Reply #479: Mixed feelings

[FM Arouet666]

When I first read this post my initial impression was of anger and disappointment. I agree with Skinner that the media choose to portray this website, all who post here, and those which moderate and control the site, as supporting a farcical conspiracy theory. Skinner's outrage is justified, in the days of responsible journalism, both sides would be heard. This side was silenced. The method, lazy or deceptive, the result to portray this site as fringe, radical and to be discounted. Yes, Skinner should be outraged.

However, I was also disappointed to note that alerts should be given for conspiracy theories, the implication that these posts would be removed. I reviewed the original post, the author's supposition was one of a "living earth wounded by humankind's anti-environmental acts." Not something I believe, but not outside the bound of many other posts on this board. Where should self censorship end? The progressively more conservative media will find fault with much of what is found on this board. Censor conservative agenda notions or election fraud theories? What about other non-mainstream topics? Censor based on mainstream media attention?

My hope is that the board will remain open to all with liberal thinking, keep the crazy conspiracy theories, the fringe ideas, and let the board respond. As Skinner noted, most of the posts were critical of this kind of thinking. We do not need the main stream media to point this out. This is the same media which has given the administration carte blanche to attack a sovereign nation based on lies and misinformation. Gone are the days of integrity in journalism, a voice for the people. No, DU has nothing to be ashamed of, it is the mainstream media which has lost our trust.