General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Rachel had it Right, now DU is getting it wrong. [View all]ljm2002
(10,751 posts)...it IS discussion.
I am not trying to "marginalize" you, nor am I in any position to kick anyone out of any party (nor do I wish to be in such a position).
You are correct on the environmental stewardship thing -- my bad. Much credit to Teddy Roosevelt on that score! However, we should remember, that was over 100 years ago. Much has changed since then, especially in the Republican Party! Today's party does not represent such ideals nor has it, for many a long year.
What my real point is, is that this is a political discussion board, specifically for Democrats and progressives. Given the absolute intransigence of the Republicans for the last 30 years, and especially for the last 20 years, is it any surprise that there are strong reactions to their actions? You have the impeachment of Clinton, which was a travesty; you have the GWBush years, which were a disaster; and you have the current crop of Republicans in Congress, which is the most stubborn and misguided group yet to wield power in our country, at least in my lifetime. So yes, you are going to hear very strong words concerning the party.
What in your view would be an appropriate reaction to a party that: - wants to remove women's right to control their own health care? - wants to proceed with Big Oil policies and squash Green policies, while the world burns? - wants to tax the poor so the rich can have even more? Really, seriously, what would you have us do? Personally I find that most of our political dialog is much too easy on these scoundrels. DU is one of the few places to go to get more hard-hitting opinions.
Now with that said, when it comes down to the personal level, I am very willing to talk to people who do not share my political beliefs and to find common ground. It is necessary in order to make our country work, and we all should be able to admit that politicians lie to us and manipulate us -- even those on "our" side.