Crushing Dissent

So, in an attempt to promote orthodoxy and silence alternative viewpoints, a fine group of lefty political activists is going to send out letters to conservative donors to try to intimidate them into not participating fully in our shared civic discourse. Or, to use the language of the New York Times:

Led by Tom Matzzie, a liberal political operative who has been involved with some prominent left-wing efforts in recent years, the newly formed nonprofit group, Accountable America, is planning to confront donors to conservative groups, hoping to create a chilling effect that will dry up contributions.

“We want to stop the Swift Boating before it gets off the ground,” said Mr. Matzzie, who described his effort as “going for the jugular.”

The warning letter is intended as a first step, alerting donors who might be considering giving to right-wing groups to a variety of potential dangers, including legal trouble, public exposure and watchdog groups digging through their lives.

The NYT can describe Tom Matzzie anyway they like, but that don’t make it so. We have wandered pretty far from the original meaning of the word when someone trying to hijack the legal system to threaten others for engaging in political discourse is described as “liberal”.

Me, I’d rather not be associated with odious pricks like Tom Matzzie, so I guess I’ll continue to avoid the donks. Way to make your side even more unattractive, Tom! Good jorb.