I am without a doubt, unequivocably, unapologetically, and enthusiastically voting for Obama in Nov!

[stupidicus]

50. nothing new there

the sad part is, in my recollection most of the things you listed as being "good for the environment" have been couched in "energy" terms, and sold as such in conjunction with the "energy" pursuits you disapprove of, not with a focus on their impact on global warming. That's why I say, he hasn't really spoken for the planet much, and what little he has is way outta proportion with the speaking for and action on the interests of selected demographics.

Perhaps maybe you missed the overarching point of my post. I too was a Dean supporter in 2004, and would have preferred Dennis even the last time around. The main point I was trying to make is that there seems to be some major intra-party divisions arising between the "purists" and those who choose to criticize BHO in conjunction with expressions of disenchantment, a loss of enthusiasm, etc, here on DU, and just about everywhere else I sporadically read and post. As noted in my previous response, the only thing that seems to differentiate you and them, is your enthusiasm.

I'm not and didn't intend to be criticizing your enthusiasm despite the many reasons you've shared that could have resulted in a diminshment of it as it has in so many others, I was commenting to whatever readers that might stumble upon in both camps -- the enthused and those who have lost it wholly or in part -- in an effort to end the BS, which is largely coming from the "purist" camp. As noted as well, in the final analysis, the only thing that matters is the number of bodies in the voting booth in Nov, and I see all the condemnation of those who criticize BHO (absent your enthusiasm qualification) as threat to the body count. To see what I mean, try posting a post purely and solely critical of BHO on this or that issue, and see what happens around here.

I say this because I'm a realist too. People with complaints need to air them without fear of reprisal from those who are otherwise their ideological and political allies, and acceptance within that fold can't be conditional upon their sharing the level of enthusiasm those like you and others have maintained despite the many disappointments they may or may not have, like the ones you shared.

I was not very enthused at all when I voted for BHO the first time for many reasons I won't bore you with here. Like you however, for at least as many reasons I don't regret my vote, and despite the fact that all the reasons I was unenthused about have achieved fruition. What I know I would regret, is sitting idly/silently by as efforts were/are made to paint those like me that have criticisms and reservations while lacking the enthusiasm you have maintained, are treated like an enemy. Not only is it counter-productive to our shared goal -- getting him reelected -- it's just plain wrong no matter how you slice it, and particularly when BHO himself has said he wants us to hold his feet to the fire. If not for that -- as about any politically astute gay person could tell you for example, would their civil rights problems have been rectified as or to the extent they have been?

I've thought about doing a top post on this matter, because it is of great concern to me, but as a relative newbie, it's doubtful that I can compete with the many expert C&Pers here and their entourages. I have therefore decided to raise this point where ever and whenever the opportunity presents itself, to maximize the reading of it. So far that has been directly to the "purists" around here that would like to see no doubt, any criticism of BHO disallowed and perhaps even, a banning offense. I doubt seriously anyone like me is trying to dampen the enthusiasm of those like you as they charge, but rather following their own drum beat or music produced by their conscience strings in an effort to promote change, much as you'd like to on the subject of the climate. I see the divisions being created creating a climate conducive for less participation in Nov, not more, by the insistance that everyone be part of nothing but the cheerleading squad, or else.

I'll apologize if you think this off point and a muddying of your post, despite my holding the opposite pov. I see it as being more than tangential to your top post, since the "enthusiasm" you focused on seesm to be the difference between second class BHO supporterhood and not, if not outright treason to the cause.