The other day I said, “I don’t want to beat a dead horse” in reference to my seemingly constant “encouragment for President Obama to stop courting Republicans and start prosecuting them.  Well, I wasn’t lying – I DON’T WANT TO KEEP DOING THIS! – but the truth is, I feel I have to.  And while I’m acting like anyone is actually reading this – according to 1 and 1 (my service provider – and by the way, they’re good and you can get 2500 email addresses and three domains for $10/month – don’t forget to tell them that I sent you :o)  there are people reading this blog, just not commenting – if you are reading this, please send a few emails to peolpe with the URL (www.dfpiper.com) so that eventually I can find someone who either wants to agree with or argue with me.  Or better yet, email me at david@dfpiper.com with your thoughts – I really would like to hear what other people think about what’s going on in our country.  OK, back to “business.”  A few days ago it was Rush Limbaugh, yesterday it was Samuel Wurzelbacher (I refuse to call him Joe the you know what), and today who’s back?  None other than Dick Cheney.  And, if the news media is at all correct, the stories I’m reading suggest that President Obama’s “stimulus package” is “in trouble.”  Trying to absorb all this (it’s alot) is tough enough, but focusing my thoughts for a single post is going to be a real challenge.  Those who know me think I have a tendency toward too many words – I’m trying to be kind to both them and me in my description :o)

I could stay up all night writing why I think it is imperative for a stimulus package to be implemented “sooner rather than later.”  Even though I agree with those who claim the “package” is too small and doesn’t do enough for infrastructure rebuilding, it is a start in the right direction.  And, while I fervently disagree with the tax cut provision of the bill, I understand the rationale behind it.  Putting $1000 into the hands of every working couple and $500 for every working individual will infuse money almost immediately into the system.  While this does nothing for the long-term problems created by 30 years of greed and supply side economics, it does provide a “jumpstart” that conceivably could prevent an untold number of businesses going upside down and jobs going the way of the dinosaur prior to the rest of the plan taking effect.  It is imperative FOR ALL OF US – NO MATTER WHAT ALLEGIANCES WE HAVE that the downward meltdown of our economy be halted ASAP!  Therefore, I’m willing to bite my lip and say maybe the tax cuts are a good idea, because much of the rest of the package will take several months to get “off the ground” so to speak.  OK, I’ve done it, I’ve at least briefly talked about the stimulus package that’s in trouble.  If this thing doesn’t get passed soon, well, I’ll have even more to say about Republicans and also about how our Senate works.  I’ll end this part of my discussion by saying I’d really like to see the Democrats force the Republicans to talk for months, if that is what it takes, to get them out of the filibuster mood.  The threat of filibuster seems to be the solution for every bit of legislation – which is not what was intended when the “art” of filibustering was “invented” – so Democrats, MAKE THEM DO IT – no more caving at the threat of a filibuster.

Back to the beating a “dead horse” part of the discussion.  Now I feel like I’m treating President Obama like I treat my sixth graders who prefer “World of Warcraft” to homework, and who have to listen to my rants over and over – with my desire being that at some point they would actually follow my instructions.  Of course, I would have to call this advice (not instructions) for President Obama, but I’m going to keep giving it to him until someone gets through to his brain, or until he reads my posts and comes to his senses! :o)  Talk about arrogant, huh?  I’m just watching where things are heading and I don’t like what I’m seeing.  I sent money I didn’t have to Obama during the campaign, so I think I’m justified in giving him my advice.  Here it is: LOSE THE REPUBLICANS!  This idea of crossing the partisan divide, while in theory very admirable, is going to get your ship sinking and if you’re not careful it’ll be difficult to bail the water out faster than it is coming in.  I think I’m going to have to be very direct here, and I hope no one’s totally offended by what I say, but, again – I’d love a discussion on the subject.

First: Mr. Obama, I’ve got to point out a very important point to you.  Despite the FACT that your Mom was white, the Republicans consider you a – I’m going to use my term, not theirs – African American.  Now, for many Americans that is no longer an issue.  But for the hard core Republicans (these are the ones whose voices are being heard the loudest – any Republican who agrees with you is afraid to step forward in fear of being put on the Rush Limbaugh show and we all know where Limbaugh stands on race) they don’t like you simply because of that.  Even John McCain pretty much got away with referring to you as “That one” in one of the debates, which made the hair on my back stand on end – not only that he said it right in front of God and everyone, but that there wasn’t more public disgust and outrage aimed at him for doing so (of course the voters showed their disgust in November).  I’m saying this because they absolutely want you to fail, and they are going to do everything in their power to insure that you do.  The FACT that you are trying so hard to include them in the debate is only causing two things to happen.  They think you’re weak and can be manipulated and your own party is probably getting a bit angry that you’re seemingly giving them more time than Democrats.  I don’t see how you can win here unless you admit to another “screwup” (even if it’s in private – or in your own thoughts) and quit cowing to these thugs.

They are the ones who have caused all the problems you’re trying to fix.  And they don’t “get it,” they’re not going to “get it,” and when you look at how the Bush administration was purposefully trying to destroy our government – they probably don’t want things fixed!  THINGS WORK BETTER FOR THEM THE WORSE THEY ARE FOR THE REST OF US!  The last thing the Republicans want to see is a black President coming in and fixing the mess they created.  That might cause people to take a good look at THEM.  Now, I’m not trying in any way to be demeaning here or imply there is still racism in this country (we all know the truth about that).  I’m just trying to tell it as I see it.  I’ve read one of your books, and I’m reading “The Dreams of my Father” right now.  I admire your intellect and your integrity.  There is so much about you that makes me feel like there is hope – but I believe with all my heart if you don’t tell the Republicans you are going to move on without them (there are a few that will jump on board) your presidency faces the posibility of being doomed.  For example, today you nominated a Republican who voted to abolish the Commerce department in the 90’s to run it in this time of national crisis as far as Commerce is concerned.  That sounds almost too Bushlike for me.  I’m really tired of these Republicans (it’s probably obvious, huh?) and the ones speaking out almost make me puke every time I hear their words coming out of their mouths.  President Obama,  ENOUGH ALREADY!!!

Today, former Vice President Cheney stepped over the line AGAIN.  I’ve been telling you, President Obama, what you need to do with this guy and I hope you listen – but today he was unbelievable.  Well, no he wasn’t – the truth is that nothing he said today surprised me at all.  The only thing that surprises me is that you have even the slightest hesitancy about letting the legal process regarding his actions “fall where they may.”  That is, encourage an investigation.  OUR NATION NEEDS TO BE RID OF THE BURDEN CHENEY AND BUSH PUT ON OUR SHOULDERS AS BAD AS WE NEED TO FIX THE ECONOMY!  I don’t see why you are missing this.  Today, Cheney did everything in his power to undermine everything you’re trying to do.  He’s going to continue, along with his former boss, to try to manipulate history in order to justify the gestapo like atmosphere they brought to our government.  YOU CAN’T JUST LOOK FORWARD – YOU HAVE TO LOOK BACK.  You can’t fix things if you ignore what got us to this place.  Cheney admitted again today,  as he was trying to undermine you, that he authorized torture (enhanced interrogation – don’t you just love euphamisms?), illegal wiretapping, and illegal wars.  He’s going to continue to play the “fear card” until you put some fear in him.  He needs to go to JAIL, and it is your administration which we are counting on to make this happen.  Today, Cheney upped the rhetoric they are going to use in calling you a WEAK PRESIDENT!  You can’t let this happen – SO START WITH THEM – BUSH AND CHENEY! 

My suggestion would be make a speech to the nation asking the 70% of Americans that are supporting you to call their congressional leaders and encourage them to vote for this stimulus package so that we can move on.  In the process, let the Republicans know if they want to act in a civilized manner they are welcomed in the discussion.  But “business as usual” is OVER!  If they can’t do better than Limbaugh, Hannity, Joe the whatever his name is, and Cheney – then they shouldn’t even be part of the discussion.  We voted for a progressive change in this country – and believe me Mr. Obama – that 70% can be gone in a flash – so don’t even give the hint that you are weak.  If it’s not obvious, I’m pretty “peeved” by what Cheney said today – If you haven’t heard, he was interviewed at Politico.com and check it out.  It was pretty incredible.  Between Cheney, Limbaugh, Palin, and Joe what’shisname, are we going to let people who have nothing to offer continue to destroy this nation?  These people are vile.  They are the liars that believe their own lies.  They are dangerous to the very fabric of this representative republic.  We are not only fighting to restore the economy Republicans undermined we are fighting for the system of justice that, over the last 200+ years, has separated this nation from all others on the face of the earth.  Dick Cheney going to jail would do as much for turning this nation around as the stimulus package!