Reply #40: Your last 3 paragraphs are the

[MuseRider]

reason many of us stay here even when it gets this bad although I have to say this time it is really difficult to stay.

"Here's the thing. Threats and fear mongering work on Republicans, NOT on Democrats. We respond by digging in our heels, staying strong and, when we can, fighting back.

There's a hell of a lot of us long time Democrats who know what it is to face down political adversity, and have done it over and over.

Just look to our sisters and brothers in the GLBT community, for an example of that strength and tenacity. Which is why telling them, or any of us, to sit down and shut up just creates more division."

Unity, strength and character are three very obvious character traits of the GLBT community. They are a most admirable group of citizens who have tolerated the worst the rest of us have to offer just like others before them and others who also suffer this now. This is a fight for their very lives. This is something we are facing in my community right now with a public library that is being told that "gay literature" or anything mentioning GLBT issues must be stuffed into a separate room. First you select the group, next you stop the discussion, then you burn the books, then you burn the people (thanks Jason). I know this is not what DU is trying to do with this issue but it is what happens and we need to be very mindful of this. Is the occasional calling out of a bigoted poster or occasional piling on to a thread bad enough to allow this kind of silencing?

Last night at a GLBT discussion group I head a quote that I believe should be attributed to Gloria Steinem.
*Know the truth, the truth will piss you off then it will set you free.* (something like that)

We have the first two parts down really well but it will take free discussion and thoughtfulness to get to the third and right now I see that being shut down here.