I plunged in the water on May 22, 2015--not long ago certainly. But I have learned some enormous lessons already.
The first lesson is that there is a tremendous intellectual endowment in this pond, which extends not only from the "Front Pagers", many of whom I follow, but also to those who, although not writing diaries frequently, are just as keen observers and activist participants in the discussions held here.
I am fortunate to have a gifted and understanding family swimming about in other parts of the swamp, such as my great aunt Flora (swimming in the Florida swamp). Also my mentor SOTS (Socrates of the Swamps). I have a family photo of SOTS, which I will share, so if any of you see him swimming by, say hello--and as long as you are not a Repuglican, he won't bite. Promise!
SOTS (Socrates of the Swamps), my mentor
Overview of some of the things I have learned so far, not listed in any particular order:
1. Overton window: the vista provided to the political landscape as conditioned by the structure (window, hopefully transparent) allowing the view. This window is moveable slowly.
2. Godwin's Law: inevitably (almost) along enough string of online commentary will lead to mention of Nazism. A. This is true only in a minority of commentaries. B. I plead guilty unashamedly (see my prior diary of Godwin's Law) C. I have discovered the Converse of Godwin's Law, further enlightening online bloggery.
3. Triangulation: shifting one's expressed (as opposed to covert) political opinions between one side of an issue and an opposing side of the same issue, so as to make one's explicit (as opposed to covert) stance as palatable to as many as possible.
Note, this is not a comprehensive listing of my education to date, but serves its purpose.
Overview of some things which have been re-enforced in my political brain (which is good because we gators aren't the smartest, but, as I have said before, we are proven survivors).
1. Democrats have yet to systematically put into action the Blue version of Saint Ronnie's 11th commandment: "Thou shalt speak no evil of any Democrat". How simple and practical--yet often ignored in Blue internecine political debates. Negative campaigning dissuades people from both the mud thrower and the intended target--net result: less Blue voters! I didn't have to jump into the Kos pond to learn that. Brothers and sisters blue--stop the damn pie fights, brick-bat hurling and other derogatory activities against members of our admittedly very diverse clan. Let us save the vitriol and the Light for our opposition--they are not Blue!
2. Until Primary season has ended, we should build a series of debates, built upon hopefully progressive, but certainly positive ideas. Too much infighting has done us in time and time again. Save the aggression for the campaign AFTER our nominee is named.
3. No one sits this one out--2016--you're Blue up through election day and hopefully thereafter. Support the party nominee, regardless of your personal preferences. Think about this: the worst democratic candidate is better than the best Repuglican candidate! Don't you forget it.
4. Non illegitimi carborundum BITE THEM!