BS: Forthcoming US erection?

Subject: BS: Forthcoming US erection?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 20 Oct 06 - 08:50 PM

Dare we hope the the USA will take a small step towards civilisation?

Subject: RE: BS: Forthcoming US erection?
From: Bobert
Date: 20 Oct 06 - 09:02 PM

Depends on how much effort folks will make in pushing the "new boss" to do the right thing...

Subject: RE: BS: Forthcoming US erection?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Oct 06 - 09:34 PM

Well, Mr. Foley and his "erections" may have helped a lot. I think we have a good chance of getting us a Democratic majority in at least one house of Congress.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Forthcoming US erection?
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Oct 06 - 09:56 PM

Does 'forthcoming' too mean something different in England? :)

Subject: RE: BS: Forthcoming US erection?
From: robomatic
Date: 20 Oct 06 - 10:30 PM

You guys will never understand US. Sometimes it's a little hard for me as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Forthcoming US erection?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 20 Oct 06 - 11:56 PM

I thought the polls were saying there was some hope of a democratic majority in both houses?

Subject: RE: BS: Forthcoming US erection?
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 21 Oct 06 - 10:52 AM

I think folks should at least stay on the same page.

Subject: RE: BS: Forthcoming US erection?
From: Amos
Date: 21 Oct 06 - 11:18 AM

he only types of legislation the Democrats might be able to push through are overwhelmingly popular measures, such as an increase in the minimum wage, that Republicans don't want but probably wouldn't dare oppose in an open vote.

But while the Democrats won't gain the ability to pass laws, if they win they will gain the ability to carry out investigations, and the legal right to compel testimony.

The current Congress has shown no inclination to investigate the Bush administration. Last year The Boston Globe offered an illuminating comparison: when Bill Clinton was president, the House took 140 hours of sworn testimony into whether Mr. Clinton had used the White House Christmas list to identify possible Democratic donors. But in 2004 and 2005, a House committee took only 12 hours of testimony on the abuses at Abu Ghraib.

If the Democrats take control, that will change — and voters should think very hard about whether they want that change. Those who think it's a good idea to investigate, say, allegations of cronyism and corruption in Iraq contracting should be aware that any vote cast for a Republican makes Congressional investigations less likely. Those who believe that the administration should be left alone to do its job should be aware that any vote for a Democrat makes investigations more likely.

(Paul Krugman, NY Times)

The US has demonstrated in the past that it is extremely vulnerable to episodic electile dysfunction. Be prepared for anything including things totally incomprehensible.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Forthcoming US erection?
From: Alice
Date: 21 Oct 06 - 11:59 AM

We have to see what kind of voting screw ups happen this time. DIEBOLD company, the voting machine manufacturer, is controlled by a Republican who has publicly declared he is committed to getting Republicans elected. Stay hopeful fraud doesn't effect the outcome.

Subject: RE: BS: Forthcoming US erection?
From: GUEST,Sinic
Date: 21 Oct 06 - 12:07 PM

"WASHINGTON A typical political fund-raiser is getting a not-so-typical guest -- a porn star.
Mary Carey is in Washington today, taking in the power scene. She'll be a guest at the President's Dinner -- an annual fund-raiser put on by committees helping Republican congressional candidates.

Earlier, the blonde attended a Republican lunch that featured a speech by White House adviser Karl Rove. Carey says she met "a lot of nice people" who talked about helping her raise money for her next campaign."

Sinic ( lol sic ) yeah that too

Subject: RE: BS: Forthcoming US erection?
From: Lox
Date: 21 Oct 06 - 12:09 PM

If it does turn out that the democrats end up with a majority in both houses, then it will be a real test of their mettle.

The hope is presumably that they will be able to act as some kind of sanity control to keep bush in check.

He's done enough damage. Will the two houses allow him to do more? Will they have what it takes?

Vote and hope brothers and sisters (the current up to date definition of democracy)

Subject: RE: BS: Forthcoming US erection?
From: Bill D
Date: 21 Oct 06 - 12:22 PM

If the Democrats do get control of either or both houses, they still will be unlikely to pass 'major' legislation, as Bush can veto stuff he doesn't like....and a 2/3 majority for override is unlikely.

What the election MAY do is give the Dems control of committees so as to facilitate investigations, put pressure on Republican schemes and keep Bush in check until 2008.


Just the fact of winning may serve to moderate some of the foolishness that has been perpetrated.

It would be a nice first step to getting back to some semblance of sanity, anyway.

Subject: RE: BS: Forthcoming US erection?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Oct 06 - 01:23 PM

Presumably if Dems had both houses it might make impeachment proceedings practical if not a guaranteed success. I don't fully understand teh US process but is htis not a possibility?