On an open forum discussion page such as Daily Kos (or any other site like it), some degree of thoughtless name calling and anti-debate rhetoric is, of course, inevitable. Lately, however, it seems to be approaching epidemic levels on this site, and because of it I don't participate to the level I used to.
As Liberals and/or Democrats, we often claim to be the big tent, the inclusive party, the adults at the table that still agree with science and logic and reason. But on this site many diarists and posters, rather than acknowledging varying points of view and respectfully disagreeing, instead spend an inordinate amount of time yelling, insulting, and labeling anyone who disagrees as a Republican, a concern troll, or worse.
As individuals who use this forum to shape issues and hopefully influence policy, we should stop doing that, and allow for a more full, open and honest debate about the issues liberals care about.
I won't write a long-winded an extended explanation when I think my first three paragraphs pretty adequately made my point. But here's what I would like to see:
1) We can ignore people we think are Republicans or Trolls - we don't have to engage and fill up pages of comments pointing fingers and name calling. Just move on.
2) We don't have to disrespect anyone who disagrees with us. In fact, we are better when we respect a post as someone's legitimate point of view, can say so, then make a reasoned counterargument. We can't lament how uncivilized politics is and then eat our young every time they post something we disagree with.
3) I would like to see a party/ideology that is as inclusive of ideas as it is of identity.
4) I would like to see many more well-constructed arguments with evidence and citations - in diaries and message boards - as opposed to partisan zingers and ad hominem attacks better suited to guys like Donald Trump.
I know I'm probably screaming into the wind, and that there are and will be people who engage on this site simply because they like to throw punches in the mosh pit of message threads (But we should ask ourselves why, and what good it does).
In an election year, I'd love for Daily Kos to be more than that.
There. Go ahead and lambaste me in the comments, call me a closet Republican, a troll, and an idiot, just know that I'm expecting it, and I won't be reading.