The life of a modern left-handed democrat.
As always, there is clamor about JU for the rational liberals to come out and denounce the radical wing of the party. If only it was as simple as many wish it was. Because, like my title states, the price of rationality is eternal timidity.

What do I mean, you ask? Well, it's quite simple, really. In order to maintain a rational mindset, one must always remain timid. If one was not timid while rational, they would lash out against those who are radical. It seems like a good thing, no? Sadly, that is only the short-term effect. You see, the mindset of lashing out would continue. Eventually, they would seek to destroy all who disagree, and become just as bad as those they once sought to rein in.

Of course, there are exceptions that prove the rule. Some people are able to tear apart the radicals yet remain in a rational mindset. I'm sure there are a few around here, and it is quite a good thing. But demanding an attack from everyone will, in the long-term, create a dominant radical wing on JU. And I don't believe that is in the best interest of anyone.

Perhaps a smack or 2 may be administered without serious long-term effects. But it is a bad idea to make a point to smack them down at every turn. Because, like I have said, the price of rationality is eternal timidity.

Comments (Page 2)
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on Mar 29, 2005
Fact of the matter, dipsy, is that it was a fuckingly stupid idea. Just because no one else said it so bluntly doesn't make it any less so. As for being "too late", well you're less than any kind of barometer for me to follow. I have about as much respect for you as I do for drmiler and minisuculeman. You don't like my responses, tough shit.
on Mar 30, 2005
as well as the dismal failure of the lefties here to even notice, much less mention, an uncecessarily nasty post by one of their own.

Link


i must be losin my mind cuz i actually followed the link knowing what was at the other end.

perhaps dabe could have been a bit more diplomatic but for that matter so could the current administration. even if the article's author had but once--just once during what seems like the past five years though really more likely to have been about 6 months--expressed something other than total approval of his party line, i wouldnt feel any more obliged to criticize the obvious truth of dabe's statement.

it IS an exceedingly dumb, etc, etc idea.

if anything, i'd expect you to appreciate her forthright, no-holds-barred, call a spade a spade brutally frank candor.

and that's how i felt about it even before i came upon his eleoquent rejoinder:

LET ME SAY THIS ONE MORE TIME. DABE SHUT UP AND GET OFF MY BLOG. I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR ANY MORE OF YOUR STUPIDITY!
on Mar 30, 2005
well as the dismal failure of the lefties here to even notice, much less mention, an uncecessarily nasty post by one of their own.

Link


i must be losin my mind cuz i actually followed the link knowing what was at the other end.

perhaps dabe could have been a bit more diplomatic but for that matter so could the current administration. even if the article's author had but once--just once during what seems like the past five years though really more likely to have been about 6 months--expressed something other than total approval of his party line, i wouldnt feel any more obliged to criticize the obvious truth of dabe's statement.

it IS an exceedingly dumb, etc, etc idea.

if anything, i'd expect you to appreciate her forthright, no-holds-barred, call a spade a spade brutally frank candor.

and that's how i felt about it even before i came upon his eleoquent rejoinder:

LET ME SAY THIS ONE MORE TIME. DABE SHUT UP AND GET OFF MY BLOG. I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR ANY MORE OF YOUR STUPIDITY!


Which was in DIRECT response to her foul language and name calling.
on Mar 30, 2005
as well as the dismal failure of the lefties here to even notice, much less mention, an uncecessarily nasty post by one of their own.

Link


i must be losin my mind cuz i actually followed the link knowing what was at the other end.

perhaps dabe could have been a bit more diplomatic but for that matter so could the current administration. even if the article's author had but once--just once during what seems like the past five years though really more likely to have been about 6 months--expressed something other than total approval of his party line, i wouldnt feel any more obliged to criticize the obvious truth of dabe's statement.

it IS an exceedingly dumb, etc, etc idea.

if anything, i'd expect you to appreciate her forthright, no-holds-barred, call a spade a spade brutally frank candor.

and that's how i felt about it even before i came upon his eleoquent rejoinder:

LET ME SAY THIS ONE MORE TIME. DABE SHUT UP AND GET OFF MY BLOG. I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR ANY MORE OF YOUR STUPIDITY!


I also see that you lack the courage to say this on my blog (say it to my face).
on Mar 30, 2005
drmiller...
To be fair to kingbee, the issue of your post was brought up here by LW to illustrate a point connected to this discussion. He was merely continuing on with the thread here.

On the issue of the original article...
People like Myrrander and Dabe miss the point entirely. They don't recognize that they're part of an extremist portion of the left. That they don't represent even a fraction of that half of the country. They rely on extreme emotion and tantrum tactics to try and sell their point, and when that fails they just toss up their hands and say that anyone who doesn't completely agree with their point of view is just a moron/kool-aid drinker/bush lover.

By comparison to people like those two, the rational among us are extremely timid. We aren't out for a fight, we're not looking to go railing off the handle at everyone who disagrees with us (be they left or right of our position). On the issue of why I might not have gone into that thread calling those two to the mat, well it's because I didn't read the article. I don't chase every political article on the site in hopes of catching those two pulling their stunts. If I encounter them, then I go after them, otherwise their antics merely pass under my radar.
on Mar 30, 2005
That is why I am glad I have had the training and education I have. To be able to think rationally through irrational situations, and be bold in timid times, is all too rare in our society. All too rare and, as you point out, not usually encouraged.
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