Reply #38: I have been an "other" in most ways for most of my life.

[LWolf]

Hence my screen name. I am the "lonest" wolf I've ever met.

I appreciate your thoughtful, and obviously sincere, post. I agree with your conclusion, up to a point.

I have to say, though, that much of the conflict on this board results from Democrats, those elected, those in power, and those who vote, attacking "others" like school yard bullies singling out the "outs" for their attentions.

If you are an independent-minded Democrat, not a partisan, you are "other."

If you are a teacher, you are "other."

If you are ANY of the groups attacked and marginalized by main-stream Democrats, you are "other."

If you dare to put your "otherness" on the table and to oppose right-wing or neoliberal policy coming from a Democratic administration, you are feared, hated, belittled, ridiculed, and marginalized by the "mainstream."

I think that the "others" here at DU ARE coming together as a group. I think that's part of why the flames between the "others" and the mainstream have blown up. I think it's devastating that "old" Democrats and liberals are now the "others."

I don't know what all that means on DU, or in November, or in 2012, or in how the Democratic Party and the nation continue to evolve. I am certainly willing to work "together" with ANYONE who wants to help put issues on a better path, moving in the right direction. That's really where the divide begins, though, because we no longer agree on that direction. At least, that's how I see it.