Oaths and Pledges

I really like the Coffee Party so far. I have only one problem with it. Don’t misunderstand me, I am totally in favor of civil discourse. My problem is that I am fundamentally opposed to taking oaths and pledges and the Coffee Party requires that you take a pledge to become a member. Oaths and pledges have historically been the tool of conservatives and have been used to discredit their opponents. If an organization is to cater to people who are independent I see no reason to limit their independence by requiring them to take a pledge forcing them to give up a measure of that independence.

One example: I was attacked on my twitter account yesterday by someone claiming I was being uncivil for pointing out that the Tea Party supporters were spamming the Coffee Party’s twitter site with name calling and misinformation about the Coffee Party. One person’s logical criticism on the facts will be construed or at least portrayed as incivility by extremists.

I have often been criticized and have offended people by being, “too independent.” I, personally, do not believe there is any such thing as being too independent. This is just who I am and am not likely to change at my age. I can be civil without taking a pledge.