Reply #21: On another thread,

[H2O Man]

I said that I tend to view the democratic party as a large extended family. In normal circumstances, extended families can get along, even when individual members hold very different opinions. They will get together for reunions, and discuss and debate all types of issues.

But when one or more people introduce racism and/or sexism (or any of the other related "-isms"), it creates tensions and hard feelings. Soon some people will go out of their way to avoid sitting near or talking to the offensive family member. And, in time, individuals and groups will avoid attending the family functions.

This summer, we do not need to have our extended family splintered by the increasingly crude behaviors of some of our democratic family. We need the entire family to participate in the campaign between now and the fall. And come November, we will face a difficult fight if our family does not show up to vote.