authoritarian, libertarian, right, left-- what quadrant of the Political Compass are you in?

[Savannahmann]

16. The simple problem my friend is this

The purpose of DU is to support the Democratic Party. It is not to expound upon the values of Liberal/Progressive thought. It is not to discuss core principles. That is problem number one.

Many of those who bandy the words around (I am guilty of using authoritarian to describe the defenders of the indefensible NSA spying) usually use them to scare someone back into line regarding the Democratic Party position. We can support the 4th Amendment, until that support runs counter to supporting the Democratic Party, then we are a problem. Then we support the Libertarians who have been raised since birth to oppose President Obama.

The problem I have with that should be obvious after a couple thousand posts. It smacks of empty minds. Because to take that approach, that the Party must come first no matter what means adopting one of two philosophies. Option 1) My party is always right. This is so obviously juvenile that it doesn't deserve any serious consideration, but look again and see how often people defend the indefensible with variations of that juvenile argument.

Option 2) My party right, or wrong. That is infamous. That should be flushed down a toilet where it can join similar sentiments utterly rejected by history. But again, you will see arguments based upon these philosophical principles. We must oppose the GOP and stand for something asinine because if we don't the GOP wins. A perfect example of this is the arguments that if President Obama had not authorized the totally ineffective and unconstitutional NSA bulk collection programs then he would have been blamed if any attacks had happened for not doing enough. That is a perfect example of my party right or wrong.

So the labels of libertarian and other things are cudgels to shake at us to get us back in line where the party is always right. Or perhaps the Party right or wring. But party loyalty first and foremost.