Okay, before you get ticked with me...
I'll try not to lecture you all here, because lecturing people usually doesn't work. But we need to talk.
It's not you guys, it's me. Okay, maybe it's a little bit of both, but I think I've decided to just lurk here. I'm not stupid enough to think I won't check and see what's going on here every once in awhile, so its not really the full monty, but the fact is, I'm more discouraged than I've ever been. But in a sense, that's probably a good thing.
Generally speaking, I believe in activism. I believe in progressive causes, but I refuse to be called a Democrat, or left, or anything else, because life is too difficult for labels, issues too complex for total reduction of my ideology (or anyone else's).
I think you should try to consider something: our window on the world, as partisans, is getting smaller and smaller all the time. It now seems to me that, not even 3-5 years ago, these little controversies that bubble up, like the Olympics, when Rush or Beck says something, or the latest outrage about the public option, just didn't. Maybe there's just more information out there and more sources to peddle it.
As such, I think I've gotten to the point that I don't trust it anymore. Most of our media fails to cover the legislative process in any way that is contextual or realistic, and since that's what we're working with until next summer, I really have no time for this site anymore.
Some of you all (and I truly mean this as a friend) are really losing perspective, not understanding the forest for the trees, what a blow that happens this week or this day means for the whole. I don't mean to defend either the Dems or Obama, because they are politicians with public records and commitments and strategies that they have to defend, each and every one. But the President has a point: "silly season" is all the time these days. The permanent campaign has won. As such, most diaries are either duplicative, uninsightful, or generally worthless. Again, I mean it as a friend, but most news is not news, so forget it. Discernment is the key.
Nevertheless, I want to be crystal clear: this place is bar none the finest source of political news during an election season. Period, end of discussion. You cannot buy a better on the ground perspective on a campaign, a state or a country in flux better than DKos does or will. No question about it.
And it's free! What a world. But we need to wait till then. Save your outrage until then.
For example, let's just let health care evolve. Try not to read the ridiculous outrage-of-the-day diary. Quite frankly, if you haven't been engaged, you should be, and if you are, you don't need to be browbeaten into doing something and being pissed every ^&*(^ day. Know what I mean?
Do remember that we have to (HAVE TO) pass an energy bill and financial reform. Arguably, financial reform is pressing than health care, at least in the sense that it could happen again soon and wipe us all out. You never know. And I guarantee you, cap and trade won't get passed if the GOP gains one (yes, ONE) more seat in congress. It's that freaking hard already, and we may have to wait 10 years to do it again.
So please, remember that even though we have a lot to do, each and every given thing is part of a whole. I'm convinced that President Obama can compartmentalize (as he should). Shouldn't we all?
Take it easy and see you next year. I'll probably comment again then.
i said GOOD DAY sir
PS I'll hang around for this diary to chat.