• MagicShel@lemmy.zip
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    1 day ago

    As it turned out, the people who withheld their vote for Kamala over the genocide didn’t actually matter in the election. Had every one of them voted for Kamala, I’m not aware of a single state that would’ve flipped. Not even Michigan

    It pisses off both sides of the rift, but the genocide didn’t matter in terms of the election. Those not voting for Kamala over Gaza don’t get any credit/blame for Trump winning. ETA: I’d say they get to claim a moral victory for whatever that’s worth.

    On the other hand, those who withheld their vote and are hoping the consequences of the election are going to teach the DNC or anyone a lesson are going to be sorely disappointed. No matter how passionate individuals are about the issue, the electorate gave it a collective shrug to absolutely no one’s surprise. Nothing is going to change about our Israel policy as a result of Trump’s victory.

    Some day, our acceptance of the genocide is going to be seen as just as shameful as Clinton’s opposition to gay marriage and support of DA/DT. But not today. Fighting about it is just arguing with each other over scraps while the real enemy runs the kitchen.

    • Octavio@lemmy.world
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      16 hours ago

      So, I was alive when DA/DT went into effect, not sure how many people here were. The interesting thing is that as much as it was a cruel and unnecessary policy and in hindsight is completely indefensible, it actually was a step forward for gay rights. Before that the policy was you absolutely would be asked, and if you didn’t tell, you could be charged with a crime. People lost their pensions and got discharged with no benefits just for being gay. Moreover, I honestly don’t think it would have been possible at the time to get a more sensible policy through, because all the usual suspects were absolutely losing their minds about the baby step that it was.

      I’m not a Bill Clinton apologist, but I kind of think he deserves a pass on that one. It’s really hard to explain how quickly the ground shifted on that issue from the 90s to the 2010s. Clinton kind of stuck his neck out for progress, as imperfect as it was.

      • MagicShel@lemmy.zip
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        15 hours ago

        I agree with you. Maybe that came across as anti-Clinton. In my defense, I’ve always detested the Clintons and have little interest in spending words making him look better.

        I do appreciate you pointing that out. It’s a valuable lens to look back with. Still, from our perspective today, shameful, even if necessary.