You disagree with me. It's because you're an Obama hater. Oops, I mean you're a sell out.

[Bucky]

No, wait, what I meant to say is that you're regurgitating Republican talking points that you learn from watching Hannity & Rush. No, actually, you're strident and naive because you're a hard-core lefty. Okay, I don't know what you are. But I do know that you said something I disagree with, and thus I'm not even going to dignify your comments by actually discussing the substance of your comments.

Waah, waaaaah... DU used to be such an awesome place and now you've ruined it forever by posting your comments!!!

[pecwae]

1. Sorry. I can only rec once.

[stray cat]

2. Is the converse true as well - those disagreeing are mindless Obama worshippers

I've seen both sides of issues doing the name calling. In either case rationale civility and thoughtful discourse generally doesn't appear to be the norm.

[zipplewrath]

3. We need guidelines

I've been wandering various forums for over a decade. In that time I've seen different styles and various results. One of my more common observations is that there is a portion of the community which sees forums as a "soap box" medium, not a discussion medium. DU seems to have alot of that. It manifests itself in various ways, one of which is the sort of hero worship/defense or demonization/rant thread that is mentioned by the OP. Another way is the amazingly large number of "n/t" type responses or "you rock" kind of reply. There is a definite portion of the community that is NOT here for being engaged, or exploring the finer points. It's one big pep rally for them and if you aren't part of the adoring masses, they don't want to hear from you.

I will say that I've had troubles around here with my own style. I tend to prefer a "point by point" discussion and most folks see that as "tearing them apart". As such, I've attempted to discuss things in more broad terms, but it is uncomfortable for me. Additionally, considering the nature of the forum and the fact that to some degree we all are in general agreement, my intent is often to discuss magnitude or conclusion, not the fundamentals. So I'm usually trying to say something to the effect of "I understand your point but I also see it from this direction" and instead it apparently comes off as a "you're off the map and have lost your compass".

I sometimes think that we could benefit from some sort of subject markings/icons/avatars which would indicate if the poster is looking for discussion, critique, cheering, K&R, support, information, whatever. That way, I don't bother someone with a critique when they were looking for a cheering squad.

[MyUserNameIsBroken]

4. You Rock! n/t

Just kidding.

This is not limited to the online world. A lot of people hang out with others in "real life" for validation first, everything else second.

Hell, maybe at some level we all do.

The avatar idea is interesting. Usually places try to mark out some forums as "discussion oriented" and others as "social" but I've never thought of having a way of labeling posts as "I want discussion" (and all that entails) versus "I need to rant."

[liberalsince1968]

5. And don't forget Obama never said he would/wouldn't do that during the campaign! So you have

no right to complain about it now!!!!

Except I do...and if some Obama worshippers don't like it, too damn bad.

Loved your post. I've been voting dem since I first voted, for McGovern in 1972. Anybody who accuses me of being a repug just because I dare to criticize Obama is going to get their ass handed to them on a plate.

[Occam Bandage]

9. You're such a tough guy.

[JohnnyLib2]

6. This OP gets my vote!

Rec, too. :thumbsup:

[chrisa]

7. OMG You've insulted the Obama gods!

Sacrifice a lamb or forever feel the fury of the seas!

[Occam Bandage]

8. The point is right about here.

And you are somewhere down here.

[OneBlueSky]

10. you don't have to be a traitor or a sell-out to disagree . . .

with someone you support . . . there are lots of things I like about Obama, but I'm not happy with his choices in areas like economics, healthcare, and the war in Afghanistan, to name a few . . . I'm neither a traitor nor a sell-out, only a concerned citizen . . .