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MineralMan

(151,424 posts)
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 02:33 PM Feb 2025

Unsolicited Advice: Try to Avoid FUD and Panicky Shit-Posting

There is a lot of posting out there that is spreading Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt on social media right now, and even here at DU. There's also some seriously panicky deliberately misleading shit-posting going on that is frightening a lot of people.

No question that there is a lot of bad news to take in right now, but not everything you see is reliably accurate or well-meaning. Be very careful not to be frightened out of your wits by craziness you find online. Instead, do this:

1. If something you read seems very scary to you, check the sources of what is being posted. If they are not recognizably reliable sources you trust, wait to see if what is scaring you shows up on those trusted sources as well.

2. Is what you're reading plausible? Did Elon Musk really send you a personal post? I guarantee that he did not. Are the authorities at your front door to arrest you right now? Almost certainly not. If what you're seeing on your social media seems sketchy, then it probably is. Block that person and don't engage.

3. Is someone telling you why he or she is frightened right now on your social media feed or elsewhere? It's certainly possible that that person is frightened, but that doesn't mean you need to be frightened, too. Perhaps, as often happens, that person is misunderstanding something and panicking. All too often, if you come back later, you'll discover that it's all been sorted out. Don't let other people's fear inspire your own fear.

4. Trust the people who have earned your trust. People you don't really know may not be telling you things accurately. In fact, they may have heard something from an even less reliable source and are spreading it as if it were true. Be skeptical and check for yourself, using reliable sources.

5. Use your favorite Internet search tools to investigate things that seem frightening. Click only on links that turn up in the search that you know to be reliable and accurate. Don't go anywhere you don't recognize looking for facts. Odds are you'll find false information at those random sources. Stick with what you know to be reliable.

6. Think before you panic. That's the number one tip to follow. Reason through the information that is scary and see if it make sense. Often, the closer you look, the less sense it will make. Verify before letting fear take over.

Thanks for reading. I hope this helps.

99 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Unsolicited Advice: Try to Avoid FUD and Panicky Shit-Posting (Original Post) MineralMan Feb 2025 OP
Yeah, I read a lot of disinformation here. And people get super-defensive if they're fact checked. emulatorloo Feb 2025 #1
Without direction, leadership or a visible take charge presence, I expect this to continue, understandably. Ninga Feb 2025 #2
It's part of the Republican strategy, as evidenced by the trolling posts. yardwork Feb 2025 #3
Every word of this has been highly relevant since Oct 7, 2023. yardwork Feb 2025 #4
Yup. We need to stop being taken in. MineralMan Feb 2025 #5
Amen. yardwork Feb 2025 #6
It's been relevant since the turn of the century. It's only recently peaking...nt Wounded Bear Feb 2025 #28
Reliable sources edhopper Feb 2025 #7
Just gonna drop this... Would be preferable with a beat though JCMach1 Feb 2025 #8
Very good advice. mzmolly Feb 2025 #9
There are several very scary things happening RandomNumbers Feb 2025 #10
Honestly Baron2024 Feb 2025 #90
You make an excellent point. RandomNumbers Feb 2025 #93
HCR's post? LInk, please, i have no idea what you are referring to. Amaryllis Feb 2025 #95
Here ya go RandomNumbers Feb 2025 #97
Good advive nt XanaDUer2 Feb 2025 #11
It helps me (a little) to remember that the barrage of disinformation we are Kashkakat v.2.0 Feb 2025 #12
Who elected you hall monitor? Brenda Feb 2025 #13
Oh, my. LOL! MineralMan Feb 2025 #14
GMTA ... I had the same reaction as you did. Oopsie Daisy Feb 2025 #24
I get your "Irony" loud and clear. Cha Feb 2025 #86
Same orangecrush Feb 2025 #15
Some people find the FUD exhausting, dumb and irritating. BannonsLiver Feb 2025 #19
I get tired of the finger wagging here. littlemissmartypants Feb 2025 #26
I agree. People who have the most to lose have the most to fear. 58Sunliner Feb 2025 #30
Yes, that is it. Patronizing. Brenda Feb 2025 #37
Been here awhile, so I've seen it before. 58Sunliner Feb 2025 #40
Yep, me too. nt Brenda Feb 2025 #42
+1 Arazi Feb 2025 #48
Many posts are scaring people on here Brenda womanofthehills Feb 2025 #65
Kicking this Hekate Feb 2025 #16
On this ForgedCrank Feb 2025 #17
Thanks. MineralMan Feb 2025 #22
does this bother you at all? Evolve Dammit Feb 2025 #18
Yes, of course it does. Did I mention that earlier in the thread? MineralMan Feb 2025 #20
I'm sensing you don't regard the current threat seriously enough. To each his own. I'll mind "my own damn business." nt Evolve Dammit Feb 2025 #25
You are sensing incorrectly. MineralMan Feb 2025 #27
show me. I'm from Missouri Evolve Dammit Feb 2025 #35
MM has been around a long time, and does seem to know what's he is talking about. I trust him far more than a lot of SWBTATTReg Feb 2025 #80
10-4 Evolve Dammit Feb 2025 #81
We have an unelected Nazi in the government's purse. Bluethroughu Feb 2025 #53
Sure as hell hope so, but the denial and concealment may carry the day on our MSM. Evolve Dammit Feb 2025 #56
The attack on our institutions is Nazi based bronxiteforever Feb 2025 #21
I guess I see it differently senseandsensibility Feb 2025 #23
With all due respect to the OP, I think there is plenty to be panicked about. totodeinhere Feb 2025 #29
TRIGGER ALERT: The Sky Has Fallen ZDU Feb 2025 #31
There is enough going on without posting false info womanofthehills Feb 2025 #70
Agreed ZDU Feb 2025 #72
Thanks for this! n/t Cheezoholic Feb 2025 #32
Great advice! PortTack Feb 2025 #33
Yes, yes, yes! We need to check the sources and *read the entire articles* posted. LauraInLA Feb 2025 #34
Part of it is confirmation bias. MineralMan Feb 2025 #39
Absolutely. There are "reliable" sources about related instances -- but nothing confirming the hard drive story. LauraInLA Feb 2025 #52
It is a known acct followed by a lot of people. 58Sunliner Feb 2025 #54
That does not mean it is an official account of the National Park Service. MineralMan Feb 2025 #58
They have been around since the first admin. Yes, we know they aren't official, but they are usually very accurate. 58Sunliner Feb 2025 #62
How about Reuters? And Alt Nt Park isn't a spoof agency, it's a resistance group of federal employees. chia Feb 2025 #63
Thanks for the link. MineralMan Feb 2025 #66
Thanks for the shout out. Autumn Feb 2025 #94
"I hope this helps." 58Sunliner Feb 2025 #36
I believe a new forum was set up for persons like yourself. 1WorldHope Feb 2025 #38
I am aware of that new forum. However it is not the right place MineralMan Feb 2025 #45
Please give specifics. LAS14 Feb 2025 #84
That there were 2 new forums set up after the election. 1WorldHope Feb 2025 #88
Good advice. Elessar Zappa Feb 2025 #41
I think this is all very reasonable. Thank you. LoisB Feb 2025 #43
Roosevelt understood this point. In his first inaugural address he said: flashman13 Feb 2025 #44
Thanks for that quote! MineralMan Feb 2025 #47
The fear and panic are based on reality Cirsium Feb 2025 #46
Thank you for taking the time to reply. MineralMan Feb 2025 #50
Thanks Cirsium Feb 2025 #76
Yes. There is reason for concern, MineralMan Feb 2025 #79
Post removed Post removed Feb 2025 #67
hello KS Toronado Feb 2025 #71
Welcome to DU - enjoy your stay - however short it is. GoneOffShore Feb 2025 #73
Welcome! JoseBalow Feb 2025 #77
Thank you for saying it better than I could. 1WorldHope Feb 2025 #69
Thank you for the helpful suggestions. Buddyzbuddy Feb 2025 #49
Just as people on the other side like drama. Keepthesoulalive Feb 2025 #51
Panic? RB77 Feb 2025 #55
Moreover, stay offline as much as possible. valleyrogue Feb 2025 #57
Sure. Not everyone wants to do that, though. MineralMan Feb 2025 #59
Of course they don't want to do it. valleyrogue Feb 2025 #61
Lot of truth in that comment! Emile Feb 2025 #60
Good advice. Many thanks. (nt) Paladin Feb 2025 #64
And please, please, please mcar Feb 2025 #68
Is it OK with you to fucking panic now? "Musk Given Access to Treasury Payment System" maxrandb Feb 2025 #74
I am so close to the door stillcool Feb 2025 #75
This message was self-deleted by its author LiberalArkie Feb 2025 #78
I think many here would do well to take some advice from Marc Elias Wiz Imp Feb 2025 #82
Thank you! betsuni Feb 2025 #92
The time to be very concerned is right now DaBronx Feb 2025 #83
I will stop being scared when a reliable source BlueKota Feb 2025 #85
Co-signed Hitorque Feb 2025 #87
Misinformation Baron2024 Feb 2025 #89
You mean the 2026 elections Mountainguy Feb 2025 #91
They still have "elections," in Russia and China too. BlueKota Feb 2025 #99
Good advise, MAGA distracts so they can pic peoples pockets uponit7771 Feb 2025 #96
I'm preparing but not panicking Kaleva Feb 2025 #98

emulatorloo

(46,155 posts)
1. Yeah, I read a lot of disinformation here. And people get super-defensive if they're fact checked.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 02:36 PM
Feb 2025

Thanks so much for the post.

Bookmarked!

Ninga

(9,023 posts)
2. Without direction, leadership or a visible take charge presence, I expect this to continue, understandably.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 02:44 PM
Feb 2025

yardwork

(69,466 posts)
3. It's part of the Republican strategy, as evidenced by the trolling posts.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 02:50 PM
Feb 2025

The Republicans think we're weak and prone to panic. Let's not prove them right.

yardwork

(69,466 posts)
4. Every word of this has been highly relevant since Oct 7, 2023.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 02:51 PM
Feb 2025

There has been a ton of FUD and falsehoods spread around social media since then. It probably cost us the election.

JCMach1

(29,228 posts)
8. Just gonna drop this... Would be preferable with a beat though
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 02:57 PM
Feb 2025

Don't worry be happy was a number one jam
Damn if I say it you can slap me right here

-Public Enemy


It's not the time to be shutting people down...

RandomNumbers

(19,217 posts)
10. There are several very scary things happening
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 03:10 PM
Feb 2025

that are indeed backed up by reliable sources.

That said, I generally agree with your post. Not ALL of the scary things that are currently floating around SM are being accurately described in the scariest posts about them. We need to discern what is real, and what isn't. But we need to prepare ourselves for the stuff that is real.

It also depends on one's position in society, how scared one should be. I'd say certain non-whites have good reason to be quite scared, and if they have "proper papers" make sure they have those secured and extra copies and easy to get to. For the rest of us, rational fears probably relate to financial markets and loss of reliable access to critical goods and services. (YMMV as to which goods and services are critical.) A slightly but not crazily far-fetched concern is "what the hell is Elon Musk and his Muskrats doing with the data on OPM computers?" That one came from a reliable source (that something is happening) but, we don't know exactly what yet. I might stop worrying about that one when I am convinced it is a benign reason, but so far I haven't come up with any benign reason for what is being reported. So rationally, I should be concerned until I have more information, while avoiding being frozen with fear. (even if the most likely explanations are rationally fear-invoking, freezing in fear generally is never helpful.)

 

Baron2024

(1,492 posts)
90. Honestly
Sun Feb 2, 2025, 02:00 AM
Feb 2025

Honestly if you wait for something to be verified by journalists it has already happened and it is too late to do anything about it. The horse is out of the barn and we are just reactive. We have to anticipate what the enemy is trying to do if we are going to stop them. That requires some speculation.

RandomNumbers

(19,217 posts)
93. You make an excellent point.
Sun Feb 2, 2025, 09:44 AM
Feb 2025

At least regarding self-protection and self-preservation, we need to prepare for the worst, while still keeping in mind what is real vs. what is still only rumor or speculation.

To be honest, I never expected that the real threat was Musk taking over the government, which appears to be where we are going. (HCR's post from yesterday lays it all out - if no one has made an OP on that yet, I will shortly). I think for most of us, the "how bad can it get?" potential is still only dawning on us. We thought it would be bad. But not "turn the government over to a mentally competent actual evil genius*" bad. Nope. I for one did not really see the headlight on that train. (Probably because said headlight was turned off and the engine was in quiet mode.)

* genius at doing evil, and having some knowledge to back it up. vs. "practiced skill" that TSF has at manipulating people (which I think many of the opposition have always underestimated - more by wanting to believe people aren't really that gullible. Uh, news flash ...)

RandomNumbers

(19,217 posts)
97. Here ya go
Sun Feb 2, 2025, 01:06 PM
Feb 2025
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100219977643

Sorry, I got a little side-tracked on personal tasks.

I am perhaps making a rhetorical leap from HCR's post to say "Musk taking over the government" but I contend it is only a small step.

Here is one thing she says in her long post, quoting Ron Wyden - I agree with him:

According to Jeff Stein, Isaac Arnsdorf, and Jacqueline Alemany of the Washington Post, Musk’s team wanted access to the payment system. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) demanded answers from Trump’s new Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, warning that “these payment systems simply cannot fail, and any politically-motivated meddling in them risks severe damage to our country and the economy. I am deeply concerned that following the federal grant and loan freeze earlier this week, these officials associated with Musk may have intended to access these payment systems to illegally withhold payments to any number of programs. I can think of no good reason why political operators who have demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law would need access to these sensitive, mission-critical systems.”


If that isn't taking over the government, I don't know what else would qualify.

Kashkakat v.2.0

(1,940 posts)
12. It helps me (a little) to remember that the barrage of disinformation we are
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 03:24 PM
Feb 2025

being hit with is intendedto keep us confused, upset, overwhelmed. It is real, it's effective and it takes many forms. It can be off the wall nonsense like "theyre eating the pets" or it can be frighteningly plausible. something that very well could be true. The point isnt necessarily to get everyone to believe the lies (although of course too many people will) but also to keep the rest of us confused and unsure about whats really going, to wear us down so we give up.

Im finding that if my first thought is "this might not be real" that does help (a little!) to keep from feeling quite so overhwhelmed. As OP points out there are more than enough troubling things going on that are real.

Brenda

(2,077 posts)
13. Who elected you hall monitor?
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 03:42 PM
Feb 2025

Or Daddy? Nobody here is your child so please stop treating us as such.

There has always been an ebb and flow of panic posting on the internet, especially here at DU.

If there ever was a time in DU's 24 years for panic posting...

THAT WOULD BE NOW BECAUSE THE USA'S GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE ARE UNDER ASSAULT BY AN UNELECTED NAZI.

Having said that, I agree folks should at the very least update/correct their OP's when they are informed that they are false. But those posts happen almost daily around here and are rarely taken down or corrected.

Of course when it's someone's opinion - there is no substantiating MSM story to confirm it - after all this is a discussion board, not the "News."


Cha

(319,601 posts)
86. I get your "Irony" loud and clear.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 07:12 PM
Feb 2025
And your OP didn't stirke me as any of those insuts.

I had a feeling it was from the heart and you're trying to help. It did me a bit.

BannonsLiver

(20,716 posts)
19. Some people find the FUD exhausting, dumb and irritating.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:04 PM
Feb 2025

He made that clear much more politely than I would have.

littlemissmartypants

(34,028 posts)
26. I get tired of the finger wagging here.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:14 PM
Feb 2025

He isn’t finger wagging. But it does happen plenty.

58Sunliner

(6,358 posts)
30. I agree. People who have the most to lose have the most to fear.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:30 PM
Feb 2025

People who don't have the same level of risk are often comfortable telling others to calm down. It's patronizing.

Brenda

(2,077 posts)
37. Yes, that is it. Patronizing.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:36 PM
Feb 2025

And someone doesn't seem to understand what irony means.

Two of these type OP's in two days during severe political and societal crises that affect literally MILLIONS OF AMERICANS.

There's a word for it...

womanofthehills

(10,997 posts)
65. Many posts are scaring people on here Brenda
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 05:14 PM
Feb 2025

Asking for someone to check if the info is posted on a reliable source is NOT to much to ask.

ForgedCrank

(3,115 posts)
17. On this
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:02 PM
Feb 2025

matter, I couldn't possibly agree with you more. There are very vocal types here spreading ridiculous doom and it's very off-putting to most people, and it makes us all look silly when others find it. It shouldn't even be allowed. Not to even mention, some people appear to rarely venture out to other places to investigate some of the garbage posts. These people get very scared for absolutely no reason. To me it's almost purposefully irresponsible to be spreading some of this stuff.

Evolve Dammit

(21,802 posts)
25. I'm sensing you don't regard the current threat seriously enough. To each his own. I'll mind "my own damn business." nt
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:14 PM
Feb 2025

SWBTATTReg

(26,318 posts)
80. MM has been around a long time, and does seem to know what's he is talking about. I trust him far more than a lot of
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 05:46 PM
Feb 2025

others out there. And, by the way, I'm from Missouri too.

Bluethroughu

(7,215 posts)
53. We have an unelected Nazi in the government's purse.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:52 PM
Feb 2025

Behind a locked door...

We will find out soon enough, what this degenerate is doing without any accoutability!

bronxiteforever

(11,212 posts)
21. The attack on our institutions is Nazi based
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:07 PM
Feb 2025

TSF’s ex wife said the one book that he kept next to his bed was on Hitler. These shock and awe techniques are out of the Nazi party. The man ransacking the federal government is a man who gave a Sieg Heil salute weeks ago. 1,000s of workers and their work are being terrorized and obliterated. Destruction of medical research that will put us on our back in medical research competition with other countries is being destroyed. The FBI and DOJ purges are just beginning and so are the military purges.
Panic and fear is normal but so is anger and fight. This is a 5 alarm fire and this is not time for ostriches.
We need to see as much fight from all of us or we lose the Country and it could happen rapidly.
I respect you MM but there is an urgency here. Showing fight will end panic and fear because we can then focus on the battles. I am hopeful that Martin is a good choice but we need to see some blood curdling rage from our side.

A Vanity Fair interview with Donald Trump’s late first wife Ivana Trump has resurfaced in which she alleges that her former spouse used to keep a book of Adolf Hitler’s speeches in his bedside cabinet.
The article from September 1990 has reappeared in the wake of the Republican presidential contender coming under fire for saying that immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country” in a speech at a New Hampshire rally on Saturday.
https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-hitler-speeches-ivana-poisoning-blood-b2466500.html#

senseandsensibility

(25,187 posts)
23. I guess I see it differently
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:09 PM
Feb 2025

Although I appreciate a high level of scrutiny of DU posts for accuracy (I think the self policing of the jury system is pure genius), I don't like scolding posts from other DUers. If I see something that is factually incorrect, I alert. Also, I have no one on ignore and I haven't seen a lot of inaccurate posts myself.

Have I seen posts I disagree with? Yes. Have I seen posts that seem too emotional for my taste? A few. But that's none of my business if they want to vent or state an opinion I don't like.

In the past few days, I have seen only one post with a factual error that the OP refused or didn't correct. I assume that someone alerted because the poster was called out several times, but it is still there.
To me, that's a sign of how successful our jury system is.

totodeinhere

(13,688 posts)
29. With all due respect to the OP, I think there is plenty to be panicked about.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:30 PM
Feb 2025

We are only a few days into this new administration and it is clear that our worst fears are being realized. The idiot who won a narrow victory on a fluke is doing everything in his power to dismantle almost everything that we patriotic Americans hold dear. It is a fucking disaster. There is no other way to put it. Yes of course there is disinformation inadvertently coming from our side sometimes, but most of this shit is really happening.

ZDU

(1,308 posts)
31. TRIGGER ALERT: The Sky Has Fallen
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:31 PM
Feb 2025

Nothing to see here, folks. Move along, move along.
Keep calm and carry on.
Haste makes waste.
You know the drill.
Breathe.

womanofthehills

(10,997 posts)
70. There is enough going on without posting false info
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 05:18 PM
Feb 2025

It takes a minute or two to check if your source is reliable.

LauraInLA

(2,248 posts)
34. Yes, yes, yes! We need to check the sources and *read the entire articles* posted.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:33 PM
Feb 2025

I am very concerned with our reading comprehension and internet literacy skills here. *and everywhere*.

MineralMan

(151,424 posts)
39. Part of it is confirmation bias.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:38 PM
Feb 2025

If something agrees with our sense of things, we tend to believe it, and don't bother to check the source.

A post this morning had a link to a BlueSky thread which was saying that Elon Musk and his assistants were "installing hard drives" in some government computers. The source for that information was Alt National Park Service. Nobody questioned that. There is no such government agency, and it's clearly a spoof of a real agency. but, the information was accepted as truth. It was posted here at least twice today.

Alt National Park Service?

But, people want to believe it, so it must be true. Confirmation Bias.

LauraInLA

(2,248 posts)
52. Absolutely. There are "reliable" sources about related instances -- but nothing confirming the hard drive story.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:51 PM
Feb 2025
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/musk-aides-lock-government-workers-out-computer-systems-us-agency-sources-say-2025-01-31/

My husband blamed this one partly on the general public’s lack of knowledge of tech systems, etc.

MineralMan

(151,424 posts)
58. That does not mean it is an official account of the National Park Service.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:55 PM
Feb 2025

In fact, it is a small organization of NPS employees who claim to be the "Resistance." They say so on their Bluesky home page.

Not official at all. I checked, you see, like I always advise people to do.

58Sunliner

(6,358 posts)
62. They have been around since the first admin. Yes, we know they aren't official, but they are usually very accurate.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:59 PM
Feb 2025

Autumn

(48,978 posts)
94. Thanks for the shout out.
Sun Feb 2, 2025, 11:06 AM
Feb 2025

I had questions and I got some good answers from some DUers. You should try that sometime.

I found this interesting post today from Josh Marshel. I have a lot of respect for him.


Several conversations today w people in the key executive departments. And while the particulars are hard to pin down my impression is that the Musk take over stuff is considerably worse than is being presented in the press. By this I don’t necessarily things they *done* yet but the level of …— Josh Marshall (@joshtpm.bsky.social) February 1, 2025 at 10:09 PM


2/ they already have over key computer systems, payment systems, etc. and with the press picture it’s not that things aren’t getting out. The stuff abt the Treasury payments systems and control over certain computer networks has been reported. It’s more putting together the big picture abt how …— Josh Marshall

3/ different pieces fit together. There also seems to be a significant amount of downloading government data onto private servers, etc, totally outside any cybersecurity regime. Additionally it’s unclear to the people inside whether the people doing these things actually work for the US govt…— Josh Marshall




2/ they already have over key computer systems, payment systems, etc. and with the press picture it’s not that things aren’t getting out. The stuff abt the Treasury payments systems and control over certain computer networks has been reported. It’s more putting together the big picture abt how …

Josh Marshall (@joshtpm.bsky.social) 2025-02-02T05:09:03.180Z


1WorldHope

(2,095 posts)
38. I believe a new forum was set up for persons like yourself.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:37 PM
Feb 2025

It's called the way forward. I haven't seen a bunch of FUD or shit posting. When you see inaccurate information, call it out.
There are a lot of people of DU who have lived a very long time in this country and if what has gone on in the past 2 weeks is not worth discussing with like minded people then I don't know what we are doing here.
I'm terrified for the entire planet not just my portfolio or the cost of eggs.

MineralMan

(151,424 posts)
45. I am aware of that new forum. However it is not the right place
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:44 PM
Feb 2025

for my post. GD is. So I posted it here. If you think it is in the wrong forum, you can alert on it and select that option as the reason.

LAS14

(15,522 posts)
84. Please give specifics.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 06:36 PM
Feb 2025
It's called the way forward. I haven't seen a bunch of FUD or shit posting. When you see inaccurate information, call it out.
(Reply #38)

Yes. What, exactly, are you referring to?

1WorldHope

(2,095 posts)
88. That there were 2 new forums set up after the election.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 07:28 PM
Feb 2025

The way forward was for ppl who wanted to work on positive, problem solving for the future.
The other group, I can't remember the title, maybe something like Trump BS.
Is that your question?

Elessar Zappa

(16,385 posts)
41. Good advice.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:41 PM
Feb 2025

I’ve seen a lot of hyperbole here lately and we don’t need it because reality is bad enough! I’m also very wary of posts that their only purpose is to say how “all is lost” or “it’s all over”, etc.

flashman13

(2,457 posts)
44. Roosevelt understood this point. In his first inaugural address he said:
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:43 PM
Feb 2025

the only thing we have to fear is...fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.

A quote as relevant today as it was in 1933.

Cirsium

(3,990 posts)
46. The fear and panic are based on reality
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:45 PM
Feb 2025

The fear and panic are based on reality, for the most part. If anything, many people are underestimating the threat. It seems to me that complacency is a much bigger danger than any fear mongering that might be going on.

You ask: "Are the authorities at your front door to arrest you right now?" That is remarkably insensitive, at best. The authorities are at the doors of many people right now, with the promise of much more to come. You may personally feel immune. but that does not justify trivializing or dismissing the very real fear others are experiencing, and for good reason.

You trivializing or dismissing the fear others are experiencing here:

"It's certainly possible that that person is frightened, but that doesn't mean you need to be frightened, too. Perhaps, as often happens, that person is misunderstanding something and panicking."

"Trust the people who have earned your trust" goes without saying, There is no need to be scolding people about that. There are plenty of unreliable posts urging caution and moderation, that are underestimating the dangers. But you leave that out of your admonishments.

By that omission, you are saying be suspicious of those raising the alarm, and not suspicious of those urging business as usual. That is a political agenda disguised as community service.

Cirsium

(3,990 posts)
76. Thanks
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 05:31 PM
Feb 2025

Looking back over the recent posts I do see some crap that is not true or is poorly sourced, and it does tend toward sensationalism and fear mongering.

Example:

"China Hits Back with 75% Tariffs--A Major Economic Blow to the U.S.! Electric Vehicles & Trade Wars"

The videos with the clickbait headlines are the worst.

MineralMan

(151,424 posts)
79. Yes. There is reason for concern,
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 05:35 PM
Feb 2025

but not all information is accurate. It all, though, needs to be fact checked before being accepted.

Response to Cirsium (Reply #46)

Keepthesoulalive

(2,327 posts)
51. Just as people on the other side like drama.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:50 PM
Feb 2025

People look at Fox for a reason, it makes them feel something like constant anger and fear. Some of us are not immune to the same feelings. I refuse to relive the last time asshole was in office. I monitor my time on DU, my sanity means a lot more than the gaslighting coming from the White House.

valleyrogue

(2,760 posts)
57. Moreover, stay offline as much as possible.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:55 PM
Feb 2025

Develop interests, hobbies. Travel, go on hikes, take classes. Have fun with family and other relatives and with friends. Watch movies or classic television via DVDs or streaming. Read books unrelated to Trump and the fascists.

If you allow this P25 stuff to fester in your brain, it WILL destroy you.

valleyrogue

(2,760 posts)
61. Of course they don't want to do it.
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 04:58 PM
Feb 2025

I have to hide many threads, and, especially during the election cycle, put a lot of people on ignore.

It helped to reduce the blood pressure.

mcar

(46,173 posts)
68. And please, please, please
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 05:17 PM
Feb 2025

stop cherry-picking or focusing on one social media message or interview by our Democratic legislators/leaders that you don't like.

Sharing concern and disappointment in someone like Fetterman, for example, isn't unwarranted. But trashing Amy Klobuchar today because of one thing she said in an interview, the day after she was praised here for her tough questioning of Patel, makes no sense and does not help. Ditto the Hakeem Jeffries tweet. I've seen more about that here than his strong responses to Agent Orange/Pres Musks atrocities.

stillcool

(34,407 posts)
75. I am so close to the door
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 05:28 PM
Feb 2025

had a post removed, the second one in 20 years. I feel bad, used to be so much to learn from what people posted, but not now. It is rare to pop in and not be flabbergasted by the noise. There is so much going on, I can't afford to be hampered by insignificant drivel pissing me off. It's almost as though the desired reaction is only for the ultimate sake of violence There is no positive side, unless you're doing it in your own state, where chances are you won't be mowed down, or have military police sicced on you. Otherwise what good is riling people up, unless the goal is divide more and conquer with ease. Contacting your representatives should be a natural occurrence on a Democratic discussion board. It's all very odd. Not a Republican to blame for the past 50 years, it's all the Democrats. I think someone may possibly reply "Good-bye" to me, which might be a favor.

Response to MineralMan (Original post)

Wiz Imp

(10,174 posts)
82. I think many here would do well to take some advice from Marc Elias
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 05:53 PM
Feb 2025
https://www.democracydocket.com/opinion/10-things-we-can-all-do-to-protect-democracy/

10 Things We Can All Do to Protect Democracy

2. Help Democrats
The success of any opposition movement rests on the opposing party taking power. This is not a minor detail; in our system of government, it is the essential goal. Next time you want to attack a Democrat for being too much of this or too little of that, realize that you are only helping the GOP. Instead, find a Democrat you support and volunteer or contribute to their campaign.

3. Don’t do Trump’s work
This is more than simply resisting Trump’s actions; it is refusing to accept his false assumptions. When he says he wants to abolish birthright citizenship, do not accept the premise that he has the power to do so. Stay grounded in the truth: The U.S. Constitution is clear, Trump is powerless and the courts will reject his efforts.


5. Believe in the courts
Republicans control all three elected branches of the federal government. They do not control the courts. Yes, the U.S. Supreme Court has a solidly conservative majority, but the high court only hears a few dozen cases a year. And in some of those, the Court has sided with democracy. Most importantly, remember that Joe Biden confirmed a record number of new federal judges. And, of course, there are state courts. For better or worse, we are dependent on the courts to help protect democracy. Rather than assume they will not, insist they do.


10. Don’t give up hope
Our best political movements were hopeful. John Kennedy insisted that “we should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes.” Bill Clinton was the man from Hope. Barack Obama ran a campaign based on hope and change. Donald Trump and the Republicans want you to give up hope. Despair and cynicism fuel their movement. We must always, in the words of Jesse Jackson, “keep hope alive.”


He discusses it in this video beginning about 9:10



DaBronx

(775 posts)
83. The time to be very concerned is right now
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 06:32 PM
Feb 2025

The govt is in the process of being weakened.
We have questionable, even grave breaches of data access, we have multiple Severely unqualified cabinet picks taking over critical positions. We have information access challenges in multiple departments and a wiped clean slate of diversity policies, activities etc. that’s just a few things. We have threats to other countries, new tariffs, and worst of all a very ignorant citizenry.
The likelihood of real shit hitting the fan seems pretty high.
This is not a time to bury heads in the sand or to turn the news off. I have friends who have stopped watching, which I think is ridiculously stupid. Do what you want. I am paying attention and I’m on alert.

BlueKota

(5,442 posts)
85. I will stop being scared when a reliable source
Sat Feb 1, 2025, 07:03 PM
Feb 2025

tells me what or who will stop tsf and Eloon from doing whatever the hell they want. The fourth estate is kissing the ring, Democrats were not able to stop the appointments of truly bad picks to high level cabinet positions. The FBI is being gutted, Inspector Generals are being fired. Career professionals are being locked out of government records by an ego manic unelected foreigner. The Supreme 6, the same ones who gave tsf a get out of jail free card, and who have no enforcement powers even if they actually weren't on the take?

Tell me what part of this is hyperbole, false or "internet driven panic?" Who or what has the power to stop any of these things already happening, or worse from happening? Please enlighten those of us who need these answers before we believe that we aren't fucked.

 

Baron2024

(1,492 posts)
89. Misinformation
Sun Feb 2, 2025, 01:56 AM
Feb 2025

If someone is posting misinformation isn't it a better idea to correct them rather than ignore them? Otherwise the misinformation spreads unchecked.

Kaleva

(40,381 posts)
98. I'm preparing but not panicking
Sun Feb 2, 2025, 02:18 PM
Feb 2025

I'm mainly focused on preparing for climate change

I have lots of projects going on and I need to come up with a plan to organize it all. Hopefully this month I'll have the master plan fleshed out.

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