I would criticize GOP congresscritters and federal executives for ignoring their long-stated dedication to states rights in the case of state legalization of medical marijuana … except that the Dems have been no better about it.
The problem being, of course, that nobody ever lost a federal vote based on being too tough on drugs, and the national law enforcement "War on Drugs" regime has far too much to lose if their particular money pit were to be narrowed. #ddtb
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Two Governors Ask the DEA to Reschedule Marijuana
Today the governors of two states that allow the medical use of marijuana asked the Drug Enforcement Administration to reclassify the drug so that doctors
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This is a good time to mention that a Google search of “ddtb” shows it stands for “Don’t Drop the Bong.”
Or “Don’t Disturb the Beast.” Or “Double Dart Tag Blaster.” Or a number of less savory things (this being the Internet). 🙂
Over the years you have repeatedly used the phrase “Congresscritters”. Frankly why should the do anything other than say “Fuck You”. You want respect from someone? Treat them with respect first. If you consider politicians to be animals, regardless of time served then they really have no reason to listen to you.
@Last Hussar – An interesting thought. I tend to use the phrase as an alternative to “congressional representatives” (since calling them “congressmen” would be sexist). It is a mildly disparaging term, but usually comes up in contexts where I disapprove of their actions as a group. As individuals, my opinion is usually much clearer.
As a general category, I think too many folks in congress spend way too much time concerned about (a) their next election, (b) their donors for same. While most show at least an occasional willingness to be a strong voice for a cause they believe in (good or bad), and that I respect (whether for good or for ill). Too often too many get tied up in the DC political environment. That is, perhaps, a systemic issue that cannot be resolved.
I would like to respect more of then, and do appreciate that even if (especially if) they were all individual leaders of remarkable bravery and virtue, their burden would be even heavier.
I have always understood “Congresscritters” to be a whimsical gender-neutral term to avoid having to specify “Congressmen and Congresswomen.” I have never before heard anyone imply that it is used to liken people to animals. I’m very surprised to find that you are offended by the term.
It’s a widely used term (a Google search returns about 658,000 results), and seems to be used by all sorts of folk without animus. I doubt that Blue Dog Democrats feel that they are considered animals; it’s just in our nature to give groups names like these. I see nothing wrong with it.
@LH: I think “congresscritter” is being very kind: our representatives deserve worse castigation due to their utter failure to govern the country well. They are so beholden to those with lots of money to donate to their campaigns that it isn’t even worth their time to curse an individual like ***Dave, regardless of what mild insults he tosses their way.