This, I am red-faced in saying it, a response diary. I believe listening is crucial, and I do my best to practice it. I am also acutely aware of the many prejudices and unskillful emotions which get in the way of my hearing clearly. However, this diary is an attempt to practice the other side of the equation: responsible speaking. To me, responsible speaking entails honesty and clarity, openly expressing with as little defensiveness and blame as possible, seeking to be, first, self-aware, and second, self-revealing, third, responsible for one's own feelings.
There is, in my opinion, a common misunderstanding on dailykos which leads to much divisiveness and pain. This is my attempt to explain one side of that single misunderstanding. This are two sides to every story. There are many hurt feelings and misunderstandings. In speaking of only one here, I do not discount the importance of others, nor do I seek to blame. I am responding to what I take as an offer to be heard.
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