When are we going to figure out that awarding either party total power is to invite corruption, scandal and shame. Remember why the Dem’s lost power in the first place? The public was as sick of their antics as they have become of the Republicans today. The only practical way to keep either party in check is to allow neither to gain a super majority. It forces them to compromise and keeps them somewhat accountable to the voters because the only thing they seem to really fear is the “other” party getting more power. As we are constantly reminded, all the problems of the planet were caused by those on the other side of the aisle.

With all the “bluster” and “bellowing” of both parties about core beliefs, real change and integrity, neither has shown the ability to resist those who hold the real power in Washington. That is the army of 35,000+ lobbyist/former politicians who wouldn’t have a job if their big bucks and influence didn’t produce tangible results. Until they have been subdued, there won’t be any substantive change and all the rhetoric and posturing won’t change a thing.

Hey million, not sure where you live, but when dems took control gas prices where I live (Texas) went from 2.43 to 3.93, now that is not quite a double, but it is doggoned close enough for government calculations. One other thing, did the dems raise minimum wage? Why sure enough, they did. What was the result of that? Let me see, unemployment went up for small business could not afford to raise their prices and still make a profit, also prices went up, boy did they go up now those raises in wages are wiped out, which all sensible people knew they would be. What are they to do? Well, I suggest they get an education and get a good paying job and work hard, ain’t that a kick in the pants, to work and make a good wage. This congress is an embarassment to the people of the US, the only thing they want to do is have investigations or try to impeach the presisdent, I live in the country and have seen jackasses with more sense.

Well, let’s see. How can a fully engaged society have an elected representative government with only a 9% approval rating? Because we don’t, stupid!
When you have a society that has been given such a gift as the United States, and that society (on whole) has done nothing to acknowledge the gift, much less justify it’s receipt, or payment for, you have a disfunctional society. This society has been born and bred on the liberal rantings, promises, promises fulfilled (welfare, political correctness, and do not punish the guilty), and we will take care of you–so do not do anything but vote Democratic.
Today, half of eligible voters do not register. Half of registered voters do not vote. It only takes half to elect to office. Do the Math. At best, 12.5% of our eligible population vote these nimrods in! Sure sounds like a Banana Republic. Surely looks, smells, and works like one, too.
My guess, the 9% that approve did not even vote.
How do they say it these days, “Go figure”?
CAL

WAKE UP, AMERICA!!!

VOTE OUT——VOTE OUT—–VOTE OUT——VOTE OUT—–VOTE OUT INCUMBENTS

THEN—–

TERM LIMITS——TERM LIMITS—–TERM LIMITS——-TERM LIMITS——TERM LIMITS——-

I think we nedd to sue the congress For wire taps and backing this illegal war…..
The news lie to the us Americans as well ….We need to sue all of them…

We would not be in the housing mess if were not for the news…………….

BRAVO! Great piece! I do have to comment on the post by Check Your Facts, above. He must be one of the 9%. Most polls I have seen show a congressional disapproval rating of anywhere from 75% to 80%. That’s DISAPPROVAL rating. And from where I come from 75 - 80 percent is still a vast majority. Ms. Bruce is right on.

While I agree with your article, the unasked question(s) still remains, “Why do we still continue to re-elect the vast majority of incumbents over and over again”? What does that say about us? It further begs the question of why don’t we force Congress to impose term limits, and if they don’t, simply do not vote for anyone who won’t vote for them? So many ailments today CAN be solved if the people showed unity in resolve, which they don’t. So many problems could be solved today if there was the will to do so, e.g., Social Security, Medicare, education, taxes, immigration, and the list goes on. I know I’m singing to the choir, but ultimately the fix comes down to the will of the people, and therein lies the fly in the ointment. Start by getting rid of all the lobbyists and special interests. The words themselves are the very antithesis of the word democracy.

Hi Tammy,

I’m afraid your column hits very true to the heart of the matter! I believe most, if not all of our Congress has lost touch with reality. Many have lived lives far removed from the mainstream public, due to expense accounts, paid-for everything, and a huge pension to look forward to, regardless of whether they have ever honestly represented the views of the folks who put them in office. I totally support term limits for all of Congress - no more than two terms, period! As for the pension, I do not believe Congress should receive any more than the average person for the years they are in office. This would weed out most of the gold diggers and the useless lawyers, who can then make more money chasing ambulances.

I may be one of the last few persons who feel President Bush has done an amazing job while in office; not perfect, mind you, but exemplary considering the bashing he has endured for the past nearly eight years from the horrific left wing media monster. He has still maintained his personal integrity, and has not flip-flopped on his moral or ethical views. Has he always taken the best path? Maybe not, but at least he has taken a path, and not sat in the middle whining about the situation, and waffling on his position.

Before the anti-war mob starts screaming, no, I do not like war either. At the same time, I don’t particularly want some radical “anyone” telling me how I must live my life. And anytime someone or some group attacks my country and the way I live, I believe some action is required on the part of our government to “take action against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them.” You don’t negotiate with howling barbarism. The finer points are lost on the folks who hate for hate’s sake.

Legalize it and we won’t hate Congress for giving in to a tyrannical president thanks to the lies spread by Fox News and all their associates.

LEGALIZE FREEDOM!

Don Quixote is clearly the most intelligent person on this board. I could not have said it better myself. BTW people, high gas prices may be painful, but they are a VERY GOOD thing. There are now like 12 models of plug-in cars slated to be released in the next 1-2 years…this would NOT have happened if gas remained cheap. The MOST important thing that congress could do right now is REQUIRE all stations that sell gas to also sell hydrogen. Cars that run on hydrogen ALREADY EXIST, they just don’t get bought because there are so few places to buy hydrogen. Hydrogen can be generated on windy days by windmills, and on sunny days by solar power. It can be made by algee farms, wave power, hydroelectric dams, etc. It does NOT need to be made by fossil fuels. Our refusal to move away from oil is the one thing make EVERYTHING ELSE more expensive, and feeds billions of dollars right into terrorist pockets. As for Democrats controlling congress, keep in mind the Republicans have fillibustered more times in the last 2 years than ANY CONGRESS IN HISTORY. The one major mistake the Dems have made is letting them off easy…if the Repugs want to fillibuster, then they should be made to stand up there and talk, talk, talk, talk, tell they can’t stand up, and their lips are bleeding. Let them talk alnight, and all day for a week, and then make them talk some more. And people, please remember that you CANNOT impeach anyone without geting 2/3 of BOTH houses to vote for impeachment. This is clearly undoable with so many Repugs still in Congress.

9% - 35% who cares. The only thing that matters is that 95% will get re-elected and that’s the only survey they pay attention to.

This Congress is so corrupt because they have rejected God, as many Americans have, and we are paying the piper for it! Things will never get better until people start living moral lives, ie following the ten commandments. And even Ms. Bruce needs reform, as most people do, so start now to follow the ways of God, not of man!

Tammy Bruce is bad at math.

“…the doubling of gas prices since the Democrats took control…”

according to the Dept of Energy’s historical gas price data (http://www.eia.doe.gov/oil_gas/petroleum/data_publications/wrgp/mogas_history.html) the price was $3.00/gallon on August 7, 2006. The Dems later took control and gas is now $4.05/gallon. that’s not a “doubling.” sorry Tammy, try again.

anyway, the corrupt politicians from both entrenched parties (which is about 90% of them) should be tarred & feathered.

The reason is pure and simple. The left strongly disapproves of the agenda the right pursues, and the right strongly disagrees with the direction the left wants to pursue. They cancel each other out in the approval ratings.

“vote out the bums” is the only term limits we’re going to get.

People are discusted because the “conservatives” are violating everyone’s privacy and growing the government at an alarming rate. Balanced budget under Clinton. Disaster under the right wing. Great idea to turn all the airport screeners into federal employees with pensions.

Zilana says: “If Bush didn’t veto everything Congress tries to do, there would be better government.”

Listen honey, I’m no bushie, but you’re pukin’ up dnc koolaid here. If you can, think about this objectively. Which is to say, both parties are corrupt beyond the common person’s ability to fathom.

Bush went to DC meaning well, but got his hat handed to him, so he turned to his super partisan advisory staff, and the old battles and hate between party bosses erupted and spewed it’s pompousassed hubris all over Americans.

Why didn’t any of the presidents for the last 30 flippin’ years initiate an oil free energy policy? None of them, dems or repugs, did a thing to help the country they swore an oath to serve.

Check your facts - you actually expect people o do their own research and thinking??? Why can’t we just trust what the media (and Ms. Bruce) tell us?

Read the Survey.

That’s 9% who think that congress is doing a good job.

52% think congress is doing a poor job

34% think that congress is doing a fair job

The numbers have been twisted by this article to the point of being unrecognizable. The author and the website should be ashamed.

Mike, it’s a low blow to misrepresent what happened with Katrina. The Government is not responsible for anticipating and preventing every conceivable disaster (e.g., 9/11). But it is 100% responsible for the stability and security of us as a nation (see response to 9/11). That we let a city of a million people go that long with that little help, while applauding Brownie’s work is pretty disgusting. Patriots care for their fellow country men. I’m not talking handouts, but we shouldn’t have ignored a drastic situation that called for a drastic response. Most experts say even the long-term measures that were put into motion have not taken effect.

DQ,

It is the traders screwing with the country. the media has abdicated it’s responsibility to expose wrong doings of government and is in bed with the dems. A quality Securities and Exchange Commission would have been all over the traders when this started and nipped it in th bud. Leaves the only conclusion of sense, they have been compromised - doubtless $$$. Pelosi and dingy are only in it for the power - or perceived power. The next event will be the currency collapse. Then they can all stand there with egg on their face and wonder why the throngs with pitchforks and torches are outside with ropes.

No politician should be allowed to take office until they have successfully passed the background check required of all government employees in sensitive positions. If they fail they should be barred from political office forever. Finally they should not be allowed to make office a career. What a travesty this all has become, voting themselves cars and fuel as a perk. Shame less!

TIME FOR TERM LIMITS. LET’S GET A MOVEMENT GOING TO GET A TERM LIMIT INITIATIVE ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT.

Politicians are loyal to themselves first (average net worth is above $1M), to lobbyists second, to party third, and to country last. Where’s the patriotism there? I say don’t trust em, Democrat or Republican. Toss out the stupid labels of “liberal” and “conservative,” and work on improving this great country and addressing issues that threaten ALL Americans.

And FOX, stop with the bias - the Dem congress sucks, but so did the Rep congress - nether seems interested in this nation’s best interests or compromise of any sort.

“Don Quixote,” JonathonWillis, and Ernie have the most reasonable and well-balanced takes on this subject. Glad to hear from some of the more rationale folks. Thanks,
Jay

The Eternal First Law of Politics: Every politician sells their vote for money and/or future considerations. “Every” as in 100%. Politicians lie through their teeth and say they are voting their conscience or reflecting the needs and wants of their constituency, but they have already sold their vote to the highest bidder. So the obvious question is, who is giving money to Pelosi and Reid and all the rest of the hate-America crowd in Congress to stop us from drilling for our own oil? From building more refineries or nuclear plants? Who in the world stands to benefit from our stagnant economy? From a weak dollar? Which of our adversaries in the world want to shut America down? Whoever it is, Congress is making common cause with this crowd. You can tell Pelosi has sold her vote because she just reflexively keeps saying, “no drilling…no drilling”, and offers some transparent, nonsensical excuses about the environment. She doessn’t even want to discuss a compromise because she’s being paid not to compromise. Of course Relosi and Reid couldn’t give a fig if gas is headed to five bucks a gallon. They’re filthy rich. And they really don’t care if their collective reputation is lower than whale dung. They hide behind armed guards and thick stone walls and armoured black mega-SUVs along with complicit media coverage. And they know they’ll never get caught because they make the laws that protect themselves. A 9% favorable rating for Congress sounds a little high. I’d guess Real World it’s somewhere between 6 and 7%. Coincidently, that’s about the same percentage of the population that think’s it’s cool to have sex with farm animals. There’s a certain symmetry to that, no?

All generalizations are false, including Tammy’s and including the ones I’m going to make here but what’s a pulpit for?

Congress taking the blame for rising fuel prices is a little silly. Let them process slowly and quietly with as little legislation as necessary or possible. In fact we need more information about the results of all this process anyway before it is inacted.

It’s true you’re either part of the problem or part of the solution and rather than blame congress for the (perceived) ills of our country, let’s look at the basic effort of each of us to make things better. Change occurs gradually and the American vox populi have little patience. I, for one, don’t encourage congress to act to “save us.” It’s never been possible to save people from themselves, especially passing legislation that creates more ills than it fixes. In fact, I don’t think our country’s broken at all. We have flaws and when it becomes important to a majority of our citizens to act to fix those flaws, it’ll happen. Change occurs gradually and there will be people unemployed when markets shift and old technology is replaced by new. A hurricane hits and government is responsible to protect people living below sea level and then pay them if they don’t have any insurance? Since when? We don’t need to be “led” by insecure, popularity seeking, poll reacting factotums. Our leaders are our workers, friends and families. Stop looking to somebody else to make you happy or understand your ills and “fix” them for you. Let congress sleep. We’re better off for it.

The foremost fact is that Congress has been getting low poll numbers for years, rivaling Bush in popularity. Mostly lingering in the low 20’s, I recall. This ain’t news and FOX is only trying to make it look like our troubles started in 2006. What a LAUGH. The american people are not stupid.

Brilliant how you (Ms. Bruce) conveniently exclude the fact that we’ve had a Republican administration for 8 years, and neither party truly ever has control of Congress unless it gets more than 60% representation in both Houses. I’m no lib, but your rhetorical smoke and mirrors are easy to detect. You must think your readers are as stupid as Congress thinks they are. Don’t you see how you unwittingly motivate going “all-Democrat” in November, not only in both Houses but almost definitely in the Executive Branch?

I used to be a loyal straight-ticket Republican, but frankly it’s trickster rhetoric like yours and the hate-filled pablum spewing from your comrades at Fox that has thinking minds like mine completely disgusted and turned off. I no longer can relate with you and your ilk. The GOP isn’t truly “conservative” anymore. And it’s not “liberal” either; I think a new word will have to be invented to describe what it’s become. The Know-Nothings of the mid 19th century come close to what it’s become.

Or do you really believe our do-nothing government will fare better with a marginal majority of Republicans contending with a popular Democratic administration? C’mon, no one is gonna buy that! Deal with it: it’s the Republicans that are holding the smoking gun now that our economy is dying, and American morale is in the tank. And it will be hell to pay for the Neo-Know-Nothing party in November. You think by pretending otherwise, you can somehow alter the inevitable? Give us a break.

One only needs to look at the votes on legislation since 2005, and compare it to todays vote on FISA and notice the DINO’s among the democratic party who vote in lockstep with Bush. There is no obstructive Congress. There are only rubber stamps. The public continues to be held hostage to a mostly Republican Senate where stuff is actually passed.

I blame Lieberman as he is the renegade vote that the Democrats need to truly be obstructionist.

The time is coming when we will have to use force of arms against washington DC I cannot wait to see the place burned to the ground and every career politician hanged. Its what our founding fathers would have done

Could you be any less objective?

I really love how you’ve decided the Democrats are to blame for the gas price increase. Surely there wouldn’t be any other factors… surely not…

Term limits? We already have term limits, it’s called an election. The demise of our elected officials is directly tied to our societies lack of education and participation in the governing process. If no one pays attention, they can do what they like. Bottom line is, we get what we pay for, we elected them. It’s us not them, they are a reflection of us.

Ms. Bruce’s article is well stated, if not, in fact, understated. It is bizarre that the people of this country are so accepting of all the nonsense in DC. One alone can do little, but many can. It is amazing how we stand by as excuses are made for the most corrupt regime ever to disgrace our capital and is led by a president that should envy the IQ of a turnip and the integrity of a gangster, as each far exceeds his. We sat by and watched a visibly corrupt election override the will of the people to select the current president. We accepted that he lied to an entire nation in order to start a war to procure and secure oil properties and Haliburton contracts. We disgrace our veterans, living and dead, who have fought to preserve our freedoms by allowing them to slip away. We succumb to $4.29 a gallon gas as South America proves that unnecessary and Venezuelans pay 15 cents a gallon. Of the people, by the people, and for the people? Come on! What gives?

THis is just the pot calling the kettle black. A posturing pundit attacking posturing pols. No real substance here folks, no constructive suggestions for an exist strategy from political gridlock, just feelings. Nothing more than feelings. A more fitting title would have been, “No Shame Anywhere”.

The approval ratings reflect congress’ complicity in this administration’s crimes against the American people, their armed forces, and their Constitution. One or two impeachments would restore at least some credibility to their miserable lot.

The utter contempt of the people for the congress is only outdone by the utter contempt of the people for the president and his cabinet . Never has one so inept , or out of touch with reality as the president is, been allowed to remain in office . Nancy Pelosi who is neck and neck ( ineptness rating ) with the president , refuses to allow impeachment and we all wonder at that back room deal .
Senator Obama and Senator McCain both are running headlong into openly bribing LULAC and the hispanic vote to win the election. I sense that conditions are only going to (CHANGE) for the worse
here in America as the White anglo saxon vote is sold out like ice cream on a warm day .

I am a lifelong Democrat, but I’m not about to go overboard like “it is what it is” and start yelling crazy things about Republicans either. This problem posed in this story is about the mess BOTH parties have gotten this country into.

In my business, I have the opportunity to talk with people all over the US every day. Their feelings and opinions are just like mine and the author of this story, regardless of their political affiliation. People are sick of what is going on in Washington-sick of both Democrats and Republicans. They are also PO’d. Most people it appears, really do not even like their representatives in Congress. Most people feel that those guys are so consumed with their own petty issues to care about the people that they are supposed to be representing. Again, that goes for Democrats as well as Republicans.

I strongly agree that they should ALL apologize to the people that they are supposed to represent, resign and simply go away so we can start all over again with people who have never even visited Washington.

The current divide between Washington and the American people is appalling. I’d be okay throwing all but 5-6 senators out. I am hopeful Obama can deliver on his rhetoric to bridge the left-right divide and focus on problem solving and compromise.

One note: while members of congress have failed to accomplish anything meaningful, it is disingenous to pin rising gas prices on one party or to categorize an entire nation as incompetent and malevolent. Indeed, that sort of over-simplification and disrespect have gone a long way towards putting this great nation in a difficult bind. It is also silly to call out Pelosi and Reid, though I have little respect for either, when Congress was just as useless before the Dems took control.

Are you saying that if the republicans still controlled the congress the approval rating would be higher?
Give me a break!
The lowest government rating ever can be attributed to disallusionment on both sides of the aisle.

Let’s hope common sense and true leadership arrive sooner than later

Have you read “The Turner Diaries”?

Approval of congress has to do with their complicity in this administration’s crimes against the American people, against its armed forces, and against the constitution. If congress would impeach even Cheney, they would redeem themselves to a level of respectability.

Your article was appropriately timed as I had just shot off emails to Boxer, Feinstein, and Drier venting about the passage of the Telecom Act. I will now go wipe the froth from my mouth and try to calm down again. Earl Warren must be shedding tears as he rolls over in his grave.

it’s not just you talking….just to let you know that’s precisely how i feel as well.

Thank you. It is very comforting to realize that someone else besides myself realizes that absolutely everything that is wrong with absolutely everything is not Presidient Bush’s fault.

Regards

To: it_is_what_it_is

Be careful when calling us “liberals” - we’re starting to take pride again in that label! That should prove to you how badly you “conservatives” have screwed things up.

I believe this rating really reflects our disatisfaction with the direction Bush has taken us. That the Dems failed to stand up and impeach the guy has only added to the malaise.

Monica Lewinsky seems like such a silly issue now. And you focused a whole congressional term on it!

I completely agree Tammy! And along with self-obsession comes self-justification, thus the cycle of crazy they live everyday. In spite of our disgust they are convinced that they are irreplaceable. No humility. And by that I don’t mean silly head-hanging-down-self-effacement type behavior. I mean understanding that the system is greater than any single individual. Washington knew this and lived it. If people who decided to serve in office would only follow his example… a couple of terms, then go back to the farm. So we need term limits for everyone! in all branches!

Thanks Tammy. I wasn’t polled, but I feel the way you’ve described. I can find no one from either party that I feel reflects my beliefs and values be they fiscal, social, or spiritual. Our government is no longer “of” or “by” the people. Elections are bought today, which limits our choices to the same tired set of candidates at the federal level and sometimes as low as the state level.

Coming from Fox News I realized that sooner or later there would be bias in the editorial. The gas price increases that were attributed to the democrats in congress by the biased author of the article are a direct result of the idiotic war in Iraq.

What we are witnessing is the destruction of our country as a direct result of the polarizing “team” effect of our political process. Liberal vs conservatives. Much the same way the republicans sat back and watched Hillary and obama battle it, that’s what the enemies of the united states are currently doing.

Careful with your article yo, under the patriot act it is probably considered treason.

I think you forgot your not allowed to speak out against the government anymore and it’s pointless anyways.

We sat there and let them wipe their collective rear ends with the constitution, why should we be disappointed? If people are really so disappointed then they shouldn’t wait or even bother asking for politician’s to step down.

WE THE PEOPLE should just shut the hell up because we all sit idly by and do nothing. Why because you can’t do anything the constitution says we have the right to overthrow our government if it is corrupt, or goes against what the people want. However be careful the patriot act says anything you do against it is a treasonous and terrorist act. And thus will wind up with you sitting in Guantanamo Bay.

Sure a 9% satisfactory level duh that 9% are the politicians. The other 91% are now enslaved by the credit scheme and the illegal taxation of Americans whether via Income Tax or Federal Tax ever tried to get an IRS agent to sign a document saying you must pay taxes? They won’t because taxation without representation is unconstitutional.

Oh and let’s remember the constitution also says it is illegal to incarcerate someone for unpaid debts!!!

Face it were all slaves now and John Quincy Adams is rotating in his grave at about 1 trillion rotations a second.

In review of history isn’t there some parallel comparison to the fall of the Roman Empire? Historians list several factors for their demise and among them included corruption, greed and gluttony within the Roman Senate that caused their downfall. Additionall factors included the lack of care for their military. This is all very similar to today’s lack of concern for the populous of America. If history has demonstrated anything it has shown that when government ignores the people up to and including its own military then the nation is ripe for failure. Of course many historians will adamantly defend the overuse of lead as the primary cause for poor decisions of the Roman Senate however I might suggest that various aspects of air and water pollution, drug abuse as well as clogged arteries as similar maladies of today’s poor decision making by our government leaders.

Common sense is not the realm of either the “conservatives” or the “liberals”. What is interesting is that there is a total lack of understanding as to what those words mean. When you talk about “liberals” are you talking about morally liberal, or as it applies to the size and scope of government. In either case, the Republicans like to cheat on their wives, and have homosexual relations as much as any Democrat. They also believe in expanding government like no ones business.

Looking at this issue as a Republican or Democrat issue is not constructive, and does not address the real issue. Congress does not care, period. They don’t care that they no longer represent “we the people”, and that their every move is motivated by greed, and paying back their corporate sponsors.

It’s time for all Americans to stand up to this, and recognize that government belongs to us, and that the buck stops here. Congress should fear the might of the people, that’s the only thing that will keep them in line.

I agree Tammy and while we’re at it we should have 2 terms limits in the Senate and 3 in the Congress. And they don’t get retirement benefits unless they full those 2 terms or 3. We can’t stand 45 years of another Senator never holding a real job. Take away paying for the cars and gasoline bills of the Senators. The Senators and Congressman need to be accountable just like the rest of us Americans for getting back and forth to work. Thank you billy for vetoing the drill bill for oil while you was presdent. thank democracks for filibustering the drilling bill the last 8 years. Thank you Democracks for the high electric and gasoline prices.

Hello All!

“There is no talk of resignation and slinking away.”

Ms. Bruce, you are making a basic mistake in understanding how these people (and in fact most people) think.

The reason the leadership in Congress feels no shame is because in their minds if they had only been able to carry out their agenda fully and without having to compromise the nation would be so much better off. Why should these people apologize or resign when according to their perception the mistake is not theirs but the opposition’s in opposing their plans.

As far as they are concerned they were not and are not wrong. Why apologize for being right? I am sure if you ask Reid or Pelosi they will as much.

Pax

As a conservative I am totally disgusted with BOTH sides of the isle. I wish I could convince more people to vote LIBERTARIAN. As a life long registered Republican (over 50 years) I am ashamed. God help and bless America. We need more men in office like Harry Truman, and he was a Democrat.

I wonder if Jack Kennedy were alive today would he still be a Democrat?

I am afraid that we here in the United States will soon be like Canada, with a socialistic medical system and taxes on everything you buy or sell (GST).

I am ashamed to be part of the political system, voting for persons that have no longer the good of our country at heart, but it seems every politician is set only on reaping the benefits of his earning great amounts of money for himself both above and below the table.

WHY CAN’T WE DO BETTER?

I’m not FAR LEFT (whatever that means). Frankly, for example, I think the fires should be left burning in California, drill for oil wherever it is and quit wasting money subsidizing art AND useless astronomical telescope research save watching for rogue asteroids. Given this and much more,
I just do not care for right wing knotheads!

You know most problems with this world are caused by religion, greed and back-room dealing politicians. Yet you honor all these traits. You’ll lie, cheat, sell your grandmother to live in the ‘burbs’ away from THEM people; sure don’t mind sending them to war for you, do you?

Guess I’m just another American; you know…a clueless, hate-mongoring, anti-global warning idiot
SMELLING all the changes from your wind!

Your liberal friends say this Congress sucks. Becuase it does. We probably disagree on what a good Congress would do, but there’s no denying the the body itself has become a complete and utter joke. In fact, you might say the same thing about our government as a whole.

Well, that’s what you get why you put a “historic” first-female speaker who so happens to be incompetent, and extremely partisan not only along party line (from GOP), but to her own brethren and support one (Obama) and marginalize the other (Clinton), mostly to appease the far left and the minority vocal interest groups. That’s Pelosi’s way to make another “history” of trying to get Obama the nomination that he does not deserve.

The Congress under Pelosi has achieved nothing. It’s pathetic.

“Of course, 91% of Americans are clueless, hate-mongoring, anti-global warming idiots who just need to accept the changes in the wind and “get over it”. Beware libbies, common sense is beginning to creep in and spoil your agenda.”

Right. Common sense. You lead the way!

Good blog. The Republicans serve the interests of the very rich and the Democrats don’t have the guts or intelligence to do much better. In fairness to the Democrats, they would do a lot better if they had a veto proof majority. The voters have to bear some of the blame for electing these people.

Of course, we fail to recognize that this has been a major policy failure since the gas crisis of 1973.

We should have recognized what a problem the middle east and petroleum were going to be in the future. Every single congressman, senator, and president since then is to blame for not taking a lead and getting us out of the petroleum business.

Now is almost too late. Let’s take back the retirement benefits of all the congressman and senators. They certainly did not do us any favors and have put us in a world of hurt.

I find it amazing we continue to subsidize the petroleum industry which has been performing with record profits and have failed to invest funds in alternative energy sources to the same degree.

What a backwards country we are….

I wish there was a way to impeach in mass. Does anyone know how to get under this congresses skin to make them start solving issues. Harry Reid has got to be the worst head of the senate ever and Pelosi just make sure things she doesn’t want don’t come up for a vote.

Impeach them all. If they worked in private industry, how many would not have a job?

It is good to see a growing number of articles and comments on the this topic. Perhaps a critical mass will develop that results in some sort of substative change in our leadership.

I think it is important to recognize that practically ALL politicians at the state and federal level have or are in the process of using the power the voters have granted them to make themselves wealthy. At that point, the concerns of the citizens are no longer of any meaning to them. Schools are bad, then pay for a private education for their children. Crime on the rise, not in their neighborhood. Fuel and utility costs skyrocketing, whatever. When being an elected official means becoming wealthy enough to not be affected by the “issues”, it’s not hard to understand why so many of them toss a few crumbs to whatever base keeps them in office and then just continue on with business as usual.

Get over the liberal/conservative thing. That’s the smokescreen the idiots in Washington are focusing on. The issue is SELF-CENTERED, NARCISSISTIC INCOMPETENCE whether of the left or the right. If you think it has anything to do with issues like liberalism and conservatism as governmental philosophies they are succeeding in duping you into blaming their opponent on whichever side of the aisle.

The problem with approval statistics is that it does not account for the basis for any opinion. Congress’ 91% negative rating represents dissatisfaction from both the left and the right. People also tend to “hate Congress” but think that their own Congressperson is OK (much as people “hate lawyers except for their lawyer, who is ok”.) Your article is right on target with the observations regarding arrogance. My county has two representatives in Congress ( a Democrat and a Republican) and both are condescending, smirking, “smart guys” who assume they know “all the angles”. They pay appropriate lip service to constituent questions and shed true crocodile tears prior to doing what they darn well please. The Congress can do this with complete confidence that most voters are too busy with their own lives to really pay attention, and voters tend to “forget” very quickly.
Now let me vent on what I see as the real problem: The education system has graced us with a generation of historically uninformed young voters, whose ranks will be swelled soon by millions of uneducated immigrant voters (illegal and legal) from nations having no tradition in concepts of democracy, capitalism or limited government. The Democrats salivate over this massive new wave of voters who will be happy to sell esoteric concepts like “freedom” in exchange for socialized medicine and other government “benefits”. We needn’t worry about Congress..our freedom is about to be sold anyway.

The divide between Washington and the American people is appalling. I’d be okay throwing all but 5-6 senators out. I am hopeful Obama can deliver on his rhetoric to bridge the left-right divide and focus on problem solving and compromise.

One note: while members of congress have failed to accomplish anything meaningful, it is disingenous to pin rising gas prices on one party or to categorize an entire nation as incompetent and malevolent. Indeed, that sort of over-simplification and disrespect have gone a long way towards putting this great nation in a difficult bind. It is also silly to call out Pelosi and Reid, though I have little respect for either, when Congress was just as useless before the Dems took control.

it comes as no suprise, why does a little kid act like a brat? because the parents are to busy to pay attention and discipline or redirect in the appropriate behavior. the American people do not hold or expect accountability from Congress, we need good old fashion protests and ralleis and a few heads to roll in order for our Goverment at every level to have some respect for its people. The squeaky wheel gets the oil, and we are taking their B.S. and looking the other way with out a squeak.