YES We did!

[flippyshark]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

So because most everyone likes him you don't want to hear what might be wrong? I get that you don't like negative, and I'm cool with that, but that seems like that would prevent him and his administration from being held accountable (if everyone who is optimistic adopted that philosophy).

Just speaking for me, but yes, accountability is very important, and freedom to criticize and dissent is essential. I don't think anyone is arguing against these things. I suspect the reaction is to knee-jerk negativism - like, yes, people getting up in arms about the rhyming guy's benediction. (I've peeked at some of the right-wing blogs, and wow, people are sure reading a lot into this. "You see? It's a racist regime! We were right all along!") Yes, this goes both ways, and I try very hard to recognize when liberals overreact as well. (cough*Olbermann*cough)

My last shot in this absurdly minor scurfle - One reason I am so impressed with Obama is that he talks calmly, like a rational adult addressing other rational adults. The sixties-throwback rhyming benediction is a little silly and could have been more carefully considered, but a true insult? I'm not seeing it. But the discussion about it is threatening to turn into the kind of childish back and forth that prevailed during so much of the last eight years and reached epic-ludicrous levels during the recent campaign. I'd love to believe that we can do better.