The folly of writing people off too soon (don't burn bridges)

[CreekDog]

I read post after post where it's clear that people have given up on people they find themselves disagreeing with. And what I mean by that is to *completely* dissociate from them, or their party or whatever. But that's a losing strategy when you do it with people that are generally on the same side of arguments as you are.

When you write them off, how are you going to get them back when you need them sometime in the future? If they know you're done with them, what if they act as if your support won't ever be there (even on issues they know you support)? What if instead of addressing a progressive issue you would support, they choose another issue (that you don't) because you have told them "it's all over, too late, bye...".

Obama and Kucinich could probably have written each other off multiple times by now and based on perhaps sound reasoning. But because they didn't and are engaging they will have more effect on each other's goals than had they simply given up.

And with respect to giving up on Obama, if he fails at pushing your initiatives, well, in lots of cases, that's a bad thing. But if you write him off and say "never again", then you are more than likely to assure that your initiatives have no chance whatsoever --because everything is going through him as the most powerful person in the party (and the world).

Never say never.


(I'm not saying I haven't made this mistake, but I recognize that it is usually counterproductive)

[Name removed]

1. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[bigwillq]

2. Both Obama and Kucinich are politically smarter

than either gets credit for. Well, Obama does get credit for it more often than DK, but still. I have differences with both at times, although I have always been a much bigger supporter of Kucinich, but both know how to play the game. And they play it well, despite my grievances with them.

[WCGreen]

9. They are both big city politicians so they have that in common..

[Tippy]

3. Lot of negative post's today. They bother me too.

People seem almost eager to throw the baby out with the bath water.

[Uncle Joe]

4. I've never been one to burn bridges, I'm still close to my ex-wife.

Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, CreekDog.:thumbsup:

[stevedeshazer]

5. It's the second law of thermodynamics applied to politics.

Six months from now they may agree or disagree on something, but entropy and equilibrium affect the current balance between Obama and Kucinich.

[Clio the Leo]

6. Bravo! NT

[ShortnFiery]

7. I couldn't be more disgusted.

IMO, all our political "leaders" are corrupt with FEET OF CLAY. :(

[grantcart]

8. Wise words but I had to laugh that the first response was 'deleted' from 'name removed'

an experienced bridge burner.

[stevenleser]

10. Yep. Wish I could always put that into practice. n/t

[CreekDog]

11. And more to the point, it looks like Obama and Kucinich are on the same side for this vote

I'm glad they didn't allow themselves to become completely alienated from each other.