First, let me say that I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I find the commercial absurd but, yes, somewhat arousing. See, I am a MAN with genetic wiring to procreate, and that genetic wiring starts sparking uncontrollably at the sight of something like that. Really folks, it's natural and I'm sure most would admit that.
Second, let me say I am very embarrassed that Markos doesn't get it. How can someone who holds so many of the same values as I do not get this? The ad offended a substantial portion of OUR group. That should be the end of the story. Any man who truly believes in respect for diversity, equal rights for women, etc. would get this. The ad should have never made it here, but more than that it should have been obvious on so many levels to immediately remove the ad and apologize for displaying it. Markos is missing the significance of this on so many levels it is truly astounding and tremendously disappointing.
I do not agree with the diary that makes the point that strong women should stay and fight. Stay and fight for what? To convince Markos that he's wrong? He has made that quite obvious that that will NEVER happen. I respect the women (and men) that have decided to leave DKos and either form their own blog or make Booman their home. I may do so as well, because I know I can never have any respect for Markos anymore on any level. I certainly have scratched his upcoming book of my list of books to buy.
I'm not sure what's driving Markos through this situation. None of his semi-apologies have made any sense to me. There's just no rational explanation for alienating and dividing like this particularly given that there is no payoff for doing so, either personally or for the democratic cause as a whole. And, there appears to be no point to be made.
DailyKos has become too big to wither on the vine over something like this, but Markos has forever sullied his own reputation. I hope it was worth it to him.