Among progressive bloggers, some might consider me the temperate one, the "on the other hand" guy. I honestly try to look at facts, weigh different perspectives and see beyond my own biases. My progressive views have been shaped both by being a union member and successful capitalist. My anti-war views have likewise been tempered by employment in the military-industrial complex and having a nephew in Iraq.
I try to reach across the divide when some of my colleagues are lobbing grenades. We have sometimes disagreed about how hard to push for accountability from the Pawlenty administration for its actions without unfairly characterizing its motives.
But though I've held off the vitriol, the "let's don't politicize the tragedy while bodies are still in the river" ass-covering torques me mightily. As an across-the-divide sort of guy, I'd more inclined to lay off assigning responsibility except for one thing: Some of the very people who said we could not oppose war and be loyal Americans are those now claiming they can oppose investing in our state and still be loyal Minnesotans.
What has done more damage to our nation? Calling for accountability in foreign policy and somehow encouraging terrorists? Or starving our schools, neglecting our infrastructure and backsliding on the environment?
You can parse the details all you want. But what we see today are people who cut spending and deny the consequences.
No New Taxes is the real Cut and Run.
