http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06319/738340-154.stm<snip>
All these are good questions, which is why I leave them to more competent authorities until my confidence returns. More interesting to me is how we should behave now that the reactionary forces have been routed and everywhere sweetness and light reigns except (as always) in the studios of Rush Limbaugh and like-minded trolls.
Does etiquette permit ostentatious displays of fist-pumping, yelling of "nyah, nyah" and "Your mother wears Army boots but don't worry because we are bringing her back from Iraq"? Is this OK to say post-election?
Sadly, no. It is not good form. Those who are relieved by the election must show some class. It is our duty.
Oh, I grant you, it is cathartic to counter critics with their own mocking words. What are the charming little phrases they used to fling at us after 2000 and 2004? Yes, now I remember: "GET OVER IT!" and "STOP WHINING!" This is still timely advice but saying it now must be resisted, even if a lower-case tone of voice is adopted.
It is not only because liberals are smarter, wiser, kinder and have more interesting pets than conservatives do -- surely that goes without saying. The high road must be taken because the low road is such a crass and obvious trail. Besides, to make conservatives feel resentful is to do them a favor. They love feeling resentful and put upon -- which explains why they are always in a lather about something. That is the fun of politics for them.