Free At Last... FREE AT LAST... Thank MIRT Almighty... I'm Free At Last...

[WillyT]

Miss me ???

And BTW ...to those of sensitive souls...

That toon that got me locked, was from that famous right-wing rag... the Washington Post Editorial page.

It was funny to me... because it had to do with hacking/spying.

It never occurred to me that it was about Obama's use of a teleprompter.

Of all the problems I have with Obama... it is NOT his ability to think on his feet.

Hell... the guy talked me into voting for him twice.



And to those many DU friends that privately sent me messages of support...

I love you, and owe you one hell of a debt of gratitude.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Welcome back, my dear WillyT!

You were missed, sweetie!

[WillyT]

7. Thanks... A Lot Of It Has To Do With Luck... And Keeping Your Eyes Peeled...

[rhett o rick]

226. I am shocked that the Self-Righteous Posse hasnt alerted on you. I think

you are in their cross-hairs. Would love to see what they say on their secret site.

[SidDithers]

2. MIRT had nothing to do with it...

Edit: and the toon was from a right-wing hack, and originally published at the very Conservative Chicago Tribune.

Sid

[WillyT]

3. Yeah... And That's The Sad Purge Part... No ???

[SidDithers]

17. Can we soon expect your version of Letter From Birmingham Jail...

Detailing the injustices done to you during your horrific exile from DU?

Since you seem to think you're MLK in all of this.

Sid

[WillyT]

27. Dear Sid... Get A New Hobby... Or A Life...

Are you gonna be alright, honey ???

[SidDithers]

32. You're not a victim here, Willy...

don't pretend to be one.

Sid

[madfloridian]

36. Yes, he is. So are many of us who care about serious issues that affect our nation.

When we can not post without being hounded we do become a sort of victim.

[SixString]

39. +1

[SidDithers]

57. ...

Sid

[Autumn]

43. You got it right Willy is being hounded and he isn't the only one.

More and more DUers are seeing what is going on.

[randys1]

201. I dont know the back story...?

[840high]

178. ....

[Baitball Blogger]

187. Sometimes DU rules works in your favor, and sometimes they do not.

For example, lots of us would love to be perfectly frank about the personal associations of certain Democratic candidates, but anything short of a rah-rah support for the candidate can get us booted off this website.

It goes both ways.

[Octafish]

253. + The Point of the Whole Thing

Some posters on DU like to, ah, filter what the rest of DU reads.

[sabrina 1]

40. You are correct, Willy is NOT a victim! He is yet another symbol of what many view as

a sign of the future in American politics. Do you understand that Sid? Things are CHANGING! You wouldn't want to be left behind, Willy DEFINITELY won't be left behind.

This whole thing is hilarious, IF you are tuned in to the changing tide in US politics. If not, then can't help you.

[SidDithers]

45. The toon was also published at The Washington Times, sabrina...

The Washington Times!!

Now I know that you would never condone the use of material from that Moonie rag, The Washington Times, at DU. You've been very, very vocal on that topic in the past, as a simple site search on your name and "Washington Times" would show.

And now here you are, defending it's use. Things really are CHANGING.



Sid

[sabrina 1]

63. You thought I was for censorship all these years?? Really? You missed the actual point I made

about those who attack others while they themselves engage in similar behavior? Wow! I believe the OP was deleted, no surprise.

Let me be clear, I want NO censorship. I trust people, especially DUers, to be able to discern what is FACT and what is FICTION. . I have no FEAR of DUers reading the Washington Times, or watching Faux or listening to Rush. You, otoh appear to think that we in the US need nannies to censor what we read and listen to. That is INSULTING beyond belief as many have TRIED TO TELL YOU.

You cannot STOP people from reading what they want to read, thankfully, in this country. No matter how hard you try. Haven't you learned by now that all your efforts to supervise what Americans read have FAILED? We will watch, read and listen to whatever we want to. Thanks for the 'concern' but when so many people tell you they don't need the supervision, perhaps it is a good idea to listen to them.

I don't condone or not condone the reading material of ADULTS! That is none of my business, and it certainly is NOT the business of any Government. Certainly not THIS ONE. My advice to you and anyone who thinks they CAN control the reading material of people who live in purported Democracy, is to find another hobby.

But that's your choice, if you want to waste your time, that's up to you. The rest of us are busy working on saving this democracy from the real perps.

And we know they are!

[zeemike]

176. I am with Sabrina...

and proud to say so.

Yes we missed you Willy...glad you are back.

[MrMickeysMom]

70. Leave it to you, Sid...

… to put to use simple site searching on who posts in the Washington Times… Hmmmm….

This must be a sure way for sabrina to shake in her ballerina slippers!

Did you happen to find my name in a Richard Mellon Scaife newspaper? Now why would someone post comment in a publicly available reading source that might be contrary to their point of view, anyway?

Let's not over-tax ourselves thinking about this one.

[SidDithers]

79. I only know about Sabrina's concern about the Washington Times...

because on many occasions she's accused me of using it as a source, a completely unfounded and erroneous accusation.

Being repeatedly falsely accused of something tends to cause it to be remembered. I only suggested the search so DUers didn't think I was talking out my ass.

Sid

[SixString]

84. "I only suggested the search so DUers didn't think I was talking out my ass."

That's pretty much where most of your comments come from.

[joshcryer]

114. repeatedly falsely accused of something [causes] it to be remembered

Truth.

[MrMickeysMom]

160. "I only suggested the search so DUers didn't think...

.. I was talking out of my ass…"

Nah... I wouldn't need that as an excuse.

[cui bono]

218. Reading something and using it as a source in a debate are two entirely different things.

So if that's what you mean by what sabrina's objections were, she is correct.

I don't know the history... just pointing out the distinction since you used the term "source", which would be questionable use of any of those types of media outlets.

[pacalo]

86. Cartoons are syndicated. We won't get cooties.

[joshcryer]

123. Scott Stantis is a right wing hack.

Please for fucks sake if anything it being in the Washington Post was the result of syndication. The Moonie times probably loves Scott Stantis. Don't believe me, just look at his past dozen political cartoons, from blaming Democrats for cutting jobs, to defending sterling, to, yes, really, shaming affirmative action. The dude drops some vague ass shit but every now and again he makes a cartoon that is reprehensible to a leftist.

[joshcryer]

110. Wow, Washington Times? Really?

How does the Post even allow such an affiliation with such a political cartoonist?

[A Simple Game]

193. Way to go Sid, you tell them! Washington Times indeed! I couldn't agree more, why if I had my way

we would even go back to not letting foreigners meddle in our politics. That would show them, right Sid?

Say, why do you have a Toronto Blue Jays logo on your posts?

[rhett o rick]

222. He is just trying to protect us from the evil. nm

[L0oniX]

208. Why would you want to help him?

Last edited Sat May 31, 2014, 03:43 PM - Edit history (1)

If not, then can't help you.

...and then there are some that could be beyond help.

[bvar22]

228. What does Sid care about the changing of politics in the USA?

He lives in Canada.
No skin off of his nose.

[sabrina 1]

238. Good question! I can't imagine myself going to a forum in let's say, France, and attacking

people there, monitoring their reading material, insulting them, telling them I know better what is good for them. I doubt I'd last very long nor would I expect to.

But then, I wouldn't have any interest in doing that, it's their business, ours is HERE in the US. So yes, that is a good question. Perhaps Sid can answer it himself.

Meantime not even our own GOVERNMENT is going to tell ME what to read or watch. It's such a waste of effort, to think you can control what other people on the internet read or watch or listen to. It makes no sense at all and probably has the opposite effect.

[WillyT]

41. Damn Dude... Who Puts The Crabapples In Your Cereal Every Morining ???

I realize it had nothing to do with MIRT...

Yet... "Free at Last, FREE AT LAST... Thank DU JURY SERVICE... I'm Free at last..."

Just isn't funny.

You do get humor, dontcha Sid ???

[Waiting For Everyman]

125. JURY RESULTS

How venomous! Somebody wants you locked out of your own thread. Didn't work this time. Welcome back WillyT from #6.


On Fri May 30, 2014, 11:10 PM an alert was sent on the following post:

Dear Sid... Get A New Hobby... Or A Life...
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=5028744

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

This is a very rude and inappropriate reply. Let's keep DU civil.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Fri May 30, 2014, 11:18 PM, and the Jury voted 2-5 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: I blame the MRAs!!!!!!!!!!!!
Juror #4 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: OTT. Use Ignore instead of the Alert button. Want a spirited debate, then get into one without crying about criticism.
Juror #5 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No. Knock it off.
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given

[WillyT]

127. Thank You For That !!!

[Waiting For Everyman]

131. Thank you back, WT!

You add a lot to DU, and YES, you were already missed!

[Contrary1]

130. "Let's keep DU civil."

[pacalo]

141. I noticed that, too.

[L0oniX]

209. Apparently they didn't see who started the incivility ...or they are part of the attack pack.

[Octafish]

254. Certain tells that they exhibit...

Victim, always the Victim.

[Le Taz Hot]

169. More evidence of a concerted effort.

And evidence of a definite push-back.

They're overplaying their hand. Again.

[bvar22]

239. That crowd doesn't do "nuance".

The World is Black or White,
and they have appointed themselves as the The Deciders of what is Black or White.

[rhett o rick]

221. Seems some live to hide, lock and censor, never discussing issues.

I am sure they are doing it for our good, but it isnt very liberal.

[SidDithers]

229. What issue is this thread discussing?...nt

Sid

[rhett o rick]

235. I notice that you guys ask a lot of questions. Insinuation via question. Why dont you

ever discuss issues?

[SidDithers]

236. What issue is this thread discussing?...nt

Sid

[rhett o rick]

237. Is there an effort to "cleanse" DU of the pesky left? Lock, hide and ban? nm

[Autumn]

18. New rules Willy. Before one posts anything by anybody you must know

all the information on anything ever drawn or written by anybody and posted anywhere in any publication, real or imagined. Search out everything right on down to what type of condoms their parents wore. That will ensure that no one gets their little feelings hurt.

[WillyT]

21. LOL !!! - Thanks For The Heads-Up...

[Autumn]

25. Anytime Willy, and if you can find their Grandparents original quill

and inkwell that should work too.

[mindwalker_i]

128. And no changing your mind

when you get new information, either. That's for flip-floppers (not to be confused with D-latches).

[zeemike]

180. Better yet appoint a comity

Largely drawn from the most offended of us to make a list of all the words, phrases, people, and news sources that are forbidden on DU and pin it to the top of every page, and require each poster to check the list before posting...then DU would be as pure as the snow on a convent roof.

[Logical]

29. You seem mean most the time. Nt

[SidDithers]

33. Oh well...nt

Sid

[sabrina 1]

42. Lol, mean? Perhaps. I would say more likely not keeping up with the way things are today.

Willy otoh, is VERY tuned in as are most of America's young people. The times are changing, and Sid hasn't yet realized it. But who can blame him, the old ways are more 'comfortable' to those who find real change difficult to handle. But you can't stop 'PROGRESS', no matter how hard you try! Sid sure tries, you have to give him that!

[SixString]

44. Nailed it.

[L0oniX]

210. Double nailed it!

[Le Taz Hot]

38. Here's a hanky . . .

now blow hard. Oh wait . . .

[pacalo]

81. Did you read the OP?

Because, seriously, I saw the cartoon in the same light as Willy did, which was Willy's reason for posting it -- not because he wanted to showcase the teleprompter joke-that-missed:

It was funny to me... because it had to do with hacking/spying.

It never occurred to me that it was about Obama's use of a teleprompter.

The only thing that bothered me about the cartoon was that Obama, as attractive as he is, was drawn terribly.

The NSA issue, whether one advocates for our government's -- which doesn't just include Democratic presidents -- use of big-brother tactics or against it merits some common sense.

[joshcryer]

108. Why not both?

Either way it was from a right wing cartoonist. If it was about hacking/spying ironically, then it was still a right wing smear. If it was about teleprompters it was still a right wing smear. If both, it was a right wing smear! How hard is this to get?

[pacalo]

137. It's not impossible that people from different political parties would agree on this issue.

It's also very likely that there's a fair number of them who are now against it, but would defend NSA encroachments under another half-cocked Bush/Cheney president. There's no credibility in that.

[joshcryer]

138. It matters if it was Scott Stantis.

C'mon! Fuck that! The original cartoon was in 2013 and it was mocking Obama over being "owned" by China. It was! To rebrand it and make it out to be a current interpretation of some sort of NSA/Snowden criticism is really bullshit. I want to know where the rebranding originated. I suspect some shenanigans because I personally didn't think it was that bad, but we're talking Scott Stantis here. It was bad. It was meant to be highly insulting. It was meant to be cruel and demeaning to the President.

I fucking hate how the right wing characterizes shit so that the left will fall for it and repost it as some sort of left criticism. I hate it so much. And I admit I fall for it sometimes and would here. But it sucks.

[rhett o rick]

233. Oh Plez save us from the rationalizations. Locking and hiding posts are a method

of combating those "The Group" doesnt agree with. They can not discuss issues only swam the hate Snowden threads and those they see or imagine are less than favorable to the president.

"The Group" looks for any excuse to alert, hide and lock, trying to cleanse DU of the left.

[joshcryer]

107. Thanks for the heads up.

Just goes to show how some leftists can completely misinterpret right wing memes. It shows that right wingers are really good at getting into leftists heads and compelling them to post their garbage. Reminds me of some of the Ron Paul shit that got posted here.

[BrotherIvan]

139. Screeching "leftists" is straight up McCarthy.

I'm so fucking sick of the BOG using "the left" as an epithet. Newsflash: The Democratic Party is the LEFT. The Republican Party is the RIGHT. If you don't fucking like the left, go hang with the right. It's that fucking simple. I have no fucking clue why any of you who hate the left are democrats other than your crush. You don't stand for any Democratic Principles whatsoever.

Your post should be hidden. But instead, I replied with the knowledge that most likely mine will be. But this shit must not stand.

[joshcryer]

143. I am "the left." Scott Stantis is "the right."

I take that term with pride. I am "the far left." I take more pride in that.

But I am able to cogently observe a situation. Scott Stantis is a piece of shit right wing pig. Posting his political cartoons perpetuates the anti-center meme that the right wingers want to do to divide and conquer.

My post won't be hidden because I am not cutting down other posters or posting right wing bullshit by Scott Stantis.

You only prove my point, that you somehow think that posting a Scott Stantis political cartoon is left wing. They are so involved in left wing circles it's a joke. They are here. They are screwing with us. It is so fucked up and it pisses me off that only a few of us can recognize it.

Go ahead, post Scott Stantis' last few political cartoons and hope not to be hid on DU. On Discussionist, yeah, you'd get away with it, but not here. Dude is a right wing hack. The original cartoon was right wing BS attributing Obama to a China-lackey.

[BrotherIvan]

146. Um, no

No liberal or in your wording "leftists," a term which has been used by the right as a dirty word and synonymous for "commies, pinkos, and reds" and other witch hunts, would get anywhere near that epithet. So nice try. You must not know the meaning of words to claim you're "the left" so your super double sneaky disguise won't work. I'm surprised you didn't go for a bonus and just spit out LIBRULS!!

I said nothing about the cartoon. I did not even see the post. I was addressing you disparaging liberals, who comprise the left, which is the base of the Democratic party. You may want to communicate in your next strategy meeting that McCarthyism doesn't work.

[joshcryer]

148. My post was in reference to the cartoonist.

So what now? I'm not allowed to "disparage liberals" who fall for right wing cartoonists? Well shit, what can I criticize then? I guess I should just roll over and let right wing cartoonists post their shit here personally?

If anyone pretends to disallow someone to say something in a McCarthiate way, it's you, condemning me for pointing out the original cartoonist, whose post was hidden, is a right wing hack. I don't know the merits of the original alert (alterters can say whatever they want) but if they pointed out the original cartoonist is a right wing hack and I googled it, I would've 100% hid the post.

[BrotherIvan]

151. You're using a derogatory term

If you don't know the history, look it up. People who were labeled "leftists" had their lives ruined. They were hounded and jailed. It is a right wing term used to disparage liberal ideas. When arguing against right wing ideas, it's best not to use their terminology.

[joshcryer]

153. As a self-described leftist, I fail to see it as an insult.

You are projecting. When I put "left" in double quotes when "they" reference right wing cartoonists it means one of two things. 1) they are ignorant and naive and patsies for right wing rhetoric or 2) they are right wingers in disguise.

Frankly, I don't know in this instance. I doubt Willy T knew he was invoking a right winger when he posted the image he did, Willy is a good DUer. But it's still unfortunate the right wing is able to manipulate a DUer in the way that they did.

[BrotherIvan]

154. Exit Stage Right

[joshcryer]

157. Provide some substance.

Or not.

[L0oniX]

207. Oh ...you're still here.

[MannyGoldstein]

4. K&R WELCOME BACK!!!!!

We missed you! It was lonely!

[WillyT]

8. You Are The Man, Manny...

[2naSalit]

5. Intrestingly

I didn't see the cartoon at the original OP but did see it later and I didn't see it the way those who complained and are still complaining about it. But that's the thing about imagery, it's subject to interpretation. I, too, thought it was about hacking and not the "other" thing.

Glad you didn't get tombstoned over a cartoon of little significance, that would have been unfortunate for sure.

[WillyT]

12. The Mid-Terms Are Coming...

whatch the hell out...

[2naSalit]

175. I plan to

I see that this is a place where in many cases you're damned if you do AND damned if you don't when posting whether it's for humor or serious input. I also see that no opinion goes unflamed.

[ablamj]

244. I didn't see the original post either

And when I saw it later I didn't notice the writing on the promoter. I thought it was about the teleprompter issue. But I thought it was hilarious because they are still trying to use that after all these years!? Come on that is hilariously pathetic. No way I ever would have voted to hide. Most of us here are smarter than to be taken in by a stupid "right wing" cartoon. Apparently some people here think we aren't.

[Autumn]

6. I MISSED YOU

it seemed like you were gone forever! Don't go away again. EVER

[WillyT]

9. And Miss Your Company... Oh HELL No...

[Cali_Democrat]

10. Hopefully you have learned your lesson

Don't post toons from right wing hacks who use racist memes to attack Obama.

[WillyT]

15. You Didn't Read The OP, Did You...

[Cali_Democrat]

23. I did read your OP

The teleprompter meme is extremely racist and offensive to African Americans. He's the only president to be attacked relentlessly for using the same device many other presidents have used.

This post explains it well

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=5028429

I'm not accusing you of being racist and you said you interpreted the toon differently. But the fact remains the artist is a right winger who has used the racist teleprompter meme in the past.

A little hint, if you see a toon with Obama and a teleprompter, do a little more research.

[sabrina 1]

16. Lol, better we support Right Wing policies, no? Wait, we would NEVER do that on this democratic

forum. NEVER!

[Jefferson23]

34. hee hee.

[madfloridian]

37. Good Lord, leave the guy alone.

[Cali_Democrat]

50. No. I will not sit down and shut up

when people post toons from right wingers using racist right wing memes.

[madfloridian]

55. Well, then proceed. Go ahead. Continue. Forget common sense, forget everything....

Go ahead.

[WillyT]

97. You Just Told Me To Sit Down And Shut Up...

"Hopefully you have learned your lesson..."

Thanks mom...

It was a fucking cartoon.

[Cali_Democrat]

103. No I didn't

You misread my post. I was just trying to say you should be more careful about what you post here. I believe you when you said it's a misunderstanding.

The post was hidden and it's over. DU is a democratic partisan website. There is a good chance that toons from right wing artists using the racist temelprompter meme will be hidden.

Telling someone that they should be more careful about not posting toons from right wingers is not telling them to shut up.

The teleprompter meme is a racist meme and it doesn't belong here. I believe you when you say it's a misunderstanding. Now you have more information about the artist and the meme.

[WillyT]

112. Well Thank You For That... Yet "You Should Be More Careful" Is Sort Of Ominous... Don't You Thik ???

[Cali_Democrat]

117. Nothing ominous at all. You've been here a long time

It's a partisan website. I have seen cases where people post articles from right wing sources and they had no idea.

It happens, but the fact remains that this website will not take kindly to toons from right wing artists.

Telling someone to be more careful when posting is not ominous. Don't take it that way.

[KoKo]

174. Well...butting in here...

I just wonder where you get your authority from. I'm clueless about your position here on DU...perhaps you can enlighten so that I don't get out of line. It's very important to know for those of us who are regular posters to DU to understand the "Chain of Command" here.

Are you an official Monitor of RW Sources? If so, perhaps you could post a "List of Unapproved Sources." Perhaps you would be able to Pin the list of such sources to each Forum since you seem to be speaking as a DU Authority on what this "..website does not take kindly to.." for those of us who are the unenlightened. 's

As you say:

It's a partisan website. I have seen cases where people post articles from right wing sources and they had no idea.

It happens, but the fact remains that this website will not take kindly to toons from right wing artists.

[Mojorabbit]

203. + a gazillion. nt

[2naSalit]

206. Hear here

or something like that. Have to agree.

If personal interpretation is to be patrolled by self-proclaimed authoritarian members, seems like it's hardly worth participating at all.

It would be like telling me that I always have to wear pink dresses because the self-proclaimed authoritarian said so.

I mean, I don't care for a lot of things other people say or do but even my worst enemies can be funny sometimes, whether they meant to be or not. I don't check their party ID card before I laugh at their funny.

Interpretation of imagery is a personal act, can't/shouldn't be judged or put in a cage because another person saw it differently. It wasn't s blatantly racist as some claim, at least not what I saw in it... and I am pretty sensitive about the race thing.

[sabrina 1]

231. Well said Koko!

[QC]

182. Your name is on a list being passed around the lunchroom.

Rumor has it that you are going to get a swirly after the pep rally.

[bettyellen]

261. Lol, is it Mom or the NSA you're more concerned about...

Just curious, since you lashed out at Mom first. Hilarious!

[grasswire]

111. better shut your mouth..

....she's getting the bar of soap!

[WillyT]

115. In Certain Circumstances... Nevermind...

[Autumn]

52. The ducks are all in a row

and the talking points are in line.

[L0oniX]

211. Yep ...we don't want to be led astray by right wing hacks ...because we are so gullible.

[rhett o rick]

224. Is that your group's purpose here, to teach lessons? Why dont you spend

more time discussing issues and less time monitoring everyone else?

[madfloridian]

11. Welcome back.

[WillyT]

22. Thanks...

[edbermac]

13. Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back!

[WillyT]

19. I LOVED That Show... And That Song...

[neverforget]

14. Welcome back!

[WillyT]

24. THANK YOU !!!

[woo me with science]

20. LOL! Yes, he is very good at talking.

So are you, but you use your powers for good, which is why you are a target.

Welcome back. DU feels a touch more liberal tonight, and that's a GOOD thing.

[WillyT]

26. That Means A Lot...

[Jefferson23]

28. Oh very good, there ya go! Hi ya WillyT

[WillyT]

46. Doin The Dance Of Happiness...

But will spare you.

[Le Taz Hot]

30. Welcome back, my friend.

We missed you!

[WillyT]

47. Don't Know What I'd Do Without The Hot...

[SixString]

31. Huzzah and welcome back.

Don't let the emoticon flinging snarkmeisters get you down.

[WillyT]

48. Never...

[Generic Other]

35. Why the hell people spend all their time trying to ban others

is beyond me. Welcome home.

[WillyT]

51. Prepping For The 2014 Mid-Term Purge, And Inviting Unintended Consequences ???

[Jefferson23]

76. I'm not convinced the consequences are unintended WillyT. You have evidence of some

the most absurd hides on your transparency page.

Have a good night, glad your back.

[WillyT]

85. Thanks...

[KoKo]

173. Welcome Back, "Willy T"!

[geek tragedy]

78. no one tried to get willy banned, i certainly don't want him banned

but, he fucked up in posting that, but water under the bridge etc

[hay rick]

49. Hide the women and children- WillyT is back in town!

Welcome back.

[WillyT]

58. Thanks...

[L0oniX]

213. Don't forget to hide the goats too.

[arthritisR_US]

53. I know this is after the fact but damn people are really

fecking sensitive to have that post hidden.

Anyroad, I'm glad your back

[blkmusclmachine]

54. HAHAHA, you voted for BHO <<TWICE>> !!

[WillyT]

59. I Know, I Know...

[Skittles]

145. NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE TIGER BEAT CROWD, WILLYT

no INDEED

[WillyT]

147. You Want I Should Kick Their Asses??

[Skittles]

149. aw fuck them, they're not worth the time of day

put 'em on Ignore until their ODS wears off - they're just not worth the effort

[pinboy3niner]

56. What, you weren't PPRd?!1!!

I laughed at the cartoon, too, taking it the same way you did. There might even be a couple of threads here about it...

[WillyT]

61. Of All My Complaints... THAT Was The One That Got Me Locked ???

[pinboy3niner]

68. Believe me, I hear ya!

That had to be one of the LEAST offensive things you posted in the eyes of your detractors. And yet they pounced...

[WillyT]

150. Yep...

Yet they feel righteous indignaton...

[pa28]

60. Oh no! We're no longer safe from mildly unflattering editorial cartoons.

BTW don't forget to make full use of the jury blacklist feature. Great way to de-rail frivolous alerts.

[pinboy3niner]

64. I don't think Willy can fit that many in his blacklist

[WillyT]

66. ROFL !!! - Thank You !!!

[geek tragedy]

83. alerting on rightwing cartoons from rightwing cartonists is not frivolous

the problem is NOT with people who object to that garbage.

that cartoonist has many times used the teleprompter meme to attack the president, which makes sense, since the teleprompter meme is a favorite of the Palin/Limbaugh crowd. (it was their 'humor' version of Benghazi).

willy is a good guy and he made an honest mistake.

but y'all need to wise up and realize that the people who objected were the ones in the right

[pa28]

88. I'll sleep better knowing you are on the job 24/7.

Keep up the good work.

[geek tragedy]

93. wonderful, so long as you don't post or defend that stuff we'll get along smashingly! nt

[SixString]

92. or the ones on the right. n/t

[geek tragedy]

94. No, while it grieves me that we were correct and you were incorrect

about that cartoon, that does not make us blameworthy or rightwing.

As a matter of general practice, those who push back against rightwing propaganda have a much better claim to being on the left than those who endorse such trash. Those who defend rightwing propaganda, on the other hand, may very well be on the right, but still incorrect.

[Jamastiene]

251. I had no idea the cartoonist had a history or even who the cartoonist was.

I know now though. Now that it has been explained, I get it. At the time, though, I didn't. Thanks for explaining it.

[geek tragedy]

252. Yeah, people were kind of talking past each other. nt

[jwirr]

65. Welcome back.

[WillyT]

72. Thank You !!!

[grasswire]

67. now, this is a party!

[WillyT]

73. Woo Hoo !!!

[L0oniX]

215. Alerting ...because "woo".

[woo me with science]

219. Very good, LOoniX.

Just testing my powers.

Now, I require a chocolate mousse.

[DonCoquixote]

69. when I consider

the tripe some ASSH**lES wirte, yet never get alerted, and when I see good people get banned, I know that there are foul things afoot. Welcome back, and let's drive the trolls to that site that rhymes with "obstructionist" aka the new free Republic where they belong!

[WillyT]

75. From Your Lips...

[DonCoquixote]

122. damned right

I would not be as upset if the people I saw driven off here were an equal mix of left and right. If I did not see so many vile, toxic posts get defended by juries. Hell, we saw texts here that defended the poor little oppressed my misandrists shooter, but then saw feminists get shoved off.

[MrMickeysMom]

71. I didn't send you anything privately, WillyT...

I wanted to PUBLICLY welcome you back.

Vigilance…

[WillyT]

77. Aw....

[pinboy3niner]

80. And in another thread a lot of us commented on the injustice of that hide

The jury was 4-3, and a different jury might easily have gone the other way.

As you know, you go to GD with the jury you have, not the jury you might want or wish to have at a later time.

[joshcryer]

124. TBH if I knew it was Scott Stantis I would've hid.

That guys' political cartoons are pure garbage.

But, if I just saw the cartoon, I would not have hid it. If the alerter told me it was Scott Stantis I would've hid, but just seeing the cartoon, no I would not have.

The original context of that cartoon is how "Obama is owned by China" btw, but it came out after the original China corporate espionage scandal, in 2013. So, again, if the alerter told me about Scott I would've looked it up and judged it on that basis. I don't know why it was being reused as a hacking/spying thing because it really had nothing to do with that for Scott's original intent.

I don't know what the original alert was or I'd be able to judge whether the alert was worth hiding or not, and again, if it was just "right wing smear" I would not have hid. If Scott's name was mentioned I would've googled him and hid immediately.

[pinboy3niner]

126. Members here had different perspectives on the cartoon

Some saw it as another Obama Teleprompter slam (which would be pretty stale), and others saw it as a humerous take on Chinese cyberhacking.

I'm in the second camp, my friend. I thought it was very funny, and it didn't even register on my outrage meter.

[joshcryer]

133. It definitely didn't bug me.

Until I saw who it was by!

[MrMickeysMom]

161. I love that saying, pinboy3niner...

It's so true!

[geek tragedy]

74. I like you willy, but that toon wasn't from the WaPo editorial page, but rather the rightwing

Chicago Tribune, and it was from 2013.

I know you mean well, but gotta be more careful

and I hope those who said some very ugly and nasty things on your behalf will as well

[Jefferson23]

82. Chicago Tribune endorsed Obama for POTUS....I think you forgot that fact. n/t

[SidDithers]

87. The first time they've ever endorsed a Democrat for President....

Read their Statement of Principles if you don't think they're conservative.

http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-34530635/

Sid

[Jefferson23]

90. I did not say nor suggest they were not conservative. What they did was endorse Obama.

That tells me they did not find Romney trustworthy, and they did not find
Obama's policies offensive while also finding him trustworthy for POTUS.

Evidently, they can think outside the box.

[geek tragedy]

96. or they endorsed the home town candidate to help their sales revenue

The Tribune believes in the traditional principles of limited government; maximum individual responsibility; and minimum restriction of personal liberty, opportunity and enterprise. It believes in free markets, free will and freedom of expression.

Yeah, a bunch of regular lefties.

[Jefferson23]

98. No one said they were lefties, but they did endorse him..they can think..evidently.

You have mere speculation they endorsed him because Obama was from Chicago and sales revenues? sheesh.

[geek tragedy]

102. you really think it was a coincidence that one of the most

rightwing papers in the country decided to endorse a Democrat for the first time since WWII when it was a local guy on the ticket?

Well, there was this from early 2009, per the wikipedia page:

n April 2009, 55 Tribune reporters and editors signed their names to an e-mail sent to Kern and managing editor Jane Hirt, questioning why the newspaper's marketing department had solicited subscribers' opinions on stories before they were published, and suggesting that the practice raised ethical questions as well as legal and competitive issues.[60] Among those who signed off on the e-mail were reporters John D. McCormick and Rick Kogan.[61] Reporters declined to speak on the record to the Associated Press about their issues. "We'll let the e-mail speak for itself," reporter John Chase told the AP.[60] In the wake of the controversy, Kern abruptly discontinued the effort, which he described as "a brief market research project."

[Jefferson23]

109. Nope, no coincidence..they live here in the US too. Bush/Cheney nearly destroyed the world.

Obama Picks Up First Tribune Democratic Endorsement
By LARRY ROHTER and KITTY BENNETT
October 17, 2008 6:05 pm

For the first time in its 161-year history, the Chicago Tribune is endorsing a Democrat for president.

The newspaper, which has links to the Republican Party that date back to the founding of the G.O.P., said Friday that Senator Barack Obama is the strongest choice “to lead us through a perilous time and restore in us a common sense of national purpose.”

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/17/obama-picks-up-first-tribune-democratic-endorsement/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

People can think, even conservatives...9% of Republicans voted for Obama in '08...they were not all
from Chicago.

[geek tragedy]

91. Ugh, are you really gonna play this with me.

Check out this cartoonist's work from 2010.

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/.a/6a00d8341c60fd53ef01347fb83d8a970c-pi

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/.a/6a00d8341c60fd53ef01347fbe60e5970c-pi

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/.a/6a00d8341c60fd53ef0133ed79e97d970b-pi

from 2011

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/.a/6a00d8341c60fd53ef01539171c727970b-800wi

from 2012

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/.a/6a00d8341c60fd53ef017d3c81c822970c-pi

Please, anyone who think that cartoonist drew a teleprompter without meaning it as a slam against the president needs to open their eyes



Obama was Chicago, so of course they endorsed him. Before that they endorsed Bush in 2004 and 2000, Dole in 1996, Poppy Bush in 1988. They even endorsed Barry freaking Goldwater in 64. They and the Sun Times are still rightwing.

[Jefferson23]

95. Why are you bring back his work again..what is that suppose to mean? I'm not playing any game.

I am addressing your insistence in a thread that is welcoming back WilllyT to continue
your position on a hide..can't deal with disagreements I see.

Of course CT endorsed Obama because he was from Chicago? I see no reason to believe
they were obligated to do that at all. They endorsed him, does not mean they are not conservative
and are clearly not as radical as you wish to rely on to prove your point about the cartoon.

I think what you're attempting to do via superficial means is to gather support for a victory
you already won but are not satisfied until you convince everyone about the one cartoon.

Knock yourself out, I thought you were done with it by now.

[geek tragedy]

99. setting the record straight as to the source of the cartoon.

it was not the (excuse me HA HA HA) 'liberal' editorial page of the Washington Post, it was a wingnut cartoonist in a very conservative paper. (note that "Chicago Tribune" as well as the cartoonists' name appears in the cartoon itself)

That all of sudden makes this whole thing less defensible.

[Jefferson23]

101. Nuance is difficult for some, like the cartoon in question. Carry on. n/t

[geek tragedy]

104. sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, especially when peddled by

a cigar manufacturer.

[Jefferson23]

113. I guess that makes some kind of sense to you....good night, We're done here. n/t

[reddread]

245. a lot n/t

[Oilwellian]

89. I could get used to welcome back parties

Bring 'em on!! Oops, that's what right wingers say! Tee hee.

[WillyT]

106. We Need More DU Parties...

[grasswire]

116. I see you found the punch bowl! nt

[DRoseDARs]

100. You were... gone? For a cartoon? Well that's just silly.

Yes, yes, 5 hidden posts gets you a time-out but good gawd this jury system gets abused by people. You're hardly a right-wing hack. I've gotten a little caught up on events and all I can say is, "Jeez, DU these days..."

[geek tragedy]

105. willy got dinged with some bad hides, no doubt, but the cartoon was

not one of them.

[TheKentuckian]

166. No, it wasn't bad it was terrible and abusive in an ongoing bid to control opinion and the foaming

about the artist is the excuse.

This whole game is really about establishing a footing where one may demand a link but the links must then be from a pool the person demanding not only approves of but will not be discussing the issue at all other than if necessary, to polish the turd.

If you guys want to research artists go ahead but most folks don't know one from another, they just know if it works for them or not. Same goes for an opinion on an issue, I agree with the content or I do not. It is about the what not the who and now you are sitting up here playing the old "be more careful" authority figure stuff!

Damn! You guys are now telling people literally what thought process we may have now! Who the fuck do you think you are? That is crazy and if that is the way folks are going to conduct themselves then maybe some of us will have to modify how we conduct ourselves no matter how ethically abhorrent and not in the way you seem to demand.

This is a fine example of gang up bullying. It is no secret of how I feel bullies must handled.

[grasswire]

190. righteous rant, there

Most of us who are liberals have no idea what is being played out in the RW conversations. We don't go there. Not interested, or repulsed.

So we don't know what's on the verboten list kept by supporters of this administration. The supporters apparently monitor 24/7 looking for insults or perceived insults.

And, as you say, this inhibits thought process here on DU. Hordes are waiting to jump someone, just to further intimidate thought and conversation.

[geek tragedy]

191. if you want to have rightwing memes and attacks on Democrats as part of your reading

material, go to discussionist.

This place has NEVER been a place where wingnut propaganda was welcome.

NEVER.

That some people are so outspoken about their right to mainstream rightwing propaganda here at DU speaks volumes about their priorities and values.

Don't post wingnut garbage here. Pretty simple rule that's always been followed.

And, if you honestly don't know that Obama+teleprompter is one of the primary wingnut memes over the past 6 years, that indicates a rather shocking ignorance of the current political landscape. It's their 'humorous' equivalent of BENGHAZI!!!!! It's pretty much disqualifying for anyone who claims to know what works in elections.

So, go ahead and whine to Skinner that the mean people took a stand against wingnut cartoons. I'm sure he'll hold your hands and cry with you. And encourage you to post the latest Ann Coulter column, because you know FREEDOM and only bullies would object to that.

Sorry I do not share your extreme liberatarian viewpoint about mainstreaming rightwing propaganda here. As I said, discussionist sounds like the perfect place for you and everyone who agrees with you.

Over there, you can also see all of the homophobia, racism, and misogyny you want to, with not as many 'bullies' to oppress the freedom of those who insist on posting rightwing garbage.

[Mojorabbit]

205. Who the heck are you to tell people where to go? FFS nt

[bvar22]

241. Who are YOU?

Last edited Sat May 31, 2014, 06:51 PM - Edit history (1)

...a self-appointed martinet who patrols DU and determines through some magical gift what is in people's hearts? Is THAT who you are?

.. a self-appointed commissar whose self-appointed job is to patrol DU and keep us safe from anything YOU consider Right Wing? Is THAT who you are?

...just WHERE did YOU get all this magical power?

Thanks...but I'm a Liberal Democrat who doesn't need YOUR kind of arrogant authoritarian "protection".

The Cartoon was FUNNY.
President Obama was speaking CHINESE!
LOL!
It is well past time for you to stop DIGGING.
Your hole is DEEP ENOUGH.

[Waiting For Everyman]

227. You wrote what I was thinking

but didn't have the patience to post.

Judging content by its source is a very RW thing to do, anyway. They train themselves to think in terms of who said something, not whether it was true or valid. They look for people to "trust" and once trusted, then by definition, whatever that source tells them is true. It can be ludicrous nonsense, and they will still insist that it's true because it has been defined as true by their standards. This is why they don't have to care about facts or reality. They don't have to bother to think, and they like that.

I look at it this way: if the worst person in the world made a true statement, would it still be a true statement? And if that true statement is opposed and/or discarded because of who said it, then where does that leave us? It leaves us pretty much where the RW is, with truth by popularity or "trust rating" (based on nothing, usually a "feeling&quot , where meaning has left the building.

I'm not suggesting that we should have a flood of crap sources here, I'm advocating for developing the judgment to evaluate content on its own. Even people who are good at that kind of judgment can always develop better. It's something that should be exercised, all the time. I thought that was a large part of the purpose of this site -- for people to consider things, and decide what they think. Yes, considering the source is one element in judging content, but it is only that -- one element, a beginning point.

People try to categorize other people, and they try to categorize facts/ideas the same way, and it just isn't applicable to either. It's lazy, and it isn't valid.

[bobduca]

118. Faith in humanity : RESTORED

Welcome back,
Your dreams were your ticket out.

Welcome back,
To that same old place that you laughed about.

Well the names have all changed since you hung around,
But those dreams have remained and they're turned around.

Who'd have thought they'd lead ya (Who'd have thought they'd lead ya)
Here where we need ya (Here where we need ya)

Yeah we tease him a lot cause we've got him on the spot, welcome back,
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back.

[Blue_In_AK]

119. Willy, I thought that cartoon was funny, too,

and for exactly the same reason you did. Welcome back, friend.

[WillyT]

140. It's A Fucking Cartoon !!!

[Phlem]

120. Glad to see you back bud!

It is getting desperate out there. I've gotten things hidden just because some where in the argument, they're all of sudden "oversensitive", after whipping me with verbal abuse.

It's all they've got left.

Stay safe bud.



-p

[pinboy3niner]

121. Amazing the import we give to a cartoon that has already faded and sunk

Just because it's a good opportunity to .

[grasswire]

129. willy, do you have a jury blacklist going?

You can select 15 people to be excluded from any jury that might vote on your post.

[pinboy3niner]

132. Well, 15 is not enough for Willy

[L0oniX]

216. Nor is 15 enough for most of us lefties.

[rhett o rick]

225. And the sock puppets popping up makes it hard to keep up to date. nm

[WillyT]

134. Oh Grass.. I've Never Trashed A Thread, Never Put Anyone On Ignore, Rarely Vote To Hide...

So I have no idea what the 'BlackList' is...

Open, and all inclusve..

[grasswire]

135. it lets you make a list...

....of people you want to exclude from judging you on a jury.

Your chances of going to "jail" are higher than most of us, because you are a prolific poster.

You can see from my thread and this one how many people here DON'T want you to be locked out again.

[WillyT]

136. I'll Take It Under Advisement, But... If They Want Me Gone...

There's always 'Discussionist'...

[The Straight Story]

142. Come on over, the water is fine

And humor and satire are welcome

[Autumn]

172. Yes it is, and when you find the conservatives there are more reasonable and open to

discussion than some of the Democrats here are, that is truly scary.

[L0oniX]

217. No shit ...there is some common cause on some basic issues.

[Waiting For Everyman]

243. Doing the blacklist is VERY good advice, WillyT.

It's clear that you really need one.

Besides, now the people alerting on you know that you don't have one, they'll be encouraged to step up the alerts because they know you're "a sitting duck" so to speak.

Check it out, really, it's a good idea. It's built into the system because it's meant to be used with the system. Without it, you're at a big disadvantage, and much more likely to get hides than others.



(This is for anyone who's interested, and missed the now-defunct Meta Forum where most of us who know about this learned of it)

To find it, click "My Account" at the top of the page, and then there's a tab marked "Jury Blacklist".

You want to consider several things: 1) who is likely to vote against you; 2) who is on DU a lot, available to be called most often -- that can be known by observation or indicated by the number of posts in the last 90 days, and/or the number of juries served on -- both of these numbers are found on each person's profile; 3) also on the profile, the "chance of serving on juries" percentage.

In other words, a person can have a 100% chance of serving on juries, but hardly ever be here to be called. On the other hand, a person could be here 24/7, but have 0% chance of serving. You want to put on your Blacklist those who are high in both categories... remembering of course that the numbers change.

One thing to keep in mind -- a person who posts in a thread can't be on a jury for that thread, so your most likely jurors are those who very often do NOT post in the same threads that you do;

Lastly, don't forget to update it now and then.

It may sound like a PITA, but it will save you a lot trouble that you really don't deserve.

[Skittles]

144. sailed right over their tiny pinheads didn't it, WillyT?

[WillyT]

152. ... --- ...

[n2doc]

155. Welcome back!

Place wasn't the same without you

[Flying Squirrel]

156. I got PPR'd for a toon once...

It was one of two donkeys (representing Democrats) holding up t-shirts to use after an election, one saying "We Won!" and the other saying "They Cheated!" I was not saying that I endorsed that view of Democrats, I was saying that this was the way the RW was portraying us - but I could understand how they might get it wrong, especially since I had only been back to DU for about 6 months and it was right around the 2012 election. I don't see how anyone could manage to NOT know that WillyT was not a troll, however.

[MisterP]

202. bet most of the alerts came from people who think exactly as portrayed in the toon!

[malaise]

158. Hey Mon

Welcome back

[carolinayellowdog]

159. those aren't sensitive SOULS who are out to get you

all the sensitive souls here are on your side against the soulless automata

[Scuba]

162. WillyT, don't get tombstoned! We need you here!!!

[nadinbrzezinski]

163. Welcome back Willy

and you will get a chuckle over this

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=5026909

[NutmegYankee]

164. Welcome Back!

[smokey nj]

165. Welcome back, WillyT!

[PowerToThePeople]

167. Welcome back

166 replies do not look like much on my screen. Weird, I only have about 5 or 6 DLC/3rd way/Republicans in democratic skin on full ignore. They must be all over this thread...

[TBF]

168. I wondered where you were -

welcome back!

[rug]

170. You were framed.

[marmar]

171. Welcome Back !!!!

[840high]

177. Missed you.

[Jamastiene]

179. Welcome Back!

[fadedrose]

181. Found the hidden cartoon, only took me an hour amd a half

Have been too busy to read the whole thread, but I did today, because you're a favorite, as are the great majority of posters who stood by you.

I don't know why the cartoon is so offensive, it seems to be aiming at "ironic," and Obama and his aides are poorly drawn....surely not worth all the fuss and locking you out. I never heard of the cartoonist and might have looked at it with a more critical eye, but even if I had, I would not have questioned your judgment in posting it.

I usually agree and have rec'd your posts many many times.

Glad you're back.

[City Lights]

183. Good to see you, WillyT!

[zeemike]

184. Just wanted to ad my name to the Wellcome Back WillyT list.

[yallerdawg]

185. Good you are back, WillyT

Look forward to your future posts.

[hrmjustin]

186. Good to see you back my friend but we at mirt had nothing to do with it.

[WillyT]

230. I Know That... See Post #41...

Just tryin to be funny.

And thank you.

[Throd]

188. Fundies can't handle criticism of their idols/ideals. Ask that Danish cartoonist.

C'mon folks, it's a freakin' CARTOON! If you don't like it, you are free to dismiss it and move on.

[geek tragedy]

192. so, no cartoons should be hidden by juries at DU? nt

[Throd]

195. Some should.

Ones that are obviously racist, sexist, homophobic etc...

But there is a group of posters on DU who will brook no criticism of the "Dear Leader". A lot of political cartoons lack nuance and come off as "unfair". I find many of them annoying. Other cartoons I find humorous and insightful are annoying to others. It's a two-way street.

[geek tragedy]

196. So, rightwing cartoons are ok so long as they target the President?

I remind you that this is Democratic underground, so please explain why rightwing Republican attacks on a Democratic President should be encouraged.

Why is that ok?

[Throd]

198. Because the definition of "right-wing Republican attack" is in the eye of the beholder.

[geek tragedy]

199. So, we should allow all rightwing Republican attacks here?

Or should people vote to hide stuff that they consider rightwing Republican attacks?

[Throd]

200. No, that is what the jury system is for.

I just think too many people here are thin-skinned and want an echo chamber.

Hell, I don't even agree with myself half the time.

[rhett o rick]

223. That's an illogical inference from what he said. This is supposed to be

a politically liberal message board but "The Group" think they have to monitor it, alert, hide, lock, and censor and save us from the evil world. It's self-righteousness on steroids.

[Blue_Adept]

189. All that keeps coming to mind is this.

It's like the thought of entertaining anything that might be offensive to someone here must be eliminated.

[ancianita]

194. I didn't pm you but know that I do publicly protest my love for all things Willy T!

Fore the record, I've never alerted on anyone in DU ever.

[BootinUp]

197. Explain how the toon was about hacking please, and why it was made in 2013.

[Mojorabbit]

204. Welcome back! I missed you! nt

[suffragette]

212. Just catching up on all this now

And want to add my voice and hug in support to you.

[DeSwiss]

214. Welcome back!!!

- K&R

[cui bono]

220. Yay! Didn't know you were gone since I've barely been on here due to work...

but I missed you anyway since I was gone.

Welcome back! I can't believe you would get to the point of being locked out.



p.s. Did you know there's a new TV show about witch hunting? Just curious...

[westerebus]

232. Now straighten up.

Or not..........

[bvar22]

234. Good News, Willy.

Last edited Sat May 31, 2014, 05:16 PM - Edit history (1)

If some could have their way,
you would be exiled with "Comrade Eddie",
or worse, like the "example" they made of Chelsea Manning
for telling the TRUTH.

[Puzzledtraveller]

240. How was the prison food?

[bvar22]

242. For some delicious irony, go to this thread...

..and watch those consumed with Faux Outrage over Willie's post "from a Right Wing Site" defend their posts from and linking to:
[font size=3]World Net Daily[/font]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002451396

[BuelahWitch]

246. Glad to see you back, WillyT! n/t

[Algernon Moncrieff]

247. Willy..are you all the way back, or is this like parole?

Do you have to PM Earl G every week and be on your best behavior, or is it party time?

[jmowreader]

248. Have you finished painting "Romani ite domum on the Capitol Building one hundred times?

And was it done by sunrise?

[Uncle Joe]

249. Welcome back, WillyT!

and the obligatory.

[whatchamacallit]

250. Welcome back duder!

[MineralMan]

255. MIRT? What does MIRT have to do with it?

Hell, I didn't even know you were gone.

[Orrex]

256. ^^That

[WillyT]

257. I Was Trying To Start The Thread With A Little Levity... See Post #41...

[MineralMan]

258. OK, but MIRT has nothing to do with long-time DUers.

So, I'm not seeing the humor, really. MIRT only deals with disruptive new sign-ups. Your short period of not being able to post was due to your transparency being visible, because you had 5 hidden posts in 90 day. MIRT has nothing to do with that. It's encoded in DU's software. So, really, thanks should go to the Admins for letting you back on to post after a post or two rolled off the 90 day period.

I didn't see the last post that you got hidden, but I've looked it up now. Had I been on that jury, I'd have voted to leave the post. It could have been seen in two ways, and I'm not into hiding posts that have two possible meanings.

I don't really read many of your OPs, frankly. Your point of view regarding President Obama isn't really my cup of tea, so I just skip by most of your threads.

I am on MIRT, though, so I thought I'd clarify what MIRT's job is, and it has nothing to do with you or any other long-time poster.

[WillyT]

259. Damn... MM... Always So Serious...

Go take in a comedy... take off your shoes and walk on the beach... it's good for the soul.

[MineralMan]

260. Ah, thanks for your advice. I'll take it under consideration,

and give it all of the consideration it deserves. I don't find MIRT that funny, really. The folks who participate in it have a difficult job, and we all benefit from not having some of the people MIRT sends packing on the site. They don't deserve being poked in the way you did.

I take a lot of things seriously, as you have noticed. I also use a lot of humor on DU. I didn't find your post amusing, if that's OK with you. If it's not OK, I still didn't find it humorous. I thought it was a very weak slap at how DU is designed and administered. Your mileage might differ, of course.