A plague o' both your houses!
Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare
Enough.
There is room for everyone on this site, but not for the bruised, swollen egos and delicate fee-fees. There is no one right or wrong opinion, but no side is entitled to it's own facts. There are many ways forward, and only one way back, and yet we seem determined to take that one solitary way.
Enough.
The President is hardly without flaw. Pointing out flaws, complaining about broken promises and calling attention to missed opportunities is entirely acceptable and even by the man, himself, welcomed. Hold his feet to the fire, he said. Keep him honest and accountable, he said. Be the change we seek, he said. Those who come here, like icebergslim, and call for better from our President, are valuable members of our community serving as the loyal opposition - something we desperately need without an actual loyal opposition party in government. We need to be challenged. We need to be called to account. We need to push harder. To those who would call criticism trolling, I say this:
Enough.
The President has also made some historic accomplishments in just one year, and he is not getting the credit or support he deserves. My sister can still get health care under my Dad's plan now, because of Obama and the Democratic Majority. Women are closer than ever to equal pay. The economy is slowly recovering, instead of utterly collapsed. Those who come here, like blackwaterdog, and shine a light on the President and his accomplishments are also valuable members of this community. Those who seek to tear them down and call their fellow progressives Obots and Cheerleaders should listen closely and hear me well:
Enough.
But criticism and praise is not enough. What, besides posting diaries filled with sighs, photos, exclamation points and multiple question marks are we doing? Do we really think that if we yell in an echo chamber, it will actually make a sound? What is the sound of one blogger ranting? Silence. To think that what we say here matters beyond some meta-textual meaning is absurd. Do we think that a diary here will make the President do something else? Do we really believe that anyone but us is listening?
Daily Kos at its best is a networking tool that can set in motion millions of dollars and thousands of phone calls and votes.
Daily Kos at its worst is, as we are seeing, a sucking chasm of angst and impotent rage, where like-minded people tear each other apart for not clapping loud enough or clapping too loudly.
Enough.
FDR said, "I agree with you. Now make me do it." Obama said, "Be the change you seek." Posting diaries expressing our grave concern or unwavering devotion accomplishes nothing. Instead of complaining, give the readers of your diary something they can act on. A number to call, a message to spread, a platform to push. Otherwise you're simply screaming into the void. Instead of simply praising, likewise give numbers to call where your readers can give thanks and show appreciation. Elected officials get lots of angry calls. What do you think might happen if they got lots of happy ones for a change?
But stop the shouting. Stop the ranting. Stop the bickering.
ENOUGH!
Go and DO something for a change.
Do something for change.
Be the change you seek.
Enough is enough.