Reply #108: The problem is not competing groups, it's competing *ideals*.

[metapunditedgy]

A lot of energy comes from the people who want to see continual change and improvement. Partisan politics (even if it's in favor of the more-liberal, Democratic side of politics) is *not* going to provide that inspiration. But the "change" side of the community is not always going to follow Democratic politicians.

It's a fundamental conflict, not a personality conflict. I don't see how you can choose both.

I don't see *why* you need to choose between the two, frankly.

The more you enforce purity on either side of the spectrum, the more bland the community will become.

Here's another problem: the more you tell an idealist to be quiet, the louder they will get.