Reply #94: I do recess duty every day. Join me! [View All]

[LWolf]

I rarely hear this one any more. Today's 8-12 year olds, the ones I work with anyway, are more mature.

"It takes one to know one?" :eyes: On an adult discussion board? I'm biting my tongue. I will not post the word that comes to mind.

While I'm trying to teach those kids to engage in real debate, focused on issues, in my elementary school classroom, adult political discussions decay into......I won't say it.

Instead of rushing out on the attack as a defense strategy, when an article like this pops up about my candidate, I like to:

Research and investigate the allegations. Look for evidence.

Consider the implications, and decide if it affects my support of the candidate. If not, then:

Formulate a reasoned, logical response, with evidence to back me up. And a plan for the future. If it surfaces during the primary, you damned well know it will be there in the general election, and you better have a response beyond "it takes one to know one."

A reasoned, logical response, backed with evidence (like his record on the environment), is powerful. An emotional "how dare you criticize the candidate sitting on my altar" response conveys the message that your candidate's support is not based on the issues. People who actually like to vote for candidates based on the issues are put off.

I'm going to browse the thread, looking for that reasoned, logical response. Because I'm interested in the topic. I know there are some great Dean supporters who have probably supplied one.