This diary, my first in over a year, was inspired by the diary on the rec list about how Jim Webb is no longer eligible to be a veep choice because of his vote on the telecom immunity issue.
Let me say that I am not particularly well-versed in immunity issue; it's something that I've read about and not given a lot of thought to. I am opposed in principle to the idea that the telecom companies should be exempted from their duty to follow the law, however, I am sure that the issue is more complicated than I know.
Let me also say that I am not particularly invested in Jim Webb becoming the running mate on the Democratic ticket. He has his strengths, surely, though I could name a few other people that I think would be a better match for either Obama or Clinton. But I don't get to choose the running mate, I hardly even get to vote in the primary (I live in Oregon: primary date May 20).
My diary is not about immunity or Jim Webb. It's about tolerance and acceptance.
Tolerance for different points of view, different opinions, and different choices. I like to remember that, although I'm pretty smart and well-informed, I don't know everything and I have to trust other people to make decisions for themselves.
Acceptance of the fact that sometimes things don't got the way we want them to. I recall my first-ever vote, I voted for Mike Dukakis in 1988 and I was aghast to see that he lost. How could he lose? I voted for him! You mean sometimes things go differently than I want them to, but I'm still expected to participate and accept the outcomes?
Yes.
So as for Jim Webb, he was elected by the voters of Virginia and until 2012 (barring any tragedy in his life) he will be a Senator and will cast his votes.
As for us, the populace, we have the responsibility of staying informed and participating. And we will be more successful, not less successful, if we tolerate different choices, perspectives, and welcome every person into the Emerging Democratic Majority.
In the end, it's about accountable, transparent government that truly has the best interests of its citizens in mind. Maybe the immunity vote is exactly the opposite of that, I don't know, kinda seems so, but it doesn't make Jim Webb ineligible for anything, because a) life's more complicated that that, and b) you don't get to choose.
Peace, y'all
Don Overwith