Shocking Thoughts
It is shocking that Delaware LIBERAL is a liberal blog. I am shocked, SHOCKED I tell you that commenters who simply parrot GOP talking points fail to impress anyone.
It is totally shocking that parroting GOP talking points on this liberal blog around the clock does not convert anyone to Republicanism.
Most of all, I find it shocking that there are no other outlets for parroting GOP talking points than right here….on this liberal blog.
I think most of the professed conservative commenters come over here because they’re intrigued and conflicted….and I’m not just talking about a taboo hankering for man-ass.
Are you kidding me? Delaware Liberal is a LIBERAL blog. Sheesh, think we could come up with a name that warned people?
I am shocked, shocked that there is liberalism going on at this blog.
Hey man, gotta go where the sinners are.
… cause sinners are much more fun!
(Go on… finish the verse. You know you want to!)
Only Kennedys die young?
Preaching to the choir all the time gets old. A little civil discourse is fun, especially if it riles folks up enough that they get uncivil.
G Rex, that line puts you in the sinner category!
Nothing wrong with being a sinner!
Is it a sin to have sex before marriage? Is it a sin to question the teachings of a fake god? Is it a sin to drink to excess? Is it a sin to value the rights of a rational, thinking woman over the rights of a bundle of cells? Is it a sin to want tools of destruction to be controlled? Is it a sin to want the future of America to be based on rational discourse rather than the 2000 year old ramblings of a few men? Is it a sin to want al Americans to have equality under the force of law? Is it a sin to value the honest inquiry of science over the wall of blind faith? Is it a sin to want to do dirty things to Christina Aguilera, even though I’m a married man?
Well, sir, I guess I’m a sinner, and I’m the better man for it!
“Is it a sin to question the teachings of a fake god?”
You mean like Hillary supporters?
A little civil discourse is fun, especially if it riles folks up enough that they get uncivil.
Tread carefully, you’re nearing troll territory
Hmm, umm…… ouch, I guess…?
Well, I cannot speak for anyone else, and I am not (as previously mentioned) a GOP-er, so this probably was not directed at me… That said, I think you misunderstand where some people are coming from.
I initially came to this weblog to try and combat some blatant misinformatoin and heinous bigotry concerning firearms, firearm owners, and those who would stand up for their rights as protected by the Second Amendment.
However, my target audience was never really the authors of this particular weblog, nor the frequent readers. Both those sets of people are already so set in their ways that someone as unskilled in debate as I could never convince either of anything. My target audience, however, is those undecided people who might stumble upon this, or any other weblog. As you, yourselves, would probably profess (and if you do not, your actions show it sufficiently), the authors of this weblog are not at all concerned about balancing opinions or presenting two sides of the same argument, so someone else has to help you out.
That said, if you are, at all, interested in converting people to your respective points of views… your current methodology will fail. Miserably. Basically, from what I have read on this weblog, every theme basically boils down to, “If a Democrat/liberal said it, it is the Truth of God, Passed Down On the Breast of Busty Angels… and if a Republican/conservative said it, it is, by its very definition, wrong.” It would not really matter if Obama said the solar system is geocentric and I said it was heliocentric… you would agree with him and disagree with me. Throw in some childish namecalling, ad hominem insults, and hit puree… and that is this site.
It is typical for liberal weblogs I have stumbled across, but it is still disappointing every time, and certainly does you all no good.
“My target audience, however, is those undecided people who might stumble upon this, or any other weblog. ”
Yup. I don’t expect to convert DE Liberal contributors, I do it for the undecided and anyone else who happens to read. That way they can see blatant misinformation/lies actually being shot down. At the very least it allows them to see the discourse, see both sides of it on the same page, and see how the two sides interact.
LONG LIVE THE BUBBLE!
Oh, you both are big fibbers! You come here because of controversy and the number of comments and hits. Doing a little blog recruiting?
This is a pretty typical Linoge comment.
He usually comes to a blog, pretending he’s an independent who just wants to *help.* After his parrotted talking points are shot down–he becomes a martyr and claims *all* liberal websites are biased and unfair because they don’t embrace his views.
I try to embrace all views, then crush it like a grizzly! 😛
You can crush a grizzly? Awesome!
“My target audience, however, is those undecided people who might stumble upon this, or any other weblog. ”
The hallmark of the trolls.
You have an audience? You are performing here? This is why you guys are non-stop hubris and disinformation. People looking for an audience have their own blogs, so they might be able to engage their target audiences in a conversation in issues and ideas that interest them. You are welcome to your talking points, but don’t get your nose out of joint when no one here finds them the least bit compelling.
Your target audience, indeed. People stumbling upon this blog are looking for discussion on Delaware politics, not on whatever your talking points are.
Thanks for outing yourself as one of our trolls.
It is a “hallmark of trolls” to present opposing opinions and information to the obviously biased diatribes found here? That is an interesting definition you are operating under, Cassandra, and, sadly, it only gives credence to the claims that your weblog is treated as something of a “bubble” by its authors.
Furthermore, I do have a weblog of my own (where such exchanges as the one you describe frequently take place) as is clearly evinced by my hyperlinked username here. However, since you are apparently unable to grasp that concept, it may be found here: http://www.wallsofthecity.net .
Finally, people looking for “discussion on Delaware politics” are my target demographic, as is anyone who has not 100% made up their minds yet, looking for anything, anywhere. You see, when biased, dishonest, and generally disreputable information and opinions are expressed anywhere, it is incumbent upon anyone with an opposing viewpoint to make that position known – otherwise, what would be the point of communication at all? I am fully aware and understand that you and the other authors here desire an echo chamber… however, until such time as you restrict commenting to only those who agree with you, people like me will continue to pipe up whenever we see the need. In fact, if you are so very concerned about and protective of your bubble, I might suggest that you be a little more controlling concerning your commenting policy and allowances… after all, you would not be the first website to succumb to “reasoned discourse”.
Thanks for outing yourself as a close-minded, ignorant, solipsistic, sensitive child. It is always good to know who one is dealing with, is it not?
“You see, when biased, dishonest, and generally disreputable information and opinions are expressed anywhere, it is incumbent upon anyone with an opposing viewpoint to make that position known – ”
Exactly. That’s all we’re doing here. I correct the ignorance, misinformation, and yes flat out lies that are espoused regarding firearms here. Nothing wrong with doing so, and if you allow commenting then you should expect that people will call you out when you post things that are ignorant and/or factually incorrect.
In fact, I have a vested interest in doing so here, since I’d rather not have you spouting ignorant, untrue anti-gun drivel to a Delaware audience. That only feeds more ignorance and misinformation on the issue among my fellow Delawareans. That ignorance (which you help promote) can trample my rights should Delawareans act without knowing the facts.
“He usually comes to a blog, pretending he’s an independent who just wants to *help.* After his parrotted talking points are shot down–he becomes a martyr and claims *all* liberal websites are biased and unfair because they don’t embrace his views.”
This description marks what is known as the “concern troll.”
They are coming here because they want to argue, and their blogs, just like most blogs, attract mostly like-minded people.
“if you allow commenting then you should expect that people will call you out when you post things that are ignorant and/or factually incorrect.”
The notion that innocent minds might come here to form their impressions about firearms is laughable.
The trolls will disappear when nobody engages them. A self-imposed ban on gun-centered posts would help.
Okay, sorry to change the topic but this drivel from McCain’s camp is absolutely insane.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/28/mccain-adviser-everyone-in-us-has-some-health-coverage/
“The trolls will disappear when nobody engages them. A self-imposed ban on gun-centered posts would help.”
I don’t know about that. I discuss plenty of non-gun related topics with the DE Liberal crowd here.
Phantom – That’s actually technically true, but still a stupid thing to say.
Yes, we’ve noticed. But you’re also a little kid, so you’ll move on when your hobby horse breaks down.
“The notion that innocent minds might come here to form their impressions about firearms is laughable.”
I never claimed that they were. All I said was that if you’re going to post misinformation and crap that’s patently false you can expect to be corrected. Hell, if you post anything with a particular slant to it you can expect those with an opposing position to take issue with it. Isn’t that what comment sections are for?
-TomCat – Ah the age card again. That BS is getting old.
“Ah the age card again. That BS is getting old.”
Someday you’ll get old, too, and you’ll look back on your excellent adventure this summer as a waste of time.
Mike,
It is only technically true in the sense that the hospitals are forced to treat you to stable condition. But then they can gladly go after any and all your assets to pay for your unpaid emergency room visit. So now you lose all of your after tax income and property as well b/c you decided that this is insurance. Also, please explain how hospitals would at all survive if that plan was implemented and there were no more uninsured just those dependent on free hospital care. The entire idea is ridiculous and there is a reason that people are labeled uninsured and yet still given access to hospitals for emergencies. Because not everything is an EMERGENCY but can still be dangerous. The entire premise of the argument is meant to disguise the fact that McCain and his advisers do not have any type of plan to deal with the Health Care crisis so why not rename it and just say that it is now okay. THAT IS 100% BUSH!!!
Linoge’s thesaurus must have Cheeto-stained dog ears.
“Reasoned discourse” should be a big tip-off. Many gunloons seek to debate their views and issues; that’s fine. But when folks poke big holes in their arguments and point out their many logical and factual fallacies–they decide those folks aren’t engaging in “reasoned discourse.”
They then clutch their pearls and retire to the fainting settee.
People like Linoge will continue to pipe up? Unlikely. Gunloons prefer mobs and when they’re outnumbered will crawl back under their rocks.
Registered Republican signing in who LOVES this blog. However, while I do agree w/ VC on “intrigued”, I must take exception w/ “conflicted”. I hope first and foremost I am principled. What I basically believe about “liberals”, is they too are “principled”…..but it makes one an outlier in the realm of things. The confusion I hate is this site does equate liberal w/ Democrat—so no matter what;..right out of the shoot on this Delaware site….you get bump points for your known party affiliation, no matter how heinous your idealogy presents. A credible person from “across the aisle”, may have to work twice–no make that five–times as hard to be even given a second look. That’s not liberal…and that’s not progressive. If you are secure enough to call yourself a liberal, don’t get all “righteous” by thinking that means a Democratic trademark…and everyone else is mindless, a sheep, or drinks Kool-Aid or whatever other beverage you throw out there. Maybe that’s where I’m conflicted…it says Delaware Liberal….NOT Delaware Democratic Liberal at the top…I wish people (commenters), would stay to the topic, expound liberally, moderately, or conservatively, and knock off DISMISSING a point of view because of known party affiliation. In the current words of a favorite “tween” phenomenon” I get to always hear blaring from a CD etc…”We’re all in this together….”. Just trying to problem solve here.
However, that being said, and before someone fires back all pissy at me…You guys have been gracious to Tyler Nixon and I even saw a thumbs up written in the past (I believe by Nancy), for Ramone…..but you will defend for the most part to your last toenail ANY Democrat…no matter how much you will complain about them here; over a Republican who challenges. This is a small state–our impact can be huge–I think Delaware Liberal has the opportunity; and heck the responsibility; to see that the consequences aren’t larger because of narrow mindedness.
Thanks for letting me stay and say as long as you have…and I will admit there may be a “greater” mission statement of this blog and entities that I am admittedly ignorant to–but my contact folks in Rhode Island this past weekend “got me”, and agreed—-and that was at a Blue State Coffeehouse!!!
“People like Linoge will continue to pipe up? Unlikely. Gunloons prefer mobs and when they’re outnumbered will crawl back under their rocks.”
Really? I seem to be greatly outnumbered here and it doesn’t bother me a bit.
Am I wrong about this, or does it seem that Jason, pretty much alone, of the DL writers, is annoyed to have his wisdom challenged? Even Delaware’s dweebiest blogger doesn’t seem to be hostile to challengers! 🙂
Mike W put it exactly right: there’s little fun and less utility in preaching to the choir than there is to beard the hyena in his den.
But, why would conservatives choose the Delaware Liberal as a decent place to do this? Well, I found out about this site several months ago when one of you (Donviti, I believe) linked to something Art Downs wrote about Mike Castle; Mr Downs wants Republicans in office, but isn’t as impressed with Mr Castle as he might be.
What DL is is big enough, without being too big. Places like the Lost Kos are simply cacophony on the web. Pandagon has its interesting moments, but the hosts have degenerated so thoroughly into snarkiness that actually discussing things gets both difficult and hateful. (You can see the loving testimonials I have gotten from Jesse Taylor and Amanda Marcotte in the sidebar to my site; and Sharon has a couple of fine ones on her own. 🙂
DL is pretty much just the right size. The layout is clean, crisp and easy to navigate, and the comment threads don’t get so clogged as to make actual debate difficult.
In addition, for me, since I lived in Hockessin for two years, I have points of reference to some things you discuss. Art Downs, who writes on my site, lives in Delaware.
The question is: just what do you want with DL? Is preaching to the choir, no trolls allowed, really what you want?
here’s to slipping concrete in your boots you rush limbaugh nutjob!
🙂
that’s b/c you are a troll
This is kind of a party for me. I like talking to all sorts of people at a party, not just people I agree with. Some of the best times I’ve had blogging have been with people I disagree with. I like the jibes and the wit and the insights. In fact I count Dave Burris and Rsmitty as two of my actual friends that I’ve made through blogging. Because they bring something to the party.
But when someone comes to a party and starts taking a crap on the carpet I think it is time for them to leave. When someone comes to this party and wants to bust up the place without adding anything useful or interesting I have a problem with that.
Is that clear enough for you Dana?
Lay off Rush, DV!!!!!!
Rush is my lifeline to reality!
I do like your party analogy Jason–and some people just drink too much when they party I guess!!!
“The question is: just what do you want with DL? Is preaching to the choir, no trolls allowed, really what you want?”
Jason – So the answer to this question is Yes?
Impeding debate isn’t generally the sign of a good blog. I prefer to take the stance that comment policy should be viewpoint neutral so long as there’s no ad spamming or threats being made.
My answer is stop shitting on the carpet and bring something to the party.
And my answer is, I have brought something and you don’t like it.
Suck it up and deal with it.
Quote corrected. You can thank me later.
So it would appear that Jason’s answer to Dana’s question is “Yes.”
I find that sad. Hell, I even allow JadeGold to comment over at my place, and most of what he says doesn’t even have a shred of truth to it, nor any evidence to back it up. Still, I have no problem letting him comment because I think it’s more effective to allow even ignorant, lying, bigoted dissent, that way you can succinctly refute their “arguments.” I find that more fun, and more effective than any other means of discourse.
I love when someone posts things that I know to be flat out untrue and that I can prove as such with empirical evidence. I find that’s the most effective way to shut someone up.
Hell, just look at my post about arming teachers in Texas and the debate I had with Nemski in the comments. Rather than maintain an echo chamber I addressed, and destroyed his points with reason and facts backed up with actual data.
And think of it this way guys. If you posted anti gay stuff you’d expect pro-gay folks might come here and debate you. If you posted anti-christian stuff, same thing. That’s what comments are for, disagreement. If you don’t want that you should shut them off.
I started out as a liberal when I was a teenager, and started becoming more conservative after I turned 30. I think there’s some truth to the statement attributed to Churchill about having no heart if you aren’t a liberal as a young person and no brain if you aren’t a conservative as you age.
I discovered this site when donviti visited CSPT discussing a post on divorce that I had written. I think we started out sounding like we were on opposite sides, but eventually realized we had had somewhat similar experiences.
I like reading and commenting at DL because the variety of topics keeps it interesting and the cast of characters are, for the most part, friendly in a rough-and-tumble political way. I don’t usually agree with the opinions offered and will say so, but that’s about it.
People go to blogs of the opposite political persuasion because it’s more interesting to spar with people than listen to everybody agree. I don’t link to my own blog for 2 reasons: first, I don’t want to be accused of trolling for new readers and secondly, I tend to be rougher about liberals on my own blog. I try to be polite (except at Pandagon) when I go to others’ sites. What I say on my own blog is a different matter.