The ball is in their court now.

[MinneapolisMatt]

I have repeatedly tried over the last decade to remain civil, calm, composed, and listen to my conservative family and friends. Rarely have I raised my voice, although it has happened. One can't always help themselves when complete lies are being spewed that can be easily dis-proven with concrete facts that any elementary school child can understand.

Time after time, (almost all the time, actually) liberals are bashed by conservatives, and even from within the democratic party. To say one feels like Sisyphus is probably correct.

I come to places like DU to vent my frustrations with like-minded thinkers - but I also never write anything that I wouldn't say to someone's face. That is my golden rule on the internet.

I have been very critical of Obama yet I try and keep it constructive. That's why I'm a liberal. We're usually able to agree to disagree and willing to look at all view-points (and welcome them) because we have the ability to realize that the world isn't all about me me me and that we can be wrong about things too. We all have to share this place.

However, it is no longer up to ME to reach across the aisle. I have been doing so for years with little success. My hand is extended and my mind has been and is open and ready for conservatives to stand-up to the hate and act like real adults and tell the truth. BUT IT IS UP TO THEM to finally own their mistakes and years of rhetoric which has led our country to this point.

I'm not going to lie, I doubt any of the republican leadership or members of their party will do so. I'm not sure they are capable of it. What I do know is that MY heart is receptive, and even if it takes beyond my lifetime to accomplish it, change for the better will happen. I have to keep believing that because I love our country and I want us to succeed for generations to come.

[BeFree]

1. That's a nice sentiment, Matt

Simply put, if we don't push back and make them be good citizens, they will continue.

There is an old saying: The only way evil survives is because good men do nothing.

[Poboy]

4. Its been said before and I will say it again. They're fucking bullies.

Bullies only understand one way. Our side lacks what it takes to face them, and will continue to bow to their dumbassed hysterical 'outrage'.

[BeFree]

8. Yep

They throw shit at us and all we do is hose ourselves off.

Personally, I have been very successful at throwing it back at them.
And for that I get called a radical and a loose cannon.

Meanwhile, back at the dude ranch, the slaves are working harder than ever to please their masters.

[Poboy]

10. I too take no shit anymore. They back the fuck off of me.

[BeFree]

12. Yep

I call them on their shit, because they stink. As they remove themselves the air freshens.
They always do back away when faced down.

Our problem, as a whole, is that we are too nice and pretend we don't smell them.
We always lose when we pretend.

[kentuck]

2. There is a difference between political criticism...

...and political threats and violence. Criticism is necessary for a better political reality.

[Javaman]

3. The first problem is: you gave them back the ball.

They will now run with it.

[Poboy]

6. Good reply Jman. Yes.

[GoCubsGo]

11. Yep. They'll run with it all the way to the kitchen...

...where they will pull out a steak knife from the drawer and pop that ball. Then, they'll say, "Game over. I win."

[justiceischeap]

5. " doubt any of the republican leadership or members of their party will do so"

I think you're right on some levels but I also think they know how out of control the fringe they've been courting has become and are afraid to make a stand. Not only for reelection possibilities but for possible danger to their lives.

I'm not saying I feel bad for some of these folks, because you reap what you sow but not all republicans are horrible people just like not all liberals are nice people. I think the Republican party and leadership find themselves in between a rock and a hard place and prefer safety to courage.

[Crankie Avalon]

7. An honor system only works with honorable people...

...civility only with the civil. The only thing that keeps some people from breaking laws (or even committing murder) is simple fear of punishment, not any inherent virtue. Conservatives say and do the outrageous things they do because they're largely allowed to get away with it. There's nothing internal to hold them back.

[Spyderama]

9. Blows Against the Empire

You cannot reason with bullies!

<http://www.e-tabitha.com/2011/01/blows-against-empire.html>

[MinneapolisMatt]

13. I should probably clarify...

After last night's memorial, the republicans have been given the chance of a lifetime to make amends (the ball is in their court analogy).

I'm going to watch closely and see what happens. I'm not holding my breath though.