Does DU have a role to play in political discussions and what would it be?

[kentuck]

I know there are many, perhaps most, that will say DU is nothing but a discussion board and we should not over-estimate our importance? We should entertain ourselves with our different interests and let others do the heavy lifting.

However, it is my observation that there are some brilliant thinkers and writers on DU. They are original and thought-provoking. They have something to offer to resolve the problems that our country now faces. It is a disservice, in my opinion, to trivialize the potential and the actual impact that DU has had on our political discussion.

Although many newer DUers may not be aware, there are many important and influential people that read and are familiar with the opinions and writings of democraticunderground. Some have actually posted under their real names. They have been reading DU as a source since 2001. We should not want to lose that.

The recent discussion about "recommend" and "unrecommend" was important for that reason. No one is trying to censor anyone. There is a place on DU for anyone that wishes to talk about any subject. There is the Lounge for fun and conversation. However, the Latest News, the GDP, and the GD have mostly been reserved for political discussions, some more serious than others, with certain rules and guidelines to follow. There is a reason.

Will DU continue to play a role in the future in political discussions or will it be just another "discussion board", open to the whims of individual posters? Will there still be a place for serious discussion and activism or just a carnival where everyone goes to have fun and get attention?

[stray cat]

1. Not really but individuals can contact representatives individually

[DainBramaged]

2. We have as much role in this Administration as we did in the last

[CK_John]

3. How can there be discussion when nasty and vile responses are standard fare. n/t

[JohnnyLib2]

4. Maybe I'll recommend this for raising the question--or unrec. for implied criticism.

Kind of like the proverbial dog chasing his tail, isn't it? :shrug:

[jwirr]

5. I agree with you completely. If we have no other role DU brings the need

to contact reps and write letters. We also educate. One of the important roles I use is finding petitions that I need to sign here on DU when I would not find them anywhere else. And I agree with you - many leaders read DU if for no other reason than finding out what we are up to now.

I remember the time when we took on a news source by using DU buying power to lower the value of its stock. The effect did not last long but it let them know that there was someone out here. I think it was over the showing of that anti-Kerry film. They did not show the film. We have been a power in the past but in recent times we spend way to much time obsessed about some issue that fits in the lounge and not in our political sections.

My hope is that we will regain our strength and use it to push for the legislation we want passed.

[LoZoccolo]

6. DU is a place to make people feel good while they are at DU.

The overabundance of rules is there to make this a "nice" experience for people to enjoy here. Topics are frequently shut down simply because they get people arguing. Entire topics, not just the lame arguing or namecalling. If I were to bring up something about the primaries that had a bearing on overall strategy, or simply was an interesting topic about the dynamics of primaries, I fear that it would be shut down simply because people would start to use lame tactics to argue about it. I'm not accusing anyone of censoring for political motives, or that the board is on this side or that side of an issue, it's more for "feel good" motives.

Not to mention that people have turned it into a huge online game about who belongs here and who should call themselves a liberal, etcetera.

Oh, and people need to get out more. That's another bad effect of the "feel good" aspect of DU. It makes people feel politically satisfied, just to sit here and complain or write things about their opinion, when they should really get involved in real-world politics. It might open their eyes to what politicians have to do to get things done, and they'd start offering constructive suggestions, rather than just complaining.

[jotsy]

7. It needs to be, it's on us to make the most of the forum.

I'm a late comer to this site, and nearly as new with the net itself, so I hesitate to say I can speak with any expertise. Because we live in the digital age, at a time when technology can be employed by the masses in such a way it brings the original vision of "of, by, and for the people," closer to a possible reality than its ever been.

Absolutely, DUers have the chance to speak loudly and consistently. We have to be dutiful, diligent, and demonstrate we know how to identify solutions as we air our grievances. Stick to speaking to what benefits the long term interests of the commons, and it should be hard to go wrong.

[kentuck]

8. Is there no historical memory on DU?

Is there anyone here that remembers 2001 when the members of DU were the "10 per centers" that disagreed with Bush and his wars? We were almost a lone voice in the wilderness. Does anyone remember that?