Twitterchat Takeaways: Don't beat up your friends.

During last Tuesday's #99erAid Twitterchat, there were some complaints about Rep. Lee's presentation of H.R.589.  H.R.589 was proposed in a manner that would not allow it to be an amendment to another bill, making it's path to passage even more difficult. There was similar conversation when S3706 hit a wall last summer. Going back to June, 2010 the same tone was used for Rep. Jim McDermott. Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Barack Obama are also popular targets because of a lack of results for 99ers. All these criticisms are fair, but...

99ers are also vociferously dumbfounded at the consistent lack of media coverage. Understandably so, since the continued inaction fuels a downward spiral of hunger, homelessness and suicide. But as long as the "Jersey Shore" means more than a destination to cool off during a hot summer, good luck finding a scintilla of common sense in what the media chooses to cover.

Were it not for the insufficient meager attempts at legislation to support the long term unemployed, media coverage would be even less. So continue to tell our legislative "friends" that they need to do better, 99ers deserve real help. That's where a (daily) phone call, fax or email is appropriate.  In public, 99ers need to stick to air kisses.  In public we must remain unified. You may think, with friends like these politicians, who needs enemies. Without friends like these all 99ers have are enemies.

Hillary shows the way.

Yesterday, I referenced the 2008 Democratic Presidential Primary.  It started with eight candidates and ended with Barack Obama besting Hillary Clinton by 305 delegates after beating each other up for 6 months. Both campaigns were characterized by passionate support and the outcome was extremely divisive.  Clinton, a two term Senator and former First Lady had planned for this race for years, yet her moment was stolen by Obama, a relative newcomer. The final results had to be devastating for Hillary.

The aftermath was highlighted by intense bickering between supporters and professionals from both sides. If this rift was not mended John McCain would have a cakewalk to the presidency. Swift decisive action was necessary. It fell to Hillary to endorse Obama. Instead of a lukewarm endorsement, Hillary Clinton anointed Barack Obama as the consensus candidate of the Democratic party and the rest is history.

#99er NOVO's (99ers pledging to NOt VOte if unemployment benefits beyond 99 weeks are not implemented) are faced with a similar conundrum. Like Hillary, the 99ers desired outcome appears unlikely in the immediate future. Just like Hillary, 99ers can determine the fate of the upcoming election.

As of yesterday, I have made my decision. I am angry at the Democrats for not aligning the votes necessary for Tier V. I am frustrated by the Democrats inability to be proactive in the face of a known attack plan by the Republicans. Yet, as angry and frustrated as I am, I will not be passive and allow the Republicans victory because of my feelings.  I will not sit back and turn over the government to a party that has spoken as one against anything to move the USA forward.  The Republicans have put party over policy for almost 2 years and I will not reward them for this grievous lack of governing.  Like Hillary, I will strongly stand for what is necessary in spite of personal dissolution. I am going to vote Democratic in November and I urge all 99er NOVO's to join me.

On second thought, I'm voting in November

About a month ago I listed my criteria for voting in November. Under duress I have changed my mind.

I do not feel any better about the Democrats than I did a month ago. Collectively, in both the Executive and Legislative Branches they continue to mismanage extended unemployment benefits as well as most other agenda items. I am angry, hurt and frustrated in a manner that is only inflicted by people or policy that are dear. As an Illinois Democrat and a lifelong Cub fan I am familiar with embarrassment and disappointment. The Democrats in the 111th Congress have evoked unhappiness well beyond that of Cubdom. I continue to believe that as of today, there is no effective difference between the Democrats and Republicans for the 99ers.    Despite all of these negative feelings I am going to the polls on November 2, 2010 to support the Democratic Party.

I remember the Democratic Primary in 2008. By February all but 2 of the party's presidential candidates had withdrawn. I still got to choose between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama; a tough decision because they were both strong candidates. The 2008 General Election was simpler; for me the choice was clear. Democracy does not guarantee a choice between 2 or more strong candidates. Sometimes the choice is between getting screwed occasionally and getting screwed routinely, aka the 2010 General Election.

I won't vote for a third party. Our elections are geared for a two party system and the Dems and Repubs don't care about "messages". The two major parties only care about winning and losing. I can't vote for the Republicans. The 2010 Republican Party is lead by mean spirited xenophobic crazies and weaklings that turn a blind eye to the lunatic fringe. So I will go to the polls, hold my nose, vote for the Dems and try not to cry. After voting, I'll go to the local pub for a beer to wash the sour taste from my mouth.

Will you vote? Stay home? Cast a better light on the choices available?

Glenn, again

Glenn Beck's love note to the long term unemployed drew significant criticism from advocates for assistance for the long term unemployed. Both Mike Thornton and Donalee King did their usual great job in breaking down the fallacy of criticizing the victim, in this case the 99ers. I especially enjoyed Donalee employing her literary skills to point out that Beck is merely a body part. It is important that the rantings of the overwrought right are challenged. Without dissenting voices these unsubstantiated opinions are considered truth. Still, at least Glenn Beck is working this week.

Consider this: Anybody heard from Senators Stabenow and Schumer since the recess? How about Representatives Berkley and McDermott since their House proposal? Speaker Pelosi or Majority Leader Reid guaranteeing full debate and passage of "The Americans Want To Work Act" prior to the next recess or ever?  Anything from President Obama and he's still in public view?  These are our friends(?) and we hear more from Glenn Beck!

Glenn Beck is paid by Fox News and Premiere Radio Network to provoke response (positive or negative) that drives ratings.  Agree or disagree with the message, he is outstanding at his job.  Compare this with the previously mentioned elected officials. They are paid with tax dollars. Their election was assisted by donations and sweat equity from many of the currently unemployed. They commit to nothing, leaving me (and many of you) waiting like a teenager for a prom invitation. It's more than insulting, in some cases it's fatal.  At least Beck voices his opinion.

Imagine being Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid or Barack Obama and failing a comparison to Glenn Beck. Yikes.

There is nothing wrong with expressing outrage about Beck's disgraceful categorizing of the long term unemployed. So call Ed Schultz, email Rachel Maddow, tweet Keith Olbermann and sign a petition in protest. However if this is all that is done, nothing has been achieved. Contact Congress, Governors, State Officials, Mayors, Clergy, neighbors, friends, store owners, etc. Give them the message: Jobs now and if not enough jobs, a safety net. A safety net through the winter, because creating jobs takes time. A safety net through the winter because it supports the economy and property values. A safety net through the winter for 4 million+  because it's the right thing to do. A safety net through winter because Glenn Beck thinks that's crazy, which makes the idea unfailingly credible.