I'm amazed more aren't talking about this despicable Eastwood moment.

[tama]

111. That is interesting and commendable advice

"But you have no right to trash others who think differently or have different opinions. Try being constructive instead of resorting to disrespectful rhetoric."

In that light, what about the sadly all-too common phenomenon of demonizing and dehumanizing (through character assassinations etc.) of all who are considered political opponents and enemies from the "us-against-them" mind-set? You may not have been long time on DU, but I'm positive that the phenomenon is not uncommon to you also on this site. This "tribal" instinct is built deep inside of us, been there done that also myself. I see the treatment that Clint is getting from many DUers and other pundits just one example of what you speak against in the quote above.

But more that issue about "having right", I believe it's not good for us to let our selves be carried with hate, if we aim to build society and relations that serve our needs. I know much about rage in face of injustice - and fear of losing what you love - and that such emotions cannot be and should not be suffocated and allowed to fester. And it's often difficult to find a positive manner or channel to let go of those emotions.

In this point of life I've learned that instead of becoming shocked and enraged about shows of racism and sexism and violent patriotism and other evils at Republican Convent etc, I can say to myself that such manifestations are beneath contempt and avoid reacting emotionally to such provocations in any way. In my view If I would let them affect me in any way and pollute my body with negative feelings, they would be already winning. People who are street-wise in violent and racist environments are wise to not lose their cool. Clint Eastwood, who has dedicated his art to study of violence and redemption from violence in the American mythos (see e.g. Unforgiven), is well known for his cool.

I hope this clarifies my motivation. I love the people here, but I don't like it when they lose cool and start to act as bad as those who they oppose. I want us to be better. I want us to win. To start playing win-win games keeping in mind that politics is primarily game of emotions, not ideas. When your emotions are no longer reacting to provocations and deceitful manipulations and controlled by others, your inner conviction, strength and compassion brings forth changes that you want and are joy for all of us.