General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Nate Silver: Senate may tip for GOP in 2014 [View all]apples and oranges
(1,451 posts)is the power and influence that sites like this have. That power should be used constructively, because it sets the tone for the silent majority of liberal Americans who also happen to be casual voters. When the left decides to get behind an idea or concept, the the people follow. That's how Barack Obama was elected. That's how Trayvon Martin's killer was finally arrested.
On the flip side, when the left decides that Obama and democrats are the enemy, the casual voter steps back from the process and decides not to bother voting. Does that mean we shouldn't be able to discuss issues openly? No. People just need to realize that millions of people are forming opinions based on what's being said on these blogs and discussion forums.
Here's an example of how the NSA situation could have been handled. Instead of shouting about how you were betrayed, Obama = Bush, and Snowden will be murdered by the CIA, wouldn't it have been more constructive to start an information campaign to help Americans understand why the Patriot Act should be repealed? The first way is negative and only leads to more republicans gaining control, the second way is empowering and positive.