Let’s even say that he would have come to understand it, what’s wrong with leading with an incremental approach? He could have demonstrated that he could make good policy and get “buy-in” from those who have, actually, greater numbers than leftists on this topic.

You know, maybe, just maybe, don’t ask, don’t tell is not the right policy now. It was one of the best policies, in my view, that Bill Clinton ever made. I know that it even changed my perspective – i.e. liberalized – my views relating to gays.

Obama to the right of, say, Eisenhower? Explain that statement. I have to hear this. Provide examples, please.

Is that going to be your justification for shutting down legitimate opposition and free speech?

Shutting down opposition is (thankfully) impossible, but co-opting it is not.

IMHO, this nation badly needs a progressive party. Obama’s dems have become a refuge for former Republicans who are not totally insane, and they’ve taken over.

So far as I can tell, Obama is well to the right of say Eisenhower.

* Crazy people are going to select the 2012 Republican nominee.
* When American voters are unhappy, they know only one reaction: “Throw the bastard(s) out.”

The combination of those two facts makes it a better than 50-50 chance that within the next two decades will have a president who is crazier than George W. Bush.

Is that going to be your justification for shutting down legitimate opposition and free speech?

So, you don’t like Sarah Palin, do you not recall that neither she nor McCain was elected? And despite your most heartfelt wishes, she will not be the Republican nominee in 2012.

I have to ask, why do you hate her so much then? You don’t like women whose belief systems differ from yours? Or is it that you couldn’t stand someone running for high public office against whom one might level the same criticisms that many had of Obama – inexperienced, more than a bit vapid, values and political ideology that differ from yours? Remember the bumper sticker, hatred is not a family value – or does that only apply to those who disagree with you?

You also do yourself and whatever cause or set of causes you claim to believe in a true disservice by the simple vitriolic vilification of the Republicans and those on the right. Despite what you might believe, there are many on the right who would disagree with you, not because they are heinous monsters or “fucking idiots,” but rather because they reach quite different, but equally well thought out, conclusions on these matters than you do.

It’s funny. Leftists are far more absolutist than any of those in the mainstream that I see in the Republican party. Does it not bother you to be so ridiculously intolerant and doctrinaire? You all sound like a bunch of southern baptist ministers who can tolerate no legitimate disagreement with your beliefs. What next, no dancing?

Why dont you go burn a bunch of Sarah Palin’s books in a bonfire? I’m sure her publisher would appreciate it.

perfect!