General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBitterness--
Obviously, DU is in one of its periodic phases of severe division. These things used to mostly happen during Primaries, but now that we've got an actual 2-term Democratic President, the division is over the merit and wisdom of his policies.
I've made no effort to hide my partisanship; I oppose attacking Syria, and I am appalled at the routine invasions of privacy on the part of our government and their private mercenaries. And yes I do question the motivations and pressures that lead politicians to do things that do not seem to be in the best interest of the common people of the nation.
The debates are useful in the abstract; God knows I've had my opinion changed at times due to these discussions.
But what is not useful is name calling. We are not Obamabots, and we are not Obama-haters. Maybe there are various species of trolls among us--in fact, I'm sure there are. But for the most part, I believe in the good will of those who oppose my positions, even while profoundly disagreeing with them. I hope I haven't attacked anyone personally, even while noting that they hold positions different from mine and vehemently disagreeing with those positions. And, if I have been called names, I see the name-calling as a symptom of the fervor with which people around here cling to and fight for the ideological positions they have staked out.
Thank you for your patience. You may now return to your various missions of wreaking mayhem upon each other.
The Magistrate
(95,249 posts)russspeakeasy
(6,539 posts)liberal_at_heart
(12,081 posts)leave again. This is a great place for discussion, and when people start name calling and bullying the ignore button is a wonderful tool.
el_bryanto
(11,804 posts)leftstreet
(36,110 posts)Look at the polls, the highly recommended threads, etc
A few of Obama's Ardent Supporters are throwing out some obnoxious terms and it's a reflection of their desperation
DURec
Jackpine Radical
(45,274 posts)This thread was inspired by a bit of name-calling by someone on My Side whom I respect and like very much.
leftstreet
(36,110 posts)That's unfortunate
liberal_at_heart
(12,081 posts)people who are bullying me and insulting me and I find myself acting like they do so as soon as I find myself acting that way I put that person on ignore and gain control of myself again.
Ratty
(2,100 posts)As soon as they throw around terms like "haters" or "bots" I tune them out.
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)As well as another child like response. These days those get the silent, ignore treatment.
I will not continue to have exchanges with folks who behave like five year olds in matters of war and peace.