Constructive criticism is always a helpful way to bring attention to flaws in policy decisions, but constant negative whining on the same subject is not.

Maybe Glenn should focus on Number (1)one once in a while.

Instead of his contact harping on number (3).

(1) If Obama takes action or makes a decision that you think is good and constructive, say so and give him credit;

(3) If there were things you claimed to find so horrible and wrong when Bush did them (indefinite detention, denial of habeas corpus, renditions, state secrets, endless wars, military commissions, compulsive secrecy), and Obama does them, apply the same standards. As Bob Herbert put it rather simply: "Policies that were wrong under George W. Bush are no less wrong because Barack Obama is in the White House."

what the republican party used to look like before the take over by angry, divisive, Christian right.

Let's face it the hard right has no intention of ever being bi-partisan. The Democrats have the majority because the voters are tired of the divisive tactics of the right. It's time for Democrats to act like the majority and get to passing legislation with or without republicans. Republican were invited to the table, and once again chose to use bad manners.

The only admonishment you omitted was, Trust no one over 30, obviously, since you're now beyond the point where you believe it.

-- bystander

I guess since I am older and wiser, I have changed my stance. I actually think their is more hope in those under 30. They seem to have more of an activist spirit than what I call the "apathetic generation", those between 40-55. I was pleased to see many younger people marching in the gay rights protest in DC.

The difference between now and Vietnam is the draft. Today the military is a JOB, not pubic service, and those who do not believe in this war do not have to join up.

Our taxes are Being WASTED. We need a tea bag party against war.

I'm hoping Obama will redirect the forces, and set a time line to get out. I don't think we can just up and leave, but I don't see that we are going to make any progress in Afghanistan. WE are pouring money down a rat hole. The U.S. cannot help build the schools, roads and other info-structures needed is the Taliban keep blowing it up, and they will keep blowing it up as long as the U.S is there. We allowed the Taliban to grow and we cannot put Pandora back into the box

Yes the Taliban are terrible, and they kill more Afghan citizens with their bombs than the U.S. I doubt fighting them will help with terrorism. Terrorism against the U.s. is caused by our presence. I think the rest of the world has to fight their own insurgencies.

If Pakistan does not want our country then pull the billions and invest it in our own outdated security systems.

Well the 'pajama' line had more do do with your constant whining instead of ACTION.

So LADddy proves to be a real sexist.

If you do not know who Boxer and Lee are I suggest you not participate in the conversation. I live a long way from Orange county where they vote for the far right republicans.

Your links prove nothing. Feinstein was wealthy on her own right, long before she married Blum. She does not need her husband's wealth.

Look at you own portfolio. See home nay companies you have that provide services or defense products.... Micro chip for instance.

No one really knows if Obama's defense team is going to decide to increase troops. It's all speculation at this point.

You can all discuss the possible troops increase in Afghanistan until you are blue in the face, or you could spend your time writing your representatives or get out of your pajamas and do what my genraton did ... Protest on the streets.

Once again Glenn proves his political Naivete.

Feinstein's votes have nothing to do with her husband, and to say so is sexist. Blum does not own any defense companies directly but like many who have investments or who are investment bankers like, Blum probably do hold stock in some defense companies. I doubt that has anything to do with Dianne Feinsteins's votes. It has been disproven over and over again.

I don't agree with Feinstein 85% of the time. Everyone in CA knows Diane Feinstein is a conservative Democrat. I refer to her as republican lite. Unlike Boxer, Feinstein gets may of her votes from Republicans, and that is how she keeps getting elected. The GOP in CA was taken over by the far right in the early 90s and so moderate republicans have no one to vote for except Dianne Feinstein. When you have a chose between far right republican and Feinstein most voters in CA choose Dianne, except my husband who refuses to vote for her. She is out of step with most of our representatives Northern CA, so we count on Boxer in the Senate and Barbara Lee in the House to counter her.

I always know my letter will do not good, and usually can predict what Feinstein's answers will be, but I keep writing her anyway.

The truth is most voters do want people in the middle for balance. No one wants either the far left or far right to be running the country.

Dianne does stand up for liberal justices, and she used to fight tooth and nail for gun control, she is pro-choice. Other than that she's a BLUE DOG.