On Those I Respect Who Support Other Candidates
by Nulwee
Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 02:28:12 PM PDT
Because we have more in common than not. More below the fold...
- Nulwee's diary :: ::
Note: I hate no candidate in the entire field with the exception of Duncan Hunter. DH is the only one who made me always feel a low-level, seething rage, although why is somewhat irrelevent. Even the worst of the other Republicans I try to observe with a silent mind, for all their race-baiting or xenophobia or fear-mongering. In this way they or any politican can sometimes suprise me and teach me something new.
However, Hunter is not the only problematic candidate in my view.
What is relevent is that each Democratic candidate has human limitations and as such cannot achieve all the goals I see as vital to leaving the nationa and world significantly better off. I support Obama because of my ardent zeal for environmentalism, peace, sustainability, global justice, et al (despite nuclear energy, Peru Free Trade, what have you). But even so, constantly do I find wonderful progressive people I have so much in common with, supporting candidates who don't fit my view of how to get things done. As I respected them before the primary wars, I respect their choices even as I disagree about the causes and outcomes of these differing paths.
If I make any mistakes in remembering anyone's preferences, I apologize. Taking the devil's advocate or switching candidates is something I've done plenty of, too.
Among Clinton supporters:
Homogenius has long been one of my favorite kossacks. He's got a witty handle. Enteretaining. He's got an interesting perspective. Look at his last diary. We need voices in the wider blogosphere focused on gay rights and LBGT issues.
Lineatus wrote a recent blog about early morning birding complete with some nice photos. I love wildlife. I'm more of an amateur botanist (native plants) than a hiker or birder or anything but I see native animals and native plants being inseperable for their integration and symbiosis. One of my favorite organizations is the Audobon Society: they maintaining native habitats and rehabilitate wounded raptors. Birders are pretty cool people. Any fellow nature nut who can blog that well gets a rec from me.
Among Edwards supporters:
Global justice is easily my most passionate interest. I knew TomP well before the 2006 elections. He would rec and comment my diaries (which more often than not had an international focus back in the day) out of his interest in global justice. Though we've disagreed in the past it in no way lessens our shared goals for a better, sustainable future. His committment to his candidate and Edwards' progressive message are humbling. Every once in a while I'll even rec his candidate diaries because they show the best of the passion of Edwards' supporters.
Grannyhelen is a class act. I've disagreed with her plenty of times but she truly practices her belief in civility and cooperation. Cooperation is one of progressivism's finest values.
Citizen53 and Pioneer111 are true progressives and it would be silly of me to forget their long contributions to the site because we disagree over candidates.
Land Of Enchantment is a fellow jack-of-all-topics. (S)He writes about birding, environmental issues, and races in California and the Southwest.
...btw, the kossacks who cover House, Senate and local races are going to be extremely valuable to getting anything you want next year--Universal Health Care, S-Chip, energy initiatives, ad nauseum--so encourage them!
There are many other great people who support candidates I'm in "opposition" to on our little anthill; these are just some who immediately spring to mind.
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