225 Comments
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Joe Zaragoza's avatar

Im switching my voting status from Democratic to Independent leaning left. I'm ashamed of most of them. We do have a few good ones but they need to wake up and fight for us. This is very sad. I just posted my first article on this.

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Elaine H's avatar

I was a registered independent until after 2016, when I registered as a democrat. I am going to go back to a registered independent.

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Joyce's avatar

I have been registered unaffiliated since the 70's and have always felt free to support whomever is making sense at the time (though don't recall any GOP members being among those options).

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Signe Pretzel's avatar

Don’t want to abandoned the Dems yet because they are in a “no” win situation with having control of the senate or the house. I can see your frustration in how they are responding to this bill that needs to be passed and it isn’t a fair one yet what options are out there for the Dems. There really isn’t a win/win situation for them.

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Peg's avatar
Mar 14Edited

Incorrect. They are going to shut down the government and throw people out of work or they are going to shut down the government and throw people out of work with Dumbocrats help! Lose, lose but we would still be in the fight.

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Michael's avatar

The only ones shutting the government down is the felon and his boss musk with musk's team of felons. The republicans are running this country into the Stone Age, and your kind is not helping, you're just sticking your brown nose in the air to what is going on. That makes you a part of the problem.

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Joyce's avatar

Indeed. I won't stop supporting Democrats now; they are our only hope of survival as a free nation. I will however, continue to let them know that more assertive, or even aggressive, leadership is needed for these times. I've told my representatives repeatedly that we need a change in leadership and a press office for the party (and suggested Pete Buttigieg) to help with their significant lack of coherent messaging.

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Lois W. Halbert's avatar

Very good.

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Punkette's avatar

Joe, I did the same in 2010 when the weak Dems screwed up Obama’s trifecta and allowed the Tea Party to take over the House. At the time, I been a registered Dem for 32 years but was sick and tired of being disappointed by my party. I have been a Blue Indie ever since.

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Joe Zaragoza's avatar

Too bad Republican voters don't do the same in record numbers most of them stick with them even through they are terrible human beings.

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Scott Emery's avatar

Yeah Joe, that will really help. Most independents in the U. S. lean libertarian, or are just uninformed goofs, so you will be moving from a minority party to a minority of an even smaller minority. Nice way to create leverage for your voice. You and Mary and so many other liberals are thinking with your frustrations and not with your mind. A shutdown would absolutely be pinned on Democrats and the economic anxiety now being experienced and clearly due to Trump and Musk will be transferred to Democrats. You are not thinking clearly about how the media frames matters and how simple-minded Americans are. A significant minority hate Democrats already and a shutdown would only increase that hatred. And now you can defiantly add your name to that list of those BETRAYED by Democrats, further lessening the chances of defeating the MAGA machine. Good call, Joe, Mary and many others indignantly scolding Democrats here.

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Steve Foman's avatar

This is the dilemma I am dealing with. Passing the CR absolutely gives Trump and his minions a green light to keep dismantling the government. However, shutting down the government gives him EXACTLY what he needs to permanently shutter any agency he deems non-essential. To those who say it would force the R’s to negotiate on another bill, I think Trump would order them to hold the line and they would. As more services become unavailable, the Dems would be blamed for shutting down the government. We all know how that plays out in the midterms….massive losses. I don’t know why so many people are not understanding this. The best defense against Trump’s madness appears to be in the courts which have held so far. More effort, time and money needs to be spent there, not on silly tactics like forcing a shutdown.

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moonchild's avatar

Scott, I really like your thinking, your rational arguments. These SOB Republicans were slick to set up Democrats to turn down the budget issue and then, truly fault the Democrats. Slick! I fear, I fear,I fear that by the time this SOB president's term is "up" all will be too late. I know the trends of history; the "we're doomed to repeat it;" and we are headed in that direction, c.f., Pol Pot, Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, and a long list of others whose hands are "seemingly" clean of blood. I'm refering to the long list of colonial powers. They get to seem on the moral high-ground because they got to write the history book. PAX.

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Outdoorluvr's avatar

Repectfully, I think you're off the mark there. About 40% of the electorate identify as Independents, and considerably more of them lean toward the Democrat party than republican. Libertarians are libertarians, and too damn proud of it to call themselves "Independents".

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Robot Bender's avatar

I did that last week. I also donate directly to candidates not to the DNC.

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Whatistobedone's avatar

Yup....goodbye Dems. I voted for the genocidist Ds....because of maggot fascism...NEVER again. Never again.

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Rachel C's avatar

Check the rules in your state. Here in PA one cannot vote in primaries unless you are in one of the main parties.

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GarySanDiego's avatar

Don’t switch. We need you casting votes in the Democratic primaries!

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Joe Zaragoza's avatar

Don't worry I'll still participate in helping the party. Im doing it to screw Republicans since you have to be independent in a primary to vote both sides.

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Joe Zaragoza's avatar

Ill still vote that way I still can't identify as a democrat.

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Lois W. Halbert's avatar

I might do the same but perhaps we could form another party more like Lincoln's party.

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Jean A. Austin-Long's avatar

I have been talking about changing to Independent but fear doing so might give Trump some support?

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Joe Zaragoza's avatar

We can still support the support the good ones.

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Batya Lee's avatar

A small number (10) of Senate Democrats voted in a way you are upset about. The hundreds of Dem representatives in the House and 37 (38?) Senators voted with your wishes. Why would you abandon the only party that supports most of your values when you agree w/ the great majority of them?

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Barbara Dickerhoof's avatar

Senator Bennet of Colorado has declared his intention to vote no.

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Janet Salmons PhD's avatar

This is not a simplistic situation. I changed my mind, after calling and writing my Senators. We simply can't let the courts be shut down. Given that it would be up to Trusk what would be kept open or re-opened, you can be sure the courts would be sent home. We need them.

We are starting to see progress, don't stop now! I would love to see Judge Chutkan use a chainsaw approach to cut down Musk! Keep going!

"Judge Chutkan grants expedited discovery in lawsuit over Musk’s and DOGE’s authority" https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/judge-chutkan-grants-expedited-discovery-in-lawsuit-over-musk-s-and-doge-s-authority/ar-AA1ARoRc?ocid=winp2fptaskbarhover&cvid=92aa403e965e4b40809e9ffb3de71a82&ei=25

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Scott Emery's avatar

Thanks for thinking Janet. Moreover, a shutdown would ABSOLUTELY be pinned on Democrats by a media that looks to create fights and by the MAGA propaganda machine. Rachel Maddow, Chris Hayes and Mary Trump will not win the day. A shutdown will allow control of the economic narrative to be transferred to Trump and his gang, something we should not allow to happen at this point.

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Signe Pretzel's avatar

I agree the republicans would Blame the Dems as they always have for their (republican)mistakes.

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Sooz Hall's avatar

Democrats are always bad. Don’t look now, but the repugnants are BLAMING JOE BIDEN for the current economic downturn. Facts do *not* matter to these people; if something good happens it’s because of them, and if something bad happens it’s because of the Democrats. When Bad Things happen as a result of this outrageous CR, it will be the Democrats fault, period. This is maddening.

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Michael's avatar

Is that why the felon has the country headed to a recession, and has the US cut off from every country but the one that was our advisory, the Russians, which happen to be the felon's boos. Do not forget, musk is working for putin also. You might want to clean your brown nose off, it is showing you are a part of the problem.

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Peg's avatar

Only if we roll over and let them! This has been their control to tank the economy and alienate our allies in the world. People see that when they are told AND BELIEVE IT!

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Janet Salmons PhD's avatar

Thankfully the courts are at work fighting the illegal deportations.

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Rob Boyle's avatar

I have mixed feelings about this vote. I agree that the courts seem to be our front line and strategically giving them more rope and responsibility for the imminent destruction strengthens our future play. I disagree it is cause to leave the Dem party but instead it is reason to be involved with it. Disengagement is not an option. The MAGA world will not be defused by it's opponents but rather will implode from within. Democrats need to throw out their old playbook and what better way than have fresh eyes and thoughts from members.

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Sandra Tuttle's avatar

I'm thinking this through too. Which way is best in this lose/lose situation? One thought, even if the shutdown is avoided, and the courts stay open, and if the courts make rulings against Trvmp/Mvsk, what mechanism will hold the WH to account? There hasnt been anyone to my knowledge that can force Trvmp/Mvsk to go by the rulings. I may change my mind again.

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Dennis King's avatar

Janet, people with much experience in economics, world politics and law are vehemently opposed to this CR, evidently with good reason. Foremost is the absolute refusal of the skump admin. to abide by Constitutional Law and release funding already authorized by Congress for critical programs like USAID, NSF for university grants, health and environmental protection, the list goes on. To open the money faucets to the illegal power brokers will only add to the abuse of taxpayers' money. Read article from March 12th Robert Reich Substack.

https://robertreich.substack.com/p/why-democrats-must-vote-against-the

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meD's avatar
Mar 14Edited

The courts aren’t necessarily shut down, at least not imminently. They weren’t last time. See:

https://www.cadc.uscourts.gov/news/court-operations-event-government-shutdown

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Peg's avatar

Last time was vastly different. Now he has surrounded himself with his bootlickers.

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Brenda Thomas's avatar

I am so tired of Schumer … we need leaders with spines… AOC all the way!

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Cheryl Johnson's avatar

Mary, I was just thinking that this morning: AOC should primary Schumer. It's time for him to retire.

AND I left the Dem Party this morning - AGAIN. The last time I left it and became NPP was due to Schumer's abandonment of DACA during the run-up to a potential gov't shutdown.

SO very sick of him.

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Ruby Slipper's avatar

Yes, Schumer needs to get out. I may be an older woman, but older reps need to cede representation to a younger generation. You cannot work with Maga. There is no such thing as compromise or being "nice". The government is already shut down. The administration is ignoring court rulings. Even tourists are being detained and deported by ICE. Everything, everywhere all at once is chaos.

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Cheryl Johnson's avatar

Exactly. All of what you said - EXACTLY. (I'm 65, fwiw).

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Sooz Hall's avatar

I’m almost 80 and you’re absolutely right. I’m keeping my registration so I can vote in state elections for the best candidates.

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Brenda Thomas's avatar

Thankfully, my Maryland senators are voting no

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Patty Fogler's avatar

Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement on the Republican House-passed spending bill:

“Republicans knew they needed Democratic votes to pass their spending bill. But, they refused to work with Democrats on a bipartisan deal to put American families first.

“The Republican spending bill does not serve Coloradans well; therefore, I will be voting no.

“In the coming days, I am committed to working across the aisle to finish the appropriations process and craft a bill that is a better deal for Colorado.”

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KAO's avatar

Exactly. The MSM cannot pin this on the Dems, the GQP has refused to work with them at all. They have all the power. It is entirely on them to make a small compromise, that's all it would take. Enough victim blaming. And beyond enough appeasing the orange nazi and his demented puppeteer.

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Sooz Hall's avatar

The MSM can and will pin everything on the Dems. I’m surprised the current stock “correction” isn’t our fault in the MSM. Yet.

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WTH Is Going On?! Chris Berrie's avatar

After I saw Jen Ruben’s emergency post late last night, I tried to call the Congressional switchboard. It was already closed and no option for voicemail was provided. So I sent an email. Then I got up this morning and tried to call again and was on hold to the switchboard for 10 minutes. I looked up Schumer’s phone number at his congressional office and was able to leave a message. Please call this morning if you can.

1-518-431-4070

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Gary Hanks's avatar

No matter what happens with this vote, we are screwed. The house passed budget is horrible, but shutting down the government could let Trump/Musk blame the Democrats and do even more damage: shutting down courts, delaying Social Security payments, the list goes on. It's a tough choice. Also, as weak as the Democrats are, they are saints compared to the current Republican party. I remain a life-long Democrat.

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Mike Dilbeck's avatar

Schumer = Vichy Democrat

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Audrey Sea's avatar

Thank you Mary! Everyone left of the Trumplicans are one party now. We are the majority. Time to start acting like it.

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TP's avatar

Schumer's argument is much weaker than those advocating for a CR NO vote. And it is a betrayal - he should have taken the time, and acted respectfully, towards his Democratic colleagues - letting them know in advance of his intentions, and LISTENING to their feedback. Shocking behavior for a Senate leader.

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Morris Code's avatar

1000%

please see my 2nd Substack, I’ve been sharing, a 3-4 min read

Chin Dee In A Constitutional Crisis

a relatively simple 3 point plan to QUICKLY UNITE & MOBILIZE - DOGE IS A FAKE ILLEGAL TRAITOROUS “agency” with NO CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OR OVERSIGHT - they’re trying to bankrupt most Americans & take over entire western hemisphere w/ putin etc

NO TIME TO WASTE - each we don’t stop them they’re much closer to full destruction - OUR CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY IS BEYOND WORTH ALL OF US FIGHTING

FOR!!’ 🐎🗳️🇺🇸🗽

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Annabel Ascher's avatar

I have been saying this about Democrats for months. And gotten dumped on from the left every time. Please TAKE NOTE! The Democratic Party can't save us. It will be harder than anyone can imagine, and may not work. But it is up to US.

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Robert Atallo's avatar

Fuck that! I’m FURIOUS!!

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Whatistobedone's avatar

Thank you....FUCK them...tired of people more *G A S P" "offended" by words than fascism, genocide, cruelty, hatred...words are POWERFUL...the times demand POWERFUL, FULL- THROATED ANGER....in words as well as action...besides...how in the hell can we be civil with maggots? They occupy a section of hell I can't even conceive of....and I HAVE confronted my dark side...

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Douglas's avatar

Pres. Joe Biden uttered the word 'fascism' only ONCE.....and it was phrased 'semi fascist'. The old time moderates did this to us.

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Whatistobedone's avatar

You betcha....this is happening because for years the Ds have betrayed us. THE fully corporate party. To paraphrase joey to wealthy investors: " Don't worry. Nothing significant will change." They sabotaged Bernie.. I remain resolute in my claim: I believe Bernie would have defeated oompa loompa cheeto smelly butt baby man...

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meD's avatar

Murphy sent an email out that he’s voting NO. I just donated to him.

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Peg's avatar

Me too! :)

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