On "The Situation Room" today, we asked viewers the following questions, and here are some of our favorite responses that we didn't get to read on air:
Is it a good idea for the Democrats to sideline Republicans as they start business in the new Congress?Sure, let the Democrats have their way with the old rules in place. If they can do something useful and new in the first 100 hours, fantastic! But if they can't, maybe both sides of the aisle will realize they have to lose the old power-play game and actually act like adults. You know, like those of us who do real jobs, face real crises, and actually pay as we go? That'd be real progress.
Vin, CaliforniaNancy Pelosi had only one trump card for political bargaining (war funding) and she has already vowed not to cut the funds for the war. The Democrats will spend the next two years running around willy-nilly and probably will get less done than the last Congress.
Ned, St. Louis, MichiganIt would be great to see the Republicans being ignored as they ignored the Democrats, but because Americans have a short memory, they will expect the Democrats to rise above it.
T., Omaha, Nebraska
Yes, they were elected on an agenda, and I for one expect them to deliver - not dither.
Gary, Houston, TexasWhat impact does the war in Iraq have on most Americans?
No impact. Personally we don't know anyone who has served in Iraq; our peers are too old to serve and their children are too young. If not for the media, I'm not sure anyone would even know we are at war. My wife met a couple at the post office just before Christmas trying to ship something to their son in Iraq.
Ken, Newton, New JerseyIn two ways: 1) It has made me ashamed of my country. We attacked another nation under false pretenses and, as a result, have caused more violence in the world. 2) It has shattered any hope that I had that a civilized nation would choose peace over war. President Bush did not have to go to war; he chose it.
Joel
Unfortunately, the answer is "no effect at all". A very small percentage of our population has relatives or friends in Iraq and President Bush has decided that our children and grandchildren are the ones who will have to pay for it. That is why there is no public outcry against the war; it is not affecting the average selfish American.
Allen, Mountain Home, IdahoIn past wars those of us at home sacrificed. Not this time. It is business as usual except when a family has a loved one murdered in Iraq. If the general public suffered in the pocketbook the war would be over.
Howard, Niles, Michigan
