Reply #160: the mods are clearly walking on eggshells

[foo_bar]

Someone called Obama "the anointed one" the other day and the thread lived on for 2 1/2 hours

The mod message was that the thread was "beyond moderation." Really? Someone attacks Obama using a freeperism and the thread is beyond moderation? Shocking!

The other half of the lock message was "This has become a flamefest", implying the thread wasn't the Towering Inferno from post zero. Meanwhile:

Highly inflammatory or divisive attacks that echo the tone or substance of our political opponents are not welcome here.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules_detailed.html

IMO it's starting to resemble an abusive relationship:

Verbal abuse is a misguided attempt by an insecure and manipulative spouse to exercise control and establish dominance in a relationship. By intimidating you, making outrageous demands, nullifying your every objection or request, and insulting you, your spouse feels that he or she can maintain authority over you and your relationship. He or she torments you with mind games and name-calling, and then demands an apology from you.

http://marriage.families.com/blog/how-to-handle-a-verbally-abusive-spouse

* You constantly think about saying or doing the right thing so that your spouse does not become upset.
* You live in the moment, unable to plan ahead because you fear your spouse’s response to any plans or ideas you have. Any action you take is criticized unless it is one of compliance to his/her desires.
* You feel as if you don’t have the energy it would take to fight back against their controlling behavior. You doubt your ability to stand-up and speak your own mind and express your own opinions.
* You feel a sense of depression and anxiety most of the time.
* You feel as if anything you do or say will be meant with anger or dismissal. Your feelings and desires just don’t seem to matter to your spouse.

http://divorcesupport.about.com/od/abusiverelationships/f/emotional_abuse.htm