It is what I am .  I am a Democrat in exile . From the very begining of the movement , from the first glimpses of the usurping of our party . The earliest outrages actualized a  collective metamorphosis of die hard Democrats into a brand new species know as PUMA .

 Do some Republicans confuse the disdain of the early movement with the Obama forces as an invitation to don thier own spots or stripes and call themselves “puma” ? Yes …  Well , I can stick a feather in my ass but that doesn’t mean I can fly .

 Because some blogs have some RW loons that seem to spread their loonieness unabated , does that mean that each and every poster on that blog or the blog owner has become a RW loon ? No . Quit thinking in hyperbole .

 Are there some OPs (original pumas) more conservative ? Yes . We had both Blue and Yellow Dogs in the Democratic Party . Get over it . There will always be differences in ideals within a larger movement . If you are far left -BE far left . If you were a Blue dog – BE fiscally conservative – but have the damn conversation . The same conversation we have been having since the inception of the Democratic Party , and sometimes it gets heated – so what . (as long as the personal attacks are left behind)

 I come from a huge social movement . One that was comprised of 2 main caucuses and several smaller subgroups under the umbrella of each caucus . The 2 main caucuses were rabid foes INTERNALLY , but as a National Organization , we were singularly undivided .

 The leadership of both cacuses were smart enough to know that we were a hell of a lot stronger united as a block than as individual slates . We fought over direction and ideals and contracts and compromises , and we did it in private , because when we marched , when we protested , when we stared down corporations and sometimes the Government , we did it together – shoulder to shoulder and side by side , and despite our diferences , we would not be broken .

 Because there is a strong (and noisy) conservative faction in the puma movement , am I going to give up my voice at the table ? Will I take my ball and go home ? Will I kick OPs off the kickball field because they hang out with some conservatives ? Or call them names ? No , and if you do you’re only hurting your self .

 Whoever you are , whatever your ideals , , no matter how bad your feelings are hurt or how mad you are , it’s not about you . It never was . This movement began because of a great and blatant injustice served to us on a giant  shit platter and it had nothing to do with left or right .

Puma wasn’t started by only lefties and it wasn’t started by only Obama haters . It was started by DEMOCRATS – of all stripes . I am left of left on social issues and right of center fiscally . I will NEVER agree with every puma on every issue . I am an old school Democrat and an Original Puma , and I will never give up my seat at the table because someone else thinks I am too left or too right .

 If you were a puma on or before May 31st -(whether you had joined a blog then or not ) you’re a puma today .

Stick to your core values and speak your truths . Don’t like the direction of the conversation ? Change it , but make sure you have your say at the table .

 Eventually , Puma needs to have a convention . Whether it’s a secured online , teleconfrence , or live and personal . All of the leaders of the various factions need to come together like a genuine organization and elect leadership , develop a concrete platform , vote and move forward as a National force .

 Sitting in our individual caves , shouting insults at eachother is not the way forward . We must learn the lessons of the successful movements that came before us and find our common ground or go the way of  big hair and leg warmers .

 Leaders , it’s your choice .You are all strong .  Be wise .

     Solidarnosk!

 On the same token , just like when I hear someone order steak sauce for thier 28 day ,dry aged ,16oz. Porterhouse that has been painstakingly prepared at 1300 degrees F , my mind comes to a screetching halt when I read or hear someone intentionally stopping a conversation with petty jabs , labels , or personal attacks .

  I am guilty of having done the same thing at times ( never the steak sauce , just the pettiness) and it is shameful .

  What happens when you put a stop to a conversation ? What have you won ? When you stomp your foot and slam the door , what does that mean ? It means the conversation is over , that’s all , and that’s not really the point of a conversation , if it’s not ongoing , it’s not a conversation .

 I speak with people frequently with whom I mostly disagree on every issue except civil rights and reproductive rights ,and I absolutely cherish our disagreements , because conversing vs. having two opposing  monologues contains a vital element that imbues a priceless endowment of knowledge . That element ? LISTENING .

 I listen , and I learn . I may never agree , but I learn . I learn about society , about the importance of perspective , about how one’s views and beliefs have formed and sometimes cemented . I genuinely listen and force myself to try and view the debate from the other side . I appreciate passion and determination , fighting for your principles and standing your ground . I also know  it’s possible to disagree with someone and still respect them and their positions.

 I have my own opinions . Does that mean that because your’s are based on a different world view or perspective that you are ‘ignorant’ , ‘stupid’ , a ‘traitor’ ,or just ” batshit crazy ” ?

 Because Einstien and Hawkins think I can (theoretically)step into some kind of freaky hole and come out in another space and time and I have never seen any evidence to make me think that is true , should I call them ignorant ? Crazy?

Because I disagree with birthers , trufers , astroturfers, or a former Governor who thinks there’s something conspicuous or subversive in a bill (that I haven’t even read so I have no e’ffing clue what’s in it ) does that automatically give me the ‘full speed ahead’ on handing out the “Crazy, Ignorant Loon” label to them ?

 Do I have that moral authority or just that hubris ?

 Conversations are designed to be alive . Their purpose is of continum . To simply cut off conversation is to deny only yourself of any hope of understanding the world as seen through eyes other than your own . To live only in your own truth without regard to the validity of someone elses is akin to donning your own personal armor of  benightedness .

 We can choose to only chat amongst ourselves and pat eachother on the back , slap each other on the ass , and hi- five as or world gets smaller and smaller , or we can learn how to have Conversations and grow our own perspective and maybe learn a few things along the way .

 Remember what Ranier Maria Rilke said before you decide to slam a door , “A person isn’t who they are during the last conversation you had with them – they’re who they’ve been throughout your whole relationship.”

 If you have found yourself feeling defensive or have already come up with responses to various aspects of this thread , chances are you haven’t taken the time to even try to ‘listen’ or envision a different perspective … Just sayin’ …

There is always a bit of disagreement and differing views seasoning the various threads and it  is normally invigorating and thought provoking – not this week . The claws are sharpened and unsheathed and friendly intellectual discourse has taken a back seat to snark and sneers . Among other things , I blame the full moon ..

Pumas , and let me clarify that when I say ‘pumas’ I mean disenfranchised Democrats who supported Sen. Clinton – who had been Democrats prior to 2008 – people who embrace Democratic principles , whether you were Yellow or Blue (if you were a Dem , you know what that means ) left or centrist (progressive) – a DEMOCRAT who was physically pained by the bastardization of your party, THAT is what I mean when I say ‘pumas” . Not Republicans who hate Obama and call themselves pumas . There , now where was I ?

 Oh yes , Pumas , (you know who you are ) dispite miles and miles of common ground , seemed to have honed in on a few topics that have proven to be very divisive . The UH debate is front and center , and it is not really a question as to whether or not pumas support Universal Healthcare or Healthcare reform , it’s complete vitriole aimed at the minutiae of  ‘what’s the right way to address and acheive the goal’ .

 Do you go to the Townhalls and inflate the numbers of the RW  ‘ no change’  loons ? Do you sit at home and ‘hope ‘ that your voices will be heard on a single payer option by osmosis so as not to be confused with a paid astro turfer ? Do you stick to your principles and demand an audience with your reps or are you so completely self-castrated by the dictum that the ‘enemy of my enemy is not my friend ‘ that you would rather claw another pumas eyes out than to be in a room filled with blowhards with a different agenda ?

 If you have learned anything over the last 18 months , you know the answer is YOU GO -like one other poster on another blog did recently . You go to be heard – even if no one can hear you – ‘even if your voice is shaking’ – you go .

It has burdened me to note that the most effective tools for silencing (attempting) pumas recently are other pumas . (again not speaking of pseudopumas or pseudomas for short) The attacks over tactics are selfdestructive and counterproductive to say the least . Discourse and opinions are great , sometimes ther IS a better way , but not in this case . This Healthcare battle is one with many fronts and no one way is right and no one way is wrong  . There are several sides from which to attack the issue .

 Alienating various groups or their leadership because of their personal choices on HOW to address Healthcare is just plain obtuse . Pumas are strong (mostly women) with hardcore positions and loud voices – expect to disagree , heartily at times . We are a large and diverse group with varying perspectives , and that is GOOD .

 Blue , Yellow , Progressive, Liberal , etc. etc. still pumas . Accept it , respect it and eachother . At the end of the day , our common goals are greater than what divides us .

Today , I would ask my fellow puma friends to set aside your differences , belly up to the bar , grab a glass of Firewater (served in a wineglass, snifter , or ball jar depending on your tastes) and remember what the hell brought you here in the first place .

Here’s a little Three Dog Night to get things rollin …

 I have , recently , been gauging the conversations revolving around the issue of Women running for office and whether ‘blanket ‘ support of  Women is a good idea . The discussions vary from diplomatic to civil , to friendly , to outright warefare .

 Several posters and bloggers across the Pumasphere have very concrete positions onthe issue , other’s are developing , and still others are pliable if not passive . Being a Woman , and politically aware make this important discussion all the more relevant .

 Rarely , however , does the surface or context of a dialogue interest me , but rather the perspective behind the individuals involved in the discussion .

 There are some brilliant , informed , wicked smart and unceassingly active posters and bloggers whose ‘perspective’ I would LOVE to be able to wrap my brain around . So if you have the time , and the inclination , I would ask you to consider and respond to this one question ….

  What is a Woman ?

 This is not just a random , generic question . I REALLY want to know . When you think of Woman , what do you think ? If you had to describe “Woman” to an unknowing being , how would YOU describe her ?

 What is “Woman ” to YOU ?

  There is an undeniable undercurrent propelling  the collective unconscious of late . One that speaks to us of growth and expansion ; of a much LARGER movement than has previously been defined as PUMA .

 The justified rage of a society mislead has escaped the confines of our close knit quarters and seeped out , infecting millions of unsuspecting ‘victims’ , and while PUMA still surfs the swell , the tide below us is ever widening . This advent begs questions – lots of questions .

 ” The enemy of my enemy is NOT my friend. ” ” They don’t share my personal ideals . ” ” They DO share my personal ideals , but those people are stupid .” ” Their individual cause is not alligned with mine .”

 These “statements” are actually questions with periods at the end . They are all begging the same answers . ” Who are our allys ?”  ” How can we “frame’ a movement with such a broad and diverse constituency ?”  ” What is the real  ‘breadth’ of the movement? ” and ” Do my personal “issues’ supercede the “goals” of the collective ?”

Lightpond blogger  pointed out (in comments) various ‘goals’ that ‘transend’ the majority of the narrowly defined issues that isolate us as a community . (OT – man I really hope that hyper link thing y works ! If it does , feel free to pause and stand in awe at my brand new skills – if not , meh – screw it )

 As social activists who have a long history of struggle and dedication to our various causes , we have a tendency to cultivate a very narrow view the world around us . Our ‘questions’ become self limiting and protectionist . Some of us need to begin asking ‘bigger ‘ questions .

 Consider this from pacebene.org  “The experience of social movements is consistent with Arnold Toynbee’s dictum that the real struggle in the world is between vested interests and social justice. An elite minority holds enormous political, economic, and social power and influence, which they use to benefit a minority of elites at the expense of society’s majority.”

 If you agree that NOW is the time for a successful movement to take root and effect definitive change in our Nation (and the world for that matter) , then you have to be willing to ask yourself the LARGER question , ” Who has been affronted by this injustice , and who will benefit from our good labors ? “

 This is the premise behind the concept of the Communal Fire . Not everyone who builds or tends or fuels the fire will be of the same ideologies , but the input of each member of the village is crucial to the survival of the whole . Holding hands and singing Kum Bay Yah around the flames is not required – nor is it necessary for the village to be successful .

 When “framing” your vision of the future of the PUMA movement , and mentally assessing your allys , be cognizant of your ‘goals’ rather than your ‘issues’ .  A true Social Movement serves to benefit the maligned masses and ,inadvertently, raises the consciousness of an entire Nation …

 I am certain to take some ‘heat’ (cracking myself up ) for this dialogue , but I would remind you that , ready or not , a movement IS happening . Whomever takes up the reigns will dictate the platform .

 Personally , I would like to see PUMA leadership at the helm (because , face it , “issues” – while they’re not the key to a successful movement – are damn important to most of us )

What are your ultimate goals ? Can your goals transend your issues ? Who are your natural allies ? Who are your allies by default ?  What  is your current level of outreach ? What is your plan for acheiving your goals ? When will you set it in motion ?

 Building a Communal Fire – ” It takes a village” ……..

  The roles of these young women were considered to be so crucial to the greater Roman community that they were afforded many privlidges and rights that had previously only been reserved for men of noble birth , not the least of these being the right to VOTE .

 These revered guardians of the flame immersed themselves in the study of all things Fire . At the College of Vestal Virgins , they were embued with the knowledge that was necessary for them to , not only stoke and feed the Flames of the Goddess , but to master and manipulate the inferno as well .

 Performing incredible feats of bravery , skill , and spiritual sanctity was a part of their daily exercises . From grasping red hot pokers with their bare hands , to ‘eating’ and ‘breathing’ Fire , and , yes, WALKING unharmed through the blaze itself , these women awed and inspired an entire Nation .

 Today , we find ourselves constantly surrounded by  Fire . There are many sites and situations around us , even some that may have once been our ‘homes’ , that have turned into hostile environments . Some of us have even been badly burned by the incindiary atmosphere that errupted over the last year . Some are still being burned today .

Millions of us who refused to buy into the grand illusions of the diluded masses , began fighting those fires , lashing back at each and every flicker of flame , only to wittness another one arise in its place . Others , however, studied the blaze . They learned it’s science and weaknesses . They learned to control and manipulate the fire to THEIR purposes , and have begun to reshape the hearth into one that would feed rather than destroy a Nation . These are the Firewalkers .

 As we discussed in Fanning the Flames , the seeds of dissention are spreading . Now is the time to begin to reshape the conversation . Bloggers and posters on Democratic or Liberal (turned koolaid cultist) sites are waking up to realize that the Obamboozler in Chief is NOT the Change they had Hoped for .

 It would be very easy (and selfishly satisfying ) to go all over the net and post ” I told you so ” on each and every one of those misguided blogs – but to what end ? That would only serve to rekindle their resentment and prolong the process .

 The Virgins of Vesta were adept at manipulating the fire , not through coersion , but gentle cajoling and an understanding of the nature of the flames . This too must be our approach .

 As you scan the hostile territories , seek out those threads and posters who are beginging to raise questions about the authenticity of the object of their adoration . ‘Support’ and ‘feed’ their dissention . Manipulate the fire and watch it spread .

 Remember that it is not necessary for you to linger in the hot coals , but only to ‘pass through’ on your “Firewalks” . The practice doesn’t require that you be overexposed , and thankfully , neither does it require that you are a virgin .

 Firewalk today , and feel free to post your experiences here in an effort to guide others and share your experiences .

  ” Gabriel found herself adrift in the fires of Pele . For the first time in a milenia of conflict , her Word was silent , the jangling discord of her Hellish counterpart silenced . Fire was hers , in toto and she did not have to scream to hear herself … She drank in the Essence needed from the fight , and she recovered from her injuries . And she pondered herself and communed with the Holy Spark within her ,regarding this new world .” 

Gabriel , the Archangel of Fire .

Chapter One : The Fire

 One year ago today , a small and  powerful group of people started a FIRE , but it was not the ” Prairie Fire” of their intent . This fire would not be under their control .

 Like Arsonist Firemen who deliberately set fires to elevate their ‘grandiose social ambitions whose natural equipment dooms them to insignificance’ (Lewis and Yarnell 1951) , the members of the May 31st. 2008 Democratic R&B Committee , unintentionally , set a fire that would engorge and enrage heretofore bedroom bloggers and closeted Heroines of Justice .

 On that day , sleeping giants were awakened from their slumber . Old guard warriors , whose swords had grown heavy with the dust of ages ,hoisted them ,once again , to fight an all too familiar war .

 The Fire also gave birth to a new breed of foot soldier .Women and mothers , once soaked in their terrestrial habits were slapped in the face by an unwittting hand of deceit and injustice that would ignite a spark that many of them never realized was smoldering beneath their aprons . As they slowly turned to face their attacker , the flame was now present . In thier eyes . In their souls .

 This motley crew of would be Champions set forth on their ill fated mission to defend the truth and expose the lies that had been  served to their Nation  on a gilded platter of fecal matter .

Aside from a few small (and righteous ) victories , they were bested at every turn by ridicule and misinformation . they faced a hopium induced army of millions , and they never backed down .

 When the final battle was lost , these newly scarred soldiers did NOT go gently into that good night for the Fire that had been brought on that fateful day in May would not so easily be extinguished .

Still, it smolders ….

 Chapter Two : Backdraft

 What ,exactly, IS a Backdraft you ask ?

A Backdraft is when a Fire that has absorbed all of the available oxygen explodes suddenly when more oxygen is introduced .

A Backdraft is happening NOW .

With each day that passes more truths are being revealed . The paint is being stripped away to reveal what those with eyes could see all along .