The Democratic Party is not off-limits for criticism

[Ilikepurple]

46. I agree that there are these kinds of posts, but well considered criticisms rarely fare better.

I’m not sure if this is the best place to post the following, but today’s multiple discussions about this issue are battling in my head.
Jokes are cracked on both sides of this issue. Many of the other jokes sound like shorthand for “I don’t like you’re kind of Democrat” or “maybe you’re not even one”. The latter I’ve seen cast towards all sides. I find your and many other posts thoughtful and measured, but also have the belief that we profit from considering multiple points of view, especially on unsolved matters, even when the idea is not entirely fleshed out. Of course these points of view are unhelpful if they fly past each other.
Generally, those that challenge status quo are given both the burden of proof and less room to speak. I’m not specifically speaking about DU which is as good of a community that I’ve encountered, but i don’t think we are immune or am even arguing that we should be. I do believe this imbalance often complicates our ability to discuss reasonable criticisms however presented. The ways of rhetoric often lead to speech that goes against the grain being more brazen and that defending the way things are being more dismissive. I’m not a fan of either as I really believe we can learn from each other even when one of us is mistaken. In sum, I agree with your suggestion that criticism of the Party representatives should be presented with their underlying reasoning, but so should their rebuttals. This is an amazing community considering its subject and the times in which we live.