I suppose intelligent discourse really is dead.

[kellinator]

scarcrest reports that certain parties have not taken well to the Lone Star Iconoclast's endorsement of John Kerry.

"In the past, when individuals disagreed with an editorial, they would write a letter to the editor politely expressing a different point of view in contrast to the views of the publishers, which we have usually published.... The new mode of operation, I am told, is that when a newspaper prints an editorial of which some sectors might disagree, the focus is now upon how to run the newspaper out of business.... Unfortunately, for the Iconoclast and its publishers there have been threats — big ones including physical harm.

...Next time you hear a Republican crowing about how the Republicans are the party of values, I want you to think about the values of threatening and harrassing newspaper employees who aren't even on the editorial staff. I want to you think about the values of trying to silence those who disagree with you, rather than offering articulate reasoning as to why you disagree. And then I want you to think about what kind of values they're really selling you.

Yes, I agree: I am rude and condescending when it comes to politics. In return, I put up with rude and condescending comments from many of my circle, because it's only fair. But I have never threatened those of opposing viewpoints with physical harm (well, maybe alanator, but he was goading me while I was drunk). If these people are willing to do so, you might want to ask yourself exactly what they're afraid of.

If I make it through the next month without losing my fucking mind, it'll be a fucking miracle.

Comments

[grunion.livejournal.com]

Threats of physical violence are illegal, and those making them should be charged and dealt with accordingly. They are NOT protected speech no matter what party they support.

As for the party of values.. um, there is NO party of values. There are only parties of "how can I get votes". Every time I hear someone giving me a line with the words "family values" in it, I know they want ME to change to THEIR values or they will put a gun to my head to make me. I think the exact same thing when I hear the words "common good" or "progressive". The first has its roots in a history I want no part of (religion based governments), the second and third are from movements I know to be wrong (Fascism and Communism respectively). The only way to make me more dedicated to being opposed to any given position is to actually use the word "neo-con". It's fun to know where certain concepts or words came from sometimes.

Words can be powerful sometimes, but replying to them with bricks and threats is never appropriate.