Washblog

Congressman, thank you for being here tonight.

Was it just me, or did the President take the headlines of the Democratic platform on energy independence and claim it for his own?

by sean baratt on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 07:30:32 PM PST

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I would like to thank your for your service to America, your tenacious drive for equality, and your work for those who have little, but work hard to provide for their families. I don't live in Seattle, but I have always admired your convictions and honesty toward us common folks.

Thank you!!

by eastside lib on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 07:32:07 PM PST

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Congressman, did the healthcare "plan" laid out by Bush have even the slightest basis in reality?  As you say, it removes coverage from those most in need, while once again feathering the corporate nest.

Parenthetically, why is there no Senate analogue to your proposed H.R.1200 approach?

You're only young once, but you can be immature forever -- Larry Andersen
Blogging at Peace Tree Farm

by N in Seattle on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 07:38:01 PM PST

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I appreciated everything the Congressman had to say about Middle America and the cold shoulder that the President offered.

As a local elected official, all I heard was more mandates and deficits, and no resources or collaboration.  From homeland security to education to the environment, our state and local agencies are at the front lines, protecting our nation and its resources.

Instead of offering a helping hand, and more cooperation, the President leaped out for headlines, with more empty rhetoric, and no answers.  Apparently, tax cuts for the wealthy are a higher priority than our first responders.  We are supposed to clap for their work and dedication, but ignore their needs.

Governor Kaine was a fresh and energizing alternative.  There is a better way, which was what I kept thinking during the President's speech, was the centerpiece.  Let's end the tax cuts and cut the deficit.  Let's stop the international expeditions and invest in protecting our communities.  Before we take on new education programs, let's fund the ones we have.  There is a much better way.

I hope that Congressman McDermott and our entire delegation take hope from the support they enjoy throughout this state.  We depend on you to remain the voice of reason, and stand up for those of that just want to serve our communities and make a difference!

by markoliias on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 08:05:45 PM PST

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I noticed his frequent references to HIV/AIDS (of course, he speaks of them as though they are the same thing).  Knowing what we know about his use of "faith-based" organizations to proselytize rather than actually treat those in need, should we be concerned that he has even more draconian plans in mind?

Switzerblog'll knock you out!

by switzerblog on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 07:45:23 PM PST

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Thank you Congressman for taking the time to share your thoughts.  

 Quoting you

 "The President's rhetoric on Iraq is worn out and without foundation.  The President's plan for Iraq has a cover page but no content.  It's not working, but he persists in demanding support for his no-plan alternative, and stands by while those who ask questions are attacked in response."

  Ditto.  The Commander-in-Chief said nothing new except perhaps that life is God-given (regarding human embryos).  Wish he felt the same way about the lives of our troops and the Iraqi people.

  Oh and he did express gratitude to all who 'volunteered'.  Except that volunteer service has become conscripted, involuntary service with stop loss, extensions and repeat (x 2,3,4, 5) deployments.  

   

On the Surge in Iraq "--we have set the bar so low it's buried in the sand at this point." - Barack Obama

by Lietta Ruger on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 07:53:02 PM PST

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I appreciate the work and courageous stances you have taken against this administration. I'm not in  your district but would campaign for you if I were.

When Bush began, I was waiting with my laptop to write down the phrases he used that prompted thoughts and phrases from me.

After about 15 minutes I just sat back and fumed, grateful that unlike my reps and senators, I didn't have to stand up even once and applaud.

There was nothing new and only a hint of different frosting on an old cake gone stale.

His statements on Iraq denied reality on the ground.

His statements about the economy denied reality in the work and market places.

His statements about American global economic leadership and being in the driver's seat denied reality itself.

His statements about the Gulf Coast were very close to outright lies.

His statement about health coverage, social security problems and medicare solutions were just plain pretenses that the Republican financial world matches the real world.

I sit here angrier than I've been in each of the past five SOTU evenings.

... and I wonder why I rushed home throught the rain and puddles to listen to this.

Arthur
You sure you ain't staking too much on yer theories? Not enough common sense?

by Arthur Ruger on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 07:56:58 PM PST

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Congressman McDermott is in route, and should be available shortly. Sounds like it is quite a ordeal to get out of the capital building and into the DCCC.

by Brian on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 07:57:53 PM PST

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Thank you, Representative McDermott, for speaking the truth here and in the House. It is deeply appreciated.

It has been heartbreaking to be fed so many malignant lies. Your response and your work makes it just a little bit better.

by noemie maxwell on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 07:58:05 PM PST

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and his cronies.

Since at least "get the government off the backs of the people" from Reagan, there has been little or no connection between what they say and what they do.

I say "at least" because I am 46, and 1980 was my first Presidential election.

What frustrates me is that the Democrats have a lot of truth on their side, and where is the consistent, hard hitting, relentless message?

Between Halliburton & Katrina & the ridiculous budget &&&& ...

where is the message?

How many media and communications people work at the DCCC, DSCC, DNC, ...

Why can't they get it together?

Thanks for dropping by -

keep up the great work.

rmm.

http://www.liemail.com/BambooGrassroots.html

by rmdSeaBos on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 08:02:00 PM PST

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My question is, did you cheer when President Bush said his Social InSecurity plan was defeated?

He seemed to stumble for a while after that.

by walla wallow on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 08:03:47 PM PST

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Congressman McDermott, thanks for coming here tonight. My question is what do you think the chances are for passing meaningful lobbying reform, to prevent some of the egregious activities of some of the Members of Congress in conjunction with the K Street Project? I'm sure we'll see some reform, but will it have any teeth to it?

by Ken Camp on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 08:04:26 PM PST

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There is a lot of talk about the key races being in the Purple States this year, and a desire to avoid partisanship.  Kaine's use of "There Is a Better Way" is upbeat, but it doesn't seem to 'hook' any flaws in Republican leadership other than a pre-disposed negative view of the state of things, or to highlight a specific bonus in the Democratic approach...
Are there more biting themes or narratives that Democrats should consider in '06?

The Republicans have been advocating 'breaking the rules' for 5 years, and our principles and freedoms with 'em.  Maybe there's something in there... "We'll bring America forward, and we don't need to break all the rules to do it"...

Swimming in words... '-)

by Mark MyWords on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 08:22:25 PM PST

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Thank you for posting, Representative McDermott!

Like many, one of my key interests is energy independence. Senator Murray has been working to help fund Amtrak - a much more energy efficient way to move large numbers of people inter-city - and local initiatives such as Sound Transit's electric light rail, which will provide service largely independent of oil prices.

May I ask you to help support our rail systems? Snoqualmie Pass used to be electrified - as oil prices continue to rise, we'll probably consider doing this again, and I'd like to make sure that our railways are still there to work with when that time comes.

by Ben on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 09:14:19 PM PST

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The entire setup of the SOTU address and then the media response after set a tone of business as usual. There was an air of normalcy -- in what are extraordinary times. We are living in the midst of a coup -- and the foundations of our democracy are weakened and at risk. The environment of normalcy, in my opinion, gives those people watching the event who do not already understand the grave situation we are in -- no clues at all that they should be worried.

What I would like to see is a total lack of applause and standing up of the Democrats. I would even like to see some form of respectful protest. But the Democrats at the SOTU were acting as if it is business as usual.

What do you think can be done, Representative McDermott, either by regular citizens -- or that we can expect or ask for from the electeds -- to help get it through to the consciousness of the public that we are not in a business-as-usual world right now?

by noemie maxwell on Tue Jan 31, 2006 at 09:15:24 PM PST

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