One of the really ugly features of modern conservatism is its refusal to meet anyone halfway, and its extremist positions. Not only does this demonize anything of value the Left has to offer, it makes the Left suspicious of anything of value the Right might have to offer. The divisiveness and incivilty they have introduced into American politics is the most threatening danger to American Democracy, with the possible exception of unrestricted campaign contributions by private interests.

I make no apologies for my left of center (by US standards) politics, but I don't consider myself extremist, indeed, I knew enough extreme leftists in college to know I don't want any part of that crowd, besides my family's own experience with Communism in Cuba. In fact, I have always been a fan of Margaret Thatcher, and if I lived in the UK or Canada I'd probably vote Conservative.

But after being insulted and mischaracterized by the New Right, and having to put up with their shrill rhetorical style, their intellectual arrogance and their incestuous alliance with the Christian fundamentalists, I don't want them in MY country.

Thanks for posting that article. It's something weall already know, but its nice to see it so carefully documented and artfully presented.