Moderate, yes — ordinary, basic American center-right. Mushy, hell, no.

* * *

“I am a progressive; that is what I have said. I am very liberal; that is what I have said. I have never said I am 'far left,' and indeed I vigorously disputed that label a few days ago in a discussion with Polimom about the meaning and accuracy of the term 'hard left.'”

Well, we know what you are, at least on this site. And,

“a venal, heinous, shameful distortion and misrepresentation”

is not what I did, or what I do.

“Take a look in the mirror, DLS”

My critics are routinely in need of this, especially when they engage in projection(!).

if that's what he meant, then I wholeheartedly agree. It's about time we investigated how all branches of government have pursued the “war on terror.” How have ALL of the programs seeking to identify and neutralize plots or individuals worked? What are the successes and failures of the changes made since 2001. And yes, if our systems are not working, how can we make them more effective? Ultimately, covering our eyes and ears to avoid uncovering unpleasant facts hurts us all.

“Perhaps I missed something but I don;t recall the “values of that era” including blatant dishonesty.”

We're usually a bit more subtle when we call each other lying assholes here.

My suggestiton: learn a little more about Kathy's personal story before you imply that she is some sort of rich, arrogant liberal…she is liberal, but the rest of your assumption doesn't fit. You will also find that we defend our own here, even those with whom we disagree. One of Kathy's major defenders yesterday when she was personally attacked was Leonidas, a certified well-right-of-center commenter.

Welcome to TMV. It's different here, but you might like it if you enjoy intelligent discussion of serious issues mixed with a little good humor.

OK. I came of age in the 60s also, and I was deeply involved in the civil rights struggles of that time, among other things. Perhaps I missed something but I don;t recall the “values of that era” including blatant dishonesty. Ah well, maybe I was just lucky enough to have parents who were just working stiffs incapable of instilling such lofty values in me.

schlep or *schlepp* also *shlep* (shlp) /Slang/
/v./ *schlepped* also *shlepped*, *schlep·ping* or *schlepp·ing* also
*shlep·ping*, *schleps* or *schlepps* also *shleps*
/v.//tr./
To carry clumsily or with difficulty; lug: schlepped a shopping bag
around town.
/v.//intr./
To move slowly or laboriously: schlepped around with the twins in a
stroller.
/n./
*1. * An arduous journey.
*2. * A clumsy or stupid person.

This is also, as CO's quote of Tidbits was, a misquote — or in this a non-quote. I am a progressive; that is what I have said. I am very liberal; that is what I have said. I have never said I am “far left,” and indeed I vigorously disputed that label a few days ago in a discussion with Polimom about the meaning and accuracy of the term “hard left.”

I have also never described myself or my politics as “radical” — and I and they are not. I *have* said that I am from the '60s (indeed, I believe those were my exact words). I have said on several occasions that I came of age in the 1960s and that my beliefs are informed by the values of that era. Note also I did not “admit” this. I said it. I feel lucky and grateful to have been “present at the creation” (so to speak) of the contemporary movement for peace and justice (which encompasses so much more than just Vietnam War protests), and to have been raised by parents who believed in those values and instilled them in me and in my brother, and the word “admit” is entirely inaccurate.

Quoting it again, this: “Kathy is, indeed. Consistent, though “liberal” is being too loose with the language; she is “progressive” (far left) to radical. She has said it herself, admitting what I have said about her:” is a venal, heinous, shameful distortion and misrepresentation of what I have said about myself on TMV.

“Too loose with the language” indeed. Take a look in the mirror, DLS — or do I have to play Natalie Cole for you again?

I think the word you want there is schmuck. “Shlep” means to carry a lot of stuff or heavy stuff, and it's a verb. (As in, “I had to shlep my stuff five blocks from the car to my apartment.”)

But I do take your meaning, and I agree.

Even those of us who are moderate – DLS

Actually, Rudi, the crime happened on a military facility and among military personnel — this is a military, not a civilian justice issue.

The reason I noted your remark is that it actually contains a kernel of truth in defense of the otherwise stupid decision by the Obama administration, not with Hasan, but with the September 11 terrorists, to try them in a civilian court in New York City.

Kathy is, indeed. Consistent, though “liberal” is being too loose with the language; she is “progressive” (far left) to radical. She has said it herself, admitting what I have said about her: Sixties (a throwback to idealist as well radical times, in fact, Forty Years Ago, the peak of “Change” [tm] and strife, 1968-9).