What it's all about

This piece by Kagro X at Daily Kos covers two issues in this one post better than I've seen anybody manage to. First, about what blogging is, and what it isn't.

Here's my rule -- and you can take it or leave it -- on referring to "the bloggers." You must keep in mind that blogs are communications tools, and that the people who use them aren't some new species from outer space. People who use blogs to communicate about politics are saying exactly the same things that they used to say, and that other people still say, to each other over the telephone, at the office water cooler, and over long lunches. This is just the first time that politicians and media types have ever had access to those conversations, because the tool we use puts them out there for them to see. (Yes, we are granting the media access to the minds of the voters. Where's the gratitude and groveling that politicians get when they grant access?)

So the bottom line is this: bloggers are just people who leave "paper" trails of their thoughts. If you have something to say about "the bloggers," try this simple exercise first to see if you might be talking out your ass: Substitute the word "telephone" for "blog." If your sentence still makes sense, you're onto something. If not, you're talking shit.

"The telephoners want us to get rid of him."

I really wish Jane Harman's office would figure this one out. As I've mentioned here before, I am no longer able to have anyone speak to me from her office because I have committed the crime of communicating over the web. Heavens to Betsy! Not joking here, I've been tagged as one who has a blog (I volunteered this information) - and since then have been given the shaft worse than any normal constituent who call their representative.

Second issue: how Democrats have ceded all power to the executive and as a result must get the presidency back and cannot brook anyone who prevents us from doing that. Except, of course, for Joe Lieberman who's actually endorsed and campaigned for Republican John McCain.

Does Harry Reid think this is some sort of quant game? I cannot figure this guy out.