arizona, the head of the centrist group Third Way penned a letter to congressional leaders with suggestions of ways to turn down the temperature on political rhetoric and build more bipartisanship.
Among the suggestions:
1. Mixed (bipartisan) seating at the SOTU, to avoid the spectacle of one side jumping up to applaud and the other sitting glumly.
2. A bipartisan retreat for each house of Congress.
3. Regular visits to the district/state of a member of a different party.
The letter is addressed to House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). In it, Third Way President Jonathan Cowan writes:
"This is a moment of tragedy and reflection for the body you lead. We believe--as you all do--that perhaps a greater, more enduring sense of comity and common purpose can emerge from the senselessness in Tucson. We also share you belief that civility can fit comfortably with strong political views and that profound substantive disagreements about the governance of our nation can be deliberated without vitriol."
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Unfortunately, I'm afraid it will fall on dear ears...
The next couple of weeks will be very telling when we see who actually steps up and walks the walk instead of all the nodding of heads the last couple of days...
Talk is after all - cheap!
If any candidate tries these ideas what you will hear from the far Left/Right is PRIMARY THEM – their Dino’s/Rino’s.
Exactly, Feisty. Unless they also do something about the guns, it's all just words, and it won't last very long while FAUX and Rush can make a buck off hatred.
Hey Anna Molly!
Long time no see... good to have you back!
Speaking of guns, I heard yesterday that NH is going to allow 'open carry' in the State House!
How f#%$ed up is THAT!
Who is planning to make a "buck off hatred"?
Moveone.org, that is who
http://pol.moveon.org/debatenothate/
Disgusting. Just disgusting.
Doctor No,
This link is to a petition to Congress and the TV news networks to call for an end to all overt and implied appeals to violence in American politics.
It does not ask for or suggest a donation.
Anna - you know as well as I that Fox and Rush aren't the only ones "making a buck off hatred." There are hatemongers on both sides getting rich by throwing red meat out to emotional partisans.
Intelligent people need to step away from the haters, stop patronizing the one-sided, slanted news and opinion shows and demand a more balanced dialouge. We need to start talking to each other and stop throwing rocks at those who have different beliefs.
You may see a color as blue, I may see the same as blue-green. Doesn't mean one of us is wrong or lying.
@aer092 ~ no argument there, except the right seems to have a few more of them, and theirs are, in general, a notch or two more virulent.
By the way, I love the blue/blue-green example. I've always wondered about that.
@ Feisty ~ pretty messed up. What do you think about renaming state houses "saloons"? Serve up some alcohol and maybe they'd even stick around and do the people's business once in a while.
And then again, maybe we'll get lucky and they'll start doing to each other what the voters never seem to be able to do.
"We have met the enemy and he is us!" - Pogo, 4/22/1970
I have no problem with the contents of the letter and it might have some positive results if the recommendations were followed.
I do not however believe Third Way is a moderate group, I think they are in fact conservatives from both parties, who's real goal is to eviscerate the progressive movement. Their is no equivalency between teabaggers and the far right, and progressives.
Please tell me that I'm misinterpreting your post as, "Conservative = Good! Progressive = Bad!"
Yes you are. I mentioned "far right" conservatives.
It reminds me of the No Labels group yet what we hear from the group is mostly conservative leaning.
Your post is devisive and an example of exactly what is wrong with our current potitical environment. It should not matter if the group is conservative or liberal. The letter is just someone trying to address the problem. Disagree with the words on the paper that's fine don't disagree because of the person or group that wrote it.
Do Man. I did agree with the what they said. And we will always have disagreements about the best way forward. The issue is how do we do it in a civil way.
I think that they should be reminded that they also represent the people who didn't vote for them. Not everyone shares you views and you should represent all of people of your district. Compromise and civility are not four letter words.
Do Man. Who knows, maybe this will be a wakeup call for everyone, we can only hope.
Imagine my surprise! This is what should be happening in the Congress and with all of the American people. Joe hats off!
Scarborough On Giffords Shooting: ‘Is This Not A Time For People, Like Sarah Palin…To Apologize?
SCARBOROUGH: So Pat, is this not a time for people, like Sarah Palin, who have used violent imagery – she just has. I know some of my conservative friends and family members won’t like that reality. Or, Michele Bachmann, who said she wants Minnesotans armed and dangerous. Isn’t this an opportune time for them to apologize -– not saying that it led to anything — but just saying that they’ve been irresponsible in their rhetoric and they’re going to be more careful moving forward? […]
I am just saying though, I mean, God, you’ve worked for two presidents. Would you not be in there if you were working for Sarah Palin right now, saying, go out and say it had nothing to do with this shooting, but you understand that it was irresponsible, and you’re going to be more careful moving forward. Wouldn’t you give her that advice if you were her aide
Still, there is danger of overcorrecting. Rep. Robert Brady (D-PA) has said he will introduce a bill that would make it a federal crime to use rhetoric or symbols — such as Palin’s infamous gun sights — that could be perceived as a threat to a member of Congress. While Brady’s intentions are laudable, as legal blogger Jonathan Turley notes,
Brady’s legislation is “short-sighted” and would likely infringe on First Amendment rights. Brady’s efforts might be better directed as a Congressional resolution expressing strong disapproval of violent political speech and symbols, but stopping short of criminalizing such speech
I would recommend “Impeachment” if Presidents can be impeached so can our Congress folks, in the Senate and the House.
American it’s time to consider “Impeachment” for those in congress who engage in this type of behavior.
We hired these people in congress to take care of the People’s business not their own personal benefits and the personal benefits of corporations, bankers, wallstreet, etc.
http://usactionnews.com/2011/01/democratic-leadership-council-had-target-map-in-2004/
Yes. like the Violent Imagery used by the 2004 Democrat leadership counci. before even Sarah was on the national Political Scene.
Our Senators and Representatives should all be reminded that they were elected to represent the people of the United States of America. Nobody was ever elected to represent either the Democratic or the Republican Party!
I like your comment, Do Man - and it's funny actually that people seem to forget that about our president. If progressives feel betrayed that Obama extended tax breaks to the very wealthy, they should be reminded that he's not just their president and compromise is necessary.
How Addressing Security For Our Citizens As Well considering the tragedy?
Refusal To Re-Implement The Ban On Assault Weapons Both Dems & Republicans Let The Law Expire? Why?
David Frum On Tucson Tragedy: Let’s Blame Pot Rather Than Easy Access To Guns
It should be noted that, of course, marijuana is illegal.
However, the extended magazine that Loughner used in the shooting — which allowed him to get off as many shots as he did before he was subdued — was illegal until the assault weapons ban expired in 2004
Lax Gun Control Laws Allowed Mentally Ill Shooter To Buy Previously-Banned Magazine Clip
Time To Hold Sen. McConnell & Congress Accountable
Both Dems & Republicans Let The Law Banning Assault Weapons Expire about a year ago.
What Were The Statistics during the time the weapons were banned?
Was There A Decrease In Violence? We want the report on these numbers. Why did congress fail to re-implement the Ban? Based On What Information? Specifically Documented Information?
Mr. McConnell To Speak To Us The American About What You Think didn’t cause the tradedy in the absence of doing what we pay the congress to do is Being Totally Iresponsible
We fully expect Congress to report back to the Media and the America people with the Facts relative to the following
When these assault weapons were banned we want the numbers,
How many were taken off the streets?
How many are on the streets now?
What were the violence numbers then and now?
Who’s tracking these assault weapons now that Congress has let the Ban Expire?
Should those numbers require action, what’s the next steps? Why don’t they they require action now?
Finally Amy wrote:
Australia banned these semi-automatic weapons after a mass killing, and they have not experienced tragedies on this scale since. Why does the USA work so hard to keep weapons out of the hands of rogue states, but any lunatic or drug dealer can buy weapons designed to kill enemy soldiers in our own communities?
Final Question for Congress
Did congress do what good business folk do check with other countries relative to their experiences, impact, results and facts?
Specifically why is Congress continually refusing to conduct a Review of these laws?
Political reasons, corporate impact, please provide a clear response with supporting documentation.
Since the weapon used according to the media is one of those that would have been banned how can you say it would not have made a difference
If the ban were still in Place Mr. McConnell, how would this man been able to harm our citizens and so easily
In any event Congress has become complacent with telling the American people what they “Think”
From this point, we only want the facts, that is what the American people pay Congress to do
Media do your Job Ask the questions, Get the facts!
Finally something that made sense.
Glock 9mm is not an assault weapon. Garden variety semi-automatic pistol sold primarily for personal defense. Rep. Giffords even owns a Glock 9mm.
The AWB (Assault Weapon Ban) had a provision for high capacity magazines that also applied to pistols. The ban prevented the manufacture or import of the big clips, but didn't outlaw them. The Arizona shooter would have still had one, it would have been used and would have cost him an extra $5.00.
Australia? Got a link for their banning semi-auto pistols? Never heard that. Nevermind, it doesn't matter.
They can do what they want. This is America, I like our Constitution - we don't need to follow Australians, French, British or anyone else.
Anyway, you asked for facts, those are the facts.
I can see this letter hitting McConnell's garbage can the moment it lands on his desk. This is a guy who gloated that his singular goal is to limit Obama to one term by any means necessary. No amount of good will or centrist ideology will derail that die hard agenda!
It sounds good, looks good on paper. At least people are talking about it; that's a step forward from the denial in early 2010 that the heated rhetoric was a problem. There are many ways to change the tone and one of the first is to stop referring to everything as "job killing" because it simply is not. Want to stop the labels, then stop labeling legislation something it is not. That would be a step toward being honest with voters.
A bi-partisan "retreat" would only be good if they don't retreat to their own corners. My experience with retreats is facilitators who charge outrageous fees for having the participants fall backwards trusting the person behind really will catch them.
My Squad Leader in the Army once told me that "Perception is reality". Well, let me share with you my perception with this statement:
" After Saturday's event, I feel that I no longer can trust Conservatives/Republicans/Tea Partyers."
Dangerous statement, isn't it? Well, given the fact that this was started during the 2008 Presidential Election, and add to the fact that many PROLIBDEMS have been warning about the rhetoric the GOTP has used at their rallies and town hall meetings, culminating into the events that has unfolded before our eyes, could you blame me for making that statement? No doubt, there are those conservatives who would be justified in not trusting us on the Left. What would make it dangerous is if I ACT ON THAT STATEMENT, and I have NO INTENTIONS OF DOING SO!!!
So now that we have established that, where do we go from here?
It would do no good for us Liberals to go out and load up on guns and ammo, because that would mean that we have reconciled with the fact that there is no further use in talking to you, and our perception would be that violence, fear and paranoia, all thatyou exude in the name of patriotism, is the ONLY thing you understand, and will escalate into a domestic arms race. Imagine it: A Political Civil War that would rival the Bloods and Crips War, ONLY THIS TIME, our ideolgy and ethics would be the bloody line that separates us; and in the middle of the boundries that make up states, counties/parrishes, cities and neighborhoods, our children; the ones that we are suposed to be teaching tolerance to, will learn how to be intolerant and inflexible as their parents.
So, against my better judgement, for the sake of MY children, and for the hope of a prosperous future, I'm going to open up a dialogue with those Conservatives who blog on here with this question: What steps should we take to ensure that this tragedy NEVER sees the light of day again?
Take and uphold an Oath to tell the truth and stop the SPIN. I really believe that "the truth can set you free".
Say what your going to do then do what you said.
If you were wrong admit it and move on.
Don't make promises you can't keep if you can't fullfil your promises don't blame someone else, it's your fault, apologize and try to make things right.
and finally do unto others as you would have them do unto you
Change the laws that protect the rights of the mentally deranged to avoid diagnosis or treatment.
That will do the most to prevent a further tragedy.
It is amazing that the very proponents of the nanny state fight for the rights of the mentally ill to remain free.
Man, you can just count on no jo to put the ugliest spin EVER on anything she says. "It is amazing that the very proponents of the nanny state fight for the rights of the mentally ill to remain free." So, ALL mentally ill should be institutionalized, is that it no jo? By the way, challenge. Provide a link that supports your contention. What are you proposing, no jo; anyone with a diagnosis be warehoused? They were in the old days, in large state institutions. In fact, some families just dropped kids off to be raised in those institutions during the depression. Normal children became institutionally handicapped. Is that what you are suggesting that we go back to? Here's an idea: why don't you lead the way, and insist that mental health treatment is at par with physical health treatment, that insurance companies must cover it? That way those who really need help can access it. That would go a long way to resolving people not receiving treatment.
Would you be so kind as to define mentally deranged? Anyone with a psychosis? Bipolare Disorder? OCD? Just waht do you mean? What changes would you make to the laws regarding mental illness?
Well, okay, but that's just words. Maybe they could also do something about guns.
I won't hold my breath.
Baby steps!
The Third Way letter seems to be on point and a good starting point to bring the divided factions of the U.S. citizenry together rather then continuing to drive them apart based on rhetoric and hate.
I checked out the Third Way web site and while the co chairs are predominantly Democrats, I think this could be the basis for a bipartisan conference/caucus in Congress that could lead to some real good.
Some posters here and in other places seem more interested in keeping the hate fest going than in bringing civility to government and society
What do you say is this worth a try?
John Boehner needs to step down he allowed his party to lie unchecked for 2 years ...he created this atmosphere . Under his poor leadership now.... murders have been committed ...Had he nipped all this lying in the bud ...maybe this never would have happened ! He cant be trusted... and i am asking him as an American ......... STEP DOWN you have failed "AMERICA" !!
An article in the Wall Street Journal today indicated the murderer (Loughner) had been obsessed with Representative Giffords since 2007. Your pointing fingers at Representative Boehner does absolutely nothing but further incite.
Okay, this morning I went so far as to defend Sarah Palin. I said that I knew that she didn't give Jared Loughner the gun and I knew that she didn't tell him to start shooting.
But then one of her handlers, Rebecca Mansour, appears on Tammy Bruce's radio program and gives us this nugget...see, those weren't bullseyes on the map that she posted. Those are "surveyor symbols".
ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME?!
C'mon, we're not stupid!!!
Did they really call them "surveyor symbols." That is truly retarded.
Yes they did, in writing. However, following the Nov. elections Sarah tweeted something to the effect of -remember those bullseyes, well we won 18 out of 20- and now they want to say they were surveyors marks. My dad always said "If you're not guilty don't act guilty". Think she's trying to cover her slowly expanding arse.
Among the suggestions:
Hmmmmm..... imagine that !!!???........ FORCED SEGREGATION FOR CONGRESS ???!!!
Do you know the difference between segregation and desegregation? If you do, what is the point of your comment?
Limbaugh will attack any Republican who tries to engage with a Democrat. Look at the Senate votes in the lame duck. Every Republican who voted with the dems on START, Don't Ask Don't Tell were told they wold get primary challenges from the Tea Party. THe parties are held captive by the etreeme elements within them.
hey, what happened to the "no labels" party? lol, guess when they found out this guys a libertarian they went back to the libs to get new orders.
Delaware here, we fired Castle, a "no labels" member. he, as well as his new group, are a sham.
******FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*****
Because we didnt have Obamacare, this misunderstood youth was not able to get mental health care...that is why this tragedy happened. Disregard previous memos regarding Tea Party responsibility unless used to reinforce above (maintain derogatory alternative lifestyle practice when referencing Tea Party unless addressing alternative lifestyle individuals)
Minister of Propaganda