General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Constantly referring to President Obama as a "used car salesman" is expected of a RW racist. [View all]cheapdate
(3,811 posts)or actual used car salesmen, or Iraq, or Texans.
The proposition was this: "Constantly referring to President Obama as a 'used car salesman' is expected of a RW racist." Notice that it has nothing at all to say about any of those other things.
Furthermore, and this is really the important point, the next line in the OP makes the point of the message unquestionably clear: "It should not be acceptable on a site promoting Democrats."
Get it? The OP doesn't say anywhere that no one should ever disagree with the president. What it does say is that our disagreement shouldn't use the language of the right. I agree completely with that sentiment. I would go even further and say that our disagreement should be expressed as respectful disagreement.
Serious people understand that coalitions and alliances are absolutely necessary for any real progress. That doesn't mean abandoning principles but it does mean that disagreements must be handled respectfully. Tantrums and meltdowns toward prospective allies are an impediment to progress.
There is nothing wrong with respectful disagreement. Some people seem to believe otherwise -- that unless disagreement is expressed in hysterical terms, it's not genuine or not meaningful.
Emotion is good. Emotion is necessary for the message of the progressive left to ever win converts.
But vicious negative attacks against the leaders of the Democratic Party are not helpful. Alliance with the Democratic Party, for all of its flaws and contradictions, is the ONLY viable path forward for making progress through participation in the political process. That's political reality. Support third parties and independents when it makes sense, but third parties and independents are simply not a factor in national politics -- not in any practical sense.
Burning bridges and carrying grudges might make some people feel good or feel in control, but it's only an illusion. Real power and real control will only come through alliances and coalitions.