Wind me up and hear me rant . . .

It's not my fault. In these days immediately post-election, I've tried to stay level-headed and objective. The post-election analysis is rampant - what went wrong? What to do differently? Where will this lead us to - rack and ruin? (note - just what is the "rack" of rack and ruin? Shit, one more thing to google . . . )

And I was doing pretty well . . . until last night. On THE List (my favorite online mailing list comprised of truly intelligent and diverse folks - primarily somewhat liberal, but not all - who discuss any and every topic under the sun), this post-election analysis is occurring as well.

Now, throughout this election cycle, we've had many threads about the overriding liberal bent of THE List . . . and the discomfort those of a conservative viewpoint feel when sweeping remarks are made (especially when said remarks appear to assume everyone agrees with the viewpoint expressed). I'll own it - it ain't easy being Red on this list (sidenote: who EVER thought that "being red" would one day indicate being Republican?!? Am I getting old, or what?)

But one week after your group won is simply not an appropriate time to get to huffy about post-election analysis and angst. Pick your battles . . . and when to fight 'em.

So that's where the rant comes in . . . one person posts a link to a NY Times article analyzing the liberal defeat and suddenly a vocal member winds up, taking all the liberals to task for their intolerance and inappropriate tone and . . . well, read on for my response thereto. Just remember, I really did try . . .

Give me a freaking break.

I've stayed out of many political arguments on list. I've been disturbed about sweeping remarks that feel disrespectful to me from "liberals" regarding "Bush supporters." Discussion of those elements have caused me to try very hard to reconcile my feelings of admiration and affection in other respects for some folks on this list with the knowledge that they support Bush . . . because a vote for Bush is a profoundly disturbing thing for me . . . and that reconciliation is hard to find.

But you're attempting to ride a high horse I just can't let ride by without comment. So here's the deal. . .

Don't you DARE talk to me about being reminded of "racial stereotyping of the 60's" when Gay Marriage is put forth as the hot button topic that helped swing this election - that's my brother's life . . . damnit, his very right to exist in this increasingly intolerant country on the line - as well as a HUGE amount of my social circle. And, oh yeah, good people not personally known to me who deserve to exist without my (or anyone else's) damn dispensation -simply because the Constitution grants us ALL the same rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Don't you DARE lecture me about open-mindedness when eleven states not only pass laws defining marriage asexisting solely between man & woman, but take that to absurd (unconstitutional, unenforceable, e.g., Georgia) extremes of attempting to revoke even existing rights to legally assign medical DPOA rights to their partner in their rabid attempt to make everyone think like them . . . see the world like them. . . define how to live like them.

Don't you DARE lecture me about stereotypes and prejudice when an entire political party has done everything they possibly can for the better part of 20 years to dirty and make vile the very definitions by which I view myself (and . . . oh, yeah, those things that make me different from them): Liberal. Feminist. ProChoice. TOLERANT OF DIFFERENCES

Just don't. 'Cause ain't nothing anybody has ever said on this list about Republicans and/or Bush that's threatened the rights of Republicans on 1/10th the level that the Republican Platform threatens the rights of patriotic Americans who dare to think differently, live differently, or love differently.

Mayhaps people onlist wouldn't give a crap if they didn't feel so threatened by a party determined to eliminate any thinking that isn't exactly the same as theirs.

Recall Bush's first press conference of this administration? "I'll reach out to everyone who shares our goals." How about reaching out to all Americans? When I hear that message, I'll begin to believe that balance is on the table for discussion.

Whew! I know I feel better. (donning my teflon Underoos in anticipation of list response) I'll keep you posted on THE List feedback (sure, let's call it "feedback"). (grin)

UPDATE: 11/11/04 - well, after many more rounds on this thread (including a number of private "thank you!" emails from List members and an equal number of public posts from those on both sides of the fence), my common-sense friend Roxie diplomatically stated the original poster and I weren't in disagreement. And picking up that cue, I replied and agreed. Because she was right . . . in different ways and tones, we both are for balanced discourse. My rant was inspired by what I felt was a one-sided scolding tone towards liberals (and, again, issues with the timing thereof). The original poster graciously acknowledged same and peace (at least vis-a-vis this topic . . . for the moment) reigned again. Strong opinions and vigorous debate? Gotta love it. Beats hell out of polite comments that resolutely avoid religion, politics or anything else of substance OR preeningly preaching to the choir solely to hear one's own voice.