I was pretty infuriated when Minnesota Republican Michele Bachmann called for an investigation of who's pro-America and who's anti-America.  

But she doesn't represent the views of all Republicans.  

Colin Powell reminded me of that.  

His endorsement of Barack Obama made me realize how uncharacteristically hardened and vindictive my tone had become toward the entire Republican party.     

Powell's endorsement was strikingly compelling in its lack of partisanship.  It was a powerful call for the necessity of a more collaborative and inclusive politics--without which America will find itself in a constant and self-perpetuating weakening state. 

Barack Obama once said that we won't throw the first punch.  But we'll throw the last. 

But in doing so, let's not fall into the small-mindedness and futility of merely pitting one spigot of hate against another. 

Louder isn't smarter.  A handful of self-serving blowhards have worked tirelessly day and night to market a toxic and much exaggerated polarization between liberals and conservatives. 

 It plays on the pre-disposition of some to be sure.  Some who are still holding on to decades-old stereotypes for dear life right now.    

 Wingnut extremism used to have more mass appeal but it is no longer an accurate representation of the larger electorate.  

It has become an embellished caricature of an era long since past.  

I may have digressed but my point is that I don't want to endorse a Democratic version of power through alienation. 

While there will be factions that continue to instigate division even after the election, we have to continue to outnumber them.  

(this is a second attempt to post this.)