An Apology

[Selwynn]

I haven't had a very good outing today on the boards.

This is a very self-serving post, I'll concede that. But today I allowed myself to become incredibly frustrated in a thousand different directions. I'm frustrated because personally speaking, I do believe that this is one of the blackest and worse administrations ever. And I personally believe that in the same way that Arnold just won California, even while so many believed that was not likely, so Bush will win the 2004 elections, leaving many here stunned.

It is because I feel the situation is so dire, and because I feel so desperate in light of it, that frustration overcame my better wisdom, my open-mindedness, my tolerance, and whatever tiny evidences of compassion that I may possess. So I spent the day fighting, all day long. I posted topics that had in them a grain of validity masked in condescension and attacks.

I apologize for that, for whatever its worth. I recognize that making a long winded apology does indeed run the risk of sounding even more self-absorbed and smug and that is not my intention.

I don't know the answer to the question: if it was absolutely, irrefutably clear that standing on principle and voting for a third party candidate would directly contribute to Bush's re-election (and I’m not saying it is irrefutably clear, but if it was) would it still be right to stand on principle and allow that to happen? Or are there times where a higher principle demands adherence? Is Bush literally so bad that it is imperative and everyone who opposes him to ally themselves with the best possible chance of defeating him, even if they do not completely agree ideologically? That's the question that I don't have an answer to.

Today, I wrote confrontationally and in anger and acted as though I had the answer, and would force that answer on everyone else. That's the spirit of divisiveness that I believe is our greatest enemy in 2004. I know its hard to believe after my embarrassing antics of today, but I really do believe that - I believe I was a living demonstration of exactly what will kill all hope of a future without Bush.

If there is to be any kind of victory, either absolute and final (which I believe a progressive victory would be - that's personal opinion, not fact) or only introductory and partial (which I believe removing Bush from office and replacing him with any current Democratic candidate would be - that's personal opinion as well) it will only come if we heal divisions and reflect a party spirit of inclusiveness - progressives hand in hand with moderates, emphasizing the things we agree on and talking honestly and respectfully about the things we disagree on.

I'm sorry I didn't contribute to that vision much today. I hope to rectify that in the future, though I certainly cannot guarantee perfect performance on my part.

I don't have an answer to the question I asked above. It was ultimately the same question I've been asking all day, save for the fact that my delivery and methods were in such grave error. All I can do is pick up from here and struggle to reflect the true beliefs I've mentioned, in what I say and do in the future.

My best to you,
Sel

[E_Zapata]

1. Hey hey.....chin up

I didn't catch any of your posts today -- been super busy.

But I know that this whole neo-con takeover of the federal govt and now arnold in Calif has really taken a toll on my sense of humor.

I think it has hurt a lot of people's sense of humor.

And, so, I am not as productive or lighthearted as I used to be, and I am sure I come across more crass than I normally would be (like when I was light and airy during the clinton years).

So, cut yourself a big break, and find something to make you laugh as hard as possible. I will do the same. Above all, we have to keep our humor. We will get further in the fight with it, I think.

Much peace to you........

[Selwynn]

2. Heh, I'm glad you missed them....

Catch me tomorrow - it'll be better. :D

[Duncan Grant]

3. Wasn't that you who posted the threads on critical thinking skills?!

Those were wonderful! We should all learn how to recognize faulty logic and the various structures of flawed arguements.

Thanks!

[Selwynn]

5. Yeah... heh... my one bright spot

[gully]

10. I liked what you had to say...

Thanks from me too.

[even]

4. Politics

It is the art of the possible. The first rule is don't pick fights you can't win. Politics is about power. If you have it you can change things. If you don't move along. Power is being elected. Thats the way it is. When you have power never forget it is temporary.

[candy331]

8. Old spiritual song says

"it'll all be over in the morning" Things look bleak but hold your head up you fought a good fight and it sounds like you have more integrity and dignity in your one little finger than many in their whole body. IT WILL GET BETTER FOR YOU.

[Selwynn]

9. You are very kind.

This is a good note to go to bed on. I post this just for one more bump. I fear many people that I wish could see my apology may not see it, but I will bump it up no more.

Goodnight!

[MuseRider]

6. Thank you

It takes a big person to say something like that. We are all frustrated, as we all witnessed. We responded with equal enthusiasm. I have to say I had my first post deleted today followed by a locked thread. So, you were not alone in your frustration. Many things you and others said disturbed me but I do not plan on saving your names. I know I disturbed a few myself. As long as we can come together with mutual respect after the fight we will be ok. I am still angry but I will live and get over it as long as I am not marginalized for no reason on 4 different threads on the same page. You probably would have gotten a different reaction from me had I not already been pissed off. Peace.

[einsteins stein]

7. No Apology Needed

You're one of the good folks, and it's been an especially crappy day.

Thanks for being thoughtful :-)