Not being a die-hard Democrat, I sometimes get a little weary of the us or them attack stances on both sides of the aisle. I know it's easier to generalize, especially if you are angry about something, be it in reference to Republicans, or Christians, or Conservatives or Liberals. And every time I find something that reassures me that not everyone on either side has lost their minds, I want to share.
I understand that open dialog between right and left is not the sole or even primary purpose of this site; that centrists and moderates (and dare I say Independents) are often viewed as either on the fence or wanting to have it both ways. But there's something to be said for the pragmatic side of politics rather than ideological purity (if there is such a thing.) As with those of us who actually think John McCain would be a good VP --not simply because of any perceived cachet he might carry into the election but because we admire the man's principals and core values even when we disagree with his stated position. (And no, I'm not reopening that dialog -- McCain is an example, not the point...) there are other republicans we can and should admire, if not encourage, along with their Democratic colleagues, if only because reasonable voices need to be elevated above the din and roar of rattling sabers and rhetoric.
Two such Republicans posted their thoughts on the current administration and on the current issues facing the country, and if you can't agree with them, at the very least they may give you talking points.
From the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs.
Note: I checked back on diaries and didn't see this specifically although the articles seem to have been up for a bit.
So, how else can we open up this dialogue? I'm tempted to print out multiple copies of this and leave them everywhere -- given the heavily leaning republican nature of my area, I'm thinking it might do some good.