Two Different Mindsets at DU

[cheapdate]

358. There is no way to read that OP crictically

Last edited Wed Apr 2, 2014, 10:33 PM - Edit history (2)

without recognizing that it's nothing more than fuel to the fire in the ongoing shouting matches here at DU.

If you can read that without recognizing that it contrasts one group who are concerned over "...civil rights, environmental protection, worker protections, etc." with another group whose only principle seem to be "...anything Dems do is far better than what's happening on the other side", then you've already chosen your "side".

The framing in the OP is outrageous. It's divisive right out of the box. Who would be on the side that isn't concerned with "...civil rights, environmental protection, worker protections, etc."? Scroll down the 300 plus responses and I think you'll see it's strengthened divisions far more than it's lessened them.

I can argue either side of most debates with equal depth. That's not a boast -- there are plenty of others who can do the same and do it better than me. The number of people here who can accept the challenge of meeting an opposing view and rebutting it with sound arguments is steadily falling, while the number of people who meet every argument that supports a position of the Obama administration with specious attacks referring to "cheerleaders", "Obamabots" or "the dear leader" is steadily growing. And the +1000! recs for these asinine remarks grows too.

Polichick's OP is fuel to the fire and nothing more.

Other than that, I agree with most everything you said.

I would add that the differences might be insurmountable for some. Coalitions require working together with groups who don't share your every belief. Some people don't seem to be capable of that. Look at the multi-party parlimentary systems. Gaining a majority almost always requires strange bedfellows. This country is not homogenous. A straight-up majority comprised only of ideologically pure progressives without any heretical centrists isn't a reality now and is not likely to be a reality anytime soon.

Look at how our best progressive leaders speak respectfully toward members of their own party or toward others that they consider active or prospective partners. They express disagreement with principled respect, not with scathing accusations of intellectual laziness, dishonesty, or callous disregard.