A pledge of civility.

[Umbram]

We the undersigned hold ourselves to higher standards of decency and respect than we have witnessed on an all-too-frequent basis here at DU as of late.

We believe passionately about various candidates, yet will not allow this passion to cause us to act like fools.

We will not:

Attack other Democratic candidates. We recognize that healthy debate must exist as to policies and election strategy. We will further such ends by resisting baseless smearing and childishness. We will call the candidates by their names, and not pejorative nicknames. We recognize that ANY of our candidates can better lead this country than the Republican alternatives.

Attack the followers of other Democratic candidates. We respect fellow democrats and respect their passion. We will not label them with pejorative terms. We will not attribute their followers with the qualities of the worst of their followers. We recognize that some of the best among us back each of the candidates.

Be willfully ignorant. We will not put blinders on and pretend our candidate is perfect. Nor will we explain away our candidates flaws by pointing at flaws of the other candidate. We will further policy discussions by discussing policy.

Falsely attribute qualities to the candidates. We refuse to judge the candidates based on their most foolish followers. We refuse to let the media or our opponents dictate our “talking points.”

Give in to childishness. We are focused on OUR candidates, not on trashing other candidates. We will not rain on the parades of DU’ers excited about their chosen candidate for sadistic pleasure. We will not engage in trolling and negativity. If someone must be ignored, we will ignore them without the childish need to announce to the world that we were incapable of tolerating them.

[robbedvoter]

1. A bit late for that. I would ave joined you last month. Now it's lipstick on the pig

[Umbram]

2. Umbram. nt.

[NightWatcher]

3. I'll sign on

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4510603

[IndyOp]

4. Thanks for writing this. I am in. K&R. (n/t)

[Wednesdays]

5. Hear, hear! I cheerfully sign on.

:hi:

[Umbram]

6. Heh, I didn't expect much of a response

but this was even less than I'd hoped! Oh well, carry on!

[NightWatcher]

7. I know what you mean. I thought we could get the vibe in here to turn a little

[Umbram]

8. Every venue has a purpose.

You can't go into a boxing arena and try to turn it into a tea party.

GD:P will be what its posters want it to be.

I suppose its arrogant to think otherwise, but hey - what's the harm in trying.

[abburdlen]

9. I'll sign!

but only with a signing statement. ;)

[Umbram]

11. Heh, how about I just give you a line item veto. nt.

[jimshoes]

10. I'm in

Where do i sign?

[Umbram]

12. You already did. Thanks. nt.

[RuleOfNah]

13. I was nodding until "willfully ignorant".

In my experience that is a lot to ask of people, on any topic.

Uh oh, "attribute qualities". You weren't party specific. I enjoy satire and Republican jokes (and jokes about Republicans). I'll make a sexual preference joke about a Republican at the drop of a sweater vest, as 2004 was nothing if not the campaign of sexual preference (by Republican will). It was years of Clenis jokes before that (has Maher stopped telling them yet?). I apologize in advance for excessive Gannon references (or Craig, or Hassert, or those religious leaders, etc). Now that Rove has left the White House, Gannon sleepovers aren't as relevant anyway (see, the jokes write themselves!). I suppose I could try to do more Bush/Rice affair jokes...

Um, "childishness", hey, I resemble that remark!

[Umbram]

14. My draftsmanship probably could have used some work

...but I suspect you could agree to the spirit of it all.

I don't think anyone will sue. ;-)

[RuleOfNah]

15. "the spirit of it all"

You had me at "civility". :)

[Umbram]

16. Great! nt.