Political Roller Coasters

[VioletLake]

As much as we like to think that we're good observers, it's worth remembering that observation can never take the place of experience. In other words, watching someone else ride a roller coaster isn't the same as actually riding it.

With that in mind, I'm willing to give the DP a little leeway to compensate for being on a roller coaster ride that I can only observe and imagine. A little leeway isn't a blanket absolution of responsibility. From what I have observed, it seems that a lot of the criticism is warranted.

Internet forums like DU represent an unprecedented phenomenon in politics. While the benefits of this new medium are often discussed, perhaps not enough discussion is devoted to the problems. Without a healthy awareness of these problems, the medium itself may become the instrument of our downfall. Allow me to elaborate.

Consider two facts about DU that we can all agree are mostly good things: it's popular and very visible, and one can participate incognito. The downside to DU's popularity and visibility is that it has become one of the opposition's primary targets. The downside to incognito participation is that it makes infiltration and subversion a cakewalk for the opposition.

In responses to other threads yesterday, I recommended a tactful approach to posting with a reminder that perception is everything. Remember that DU is a fishbowl, where anything you say can and will be used against you.

Ask yourself this question: What does the opposition want from DU?

Perhaps we need a place where we can argue private issues in private. And perhaps it has to be a forum that can't be entered incognito.

[blm]

1. That is very much my approach, Violet.

I am a far lefty, but find that some others who share my beliefs are too willing to throw away the party and politicians who agree with them anywhere from 80-95% of the time.

I also think that too many are easily played by those GOP operatives whose sole job is to divide the left.

[mzmolly]

3. Exactly! And, I allow myself to be "played" all to often.

What better way to divide and conquer than to pose as a disgruntled leftie imbittered with the so called rightward move of the Party.

[wildeyed]

2. I am not always in agreement with the dem party,

but so far no one else is offering up a better option. I am also in the process of earing my place at the table, meaning I do allot of volunteer work, so I hope, at some point, my opinions will be taken seriously. Because I am serious enough to dedicate large chunks of time to changing and building the party, not just complaining about it.

[mzmolly]

4. Good thread, good point.

:hi:

I agree and tire of the fiddle players that come here and stir shit.

I wish I had the ability to ignore it, but I don't on many days.

[VioletLake]

5. I have a difficult time ignoring it too.

I can't help feeling a little protective of this place.

:grouphug: