Democrats: Quit listening to "civility" scolds and concern trolls: This is an emergency

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34. I think that's exactly what they are doing.

No one is telling Maxine to be quiet. Booker, Pelosi, and Bernie Sanders (yes, he came down in favor of Sanders-Huckabee intead of the Red Hen owner) et all are not telling all Democrats to stop being angry and taking any action. They are expressing their (and many people out who are indeed balking at Dear Leaders' piggishness) discomfort at the confrontational approach. Also, Maxine's constituents voted her in knowing that she's going to be confrontational. The others, not so much. But they will all stand behind the same goals and that is what makes them Dems. Paul Wellstone would never have confronted anyone in a restaurant - and that characteristic gave him the ability to work more effectively with others even accross the aisle on issues that were bipartisan. Alan Grayson was very flamboyant and mobilizing. They were both progressives, like Maxine and Nancy, Bernie, Corey, etc - and they all are contributing. None should be damned on this issue alone.

Nancy and Maxine and Booker will promote the same progressive policies. There is no reason to shun any as less than progressive.

In fact, Pelosi is fiercely defending Maxine against DT's far, far more uncivil behavior in her direction.

I truly believe that Maxine is drawing fire to make the Leadership look moderate, and she is on board with them publicly being to her right on this, and being who their constituents elected. We have room for both opinions on approaching GOPs dining in restaurants - we have bigger issues that we all agree on. It's the tactics to get there that vary.

Democrats do not walk lockstep, and despite what some progressives may say - that is our strength, not weakness. Manifestos will serve us less now than at any other time - we need a big tent for those who are with us on social justice and economic justice goals not a velvet rope and a bouncer asking questions like "are you team Maxine or team Nancy/Bernie concerning whether or not people should confront GOP leaders at lunch?"

We do not have that luxury at this point in our history.