Fed up with the negativity

[CrackityJones75]

I am so completely fed up with the negativity here on this site. There are some here who bring the same negative message to every single thread it seems (and then ironically complain about the dems message).

Do not get me wrong I am not talking about being critical about specific democrats or specific actions. I am talking about the constant “nothing is going to happen”, “we are going to lose x in the midterms”, etc, etc, etc. If we are the hardcore democrats ad the ones that really pull for our party and do all the things then we really shouldn’t be subjected to and reading this stuff here. This place is out gathering point, our sacred ground, our place of information and ideas sharing and I feel as though some are salting the soil here.

I don’t know. I have been around here lurking and reading much longer than my profile indicates and I remember a time when this type of stuff was put down, and called out. If spreading no faith in our party becomes acceptable here then we need to do something about it.

[Ferrets are Cool]

1. I'm here reading and posting way more often than I should be...

and I just don't see "all the negativity" to which you refer. As long as people do not cross the lines that the admins have created, we all have an equal right to speak our minds here. Just as you did in your OP.

[RussBLib]

2. you don't see it?

open your eyes. It gets really tiresome. I'm no Pollyanna, but there is at least one or two negative posts in each thread it seems. It can be demoralizing, and I have to think that is the intent.

[Ferrets are Cool]

3. Maybe I just glaze over them.

I suppose that could be why I don't notice it.

[walkingman]

6. Not to be snarky but.....Everything is not fine, things are not going our way, most

if not all of it is beyond our control (gas prices, Ukraine War, Covid issues, SCOTUS decisions, congressional gridlock, gun worship, voter suppression) so is it better to pretend that "Everything is OK"?

Yes, it does cause frustration and it is real. This is one of the few places for me that I can come an express my frustration, give my opinions, and discuss with likeminded people the issues that cause me frustration. I literally do not know anyone except my wife and some phone friends that think like I do - sadly.

[CrackityJones75]

12. Oh I think you are right to be able to express frustrations

Last edited Sun Jun 5, 2022, 11:27 AM - Edit history (1)

What I am talking about is wholly different than that. I am talking about personas that enjoy being known for bringing the negativity. I won’t allow myself to think it is for nefarious reason but.....

I think we all need a place to vent about what is going on in life but when it bleeds into general negativity about our party that is upsetting to me. If we need to address specific items about our party that is fine. But statements like “the Democratic party is weak” infuriates me to read here.

[walkingman]

30. Thanks - now I understand what you meant. For those that like to slam the Democratic Party

my response is - sure we are not perfect or get everything done that you might personally want but I can guarantee you that the alternative (GOP) will do nothing for you.

I have a nephew that constantly bitches about the Democratic Party not being Progressive enough but he doesn't seem to understand that in America we have a binary choice and just because you don't get everything you want you can't "take your toys and go home". Voting 3rd Party or just not voting is not an alternative. We outnumber the GOP and although the game is rigged against us (electoral college) we have the power to change that by VOTING.

[EYESORE 9001]

14. Can you point to a single instance of someone saying 'everything is fine and going our way?'

I’d like to think most folks on this board agree that everything is NOT alright and that things are NOT going our way. If it were otherwise, I probably wouldn’t be here. But, by hell, the day I give up on trying to turn things around is the day I leave this board. Reflexive shitposting of negativity serves no progressive purpose whatsoever.

[walkingman]

32. I agree. ☮

[EYESORE 9001]

4. It may not violate TOS per se

but the negativity does grow tiresome. For example, any thread involving indictments of rump or other insurrectionists is invariably met with moans of apathy that nothing will come of it. It’s hardly the only topic that brings out the naysayers, however. It’s like having a Borg loudspeaker in our midst insisting that ‘resistance is futile.’

It’s almost as though the pessimists have a goal of fucking with everyone else’s mental AND physical health:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/basics/pessimism

If someone assumes the fetal position and waits for disaster to wash over them, fine, but many of them have sufficient energy to seek threads to infect with negativity - often getting in their dig with the first reply. If only they’d use that energy for worthwhile purposes instead of acting like a crab in a basket, pulling back those trying to escape.

[CrackityJones75]

11. Exactly.

[CrackityJones75]

10. Ok well if you don't see it great.

But for me it is getting to be unbearable.

Good day!

[Tetrachloride]

5. There is quite a bit of subtle negativity.

This is evident in how many jury decisions are necessary.

The solution is not being positive. The solution are leaders who get stuff done and win.

[EYESORE 9001]

7. How motivated are pessimists to 'get stuff done and win'?

From my perspective, their sole motivation is to demoralize everyone else. ‘Why bother?’ is not much of a credo. It’s subversively counterproductive.

[Tetrachloride]

13. The future leaders are a unique species. i can't guess at their origin.

[EYESORE 9001]

15. Wut

[MiHale]

8. It's a political tactic...

and it’s obviously working well. You make people start doubting themselves. It creeps in slowly but left unchecked it cover everything. That doubt surfaces in comments to posts.
I also tend to run glaze over the comments as Ferret mentions. Everyone has their own fears about the condition of the government maybe they used to keep it in and now it’s coming out.

[edhopper]

9. I am often negaitive here

I am sorry, but I just see this country as Fucked UP and very little being done to change things.
I refuse to be silent because I see things as grim.
I appreciate the optimism others have and welcome their opinions.
But there is no reason for me not to voice mine.
That after the Trump Presidency and the attempted Coup, America might still put the GOP back in power (not to mention how they have illegitimately stacked the deck) does not make me hopeful.
A Rational country would reject the Republicans, instead I see too big a part embracing their lawless fascism.
You want me to remain silent so you can feel good? Sorry, no can do. I have as much right to post what you call negative and I call realistic as you posting about clear skies ahead.

[SoCalDavidS]

16. Excellent Post!

Just because some of us aren’t constantly spraying sunshine up everyone’s ass, doesn’t mean we don’t support the Democratic Party, or it’s ideals.

Should we all just go along and say things are just going swell, and getting better each day, when the opposite is true?

Speaking for myself, I’m fucking Pissed at how it’s turning out, and what it appears the future holds.

[EYESORE 9001]

20. There's a difference between recognizing problems and expressing apathy

If your opinion consists solely of apathy, I consider you an active participant in furthering the goals of our enemies. Things are bad, I’ll be the first to admit - just don’t tell me it’s a waste of time to try doing something about it.

[edhopper]

33. I have never recommended apathy

or doing nothing. I believe we must do what we can to stem the tide.
But when I say things like it looks to me that the GOP are trying to win in November no matter who votes. Or that Manchin and Simena have stopped the Democrats from doing anything to change that. I am confronted with the accusation that I am advocating doing nothing.
Stating what I see as the reality of the situation is not a call to do nothing.
It's the same with Trump, when those of us who see him escaping accountability, we are accused of being downers or helping the GOP.
Two impeachments and an attempted Coup live on TV did not change Trump's support. But when I question the live Congressional hearings will not be the thing that changes everything, I am told I am anti Democrat.

[Treefrog]

44. Thank you for this.

Great post!

[Just_Vote_Dem]

17. I agree 100%

The rants should be against Republicans, not about "nothing will get done!". To me that is an indirect attack on Dems.

[Biophilic]

18. The last couple of weeks I seem to have reached my fill of the negativity.

I've thought several times of at least stepping away from DU for a while. Mostly I've just stepped back from commenting or reading through others comments. It's a bit depressing, both the negative comments and my need to step back from DU itself.

[CrackityJones75]

19. I know what you mean.

And also we are getting so close to the midterms we need energy and excitement. Not “managing expectations” or outright depression of enthusiasm.

[Biophilic]

22. Yup, my thoughts exactly. Besides, as far as I can tell we can't do anything about

most of the things people are being negative about, but we can do something (hopefully) about the campaigns and elections. That's were I would like to put more energy and nothing but positive energy. I honestly our country's future depends on this.

[Novara]

21. I'm pretty sure all of us see the future as bleak at least some of the time

That said, I used to be one of those people who would always bemoan that nothing will be done about the rampant criminality of the former regime.

But somewhere along the line, my attitude shifted.

I am no pollyanna, but I see signs that the DOJ is working on holding people accountable, and I am very hopeful that the hearings that start in a few days will produce some action.

I found myself living in that sort of negativity 24/7 and it's fucking exhausting. After a while, it all seems pretty hopeless and useless and all out of my control. And maybe it still is, but I refuse to live in negativity anymore.

My hope is that the hearings will enrage people enough to put a lot of pressure on the DOJ. And my hope is that Garland, who seems to be absolutely terrified to act, lest he "look political" (um, these ARE political crimes!) will act once the public applies pressure. At that point it looks less political and more about justice. That's my hope, anyway. I don't think I'm a pollyanna for hoping this.

I have to think that in most cases, justice will prevail. Maybe not quickly, and maybe not completely, but I have to think that laws still apply and that the grownups in charge will act.

[CrackityJones75]

25. I don't think you are a pollyanna at all

I think what I am hearing from you hits home for me. If Garland needs the backing of the people to feel as though he can act then we ABSOLUTELY cannot have the mindset of nothing will happen but rather we have to have the mindset that we require something to happen. That was how we all acted 2016-2020. While Trump got away with some shit there was plenty that people said hell no to.

[Novara]

28. Yes, you see it. That's exactly my point

And I think others are making it as well.

We have been bludgeoned into inaction by the former regime. Every single day was a new outrageous scandal for literally years. People got outrage fatigue, then they just stopped thinking justice was even possible because these motherfuckers have been getting away with breathtaking criminality for so long. And Mueller was basically worthless because he did not push for justice. That was a major, major blow to our hope for justice.

But the Democrats are in the majority now. That alone should give people at least some hope. There's no Bill Barr suppressing Muller's findings.

If we let outrage fatigue and malaise silence us, then yeah, it's likely nothing will be done. However, think of the opposite. What if we organize marches and demonstrations once the J6 committee has presented its findings to us, DEMANDING justice? What if WE march on the Capitol that way the insurrectionists did, only peaceably? Isn't democracy worth it, if that's what it takes?

[CrackityJones75]

29. It certainly is!

Because if we let it slip away, getting it back will be hell. One way or another for my children’s sake I have to do something other than sit down and bemoan its all over.

Great post BTW.

[CrackityJones75]

26. Yeah just "quit" or leave for a while isn't the answer I am looking for.

funny answer to this thread.

[Biophilic]

27. "Quit"? Really, that's an appropriate answer to a discussion on a Democratic discussion board?

And very helpful...to the repugs.

[H2O Man]

24. ..........

[SoCalDavidS]

31. I Will Gladly Stop Posting For Awhile

I’m sure that I’ve already been put on ignore by many anyways. But I’ll let DU be a site for mainly positivity, rather than rain on everyone’s parade with lots of weather forecasts and prognostications proclaiming anything less than bright, sunny skies.

[BlackSkimmer]

34. This is a discussion board. People do not always agree.

If what a single person or two says in disagreement to your views bothers you, you might be in the wrong place.

I see things I disagree with here all the time, but it doesn't make me like DU any less. I have no interest in an echo chamber.

Not sure what you mean by this stuff was "put down" in the past. I sure don't remember a DU like that, and I've been here for a very long time.

[BannonsLiver]

35. Yeah. Well. Not a whole helluva lot to be positive about.

The country is a mess culturally and an embarrassment to the world.

[BlackSkimmer]

36. Sadly, yes. nt

[liberal_mama]

38. I agree. I am a generally positive person, but I can't find much to be positive about these days

Things are very hard for a lot of people now.

[Stinky The Clown]

37. There is magic on DU. It is embodied in the IGNORE button.

I never thought I would use it, but now I do. There are some posters who raised my blood pressure, Not all for the same reason but all with the same result.

My DU experience has improved significantly. On the flip side. I am certain I am on some people's IGNORE list myself. Maybe even yours, for all I know.

I disagree with the premise of your OP, but not with your ability to say it.

America is, indeed, in deep shit. A lot of it caused by events we can't control. A lot of it in the short term, frankly, is TFG's fault. Everything he touches eventually dies. For that, among other things, I fear for this country.

So yeah, there's negativity.

[brooklynite]

40. I have nobody on my "ignore" list...

I'm not upset reading something I might disagree with.

[BlackSkimmer]

46. Same here.

I've been personally attacked by people here, but I have no one on ignore.

I remember some of us being attacked when we called out Avenatti for being a con man lol. I guess that was "negative" lol.

[CrackityJones75]

45. Roght and I get that I could ignore people

But that doesn’t really fix what I see as the larger issue.

[BlackSkimmer]

47. The larger issue? What? That people might disagree with you?

Oh dear.

[CrackityJones75]

48. Nope. But then again its you.

[betsuni]

39. The gaslighting that it doesn't exist is annoying.

"All I said was that Democrats are evil corrupt Third Way neoliberals responsible for every bad thing in America for the last forty years because they do nothing and are worse than Republicans. Only a little constructive criticism, speaking truth to power. Why do you think Democrats are perfect?"

I'm extremely pessimistic, think Republicans will regain control of Congress. Not enough people will vote for Democrats because of massive ignorance and stupidity. Moronic to blame Democrats for any of this.

[Pyryck]

41. If we don't temper optimism and hope with a LIBERAL dose of facts, truth, reality, science and math

Then WE are just having some sort of kumbaya moment, oblivious to what is transpiring around us and what has transpired in the past, as we hope, pray and spread thoughts around for some optimistic reality to save us from the "bad guys and their bad intentions" and the "bad events that we don't like".

History teaches us to question our actions and the actions of others around us, physically and on the "internets".

Optimism is a fine and wonderful thing to think and feel to help cope with the very real events of our lives. It's a wonderful thing to witness when it expands and explodes into very real, factual events that we may or may not be a part of but that serve to reinforce our tempered optimistic views.

Hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.

[hamsterjill]

42. No offense, but...

I’m going to post what I think and feel and if that’s “negative” in your opinion, then please disregard or ignore. There’s not a whole lot of “positive” in the world right now, so to talk about a lot of this stuff realistically, we have to tell it like it is.

Oh, and I’m really tired of the threads telling people that they have to behave a certain way. Just put us on ignore and be done with it. It’s really that simple.

[Treefrog]

43. Amen. And a big ditto.