>May be, and if folks like Leo and Brad who oppose the war are driven off
>such lists, that tells you how unsuccessful such efforts will be.
>
>On the other hand, the real movements for peace, such as the gatherings in
>Union Square of families and friends of the victims, which welcome a mix of
>solidarity, patriotism and those asking for peace as the memorial to their
>dead, rather than hate and murder, are far more likely to bridge the gaps of
>anger in peoples hearts.
>
>That the "Left-wing" measures its success by how many people it alienates
>is a large reason why it has been so ineffectual. You should be measuring
>your success by how many people of a wide range of views you bring together
>in coalition.
In principle, yes, but look at the two examples you gave. Brad left because he found anti-imperialist views offensive; I don't think he'd ever be a candidate for a peace movement. Leo was rampantly aggressive, spewing out about 13,000 words (by my quick count), attacking the motives, honesty, and fundamental humanity of people he didn't agree with. If you can't talk openly about the role of U.S. imperialism in inspiring this horrid crime, then any peace movement has nothing to contribute but pious wishes that will be ignored.
Doug