Reply #36: You wrote:

[crispini]

I think it is MOST important that we clearly define our shared values as a party,

I'd totally agree with your post. However, I'm interested in your use of the word values. It seems to me that posters above are using the candidate's position on the Iraq war as a sort of "values" litmus test.

However, Lakoff points out, this isn't a "value," this is an ISSUE. Lakoff writes: We came together because of our moral values: care and responsibility, fairness and equality, freedom and courage, fulfillment in life, opportunity and community, cooperation and trust, honesty and openness.

http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1119-22.htm

IMO, it IS important for us to articulate our shared Dem values, but there is still room for us to differ in our positions on the issues.