Hey, do we actually define "Progressive" here at DU?

[Burma Jones]

I mean, is there a definition that each member of DU must meet? Can Skinner come up with a test perhaps, you know, maybe let people know whether they might feel comfortable here?

There are folks that really take offense at the vitriolic replies their posts sometimes receive. I would remind them that this is Democratic UNDERGROUND. If you want to play in the dirt, you can't blanch at mud slinging.......

[EVDebs]

1. Anybody but Bush, DeLay, Frist, Hastert..... eom

[wyldwolf]

2. no...

...and I'll tell you why.

The term is too subjective and no matter how progressive one thinks he or she is, there's gonna be someone insisting that you AIN'T progressive because you believe __________ and don't support________!

[Igel]

3. What? You actually *believe* __________ !!

And you *don't* support ________?

:D

[wyldwolf]

4. right! BUT...

I'm a staunch supporter of ______________ and would fight to the death for your right to _______________! And THAT's pretty damn progressive!

[LdyGuique]

5. Sorry, there are good manners for civil discourse

I don't think that intergroup mudslinging nor a litmus test is either necessary or right. Most of us don't agree with at least one POV of another -- no reason to trash them, but open dialogue can be used to discuss different aspects of any/every issue. Flaming is as old as the net -- and is typically immature behavior of those not old enough to vote

[Enquiringkitty]

6. You're so right. And by the way...I am a firm believer in ________s.

Where would we all be if it weren't for ______s. Why, _____s are the very foundation of our country. Don't you agree?

[PurityOfEssence]

7. 1: person cowed by the demonization of the term "liberal"

2: person who gives a fuck about his/her fellow human.
3: person who wants to smooth out the rough edges of life and let everyone have a chance to be a part of the big mess.
4: person who doesn't enjoy "the game" of dominating others.

[Just Me]

8. Hope you don't mind my adding 5: person who refuses to be "labeled",....

,...or "pigeon-holed"; and
6: person who prefers to be flexible enough to mediate, advocate or compromise (a reed rather than a rock).

:bounce:

[omega minimo]

9. An added challenge is "reframing" _____ to reflect _______

:hi: DU been berry berry good 2 me

[Just Me]

10. Hey, you "omega minimo"!!!!

:hi:

I'm glad you're here! :7

[omega minimo]

11. Thank you kindly JM. I'm a reed but I like to rock, too

B-)

Seems to me that we gravitate to or away from the discussions that might turn "diss-y." I've been misunderestimated a few times on DU. Which presents opportunities to deal creatively as you suggested in your first post.

Considering the hazards of WRITTEN discussions, I think DU goes pretty well.