"That said, I feel sheepish, and contrite, that I started out with the very reasonable statement that this wasn't worth talking about, but then wrote a couple of paragraphs about it. "

There is no reason to feel bad. We should be having these conversations to learn from each other and even more importantly, to learn about ourselves.   I think all of us like to see our own opinion in print, that is human nature. But I enjoy the sociological experiment that threads like these offer.

As you noted, you made an "assumption" - and that is what most people do. The whole idea of the "book list" was another example. We like to grasp at germs of truth and see things we want to see that will justify our existing opinions. I'm just as guilty, but I have to say I've been taking a step back recently. It is refreshing - and it is comforting to know that we do not need to resort to the mudslinging.

We can bash Republicans and conservatives for their backward stances and dangerous positions on social issues - abortion, health care, the economy, etc. That is the real fight!