WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2006

Good Riddance To The Gingrichites

CBS' Meyer: GOP 'Chess Club' Ruled The House For 12 Years And Won't Be Missed

  • Former Rep. Newt Gingrich led the Photo

    Former Rep. Newt Gingrich led the "Contract With America" crowd in 1994.  (AP)

  • Special Report Election Results

    Find out who won and by how much in the 2006 midterm elections.

  • Interactive Foley Fallout

    Background on the former Florida representative and the probe into the House page scandal.

  • Interactive Wheeling & Dealing

    Learn more about the scandals involving former lobbyist Jack Abramoff

(CBS)  This commentary was written by CBSNews.com's Dick Meyer.


This is a story I should have written 12 years ago when the "Contract with America" Republicans captured the House in 1994. I apologize.

Really, it's just a simple thesis: The men who ran the Republican Party in the House of Representatives for the past 12 years were a group of weirdos. Together, they comprised one of the oddest legislative power cliques in our history. And for 12 years, the media didn't call a duck a duck, because that's not something we're supposed to do.

I'm not talking about the policies of the Contract for America crowd, but the character. I'm confident that 99 percent of the population — if they could see these politicians up close, if they watched their speeches and looked at their biographies — would agree, no matter what their politics or predilections.

I'm confident that if historians ever spend the time on it, they'll confirm my thesis. Same with forensic psychiatrists. I have discussed this with scores of politicians, staffers, consultants and reporters since 1994 and have found few dissenters.

Politicians in this country get a bad rap. For the most part, they are like any high-achieving group in America, with roughly the same distribution of pathologies and virtues. But the leaders of the GOP House didn't fit the personality profile of American politicians, and they didn't deviate in a good way. It was the Chess Club on steroids.

The iconic figures of this era were Newt Gingrich, Richard Armey and Tom Delay. They were zealous advocates of free markets, low taxes and the pursuit of wealth; they were hawks and often bellicose; they were brutal critics of big government.

Yet none of these guys had success in capitalism. None made any real money before coming to Congress. None of them spent a day in uniform. And they all spent the bulk of their adult careers getting paychecks from the big government they claimed to despise. Two resigned in disgrace.

Having these guys in charge of a radical conservative agenda was like, well, putting Mark Foley in charge of the Missing and Exploited Children Caucus. Indeed, Foley was elected in the Class of '94 and is not an inappropriate symbol of their regime.

More than the others, Newton Leroy Gingrich lived out a very special hypocrisy. In addition to the above biographical dissonance, Gingrich was one of the most sharp-tongued, articulate and persuasive attack dogs in modern politics. His favorite target was the supposed immorality and corruption of the Democratic Party. With soaring rhetoric, he condemned his opponents as anti-American and dangerous to our country's family values — "grotesque" was a favorite word.

Yet this was a man who was divorced twice — the first time when his wife was hospitalized for cancer treatment, the second time after an affair was revealed.

Gingrich made his bones in the party by relentlessly attacking Democratic corruption, yet he was hounded from office because of a series of serious ethics questions. He posed as a reformer of the House, yet championed a series of deforms that made the legislative process more closed, more conducive to hiding special interest favors and less a forum for genuine debate.

And he did it all with epic sanctimony.

These squirrelly guys attracted and promoted to power similarly odd colleagues: birds of a feather, you know, stick together. Bill Clinton of Monica Lewinsky fame had no more zealous and moralistic critic than Rep. Dan Burton of Indiana, who ran a then-powerful committee. In the course of his crusade, Burton was forced to admit he had actually fathered a child in an extramarital affair.

The man who led the House Judiciary Committee impeachment hearings with equal, if saner, bloodlust was Rep. Henry Hyde. In the midst of this, Hyde was forced to admit to a five-year affair.

When Gingrich stepped down, Republicans turned to a master Louisiana pork-barreller, Robert Livingston. That lasted a day or so, until Livingston (you guessed it) admitted to having extramarital affairs.

Livingston was succeeded by Dennis Hastert, perhaps the most, well, conventional of the GOP leaders of his era. Still, Hastert was a hawk with no military service and a defender of the rich with no money or experience in business.

In this year's election cycle, House Republicans were justly vilified for their subservience to the corruptions of Jack Abramoff and Tom DeLay's entire K Street project. While extreme, there have been many other periods of extreme corruption in Congress.

What marked this Republican cadre was not their corruption, but the chips on their shoulders.

It was a localized condition. It didn't spread to the Senate. The Republican leaders there — again, suspend your ideology and just look at biography — were pretty typical American politicians.

Bob Dole, Trent Lott and Bill Frist were not acting out in office. They were not ideologues and did not use the rhetoric of the righteous. The colleagues that wielded the most power — like McCain, Simpson, Lugar, Specter, Stevens, Warner — have had long runs of service in several arenas relatively free of public and private embarrassment and hypocrisy — and even some substantial accomplishments pre-Senate.

History reveals that great leaders and intellectuals often appear in clusters, inspiring and motivating each other to extraordinary achievement. American historians have focused on this in recent books looking at the "founding brothers," Lincoln's "team of rivals," the 19th-century pragmatist philosophers called "the metaphysical club," Roosevelt's New Dealers and Kennedy's "best and the brightest."

The opposite is also true.

What's next for the House is of course uncertain, but an undistinguished chapter has come to a close. Good riddance.



Dick Meyer is the editorial director of CBSNews.com, based in Washington.

E-mail questions, comments, complaints, arguments and ideas to
Against the Grain. We will publish some of the interesting (and civil) ones, sometimes in edited form.



By Dick Meyer
©MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Add a Comment See all 119 Comments
by mikekleber November 16, 2006 4:06 AM PST
Mr. Meyer, you have written a beatiful piece. Please don't forget Rep. Mark Souder from Indiana who was just re-elected somehow from our area. The only thing he has accomplished for our district was to spend $70,00.00 to have two signs made in order to call a section of highway around our city the "Ronald Reagan Freeway." And, I can't forget, he proposed legislation to have Ronald Reagan's image placed on the dime. What a winner!!!!!!!
Reply to this comment
by bluestardad November 16, 2006 4:59 AM PST
lie, cheat, steel, foley, ted haggert, stay the course.
Reply to this comment
by bluestardad November 16, 2006 5:04 AM PST
Mikekleber, we will work to get Mark Souder removed from office in the next election. The Indiana Democratic Party needs serious help. I agree with you that this guy Souder is a serious looser who was a conscious objector during Vietnam and ran on a platform of %u201CLet Freedom Ring%u201D like he had anything to do with securing Freedom for any American.
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by plainthinker November 16, 2006 7:12 AM PST
It's sad that a lot of immoral and corrupt politicians were voted for because they claimed to be "pro-life", and have "family values". These immoral politicians assume a religious facade because it works. I hope these facts are read by our religious leaders, and it makes them realize they should teach religion, not tell their flocks how to vote!!!
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by mjv2944 November 16, 2006 7:18 AM PST
The neocons are gone at last, but I have grave doubts about the dems. I am afraid they don't have the smarts to look and learn from the last election. It appears that it will be business as usual in DC, just under a different banner. Pelosi is *** up by putting Murtha in as #2. I think they should look at some of the newcomers, but then, they haven't learned to play the game. Hope voters will be even more vigilent next time.
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by MomsHugs November 16, 2006 8:04 AM PST
Hope I don't sound too cynical, Mr. Meyer, but where have you & the rest of the so-called 'liberal' media been for the past 12 years? Iowans elected one of Gingerich's 'boys' - on just those 'family values' - a young guy from a small town with a wife & 3 little kids, one of whom was disabled. Newly minted Rep. Nussle didn't take his family to Washington, had an affair instead & divorced his wife. So much for his 'family values.' However, Iowa's GOP got him re-elected several times... while redistricting, too. You might remember 'Paper Sack' Nussle soon speaking on the House floor about corruption in use of the House Bank (the very same bank Gingrich was using...humm??). This year the GOP put him up for governor this year & FINALLY Iowans wised up. He was soundly beaten & about time!
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by ressigmann November 16, 2006 8:12 AM PST
Before Mr Meyer talks about Foley he should review former Democratic Congressman Stipp. Stipp had a homosexual relationship with a page (far more than a dirty text message) and all he got was a censure and was re-elected several times, it seems certain things are despicable only if Republicans do them.
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by theyelladawg November 16, 2006 8:19 AM PST
This answers the question, "Where was the press?" The answer is, "looking the other way" - with the lamest of excuses, "the press didn't call a duck a duck, because that's not something we're supposed to do." Bull! That is PRECISELY what the press is supposed to do! The press enjoys a special status in the U.S. that comes an equal responsibility. The sad truth is that the press has let us down. Where was this generation's Katie Graham and Woodward and Bernstein? The answer is NOT pretty. Katie has been replaced by corporate managers more concerned with quarterly numbers than the First Amendment. And Woodward and Bernstein have been rifed for cheaper cubs who accept the PR flacks' handouts at face value instead of doing the hard work to dig out the REAL story. You can't put this off on a bunch of crazy and corrupt politicians, Mr. Meyer. You WEREN'T doing your job to get the blatant corruption into news leads, and to hammer the rascals instead of playing "politically correct" by repeating the spin instead of exposing the fiction that it was. SHAME on you, Mr. Meyers! Yours should be the next public resignation for aiding and facilitating the fraud and corruption. The damage to the social safety net, the budget, the Bill of Rights, and habeas corpus was done on your watch. "Would have", "could have", "should have" doesn't cut it. Meet your responsibility! Do your job!
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by godseyesore-2009 November 16, 2006 8:57 AM PST
Great to finally see some rational expression in the media. The recent "smackdown" of repugnican policies and politicians was sweet, but the media also needs a smackdown for being such wimps for so long. Where has the high quality journalism been over the past decade?
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by oleander8 November 16, 2006 8:57 AM PST

Mr. Meyer, I have enjoyed your column for a very long time - but I have to agree with the critics of the media when they ask "where were you?". The fourth estate has totally bought into the Republican propaganda of being liberally biased to the point that they censor themselves and thus short-change the public on reporting the state of the country and the "statesmen" running it.

It's safe now to bash the party no longer in power, but Mr Meyer - Where were you when we needed you?
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by soxperk November 16, 2006 9:02 AM PST
PTL! This is great stuff. Finally, Illinois Republican leaders Hyde and Hastert exposed as partisan frauds trying to amass personal fortunes. I have been writing letters to the editors about these fat-*** hypocrits for years. Hyde, the champion of the Right and anti-abortion foe had an affair in his 40's and called it a "youthful indiscretion". He also profitted during the S&L scandal and actually sat on the board of Clyde Savings and Loan when it went belly up. Anyone else would have been prosecuted. Hastert, the one-time high school teacher and wrestling coach has become a millionaire land baron and real estate speculator since he became speaker. Insider information baby! Then, he allows Foley to stay in office and lacks the character to admit he screwed up. Throw the bums out. Power to the people. Maybe we can elect fewer political hacks and more men and women who actually care. P
Reply to this comment
by soxperk November 16, 2006 9:03 AM PST
PTL! This is great stuff. Finally, Illinois Republican leaders Hyde and Hastert exposed as partisan frauds trying to amass personal fortunes. I have been writing letters to the editors about these fat-*** hypocrits for years. Hyde, the Champion of the Right and anti-abortion foe had an affair in his 40's and called it a "youthful indiscretion". He also profitted during the S&L scandal and actually sat on the board of Clyde Savings and Loan when it went belly up. Anyone else would have been prosecuted. Hastert, the one-time high school teacher and wrestling coach has become a millionaire land baron and real estate speculator since he became speaker. Coincidence - naw just insider information baby! Then, he allows Foley to stay in office and lacks the character to admit he screwed up. Throw the bums out. Power to the people. Maybe we can elect fewer political hacks and more men and women who actually care.
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by pamona9 November 16, 2006 9:17 AM PST
I agree with Mr. Meyer about the job of the press. I get extremely tired of people bashing the press. I get the impression that people want their news spoon fed to them and slanted just the way they like it. As if the critics of the press expect them to personally take up the banner of causes, and protest in the streets, or something! The press is the reporting tool. It's up to us, The People to use the information and either act or not upon it. I do have a problem with not getting a well-rounded world view that I can get from foreign sources. However, what's reported to America is controlled by the owners of the media! I'd love to hear Mr. Meyer give me some feedback on this.
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by heresmy2cent November 16, 2006 9:29 AM PST
"Newton" Gingrich is one of the biggest hypocrites that every lived. Hopefully him and his "Contract ON America crowd will be become a distant memory.

And I always wondered why someone would name their kid "Newt."
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by muprock November 16, 2006 9:51 AM PST
Fantastic, Mr. Meyer. Thanks for your honesty. My question: Why does it take so long for Americans to challenge this insanity? Why do we wait until we are stuck in a military quagmire and many billions of dollars in debt before we say something? Are we simply afraid to go against the grain? While the media is partly to blame, so are individuals. As long as we hold back and don't speak up among our colleagues, family and friends, we are destined to repeat our mistakes and allow corrupt hypocrites (Republican or Democrat) to continue to run our country.
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by notblue November 16, 2006 9:58 AM PST
Same old left wing ***. Mr. Meyer has truly risen to the top as the left wings darling. Anyone who believes the politicians on the right are the only corrupt ones on capitol hill need to take a reality pill. The truth isn't easy to see when the left wing press missinforms and journalists like Mr. Meyer search and destroy anything right until a self perceived victory is achieved. I for one am sick of the ongoing extreme partisan rhetoric displayed by both sides while the media has done nothing but polarized and divided our country. Please Mr. Meyer the election is over what can you print that would actually start to unite this country? If your past track record is any indication I would say nothing.
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by heresmy2cent November 16, 2006 10:13 AM PST
*** Meyer's commentaries are always well written and thought-provoking. And this article only proves that.

Many thanks to him and to CBS for allowing the public to place their comments on these pages. People should realize that it is a wonderful privilege to be able to do this.



Reply to this comment
by exusmcsgt November 16, 2006 10:23 AM PST
notblue-

Are you able to independently dispute any of Myer's statements? If not, your comments are nothing more than "shoot the messenger".

You obviously feel that blatant corruption (both financial and moral) are qualities we should tolerate in our elected officials, as long as they are Repubs.....
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by ademeyer November 16, 2006 10:34 AM PST
I was shocked and amazed to read the truth about this twelve year reign of Republican weirdos printed on an MSM site. Usually I have to go to the independent bloggers like Eric Alterman to get the straight scoop.

It is disheartening how it took a flood of books written about the fiasco in Iraq before the MSM began to report on dissenting opinions in the military, as just another example of how the mainstream news organizations have morphed into parade followers under corporate rule. I don't watch Katic Couric since CBS put Rush Limbaugh on "the News" and I don't read ABC's The Note since I realized its a right wing screed. I wish the Bosses in the news division realized why people are turning their TVs off in droves, and seeking their news on the 'net. Anyway, thanks Mr. Meyer. Your column keeps me coming back to this site.
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by tejasdemo November 16, 2006 10:47 AM PST
Ademeyer,

I agree completely. It is really sad because the media in large part is responsible for all the mess that has been created in our country certainly in the last 6 years.

They bought and spewed out this complete right wing *** like it was actually the truth.
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by ksabicer November 16, 2006 10:59 AM PST
Mr Meyer, ***-
You obviously have one of the shortest selective memories of the MSM. Where were you when we had the scandals of Condit (murder suspect), Frank (influence peddling), Brown (caught taking money keeping it in his freezer), Kerry (I voted for it before I voted against it), Feinstein (I carry but you can't), Kennedy (influence the election) , and don't forget Gore (no legal moral authority) and the all-time philanderer in chief Slick Willy??? This type of activity is pervasive on both sides of the aisle, you simply forgive the Dems and persecute the Republicans. Get a dose of reality, throttle back alittle on the drugs and use the talent you were given, to find these warts on the american political backside, to keep the rascals honest. Watermark these factors at the end of the Rebulican Chess Clubs reign; Inflation, tax revenues, the DJIA, unemployment, oil prices and see where they are after a couple of years under the new management, there the numbers won't lie but you can bet the politicians will.
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by tinker3478 November 16, 2006 11:10 AM PST
Way to go, ksab2. Demise h---, this fathead is talking about running for President. Dear God, that's all we need. He would be likely to have Rush Limbaugh as his VP-talk about a pair of neo-Nazis! And with Rush OD-ing on Viagra and Vicodin, saluting the flag would take on a whole new meaning. Sig Heil!
Reply to this comment
by boogied November 16, 2006 11:28 AM PST
*** Meyers is clearly an arrogant and bitter person who cannot see the forest for the trees. Specifically, how long it takes anything to be measured from government actions (years), how long it takes to correct a mistake (years), and that no commercial operation ever has or ever will live in that scenario.

Mr Meyers, we all await your candidacy for any elected office (like the ones of those you arrogantly condemn) so we all can see you do a better job than any of them and not just talk about it.

If you don't like my comments here (particularly if you receive them as ridicule, when they are not), I suggest you don't run for office and get your feelings really hurt. Actions versus words. Give us all some actions from Y-O-U to look at and not just words about how things could be better. Get America on track to do whatever Y-O-U suggest. That is the job of an elected official, is it not?
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by ibcrazybones November 16, 2006 11:34 AM PST
I had an inkling of this pattern, but never took the time to analyze it the way Meyer did. A brilliant article.
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by random_radar November 16, 2006 11:38 AM PST
Tinker3478,

Actually, the Nazi salute was inspired by the original American flag salute. Those of you who are old enough will remember how it was done before world war two. If you don't believe me, look up the pledge of allegiance on Wikipedia and look at the picture of the children saluting (ignore the incorrect explanation which does not match the picture).

The basis for Nazi philosophy (including eugenics) was developed in the United States and found an audience in Germany. The real inconvenient truth is that Nazi values were made in America, and we should not be surprised that they still form an undercurrent in this country.

So, yes, I deplore the immoral hypocrites in our government. They are leading us down the road to destruction. But as long as people elect them, the people get what they deserve.
Reply to this comment
by tinker3478 November 16, 2006 11:41 AM PST
Don't think you quite get the Viagra point sweetie. My degree is in history so I probably know more about the Nazis than you do.
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by one_american November 16, 2006 12:08 PM PST
Will *** Meyers "call a duck a duck" when it comes to the corrupt leadership of the Democrats????

H-E-L-L NO!

The CBS spin machine is running full speed.

When CBS News is shut down permanently, over half of America will say "good riddance".
Reply to this comment
by one_american November 16, 2006 12:13 PM PST
As if the media didn't bash Gingrich and the other Republican leaders, even before they took office 12 years ago.

You are the king of weirdos, Dicky Meyers!!
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by frenchie777 November 16, 2006 12:15 PM PST
Mr Meyer, It always amazes me that both sides engage in the exact same rhetoric. You are a glorified attack dog. You have no real interst in bipartisan solutions. Both sides are equally at fault in the corruption dept. I won't even name names. You could do that for me...(but you won't...attack dogs are well trained.) Until the left (Meyer, this means you) decides to agree with the right, and the right decides to agree with the left, on solutions to issues that we all agree are for the common good, this will continue, our country will be polarized and the public will stay truely uninformed of anything but our countries failings thanks to CBS. Mr. Meyer is more interested in selling soap than on having an opinion that changes people and our country for the better. ...Continued
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by frenchie777 November 16, 2006 12:18 PM PST
From "Continued"...... Simplistic attack journalism like Meyers is in every paper in the country and sadly most leans left. If it weren't for the poitics of envy and the culture of complaint, Mr. Meyer would have to actually be a uniter. It saddens me that the left is actually believing that this election was a referendum "for" them. How foolish. The republican turnout was the lowest in 40 years and if you look at the actual issues voted on by the individual states, if anything it was a referendum "for" a more conservative agenda. Look out Mr. Meyer. 2008 is on the horizon. Make sure the left can get it's act together by then. If the next 2 years aren't as wonderful as the left promised they would be with Democratic leadership, be prepared for a hard fall. Import as many socialists as you can. That may be your only hope. I predict, a failed economy by then because of looming tax increases. Slower housing because of tighter regulating, which in turn will cause a radical increase in unemployement, which in turn will create a return to Carter like largess. Not to mention, an decrease in our security at home. Leaving Iraq will not make the problem go away. Terrorists hate you too Mr.Meyer. How about a solution instead of an attack. Oh....I forgot...you are well trained.
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by exusmcsgt November 16, 2006 12:40 PM PST
shdawson-

I find it interesting that you do not consider insult (calling someone arrogant and bitter) to be a form of ridicule........
Reply to this comment
by ihave4rugratshelp November 16, 2006 12:47 PM PST
Those who can do, those who can't write commentaries.
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by edjohn66 November 16, 2006 12:54 PM PST
Does anyone else notice the incredible irony and gross hypocracy of frenchie777's posts?

Anyway, if I were a Republican (as frenchie777 clearly is), I'd be just as happy as Mr. Meyer that the House Republican leadership is now free of bellicose, hypocritical, and wholly uninspiring characters such as Gingrich, Foley and Delay.

But then again, I've always had a hard time understanding the Republicans....
Reply to this comment
by aa36042 November 16, 2006 2:08 PM PST
Is this article about infidelity or what? I know the liberals are moral, salt of the earth people that never have children out of wedlock or extra marital affairs..But what is the point of this article? Can a liberal please for once discuss policy and not hatred of the other party? Can we please discuss how to make Iraq a better place now that were stuck, can we discuss immigration ? Can we discuss how to hold the people responsible for running our schools accountable for their performance and product? Im so tired of hearing these types of arguments and insults..Can we please talk policy ONCE, or is all you have to offer conspiracy theories (bush got us into iraq for oil..he even blew up the trade center to get it started and etc.) or this type of smut? Lets elevate and not talk about our hatred of the other policies..Id be more curious to hear the democrats plans on these tough issues..or have any of them even mentioned any of these issues? or do they just show their contempt for the people that do try and lead (and sometimes fail).
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by jasperlily November 16, 2006 2:21 PM PST
for emokev -

you have it wrong; it goes: those who can, do; those who can't "work" in government.
Reply to this comment
by aa36042 November 16, 2006 2:27 PM PST
jasperlily

please read below.
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by November 16, 2006 2:27 PM PST
"Epic sanctimony" seems to be the hallmark of right-wing politicians and the sad part is they don't even recognize it for what it is...they revel in it and actually are quite good at fooling people with it. Unfortunately, it took the American people 12 years to sniff out the hypocrisy.
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by tibu987 November 16, 2006 2:31 PM PST
As an independent voter, I usually vote for whomever I feel has been the most honorable and who was less concerned with partisan politics. They are supposed to represent ALL the people.
It is not an easy task trying to determine who would make a good pol. I do my homework.
With all the bad marks, corruption, pork, graft, arrogance, looking down on us from their ivory towers, I determine who should be excluded from eating at the government trough.
Gingrich is one fat cat who, thankfully, is gone.
Reply to this comment
by tinker3478 November 16, 2006 2:41 PM PST
"I know the liberals are moral, salt of the earth people..liberal please for once discuss policy...?"

For education:
Make parents responsible for their children's values instruction instead of dumping it on the school system then prayer in school won't be an issue. If Mom and Pop want it, let them pay for sports to happen on weekends. Use the schools for education. Plop the little dears into uniforms so Pop's wallet is less of an issue. Provide a decent liberal education where teachers teach reading, writing, and arithmetic along with a little science, music, and art so our kids know how to make wise political choices [because it's apparent none of us do.]

Infrastructure:
Bring jobs back home along with our troops. Do away with NAFTA and close our borders. Rebuild our highways instead of worrying about Iraqs. Worry less about gay marriage and more about serial monogamy - cut down the divorce rate, fewer women will be forced into poverty. Penalize doctors for performing abortion instead legislating morality for women. Instead of rushing off to Guatemala, China, Africa to adopt babies, adopt some of the thousands of children in the U.S. who need homes. Side note: close down foster child placement agencies who milk government for millions and increase stipends to decent human beings who wanted to raise kids who have been physically and emotionally abused.

Whew! How's that for a liberal?
Reply to this comment
by egresor November 16, 2006 2:55 PM PST
it's nice to see some honesty from someone in the mainstream media. tho sadly he is only the editorial director.

where was cbs news the last 6 years. hiding behind the we're afraid to be painted with the un-patriotic post 9-11 paintbrush?

where were the editorials seriously questioning what the conservative ideologues were doing?

when they wrecked the economy under reagan and bill clinton rescued us with sound centrist policies....what did the newt-ites do? they could not point to a 'we told you so' on their warnings of the dire consequences of clinton's solutions. t hey had to attack his morals, but of course people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones and as is often the case it bites them tight back.

bravo for your honesty, but where was cbs back then? and during the last 6 years?
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by cwfabian November 16, 2006 2:57 PM PST
Yes ***. Thank God that the twelve year house and senate reign of the evil GOP has come to an end. With the valiant and above reproach Dems leading the way just think of the possibilities...Islamic extremist will plant flowers instead of bombs, bunnies and kittens will seem softer and more cuddly, Americans won't lose jobs to third-world goat herders, Harry can marry *** and Lisa can marry Tina, and media orginizations such as CBS can continue to pay prick partisan columnists for their worthless opinions.
Reply to this comment
by tinker3478 November 16, 2006 3:12 PM PST
I challenge anyone to identify one good piece of legislation that has come out of Congress in the last 6 years.
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by chris12karen November 16, 2006 3:59 PM PST
kind of a boring article, actually
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by authorwriter November 16, 2006 4:10 PM PST
The more I see the uglyness of Washington politics the more I understand Chief Rehnquist's memo, A Random Thought on the Segregation Cases and realize it's all about the final numbers count. This past election is a clear statement relating to the saying, "Bottom rail on top now".
Reply to this comment
by tejasdemo November 16, 2006 4:27 PM PST
egresor,

I agree. If CBS and the rest of the media had spoken up instead of being afraid maybe the country would not be in the mess it's in and 3000 people killed in NY would not have been followed up with upwards of 3000 (American) needless deaths in Iraq
Reply to this comment
by aa36042 November 16, 2006 4:33 PM PST
Tinker3478

I must say it is very refreshing seeing a liberal take a shot at discussing actual policy vs throwing around weird conspriacy theories. And hate for the other party. But when I start looking at your little attempt at policy I would argue that many of those sugestions are not very liberal at all.

"Penalize doctors for performing abortion instead legislating morality for women. '" sounds like a very liberal policy indeed.
Reply to this comment
by tejasdemo November 16, 2006 4:36 PM PST
Liberal is a good thing. It means you are open to change. Open and willing to change based upon facts.

Reply to this comment
by aa36042 November 16, 2006 4:36 PM PST
And Tinker, to continue your lesson, the goal of a legislature is not to deliver as many laws as possible. Esp when we do not enforce the current laws i.e. imigration and etc. I would suggest less legislation and Bureaucracy and more enforcement of the current laws. We do not need more legislation and laws in this country..we need a greater emphasis on personal accountability and enforcement of current law.
Reply to this comment
by aa36042 November 16, 2006 4:39 PM PST
tejasdemo

SEE look at "tejasdemo"! theres a real liberal..take a little point of contention and spin it so we are discussing something irrelevant like the meaning of liberal..obviously within the context of this discussion we were using an understood paradigm of republican/liberal to form our argument. I do not see what you nit picking was accomplishing. But way to illustrate my point. This is the exact kind of reasoning and argument used by liberals who do not want to discuss specific policy or substance but want to twist and turn and put irrelevant holes in arguments without making their own. Priceless.
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by talkingham November 16, 2006 4:44 PM PST
I was almost amazed last night watching NBC Nightly news on the story about Trent Lott being re-elected leader of the Senate Repubs. The story said the reason he was dismissed were his supportive remarks about Strom Thurmond's failed run for president in the '50's as a Dixiecrat. That's all true to a point, but the fact is that Bush wanted Frist to be his hand picked leader of the Senate and the move would never have been made without Bush's support. Just another note in revisionist history now practiced in our nightly news casts. The change had little to do with what Lott said and everything to do with what Bush wanted. Ever since Frist's little run-in about his stock portfolio a few months ago he's been very, very, quiet. Someone has evidently played gotcha with him -- wonder why the "news" media hasn't looked into this this-- right, what news media?
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