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I love when socialists throw around “opportunist” as an epithet. As if the problem is that the left is not principled enough. The right wing recruits thousands on every micro news cycle and we’re scared our little club will be contaminated by the outside world. Gimme a break.

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There's a lot to be said here about the way the left repurposes words in a ritual context. Taken to an extreme, it can hinder outreach and recruitment, literally speaking another language. I'd agree with Jonah; more excited by a Left that takes an opportunity when it's offered.

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Jonah is saying "opportunist" is a pejorative that frames our thinking in a way where we don't want to get our hands dirty and the other side does. I agree. I think you're saying you use the word in a specific context. I argue that even with shared context, the frame is there.

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I sometimes find myself having to break out of thinking "well, no I can't do that; that would be taking advantage of an Opportunity. Can't be Opportunistic. I'll catch the next one" Right wingers steeped in shameless, rapacious capitalism has no such moment of pause.

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Not that a little self-reflection isn't a good thing of course. But I vibe with the frustration that the left is constantly self-critical of being "not principled enough".

5:36 AM · Jun 13, 2021