Comments on: The Hankster: Where the independents are 8/7/09 http://donklephant.com/2009/08/07/the-hankster-where-the-independents-are-8709/ Big Teeth. Huge Ass. Surprisingly Reasonable. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:36:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 hourly 1 By: Gwen http://donklephant.com/2009/08/07/the-hankster-where-the-independents-are-8709/comment-page-1/#comment-532891 Gwen Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:48:16 +0000 http://donklephant.com/?p=16117#comment-532891 I know polling institutes have to have a reason for existence, but I find the constant barrage of polling numbers, particularly when it's not election time, to be so misleading and blurring of what's really going on in the country (and I use "really" very liberally here). I think multiple things are happening, including that 1) we still live in a very divided, complex country where people are deeply conflicted about race, status, beliefs, you name it and 2) most independents are independents because they don't believe that any politician is the be all and end all - including Obama. That a large number of independents voted for Obama, yet don't hold him as the answer is not surprising. On the other hand, I think independents are willing to give Obama a chance to do what he can do in a deeply damaged system - and I think he's doing a good job of just that - doing what he can do. Unfortunately, given how partisan the process is, that's limited. Polls just invite people to complain. Building an independent movement gives us a fighting chance to do something about it. Gwen www.independentvoting.org I know polling institutes have to have a reason for existence, but I find the constant barrage of polling numbers, particularly when it’s not election time, to be so misleading and blurring of what’s really going on in the country (and I use “really” very liberally here). I think multiple things are happening, including that 1) we still live in a very divided, complex country where people are deeply conflicted about race, status, beliefs, you name it and 2) most independents are independents because they don’t believe that any politician is the be all and end all – including Obama. That a large number of independents voted for Obama, yet don’t hold him as the answer is not surprising. On the other hand, I think independents are willing to give Obama a chance to do what he can do in a deeply damaged system – and I think he’s doing a good job of just that – doing what he can do. Unfortunately, given how partisan the process is, that’s limited. Polls just invite people to complain. Building an independent movement gives us a fighting chance to do something about it.

Gwen
http://www.independentvoting.org

]]> By: Michael Silverton http://donklephant.com/2009/08/07/the-hankster-where-the-independents-are-8709/comment-page-1/#comment-532478 Michael Silverton Sat, 08 Aug 2009 02:04:01 +0000 http://donklephant.com/?p=16117#comment-532478 What a great surprise to find you here at the Donklephant, Nancy! You know, given the #tinfoilhat brigade tactics of the GOP, it's hard for me to envision a viable balance to the Dems, moving forward. The time seems ripe for another evolutionary step in the American experiment. Perhaps the Blue Dogs could or should begin staking out a more defined platform and become the New Voice of the Reasonable Right or something. This is a very real concern to me, because it's NOT GOOD to have an effectively single party system, even if it's historically been "my" party. We need the check and balance of a viable Loyal Opposition. Better yet, several. Between Limbaugh simultaneously jumping the shark in strict compliance with Godwin's Law http://u.nu/6h7s and these embarrassing Townhall Tantrums, the GOP has literally become a laughing stock. On the one hand, it's awesome to see many of the hardcore creations kooks finally exposed for what they are; on the other hand, One Party is a Really Bad Idea. Perhaps the next couple of election cycles are poised to offer a chance to significantly change the American political landscape toward a truly open, multi-party democracy. Hmmm ... now you've got me thinking ... Technoprogessives, Unite! This may be our time to align in collective action to empower our nation to lead beyond the event horizon of post-industrialism and emancipate humanity from the shackles of want and war, at long last. What a great surprise to find you here at the Donklephant, Nancy! You know, given the #tinfoilhat brigade tactics of the GOP, it’s hard for me to envision a viable balance to the Dems, moving forward. The time seems ripe for another evolutionary step in the American experiment. Perhaps the Blue Dogs could or should begin staking out a more defined platform and become the New Voice of the Reasonable Right or something. This is a very real concern to me, because it’s NOT GOOD to have an effectively single party system, even if it’s historically been “my” party.

We need the check and balance of a viable Loyal Opposition. Better yet, several.

Between Limbaugh simultaneously jumping the shark in strict compliance with Godwin’s Law http://u.nu/6h7s and these embarrassing Townhall Tantrums, the GOP has literally become a laughing stock. On the one hand, it’s awesome to see many of the hardcore creations kooks finally exposed for what they are; on the other hand, One Party is a Really Bad Idea.

Perhaps the next couple of election cycles are poised to offer a chance to significantly change the American political landscape toward a truly open, multi-party democracy. Hmmm … now you’ve got me thinking … Technoprogessives, Unite! This may be our time to align in collective action to empower our nation to lead beyond the event horizon of post-industrialism and emancipate humanity from the shackles of want and war, at long last.

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