Just a reminder. Being tolerant of diverse viewpoints does not equate with

[rpannier]

being a doormat.

Too often I hear from my conservative associates (Mostly army guys stationed here) about how hypocritical lee-buh-ruls are, "You talk about how you're tolerant of other people's opinions but when they say something you don't like you get mad."

I always shoot back, "Being tolerant doesn't make me a doormat. You can believe whatever drivel you want. But that DOESN'T mean I'm not gonna challenge you on it."

[Orrin_73]

1. The same also applies to DU here!

[mduffy31]

2. That is true

But I have noticed here at the DU sometimes the challenges are becoming mean spirited. My favorite recent attack was someone said something to the effect that people who have less than 100 posts shouldn't be making statements and starting posts that people don't agree with. So because someone is late to the party, like myself, they don't have anything valid to say? I thought being liberal and progressive was tolerating other people's points of view and not just calling them assholes because they don't agree with you, with the exception of RW republicans and Fundies who are just plain batshit crazy.

[rpannier]

4. What people seem to forget is

new people bring fresh thoughts and fresh perspectives.

[bowens43]

5. If a persons point of view is blatantly

bigoted or hateful it should not be tolerated. Tolerating that which is morally reprehensible is NOT a progressive or liberal trait.

[Orrin_73]

12. They should be answered

there are some who are bigoted and self rightious in their twisted minds that they are blind to listen to someone else. Believe I had an encounter with such a peorson here at DU.

[tx_dem41]

13. Tough question: What if its bigoted or hateful towards a ...

Republican?

[DemBones DemBones]

6. Some people have always pulled that

line of crap. Just ignore them. And :welcome:

[rosesaylavee]

7. Welcome to DU!

DUers can be a bit tense but overall I have found a welcoming community here. Your opinion does count. But please understand that there is a general tendency, I think, to view minimal posts as possible intruders from other conservative sites. Hang in there, continue to politely express your opinion and you will find a niche and other posters who share your ideas and beliefs. I also learn a great deal from the other posters too - a great benefit to being involved with this forum.

:hi:

[Orrin_73]

8. Its getting to be fashion nowadays at DU

to accuse someone you dont agree with as freeper. Some people have the attitude of 'My way or the highway' and are blind to others view. They put debatable and not credible facts to support their dubious claims.

[babylonsister]

10. Trial by fire, mduffy31; please don't take

the responses to heart. I remember being chastised numerous times here early on and hurting terribly as a result, usually over inane stuff. Just keep plugging along, you're doing fine. Some people on DU get off on making others uncomfortable, but they are in the minority.
As someone else said, we can be skeptical of low posters because some of the newbies' intents are only to disrupt. If you don't fall into that category, you will be fine.
And welcome to DU!

[mduffy31]

11. Hey

I don't get it anymore, in fact I only got it once and the lion share of comments are the same as yours welcoming, plus I am an overweight white guy who is a nurse and a high school sports offical, so nothing anything says here is going to make me upset. I have people questioning my sexuality because I do a "womans" job, and being a fat ref doesn't help because for some reason being overweight means that I don't know what I am doing. Sorry just rambling a little right now, but thank you babylonsister.

[bowens43]

3. Conservatives seem to think that being tolerant

includes tolerating bigotry, ignorance and hatred. It doesn't.

[DemBones DemBones]

9. What kills me is how RWers

emulate their heroes Limbaugh and O'Reilly by talking louder and louder and constantly talking over you. Next time I have to be with a certain group that includes diehard Bushistas, I think I'm going to buy a whistle first so I can get their attention without screaming and remind them that discussion involves taking turns.

Or maybe I'll try hitting them with a 2" X 4"; that's said to work on mules and asses.

:evilgrin: