A lot of us are proud of who we are

[Why Syzygy]

and what we stand for. But one major thing that makes this place safe is that the traffic to the group is controlled by the mission statement, and a lot of DUer's don't know we exist.

Since there has been some rough and tumble on the big boards in the past, this issue was raised to Skinner in his recent OP on rule enforcement. (emphasis added)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=5524913&mesg_id=5530860

Skinner ADMIN (1000+ posts) Sat Apr-25-09 05:51 AM
Response to Reply #658
708. I think it is one of the major contributors to making people feel victimized on DU.

For both the people who are doing the linking, and for the people who are being linked to. It's against the rules, but we don't usually step in unless it starts causing an obvious problem.

To be honest, recently I've been thinking we should go back to the zero-tolerance approach. This behavior is toxic. Of course, if we did, I suspect the most determined offenders would either move the behavior to private messages, or off-board.
***

I'm all in favor of this marking the end of people who link to us in order to create disturbance from outside the borders. Let me know if you agree? Some of you won't feel as vulnerable as others of us do, and that's worthy of respect. But as for for me, I plan to alert posts which link to this group in the future. At the same time, I vow not to use links to private groups in my postings in the major forums. Like this one:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x5554239#5556531

[omega minimo]

1. He is now aware that is is a chronic "obvious problem" & "we should go back to the zero-tolerance"

"...we should go back to the zero-tolerance approach."

So it is well worth alerting on the posts and OPs to document the problem. He may or may not understand the intentional perpetration with ill intent of some toxic DUers who do this on a regular basis.

So Zero Tolerance is Zero Tolerance.








"It's against the rules, but we don't usually step in unless it starts causing an obvious problem.

"To be honest, recently I've been thinking we should go back to the zero-tolerance approach. This behavior is toxic."

[Why Syzygy]

3. Enlisting new mods

so maybe it will be understood from the beginning of the new term.

[omega minimo]

5. Good point.

I asked in the new Mod announcement EarlG posted whether it will be enforced since Skinner's OP.

:thumbsup:

[get the red out]

2. I keep being astounded at the lengths people go to

in order to attack other people who they perceive as being in some way different from them or their ideas. I saw this on an unrelated thread the other day and tried to point out that it was exactly the same black and white thinking that the fundamentalists use to gain control. Well, I admit I didn't put it quite that politely at the time, LOL!

[Why Syzygy]

4. Toxic victimization.

And as some of us know all too well, there are abusers in our society.

[omega minimo]

7. It's amazing how rabid and paranoid it becomes. For a handful.

Really insane.

[omega minimo]

6. Even with egos and issues and agendas, if DU Rules are enforced, the toxic crap quotient goes down.

[MorningGlow]

8. Thanks for bringing this up, WZ

I have recently become enamored of the alert button and it's served me well. I strongly recommend using it not only to let the mods know that a rule is being broken, but also whenever your find the general ethics of DU being violated (in other words, when you feel the need to point out that a thread is turning into a pig-pile of a train wreck). I alert sparingly, and the mods haven't told me to drop dead yet.

So yes, I also pledge to alert on misuse of links and pledge not to link to groups myself. Be the change, right?

[Why Syzygy]

9. Skinner always says they count on us

to help rule enforcement. I decided awhile back that if DU is to be my community, I want it to be a nice place. As nice as possible given the wide array of personality, and it IS the Internets...

I try to always keep up my end by following the rules, and alerting even if it doesn't amount to action. Sometimes I think the mods have me on Ignore :rofl: Some days I cover a wide swath of DU, and I'm uniform in method. Sometimes I honestly don't know if there's an infraction, but state so in the alert window. Recently there was a big call out post in one forum, which was eventually locked, as it should have been. Not everyone has the same community standard.

[MorningGlow]

12. I think I know the call-out thread you were talking about

Was it yesterday? If so, I alerted on it, and fairly early on at that. I didn't go look up the specific rule it was violating; my gut said "this is wrong and CRUEL" (that's what I meant about general ethics), so I alerted and let the mods decide.

I don't want to be a DU "informant"/ratfink :rofl: but I will protect my fellow hoomins whenever possible. I can't NOT--my conscience wouldn't leave me alone till I took action in this example.

[omega minimo]

10. "Please also address now the linking/posting from one thread/forum to another for abusive purposes"

was the question. Forum to Forum, Group to Group, Group to Forum, Forum to Group... It's the toxic behavior, unchecked, that's gotten out of hand.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=5524913&mesg_id=5529983

[MorningGlow]

13. Right--not just groups--all over DU.

I admit I have been guilty of linking, to a degree. I don't think I've ever linked and said "look at this idiot--let's go insult him/her" though.

[LaurenG]

11. There is entirely too much power given to those who want to feel powerful at other peoples expense.

Most people in real life don't say the kinds of things to each other that are said on message boards. Even the most hateful and divisive people online would see the pain in their victims eyes and stop themselves from going too far and saying things in ways that are hurtful.


I agree that the best way around this is to just ignore them by putting them on ignore and alerting to the (as skinner puts it) "antisocial behavior."

People that feel the need to hurt others are in need of lots of love and support, unfortunately that is the last thing anyone except those who feel as they do feel like giving them. However, It's what they need so they go into their group and drum up support. They feel better by making fun of others or by trying to make others feel as bad as they do.

:hug: :grouphug:

[omega minimo]

14. Some of the worst

are actually physically ill. presumably uncomfortable or in pain.

Skinner's thread was interesting b/c so many want to be the recipienct of respect but not practice being the first to extend it.

"Zero tolerance" would clean up a lot of chronic messes and allow other vioces to speak up, that avoid posting or certain Forums due to bullying.

[MorningGlow]

15. People are indeed lashing out

What alarms me is how many START at 11, if you know what I mean--they come out guns blazing with their first post. I often wonder what causes them to be so angry right off the bat; physical pain would account for it in some cases, yes. That's a good thing to keep in mind.

[omega minimo]

16. and

ego


:hi:

[MorningGlow]

17. Check your PM in a minute n/t

[Why Syzygy]

18. That's a good reminder.

Many of us suffer physically and/or mentally. There are times when I avoid posting for a day or two.
My main objective in bringing this up is that we do our part to avoid as much as possible engaging in controversy/feuding with other sub groups. People are drawn to blood shed. Gawkers and such. It's human nature. So, we do what we can to mitigate any that affects our particular group. Like I told you before, there is no such thing as behavior modification at DU. Ain't gonna happen. Not going to change the mods or members. I'm a protective little lioness and want to keep my den here as safe as possible from the hyenas. I'm not on a grand scale remodel mission for DU. :grouphug:

[NuttyFluffers]

19. i'll vow to keep things "in house," so to speak. no linking from here to main forums.

i normally never link w/in DU anyways, but i understand that there's some freaky, neurotic stalkers out there and have no interest in attracting their attention here. there's some real hostility to anything remotely deviating from Materialistic philosophy in the main forums, and i'm rather loth to casually share ideas from here, let alone names, because i think the expected reprisals are not worth it (arguing with a fence post isn't productive either). however i will share good ideas with some, in generalities, because i think they can handle it -- i just don't reply to the toxic antagonism.

about alerts... i used to. however i feel there's some pet groups here, and/or devious rules lawyers who skate on thin ice but have a history of following the letter of the law to harass their targets. in a way i've given up on DU mods years ago, and the recent result the past 4 years is wholly unsurprising to me. i expected a more toxic, crueler, cruder, partisan, seeming paid-for-plant discourse and haven't been disappointed. i contribute positivity where i can, but not everyone is worth my sanity or extra effort. DU used to be a nigh addiction, now it's just mild amusement with some old friends in the mix.

[Why Syzygy]

20. When using 'alert'

it definitely helps to not become emotionally invested in the outcome. Remain detached. I've seen what I consider are unfair practices too. But one of the very big RULES is not to mess with the mods. I think that's fair. They are volunteers and human after all. I've allowed some personal attacks on me to stand simply to allow others to see the flamer in all their glory. It's more difficult to step aside when I think someone else is being abused.

You get it. I just don't want to draw more attention here either.
I hope some find us just as boring as I find their discussions.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

21. This group is the most active and supportive in all DU

I feel. The rest of the place can be terrible at times with flame wars and depression and paranoia floating around--and you come here and you can breathe and be at peace.

I understand about linking, and I have linked in the past, but mostly to point out someone (usually a newbie who you can't PM) who is being bullied on the big board. What do you think would be the proper protocol (beyond alerting, which I do) to make the poster feel welcome and that they are not alone?


The other time I link to GD or the like is if someone there has posted something interesting on science or the like that I feel is worth a look--and then we can discuss our slant on it here. How can we do this so we aren't linking, even as a source?

I think not linking is a good idea, and so would like to know what to do in these two instances so we can maintain our non-linking pledge and yet help out those in need and have access to interesting ideas for discussion.

[Why Syzygy]

22. Well, so far

there doesn't seem to be a definitive rule. There's nothing wrong about posting links from GD and what not about a topic. It's the subtle call out about specific posters that is a problem, as I see it; and involving group members in a discussion in which they are not involved and who's identity is irrelevant to the topic at hand. I don't want to discourage anyone from compassionate use of links. The thing about the GD thread discussed in the OP is that is appeared in GD and is ostensibly about "name change" when the link provided to our group is not relevant. There were several other GD threads with "name change" topics which could have been cited if that were the true reason for posting one. As it stood, is appeared to be a call out on our entire group.

Make sense?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

24. Ah!

Yes it does. I was reading posts hurriedly this morning, and actually was a bit late to work because I had to read and comment here. Now I'm at lunch, and will look at all the comments and study that linked thread.

[omega minimo]

27. "toxic" behavior

None of which has come from this Group:

OPing in a forum or group to create an attack swarm, with the link, to another OP/forum/group. This is not for informational purposes. It is an attack and the provocateurs are blatant about it in the OP and or OP title.

Linking to posts of other DUers in a thread, stalking, storing and stirring up shit in one thread, disrupting and dragging in link/posts from others. This is not constructive, it is intended to be destructive and defamatory. Even if the posts speak for themselves, the misrepresentations or pretense is disruptive and the stalking, cross thread fighting and misrepresentations all violate DU Rules.

While being on the receiving end of an attack that reached insane proportions, I alerted and assumed the Mods would correct it. It was allowed to continue and to stand. Then the pretense was that I had been disruptive. I stepped into it, not knowing how toxic the attitudes and behavior were; or that the few kingpins control the ability of other rational people to have multi disciplinary interests, ideas and discussions.

This Forum is under scrutiny by such septics and was also visited by one pretending to have an honest question, which was a loaded question on an ill intentioned mission.

The beauty is that most in the thread didn't realize the subterfuge and were loving, kind, gracious, treated the OP with integrity and by their actions proved every point of philosophy that this Group represents.

After another skirmish with those who believe "There's nothing to discuss until you're capable of demonstrating measureable, provable, repeatable evidence of what you claim," it is striking to realize that these poor souls have their tantrums and make their demands -- not just out of needy egos or sick physcial/spiritual health -- but because THEY SEEK VALIDATION for their own experiences of "Unexplained" that frighten them. Or they are afraid of being treated the way they treat others on DU. This didn't really sink in until today, although previously I've seen some of the same vitriolic aggressors speak openly among themselves about what they vociferously attack as "woo" elsewhere.

The ASAH topic and the offensive term "woo" -- a slur, as charged as it is and as irrational/violent as their behavior -- is seen as fair game, open target by some on DU. The tendency in ASAH is to exemplify the integrated behavior mentioned above and not bother paying attention to the troublemakers.

The recent aggregious abuses against this topic that were largely left unchecked and the malintended use of linking are why I asked Skinner the question. It's not just this topic or one gang that does it. There are other attack lines for swarms via wormholes b/w forums.

The truth is that the few who get away with it are quite blatant and the toxic behavior is unrepentant and continues.

"...and degrades the quality of discussion for everyone."

I am openminded that Skinner's thread and the change of moderation season can inspire improved communications.

And if ASAH is still attacked by rabid rabble rousers, maybe they're asking for help.

[Why Syzygy]

28. OM ...

I know you have been hurt a lot. I strive to find meaning for my personal journey in those trials. I have to or I would come unglued.
It's a balancing act between taking care of myself (including those close to me and those 'weaker' (none of us are really weaker than another)) without becoming aggressive in the same manner as those so apt to ridicule us/our belief system. I think Lauren posted something about this issue awhile back--her growth vis a vis the primary. (If there was a code to put that word in shivering letters, I would.) Even in this group, there were some pretty rough hurdles.

I'm so appreciative to DesertRose for her recent threads citing David Wilcock's blog. It was in reading there that our experience at DU came into sharper focus.

On an individual level we are learning to love and respect others, while also learning to love and respect ourselves. Developing and maintaining healthy boundaries, while still loving the people who accuse us of ‘ego’ for standing up for ourselves.

It is learning to confidently and politely say ‘no’ when someone wants to manipulate and control you, while simultaneously avoiding sarcasm, anger and victim consciousness in favor of peace and acceptance. You’re not judging them as a person; you simply do not agree with their actions in this situation.

For "loving", I give myself permission to accept that as a challenge for my Actions, not my Feelings.

I've been posting more in here the past few days. I took a posting break because I had some deep level conflicts within myself. As I have moved through that, I've noticed that I feel a lot more secure in Who I Am, and the validity of my thoughts and feelings. That has often been a huge issue in my personal life. I was glad to see that you got positive feedback on the post in the most recent upsetting GD conflict. We need that. But, until we are in a certain place within ourselves, no amount of validation from others satisfies that need.

It is learning to be so at peace with yourself that you can withdraw from someone who wishes to abuse you — if they do not respond to your polite request that they change their behavior.

You can be so at peace within yourself that you walk away from abusive people who refuse to change, and you choose to be alone — for a time — without feeling alone.

This has been my challenge. Over the past number of weeks, I have developed a powerful ability to walk away. Some DU'ers are VERY adept at posting the most savory, tasty, mmm good, Bait. How can I not indulge myself? It's RIGHT THERE in front of me! It's worse than trying not to laugh when someone tickles me! Some DU'ers are such that they will NEVER stop the tit/tat unless they have final word. Those are the ones that make it easy to walk away at my own speed. I don't measure my validation as being the final word. Aside: Of course there are many more DU'ers who willingly engage in constructive dialog.

I do engage at times, just to the degree that I can maintain my self respect and feel satisfied that my point has been made. This is the goal, at least. It's been put to practice many many times, and includes an ongoing recalibration effort. The goal isn't to make sure THEY get my point, but rather that I have been true to myself without causing any damage.

This has been stewing around in my thinker for a bit. I couldn't figure out exactly what was going on until I read David's blog. That's IT!

LEARNING TO BE YOUR OWN PROTECTOR WITHOUT LOSING LOVE

Of course, this ‘aggressive’ stage is not the end, but merely another level within the soul’s journey. The culmination of the awakening process is, as I said, learning to be your own protector without losing the love and peace you feel inside.

You learn to be fulfilled within yourself — without the constant need for validation from others.

This is the Powerful ability I've discovered! And, it seems to fit with some of the things Rick has been telling me/us.

I don't mean to imply that YOU are aggressive. I wonder if it speaks to you?
The flip side shows me that those who most violently ridicule me are still on the aggression step.

bold quotes:
http://divinecosmos.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=467&Itemid=70

I just re-read your post, and I think we said the same thing! :rofl: I feel silly.
Are they asking for help? Could be. But, maybe no more than we are. :grouphug:

[Why Syzygy]

29. Here's something else

from David's blog. I promise I did not go looking for this. I'm reading whatever series is of interest to me at the moment. This is in the middle of one about Britney Spears!

Others get caught up in the worship of the mind, and become “Highly Intelligent Skeptics,” or “Trolls” as they are often called – those people who haunt paranormal discussion boards and attempt to rip well-intentioned seekers apart with their apparently ‘scientific’ and ‘logical’ arguments – even while their fast temper and nagging persistence is more consistent with the behavior of a two-year-old.

The vast majority of people who are interested in the paranormal have not elevated it to a level where they can discuss it in a reasoned, rational, well-thought-out manner, and Trolls love to gore them in public for it. Don’t fall for it. Don’t feed the Trolls! You will never win!

If you’ve ever wrestled with these types, you’ll know that they invariably engage in something called Intellectual Dishonesty. Even if you make a really good point, they will NEVER acknowledge it. You can never actually get them to change their mind or see your side – they will simply change tactics, such as the old “ad hominem / attack the messenger” canard, or go after someone else and ignore you.

If nothing else, they are content to hurt your feelings and make you miserable. In my own worst-case scenario, I really put a lot of time into one of these folks, and my parting gift was him telling me he would “skull f-k” me “for all eternity”.

So yes… some people’s God Reflex gets caught up in bringing others hurt and pain. This actually satisfies their own wounded ego’s need for a feeling of safety, comfort, warmth and love, which traces all the way back to our infantile stage of development.

This email assailant, as it turned out, had serious physical damage that made him unable to walk normally, and he had retreated into the worship of the mind, since the body was unfulfilling. Once he confessed that to me, he ended up hating me even more.

He assumed I had all these wonderful things in my life that he was missing. Getting me to feel pain brought him a sense of vindication – because he felt that if there really was a God, then he wanted revenge. Therefore, he went after people who considered themselves messengers.

http://divinecosmos.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=293&Itemid=70

[Why Syzygy]

30. Wow. This just gets better and better.

David does have a degree in psychology. This is like FREE THERAPY! He's writing exactly what I was talking about; how I've come to see my part in the scenario. In fact in another thread I posted a dream I had several nights ago ...

I dreamed of one of the skeptics with whom I've actively engaged several times. It was a really neat dream overall with all sorts of people joining together, and he was one of them. At one point, he and I went to the buffet together, he took his pony tail down (long hair), and ordered something besides beer saying if I wasn't drinking beer, he didn't have to. Astounding. Since I believe all dream images are facets of self, I felt a real sense of healing from that.

This is what David writes:

REHAB FROM LACK OF SELF-RESPECT THANKS TO SKEPTICAL ATTACKERS

If your own ‘drug’ of choice is unworthiness and lack of self-respect, then wrestling with “Trolls” IS your own rehab – and you don’t graduate the program until you voluntarily check out of the clinic and stop engaging these assailants.

Up until you graduate this type of Rehab, you’ve been projecting your own shadow self onto your attackers. Your shadow tells you, “None of this $#!+ is really true. You are not special. You’re a meat package. You die, you rot and it stinks, so we put your filth in a box and bury it. You don’t deserve love, respect or attention, unless it’s negative.”

That’s a voice inside yourself, and you desperately want to heal it. Most of us seem to have a much easier time healing these things by re-creating the whole drama with someone else, rather than processing it alone, inside ourselves, such as in meditation. (...)
same link

What this tells me is that we, as a collective, are going through rehab as a group effort! All over the Internet people are out there scuffling and flaming and torching their way to SELF RESPECT, what David calls feelings of "safety, comfort, warmth and love"!
This is so meaningful. It restores my hope in our collective future. A planet full of healed beings. :wow:

[omega minimo]

31. You're so right about the lessons

Including lessons from those who act as adversaries. Now it seems there is more fear than anything else at the irrational center of the antagonism, connected to this:

"Most of us seem to have a much easier time healing these things by re-creating the whole drama with someone else, rather than processing it alone, inside ourselves, such as in meditation."

There it is. Processing it alone, inside ourselves, takes time and patience and courage. If some are already intimidated out of their own deep experience, by fear or indoctrination, they may not find the time, patience or courage to integrate that experience into their life. And be confused or angered by those who have.

Demanding "proof" to help them help themselves.

"This is so meaningful. It restores my hope in our collective future. A planet full of healed beings."

"I hope one day you'll join us, and the world will live as one." John Lennon.

:hi:

[MorningGlow]

23. Oh yes, I'd definitely still link to informative threads in the big forums and other groups

if those threads would be of interest to the ASAH group. LilD has pointed out some great ones and, as we've often said, if someone here didn't let us know about them, many of us may have missed them.

As for bullying/newbie alerts, perhaps we could mention what the topic is and which forum it's in and let ASAH members decide for themselves whether they want to seek the thread out on their own. Something like that usually stays on the first page for a while, making it easy to locate.

Or perhaps someone else has some other, better ideas...? I'm all for it! :hi:

[katty]

25. I wld still link, if it cld spark an interest in this group-I'm just

so tired of the bullys and the predictable heaps of bullshit they serve up. It is nice to hang out over here.

[NuttyFluffers]

26. i have no problem inviting people to "step outside and look," i just won't "invite carelessly"

hence i'll try to keep things "in house," not as some sort of secluded special club, but more of respecting the peaceful boundaries of this place.

however, being a part of "the community" means that no matter how much of a haven, sanctuary, hermitage, this group is, its members still need to feel free to interact with the groups of the public domain. so, naturally, looking at topics we may have missed (or choose to discuss here in a less cantankerous environ), or giving lonely newcomers a friendly welcome and a place to find rapport, is not really a debatable point, but an expectation of us as just community members on a larger whole. we care about the privacy and psychic health of our own, but we also are very much a part of the 'body DU'.

we have the capacity to do both: not draw unwarranted attention, AND be engaged and welcoming. humans are delightfully complex like that.

[Why Syzygy]

32. kick

I'm kicking this due to a recent situation which may indicate Skinner's rule is being ignored.

[JanusAscending]

39. late last night...after I got home from babysitting

my grandson, I checked in here and thought WHAT THE HELL DID I MISS?? Went to DU and found out. In one of the longer threads(I didn't get into the frey at all!) I found one post worthy of alerting on, which I did, and see that it's GONE...deleted...today! Score one for us at least! This is just too maddening to believe. Onward and upward guys! We don't need to be part of "teh stoopid"!! They forget that FAITH CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS!!

[get the red out]

33. Yep, we need this thread again

I can't understand why self-proclaimed liberals would want to create a small tent? That's what we accuse Republicans of doing, and we are right when we do, but why are liberals so completely intolerant of other view points appearing within the fold?

I was quite disgusted at what I can only call an orchestrated effort to silence and humiliate anyone who had an opposing view to what some decided was "acceptable" today. That behavior is quite sick, really. Teabagger level rage.








(and thanks for the help with the pics)

[Why Syzygy]

34. I think it is part of the unraveling.

I truly believe the power structure is about to topple. Those of that old paradigm have gone even more hysterical. REAL science is going to rule the age we are embracing. David Wilcock is now saying TPTW (the powers that were) ;) are desperate to hang on to something they know is slipping away. I believe that with all my heart. The days they succeed with their misdeeds are over.

edit: Just saw that! :applause: Give me goose bumps why doncha! :D

[OneGrassRoot]

35. I definitely need to stay away from DU in general for a while. :)

I did post on NeedleCast's thread last night. Omega is defending open-mindedness and tolerance with a valiant effort! :)

Otherwise, there is way too much of a toxic feel. It's bad enough that DU -- simply because of the nature of the subject matter being politics and world events -- is such a negative place to navigate, but when it turns inward I must check myself and realize there's no need to expose myself to that. It's a great place for news, so I'll glimpse at greatest threads but that's it for a while. Not forever, just a while to get rid of this icky feeling.

Most of us have too much chaos and a sense that we're being "attacked" IRL; no need to invite it in other places, IMHO.

Had it out with my right-wing sister yesterday, too. No, not about the moon...lol...but her typical right-wing fundie attitude yet they are going to take advantage of 1) Obama's mortgage re-modification to stay in their home; 2) they have state-provided insurance for their kids and themselves; and use other "socialist" programs to keep their sorry, irresponsible asses afloat.

I got to use my "If Jesus - bleeding-heart liberal that he was -- were alive today, you guys would crucify him all over again" line. I enjoy that. It's always met with complete, stunned silence.

:)

Wishing you and yours well.....

:hug:

:grouphug:

[get the red out]

36. Understand all that!

I didn't enter any part of DU but ASAH for a couple of months because of stuff like this. I have wandered back in and am careful of how I post out there in GD, but you are right about the negativity. I can't take much of it, yesterday blew my mind, obviously.

Sorry about the argument with your sister. I understand how hard it is dealing with folks that intentionally have their heads stuck in the sand, so frustrating.

We will persevere, and thank you for all your wisdom at ASAH.

GTRO

[Why Syzygy]

37. That's why Skinner called it "TOXIC"

It is a violation of human decency. Of course sadists don't have any to exhibit.
Don't forget the ignore option. It does lessen the trauma. :hug:

[BanzaiBonnie]

38. Good point Syzygy

This is quote I picked up somewhere in my research on borderline personality disorder:

Bullying is obsessive and compulsive; the serial bully has to have someone to bully and appears to be unable to survive without a current target.



Did you see the video yesterday of the policeman who beat the special needs student who had his shirt untucked? That guy is now charged with rape, and in 2008 he shot down his ex-wife's husband in front of their children, claimed self defense and the police bought it. Now he's saying that the boy he beat up was mouthing off to him. I DON"T CARE WHAT THE YOUNG MAN SAID TO YOU.


Perhaps the police will look into that 2008 shooting.

[Why Syzygy]

40. I'm convinced it is a mental disease

and it isn't limited to DU of course. Have you seen Max Blumenthal's new book, Republican Gomorrah: Inside the Movement that Shattered the Party? He links fundamentalism with a perverse group who grew up being abused and pass it along to their children in the name of their god. The abuse develops a sado-masochistic personality disorder. That's why the fundies can claim to follow Jesus, but not only disregard his teachings on caring for the less fortunate, but actually DESPISE the poor, needy and 'stranger'. (I posted a good interview with Max a while back in R/T.) Hate is a hallmark of fundamentalism, no matter what they call themselves.