A stupid nanny-like plea for sanity and respect

[jpgray]

There is crazy shit posted by critics of Obama. There is crazy shit posted by supporters of Obama. After reading too much crazy shit, it is very easy to see anything somewhat critical or supportive as aiding and abetting the crazy shit, and therefore deserving of the same contempt. Why give an inch anywhere, when some are taking miles?

Most critics do not believe Obama is a Trojan corporatist plant. Most supporters do not believe all critics are crypto-racist do-nothing whiners. But because such things have been said by a few people, every time such sentiments can be attributed to a post, they will be. Everyone is eager to rush off the cliff and declare a mild sentiment to represent the worst nastiness, no matter how meager the case. The more reasonable the post, the more people think "what a sly attempt to mask the same crazy shit." I've caught myself thinking this way, and it's usually right before I post something idiotic and petty. In reality, not every post of support or criticism hides a torrent of hate.

I guess I don't like to see more or less reasonable threads descend into "so you think all criticism is racist?" or "so you want Obama to be a dictator?" replies. It just encourages people to get nasty, and the forums become a sea of competing petty one-liners, derisive LOLs, and tribal poo-throwing.

Yeah yeah, that's the internet, but I can dream.

[patrice]

1. Didn't you get the memo from those who are in charge: You MUST be either for or against Obama.nt

[MineralMan]

2. I recommended your post. I doubt it will last.

Somewhere, we're going to either have to be practical or things are going to get much worse. Much.

[jpgray]

3. I think a bewildered mush of a thread like this one generally just dies on its own

:)

[DonCoquixote]

4. Mush?

Or just a sincere plea for sanity?