I'm glad that the civil liberty robbing Patriot Act is going to be filibustered. I hope that it the filibuster is a success.

But something troublin' me that is rarely talked about seriously by Democrats in power is the national debt. Obviously the GOP doesnt mention it much either-- we spend over 15% of all federal spending on INTEREST alone. As we continue to rack up huge deficits that number will continue to rise-- endangering a host of programs.

Why don't we have those conversations? One of my theories is that the baby boomers in charge have an interest increasing programs that will soon benefit them (Medicare, Social Security, etc), while not wanting to pay for it (higher taxes). Instead the burden is put on our places like our schools-- on future generations.

I also thank Ron Wyden.

But about this: Why don't we have those conversations? One of my theories is that the baby boomers in charge have an interest increasing programs that will soon benefit them (Medicare, Social Security, etc), while not wanting to pay for it (higher taxes). Instead the burden is put on our places like our schools-- on future generations.

I wonder if Bluedog is old enough to remember "Bluedog Democrats" who were a faction over the last 10+ years in Congress. Were they a faction for fiscal sanity, or a faction of "let's cut programs for the poor but not restrict tax cuts"? I don't remember, just that they were a group in Congress.

When Clinton and the fiscal hawks of both parties cut the deficit in the 1990s, part of that were those from Ross Perot to the Concord Coalition talking openly about the deficit.

But with Patriot Act, Iraq War, etc. I am not sure the deficit rises to the level it did in the 1990s--only so many things can be top priority at once.

As I recall, there was a Republican effort awhile ago (few years?) to say every new spending item must be paid for by cuts somewhere else, but not new tax cuts (kinda like Karen & Co. in the state capitol).

Seems to me that rather than blaming the minority party it is time to hold the majority party responsible for the mess they have made.

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'Cautiously optimistic,' and not impressed yet. That's sorta the fate of trust-breakers.

But there was one idea for fodder if, in fact, 'they' do begin talking non-stop 24/7. Past examples included reading recipe books or the federal budget. This new idea is: read for the Record the newspapers starting at 9/11, anthrax, Afghanistan, Patriot Act, airport attachment, false threat build-up chanting 'terror has America held hostage.' Etc.

And if 'they' are still talking, contrast and compare reading today's news.

Hope to see you there, Ron. (In confRONtation, refusing the backroom-deal brinksmanship to sign-off on an embarrassment-saving 'plea bargain.' Remember, "several connected senators" stand in the Abramoff crime circle, say today's newses -- no conceding crime.)

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Yes thanks Sen Wyden, stepping up with Sen Finegold and others; on this critical topic.

This is yet another reason why Senator Wyden is my favorite politician. I am so grateful for his backbone and his real connection to the people of this country.

As for the national debt, I hear Democrats talk about it all the time. I'm just wondering when the people are going to do something about it - by throwing out those responsible and putting in people who will work to reverse the problem.

I have heard the national debt and massive deficit that the GOP has racked mentioned. Howevere, it is pretty low on everyone's priority list.

This is an issue that the we can seize to peel away moderate GOP voters. We should be screaming about the fact that over 15% of all federal spending is for INTEREST-- dwarfing most federal program-- only military spending. medicare and social security were larger programs.

As we continue to roll up huge deficits, the money we spend on interest will grow. This doesnt even consider that these deficits are being financed at record low interest rates. New debt has been financed at a rate under 5%-- think of what happens to those interest costs when rates go to 6%, 7% or 8%! As those interest costs go up, it means one of two things-- huge cuts in important programs or tax increases.

More importantly than its value as a political tool is the fact that these baby boomer deficits are going to cost gen-xers and gen y. It seems to me that we should fight to make sure that those that come after us have it better.

It is time to make some important choices:

Raise social security retirement age (yup-- you boomers will scream-- so raise it for us. We are a little less selfish and are willing to sacrifice) Cuts in military spending Elimination/Cuts for the GOP/PHARMA Medicare Drug Plan Increase in capital gains taxes Elimination of Bush Tax Cuts on wealthy Tighten Eligibility/Reduce Spending on some social programs

<h2>I don't know that I care to salute the Senate for finally paying some attention to the Constitution they've sworn to uphold, why are we "not renewing" rather than "never had" The Patriot Act. Oh well, so they're showing some nerve, congratulations. I suppose there's a political risk to taking a principled stand (now) so kudos. Man, I want to choke... It's the same Civil Liberties now that it was four years ago.</h2>