There are some on this site who are contending that meta discussions are inherently counter-productive and pointless. While I am usually for a little less talk and a lot more action, there are times when we need a little time-out to discuss the rules and roles so as to cut down on the friction and make the action go a little more productively.
That said, this is not about meta. This is about integrity and holding ourselves to a higher standard. This is about speaking truth to power and demanding of ourselves the same mature, level-headed, respectful hearing of what others are experiencing as we demand of the critters who clog up the halls of Wall Street and K Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
I am profoundly disappointed and disheartened by so much of what this President has done and NOT done in the last three years. There have been so many lost and wasted opportunities. I can question Barack Obama's judgment and political skills and have a passionate discussion with my black or brown brother or sister without dissing their perspective.
And because, as a white man, I am unable to fully experience the obstacles that my brothers and sisters of color have had to overcome just to meet me at the table of dialogue, the least I can do is respectfully listen and really hear what they are trying to say, even if their language doesn't always sound right to my white ears. If I am going to advocate a progressive point-of-view, one of equality and respect for all humanity, without regard to color or creed or culture or belief system, it's the freaking least I can do.
This is a really, really, really important point. If we don't get this right within Daily Kos, how the hell do you expect us to convince anyone else that Progressive perspectives will solve anything?
There has been too much self-centered BS and tone-deafness lately. We need to do a LOT more listening if we intend on turning this country around. I'm thinking a week's worth of silence will be just the place to start. See you all in a week.