I didn't attribute it to you.

I asked that this be a philosophical diary - and did not bring politics here.

You wrote:

Sweeping generalizations by an individual, in a blog diary, in the media, or by a government are ALWAYS wrong. There are so many times that a few people have spouted hateful comments and generalizations about the United States, about Republicans, about Democrats, about Arabs and Muslims, about Christians, about anything 'they' don't like.

That has nothing to do with politics?

I am asking whether it is what we expect of each other...and how far we have become divided.

And so am I. Why is it acceptable behaviour to attack each other so viciously (as some have) on a lefty blog where people are working towards the same aim? Yes, opinions differ and everyone has a right to their own. The discussion in that diary was very informative in many ways, but what really causes divisions is when people choose to bring their emotions and preconceived notions of a person into the debate in order to negate whatever that person says. And that is definitely trollish behaviour. I have read the FAQs and I am well aware of the main rule here: don't be a prick.

You want to heal divisons? Treat people with respect and humility. It really is that simple.

Framing and direction and responsiveness to the readers of the darkness helps those that do not see the love you do. We need more open communication and even dark poetry and writings are clear as to the source and direction of their anger.

So...when you write in darkness - let there be a candle showing us where your heart is. Not all of us can see through your eyes...we need to be shown the way through the darkness that you share.

Yes, that is a common opinion around here despite the fact that I have posted some non-controversial diaries and made comments here that were not meant to "stir up dissent and shit". But those don't count because they don't fit into your little theory and that is what it is: a theory.

And, just which "war" are you referring to, Tracy? I certainly don't have a war going on except the one that I'm involved in daily with Bushco. If you think I'm somehow involved in any other so-called war, you are mistaken.

I checked out DT's diary because it was interesting, as was the discussion. I visit many blogs and leave comments there every day. I do a news & views roundup each nite because I like to know what's going on with the blogs I read and alert my readers to interesting topics. I'm certainly not going to apologize for that.

However, if you choose to believe that the rest of the world is sitting on America's doorstep with flowers and candy, that's your choice - although why you need to personally insult me while making that point is beyond me. And, I certainly never said that I speak for you, Tracy, since you are an American. I was referring to other countries' citizens.

Post some polls. Do some research. Travel. Read the news. And, if you still think my point is wrong, fine. If you find something different, let me know.

Here is a summary of the results of the latest Pew Global Attitudes Survey (June 13, 2006):

America's global image has again slipped and support for the war on terrorism has declined even among close U.S. allies like Japan. The war in Iraq is a continuing drag on opinions of the United States, not only in predominantly Muslim countries but in Europe and Asia as well. And despite growing concern over Iran's nuclear ambitions, the U.S. presence in Iraq is cited at least as often as Iran - and in many countries much more often - as a danger to world peace.

A year ago, anti-Americanism had shown some signs of abating, in part because of the positive feelings generated by U.S. aid for tsunami victims in Indonesia and elsewhere. But favorable opinions of the United States have fallen in most of the 15 countries surveyed. Only about a quarter of the Spanish public (23%) expresses positive views of the U.S., down from 41% last year; America's image also has declined significantly in India (from 71% to 56%) and Indonesia (from 38% to 30%).

Now, Tracy, if you want to dispute those results, contact Pew Research because my conversation with you about this is over.

I understand that this is the belief that catnip has expressed. It is fair that it is her belief. I understand that many of us disagree with that belief.

So for purposes of discussion
How do we get past the reactionary response that the comments generate?

What do you and I do now...in the change that we wish to see...to diffuse the attack / counter attack mode?

What did Cindy teach you in Crawford?
What do we do now as we walk the walk and show them how wrong they are?