11-01-2008, 03:37 PM
graylocks wrote: i know my liberal coterie has strong beliefs but i don't think that, despite our teasing here, we really wallow quite that deep in the kool-aid. or maybe i just can't see it.
There are a number of ways in which "liberal" is defined, but I think many of us here operate from these bases:
"Tolerant of change; not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or tradition."
Or: "Traditionally, the word liberal means to be open to new ideas and tolerant of others."
In other words, it's our nature to accept people for who they are and what they believe. These characteristics are quite at odds with many of those who are McCain's staunchest right wing supporters. Generally, I don't feel threatened by those who hold beliefs unlike mine, whereas, the "other" side seems to feel very threatened by the likes of me. I do have to admit this campaign has provided me with a lot of scary moments when I see and hear the level of intolerance expressed by some of those from the other side. Frankly I am now feeling more frightened of McCain's supporters than I am of him. I don't want them to score a win for small mindedness.