Yesterday I received another email from my sister attacking Obama (something about rendition and the ACLU) and I snapped.
In the past I have tried to have a dialogue with her, but I cannot take it anymore. We now have the most liberal president in my lifetime (70 years), and also the most articulate and intelligent. He has accomplished more in one and half years than any president since Roosevelt. Not to mention the glorious story of the first black president, and what it means symbolically for this country. He is now in a life or death (literally) struggle with a virulently racist right wing backed by unlimited corporate money and 24 hour radio and Fox news. The election in November may mark the end of his ability to make significant changes, and maybe the end of the progressive cause in the U.S. for a decade. And all she can worry and complain about is rendition!!
I have heard the argument many times on this site when those attacking Obama from the left have been criticized – that this is just "tough love" and we need to help push him in the right direction. Well, I can guarantee you that there is no "love" for Obama from my sister. (In our last face to face conversation, she referred to him, in an uncontrolled moment, as a "stupid asshole"). It is just plain anger and hostility. It is a tone and an attitude that I am very familiar with as a frequent visitor to Daily Kos. It is representative of a significant minority of visitors to this site – and certainly the most vocal. (And I did not need to be told about rendition – it has been a very popular topic here).
I have come to the conclusion that this angry left wing anti-Obama fringe is very similar to the wing nuts on the right in their single-minded irrational focus on issues. What they most have in common is their anger and hostility, and a tendency to see conspiracy at every turn. And, clearly, they are not subject to reason.
Unfortunately, my other sister is a Republican. Not a crazy one, but a strong Republican. We have a relatively good relationship because we have a mutual agreement not to talk about politics, or the war, etc. and she does not have this blinding anger that characterizes my left wing sister. In the past, my left wing sister and I have had a strong bond and have been able to have friendly discussions about political issues, and, mutually, complain about the Republican sister. However, something in the current political environment has driven her over the edge. It is really very sad.