It's time for this destructive meme about shutting up during elections to stop,

[woo me with science]

189. Well, I think it's important to expose it explicitly

and to label it for what it is, which is a tactic....even if those repeating it aren't always aware of it: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021488072#post73 It is an incredibly destructive meme that uses social pressure to encourage political silence, and it's important that we are clear about how antithetical to our political process it really is and encourage powerful rejection of it.

Some years ago, I think most Americans would have been aghast to be told by ANYONE, much less a party representative, that it's necessary to shut up or refrain from discussing certain policy during an election. We were taught from grade school that elections were THE TIME to become politically vocal and involved.

I think we should be concerned that this ridiculous demand is becoming so commonplace now that *campaigns* can get away with saying it.

IMO it's time for a refresher course on what representative government means, and what it demands from citizens *and* parties.

*But I respect your control of your DU experience!