Re: browsing the archives

[Carl Remick <carlremick@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> From: Michael Perelman <michael@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>
> I was browsing the archives from a decade ago... -- Nothing scientific, I
> just took a
> I noticed that there was much less hostility.  I cannot see why we need to
> keep
> attacking those who disagree with us, even though they have positive
> intentions --
> people who support Kerry because they oppose Bush or people who support
> Nader.

I'd be surprised if there *wasn't* more rancor than a decade ago.  Among
leftists as a whole there has to be a good amount of pent-up rage at this
point, and a lot of that is going to be displaced to the nearest convenient
receptacle -- such as this listserv.  These are very frustrating times,
e.g.:  the rightward national march that started in the '70s continues; the
most dangerous administration in history is running US foreign policy; gross
inequities in distribution of wealth remain on the rise; and as you note:

> Regardless of who wins the election, I expect to see serious cuts in social
> spending ....

And amid all this, this left continues to flounder -- deeply confused about
its aims and tactics and unable to get any hold on the popular imagination.

No wonder people are cranky.

Carl