This is not a formal diary so much as a brief comment on how the Daily Kos community has reacted to Shaun King’s announcement that he will no longer be supporting the Democratic Party. Several diaries have been published attacking King in the wake of his announcement, accusing him of being a “quitter,” with some comments even dismissing him as insignificant.
The speed with which some Kossacks have turned on King is disappointing and frankly unsettling. In the space of a few days, King went from being a popular former front pager to being lambasted, all because he decided to follow his principles. One does not have to agree with King’s decision to see this as an overreaction.
The people attacking King seem to forget that he has done more for progressivism through his writing and activism than his critics, or me for that matter, probably ever will. His decision to leave the party hardly means he is quitting the battle. He will continue writing and drawing attention to issues such as police violence, which is the most important thing he can be doing.
Seriously folks, show a little respect.