Anyone left in here?

[BainsBane]

I was wondering how you all were holding up with all the vitriol in the forums. I see the thread activity in here has slowed down dramatically. I haven't seen some of the regulars in the general forums as much either. I just want to say I miss seeing you and reading what you have to say. I'm feeling some really aggressive privilege that's unsettling to me, and I couldn't help but wonder how you all are doing.

[Number23]

1. DU has been caterwauling about this president for six years.

The same people that have such a problem with women, with minorities, with gays are the same ones who feel that he's done "nothing" and is the most "disappointingest president EVA!"

A lot of people, a lot of DEMOCRATS, have left so that these boards can be deluged with assholes and libertarians (as if they're not mutually exclusive). It's not just us that have left. The endless braying by a tiny group of people with no political clout and even less knowledge has grown beyond boring. I've been spending a lot more time on other forums, forums where the concerns and perspectives of minorities are not considered wedge issues.

[BainsBane]

5. and treat the rest of us with

a truly hostile level of contempt that I find unsettling.

[lovemydog]

23. Hi Number23. If you or anyone reading this

could post here or send me a pm of one or two of those forums I'd appreciate it.

I would like to check out other places where as you say 'the concerns and perspectives of minorities are not considered wedge issues.'

Many thanks.

[Number23]

24. I just responded to you in another thread!

Too funny!

In addition to all of the black/poc blogs (Racialicious, Black Snob) and black publications (The Root, the Grio) I have been spending quite a bit of time on Jezebel which is much more woman friendly in five minutes than this place is in a year.

I mean, it is literally night and day between Jezebel and DU even though you'd think there would be a lot of crossover. People on Jezebel have actually been able to have conversations about white privilege without the "wait, not ALL white people!!1" idiocy. And if that kind of crap does come up, you better believe it is shouted down quick, fast and in a hurry, not celebrated and lauded by some the way it is here. I think Jezebel has a much, much larger and much more diverse community and that's truly what has made the difference in the quality of the discourse. Individual posts there routinely get as many recs as OPs sitting at the top of the greatest page here and is not uncommon to see individual posts with 7-800 stars (recs).

I also know quite a few folks that have really enjoyed Wonkette.

[lovemydog]

26. Thanks very much!

That's hilarious 'cause I went out for a long drive, and was thinking about this in the car on the way back! Then I posted this and saw you immediately responded! Jinx! I'm definitely going to check out those sites. First I'm going to enjoy my nachos bell grande that I picked up on the way home, lol. Take care & see you around. Hope you enjoy the rest of your evening (early morning!). Jezebel & Wonkette, I'll check them out. Thanks.

[Number23]

27. Oh God... Nachos Bell Grande. I used to LOVE those!!! That and Chik Fil A make me beyond homesick

Yes, check out those sites when you get a chance.

DU has gone completely around the bend and the quality of the discourse and participation really highlights that. There are a lot of other places out there that don't make you feel as though you're in the "left" version of Free Republic.

[lovemydog]

30. I thought you might be on the west coast, where it's an hour earlier

and there's Chik Fil A and Taco Bell's around most places.

Yes, I've noticed there's a libertarian and troll infestation too. It's gross. They nauseate me.

[freshwest]

55. Thanks for the listings. I will check them out. This is getting... whatever. My Bucket (Ignore) List

Hides a lot of misbehavior, but I've been on some juries and what I see indicates a heavy Libertarian and troll infestation. Because I do check other websites to see the themes and memes, and thatt is where they got them.

I've seen some stuff in the last few weeks that have nearly driven me away and others I know are not going to post anymore. The crap is simply overwhelming and they also know what forums to pick so that their ratfucking continues to go to the front page because they are structured to bring older posts up than the Greatest or Latest Pages will do for more exposure.

I dread to think what DU looks like to those lurking who are surfing sans the Ignore function!

[betsuni]

50. Gawker, Jezebel, Wonkette, Crooks & Liars

Are my favorites. When I think something is bullpoo but can't prove it, I wait until Wonkette posts about it, then I know I was right.

[Number23]

51. Two of my favoritest DU posters ever - SemiCharmedQuark and NatBurner, both minority posters who

have both long since given DU the deuces and never returned - both mentioned how great they thought Wonkette was. You are in very good company.

[freshwest]

53. I wasn't aware of that. I've only been here after the election of 2010.

It sure does come together now, and I see why these people have developed their own little cults and cannot be tombstoned. That really explains a lot to me. Thanks.

[sheshe2]

2. I miss them too, Bains.

They are some of the best voices DU has. I think they all just stepped outside for a breath of fresh air. I can't say I blame them.

[brush]

3. There's an OP on here today re-posted 5 times saying Obama called Warren dishonest

Which is not the case at all if you read the actual quotes but scores ran with it saying "he was never one of us" and "I'll never vote for a 3rd way dem again, and "How disgusting."

Seems the re-poster has a serious anti-Obama agenda and along with the rest, iMO, now have a reason to hurl horrible vitriol and release their subconscious racism at a dem president on a dem board.

Truely reprehensible.

He just happens to be a black dem so I guess they feel all right about it.

[Elmer S. E. Dump]

4. Newbie here, but I'd like to butt in on the conversation.

Up front let me say I am white. I'm wondering what you guys/gals are thinking. Why worry about the President? Like any other U.S. President he will be judged by history, not by his contemporary enemies. President Obama, will go down in history. The history of the United States of America. It sucks to find out, much to my shock and dismay, that there are still so many unevolved (white racist) people still among us. Here's hoping for a better world!

[lovemydog]

25. Hi & welcome.

Most definitely I agree with what you're saying about President Obama. Regarding some of the other things mentioned on this thread, what I've noticed as a white guy is that many white people who call themselves liberal just don't listen carefully or thoughtfully to people of color. Especially when someone says something and they just jump all over it with their own 'let me tell you how it is.' Instead of just listening and absorbing and being much more thoughtful. Some of the worst are the ones who get super-defensive about racism and tell themselves 'I'm not a racist' so therefore what anyone else says is just nonsense. One can say or do racist things or racially insensitive things and not be a KKK member. But they most definitely should learn to listen better and not be in so much defensive denial about the racist stuff that goes on often on message boards and in the real world too. Just my two cents. Yes, here's hoping for a better world!

[Elmer S. E. Dump]

31. If people would judge people as individuals, and condemn or love them as individuals

There would be no use for racism. Problem is people just can't resist making connections, extrapolations, and projections based on one individual toward an entire group of completely unrelated people with nothing necessarily in common than the color of their skin.

That's racism. A very simple and easily fixed problem. Except that it is one of the most intractable defects in the human psyche and it requires each individual to want to act in a way that many are apparently unable to act. They have been brainwashed by upbringing, fear, hatred, and most of all several run-ins with bad people that they use to justify their fears of all people in that "category". Homophobia is identical to racism in many ways. Unenlightened people making their problems bigger than themselves.

[MrScorpio]

6. I'm here! Glad to see you

I decided to check in since we now have yet another example hostility towards the views of black viewpoints in GD.

It's pretty commonplace now. So much so, it's not even worth the time to confront it.

[BainsBane]

8. one thread is particularly bad

and going entirely accordingly to plan. Just transfer the anger onto the next Dem candidate, suppress the vote, and then . . .the prize.

[GP6971]

52. I was on MIRT

and I couldn't believe the crap that's tolerated, no less posted. Hides that survived, trivial alerts etc. But I have to say that The MIR Team does a good job of of taking the garbage out. Sometimes the garbage was just overwhelming.

[JustAnotherGen]

12. I think their hostility in that thread

Is kind of funny. I've never seen such silly 'talk' about silly talk. They aren't impacted by it - why worry? If I resurrected the "Nappy Hair" book controversy (it's been out for years). They would be OUTRAGED that someone wrote a funny light hearted book that might put a smile in the heart of a little girl.

Heaven forbid a black little girl have a tender heart that needs a smile put in it.

Dontcha know? We are all magic negroes!

[Number23]

15. The usual clowns are up to their usual clown tricks. With the clapping support of a whole bunch of

clueless cretins who then want to be all shocked and wide eyed when we see them licking the rear ends of some of the most hostile posters here to black folks and other minorities and as a result, have no interest in them when they come wanting to be our "pals" here in this forum.

With the straight up clowns, at least you can see them coming. There is no surprise. But the ones who want to laugh and clap the loudest when the clowns are denigrating the concerns of POC and women, then come here or other forums and pretend to give a shit about our issues? They'll have to be two faced and schizophrenic about something else.

[JI7]

19. the entire thing reminds me of the woman in this OP

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026568783

you just know they are the type that laugh at racist jokes when "those people" are not around.

[Number23]

20. I don't think the average DUer would be stupid or bold enough to send a note like that to a black

family, but there are plenty here that have their own unique brand of racial cluelessness.

The kind who think that black people here just "don't understand" what racism or its impact is and need to be schooled on it. The kind who think that CALLING someone racist is actually a million, billion times worse than actually BEING a damned racist. The kind who look at large numbers of posters of color and women and gays taking the same members to task over and over and over again and think that because their one dark "friend" said that person wasn't a racist/sexist/homophobe, that all of those black and female and gay people are just picking on someone and "don't understand" that person's intent.

The kind who think "yes, yes racism is bad but CLASS is the real problem" and that the Republicans/conservatives/PTB "created" racism/sexism/homophobia to "divide people" laughably ignorant that these constructs have been used by middle class and dirt poor people to great effect for centuries without the slightest bit of encouragement from the rich.

I look at these folks like they have cooties every time I see them. And I have as little interest in them as I do patience for their shit.

[JI7]

21. yes, i do agree this is true about most of them

but i'm thinking of maybe a couple or so who i do believe are outright racists but i also think they are trolls so not really in the same group. but the trolls like that willtwain piece of shit put out their "class not race" bs so the majority in the first group are not able to see the bigotry.

[greatauntoftriplets]

7. I may be white, but I'm disgusted that this is happening.

Can't really blame anyone for disengaging from the ugliness.

[DonCoquixote]

9. it is one thing to critcize the pres

but this Hispanic sees that people who would treat white candidates with kid gloves wear brass knuckles when talking about Obama.

[JustAnotherGen]

10. I've noticed this

There is a very special snowflake that we must all get the vapors and smelling salts out if one dares whisper that this person might be wrong about anything at all ever.

Hint - the S.S. is NOT the woman who said she would 'retaliate' in the 2008 primary debates. Her supporters are cool, calm, collected and on point. And - respectful of the current administration.

[DonCoquixote]

13. would her initals be E and W?

I may not be thrilled about Hillary, but I am also skeptical about the fact that just by saying stuff that should be Liberal 101, she gets considered a Messiah.

[JustAnotherGen]

14. Great minds think alike

Co-Sign on the Messiah treatment for standard operating procedure.

[Jamaal510]

32. And if she were

to change her mind and somehow win the presidency, I'd expect her to be thrown overboard off the ship by the same crowd in less than a week. You'd think that posters on a political forum would have ample knowledge about checks and balances and the "sausage-making" process (rather than expecting a Messiah or a king/queen), but...nope.
DU would be more bearable if there was a surefire way to distinguish the wingnut trolls from posters who have genuine concerns (but aren't as well-versed about the process).

[JustAnotherGen]

11. Well I tip toed into

TPP discussions this week and - no words.

[greatauntoftriplets]

16. I've started trashing many of those threads.

It feels good.

[1StrongBlackMan]

17. Oh ... I have plenty of words, most of which, would make a sailor blush ...

Those threads are really illustrative of DU of the last 6+ years ... 7 years ago, the media and information on the internet was to be distrusted (almost, reflexively), now ... that same media reports are gospel AND we are to, absolutely, and unquestioningly, accept "leaked" memos, as evidence of some final proof, in a process that is still going on.

7 years ago, we know the healthcare (finance) system that we had ... President Obama (and his team) weighed into that and he got a lot done; despite, more than 50 years of Democratic false starts. So now, this trade deal is bad because NAFTA ... it is never recognized (by some) that President Obama (and his team) has accomplished what others couldn't/haven't, so it would never occur to those same folks that his approach to trade would also accomplish what others didn't.

But more, 7 years ago, the vast majority of DU posts attacked republicans, and republican policies; for the last 6+ years, we have watched as the vast majority of posts are attacks on Democrats, and any policy discussions are just thinly veiled attacks on Democrats.

[JustAnotherGen]

18. This is a really good point - re - the media

And yet now - they are gods among men.

You can't make it up - it really is a looking glass experience.

Twas brilig . . .

[NanceGreggs]

29. "For the last 6+ years, we have watched ...

... as the vast majority of posts are attacks on Democrats, and any policy discussions are just thinly veiled attacks on Democrats."

That ONE sentence sums it up entirely.

Obama was cheered when he talked about renegotiating NAFTA. And now that he is doing so via the TPP, he is vilified for doing exactly what he was once cheered for promising to do.

"It is never recognized (by some) that President Obama (and his team) has accomplished what others couldn't/haven't."

More to the point, it is never recognized (by some) that Obama has accomplished anything at all.

[MADem]

62. Weird how some of the Kewl Kidz at this playground, the ones who stir the most

shit, are wealthy former Republicans or Trust Fund Babies who have never had to earn a real paycheck, ev-ah. I have to wonder if there is a method to the madness--tout the least likely candidates, tear apart any that are doing the job or can do it, in the hopes of creating a small measure of chaos in this corner of the world...it's a rovian scheme, to be sure. Act like a lefty, deliver to the right!

But hey...they know how to run up those "recs!" Because "recs!" translate to reality with some of these folks....get on the FRONT PAGE of DU! Make it seem like most of us agree with that bullshit! Ugh. I'm just tired of it. Tired of the acrimony, the horse shit, the trolling...oh, You'd Better Believe It! I've had more than enough. I think the only solution is to leave the worst of them to their sick little echo chambers--and bar the door if they try to bring that shit in here. I think TRASH THREAD is my friend!!!

[JustAnotherGen]

63. I wouldn't be surprise if Ben Quayle was here

Seriously- wasn't he outed for posting stories at D-Listed?

[MADem]

64. OMG what a dork! I had to look him up--Dan's kid? Talk about a perfect storm of hot mess!

He's got that Empty Suit look down!!!

[JustAnotherGen]

65. Yep

He's the one that ran the "Obama is the worst President eveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer" ad.

But then again - - hate to point it out to him but um -

President Obama got a second term - and he didn't!

But I think he's posting about 'tricks' on DListed! *snorty laugh*

[freshwest]

69. +1,000! It's like 'Die! Die! Die, you evil Democrats!' Freeperville would be more civil. n/t

[lovemydog]

22. As a white guy, I've noticed it very much as well.

[still_one]

28. It is one thing to disagree with the President on an issue, but what is happening is way over the

top. I have seen this President called practically every name in the book on DU. That isn't about disagreeing with the President, that is about hate.

[Jamaal510]

33. +1

[Jamaal510]

34. I'll probably lurk

in some of the threads in GD, but I might steer clear from posting there this week and just post on other sub-forums around here instead. I think it's turning slowly into the madness of YouTube comments sections. A bunch of people screaming and raging against the president, likening both parties, portraying social issues as just "noise" and "distractions", and at the same time neglecting key info to stories.

[lovemydog]

35. Yeah, same.

I'm waiting for someone to say 'This Baltimore uprising is intentionally distracting us from TPP!'

[JustAnotherGen]

37. Well we did have

One person say this was about the 99% and another take a jab at the Mayors makeup - but Vattel saved the day!

[lovemydog]

38. I can't even look.

But it's hilarious hearing your description of it here!

[lovemydog]

39. Let's make up stuff that people might say in GD:

Why don't they just go to the baseball game?
THIS PROVES that ELIZABETH WARREN should be President RIGHT NOW!
The world is going to hell in a hand basket, let's all kill ourselves.
I predicted this, why didn't anyone else listen to me?
This reminds of the song by Living Colour, Cult of Personality.
In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.....
In the words of Malcolm X.....
It's all one city official's fault!
You all should be ashamed of yourselves. It's all y'all's fault!
None of this would have happened if Al Gore had been elected in 2000.
Will my prescription still be ready tomorrow at Costco?

[JustAnotherGen]

40. All have been said

Even the "here's what MLK said" post from someone who excused Zimpig for his lawlessness. That one - like clock work.

Don't forget - the obligatory picking at a woman in authority for her appearance. That one was another case of Huckabee vs Beyonce. The man who wrote it knows he wouldn't even leave the bench with the mayor. Like the gross guy in the bar that hits on you, you say no thanks, and he calls you a bitch.

If you hang around at the bar you can see him do it over and over again - but he's to gross to realize he's gross - but everyone else in the know sees it.

[lovemydog]

41. LOL, yeah, I know the guy in the bar you're talking about.

There's jerks like that in every damn bar.

[JustAnotherGen]

42. Hey now

Playin' is hard! I don't hate the playas - I just think their game shows what fuckung idiots they are!

[lovemydog]

43. It's hard out there

for a gimp.

[1StrongBlackMan]

45. "They cancelled what?!? Thanks, (President) Obama!" n/t

[lovemydog]

46. LOL n/t

[Number23]

54. "In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr..."

Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, heralds some unchecked, jaw dropping, scream inducing foolishness on this web site better than those eight words.

NOTHING.

NOTHING!!!!!

[Behind the Aegis]

56. Should you or anyone need some MLK, Jr. words to respond...

I find these could be useful quotes:

[Number23]

66. Oh, those are good. Especially that second one.

Gave me the chills.

[lovemydog]

57. I feel like posting: In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.

and then saying whatever I feel like saying.

In the words of MLK, libertarians suck.
In the words of MLK, Kanye's Glow in the Dark tour was really good.
In the words of MLK, take your platitudes & shove 'em where the sun don't shine.
In the words of MLK, I'm looking forward to seeing Jurassic World this summer.

[JustAnotherGen]

58. I might put one of those

In my sig line!

[lovemydog]

59. rofllamao

That is so funny JAG. Seriously, it's so darn funny. Go for it if you're feeling that frisky!

[JustAnotherGen]

60. Done!

?w=638

[lovemydog]

61. Damn that is funny!

That's our 'funny translator' right there, lol.

[Number23]

67. You are so crazy!!

Last edited Wed Apr 29, 2015, 09:02 PM - Edit history (1)

In the words of MLK, I'm looking forward to seeing Jurassic World this summer.



Not only does MLK approve, so does this guy...



Edit: smaller image!

[lovemydog]

68. Haha, thanks Number23.

In the words of Harriet Tubman: 'Mayweather-Pacquio Saturday on Pay-Per-View!'

[1StrongBlackMan]

44. You mean like here? ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017261917

[lovemydog]

48. I was thinking of this one:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=6580678

The thread about the Orioles buy doesn't impress me much either. I get your point there. Start with murder of an innocent young black man.

[1StrongBlackMan]

47. You win the DU Bingo game ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026583192#post32

But I get some squares covered for suffering the insult, and NOT getting a hide.

[lovemydog]

49. You indeed get some squares.

Sometimes I barely even know how to respond to crap like that.

[JustAnotherGen]

36. I'm thinking the same thing. N/T