A reader writes:
As a long time fan of Bill Maher, it's safe to say that I've seen probably every episode of Real Time since it began on HBO. I've seen you on his program several times and I've also seen you on Chris Matthews' weekend show regularly.
I am a proud Liberal and as such, you and I don't agree on some points. However, my observations of you are that above being a Traditional Conservative you are first a Realist and I have a tremendous amount of respect for that. You are honest enough to see things as they truly are and you are not afraid to call a spade a spade on either side of the isle. I believe that if more people shared your pragmatic and objective view towards politics this would be a much better country. We don't have to agree on everything in order to respect and appreciate each other while trying to achieve some common goals. It's comforting to know that there are examples of this philosophy - like yourself - who have a public voice and, hopefully, a chance to spread some common sense. You are a good American and it's important that you keep saying what you believe, even the stuff that occasionally pisses me off.
LOL. I appreciate deeply my reader's ability to see past disagreements to see where, on the deepest issues, I am proud to be in the same trench he is. We can fight over Medicare and hate crime laws another time. But habeas corpus, war, torture and basic fiscal responsibility are the issues now. I will join happily with any liberal, any leftist, any conservative, any Christian, any Muslim, any Jew - to fight for these basic principles. I don't care about these labels as much as I care about this country. And it needs saving right now from the thugs and incompetents who are running it.