Are DUers becoming more like causeheads?

[LynneSin]

"These, Tom, are the Causeheads. They find a world-threatening issue & stick with it for about a week" - Droz from PCU.

Ok, I've had my fun yesterday with the whole Circuit City receipt thing. But after trying to read all these zillions of posts I keep thinking of this quote from a movie about a bunch of slacker misfits at a school known for uber-Political Correctness.

Are DUers becoming Causeheads?

I joined DU because I wanted to be a part of a growing community where we would unite against a common cause - the Bush Regime. But lately it seems when I venture into GD/GDP it's less about Bush and more about some pet cause of the week that has everyone in an uproar. Sure, it was fun jumping on the Circuit City/Receipt bandwagon but seriously - what were we proving?

Whose fault was it? The Receipt Guy? The Cops? The Store Manager? How about I don't really give a fuck who was to blame because right now we have our soldiers over in Iraq getting killed because of a war started illegally by a man that wasn't even legally elected.

When we become Causeheads (and I'll admit - I can get that way too) we lose sight of what really is important. Whether or not you agree with me about the whole Circuit City matter I do not care. Hell I've posted my piece about 18hours ago over in the lounge. But let's not let this person distract us from what is really important. It's not about him or whatever the pet peeve cause of the week is. It's about Bush and his regime.

Thank you - that is all.

[mondo joe]

1. I think it's a sign of impotence. We people can't - or don't want to bother - with

real issues, they get some heat off of making some schlub at Circuit City their surrogate for "the man" and get off on dssing him or her, thus feeling they've actually done something.

[AngryAmish]

33. Re: impotence. Speak for yourself, pal.

[mondo joe]

65. Doesn't apply here. I don't get off on rudely breezing past people doing their jobs or

bragging about it online.

[Atman]

2. We need a Causeheads forum! We need to fight this bullshit!

Fighting the onslaught of Causeheads is my new cause! Who is with me?

.

[LynneSin]

3. STOP THE PENIS PARTY

:hide:

[mondo joe]

16. GD is already the STOP THE PENIS forum at least half the time.

:-)

[redqueen]

71. WTF?

?

[havocmom]

4. Seems too many are becoming 'Good Germans'

That is all

[Tesha]

32. The plan has worked out well, hasn't it?

I remember when Lynne Sin used to go to protests; now
she complains when other people fight for her rights.

Tesha

[havocmom]

69. My heart is broken

If it weren't for some kids of DUers, and others, who deserve an America that is more than hype and illusion, I would just fucking walk away from the fight to save liberty. Too many are just not worth fighting for.

But, that is what the fascists are hoping will happen to us fighters.

Maybe the anti-wave-making contingent will join the fight again. Hope it happens before they see the boxcars in clear view.

My daughter used to berate the German people for letting Hitler rise to power. She used to ask herself, 'how the hell did they let it come down to the destruction of huge populations and half of Europe?' She poured over history books and talked to old people who survived the Holocaust. She couldn't find any way to understand how it all happened.

My daughter is too young to be so cynical, but she is extremely observant and logical. She is very sad because NOW she understands how it happened. In increments and with the nodding acceptance of the future victims and their neighbors.

[redqueen]

72. This is ridiculous. 'Good Germans' ignored the fact that their government

was committing genocide.

So sure, contrast the people who ignore the uncounted innocent lives lost in Iraq as 'Good Germans'... that makes sense.

But to compare people who refuse to nitpick over inconsequential BS to those types is patently absurd.

[Tesha]

80. How many hundreds of thousands have we ignored in Iraq?

I've heard numbers that put the number of Iraqi
deaths (since Oil War I in 1991) at over half a
million.

We've ignored most of those, haven't we, Ja?

Tesha

[redqueen]

81. We?

I haven't. I doubt the vast majority of people here have, either. (Have to make exceptions for the trolls, of course.)

[porphyrian]

5. DU is not defined solely by what happens in General Discussion...

...nor are all DUers defined by perceived trends in GD. Some DUers have always been "Causeheads," some have become so and some will be in the future. They represent themselves within the whole, not the whole itself.

[Odin2005]

6. "single issue" syndrome is bad for democracy.

That is all.

[Demit]

7. LOL! There sure was plenty of cowbell.

Today? All the passionate defenders of not showing your store receipt are no doubt busy organizing marches in Washington against having to show your store receipt.

[harun]

11. I hope they all march so they won't be posting on DU (n/t)

[EFerrari]

60. I'm actually organizing here in San Francisco.

http://beachimpeach.org/

Maybe we can change it to "Impeach Bush and Hide Your Receipt!"

[fishwax]

8. well, it's not all about the bush regime

presumably DU won't disappear when a democrat takes the oath here in a mere 500 days

[woo me with science]

9. Thank you.

You did a yeoman's job in those Circuit City threads, by the way.

[Demintheusa]

10. Right let's just focus on the WARS and be like the Pubes then

and forget about the rest of our country shall we? lol geeeeze

[redqueen]

74. Hello Demintheusa. Enjoy your stay. n/t

[bryant69]

12. I don't think that's anything new though

part of it is novelty - it's easier to find something to say about something new.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[EFerrari]

13. You realize, don't you, that the DUer who started that discussion

is one of the most active antiwar activists who posts to DU? Maybe the most active one.

No, DUers aren't becoming Causeheads. (We've always been like that. lol)

[dogday]

20. Bush=Loss of Civil Liberties

Loss of Civil Liberties is a Bush issue... The way we bend to the everyday removal of our rights equates to the heart of this administration... I don't see the difference...

[EFerrari]

24. I agree with that. And as a causehead, it seems to me that

noticing when those boundaries are violated is a habit we need to consciously develop.

Oh, and FREE THE CUBAN FIVE!

[dogday]

38. The thing is if we had not been so happy to show our receipts

before the war started, perhaps we could of made the difference.. Although many took to the streets, we all should of done so and very loudly indeed.. The war itself shows how we all bowed to the removal of our rights...

It starts with show me your receipt, it ends with starting a war we should of never started in the first place... I cannot help but equate the two as the same thing....


:hi:

[EFerrari]

50. We can be picked up for no reason. The Feds can seize our

assets with impunity. We can be prevented from traveling. Our phone calls and emails are monitored. Our kids' information is handed over to recruiters. Protesters are put in pens. Our service people endure stop loss, 'way too many rotations into combat, and then get dumped by the VA. They steal our elections and tell us to move along.

Maybe it did start with the damn receipt. :hi:

[havocmom]

77. My wayward daughter has spent years trying to understand 'how did it happen'

'How did the good people of Germany let such horrors happen?' She has poured over books and interviewed Holocaust survivors trying to understand.

Sadly, the past few years have shown her 'how it happened'.

Erosion is an interesting process. First, it is so slow one cannot see it. Then, it becomes noticeable but not too threatening. In time, it becomes inconvenient and troubling. When erosion has undercut enough and reaches a critical mass, things collapse and the landscape becomes unrecognizable.

People try to climb up over the rubble that was their home and blindly ask 'How did it happen'. They never saw it coming. They never noticed the incremental damage. They were too busy to check the foundation from time to time and take action when it was being undercut.

For my nation and people, I weep. For my daughter, I have no excuse to offer.

How did it happen?

[Pithlet]

58. Yes. The point that all of our rights are important is a big one.

There are many people who reasonably believe that all of our rights are worth protecting every single time, even when it may appear that the issue is no big deal. I'm one of them. It's a very common belief among the more progressive minded. I'm surprised that some are so shocked to see it here at DU. But, I'm surprised we don't see it more. It is weird to see "It's no big deal. It's not an inconvenience. Who cares?" here to the degree it has been. Stores can and will implement whatever policy they see fit. That's fine. But, I think that when stores start behaving as though they have the right to detain us because we don't comply with their store policy (Not a law. Store policy!), that is a big deal. The fact that no one can hold you against your will without probable cause is not an insignificant issue.

[EFerrari]

63. The pressure to conform can be compelling.

Did I ever tell about the time the Sunnyvale Police tried to steal my grandmother?

After lots of strokes, we were caring for her at home. She had another one and was having trouble breathing. So, we call the paramedics hoping they'd give her oxygen.

They got there, with a patrol car and a fire engine.

They told us she didn't need oxygen because she was still breathing.

They told us they had to transport her to the hospital.

My mom kicked them out of the house because transporting her might kill her and because there was no need for her to endure the trip there and back.

The paramedics called for back up and two more squad cars show up.

My mom and I blocked the front door and refused entry to the six cops who were charging the house. TG, this was in the days before tasers! We argued with them for about half and hour. It was scary. They had guns and stuff.

They wanted my mom to prove she was my grandmother's daughter. lol

A higher up cop showed up and asked to use our phone. My mom made him go next door.

He got cleared to give up and go away but not before he lectured us on cooperating with the police.

Mom:1 Sunnyvale grandma stealing Police:0

[havocmom]

73. Most eloquent. Thank you

Yep, I have met up with veiled suggestions that I am not really a progressive because I insist on defending rights and not allowing them to be trounced on by policy. Amusing, supposed progressives and liberals making cowardly attempts to belittle those who don't march in lock-step with their views.

It is amazing. And disheartening.

Then I think back to the Founders of this Union and recall that they had to deal with a whole lotta neighbors and countrymen who whined about British abuses yet didn't want to stir up any trouble by challenging the abusers.

[LynneSin]

22. But this really isn't about the OP of that thread

Just everyone else jumping on the bangwagon starting 18 trillion treads and making this out to be a major deal (myself included).

I think we're all anti-war - that was never a question.

BTW - even though we were on opposite sides with that issue I did enjoy debating with you. You've always been someone I've admired here at DU

[EFerrari]

26. It would have been cool to have one 18 brazillion post thread

instead of 18 trillion threads. :)


/oops

[redqueen]

75. Oh yes...

I wonder if the mods have considered that before... lumping the 'causehead' threads together as they do in LBN. Don't kick them out into another forum, just herd them all into one spot. :)

[EFerrari]

79. We might need to add a second story to GD.

lol

[Marrah_G]

51. same old same old

If you don't agree with their cause then you are obviously not a "real" progressive. :sarcasm:

Actions speak louder then words. Lynn has the action to back hers up.

[EFerrari]

53. But I didn't say that, Marrah.

I was pointing out that it's possible to chew gum and walk at same time.

[Marrah_G]

62. I know !

I was agreeing with you!

It's early and I am behind on the coffee, sorry :hangover:

[EFerrari]

64. Oh, no! I better make some more, too!

lol

[IndianaJones]

14. I'm sure it would be more acceptable if it was dozens of threads on say...closing on your house. nt.

[mondo joe]

18. Very sexist of you. Don't you know historically women were prevented from

owning property? Don't you know women don't make wages comparable to men today, making a barrier to property ownership?

[IndianaJones]

21. Sounds like a cause to me. No soup for you. nt.

[LynneSin]

28. WOMEN???

Try WOMYNISTS

:hide:

[mondo joe]

30. No, it's Womb-moons. And I'm sticking with it!

[LynneSin]

23. All in the lounge where nothing is taken really seriously

Probably why I spend more time there

[IndianaJones]

25. Point being....people will post what they wish to discuss...

If you are not interested, you don't have to respond. How does making their concerns seem trivial or not worthy of discussion help?

[LynneSin]

27. So when did my house become a cause where I'm rallying the troops?

Get a clue.

[IndianaJones]

29. When did you become better than your fellow members on a message board? nt.

[LynneSin]

36. When you promoted me to that position

seriously!

[IndianaJones]

39. As many threads as you have started to whine on the subject...

you were performing the job function long before I promoted you. But congratulations on getting the official recognition.

[The Vinyl Ripper]

15. If you don't care about the issue..

Then why the hell did you spend a bunch of time reading and posting about it?

I honestly don't understand.

And why are so many receipt showers taking it so personally?

[MyNameGoesHere]

17. Causehead joins for a cause then

realizes others have agendas. Causehead world in an uproar. Film at 11:00

[JitterbugPerfume]

19. Priorities

get all fu@@ed up.

chose your battles wisely:think: :thumbsup:

[EV_Ares]

31. You have a good point and the Circuit City thing was not a very good

example or cause to jump on. Good luck to the guy on winning that one in court. He basically provoked the entire thing.

Anyway, nothing wrong with taking up causes and they can all relate to a bigger one or what the Bush regime is doing in regards to all of our rights. Besides, DU having as many members as it does, there will always be causes.

[The Vinyl Ripper]

35. How did he "provoke" the incident?

By not being a "good sheeple"?

[EV_Ares]

40. No, but if he had shown the receipt as asked, none of the rest would

have occurred and also, appeared continually was trying to provoke. Its hard to say what really went on out in the parking lot as it is just one side we are getting. As many on here have said, the receipt prompted the rest and he was basically asking for trouble. The store has every right to ask for a receipt when you leave if they want.

[Demintheusa]

43. They do not have every right geeeeeze.....

[EV_Ares]

44. Yeah, right, you go into a court and tell them you can write the

policy for a store, love to see that one. Who are you to tell the store what their policy is going to be. If you don't like their policy of asking for receipts, you need to shop elsewhere. I don't think you are going to be able to stop a legal action such as checking receipts.

[Demintheusa]

45. I do it at Meijers here all the time

they ask me for it I say no I will not and walk out I have never been followed or arrested for it. Corporation sympathizers I tell ya.

[EV_Ares]

46. Yeah, fine, shop there instead of Circuit City, no problem. Proved

my point, each store can handle it the way they choose. They own the store, it is their property and they can set policy.

[nadinbrzezinski]

68. They can ask

it is my right to say no

If they detain me they've crossed a line

By the by, after I say no the only thing they can do legally is to refuse service

But once again

They can ask, it is MY RIGHT to refuse to submit to a voluntary search

Why is this so difficult to grasp for some escapes me

[EV_Ares]

76. I agree, why is it so hard to grasp, they have a right to check and you

can refuse if you want and deal with it in court. Good luck on winning that one. It is their store, you don't have to shop there, it is their property, you can stay off of it and they can set the rules and policies in their store as they deem is necessary.

Not very hard to understand at all.

[JitterbugPerfume]

83. Meijers also will not

cash a check for over $200 without a thumb print.

I had cashed MANY checks for 2-3 hundred dollars at Meijers in the past with no problem. Last month they insisted on a thumb print.


I will not be spending large amounts of money there any more . I can buy what I need elsewhere

[Left Is Write]

48. Yes, they certainly do have a right to ask.

However, the customer also has a right to refuse. What the store does not have a right to do is detain the customer.

[Demintheusa]

52. EXACTLY!!!

[nadinbrzezinski]

66. I don't show receitps eithers

what part of they can ask and I can say no are some folks around here having such a hard time with?

[Pithlet]

34. They aren't causeheads. They're participating on a message board.

If anyone is actually devoting all their time and energy to defending the Circuit City guy, then yes, you'd have a point. But, I honestly have a feeling that isn't the case. Message boards have always been like this. In the six years I've been on DU, I've probably debated just about every issue, and they vary widely in their importance.

[KittyWampus]

37. No, the words "Reactionary Screamers" seems much more decriptive and accurate.

[merh]

41. Oh, so your cause today is to tell the causeheads they are

causeheads and what causes are important.

Got it. :freak:

[IndianaJones]

47. dead on. nt.

[EFerrari]

54. Hi, merh!

:hi:

[merh]

56. you don't have to edit your post

you can disagree with me

I don't mind differences of opinions, I do get bothered by folks telling me what is important or that my concerns and/or causes are trivial.

You can disagree with me all you like and you know it. Hell, I'll just get my net buddies to shine the light of righteousness on you

and I'll do it cause I can (the only cause that matters). ;)

[EFerrari]

57. It was a typo. I changed your user name to merh:

And speaking of mooning, check this out.

[merh]

59. lol

I love it - :hi:

[Blashyrkh]

42. To a degree.

Most of these little stories are related back to a major issue for most people and the debate falls back towards that. At the same time, people are angry and full of unrest. These issues allow people to blow off steam.

[Marrah_G]

49. Thank you. K&R

That needed to be said.

[madinmaryland]

55. Wait until the white mother with a missing child hits DU!

:scared:

The one all over the cover of cnn.



http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/09/07/madeleine.mccann/index.html

[bridgit]

61. There's little doubt about it, but your 'word-cause' is always more important than mine...

so it doesn't matter to me anymore :shrug:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

67. some say causeheads, some say activists.

[redqueen]

70. I don't think so.

I think people here really do care about and stick with the world-threatening issues for as long as most of us can stand to. We all need breaks from time to time or we'll burn out... and maybe some really do just give up and never rejoin the fight.

That said, if receipt-gate is the example of the kind of cause of the week that people cease sticking with after a few days, I'm fine with that.

[Bluebear]

78. Every time I see this title I read it as "cheeseheads".

Carry on :hi:

[LynneSin]

82. Yes - we're all becoming Green Bay Packer fans

:eyes:

:hug: