OK...

[Highway61]

I come here often. To catch up on the latest. Been here for awhile. I'm older. Maybe too old for many of you. I remember a lot of the old time posters. Many are gone...many moved on. I don't post here much at all. However, I have seen a lot of change. I see a lot of discussions here of late and many of them take a deep 6 real quick. I ask myself over and over what happened here at DU? I saw a post today and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Someone gave their opinion about maybe secession. This poster was ripped seven ways to Sunday. They obviously were new here. So what did I see? Well, what about "my" job, and what about "me"? Where will "I" go? Another told this poster to go fuck himself. Another accused the poster of being a right wing lurker. It was simply an idea. An opinion. One thrown out for discussion. No more ....no less. First of all. Look up history. Same thing happened in Germany. Lots of people had jobs and businesses. People were very happy with what they had. No one wanted to go anywhere. All was right with the world. Then Hitler came along and businesses burned to the ground, jobs were gone and people disappeared. It was then those folks that were comfortable that also had great jobs and homes couldn't get out of there fast enough! Seriously, our very own democracy is in question right here. Someone voices an idea and all one thinks about is "me" and attacking an idea someone had? OMG, I do not recognize this place any more. Don't get me wrong. There was a lot of discussion. Good discussion. It's the mean spirited posts that one sees scattered throughout this board. Have we lost our grace, our tact and manners? Go "fuck yourself"? Really? How is that constructive? Maybe I am just "old school". I get pretty angry myself. But some of these "keyboard warriors" that attack others because they disagree is just bullying. Nothing is gained from that except hurting others. Isn't there enough of that already without us, who are suppose to be in the same corner, are coming at each other with aggression like that? Is this the new normal? There are a lot of wonderful people here. Many have a lot to offer. IMHO many need to choose their words a bit better before posting. Ask yourself how YOU would feel if you were on the receiving end. Everyone has a right to an opinion. Everyone should have a voice. Everyone should have a chance.

[RAB910]

1. I think the very real threat of a Trump/GOP coup

Had everyone on edge. The threat of the destruction of one's nation will tend to do that

[Highway61]

4. Maybe so

However, there is no excuse for abusive behavior. Attacking anyone is wrong. Those on the same side....ridiculous. Dialogue always works. Thanks for your input.

[GitRDun]

2. I think sometimes people disconnect

just as they do when driving.

They'll say things they would not if you were sitting across the table from them.

Your note is a good reminder to us all that at the other end of every post is most likely a person trying to connect in good faith, and that

we cannot know their motives simply by reading a post.

Peace...

[Karadeniz]

3. A lot of what you mention has escaped my notice, but I have noted some rude replies. Your

Reaction is completely right. We should always strive to develop empathy.

[Highway61]

6. Empathy

There's a word that has gone missing...especially those at the top of the heap.

[AmericanCanuck]

5. We also have passionate ideologues who like monopolies

It is impossible to let a post stand when one criticizes one of their idols - even constructive criticism. No debate - just censorship.

I agree with your post.

[William769]

7. Your concern is noted.

We do have a jury system here which works quite well. It doesn't work quite as well if say people won't serve on a jury. Just saying.