Forget watching the drivel on cable news today, or even reading the news wires online.

For a lesson in democracy, turn to C-SPAN 2. The Democrats in the Senate are trying to eliminate tax breaks for oil companies and millionaires, which both groups say they don't need anyway. I'm not saying this because I am a liberal or a Democrat. It is objectively obvious that what they are saying makes horse sense.

If the Republican majority does not allow these amendments to pass before the holiday recess, they should never expect another vote from any poor or working person in this country ever again.

The national debt and deficits are totally out of control and all the tax incentives for energy are going to the old energy alliance, while Congress cuts everything working families need from college loans to Medicaid, food stamps and even aid promised to 9/11 victims and the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The activist left in this country needs new leadership if there is not some massive marching in the streets - and soon if these measures fail.