I'm more the type of person to scan different diaries, add comments when I see fit, and analyze the arguments that are being presented. The purpose of this opening qualifier is to communicate that I don't routinely write diaries, im far too content reading others' work - when it makes sense. I am concerned that far too routinely, many of us slip into the traps of logical flaws and present an image of bloggers, namely dkos bloggers, to fail at our analytical obligations to see an issue in its entirety. Instead we often get hampered by hatred and ad hominem attacks - the kind that cause outsiders to view ones' arguments as shortsighted and unfounded...
I'm a huge fan of expressing my ideas and backing them up with logic. For instance, my conclusion that the majority of dkos bloggers fall in logical potholes is founded by a couple premises.
1. Bloggers that are fixated on ad hominem attacks will most often fail to support their arguments with objective analysis.
2. Objective analysis is required to sustain a logical argument.
Scrolling through any number of diaries will find quotes that compare OBL to George W, attempt to convince the reader that Barbara Bush hates poor people, and that all persons that flee to Canada instead of serving in Iraq are heroes. Any of these arguments can be attempted, but a logical foundation is necessary, otherwise it is all rhetoric.
In creating a better America, it is important that we are free to choose our views, exist in a system of checks and balances, and overall, through our dialogue, attempt to elevate the stature of our country. Simple name calling and shortsighted approaches fail miserably in a goal that we should all share, living in a peaceful and prosperous country. Certainly steps need to be taken to ensure that wrongs are righted and we definitely have areas which we need to improve, but we can build more through a well reasoned, logical framework.
Moreover, by doing so, our community (dkos) is viewed more as a legitimate, well founded and thinking group of people and cannot be accused of being the radical loudmouths that is the current impression of many Americans.