Dorgan, Dodd Retirements Are a Very Big Deal

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"what our expectations are and the reprecussions of what will happen should they fail"
What repercussions? That they don't get re-elected? THEY STILL GET PAID. Once elected, they draw a pension FOR LIFE. One term is all it takes. This is what happens when a governmental body passes laws governing itself.
They don't care what we say or do. We can vote them in/out of office, pat ourselves on the back for being "involved" enough to have a different crook stealing our money and talking down to us. We can march in peaceful protest, and they'll demean us. We can write letters and post to forums they'll never read.
They do not care. They have no reason to.
We, the People, are utterly powerless in the system we've allowed them to fashion. Washington has made it so. We can't even withold tax revenue, as they get paid before we do.
An armed population of 300 million is, of course, never completely powerless. That is a problem they know about and have trouble getting around. But they sure are trying to limit our options.

Rich of CO 6:46PM January 14, 2010

I feel your angst and agree. However, you state, "Anyone who WANTS to hold public office should be immediately suspect, as no sane person without ulterior motives would want to go through that."
Someone has to throw their hat in the ring, and by so doing, they tell everyone they want to hold public office. Otherwise, who do you elect?
We as voters have to do a better job vetting potential candidates and educating them on what our expectations are and the reprecussions of what will happen should they fail.
Additionally, those who intend to run, better realize that "We the People" are fed up with the status quo, political games played on Capitol Hill.

david of ID 6:23PM January 08, 2010

Republicans are likely to grab a lot of seats in 2010 and again in 2012. BUT, if they think that means people support them, they are mistaken. They are simply a bulwark we're throwing up against another out-of-control Administration.
See, Republicans had their shot. They acted like Democrats-lite, and are no better. Both major parties are worthy of scorn and ridicule, as are the robotic supporters who enable them.
I just don't see viable alternatives on the horizon. Anyone who WANTS to hold public office should be immediately suspect, as no sane person without ulterior motives would want to go through that.

Rich of CO 3:48PM January 08, 2010

Join the conversation about the Obama Health care plan at http://www.obamahealthcareplan.org

nanacyle of CA 2:59AM January 08, 2010

The Dems and Obama have already lost the biggest voting block and thats Independents. I voted for Obama and the Dems but this reckless non-non-reform joke of a healthcare bill just so Obama can sign something has thrown me right over to the Republicans side.

Claudia Schultz of MA 10:41PM January 07, 2010

Maybe some of these incumbents are concerned that their sweetheart financial deals, such as mortgages, won't stand the intense scrutiny of a campaign. Easier to sneak off and write books, make speeches and lobby. Cockroaches.

Gil of FL 5:35PM January 07, 2010