One of those holiday conversations that depressed the hell out of me was with a lifetime liberal, a genuine community-oriented person, who cited "gays-in-the-military" advocacy as an example of the failure of Bill Clinton to be a wise pragmatist like Obama. Another pragmatism-harshing faux pas was having the 2004 Dem nominee come from a state that legalized gay marriage.

Isn't that the sweetest little show in town? The problem isn't that hatemongers get to dominate the airwaves and define what "morals" and "values" are, it's that a handful of Democrats and humane judges stand up for equality at the most awkward times. Haven't they any manners?

So, which progressive concerns must we tamp down now, lest they send James Dobson and "liberal" concern troll Chris Matthews to the fainting couch (ideally not the same couch, or the neighbors would talk)?

Nicole at C&L warns us:

John Amato has blogged about this and this clip from this week's The Chris Matthews Show is proof positive that the progressive blogosphere must be smart about picking battles in pushing a liberal agenda for America.

Apparently, electing the greatest orator since Aaron means liberals still need to watch what we say.

Do I doubt the good intentions of Nicole and of my holiday guest? Not in the least. But let's not forget what public-works project "good intentions" is justly famous for.

Obama, nearly as famously, "hasn't done anything yet," and therefore is off-limits to criticism during his cruiser-duck phase.

Obamawin's Law states that we cannot discuss anything that happened during his campaign.

The law of "pick your battles," however, isn't so neatly defined. So, be judicious in deciding what and whose needs aren't best preemptively thrown under the bus to prevent any embarrassment to the Changer-in-Chief. There's a culture war on, y'know. Loose lips... need I say more?