Watched a short video by George Will yesterday, and it occurred to me that he out-cyniced even Ted Rall.
Politicians are primarily motivated purely by self-interest, i.e. getting elected and possibly promoted.
It’s true all across the spectrum — left / right / center / libertarian. Any politician who says otherwise is lying.
The only way progress is going to happen is for people to vote it in, district by district, state by state, president by president.
Who put those dastardly centrists & right wingers in power? Their constituents, that’s who. Vote them out every chance you get, and vote for the most progressive ones left standing when your ‘favorite’ isn’t available.
The establishment Democrats will know how to get things done, i.e. govern. The progressives true value is getting out their voter base to the polls. Both are needed, no ?
Rall is as nihilistic as many of the 20-somethings I know. Given their perceived pessimistic view of the world, they are ready to self-immolate, leaving the request that their ashes be flushed into the sewer. Having felt that way when I was myself that age, I tell them not to dwell on the negative so much, it’s like culturing a flesh-eating bacteria to eat your own body.
I’m not sure what my point is here. I guess a philosophy should prompt one to act virtuously, but also be consoling. Read Boethius: Rather archaic, but true. We don’t just HAVE souls — we ARE souls. We have bodies temporarily. Mock that sentiment if you want.
I am not denigrating Rall and his work. He’s like a reporter on the political battlefield, commenting on the casualties and critiquing strategies. It’s a valuable role, and sometimes it might help.
Contrary to the bulk of comments here, I think Ted is spot on. The ferocity with which “establishment” Democrats fight against progressives, compared with their typical rapprochement with Republicans, shows clearly that their true loyalty lies with the rich and powerful.
For an illustration of this situation, view the Youtube video by Matt Orfalea, which contains clips from MSNBC and, I think, CNN, both of which are supposedly “left” media. Then look at MSNBC and consider how little there is there that isn’t focused on Trump.
Ted blew this one. His analysis is all wrong. Pelosi wouldn’t have gone along with impeachment without the whole of the Dems for it. This isn’t an attempt to kill the progressives but a feeling of desire to do their duty as outlined by the US Constitution. This is a noble act in the face of being possibly hurt at the polls in 2020. Sure, for the present, the Dems primary is off the front burner, but with the first primary the media attention will swing back. And with Trump’s obstructionism adding nails to his coffin, the impeachment trial may be over by December leaving the primary in full view of the media.
That sounds like something the Russians would try to sell to re-elect tRump and continue dividing us. Warren just moved into 1st place in the polls amidst all the impeachment talk. But that doesn’t matter. A ‘progressive’ doesn’t have what it takes to beat tRump one on one. A ‘progressive’ would need an impeachment.
Maybe I’m wrong but I would like to believe that people can track more than one thing at a time. But now 12 things: part of the problem is we still have 12 D candidates coming up on the 4th and 5th D debate, while Trump and his cronies continues to dismantle the Rule of Law. It’s easy to argue the D’s should not spend time on impeachment, which has perhaps a 5% chance of removing Trump. If Trump doesn’t go, the little power the Democratic Party has will completely disappear. Then the Democratic Progressives and Moderates can be the dogs in the alley fighting over the last dead rat. Of course always keeping in mind that Zombie Trump’s life support system appears to be 90% of the Republican Party which is on a long-term plan to ensure that the SCOTUS and the Senate are conservative for the next 26 years or more. When they also have the White House, their agenda just marches on.
It’s just more of the Democrats ignoring their base and catering to the big money ‘moderates’ . Impeachment won’t make anyone that doesn’t already support Trump begin to support him. His supporters don’t seem to care about his accomplishments or, more accurately, lack of accomplishments. His support is based on his repugnant personality, which says a lot about his supporters. I believe impeachment would move people into the anti-Trump category and would aid the Democrats in 2020. I think it would be especially helpful in flipping the Senate because Trump is pretty much dead meat. Far too many people are now firmly anti-Trump and will remain so. It makes sense to me and the Democrats’ ‘strategy’ if that’s what you call it doesn’t. Hey, what do I know, I’m just a dirty old hippie?
Do you support democracy protests in Hong Kong or worry about the American dollars lost by NBA owners and some players? To quote DA Mayor, “Doctor, always do the right thing.”
Why does your comic say “the corrupt Bidens”? Sure rich kids getting lucrative positions because of their parents connections is kind of lame, and maybe a tiny bit sleazy, but it is not unusual, and one thing Joe Biden is NOT is corrupt. And there is zero evidence to the contrary.
Time To Act: Trump’s Impeachment Inquiry Is Imperative for the World
This isn’t a game or some kind of cheap show — these are deadly serious times. Whenever abuse of power becomes the rule rather than the exception, whenever it is left unsanctioned, we see the door opened to despotism. A failure of democracy in the U.S. would be no less than a catastrophe for the rest of world. Just as America served as a positive example for decades, it could just as quickly become a negative role model for the many leaders around the world dreaming of omnipotence.
…
How long can this go on? It’s time for America to show that it’s capable of defending its democracy against the autocratic abuse of power by its president — first through an impeachment inquiry and then through impeachment itself, if necessary. In the name of its own future, but most importantly to set an example for the rest of the world.
Radish the wordsmith over 4 years ago
Elizabeth Warren is now leading the 2020 polls – Vox 9 hours ago
Elizabeth Warren Is Officially Leading the 2020 Polls – Vanity Fair 4 hours ago
A new front-runner for the 2020 Democrats? Warren edges Biden in average of polls
MarketWatch 8 hours ago
Autocrat Trump the Obstructionist needs to be impeached from his lawless destruction of the country and world.
• Thomas over 4 years ago
Watched a short video by George Will yesterday, and it occurred to me that he out-cyniced even Ted Rall.
Politicians are primarily motivated purely by self-interest, i.e. getting elected and possibly promoted.
It’s true all across the spectrum — left / right / center / libertarian. Any politician who says otherwise is lying.
The only way progress is going to happen is for people to vote it in, district by district, state by state, president by president.
Who put those dastardly centrists & right wingers in power? Their constituents, that’s who. Vote them out every chance you get, and vote for the most progressive ones left standing when your ‘favorite’ isn’t available.
WestNYC Premium Member over 4 years ago
The establishment Democrats will know how to get things done, i.e. govern. The progressives true value is getting out their voter base to the polls. Both are needed, no ?
PraiseofFolly over 4 years ago
Rall is as nihilistic as many of the 20-somethings I know. Given their perceived pessimistic view of the world, they are ready to self-immolate, leaving the request that their ashes be flushed into the sewer. Having felt that way when I was myself that age, I tell them not to dwell on the negative so much, it’s like culturing a flesh-eating bacteria to eat your own body.
I’m not sure what my point is here. I guess a philosophy should prompt one to act virtuously, but also be consoling. Read Boethius: Rather archaic, but true. We don’t just HAVE souls — we ARE souls. We have bodies temporarily. Mock that sentiment if you want.
I am not denigrating Rall and his work. He’s like a reporter on the political battlefield, commenting on the casualties and critiquing strategies. It’s a valuable role, and sometimes it might help.
WaitingMan over 4 years ago
Because the Dems nominating a moderate in 2016 worked out so well.
Van Buren over 4 years ago
It’s truly amazing the lengths that Ted Rall will go to defend Trump.
TaximanSteve over 4 years ago
Up next. Centrist Donkeys cuddle up to Dubya. All is forgiven. My Pet Goat and the wars.
Motivemagus over 4 years ago
Um…Ted, dude…seriously?
Cerabooge over 4 years ago
Contrary to the bulk of comments here, I think Ted is spot on. The ferocity with which “establishment” Democrats fight against progressives, compared with their typical rapprochement with Republicans, shows clearly that their true loyalty lies with the rich and powerful.
For an illustration of this situation, view the Youtube video by Matt Orfalea, which contains clips from MSNBC and, I think, CNN, both of which are supposedly “left” media. Then look at MSNBC and consider how little there is there that isn’t focused on Trump.
Teto85 Premium Member over 4 years ago
I forgot that underneath it all, Ted is a trumpanzee.
Ted Rall creator over 4 years ago
Without impeachment, Warren has a chance to sell her ideas and herself to the voters. With impeachment, no one covers her campaign.
preacherman over 4 years ago
Ted blew this one. His analysis is all wrong. Pelosi wouldn’t have gone along with impeachment without the whole of the Dems for it. This isn’t an attempt to kill the progressives but a feeling of desire to do their duty as outlined by the US Constitution. This is a noble act in the face of being possibly hurt at the polls in 2020. Sure, for the present, the Dems primary is off the front burner, but with the first primary the media attention will swing back. And with Trump’s obstructionism adding nails to his coffin, the impeachment trial may be over by December leaving the primary in full view of the media.
ncorgbl over 4 years ago
That sounds like something the Russians would try to sell to re-elect tRump and continue dividing us. Warren just moved into 1st place in the polls amidst all the impeachment talk. But that doesn’t matter. A ‘progressive’ doesn’t have what it takes to beat tRump one on one. A ‘progressive’ would need an impeachment.
Radish the wordsmith over 4 years ago
Who is going to vote for Trump? Greedy racist’s who imprison children?
Dictator Donald the Obstructionist is in death throes at the moment, that’s why he refuses to cooperate at all with the Dems.
The Republican silent coup needs to be voted out of office.
tims145 over 4 years ago
Maybe I’m wrong but I would like to believe that people can track more than one thing at a time. But now 12 things: part of the problem is we still have 12 D candidates coming up on the 4th and 5th D debate, while Trump and his cronies continues to dismantle the Rule of Law. It’s easy to argue the D’s should not spend time on impeachment, which has perhaps a 5% chance of removing Trump. If Trump doesn’t go, the little power the Democratic Party has will completely disappear. Then the Democratic Progressives and Moderates can be the dogs in the alley fighting over the last dead rat. Of course always keeping in mind that Zombie Trump’s life support system appears to be 90% of the Republican Party which is on a long-term plan to ensure that the SCOTUS and the Senate are conservative for the next 26 years or more. When they also have the White House, their agenda just marches on.
genome_project Premium Member over 4 years ago
Hey Ted! Warren is now leading in the composite polls, because of the supposed “dirt” on Biden that came out of the investigations.
So what is your point again?
Zen-of-Zinfandel over 4 years ago
Panel 4 – Isn’t she supposed to declare the current DEFCON status?
mattro65 over 4 years ago
It’s just more of the Democrats ignoring their base and catering to the big money ‘moderates’ . Impeachment won’t make anyone that doesn’t already support Trump begin to support him. His supporters don’t seem to care about his accomplishments or, more accurately, lack of accomplishments. His support is based on his repugnant personality, which says a lot about his supporters. I believe impeachment would move people into the anti-Trump category and would aid the Democrats in 2020. I think it would be especially helpful in flipping the Senate because Trump is pretty much dead meat. Far too many people are now firmly anti-Trump and will remain so. It makes sense to me and the Democrats’ ‘strategy’ if that’s what you call it doesn’t. Hey, what do I know, I’m just a dirty old hippie?
coop_dog1 over 4 years ago
Is it better to follow a the Constitution and do the right thing or garner more media coverage?
coop_dog1 over 4 years ago
Do you support democracy protests in Hong Kong or worry about the American dollars lost by NBA owners and some players? To quote DA Mayor, “Doctor, always do the right thing.”
hwolfe22 over 4 years ago
Why does your comic say “the corrupt Bidens”? Sure rich kids getting lucrative positions because of their parents connections is kind of lame, and maybe a tiny bit sleazy, but it is not unusual, and one thing Joe Biden is NOT is corrupt. And there is zero evidence to the contrary.
martens over 4 years ago
From Die Spiegel:
Time To Act: Trump’s Impeachment Inquiry Is Imperative for the World
This isn’t a game or some kind of cheap show — these are deadly serious times. Whenever abuse of power becomes the rule rather than the exception, whenever it is left unsanctioned, we see the door opened to despotism. A failure of democracy in the U.S. would be no less than a catastrophe for the rest of world. Just as America served as a positive example for decades, it could just as quickly become a negative role model for the many leaders around the world dreaming of omnipotence.
…
How long can this go on? It’s time for America to show that it’s capable of defending its democracy against the autocratic abuse of power by its president — first through an impeachment inquiry and then through impeachment itself, if necessary. In the name of its own future, but most importantly to set an example for the rest of the world.
https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/opinion-trump-s-impeachment-inquiry-is-imperative-a-1290654.html
It’s not just “centrist Democrats” who are worried and hope for impeachment.
mitchkeos Premium Member over 4 years ago
Sometimes Rall hits it right on the head. This is not one of those times.