And I echo your sentiments about the absolutists in the sense that, if someone is not even willing to engage in dialog that discusses the relevant merits of divergent positions and how either one might be more appropriate than the other in certain instances, well then you simply cannot have a productive exploration of ideas with someone who's pre-emptive judgmentalism has crippled their ability to entertain new ideas and perspectives.

Whoever "we" are; if we're progressives, liberals, leftists, democrats, or whatever, if we can't even manage to utilize the mechanics of reasoned discourse or treat those with different perspective with the kind of basic respect that acknowledges the value of dialog and debate in good faith and for the common good,; if we can't manage that we'll keep on coming up with the short end of the stick. We'll remain divided against ourselves simply because we need to defend our own certitude by denigrating the perspectives of others.

I have much hope that the blogs I frequent here will remain open enough to refute this absolutist "STFU IF YOU DON'T AGREE WITH ME" mutant form of behavior that masquerades as a style of debate. Sadly, I'm not much for counting on hope so I remain concerned in the meantime. there's so much crap going on these days, and it's so easy to get pulled off track.

Denial is our most dangerous adversary.

I just realized I wrote Missouri instead of Mississippi. My apologies. I had actually been talking earlier today to a good friend of mine from Missouri and I think that's where my mistake may have originated.

Denial is our most dangerous adversary.

A lot of my grassroots efforts are to take these counties back and I will work for 'party candidates'. But we are also building the farm club. Same for other places. You let us know about progressive, grass roots, local candidates that need money and I'll send it for the mayor's race if you want.

However here in the San Francisco area most candidates register as Democrat because that's the only way they can get elected. We shouldn't have to vote for the lesser of two evils in the 9 counties surrounding SF. Same goes with Joe Lieberman and the CT constituency or NY or Massachussetts. I shouldn't have to call Feinstein's office 10 or 20 times about Justice Roberts or Alito votes.

I got into a heated discussion at a meeting one night on a local candidate for a 2 year state seat. That candidate is a DINO and none of his former co-workers in the prosecutors office will support him. But he's chair of the local Dem Central Committee. They want us to support him in the primaries as the lead Democrat. I'm working my ass off to get someone else elected. If he wins the primary, I'll work for the Green Party or Independent or Libertarian....maybe the Republican to keep him out of office.

We have term limits so he's in for a short time but it's a stepping stone. This is where I become an absolutist this time.

We in the extreme blue zones sold out to moderates and everyone is paying. My county voted 67-70%+ Dem and we had an 85% Dem turnout in 2004. Yet we have to pressure our officials. Locally I'm not caving again.