Since 2011, I’ve been coming to Daily Kos to see how the “other side” thinks. I’m a conservative. I haven’t been dishonest about this. I’ve declared it in several diaries. I have a link to my website in my profile, which is a “Conservative and Christian” site. I use my real name, and Googling me shows my perspectives clearly. My profile picture is a shot taken after a nice lunch in DC with House Freedom Caucus chair Mark Meadows.
Some (who use anonymous handles, ironically) have commented that I’m a “troll” and have called my presence here “deceitful.” I’m not sure how to be more clear in a way that doesn’t draw such accusations, but so be it.
This morning I posted a diary asking if Obama isn’t progressive enough. It didn’t take long to see this is a fairly accepted notion by many on DK. I wrote an article on my site asserting Democrats will soon go after Obama as being too conservative. I drew this conclusion from anecdotal observations and had those notions affirmed by reactions here and elsewhere.
One thing I firmly believe in is the need for conversations between the “extremes.” Just as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ted Cruz have been talking about policies they both agree on, so too do I think the “radicals” in their bases on the left and right can discuss issues of importance.
In 2016, I supported Bernie Sanders over Hillary Clinton. I didn’t think Donald Trump could win until closer to the election, so between the two Democrats with a chance of taking him on, I preferred Sanders. Given the choice between someone on the opposite ideological end as me or someone in the murky middle, I’ll take the “radical.” It’s on the edges where actions are most effective. Half-measures from the center simply don’t work.
If you would like to treat me like a troll for my honesty or believe I’m here to somehow cause infighting, nothing I can say will dissuade you. My purpose here is to pose questions and see what surprises pop up. For example, I was surprised a majority here oppose term limits. That was good information to have and started a beneficial conversation within the community, in my humble opinion.
But here’s the thing. If I wanted to troll or cause infighting, I wouldn’t come in using my real name and declaring my truthful ideology. That would make me the dumbest troll on the internet, which is saying a lot. I’m here for conversations and information. I’m not trying to change minds, start a fight, disrupt the echo chamber, or subvert conversation. I’ve been polite when others have been rude and will continue to be open and honest about my intentions.
With that said, I’m a guest within a community that is universally opposed to my philosophies. Therefore, I’ll leave it to the community to decide whether I should stay for open conversations or go away with my tail tucked and a lesson learned.
You decide.