This is my first diary attempt and I don't expect much.  Please do me a favor, however, and try to keep any responses civil.  I have been reading this site and DailyKos for about 2 months now.  In that time, I have noticed a trend on both sites that I find more than a little troubling.  

     First, a bit about me.  I am a white male that grew up in a small Pennsylvania town.  My parents split with one Republican and one Democrat.  I have lived and traveled all around this country.  I have worked as a carpenter, dishwasher, stockboy, designer, and restaurant GM.  I have never had the honor of serving in the military, but I am an Eagle Scout and my Grandfather was a part of the spearhead into Germany in WWII.  I am a patriot and I consider myself a progressive.  Now, onto the actual point of this diary...

     As far as I can tell, being a progressive is about (but not limited to) the following issues in no particular order:  Getting the government back into the hands of the people it governs, Pro-Choice, Fair Trade agreements, Womens' Rights, Improving racial tensions, A return of diplomacy though negotiation instead of unilateral military action, Affordable healthcare, Etc...Etc...Etc...  Being a Progressive is about making this country into the free and great society that we believe it can be.  Yet, I have seen diary after diary proclaiming that the writers will not vote for the Democratic nominee, if that person is not their chosen horse in the race.  Some have even mentioned that they will move to another country if the situation is not to their liking.

     For just a moment, let us look at what is likely to happen if the Senator from Arizona becomes the President for just four years.  First, three Supreme Court Justices will be replaced with more conservative nominees.  This will lead to the overturning of Roe v Wade, not to mention an overwhelmingly conservative court for at least 20 years.  We will continue a losing strategy in Iraq and likely get into an overt military conflict with Iran.  The world view of America will continue to become increasingly negative.  Finally, I don't even want to think about his effect on the economy.

     Here is what that means to you:  If you consider yourself to be a Progressive, a Liberal, or Left-leaning...  If you truly care about the advancement of any of the issues named above...  you will vote for the Democratic nominee.  If you do not, the blood of every American soldier killed in Iraq or Iran is on your hands.  The death of every child due to the lack of healthcare is on your head.  Every backroom abortion is your fault.  Need I go on?  I strongly disagree with Republicans on many, if not most, issues.  However, many Republicans believe that they are doing what is in the best interest of the country that they care deeply for.  They may be misguided.  They may be wrong.  But they are Patriots.  Please support the nominee of your choice in the primary as strongly as you can, but if, when all is said and done, you do not support the issues and values that you claim to believe in with your vote...  Well, I am not going to say it.  It brings a sour taste to my mouth.

     There was a point in time, as the founding fathers sat down to discuss independence, that they strongly disagreed.  There were big speeches given and many personal insults flew through the room.  In the end, though, they came together to make a historic declaration.  I hope that we all can do that as well.  "We must all hang together, or we will certainly hang separately."