Answer me a few questions: Did the US ever promote democracy when it was not in their interests to do so? Did the US ever undermine democracy when it was in their interests? How about during the presidencies you mentioned? During Republican presidencies? Are you implying that what Bush is doing amounts to “promoting and defending” democracy? If so, how? If you believe in this principle of spreading democracy, do you see in inconsistencies in how the US has gone about doing so historically and presently?

As for public discussion amounting to a pissing match – to the extent that has happened it is entirely your fault, as evidenced by your arrogant question “Which history books do [I] read?” As if posting a list of books proves which of us has the stronger argument. The question is meaningless. If you want to send me a bibliography of what you read, go ahead and get it off your chest. I won’t return the favor.

As to the litmus test, yes, I can go over that in more detail if you like. I’ll give you a hint as to why you have no credibility as a liberal or otherwise: Part of it has to do with your buying into the simple minded, idiotic, and self-serving rhetoric of “Islamofacism” versus “modernity.” A true liberal would never accept the neo-conservative terms of debate.

If you want to actually have a conversation let me know. I am always happy to talk politics 8).

I would be glad to discuss history with you as well Rhyleh. Which history books do you read?

if you prefer we could do it via email to avoid any temptation of having a public pissing match.

A social welfare safety net
Progressive taxation
Small government?

I think your understanding of history is sorely lacking if you construe FDR, Truman and Kennedy as “small government” advocates.

Uh-uh.

Are you by any chance Lieberman? Your pro-Zionist views, the anti-ACLU stand along with associations with 101st Fighting Keyboardists and anti-press bias puts you in a pretty narrow definition of Democrats. I can see one or two intersecting but all of them?

Your blog is a hoot. I almost wasted five minutes reading it. Carry on Democrat.

Is that a good start for you?

I don’t see how supporting (if you want to characterize an interview as support. I have made no contribution to his campaign) a small government candidate as anti-liberal. It certainly is anti-leftist / socialist and I am definitely that again ala John Kennedy, Harry Truman, FDR.

I definitely was impressed with Mr. Bahkta and found him to be pretty middle of the road. Certainly not an ideologue.

Can you tell me which positions I need to take in order to pass your litmus test?

By the way meatbrain, the first thing I did in my post was include a link to Kevin’s post. Anyone who wants to know exactly what he said only needs to click on it. As it is the most popular outgoing link on my site right now it appears lots of people are doing just that.

If you’re a liberal Democrat, explain which liberal Democratic ideals and policies you stand for? Can you cite examples of when you’ve sided with fellow liberal Democrats? If you are a liberal Democrat, why did you support small government advocate Raj Bhakta?

Or are you dishonest?

PS. Israel’s excessive use of force is no way justified. Collateral damage is never justified. Revenge is not a justifiable national security policy. Explain if and why you disagree with those statements.

Does that make you dishonest?