The lessons learned from this year's midterm elections are clear. Democrats won key races and the majority by turning the Red states of the Heartland Blue. Indiana, which has voted for the Republicans in 16 of the last 17 presidential elections, sent three new Democrats to Congress. This was no accident – the model of fiscal responsibility, tough and smart on national security, sharing the values of middle class families and valuing progress over partisanship has proven successful in my 5 state-wide victories and was equally successful for Joe Donnelly, Brad Ellsworth, and Baron Hill.
These elections offer Democrats a real opportunity to put American back on the path to greatness. I am hopeful that we can all come together to make real progress.
Having served two terms as Governor and in my second term as Senator from a state whose electorate is 63 percent Republican and Independent I have learned that if Democrats are going to win in predominantly Red states we need to appeal to Independents and sensible Republicans to be successful. Joe, Brad, and Baron knew this and all used this model to their benefit. Joe focused on trade and bringing back high-paying middle class jobs to the community. Brad was a tough and smart democrat who made national security his main issue and Baron reached out to voters who wanted a candidate who shared their values and would end the corruption and partisanship in Washington.
On Tuesday the American people sent a strong message to Washington that they are sick of the partisanship, the ideological extremism, and the corruption that has impeded our path to national greatness. They voted against business as usual in the nation's capitol. Now we must step up to this challenge and show them that we can be something other than the mirror image of the Republicans. We have an opportunity, a moral responsibility, and a political imperative to deliver on issues that matter to most middle class Americans. But before we can begin to address middle class concerns we must first prove to the American people that they can trust us to keep them safe. Families will not trust us to provide their children with the best education in the world if they first don't trust us to protect them from terrorists. The American people for the first time in decades now say they trust Democrats more or equal to Republicans to keep them safe. This is due in large part to the Republican incompetence in Iraq and on Homeland Security issues.
We must take advantage of this and reclaim the mantle of Tough and Smart democrats like Harry Truman, Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy, and Bill Clinton. A tough and smart agenda includes among other things immediately implementing the full recommendations of the 9/11 commission and developing a responsible path towards bring our presence in Iraq to closure so that we can refocus on the threats facing America in the War on Terror.
We must recognize the challenges and unprecedented changes facing Middle Class families. Globalization, innovation, and technology have all change the world we live in and we must confront these challenges and make sure all who aspire to join and thrive in the middle class can. We live in a new global economy and the American worker is poised to lead but they need a partner in the Democratic Party and the federal government. They need bipartisan, common sense solutions to address these issues. We must reduce our dependence on foreign oil and provide incentives for Americans to build the next generation of fuel efficient vehicles. We must make health care and a college education more affordable and we must protect the pensions that so many hard working Americans earned and deserved.
If we as a Party follow the lead of Indiana and the Heartland and are willing to reach out without selling out our progressive ideals, we can build a true majority and reclaim the White House in 2008.For more from Evan Bayh please visit: www.allamericapac.com
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Comments: 106
any party that didn't learn lessons from this election will suffer in 2008. what if neither party learns. i don't know what would happen then.
I certainly agree that the outcome of the election was a good thing for the future of our nation. I personally felt the result was overdue, illustrative of Lincoln's statement on the impossibility of fooling all the people all the time.
I sort of need a break from elections- not ready yet to think about reclaiming the White House in 2008. In the meantime my hope is that the compromises that will be made between a President and a Congress will be informed by a devotion to the long term rather than the short term. What do I mean by that? I would like the positions of both camps to focus on public policy rather than 2008. I would like compromises to minimize the role of Exxon, GM, and AARP in crafting legislation. I would like someone to speak for our great-grandchildren even though, not being born yet, they have no ability to argue their own interests.
I think that Reid and Pelosi have already taken a vital first step in this area by opening up the Conference Committees to the press. Fresh air and public scrutiny will now force pork peddlers to back it down several notches. Yeay! If they proceed along those lines, and resist the temptation to follow a bad example and humiliate the Congressmen across the aisle, they will prove themselves to me and to alot of other voters. In that case the next election will take care of itself.
I am impressed that you choose to post here on Gather, Mr. Bayh. Thank you and good luck.
I hope and trust that you will find the conversation here informed and insightful. I look forward to your thoughts in the days to come.
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Tom Gerace is founder and CEO of Gather
As you seek to maintain your majority in Congress and win the White House in '08, I respectfully suggest while you attempt to further your progressive agenda, you also take measures to correct some of the other long-standing issues that concern the voters. Among them is the "earmark" problem and "riders". The recent controversy over these two subjects has tarred all of Congress. We voters would like to see responsible elected officials take a stance against and maybe even seek to reform these practices and truely prove someone is looking out for the American Joe regardless of his political stripe.
We have two years to see if any meaningful change will occur and just who is willing to keep the interests of all American citizens in mind. Will it continue to be "business as usual" from a different political viewpoint or will you and your collegues actually practice what you preach? Will all due respect Senator, the onus is on you and your party.
Thank you
I, too, look forward to hearing more of your ideas, thoughts and insight to keep us informed about the future of the Democratic party and our great nation.
First, let me say, Welcome to Gather. I hope you enjoy reading, writing and sharing opinions with us.
As a former, (as of 11/1) autoworker I was relieved to see the elections go the way that they did. Even though I am without a job I am much more hopeful for my future and that of my children. When the Republicans took control of Washington they neglected the middle and lower classes and began to reshape the country in their own image. I recall the Republican party spokespeople stating they felt they had a "Mandate from America." What we ended up with was an immoral, arrogant, and completely out-of-touch group of representatives that openly aligned themselves with the rich. Their behavior reminded me of the children's story "The Emperor's New Clothes." I for one hope that the Democratic party will learn from the mistakes and missteps of the Republican party and remember all the people they represent, not just the wealthiest. Then maybe our children will have a future and I will be able to find a job that pays a decent wage.
I'll avoid getting star struck and try to post to the content you have kindly given us. My family is lower middle class. We rarely vote democrat. In fact, my husband never votes democrat. I, personally, think the lessons learned for democrats in Ohio is to put a bunch of initiatives like min. wage on the ballot to draw out poor democrats who generally distrust politicians on both sides, but are more apt to vote for anyone with a d beside their name.
My husband and I have scraped and struggled to get where we are. At times we felt as though we were at war with the government in our desire to move up in society. For example, government babysitting programs have ensured that the poorer people have childcare. Meanwhile, low middle class people are unable to pay the same wages that the government pays childcare workers and thus are stuck in the middle. The same occurs with rent. I cannot tell you how many times we were made to realize that if we were on government assistance we could actually live in better neighborhoods and have more of our rent paid for. Instead, we scraped by and just made it. While it has been several years and we have moved up from where we were, it has been a struggle. However, we are both cognizant of the fact that soon our children will want to attend college. After seeing specials on television about the cost of college, and realizing that the government is helping drive up the cost of that as well, we are concerned.
Quite frankly, many in the lower class don't trust words. We trust action. Min. wage helps our teenage kids and our grandparents. I, personally, don't see much difference in the results from either party. The rhetoric is usually different, the end results are usually the same.
It's nice to hear that democrats are for the middle class - but then the republicans said the same thing. The good thing about the democrats winning is that there is division and when government is divided less laws that infringe on our freedom and privacy are passed - so I don't consider the democratic wins a bad thing.
Thank you for participating in this forum. It demostrates an admirable amount of transparency and reliablity on your part. There seem to be few elected officials willing to not only listen, but to actually open themselves up to a real discussion. So thank you.
In your article you mention the necessity of implementing the recommendations fo the 9/11 committee. Can you highlight those recommendations that you think have the most immediacy? I would like to gain a clearer sense of what exactly the words "implement 9/11 recommendations" mean in terms of expectations for the first few weeks of the new congress.
Having heard you speak many times you have stated a clear and well enunciated opinion that reaches out to moderates and independents. That is clearly a path to a better America as there are fewer and fewer people who identify with either party.
Indeed, it is extremism that is rejected by the middle. Most Americans want to live their life in peace with the government doing what it needs to protect our interests. Both sides should learn the lesson of 2006 that we are neither a blue or a red country but rather a combination of the 2.
I'm very pleased to hear the promises about bi-partisanship, and to hear that you and maybe others in Congress understand that "we the people" strongly endorse working together.
I'm very leery though of believing too much of these promises; there are several concerns I have:
- political consultants do not make their livings promoting bi-partisanship, and all of you use them and take advice from them
- it doesn't seem to matter who is speaking; whoever it is immediately draws a "response" from the other side of the aisle, and both statements are designed to play to "talking points". How does this reflexive "play to the base" tactic advance bi-partisanship? When can we expect that members of Congress will start talking about what's right for the US instead of what's right for their party?
- all of you have to get rid of earmarks, riders and find a way to outlaw "signing statements".
- similarly, both houses of Congress need to get rid of Christmas tree bills and adding amendments to bills that bear no relation to the actual topic of the bill itself.
- both houses of Congress have to find a way to stop the lobbyists from writing bills
- both houses of Congress have to find a way to enable the Members to actually know what they are voting for; currently, it seems hardly any of you have the time to actually read the bills you pass.
- both houses of Congress need to STOP and PREVENT anyone from inserting last-minute changes to bills (like the provision that snuck through that removed inspector general oversight last month)
I hope this election gives all of us an opportunity to clean up the various messes that so frustrate so many of us. If there is something we can do to help you, I hope you will let us know what it is.
Thank you; I'm looking forward to a great dialogue here on Gather!
I will echo all the above comments by wecoming you to Gather. I personally was thrilled to see the Democrats rally last week to ensure the positive changes that MUST take place in this country. I will look forward to your posts.
I'm happy to see you taking the time from what must be a hectic schedule to connect with us here at Gather. Many of us have participated in what could only be termed as heated debate, at times, over the direction of this country, this "War on Terror", and this just passed pathetic experiment in one party rule. The first topic and the uppermost in your minds, must be ethics, and we are getting off to mixed reviews on that, already. We need to put our best feet forward, and take a cue from the Republicans, and forgo seniority, if a more effective chair is available, and in some cases, it would be wise not to have some members as the face of the Democratic party, obviously. The voters, more than anything else, could have stayed the course, if it wasn't for the graft and corruption. We need to make that first and every time, our consideration, before anything else. We need to take the lead in fiscal responsibility. We need to end this war, but in an honorable fashion. If that takes more troops, rather than drawing them down, temporarily, let's get it done, and get them home. Afghanistan, as well, should not be abandoned, but finished. Tax relief for the middle class has to be high on your list of to dos. Someone needs to investigate all the damage that has been done to all the different agencies, just by internal policy shifts, by Bush appointees. The EPA, OSHA, and FCC come to mind, first and foremost. The changes, just at the FCC, that allowed more than one ownership of media sources in an area, have changed the landscape considerably, as far as the public's access to news. It would take a lot more than two years to remedy all the changes made that make our agencies null and void, but the important ones need doing now, not later. I'll stop here, and let others chime in, but let me close by being perhaps somewhat disrespectful. We have worked hard, we have suffered much, and been made to eat a lot of crow in the last six years. You folks have two years to prove that which we have continued, against all odds, to say- That the Democrats can do things better, and will serve our country better. DO NOT BLOW IT!
The one point I think needs to be stressed is that congress must begin directly addressing problems now. Lynn G. sums up some of my concerns as well. Border security and Immigration reform are two other deep concerns that need to be paid more than lip service. Campaign finance reform and ethics reform are needed to excise the rot currently inherent to the system.
Congress was sent a message. Each side swears they received the message. Yet rather than beginning to address the issues, both sides begin either positioning themselves for the 2008 race or begin partisan bickering among themselves, which makes me wonder if they heard us at all. We the voters are not going to forget. We made our voices heard this time, and if our concerns are ignored, we can do it again but on a much grander scale.
Please work with others on both sides of the aisle to try to actually hear the concerns of the average voter. We're seeing our good jobs exported, our debt and deficit soaring, and congress totally out of control. In the end Congress serves at the will of the people, and a lot of us are really tired of seeing them work two or three days a week and accomplish next to nothing of worth.
Again, welcome to Gather. It's a pleasure to think that somehow our voices might just be heard for once.
thank you.
Thank you for your clear message and for your service. Many have already spoken about some of my concerns, so I will just add one thing. My overwhelming concern for the US at this juncture is our current standing in the world.
We have seen a mis-use of American force over the past few decades in the name of keeping our country secure. I, and many others, believe that these policies have increasingly harmed our overall security in the world, not secured it. My greatest hope is that we can get back to a position of leadership and responsibility in the eyes of our global neighbors. We need intelligent, talented, non-partisan and dedicated diplomats and experts to replace the think-tank-led war-machine that has our government leaders by the nose right now. We need to work in concert with the rest of the world as a partner and as a leader for peace.
I wish the best for you and your colleagues as you confront these issues.
I wonder if you could amplify on this:
"We must recognize the challenges and unprecedented changes facing Middle Class families. Globalization, innovation, and technology have all change the world we live in and we must confront these challenges and make sure all who aspire to join and thrive in the middle class can."
I'm not sure there's anyone who would disagree with that broad statement, but the question is what it means in practice.
Thanks
Prior to our invasion of Iraq feared there would be no good way out and events have proven my fears to have been sound. I accepted the idea "if you break it you own it" so it seems irresponsible to simply say say, "Sorry about that" and leave a failed state. But leaving a failed state in ten years is no better than leaving a failed state now. Let us all hope the Commission about to propose recommendations for extricating ourselves from Iraq comes up with a workable means.
An original supporter of the War in Iraq, I also believe we should have minimally had a basic exit strategy from the get-go. After two years you could easily see Rumsfeld's vivid failure, stubborn refusal to listen, and inability to accept responsibility... I think it was clear that the Republican idea of national defense appears to be more aptly named economic defense.
Hopefully the changes that occur in the Senate and Congress can inject some sensitivity, sensible maturity, and a sense-of-purpose that have been glaringly absent since President Bush took office.
I just hope the voters are patient, and don't expect IMMEDIATE CHANGES that are ludicrously unrealistic. To do so would be tantamount to political folly and result in a liberal over-reaction to neo-conservative ideals. I'm hoping the Democrats can find respectful and patient leadership willing to compromise until the last of the Walker clan leaves Washington.
Though a nice piece of fluff, as usual your diatribe is weak on sharing a real agenda with us the voters of America. I am one of those grass/netroots activist that delivered the Democratic Majority in this election. I put my money, time, effort and heart into helping defeat a six term Tom DeLay Republican in Sue Kelly here in New York's 19th District. I and others like myself in the grassroots are warily watching the dust settle from this election, and so far not liking what we are seeing...first and foremost on the list, is watching the Democratic Power Brokers muscling their way in for credit (Emmanuel for example, and the AFL/CIO another), while once again neither party giving us in the grass/netroots a seat at the table of power.
We'll use the race here in the 19th Congressional District as a perfect example of why it is time for Grassroots to be given a REAL VOICE, and real access to our elected officials. A group of grassroots folks got together a year and a half ago and created a website and blog called Take19 with the purpose being to expose Sue Kelly as the special interest, in the pocket of the National Chamber of Commerce, K Street, PAC cash, self serving Republican she was, rather that the illusion she presented to the voters. I myself had various assorted attack blogs up during this election cycle, and put up some 15 You Tube pieces attacking her and her record. I have no idea how many hits the Take 19 folks had, but am sure they far surpassed the 30,000 hits I generated in my various efforts...meanwhile, I begging to the National Party all but fell on deaf ears until almost the very end. We believed, and because we believed it happened. When you look at the margin of Victory (less than 5000 votes) it was our effort that won the seat for the Democrats.
Rather than speaking to us here on Gather in vague generalities, put up some specifics, and be HONEST.
1. The Iraq War...we have heard Bush since the election, and he is not changing his tune. We cannot realistically un-fund the war, as that would be unfair to our troops...yet, a change of course is necessary. Options become limited, as Bush is the Commander of our Armed Forces...looking at this reality, is it WISE for Pelosi to have taken Impeachment off the table so early? Being brutally honest here, it seems as if that possibility, or the threat of it might be the only real leverage we have in effecting change, in working towards the goal of bringing our troops home.
2. Illegal Aliens and Securing our Southern Border...the political pundits have all said the Democrats want to steer clear of this for awhile, as it is a hot potato issue. Well, I have a few questions for you on this topic...American wages for lower rung employees are depressed by over 200 Billion dollars a year, and people like myself (a small independent landscaper) have seen our business dry up and disappear as larger landscaping companies hire illegals, and in doing so bring a pricing structure to the market place that law abiding business people cannot compete with. Yet, both parties seem unwilling to truly create and enforce STRONG penalties for any business and/or individual that hires and illegal. If the news reports are to be believed, the Democrats are thinking of ABANDONING the fence, doing away with border enforcement...in short, allowing the 12-15 million illegals number continue to grow, allow illegal aliens to continue stealing our jobs, and depress our wages. Why? Why is the Democratic Party thinking about Amnesty and Guest Worker when we want SECURE BORDERS, and illegal alien criminals deported. Are you aware of the reality that anyone illegal in America with a job is guilty of NO LESS than four crimes? If our Congress and Senate are not willing to deal with this reality, then why should we as citizens of America bother respecting and obeying our laws...doing so puts us at a great disadvantage in competing with illegals not abiding by our laws. Further, our governments failure to enforce our laws on immigration at all levels (local, state and federal) is seeing many of us in the middle class pass another more hidden cost...a loss of our equity in homes. Illegals do not move into rich communities, but instead put 20,30 even 40 people in a rental in a middle or lower class neighborhood such as the one I live in, and in doing so, they lower the value of our homes, bring crime and upheaval to our communities...do not tell me this is not so, as I live it first hand. The house directly next door to mine has over 30 people living in, and fourteen cars associated it with. Calls to local government, the police, governmental agencies on local and state levels, as well as calls the ICE and Homeland Security have gotten us no help, have seen no investigations. Is it fair to let government inaction cost us our hard earned equity? If is fair that we should have to deal with illegals living right next door to us, being reminded every day of Governments refusal to enforce our laws and provide liberty and justice for all Americans...seriously, imagine how we feel knowing that certain laws can be ignored out of convenience, and now you and the Democrats want to go backwards to Amnesty, A Guest Worker Plan, and Earned Citizenship....it is not right.
3. Social Security...my wife and I are both 51. We have been paying into Social Security for 35 years now. I want to hear concrete proposals on restoring solvency to this system, and protecting the retirement funds we have paid for.
I could continue, but you get the idea...we are an angry electorate, we are tired of the games, and the special access given to BIG BUSINESS, the rich, and the elite...telling us you are going to start working for the middle class is easy, but where is the MEAT to go with the gravy....WE WANT DETAILS, concrete steps you are going to take to effect change. We do not want you DUCKING the illegal alien issue, we want our fence, we want sanctions against companies and the Catholic Church, we want deportations in large numbers, we want local police cracking down on illegals and arresting them, we want local government condemning floy houses and tenements housing 20.30 and 40 illegals. We want concrete steps spelled out on how you will save Social Security, we want to know what steps you will take to roll back tax cuts that mostly benefited the ultra rich while running up record deficits.
Prove to me, prove to the Americans that have given the Democrats the majority that you are politicians of your word....give us, give me honest answers to this post right here in this article on GATHER...in short, don't DUCK THE QUESTIONS, don't give us pabulum. At this point, America needs open honest dialogue with Washington, not talking points.
Porgie Tirebiter.
PS...if you think it easier to duck this, that's fine. I'll put it up on my own political blogs and sure it'll develop it's own momentum. America is upset, America is mad, and we are no longer willing to accept PEP talks from our elected officials.
Your views on the middle class population is a voice the sounds like the people.
I totally agree with the issue we have in international countries. We need less focus on the protection of oil and more focus on our immediate attention to the community! The youth is suffering in our community! Our future lies in their hands and we must not let the internet and web surfing train our kids. Being the parents we are, it is our obligation to provide resources and institutions for our children so they can focus more on education. I have ideas that can increase the education level for youth and also give them the skills they need to make good quality choices in life. I would love for our troops to come back home but even more i would rather my children have good quality resources and more things to do with their time other than web surfing. Interpersonal congnitive thinking ! This is what our youth needs. The ability to fix and solve their own problems without asking for their parents help. Children need to be taught how to make good quality decisions and the importance of education. It is up too us!
Thank You
Almost 24 hours later, and he has not responded to even ONE COMMENT that was left to him. Correct me if I am wrong here, but the Gather sales pitch for this thread was a CONVERSATION with the Senator.
I'm afraid I have to take exception to your inclusion of both JFK and Bill Clinton in the category of "Tough and Smart" Presidents.
JFK? Bay of Pigs. His weak-kneed failure to back up the Cuban freedom-fighters there emboldened both Castro and the Soviets, and probably had a lot to do with our having to confront the specter of nuclear holocaust in the Cuban missile crisis.
Similarly, Clinton blinked in Somalia, making the U.S. seem to lack resolve, and emboldening the likes of Osama bin Laden. In addition, sitting on his hands while thousands upon thousands of people were being slaughtered in Rwanda is an indelible black mark on his "legacy".
I do hope that the Democrats can, and will, embrace a "tough and smart" agenda in the future. Time will tell.
And, Durham brings up an excellent point. Those of us familiar with the workings of Washington D.C. know that (for example) a Speaker Pelosi will threaten to cut off funding for a military facility unless the congressman votes a certain way. Therefore, the "same old" continues, regardless of the rhetoric.
America must get back on course.
The GOP reckless spending + do nothing attitude has come to an end.
The GOP rubber stamping the president's programs is over.
An old army buddy from Terre Haute feels the same.
such open arms. I am pleased to see so many people active in our political
process. I look forward to continuing this dialogue on the future of our
Party and the direction of the country.
Several of you have asked me questions and I will do my best to respond in a
timely manner. If I do not get to your question, please feel free to send a
message to my Gather account and I will do my best to answer your questions.
Thank you and I look forward to reading the rest of your comments!
-Evan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVlZSxt6gd4
(Note, I work for Bayh's All America PAC)
-John Calvignome
I would love to hear where Senator Bayh stands on this issue and what he sees the Democratic party doing to address this huge concern of the American electorate. Politicians need to understand that we out here finally got a taste of what we can do if we're really angry and willing to go out to the polls. I see this growing over the next two years if significant progress is not made on issues of concern to the vast majority of us. We're tired of pandering to the special interests, we're tired of the corruption, and we're tired of being ignored. That's the message congress needs to hear.
I expect nothing more from the Newt either, and believe we'll simple get the republican boilerplate rhetoric, as we've just received the liberal version.
P.S. Porgie should be banned from commenting on all articles but his own. I've encountered a number of fools on gather, both liberal and conservative, but Porgie is about the best example of a blithering idiot I can think of.
Fellow Texans, I am proudly standing here to humbly see.
I assure you, and I mean it- Now, who says I don't speak out as plain as day?
And, fellow Texans, I'm for progress and the flag- long may it fly.
I'm a poor boy, come to greatness. So, it follows that I cannot tell a lie.
Ooh I love to dance a little sidestep, now they see me now they don't-
I've come and gone and, ooh I love to sweep around the wide step,
cut a little swathe and lead the people on.
Now my good friends, it behooves me to be solemn and declare,
I'm for goodness and for profit and for living clean and saying daily prayer.
And now, my good friends, you can sleep nights, I'll continue to stand tall.
You can trust me, for I promise, I shall keep a watchful eye upon ya'll...
Ooh I love to dance a little sidestep, now they see me now they don't-
I've come and gone and, ooh I love to sweep around the wide step,
cut a little swathe and lead the people on.
THE SIDESTEP
From : "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas"
(Carol Hall)
Charles Durning
i haven't seen my congressman ever, btw. mccain does hold meetings here in arizona, so he's more accessible.
Republicans lost because they lied and upended their inspired Contract With America. They lost because they reversed their ideology and followed no rules whatsoever.
Guys, this is simpler than politicians would have us believe:
1. We have a Constitution that really was meant to mean what it says. Read it. It'll take you only about a half-hour to read the whole thing, and you'll then see that you're being cheated by both big parties...the constitution is a leash on them, not on you.
2. Liberty works. The alternative does not. You can't sacrifice liberty for security because liberty has always been our security.
3. Politics screws things up. Politicians have screwed up our schools, our healthcare, our retirement...even sports is all screwed up with multi-zillion-dollar subsidies that you shouldn't tolerate.
Republicans should hang their head in shame. But Democrats shouldn't gloat. This election wasn't about either one of the big parties...it was about disgust and anger.
Please know, Senator, that we'll be watching what y'all do with suspicious eyes.
Oh, and another thing...FDR was a terrible man and a worse President. Look up the date he started collecting the CDI (Custodial Detention Index), and look up the time/dates of the infamous interment orders (to put people of Japanese, German and Italian descent into concentration camps) for yourself, and you'll see that he refused to negotiate with the moderate forces in Japan with the sole intent to bring us into the war in Europe...just as that madman Wilson had done. Then look to see what Mussolini wrote about FDR, and what FDR said about Mussolini. Look it up...they admired each other's form of fascism!
We lost more than you've been told in that war. We should've let Hitler and Stalin duke it out among themselves...
www.thefreedomfarm.com
Given our past difficulties with elections, will this congress take steps to remove the electoral college and set in place a system that will more accurately reflect the will of the people during elections?
You sir are an idiot if you think that the Democrats won anything. All that the election shows is that former blue states that had voted red in the last 8 years and have been pulling the hair screaming the Democratic talking points of doom & gloom since President Bush took office, have gone back to their old ways. I just hope that the country can withstand the coming onslaught of the Democratic majority. But I do believe that a change was necessary if only to show the citizens of this country why they had ousted the Democrats before in the first place. Soon the "New Democrats" with their supposed more moderate ideals will eventually show their true face and things will deteriorate. We will go back to skyrocketing interest rates, unemployment will begin to climb but the Democrats won't care that will only build on their base by creating a larger social underclass dependant on more government services and the cycle will spiral out of control. Also You have the gall to talk about partisanship when the Democrats are the masters of partisanship the constant screaming and filibustering to constantly stall any effort to have any meaningful accomplishments is the Democratic party's standard operating procedure. Then we have the issue of national security, they will insist that what America wants is for the troops to come home immediately (just listen to ole Hilary & Murtha) and the terrorist will see that as a weakening of our resolve and will only become emboldened to attack us again. Where America needs to stand strong and united to the threat of terrorism and injustice around the world, we will be seen as weak and unwilling to fight when the fight gets tough. While our troops continue to fight to bring the ideals of democracy to the middle east the democratic party want to cut their feet off by cutting funding for the war. To this date we continue to send troops to Bosnia & Kosovo yet I don't hear the Democrats talking about that.
"God Bless America & Our Troops"
"Semper Fi !"
Lazaro N. Valdes
P.S. by the way Porgie
You said it well…
And to Ted W. who said to Porgie " And just because you're an activist and hardworking grassroot supporter doesn't entitle you to personal time with every elected official. get a grip."
Every American has a right to an audience with his elected officials. They are after all servants of their constituents. The voice of the people and not self serving, pursuing their personal agendas.
Though I generally shy away from politics, the opportunity to interact with a member of our legislature is too great to pass up. So rather than ask about the current situation of the gov't, I'll ask the meatiest question that thus far no one in the thread has had the courage to ask.
How the hell do you pronounce your last name?
Does it rhyme with bye, bay, or even hi-yah? These are the questions people want answered.
In the meantime you may want to check out Bayh's speech on the middle class that he posted on gather that lays out Bayh's vision to strengthen America's middle class.
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976838489
For those of you interested in National Security, Bayh has also posted a copy of an editorial that he wrote with Republican Senator Richard Lugar that advocates for the creation of a nuclear fuel bank to prevent rogue states from developing nuclear weapons under the guise of "peaceful" means:
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976838499
For those of you interested in Iraq, Bayh was on PBS's Travis Smiley show last night where he discussed the current situation in Iraq and you can watch the video on YouTube below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kwe9ByOZ_gk
Senator Bayh will respond to some of your comments soon, so stay tuned!
Sen. Evan Bayh's last name is pronounced "bye".
Thanks for asking!
The fundamental problem with "moderates" is that a moderate gets shot at from both sides. The comment trail is proof of this. People wonder why such politicians avoid media like this. Well this is proof of their mistrust for the interactive media.
You sir are an idiot if you think that the Democrats won anything. All that the election shows is that former blue states that had voted red in the last 8 years and have been pulling the hair screaming the Democratic talking points of doom & gloom since President Bush took office, have gone back to their old ways. I just hope that the country can withstand the coming onslaught of the Democratic majority. But I do believe that a change was necessary if only to show the citizens of this country why they had ousted the Democrats before in the first place. Soon the "New Democrats" with their supposed more moderate ideals will eventually show their true face and things will deteriorate. We will go back to skyrocketing interest rates, unemployment will begin to climb but the Democrats won't care that will only build on their base by creating a larger social underclass dependant on more government services and the cycle will spiral out of control. Also You have the gall to talk about partisanship when the Democrats are the masters of partisanship the constant screaming and filibustering to constantly stall any effort to have any meaningful accomplishments is the Democratic party's standard operating procedure. Then we have the issue of national security, they will insist that what America wants is for the troops to come home immediately (just listen to ole Hilary & Murtha) and the terrorist will see that as a weakening of our resolve and will only become emboldened to attack us again. Where America needs to stand strong and united to the threat of terrorism and injustice around the world, we will be seen as weak and unwilling to fight when the fight gets tough. While our troops continue to fight to bring the ideals of democracy to the middle east the democratic party want to cut their feet off by cutting funding for the war. To this date we continue to send troops to Bosnia & Kosovo yet I don't hear the Democrats talking about that.
"God Bless America & Our Troops"
"Semper Fi !"
Lazaro N. Valdes
P.S. by the way Porgie
You said it well…
And to Ted W. who said to Porgie " And just because you're an activist and hardworking grassroot supporter doesn't entitle you to personal time with every elected official. get a grip."
Every American has a right to an audience with his elected officials. They are after all servants of their constituents. The voice of the people and not self serving, pursuing their personal agendas.
Very impressive speech you made at the beginning.
However, in all of the rhetoric I've heard from the Democratic Party for the last two years consists of complaining how the Republicans and President Bush have "made a mess in Iraq". I've heard NOTHING from any Democrat as to how the "mess" is going to be taken care of by Democrats.
The only real promise I've heard from any member of the Democratic Party is good ol' Charlie Rangel, who has promised to RAISE OUR TAXES.........that one, I believe!
A majority of the Democratic Party supports President Bush on amnesty for the 20 million plus illegal aliens in this country. A majority of Democratic Senators and Representatives have fought, tooth and nail, to weaken our border and leave the borders virtually unprotected.
What is the Democratic Party plan to end the practice of large corporations that move their "headquarters" and many of their subsidiary companies off-shore to avoid paying taxes?
What is the Democratic Party going to do about all of those ineffective and disastrous "free trade" agreements that end up being free only for the foreign countries, at the expense of American businesses and the American taxpayer?
What is the Democratic Party going to do to ensure that U.S. businesses employ ONLY U.S. CITIZENS instead of illegal aliens? Are you going to dramatically increase interior enforcement? Are you going to get serious and put some of those CEO's of those offending companies in prison and levy multi-million dollar fines for hiring illegals? Are you going to get serious and ensure a swift and expedient deportation of illegal aliens caught in this country? What are you going to do to force foreign countries that refuse to take back illegal aliens who came here illegally, like China?
China has refused to repatriate at least 40,000 Chinese citizens who entered this country illegally.
Why do you allow countries like Korea to block our goods, while allowing them virtually free, duty free access of their goods to our markets? As an example, Korea exports about 800,000 motor vehicles to this country and pays a very nominal 2.5% import duty on each vehicle. However, they charge almost 20% tariff on vehicles that the U.S. exports to their country. Is that fair and free trade?
Well, Sen. Bayh, you and the Democratic Party have the next two years to prove that you CAN make a difference and protect our sovereignty and national security. If you don't, you'll be involuntarily retired like some Republicans did this election.
Thank you for posting your article on Gather, you are offering the members of Gather a rare opportunity to communicate directly with one of 100 senators, not only is it important to be heard but for others to view their concerns and comments.
I hope and trust that this past election is a strong statement to all elected officials that the public wants and hopes that each of you and the members of the administrative branch will do the best that can be done to make America a stronger more compassionate democracy once again.
On a completely different subject, I was recently in Portland, Oregon and please to note that voting is conducted by mail in ballots which are scanned optically to be counted. Voting takes place several days before the day of election. The benefits are many, with 72% of the voters participating in the election and voting or polling places are accessed with ease and there is a natural paper trail should a recount be necessary. There is little opportunity for voter fraud or manipulation.
Would you be supportive of mail in voting for national elections?
Now Mr. Senator, can you speak to the quality of food served in the Senate cafeteria? Are the apples firm? Peas crisp? Egg salad generally inedible?
We're breaking new ground here people!
Charlie Day
Mill Creek, WA 98012
it appears that these are "campaign appearances"? is evan bayh thinking about running for president in 2008?
Unless both parties work together to resolve their differences before bills reach committee and/or the floor we will continue to witness the same arrogrance and gridlock that we have over the past six. It's a much more efficient use of congressional time to work out the details of a bill with a bipartisan focus rather than fight out minor differences publicly where positions harden.
All this election did was to announce that voters were sick of gridlock, partisan bickering, and corruption. It opened a door and gives the Democrats a chance. It's now up to them whether they walk through the door and make good use of the chance they've been provided, or if they return to business as usual.
I must admit that Ms. Pelosi has disappointed me thus far by allowing personalities to dictate her actions. Not liking a particular congresswoman is absolutely no reason to deny her a chairmanship if her record has earned it for her. That's not leadership; it's just more of the same old politics as usual. I hope it's not an indication of things to come. Two years isn't much time to begin getting things right, and already they're starting out on the wrong foot.
In July 2004, the 9/11 Commission made 41 recommendations to Congress. I joined with John McCain and others to turn these recommendations into law, but we immediately ran into bureaucracy and turf battles that hampered our efforts.
We made some progress, but much of the work remains dangerously unfinished.
When a report card came out last year rating our progress on the commission's recommendations, the government received 4 F's, 9 D's and no A's. Some of the most pressing unmet recommendations include screening all the cargo that comes into our ports, checking all luggage at airports, and creating one comprehensive terror watch list for passenger security.
When the new Congress starts in January, one of first priorities should be voting to aprrove the remaining recommendations. I called for exactly this while campaigning with House candidates in Indiana and throughout the country this fall.
Thanks for the question!
As a native of Indiana, but now a resident of Michigan, I have followed your career and am quite impressed. You are following the the footsteps of your father, and those are great shoes to fill. I hope you continue to seek the counsel of the average citizen. If more politicians would get to know what the people really want perhaps things will start to change. You cannot understand people if you have no direct contact with them. This goes for Americans, and negotiations with other countries. Only through dialogue and understanding will progress be made.
As a lifelong Republican, who has worked on local and national campaigns, I became fearful of the direction our country was taking before the last presidential election. I was not enamored with Sen. Kerry, but I thought at that time he was a better alternative than the direction Pres. Bush was taking us, and campaigned with the Democrats. There is no different between either side, except the need to work for the party and not for the citizens.
I consider myself an educated person. I am a journalist, freelance writer, and a former publisher of a local newspaper. I have worked within, and on the outside, to study the power of politics. I have seen many good and honorable people succumb to back scratching, and I believe the compromising of their principles, in order to get a concession vote. Politics tends to attracts people who often are more impressed with the limelight and glory than they are with relating to the average citizen - whom they are elected to represent.
I was born in the early 50's and throughout my lifetime I have seen the cost of a modest home become obscene. A new vehicle now costs more than a house did thirty years ago. It takes two people, sometimes working more than one job, in order to just get by. People are getting laid off from jobs that are being taken overseas because there are no incentives to keep them here, and no import taxes to bring products manufactured in another country by an American company to discourage the practice. Meanwhile, we are losing our middle class altogether.
Do we feel safer with the Republicans than we do with the Democrats? NO. If we allow thousands of illegal immigrants to come through our borders along Mexico, what's to say terrorists will not take advantage of this? A wall is of no use, they can burrow under it, or get a ladder to scale it. There must be some sanctions placed upon Mexico in order for them to want to keep their people in their own country. And, there must be some punishment for the people who illegally gain entry here. The government in Mexico is profiting from all the money made here by their citizens sending it home.
The last time I heard, if someone steals an identity or breaks a law, they are punished. Every person who crosses that line needs to take on an identity in order to get a job or aid, and they have to do it illegally. This is not a crime with no victims. They say they are taking jobs that we don't want, that is not true. There are many people here who have lost their jobs and would give anything to take one that an illegal has. Not just the lowest paying, or menial jobs are being taken by illegal residents.
We are not only being slapped in the face by job market, we are expected to give a portion of what we, and our ancestors who came over here LEGALLY, worked and fought to protect. In addition, we have to bow to their concessions by learning their language. Legal immigration is what built our country, illegal immigration is killing us.
When our leaders decide to tackle issues that really matter to its citizens, then we will be on the path to strengthening our nation. We have to look at the inner workings before we can expect to take on the outside world. When are we going to help the people displaced by Katrina (and not just in New Orleans)? What about the hungry and homeless in our country? How many Iraqi citizens, and American soldiers and workers have to die before we force their government to stand on it's own legs? How many people have to be out of work and lose everything they have before they wake up?
Take partisianship out of politics and make it a solution by the American people, not the Democrats or Republicans.
Thank you for listening.
But we also need to find a way to deal with the 12 million people already in our country. That's close to double the population of my state - every man, woman, and child. We couldn't track these people down and expel them from the country if we wanted to.
We have to find a way, without rewarding violating the law, to bring them out of the shadows, through steps like imposing fines, conducting criminal background checks, paying back taxes, learning English, and those kinds of things.
A stronger border and some kind of regular status for the people already here are both in our country's national security interest.
I am a 56 year-old American who wants to see all people unite for the expressed purpose of getting this country back on track. We need conservatives, we need liberals, and we need independents.
I love this counrty and every fair-minded citizen in it, no matter what "party" they come from. The ball is in the court of the American people. We can either pick it up and play or stand here and stare at it until someone comes by and takes the ball away from us. I came to play !
I dont think those of us that live in the heartland want san francisco values shoved down our throat. I hope the newly elected democrats take the conservative / middle of the road voters seriously or in 2 years there will be another change of power.
Reducing pork barrel spending is an important step towards restoring not only our fiscal sanity, but faith in our Democracy as well.
As a former Governor, I understand the importance of real fiscal responsibility and once vetoed a state budget because I didn't think it was fiscally sustainable and as a Senator I was one of only 15 Senators to vote against building the "Bridge to Nowhere."
Earlier this year, I joined a bipartisan group of senators to introduce the Pork Barrel Reduction Act to reduce opportunities for members to insert into bills special projects that are never voted on and to increase public oversight of wasteful spending.
As you may be aware, most pork barrel spending is currently added at the last minute in appropriations bills that are thousands of pages long. It is often the case with earmarks that politicians are able to slip in funding for projects that otherwise would not have gotten support.
The Pork Barrel Reduction Act would allow individual members to challenge pork-barrel projects by raising a "Point of Order", which would require a 60-vote approval for unauthorized earmarks. It would also give members more time to review conference reports so they be amended before they are sent to the President, require recipients of federal money to disclose any amount they spent on lobbyists, and give the media and public more time to study the bill for increased transparency in the process.
It is my hope that when the new Congress convenes in January that we will finally be able to get this important piece of legislation passed.
Then the clincher....OH DEAR LITTLE PEONS, I do so love you, and if......IF MY SWEET SOULS, I do not answer you on this board, do please, oh so pretty pretty please put your questions to me here at my private account (where no one will see them), so I can pretend to the world and my voters back home that I am a worldly, concerned, though (cough, cough, cough)... you know I am a very BUSY MAN, and may not be able to get back to you even then....you know, K Street lunches, morning waffle 500 dollar a plate fund raiser, PAC group calls with my supporters (the check writing kind).
__________________________________________________________________
Let ME give you DEAR SENATOR some advice...you started this saga, opted in with GATHER for this little discussion, and now you OWE SOME REAL ANSWERS, and would suggest you GIVE THEM, and RIGHT FROM THE HIP as we LIKE STRAIGHT SHOOTERS. I smell the collective blood of the bloggers and You Tubers starting to boil, because WE SMELL A SKUNK and a PUBLICITY STUNK, a little fluffer you can use with your constituents to show how COOL and WITH IT you are with the techie crowd....didn't any one tell you Mr Senator.....WE BITE! Think of a pool of Blog operatating, message board organizing, video uploading piranha when they feel some slick willy politico is trying to pull a fast one on us! It's looking like that, and having around a million techies making posts about how you lied to us here, ducked our questions here, tried to blow smoke up our collective arse is enough to...well, see us use our collective cyberpace clout to run you out of office. Further, since most of us back up onto CD's threads like this, we tend to have very LONG TERM MEMORIES, tend to send our personal digital calendars reminders to bring this all out timed to have its GREATEST IMPACT when you are running for re-election. We may not have the kind of money that K-street and special interest does, but WE DO NOT NEED IT...speaking for myself...I can have attack ads up and out on You Tube in HOURS Mr. Senator, and I am one of the slow ones.
I echo all the other people who have commented on your post, and welcome you to Gather. Some of my fellow commentors seem to have lost their good manners when it comes to a person of office. Whether they agree with what you say and do, it is the office you hold that they should respect.
As an American voting citizen, I saw the outcome of this election as a louder voice in the wilderness of political scuffling, to alert the elected and those who lost that we want our country back.
We want to be a respected country. We want to live better lives rather than just be the wage slaves to the government. We need to keep our troop strength and their supplies at the ready, but not deployed all over the world as police. Our children need to be educated better than what they currently are now so that we can continue to compete in the world economy in the future rather than let there be one or two great economic powers. We need to stop the childish politcal behavior and work as one country to endure.
By reaching out and having actual dialog with the "real" people you might come to understand that they are good, hard working and intelligent citizens. That is something that I believe our government has deluded themselves about for too long. We listen, we watch your every move, and we will hold you accountable. As it should be.
Wonder if old Newt thinks he can pull the same song and dance next week?
"Robert? What Pelosi meant about bipartisanship and reaching across the aisle involves the Republican practice of excluding Democrats from the decision-making process in congress. Now I don't actually know if Democrats will do any better, but I am encouraged that they will at least try."
-When the hell have Democrats ever worked with Republicans or anyone else to get anything worthwhile done, the only thing they have done is pushed their liberal agenda down the throat of the American people. Unfortunately America has forgotten what a Democratic Congress has managed to do to this country in the past. God I just hope that they spend the next two years arguing amongst themselves and not manage to screw everything up, I don't think I will be able to afford whats to come.....
Webduck said
"Senator Bayh,I echo all the other people who have commented on your post, and welcome you to Gather. Some of my fellow commentors seem to have lost their good manners when it comes to a person of office. Whether they agree with what you say and do, it is the office you hold that they should respect.
_Well actually he is a servant of the people and citizens voicing their opinions to a representative of their voice in Washington is not disrespectful but merely the interaction of said parties. If the Senator did not wish to hear the thoughts and fears of his constituents then perhaps he shouldn't run for public office. I am glad the Senator has chosen to use this medium to interact and I thank him for giving us the opportunity to voice our concerns…
"God Bless America & Our Troops"
"Semper Fi !"
Lazaro N. Valdes
Would I do the same for Trent Lott? Argh- "yes" i am forced to reply in the interest of observing the golden rule. That was really hard but i do feel better....
Push a Democratic agenda down people's throats? Is that anything like Republicans pushing to ban abortion, trying to force their brand of religion back into our schools, angsting over an ocassionally burned flag, worrying that their wives will divorce them if gays marry, or a host of other non-issues that ignore the burning issues of the day in favor of pandering to contributors while ignoring immigration reform, the 9/11 Commission findings, port ad border security, tax reform, and botching up Katrina relief?
I'm sorry but your statements are pure neocon talking points and scare tactics. It's entirely possible to voice an opinion and even disagree with someone without being rude and disagreeable.
Global Climate Change happens to be a topic of enormous concern to me ever since I read Tim Flannery's book The Weather Makers. As a legislator, how do you view the following challenges:
1. Getting the american electorate to accept the discoveries of our scientists that global climate change is rooted in our use of fossil fuels
2. Moving beyond acceptance or non-acceptance of science to the question of taking action against a growing threat to our grandchildren.
3. Making compromises in order to pass legislation without making unacceptable compromises with special interests such as Exxon, GM, etc., who would prefer to pretend that global climate change is imaginary
4. Accepting the fact that making alternative fuels and renwable energy attractive cannot be done without willingness to make fossil fuel LESS attractive. I am talking here about a carbon tax or price incentives to favor renewables.
Thank you for your consideration and your frank response.
Your WORDS...But we also need to find a way to deal with the 12 million people already in our country. That's close to double the population of my state - every man, woman, and child. We couldn't track these people down and expel them from the country if we wanted to.
We have to find a way, without rewarding violating the law, to bring them out of the shadows, through steps like imposing fines, conducting criminal background checks, paying back taxes, learning English, and those kinds of things.
A stronger border and some kind of regular status for the people already here are both in our country's national security interest.
1. I find it VERY TELLING that in your response there is NOTHING about imposing SERIOUS SANCTIONS against those hiring illegals, and actually enforcing those sanctions using local, state, and federal law enforcement officers and various agencies of government at all levels. In short, you are showing a strong BIAS here in favor of Big Business, and delivering the talking points of the National Chamber of Commerce who favors normalizing these illegals in the name of CHEAP WAGES. Shut off the jobs magnet, stop giving money to Catholoc Charities to aid and abet illegals, eliminate their access to Social Services, and not only will be stem the tide of illegals coming across our Southern Border, but many illegals will begin the process of SELF DEPORTATION.
2. Your statement we cannot track them down...FALSE. There is a difference between wanting to track them down, and not wanting to track them down. A personal experience...I watched a local police officer question three men, all of whom ADMITTED they had no ID's and were here ILLEGALLY. Were there detained...of course not. That kind of situation occurs day in and day out all across America because local, state and federal law enforcement cannot or will not get on the same game page in enforcing our laws...if these illegals can pick and choose which laws to abide by, do you endorse us living our lives in that same fashion...picking and chosing which laws we WANT TO ABIDE BY? If I as a private citizen right now could point out to law enforcement over 1,000 illegals aliens, then do not tell me they cannot be tracted down, as you would be lying. The IRS and the Social Security Department have records that would identify and locate over 3 million illegal aliens.
Fact is, an illegal here and working is guilty of violating at least FOUR of our laws. 1. Entering America illegally is a crime...first offense a misdemeanor. 2. Remaining here is a SEPARATE CRIME. 3. Securing a job while in the country illegally is yet another violation of our criminal codes. 4. Anyone here illegally is either A) working under a false id (two crimes...buying.securing it, and then using it) or B) is working cash under the table and not paying taxes, which is tax evasion, another crime. Further, many illegals are driving with out license or insurance, which is yet another crime, or licensing vehicles in states other than where they reside, yet again another crime. Tell me Senator Bayd, do you endorse the rest of us beginning to live in such a lawless fashion, or do you endorse ENFORCING OUR LAWS and deporting these criminals? STRAIGHT TALK BIG MAN, no dancing around the mulberry BUSH, it's one or the other.
YOUR WORDS....We have to find a way, without rewarding violating the law, to bring them out of the shadows, through steps like imposing fines, conducting criminal background checks, paying back taxes, learning English, and those kinds of things.
Lets looks a this...first, back taxes. Going rate here in New York to hire an illegal day laborer is $100 in CASH. Working a five day week for 50 weeks of the year that is $25,000 in UNDECLARED INCOME...in many cases, both husband and wife are working for a total UNDECLARED INCOME of $50,000. First, the Senate AMNESTY BILL gives illegals a TWO YEAR TAX AMNESTY...they get to choose three out of the past five years of their income, report and pay on those three chosen years, and the slate gets wiped clean...EXCUSE ME, where is MY TWO YEAR TAX AMNESTY? If they get it, every American should get to SKIP paying taxes for two years. Now, if we get audited for BACK TAXES, we have to pay fines, penalities and interest at ten percent a year till the balance is paid off...why does the Senate Bill not hold these ILLEGALS to the same standard. I did some quick math, and if these illegals were held to the same standars as we are held to, staying here would be a LOT LESS ATTRACTIVE to them.
Those POLICE CHECKS...READ YOUR SENATE BILL....it lets criminals remain here, and qualify for AMNESTY/EARNED CITIZENSHIP....three misdemeanors and/or one felony, and they get to pass go and collect their GREEN CARD and enter onto a pathway to citizenship....and we have not even started talking about the LIBERAL CHAIN IMMIGRATION included in the Senate Bill that would let another FORTY MILLION COME IN compliments of family reunification. I may be a DUMB OLD COUNTRY BOY HERE, but I can read.
YOUR WORDS....A stronger border and some kind of regular status for the people already here are both in our country's national security interest.
BUZZ WORD ALERT....regular status! Unchecked Guest Worker permits that allow illegals to continue STEALING OUR JOBS and DEPRESSING OUR WAGES! AMNESTY for 12-20 million people, and NOWHERE has our dear Senator embraced building the fence, or putting ARMED Guardsman on the border who are actually allowed to detain and arrest illegals crossing our SOUTHERN BORDER.
Come on Bayh old boy, you can do BETTER THAN THIS....if you are going to STAND UP FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS, you are not even in the swimming pool yet.
I have to say that a person who would come in here and provide Bill Clinton as an example of the best of the best his party has to offer, is not a person who I would think is overly concerned with Partisanship, corruption and ideological extremism, but then again you said the people were concerned with those things you didn't say YOU were concerned with those things.
"They voted against business as usual in the nation's capitol. Now we must step up to this challenge and show them that we can be something other than the mirror image of the Republicans."
But can you show them you are not a mirror image of the Democrats? Since the election I have heard many times that this election was not so much for the Democrats but against the Republicans, and with your 96% party line vote over this year you are not going to be confused with anything but a party line Democrat.
"and developing a responsible path towards bring our presence in Iraq to closure so that we can refocus on the threats facing America in the War on Terror."
Sounds like cut and run to me!
So how are you going to "refocus on the threats facing America in the War on Terror." with out focusing on the enemy? (terrorists)
So far you sound just like a politician, lots of words but no substance.
"But we also need to find a way to deal with the 12 million people already in our country. That's close to double the population of my state - every man, woman, and child. We couldn't track these people down and expel them from the country if we wanted to."
Actually that's an easy one. Focus on the employers, if the illegals can't work they will go back from whence they came.
But you really don't want to do that do you? For the same reason The President didn't want to do it, because you (and he) wants the Hispanic vote for your party.
"We have to find a way, without rewarding violating the law,"
They have violated the law by entering our country illegally, any solution you come to that includes them staying here is rewarding them for violating the law. (Sheesh politicians)
"through steps like imposing fines, conducting criminal background checks, paying back taxes, learning English, and those kinds of things."
And how can you justify allowing people who have violated our laws to stay in our country when tens of thousands of people across the planet abiding by our regulations wait patiently to enter our country, if you allow these law breakers to stay just because they are here you do a hugh disservice to all of those who wait to enter legally.
"This answer is in response to the various people that commented about earmarks, pork barrel spending, and fiscal responsibility:"
A noble effort, when it passes and is put into effect we will see what form it is in and how effective it is.
As a follow midwestern, it is so exciting to have you here on Gather. I've read the complete debate and am fascinated how so many of us view critical issues with such different perspectives. I guess that is what makes our country so great. In any event, I greatly enjoyed reading your views and getting to know you better!
Barbara
Sen. Evan Bayh joined the social-working site Gather.com the other day where he created a profile and posted his thoughts on the election results. Gather is a social-networking website that encourages users to connect with each other over common interests and passions, where they can engage in dialog and share different viewpoints. So click here to join Evan Bayh and read his thoughts on the election results!
The above includes imbedded links, and other little hoots and whistles...not the sign of a NEWBIE. Secondly, I would encourage you to visit his PAC, as it is rather informative in a disturbing kind of a way....he has an issues section, and one can assume the items there are what he percieves as the most important issues that we the people are concerned about. No mention of Social Security, No mention of Illegal Aliens and Immigration Reform, no mention of affordable health care for ALL, and no mention of RAISING THE MINIMUM WAGE. I'd think those would be issues a PAC would be highlighting?
That being said...this non-republican but serious conservative is glad that the currents got their asses kicked and the Dems were finally smart enough not to throw the same old lame and freaky Libs at the voting public. Now lets wait and see if they can get out of their own way.
It was a rejection of corruption and Iraq. My questions for Senator Bayh are simple : Will the Democratically controlled Congress get rid of this corrupt,wasteful system of earmarks and begin attempting to balance the Federal Budget?
Will they correct the huge fiscally irresponsible Medicare part D bill or repeal it and put in a bill allowing the federal government to directly negot