In the past 24 hours, I have seen calls for the admins to implement a new rule AGAINST calling out sexist language, and defending the right of sexists to post as they please.

I have seen taunts that all "cries of sexism" are simply the result of "frustrated" Clinton voters who want to blame her "loss" (did I miss the nomination somewhere?) on sexism. (You see, we're hysterical and irrational and vindictive, and there is no sexism on DU. Those of us who see it are all shrill and ranting and delusional.)

I have seen absurd rationalizations about how sexist terms are really not sexist because they're used on men, and boastful claims that because the mods don't delete something, it is therefore proof that it has no sexist connotations.

I have seen vituperative rants explaining why women have had it better than blacks and should therefore sit down, shut up and accept that the sexist nature of language is simply to be tolerated, lest we be perceived as whiny bitches.

In case you still don't get it, THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WHO WINS THIS NOMINATION. It has nothing to do with supporting a woman candidate, or with "sour grapes." I strongly suspect this shit is being sown deliberately by those who want us to lose in November.

This campaign has sadly brought out the worst, ugliest impulses in certain people who are emboldened by the rampant resurgence of 1950s "code word" misogyny. False arguments try to turn this back on us: "Why would you think I meant that in a sexist way? Why would you think that had anything to do with women?"

Do you think we were born yesterday? Do you think this veiled language and petty obfuscation is new?

I am calling on all feminists of both sexes supporting either candidate to stand up against this not-so-subtle demand that we STFU and let sexism stand.

I will support whomever wins the Democratic nomination, but I will not stand by and pretend sexism is not sexism for fear of being called partisan.