I know that the Dems' capitulation on Iraq is still a source of intense anger among progressives. There have been many Kossacks who are threatening to stop supporting Democratic candidates and others who have decided that this failure is undeniable proof that our political system is broken.

In the past few days, I've spent a good amount of time defending a diarist who was trollrated for ripping on John Kerry and venting my anger at Nicholas Kristof for his support of our Chinese trade policies (for which I was, somewhat justifiably, also trollrated).

In any case, despite my continued anger/frustration, I'd like to make an optimistic argument that this Iraq betrayal will be good for the progressive movement, and ultimately, good for America. Netroots activists are being reminded of their shared values and are being forced to confront several inconvienient truths about the state of the progressive movement and the America's political system. I GENUINELY believe that this setback is GOOD for our movement, and I break it all down below the flip.