Why I liked this place during the GE.

[mwei924]

Remember when people would post funny cartoons and cool pictures? New polls at midnight. Late night jokes. Or what crazy things were going on with Sarah Palin and gang.

I came here during the GE because it was a fun community that could disagree with each other on certain things but still be nice and light-hearted with each other. It was like how people would get along if they knew each in real life. People communicated as if they were speaking to each other's faces, not behind some anonymous username. I'm not sure if a bunch of new people came in or old people came back since I wasn't here before the GE or maybe people just changed after the election, but now it's just completely lost that quality. Now it's like every discussion ends up with someone calling people names or accusations racism, sexism, homophobia, etc as if your level of outrage must be inversely proportional to how bigoted you are. And this is completely puzzling to me because we're all Democrats/liberals/progressives here; I would wager that most people here agree on most major policies or at least agree on the philosophy. Is anyone here NOT pro-choice or pro-gay marriage? I personally haven't encountered anyone...

For the record, this isn't just about the Rick Warren issue. It's been progressing this way for a while now with the Caroline Kennedy threads and other stuff. The Warren thing is just the final straw. Anyone who tries to take a middle stance something immediately gets shouted down by the two sides. Again, I wasn't here during the primaries, but it seems like a lot of people are drudging up old primary talking points, which IMO was not a great time for Democrats. And this applies no matter who they supported in the primary. It was the case when the Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State issue was the front-page discussion when every little thing she said in the primary was used against her. And then with Caroline Kennedy, and this stuff. I purposely avoided primary discussions because I couldn't understand why Democrats, who pretty much agree on most major issues, were beating up on each other like it was Alien vs. Predator.

And sure, you could probably make the argument that I only liked it here during the GE because I was an Obama supporter. Fair enough. I probably am likely to have more faith in him because he was the guy I stuck with from the beginning. On the The West Wing, Josh Lyman was always criticized for being too devoted to Matt Santos and he said that it's different when you helped build someone up from nothing. I guess maybe that's how I feel about this. A year ago, we were told that we had no chance in hell and that we couldn't win a single primary, and to get to this point from nothing is kind of a big deal. Maybe that's why I'm having a hard time giving up on Obama before he even takes office. If Obama starts signing bad laws or starting dumb wars, I will absolutely be one to call him out on it, but all that's happened so far is that he's picked some subordinates and the inaugural show was decided.

It's perfectly fine to criticize Obama on things and disagree with others, but all I'm saying is, does it need to get so nasty and personal, and do we have to go back to the old primary attacks? In my view, I'm willing to give people a chance to actually do some work before I dismiss them outright. I wasn't a big fan of Hillary in the primaries, but I supported her nomination to be Secretary of State because I think she'll do a good job. And I'm perfectly willing to give her a chance to prove her abilities.

Anyways, sorry for the long post. Just some random thoughts. It's getting close to Oscar season though-- so I might have a new discussion topic until February.

[lostnotforgotten]

1. How Can Denouncing MLK And The Civil Rights Movement Be Called Shouting Down

Have you forgotten the struggles of the 60s.

Have you forgotten the hate lynchings by the KKK in the south.

Choosing Warren is enabling all the racism, discrimination, and bigotry that many fought and died to eradicate.

Maybe you are too young to remember.

[davidpdx]

2. I agree with you that stuff leading up to the current thing with Warren

had escalated things a bit. People were getting all huffy over Kennedy being considered for the US Senate seat in NY. There is still a fair amount of rage from people who dislike Obama, but do nothing more then tear him down. Clearly these people shouldn't be here anymore, but are permitted to remain here anyway.

Some people have bitched an moaned about everything Obama has done thus far and have been for the last month.

[Sebass1271]

3. Bravo for your post and I agree with you. Thank you

for taking the stand and try to bring back some senses. :yourock: :applause: :applause: :applause:

[lapfog_1]

4. I haven't seen very many (as in none) middle ground posts about Rick Warren.

Please point me to one or repeat your position here on this thread. I'd be interested.

[mwei924]

5. I think plenty of people have said..

..that they don't like Rick Warren and can understand why it would upset people, but that they weren't ready to throw Obama under the bus over it. And then people would say that if you're not mad about this, you're homophobic.

[Jennicut]

7. That is pretty much what I have thought as well

[Jennicut]

6. Oh, its just gone back to the primary days

I agree the GE was a fun time but that was because we were united against a common enemy: John McLame, Sarah Palin and the legacy of George W. Bush. Its much harder to get along when people have real disagreements over the person in charge of the party (Obama) or there is real disappointment.

[Politics_Guy25]

8. What an amazing post-I totally agree with you

Your comments about supporting Barack from the start struck a cord with me. I did as well. Way back in November 2006, as soon as the media started reporting that he might run for the nomination, he had my support. His announcement in Springfield in Winter 2007 and subsequent Selma civil rights anniversary speech in April 2007 sealed the deal. I love this man. He has in a way become a vessel for all of my hopes and dreams for the world. The fact that he wasn't supposed to make it this far, the fact that he beat the most formidable front runner that any party has ever had makes me feel that he was voted in for a purpose. You'll forgive me if I give him more than 1 chance to vindicate my faith in him. I supported him when almost no one else did. I am not going to jump ship now, not at the moment of our greatest triumph.

Anyay, I disgress from the theme of your post, which is right on.

[firedupdem]

9. Good Post... we should be able to discuss without name calling..n/t

[emilyg]

10. kick