Just asking a question. There is zero intent to litigate any issues except the question itself.

[Stinky The Clown]

This thread is about the question that follows. Not any other issues. Just the question.

Right now, in the Democratic sphere, there are debates about a few things that, while legitimate topics for debate, have come to drive wedges between us. Two in the news right now are school bussing and the "Betsy Ross" flag. There are others. Again, this thread is NOT to litigate this type of issue. It is wider than the primaries. Instead, it is about this question:

Have these issues risen to the top by malicious intent?

Not by the litigants, but by others. Russian Twitter Trolls? Russian bots? Home grown RW trolls? Are we being played? We see the new birtherism bullshit. We see Professor Dyson writing about the Betsy Ross flag, just today. These are sensitive issues. It seems to me they have risen at this time, in this climate, not by accident. Debates can quickly turn ugly. Who does that help?

Agin, the point of this post is to discuss one question:

Have these issues risen to the top by malicious intent?

[2naSalit]

1. Simple answer...

Yes. Looking at recent events since 2000, can't say they haven't.

[lsewpershad]

6. Thus, we need to get smarter.

[Eyeball_Kid]

2. Another question: Why pay attention to silly assertions and distractions like phony stories?

Are we THAT desperate for entertainment and stimulation?

There are MUCH BIGGER fish to fry. These are minnows in a lake full of salmon.

[Turin_C3PO]

3. I wouldn't be surprised.

Russian trolls and right-wing provocateurs are very active right now.

[Claritie Pixie]

4. Of course. They're more like splinters than wedges.

Designed to be highly inflammatory and cause a lot of pain.

Recognize this, and use discernment. Focus on the important issues that truly matter.

[EffieBlack]

5. I have absolutely no doubt that's exactly what's happening

[KPN]

7. Well, there's no question that there are

purposeful people heaping logs on the fire — in my mind at least.