I am NOT "complaining" that you're not "cheering"and I'd thank you not to put words in my mouth.
For those of us who feel that where Obama is leading the nation is worse than where we are there is an answer to the question: "It shows those who are not too arrogant to listen that the policies they are following are losing them the support of a section of their former supporters." and "It provides a means for former supporters to show that they are not complicit in policies that they believe will prove disastrous."
It is probably going to be a bloodbath for Democrats in November. "What good will it do them to blame the defeat on leftwing bloggers?" Well, it IS handy to have a scapegoat. Perhaps even some of the Kossacks will have learned a lesson. As the Dutch said while fighting the Spanish: "It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."
That's ridiculous -- it's a direct question -- "what do you hope to accomplish" -- not a 'rhetorical device" to "silence the opposition." It's not like I asked why you hate Obama/the left/america, etc. where there was an accusation included.
If you have a defensive response to the question and are wondering why, perhaps it has more to do with your answer than the question. Which I thank you for FINALLY answering, despite surrounding it by further accusations and suppositions.
For those of us who feel that where Obama is leading the nation is worse than where we are there is an answer to the question: "It shows those who are not too arrogant to listen that the policies they are following are losing them the support of a section of their former supporters." ...It is probably going to be a bloodbath for Democrats in November."
"It provides a means for former supporters to show that they are not complicit in policies that they believe will prove disastrous."
So if I'm reading this correctly, you believe Obama is making things worse, that the Dems will lose power, and that this is ok because 'the left' is withdrawing support for principled reasons? And... you want to be vocal about why, but don't want any blame later? Does this make any sense to you? Do you have any thoughts on what might work to help the situation? or is it impossible? Maybe we can eventually make language a complete impediment to understanding. -Hobbes
As far as the left withdrawing support, most will probably vote tactically for Democrats this year and for Obama in 2012 but be less willing to make small contributions. But while the Obama campaign made much of their online donors, they were not as significant as their financial sector donors. I doubt that the Obama machine gives a FF about small donations from the left. But they will be happy to blame disaffected progressives for their own failures. It won't be the progressives fault if the independents dessert the Democrats in droves, and I hope they don't...
Without trying to speak for others, I am not "trying to accomplish" anything other than letting pollsters, elected officials and candidates know what I want - more progressive policies and candidates. I am not going to change that just because "accomplishment" is improbable. Asking me "what I want to accomplish by criticizing Obama" attempts to shift responsibility for the results from their actions and policies to my attitudes. That is ridiculous.
That might not be what you intend by the question, but you are far from the first from whom I have heard that question. Booman was, in effect, asking the same question back in the summer of '08. Since then it has appeared any time the progressives complain about the direction of the Obama Administration. Probably within a few years some political guru will step forth and claim credit for coming up with that question for the Obama campaign, though it is likely as old as politics. As the Dutch said while fighting the Spanish: "It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."
Again, you're misrepresenting what I said and conflating criticism of direction or action with personal criticism. There's a major difference. I was asking my question in regards to the latter. I'm amazed by how defensive you are about it -- claiming it contains framing, was focussed-grouped, and now that a political guru would want credit for it.
If you post your opinions in a public forum, especially a political discussion site, then they are no longer simply 'your opinions.' They're an attempt to persuade or inform others. When you write and publish, you're taking an action. As such, it's perfectly valid for me to ask what you hope to accomplish by it.
Asking it is not some bullshit genius political frame or an attempt to 'silence' you or to 'shift blame' or whatever other narrative you have in your head. It's an honest question. Sorry it makes you so uncomfortable. Maybe we can eventually make language a complete impediment to understanding. -Hobbes
