Why the Left Is Furious at Lieberman; Iraq is only a part

Mr.Nimh feels that European political systems are more efficient than the one in the US and serves its people more wisely.

Here is the history of the Italian Government since 1945

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Postwar Italy

In 1944 the unpopular Badoglio cabinet had resigned, and thereafter various coalition cabinets followed each other until Dec., 1945, when Alcide De Gasperi, a Christian Democrat, became premier. De Gasperi remained an important influence on Italian politics until his death in 1954. In May, 1946, Victor Emmanuel abdicated, having previously transferred his powers to his son, Humbert II. After a month's rule, Humbert was exiled when the Italians in a plebiscite voted by a small majority to make the country a republic. A new republican constitution went into effect on Jan. 1, 1948.

Following the war, Italy became firmly tied to the West, joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1949 and the European Economic Community (now the European Union) in 1958. It was admitted to the United Nations in 1955. In internal politics, Italy's Christian Democrats, Communists, and Socialists emerged from the war as the chief parties. The split of the Socialists into the majority Socialists (the left wing) and the minority Social Democrats (the right wing) enabled the Christian Democrats to maintain power at the head of successive coalition governments with the Social Democrats (until 1959) and other center parties and to exclude the Communists from the government. However, in the postwar years the Communists dominated the local politics of Tuscany, Umbria, and Emilia-Romagna.

In 1962, Premier Amintore Fanfani, a Christian Democrat, formed a center-left coalition with a cabinet that again included the Social Democrats, as well as the parliamentary support of the Socialist party, led by Pietro Nenni. However, Fanfani's government fell after general elections in 1963 and there was considerable uncertainty before Aldo Moro, also a Christian Democrat, was able to form a center-left coalition in late 1963. The Moro government fell in 1964 and in 1966, but on each occasion was re-formed after a brief hiatus. In late 1966, N and central Italy suffered severe flooding, with resulting damage to art treasures and libraries, especially in Florence.

The Continuing Political Seesaw

Beginning in the late 1960s, there was considerable industrial unrest in the country as workers demanded higher wages and better social services. Following the general elections of May, 1968, the Moro government fell again and a government crisis began that was only ended in Dec., 1968, when Mariano Rumor, a Christian Democrat, formed a coalition government with Socialist support. After Rumor's coalition fell for a third time in July, 1970, he was replaced as premier by Emilio Colombo, also a Christian Democrat.

Colombo resigned in Jan., 1972. After a long period of crisis, Giulio Andreotti, also a Christian Democrat, formed a new coalition government in June, 1972; for the first time in 10 years, the government had a center-right, rather than a center-left, character. But this combination also did not last long and was replaced (July, 1973) by a slightly left-of-center coalition headed by Rumor. In Mar., 1974, Rumor resigned, but he soon formed another center-left cabinet, the 36th government since the fall of Mussolini in 1943. In mid-1974, Italy faced an economic crisis; an austerity program was initiated in an attempt to reduce the soaring inflation rate and the overwhelming foreign trade deficit. Rumor's administration resigned again in October and was replaced by Moro.

Many other governments followed but had little success dealing with economic decline, corruption, and lawlessness. Growing popular dissatisfaction with Italy's chaotic political situation helped the Communists achieve a measure of participation in the government coalition in 1977. The extreme left and right, excluded by the coalition between Christian Democrats and Communists, accounted for a steady increase in political violence that terrorized politicians, businessmen, intellectuals, and members of the judiciary. In 1978 former premier Moro was kidnapped and murdered by the Red Brigade, a left-wing terrorist group.

Center-left coalitions dominated by the Christian Democrats continued to hold power until 1983, when the republic's first Socialist-led coalition took power under Premier Bettino Craxi. The continuing sluggishness of the economy caused Craxi to institute another austerity budget, which included tax increases, service cuts, and wage adjustments. Craxi led the government for four years, until he resigned in 1987 and was replaced by Christian Democrat Giovanni Goria. Ciriaco De Mita succeeded Goria in 1988, and was himself succeeded in 1989 by Giulio Andreotti, who at the age of 70 became premier for the sixth time. In 1991 the Italian Communist party changed its name to the Democratic Party of the Left. In the 1992 elections the Christian Democrats barely maintained their coalition with the Socialists, the Liberals, and the Social Democrats. Socialist Giuliano Amato was named premier.

Corruption probes, begun in 1992 and headed by Amato, led to the arrest of hundreds of business and political figures and the investigation of many others, including several party leaders and former premiers. In 1993 Premier Amato resigned and Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, head of Italy's central bank, succeeded him. In addition, legislation largely ending proportional representation in parliament was passed. The Christian Democratic party changed its name to the Italian Popular party in 1994, but after a split in 1995, the center-right faction became the United Christian Democratic party.

In new elections in Mar., 1994, a coalition of conservatives and neofascists won a majority in parliament. Billionaire industrialist Silvio Berlusconi of the fledgling conservative party Forza Italia became premier, but his coalition government disintegrated in Dec. It was succeeded by a "nonpolitical" center-left government under Lamberto Dini, and then, after elections in Apr., 1996, by a center-left government under Romano Prodi that included the Democratic Party of the Left. Following a series of upheavals over austerity measures put in place to prepare for European economic union, Prodi's government collapsed in Oct., 1997.

Massimo D'Alema, of the Democratic Party of the Left, became premier as head of a new coalition government that included several political parties. Parliament named former premier Ciampi as president in May, 1999, replacing Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, who had held the office since 1992. In Apr., 2000, D'Alema resigned after his coalition suffered loses in regional elections. Socialist Giuliano Amato, D'Alema's finance minister and a former prime minister, formed a new center-left government that was substantially similar to D'Alema's. Parliamentary elections in 2001 gave Berlusconi's conservative coalition a solid victory, and he became premier of a center-right government for a second time, ending six years of liberal rule.

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The most screwed up, inefficient, bumbling, argumentative, paralyzed system I have ever seen and I have visited that country many times.

The only way the Italians can prosper is not to pay any attention to their federal government, which I assure you, they do not do until they are forced to.

I am very much afraid that Mr.Nimh, who previously told us about his trip to the USA where, as he reported, he saw terrible poverty, is not fully informed about the benefits of the US political system.

The objective reality is that the USA has an enormous Groos National Product and a top flight GNP per person.

Millions fight to get into a country whose political system is, according to Mr. Nimh, based wholly on individual candidates. This is, of course, an exaggeration since the individual candidates belong to a party which has a platform. This platform may not be as rigid as the plaforms of EU countries but it has the advantage of being flexible enough that the incredible and chaotic governmental turnovers like those that occur in Italy do not happen.

BBB
Lieberman lost 48% to 52%.

Now one can only hope that he will do the honorable thing and become a lobbyist rather than run as an independent and split the vote. If he really cares about the Democratic Party, he will do the right thing.

Lieberman lost because of more than just his support of Bush and the Iraq war. He had lost touch with the people of Conneticut. He had become enthralled with his national position and had become a national senator instead of Conneticut's senator. Citizens had turned more to the other senator, Chris Dodd, when they had problems rather than Lieberman.

BBB

Lamont Upsets Lieberman -- and Editorial Pages
Lamont Upsets Lieberman -- and Editorial Pages
By E&P Staff
Published: August 08, 2006

Challenger Ned Lamont upset Sen. Joe Lieberman in the Connecticut primary for U.S. Senate on Tuesday -- even though every daily paper in the state backed the incumbent.

Liberal bloggers, however, had strongly backed Lamont, giving them the victory in this battle of opinion-makers.

Since Lieberman has said he will now run as a third-party candidate, the newspapers -- and the bloggers -- will get to do it all over again in November. Many leading national Democrats who backed Lieberman in the primary have said they will not support him the fall election.

The New York Times in a neighboring state -- and widely read in Connecticut -- did back Lamont, who originally rose to attention on antiwar fervor.

The Times, in a departure, carried a blog all day Tuesday prominently featured on the top of its Web home page.

In a Wednesday editorial, The Times concluded: "The Democrats' job this year is to show the country how far off course things have gone, and to convince the nation that they are capable of putting it back on track. Regaining the real center requires a radical effort, and the Democrats cannot do it by demonstrating that they are only moderately brave. "

Earlier Tuesday, The Washington Post's "The Fix" blog opined: "Do newspaper endorsements matter? And if so, which ones? Lieberman's campaign has spent the last few days touting the fact that he has received the endorsement of every major newspaper in Connecticut. He is running a radio ad in the race's final hours touting the backing of the Hartford Courant, Connecticut Day and New Haven Register among others.

"While Lamont has been shut out by the big Connecticut newspapers, he won the backing of the New York Times -- a not insignificant fact in a state where many voters read the Times as their daily newspaper (especially in the affluent 4th District that Lamont calls home.) Lamont is making sure potential voters know where the Old Gray Lady stands on the race, noting the paper's endorsement in a direct-mail piece that hit mailboxes Monday informing voters of their closest polling place.

"Will undecideds be swayed to back Lieberman because of his endorsements from the state's newspapers? Or will it further cement the idea that Lieberman is the establishment choice in a time when voters have soured on the status quo? "

Re: BBB

Lieberman obviously doesn't give a **** about the Democratic party, as he is going to run as an Independent now, and he's gonna accept massive contributions from the Republican party. This is as sick as, say, someone from the Green Party accepting only contributions from the GOP in order to split the ticket for a Republican win. There are Democrats who really shouldn't be Democrats, just as there are Greens who really shouldn't be Greens. I just hope the electorate sees through all this BS, because this primary proved beyond a reasonable doubt that this election will be about the war in Iraq as well as the war on terror, two issues which a majority of Americans now side with Democrats. It is going to be a referendum against the status quo, and it will only intensify as more of our sons and daughters die needlessly in Bush's immoral and illegal war.


The Kiss of Death

Friends,

Let the resounding defeat of Senator Joe Lieberman send a cold shiver down the spine of every Democrat who supported the invasion of Iraq and who continues to support, in any way, this senseless, immoral, unwinnable war. Make no mistake about it: We, the majority of Americans, want this war ended -- and we will actively work to defeat each and every one of you who does not support an immediate end to this war.

Nearly every Democrat set to run for president in 2008 is responsible for this war. They voted for it or they supported it. That single, stupid decision has cost us 2,592 American lives and tens of thousands of Iraqi lives. Lieberman and Company made a colossal mistake -- and we are going to make sure they pay for that mistake. Payback time started last night.

I realize that there are those like Kerry and Edwards who have now changed their position and are strongly anti-war. Perhaps that switch will be enough for some to support them. For others, like me -- while I'm glad they've seen the light -- their massive error in judgment is, sadly, proof that they are not fit for the job. They sided with Bush, and for that, they may never enter the promised land.

To Hillary, our first best hope for a woman to become president, I cannot for the life of me figure out why you continue to support Bush and his war. I'm sure someone has advised you that a woman can't be elected unless she proves she can kick ass just as crazy as any man. I'm here to tell you that you will never make it through the Democratic primaries unless you start now by strongly opposing the war. It is your only hope. You and Joe have been Bush's biggest Democratic supporters of the war. Last night's voter revolt took place just a few miles from your home in Chappaqua. Did you hear the noise? Can you read the writing on the wall?

To every Democratic Senator and Congressman who continues to back Bush's War, allow me to inform you that your days in elective office are now numbered. Myself and tens of millions of citizens are going to work hard to actively remove you from any position of power.

If you don't believe us, give Joe a call.

Yours,
Michael Moore

Thank you, Michael Moore. It's time to take those pro-war Democrats to task.

BBB
I usually agree with Michael Moore. But in this case, I have problems with his lastest letter, which I also received.

I think Lieberman should accept his rejection and not run as an independent. It demonstrates he cares more about retaining his status than the Democratic Party. Shame on him!

I don't like to see the Democrats begin behaving like the evangelical right wing Republicans by banning those with different ideas. The Democratic Party has always been diverse. They are not in imposed lock step with the leadership, which leads to the problems republicans are having today.

BBB

I became Green a long time ago, as I have been disillusioned with both major parties and the mess we are in today. At least I can work on making a difference on the local level, because as far as my vote in national elections are concerned, there is no guarantee anymore that it will count. I think many more Americans feel this way, especially those who are forced to vote on a Diebold machine.

I will still, however, maintain the smallest glimmer of hope that these mid-term elections, and national elections a few years later, will take this country in a better direction. And it will obviously be the Democrats who will be handed that responsibilty if we see a fundamental shift in power.

The reason why I have to agree with Michael on this is because he pretty much called it in his movie F9/11. The scenes with all those corporate contractors chomping at the bit to move into Iraq and make tons of money made me absolutely sick to my stomach. And you KNOW that Democrats had a hand in some of those contracts, just as Republicans did. The two major parties are both beholding to big business. The Democrats just hide it better. But one can merely look at lobbyists money and know that not all of it goes to the GOP. American corporations bribe both parties, for they are the true arbitors of American policy in this country and abroad as they influence Congress with their billions.

Lieberman has already proven himself to be a worthless political hack who desperately tried to blame Lamont in the 11th hour for his own screw-ups. It's what Republicans have been doing since they got into power; blaming the other party for all their unbelievable fvck-ups. Only this time, it just isn't going to work. No amount of blame is going to change the American perception that political incumbency is poison right now. And thank GOD for the netroots, for they are the new grassroots of the 21st century, and they are becoming more powerful with every election cycle. Senator Stevens characterizing the internet as a series of tubes exemplifies brilliantly that the right seems to lack the knowledge of this powerful medium, and Lieberman's people obviously fall into that category.

I will still take those pro-war Democrats to task each and everyday. I have been so utterly disgusted by this war, and I protested with my like-minded couterparts here in S.F. as we predicted EXACTLY what is happening today. And America is no better for it; we are actually far worse now than at anytime immediately after 9/11.

All in all, there is still hope. If the Democratic party can be a big enough tent to allow differing views and yet be unified in their resolve to make this country a better place, than all the power to them. They are the only party that can do this right now. But they HAVE to prove that the middleclass still matters, and that the richest Americans must pay their fair share into the American taxpayer system.

Sorry for all the rambling. Hope it all makes sense in the end.

Peace.

Yes, Ned Lamont and Michael Moore, the new leaders of the Democratic Party. The Michael Moore of "documentary" fame. HAHAHAHAHAHA. The new proud party.

My question is, when is Joseph Lieberman going to wake up and realize the party left him? The Democratic Party is no longer the party he thought it was. Maybe Lieberman can follow in Zell Miller's footsteps and deliver a rocking speech at the next RNC?

Re: BBB


I agree -- Moore makes comments that are sometimes not politically wise. He's a gut feeling type of curmudgeon and I can't always agree with him.

Documentary fame -- yes, of course, since pay cable service Showtime still airs all of his documentaries on cable and "F 9/11" most often. The viewership numbers warrants the reruns. Stop whining.

Big turnout for a primary.

Seems as though whenever a Democratic takes the Zell Miller approach, they end up looking like complete idiots. Must be something to do with the Republican Party...

I think it's a sign of things to come. The Netroots have eboldened and empowered the anti-war movement to new heights, and America's distaste for incumbency seems to be stronger than ever right now.

Can't wait till November.

You forgot to add how effective F9/11 was in getting President Kerry elected

Report: Rove offered Bush's assistance in Lieberman campaign

RAW STORY
Published: Wednesday August 9, 2006

Karl Rove, a close advisor to the President, has expressed interest in assisting Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman in retaining his seat, despite a loss in the Democratic Primary last night, ABC News has reported.

Rove was, according to the report, acting on behalf of President Bush.

George Stephanopoulos, writing for the World Newser blog at ABC, wrote that a Lieberman aide had shared with the news agency a message from the White House: "The boss wants to help. Whatever we can do, we will do."

According to the report, The Lieberman campaign is assessing it's options, including whether it is beneficial for a candidate attempting to appeal to Independents and moderate Democrats in Connecticut to be publicly supported by the President.

Excerpts from the ABC report follow:
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/REport_Karl_Rove_offered_President_Bushs_0809.html

BBB
Dookiestix, I voted Green for several election years, including the Clinton years, until George Bush came along. I had to vote Democratic out of fear of the disaster Bush would be for our country---and the world.

In the 2006 election, I will vote for almost any Democrat to break the republican hold on our government. I like Joe Biden and several other Democrats for president. Can't afford the idealistic Green vote any longer.

BBB

Re: BBB

Are you sure? I would have thought New Mexico is a solidly enough blue state that a few Green votes make no difference.

Would the same people asking Lieberman not to run as an independent have the same reaction if Lieberman was a republican?
Would they be worried that he would be splitting the repub vote and hurting the party?

I dont think so.
They would be hoping that he would run,so that it would split the party.

I do find it interesting that they are so worried about what would happen.
After all,if they are really so sure that he will lose,then why are they begging him not to run?
What are they afraid of?

Another question,why should Joe really care about supporting his party?
They obviously didnt care about supporting him.

The dems threw Joe overboard,so now they are gonna have to pay the price.

I will bet everything I have that he will win the general vote by a landslide,and then the dems will have to contend with the fact that he might not support the dem policies as much as they like or want him to.

Re: BBB

I hear ya. That's why I generally vote Green on a local level. But the referendum about to come down on the GOP will compel me to vote Democrat irregardless of who's running. This country needs its checks and balances back after years of GOP one party rule in Washington.