Another 4 years of BushFilter November 3, 2004 8:43 AM Subscribe
It seems at the moment, that the US President will not change and will last another four years. I'm going to admit that I considered it a small bonus that if there was a victory for the contender, there was a glimmer of hope that the culture of MeFi might have shifted away from politics. Do you think that would have happened? We have another four years ahead of us...is it time to finally bury the dead horse and just admit, yes, the Blue is (and perhaps has always been) a community political weblog now? There's always AskMeFi I say.
Um, yes, it's a weblog that is very much focused on politics. This is nothing new.
posted by adampsyche at 9:03 AM on November 3, 2004
posted by adampsyche at 9:03 AM on November 3, 2004
Perhaps in the fabled past it was different, but I only started reading in 2001, and that Metafiter has always been heavily populated with vitriolic political posts, overwhelmingly left of center. That's the Mefi I know and expect. I seriously doubt much would have changed with Kerry as President.
But those people and their posts are easily avoidable, and there's much fun, strangeness, and excellence in the remainder.
That said, these days I always start with Ask MeFi.
posted by mojohand at 9:05 AM on November 3, 2004
But those people and their posts are easily avoidable, and there's much fun, strangeness, and excellence in the remainder.
That said, these days I always start with Ask MeFi.
posted by mojohand at 9:05 AM on November 3, 2004
Yeah but the political posts that are most annoying are the little arrows-at-Bush, the reproductions of news headlines that might seem to cast some kind - any kind - of bad light on the Pres. I wrote to Postroad this week and asked him to stop doing this. He actually wrote back and said he appreciated the email, whereupon he referred me to his porn-laden blog and said that he "will reform." Go figure.
Stan Chin. So serious. What happen?
posted by scarabic at 9:09 AM on November 3, 2004
Stan Chin. So serious. What happen?
posted by scarabic at 9:09 AM on November 3, 2004
Now that the election is over, my hope is that users change their recent ways. Some of my favorite users here in the past couple months have been bugging the crap out of me with the constant election filter.
So here's the thing. If the political junk doesn't subside, I'll do something drastic about it. I gave a lot of people a free pass since we were in a tense election cycle. No more.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 9:11 AM on November 3, 2004
So here's the thing. If the political junk doesn't subside, I'll do something drastic about it. I gave a lot of people a free pass since we were in a tense election cycle. No more.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 9:11 AM on November 3, 2004
Hear, hear. Politics is always a part of life, but this is a community and as a community it works best when politics don't dominate. Do you know how many familes would break up if they had 1/1000th the political discussions that we have?
posted by cell divide at 9:14 AM on November 3, 2004
posted by cell divide at 9:14 AM on November 3, 2004
So here's the thing. If the political junk doesn't subside, I'll do something drastic about it
hooray!
posted by bob sarabia at 9:14 AM on November 3, 2004
hooray!
posted by bob sarabia at 9:14 AM on November 3, 2004
…I'll do something drastic about it.
Sounds great. What do you have in mind?
posted by timeistight at 9:21 AM on November 3, 2004
Sounds great. What do you have in mind?
posted by timeistight at 9:21 AM on November 3, 2004
Yay for Matt!
posted by adampsyche at 9:21 AM on November 3, 2004
posted by adampsyche at 9:21 AM on November 3, 2004
If the political junk doesn't subside, I'll do something drastic about it.
Can I suggest you start with ParisPissallovertheplace?
posted by papercake at 9:22 AM on November 3, 2004
Can I suggest you start with ParisPissallovertheplace?
posted by papercake at 9:22 AM on November 3, 2004
I'll do something drastic
Like ban yourself? Sorry Matt, but you don't quite have the credibility to suddenly agree that politicsfilter is bad. You should try to be consistent in your roles as contributer and site owner. Just sayin.
posted by PrinceValium at 9:23 AM on November 3, 2004
Like ban yourself? Sorry Matt, but you don't quite have the credibility to suddenly agree that politicsfilter is bad. You should try to be consistent in your roles as contributer and site owner. Just sayin.
posted by PrinceValium at 9:23 AM on November 3, 2004
I'm hoping - no, I'm begging that "drastic" = a whole other damn site, like politics.metafilter.com. Lets keep the interesting links and the soapbox posts as far from each other as possible.
posted by GeekAnimator at 9:24 AM on November 3, 2004
posted by GeekAnimator at 9:24 AM on November 3, 2004
So what if Matt has posted politics in the past? He just said he's been tolerant of that because of the upcoming election, but that it no longer makes sense. Cheap shot.
posted by scarabic at 9:27 AM on November 3, 2004
posted by scarabic at 9:27 AM on November 3, 2004
Prince, that's like saying if somebody voted for Nader four years ago they should have voted the same this year out of consistancy.
I swear that whole throwing back posts thing to Matt seems really aggravating.
posted by Stan Chin at 9:35 AM on November 3, 2004
I swear that whole throwing back posts thing to Matt seems really aggravating.
posted by Stan Chin at 9:35 AM on November 3, 2004
Sorry Matt, but you don't quite have the credibility to suddenly agree that politicsfilter is bad.
When I read Matt's comment it didn't say anything about banning politics altogether, he said he was fed up with "constant electionfilter" and "political junk". That seems to imply that his problem is with the quantity and quality of posts.
Anyway, I have to say that I'll be quite glad to see a bit less of the politics - and I like politics!
posted by dodgygeezer at 9:39 AM on November 3, 2004
When I read Matt's comment it didn't say anything about banning politics altogether, he said he was fed up with "constant electionfilter" and "political junk". That seems to imply that his problem is with the quantity and quality of posts.
Anyway, I have to say that I'll be quite glad to see a bit less of the politics - and I like politics!
posted by dodgygeezer at 9:39 AM on November 3, 2004
So here's the thing. If the political junk doesn't subside, I'll do something drastic about it. I gave a lot of people a free pass since we were in a tense election cycle. No more.
could have come right out of george bush's mouth, that could have...
posted by quonsar at 9:51 AM on November 3, 2004
I've really not been paying much attention at all to the Mefi front page for about three or four months, and I've waited to see what will happen after the election - I'd like to see a return to the "old" Metafilter, but I don't know if that's even possible any longer.
posted by taz at 10:01 AM on November 3, 2004
posted by taz at 10:01 AM on November 3, 2004
So here's the thing. If the political junk doesn't subside, I'll do something drastic about it. I gave a lot of people a free pass since we were in a tense election cycle. No more.
*climbs under table, whimpers*
posted by Krrrlson at 10:07 AM on November 3, 2004
*climbs under table, whimpers*
posted by Krrrlson at 10:07 AM on November 3, 2004
politics.metafilter.com would be a great solution, if they get too much/too many, well they can live separately! The crowd that wants to post them and the people who want to read them (some do.. even now) are already here, so lets give them a pillow-fight corner of their own. aye?
posted by dabitch at 10:16 AM on November 3, 2004
posted by dabitch at 10:16 AM on November 3, 2004
Sorry Matt, but you don't quite have the credibility to suddenly agree that politicsfilter is bad.
He doesn't need credibility. He has power.
posted by rcade at 10:55 AM on November 3, 2004
He doesn't need credibility. He has power.
posted by rcade at 10:55 AM on November 3, 2004
unless most of the liberal mefites hang themselves
it's cool to be lectured from the person who posted "cum vs moisturizer" on this site's front page, by the way
posted by matteo at 10:57 AM on November 3, 2004
it's cool to be lectured from the person who posted "cum vs moisturizer" on this site's front page, by the way
posted by matteo at 10:57 AM on November 3, 2004
And make note that hang themselves quote wasn't from me.
posted by Stan Chin at 11:02 AM on November 3, 2004
posted by Stan Chin at 11:02 AM on November 3, 2004
I'm a little disappointed in the consensus interpretation of "drastic action." I was hoping for the death penalty, and this just sounds like resettlement to the gulag.
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 11:04 AM on November 3, 2004
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 11:04 AM on November 3, 2004
So who won the contest? It wasn't most of us, i'm guessing. And i'm sure they'll be thrilled with DNC swag--not. : <
posted by amberglow at 11:18 AM on November 3, 2004
posted by amberglow at 11:18 AM on November 3, 2004
I'm a little disappointed in the consensus interpretation of "drastic action." I was hoping for the death penalty
I was hoping for spankings.
posted by orange swan at 12:10 PM on November 3, 2004
I was hoping for spankings.
posted by orange swan at 12:10 PM on November 3, 2004
Oh boy.
posted by Keyser Soze at 12:13 PM on November 3, 2004
posted by Keyser Soze at 12:13 PM on November 3, 2004
Now that bush has won, not much is going to change. I just don't think its a big deal anymore. The political/agenda threads are easy to skip.
If you really look at the political threads you'll find they're posted by the same 5 or 6 people daily. Those 5 or 6 people are at or very near the top of the mefi contribution index (almost all of the top 20 go left). In fact, the higher you get on the contribution index, for the most part, the more radical and vocal the members get. It gives the impression of great numbers, instead of the frequent rantings of a few.
At this point, with the way mefi has evolved, there's no point in fighting the leftist leanings, or postings. The owner and most of the members of mefi are liberal. Nothing wrong with that at all, but that fact means it tends to attract the same. Everytime I hear about opening membership for new blood/ideas/opinions I have to laugh. Check out any anti bush thread and you'll find plenty of 18000's members joining in. Conservative, or any other voices, are not coming in, so we have an echo chamber.
There are still plenty of reason's to visit mefi even if the political rantings go on.
posted by justgary at 3:41 PM on November 3, 2004
If you really look at the political threads you'll find they're posted by the same 5 or 6 people daily. Those 5 or 6 people are at or very near the top of the mefi contribution index (almost all of the top 20 go left). In fact, the higher you get on the contribution index, for the most part, the more radical and vocal the members get. It gives the impression of great numbers, instead of the frequent rantings of a few.
At this point, with the way mefi has evolved, there's no point in fighting the leftist leanings, or postings. The owner and most of the members of mefi are liberal. Nothing wrong with that at all, but that fact means it tends to attract the same. Everytime I hear about opening membership for new blood/ideas/opinions I have to laugh. Check out any anti bush thread and you'll find plenty of 18000's members joining in. Conservative, or any other voices, are not coming in, so we have an echo chamber.
There are still plenty of reason's to visit mefi even if the political rantings go on.
posted by justgary at 3:41 PM on November 3, 2004
i'm more concerned about getting a better cross-section of people here. if mefi is your main source of information about americans (as it is for me, culturally) then you (or i) clearly have no idea what half the nation is doing or thinking.
that gives a context for cutting back on political posts - they are where people who used to think differently, and provided a bit of variation in the past, were shouted down and chased out of town (see, for example, the comment in a recent thread about kicking PP's teeth in...).
posted by andrew cooke at 3:58 PM on November 3, 2004
that gives a context for cutting back on political posts - they are where people who used to think differently, and provided a bit of variation in the past, were shouted down and chased out of town (see, for example, the comment in a recent thread about kicking PP's teeth in...).
posted by andrew cooke at 3:58 PM on November 3, 2004
(it's ironic that those who ostensibly champion diversity are responsible for making this place so one-sided. maybe we need to find some black lesbian single mothers that vote bush and give them free membership?)
(sorry, a cheap shot maybe, and certainly not original, but, i think, rather less tedious than the propoganda feed we've had here over the last few months).
posted by andrew cooke at 4:00 PM on November 3, 2004
(sorry, a cheap shot maybe, and certainly not original, but, i think, rather less tedious than the propoganda feed we've had here over the last few months).
posted by andrew cooke at 4:00 PM on November 3, 2004
I think things will change. Yes, this was a tense election cycle and there are some pretty hurt feelings on the losing side but its over, there was a pretty clear consensus from the country.
Prince, why would Matt need to have any validation from you (or anyone else?), this isn't your sandbox, its his. If he decided to ban anyone who used the letter "J" then you could bitch and moan all you wanted but its still his choice.
I'm hoping the general attitude calms down. It sucks to be personally trashed in a thread and then have to defend oneself. If the discourse can try to stay on the civil side then I'm all for opening up the ranks to new members. But if the site continues to degenerate into smackdown after smackdown then what's the point? The web is littered with smack sites. MeFi is different or has been different.
But I really have appreciated MeFi as a resource and outlet during this election. It sucks that it went the way it did but barring some pretty shocking shenanigans, Bush won and we have to learn to deal with it.
And plan for next time.
posted by fenriq at 4:01 PM on November 3, 2004
Prince, why would Matt need to have any validation from you (or anyone else?), this isn't your sandbox, its his. If he decided to ban anyone who used the letter "J" then you could bitch and moan all you wanted but its still his choice.
I'm hoping the general attitude calms down. It sucks to be personally trashed in a thread and then have to defend oneself. If the discourse can try to stay on the civil side then I'm all for opening up the ranks to new members. But if the site continues to degenerate into smackdown after smackdown then what's the point? The web is littered with smack sites. MeFi is different or has been different.
But I really have appreciated MeFi as a resource and outlet during this election. It sucks that it went the way it did but barring some pretty shocking shenanigans, Bush won and we have to learn to deal with it.
And plan for next time.
posted by fenriq at 4:01 PM on November 3, 2004
I'm hoping - no, I'm begging that "drastic" = a whole other damn site, like politics.metafilter.com.
Seconded.
posted by John Kenneth Fisher at 4:03 PM on November 3, 2004
Seconded.
posted by John Kenneth Fisher at 4:03 PM on November 3, 2004
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
from today's email from Howard Dean.
posted by fenriq at 4:07 PM on November 3, 2004
from today's email from Howard Dean.
posted by fenriq at 4:07 PM on November 3, 2004
Yeah, Bush won. Let's not be angry about him anymore. I was only angry because I wanted him not to be re-elected.
/?????????
posted by The God Complex at 4:08 PM on November 3, 2004
/?????????
posted by The God Complex at 4:08 PM on November 3, 2004
fenriq, you friggin hypocrite, it was you that was posted the remark about kicking PP's teeth in. did you read what you just posted?
posted by andrew cooke at 4:17 PM on November 3, 2004
posted by andrew cooke at 4:17 PM on November 3, 2004
Our long national nightmare is half-over.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 4:25 PM on November 3, 2004
posted by mr_crash_davis at 4:25 PM on November 3, 2004
dfleming:
As, I think, one of the pissers on AskMe, I do want to state the question was in earnest. I'm just utterly heartsick today, and I want out. Anyway, I apologize to all AskMefiers for letting that fuck up my judgement & defacing the blog.
On topic, I imagine that the outrage of the day posts will decrease on a day-to-day basis. Tightening the web so that only intelligent political posts get through seems like it might make most MeFiers—those who like politics and those who don't—somewhat happy, no?
posted by dame at 4:38 PM on November 3, 2004
As, I think, one of the pissers on AskMe, I do want to state the question was in earnest. I'm just utterly heartsick today, and I want out. Anyway, I apologize to all AskMefiers for letting that fuck up my judgement & defacing the blog.
On topic, I imagine that the outrage of the day posts will decrease on a day-to-day basis. Tightening the web so that only intelligent political posts get through seems like it might make most MeFiers—those who like politics and those who don't—somewhat happy, no?
posted by dame at 4:38 PM on November 3, 2004
andrew, I know what I wrote. And I know what I wrote about Paris. I stand by both. If you think that makes me a hypocrit then I'll be sure to not give a damn.
Paris trolls here specifically to get a reaction. My reaction to him is to hope that sometime he trolls out in the real world and someone thrashes him for it.
I'm sick and tired of people attacking members so that their egos can inflate. I don't wantonly attack anyone, I defend myself.
I truly couldn't give the first damn what you think of me or what I think. Besides, what do you care, you're not even American, you're just another rubbernecker slowing down to look at all the blood and guts on the highway.
posted by fenriq at 5:23 PM on November 3, 2004
Paris trolls here specifically to get a reaction. My reaction to him is to hope that sometime he trolls out in the real world and someone thrashes him for it.
I'm sick and tired of people attacking members so that their egos can inflate. I don't wantonly attack anyone, I defend myself.
I truly couldn't give the first damn what you think of me or what I think. Besides, what do you care, you're not even American, you're just another rubbernecker slowing down to look at all the blood and guts on the highway.
posted by fenriq at 5:23 PM on November 3, 2004
i'm more concerned about getting a better cross-section of people here. if mefi is your main source of information about americans (as it is for me, culturally) then you (or i) clearly have no idea what half the nation is doing or thinking.
Well, I am pretty sure I represent that other half. Most people like me find other things to do besides spend hours on the computer though.
posted by konolia at 5:28 PM on November 3, 2004
Well, I am pretty sure I represent that other half. Most people like me find other things to do besides spend hours on the computer though.
posted by konolia at 5:28 PM on November 3, 2004
Yeah, you have hours to spend on your knees praying to god to make the gays stop marrying each other.
Amen to that. Go Team America!
posted by The God Complex at 5:41 PM on November 3, 2004
Amen to that. Go Team America!
posted by The God Complex at 5:41 PM on November 3, 2004
thanks konolia, but that kind of illustrates the problem - you can't possibly generate the volume of posts necessary to make this place more balanced.
on preview - shrugs and walks away.
posted by andrew cooke at 5:46 PM on November 3, 2004
on preview - shrugs and walks away.
posted by andrew cooke at 5:46 PM on November 3, 2004
It doesn't illustrate anything. She's just trying to be cheeky and suggest that people like her have so many more important things to do than spend time on the internet reading about foreign affairs and educating themselves about the world outside of what they see on Fox or CNN...
Hey, wait a second. Good point, Konolia.
posted by The God Complex at 5:54 PM on November 3, 2004
Hey, wait a second. Good point, Konolia.
posted by The God Complex at 5:54 PM on November 3, 2004
Well, I am pretty sure I represent that other half. Most people like me find other things to do besides spend hours on the computer though.
I see you've never been to Little Green Footballs.
posted by eyeballkid at 5:56 PM on November 3, 2004
I see you've never been to Little Green Footballs.
posted by eyeballkid at 5:56 PM on November 3, 2004
If my particular brand of bigotry involves an intolerance for the smug superiority of the moral-value voting class (you know, the ones that said honest is important and voted for Bush 2-to-1), then sure, call me a bigot. I tend to think that bigotry is more of a knee-jerk, irrational fear of "the other", but if you think it applies to a fairly rational dislike of these willfully uninformed individuals, whatever.
posted by The God Complex at 6:06 PM on November 3, 2004
posted by The God Complex at 6:06 PM on November 3, 2004
I like to think of 'Rednecks' and 'Bigots' as those people who are unwilling and/or unable to show any kind of tolerance, understanding or compassion of 'the other'. period.
this election didn't have as much to do with 'willfull' ignorance as you would like to believe. it had more to do with 'those' values which just so happen to be different than yours, therefore evil and willfully uninformed according to you. try as you might, you are no better than those who you hate. and hate them you do.
posted by poopy at 6:21 PM on November 3, 2004
this election didn't have as much to do with 'willfull' ignorance as you would like to believe. it had more to do with 'those' values which just so happen to be different than yours, therefore evil and willfully uninformed according to you. try as you might, you are no better than those who you hate. and hate them you do.
posted by poopy at 6:21 PM on November 3, 2004
Yeah, you have hours to spend on your knees praying to god to make the gays stop marrying each other. Amen to that. Go Team America!
Whew, nice to see it didn't take long to go from tearful mourning to lynching Bush supporters. Go tolerance!
posted by Krrrlson at 6:31 PM on November 3, 2004
Whew, nice to see it didn't take long to go from tearful mourning to lynching Bush supporters. Go tolerance!
posted by Krrrlson at 6:31 PM on November 3, 2004
I'd like to see a return to the "old" Metafilter, but I don't know if that's even possible any longer.
That is as delusional an expectation as all the people shouting that there was going to be a landslide for Kerry. Metafilter will return to the halcyon days of yore when the nation does...in other words, never.
I like to think of 'Rednecks' and 'Bigots' as those people who are unwilling and/or unable to show any kind of tolerance, understanding or compassion of 'the other'. period.
Thanks for sharing. Me, I think I'll stick with the actual definitions.
posted by rushmc at 6:37 PM on November 3, 2004
That is as delusional an expectation as all the people shouting that there was going to be a landslide for Kerry. Metafilter will return to the halcyon days of yore when the nation does...in other words, never.
I like to think of 'Rednecks' and 'Bigots' as those people who are unwilling and/or unable to show any kind of tolerance, understanding or compassion of 'the other'. period.
Thanks for sharing. Me, I think I'll stick with the actual definitions.
posted by rushmc at 6:37 PM on November 3, 2004
Go tolerance!
I think that word does not mean what you think it does.
posted by rushmc at 6:38 PM on November 3, 2004
I think that word does not mean what you think it does.
posted by rushmc at 6:38 PM on November 3, 2004
i'm glad you have such a firm grasp of the actual definitions rushmc. fits in nicely with all those facts and statistics.
posted by poopy at 6:42 PM on November 3, 2004
posted by poopy at 6:42 PM on November 3, 2004
As the person ranked second on the contribution index, I'd like to dispute justgary's claim. It doesn't apply to me. Yeah, my position on Bush is well-known, but I don't post, nor that greatly participate, in the threads we're discussing. I'd be perfectly happy to see all political posts banned from MeFi.
More realistically, and with greater justification, I think political advocacy posts should be banned. That's where the real problem is: people that use the front page as their partisan publication platform.
One short political note, since TGC brought it up and there's no way in hell I'm wading through theblue election threads snakepits. Indications are that Bush won this election appealing to his christian conservative base and the fear of gays. That does equal "morals" to a lot of voters. But I've been saying for a long time that Democrats and liberals have made a crucial error in ceding "morality" to the conservatives. Liberals get hives when the word "morality" is used. There was a time when liberalism used the language of morality to fight for liberal values. We should stop being afraid of saying things are "right" and "wrong" and, particularly, make the case that this crop of Republicans, anyway, are morally evil. I'm not afraid of using that word...it's apt.
posted by Ethereal Bligh at 7:02 PM on November 3, 2004
More realistically, and with greater justification, I think political advocacy posts should be banned. That's where the real problem is: people that use the front page as their partisan publication platform.
One short political note, since TGC brought it up and there's no way in hell I'm wading through the
posted by Ethereal Bligh at 7:02 PM on November 3, 2004
*begins reading from TGC's response to Konolia*
Holy fucking shit people, this is what I'm talking about. I can avoid these threads on the blue all day, it's the habit you have of spilling your crap over everything else. And all of a sudden this Metatalk thread is about the political semantics of "morality."
Jesus Christ.
posted by Stan Chin at 7:49 PM on November 3, 2004
Holy fucking shit people, this is what I'm talking about. I can avoid these threads on the blue all day, it's the habit you have of spilling your crap over everything else. And all of a sudden this Metatalk thread is about the political semantics of "morality."
Jesus Christ.
posted by Stan Chin at 7:49 PM on November 3, 2004
I think that word does not mean what you think it does.
It means to fucking hate rednecks, right?
posted by Krrrlson at 8:02 PM on November 3, 2004
It means to fucking hate rednecks, right?
posted by Krrrlson at 8:02 PM on November 3, 2004
As the person ranked second on the contribution index, I'd like to dispute justgary's claim. It doesn't apply to me.
Well, I meant generally, and it was probably a bad example. In reality, you could take members 100 - 200 and get the same political leanings.
I know you consider yourself moderate (from what I remember, if I'm wrong, my apologies), but your position on bush and reagin is well known. I fully realize that being anti bush or reagin doesn't equal anti conservatism, and that you don't post in those threads for the most part.
I should have left it at "5 or 6" posters being responsible for the bulk of political posts.
The facts are that 51 percent of the population voted for bush, and they are not represented on mefi, and they won't be. I know most people at mefi are happy about that, and that's fine, but let's not kid ourselves about opening up membership for diversity, when there is no diversity coming, at least not politically.
On mefi, if you give one hint that you may lean right, you're automatically generalized as a christian nut. It's happened to me today. Liberal, non judgemental members labelling me when in reality I about as unreligious as one can be, and socially, very liberal.
I think political advocacy posts should be banned. That's where the real problem is: people that use the front page as their partisan publication platform.
I completely agree, but only one person has the ability to stop that behavior. It's Matts baby. I just wish he'd shake it up a little. Looks like he might.
posted by justgary at 8:13 PM on November 3, 2004
Well, I meant generally, and it was probably a bad example. In reality, you could take members 100 - 200 and get the same political leanings.
I know you consider yourself moderate (from what I remember, if I'm wrong, my apologies), but your position on bush and reagin is well known. I fully realize that being anti bush or reagin doesn't equal anti conservatism, and that you don't post in those threads for the most part.
I should have left it at "5 or 6" posters being responsible for the bulk of political posts.
The facts are that 51 percent of the population voted for bush, and they are not represented on mefi, and they won't be. I know most people at mefi are happy about that, and that's fine, but let's not kid ourselves about opening up membership for diversity, when there is no diversity coming, at least not politically.
On mefi, if you give one hint that you may lean right, you're automatically generalized as a christian nut. It's happened to me today. Liberal, non judgemental members labelling me when in reality I about as unreligious as one can be, and socially, very liberal.
I think political advocacy posts should be banned. That's where the real problem is: people that use the front page as their partisan publication platform.
I completely agree, but only one person has the ability to stop that behavior. It's Matts baby. I just wish he'd shake it up a little. Looks like he might.
posted by justgary at 8:13 PM on November 3, 2004
It's Matts baby. I just wish he'd shake it up a little.
When I was in college, in Waco, at a far right-leaning and nutty Baptist University, there was a massive ad campaign on the billboards and placards of the local drive thrus that read "Never Ever Shake A Baby". I never heard anything about an epidemic of Shaken Baby Syndrome in the area, but there was, quite literally, a year long (at least) massive thing about it. One of the oddest things I've been presented with.
More on topic: i totally agree with the "I think political advocacy posts should be banned." Write your thesis on your own paper, not on our sidewalks.
posted by Ufez Jones at 10:00 PM on November 3, 2004
When I was in college, in Waco, at a far right-leaning and nutty Baptist University, there was a massive ad campaign on the billboards and placards of the local drive thrus that read "Never Ever Shake A Baby". I never heard anything about an epidemic of Shaken Baby Syndrome in the area, but there was, quite literally, a year long (at least) massive thing about it. One of the oddest things I've been presented with.
More on topic: i totally agree with the "I think political advocacy posts should be banned." Write your thesis on your own paper, not on our sidewalks.
posted by Ufez Jones at 10:00 PM on November 3, 2004
The facts are that 51 percent of the population voted for bush, and they are not represented on mefi, and they won't be.
And yet you're here, justgary, and so are more than a few others who have definitely and proudly voted for Bush and defended him here, and I haven't read all 87,000 posts on the threads, but I don't see anyone calling for you to die or anything.
Sure, the sack dances and the in-your-face stuff makes me bristle, but the reaction among the hardcore liberal rank and file here has been muted and introspective, especially by comparison to most other places. The pragmatism, considering how hard many of us worked and cared about this campaign and how hard this loss is being taken, is pretty damned nice to see, especially only the day after the concession.
Fine, justgary, Paris, poopy, Krrlson. Uncle. Your side won, by hook or by crook. Now let the 49% of us who voted for not-your-guy lick some wounds. And try to find a place in your world for us, because we're not all moving to France or wherever.
One thing, though: Mefi is the lefty counterpart to the Footballs, my ass. You could fit all the tolerance and introspection from all the posters on that site onto the business end of a jackhammer. I know pride is a sin, but forgodssake, we're way better than that.
posted by chicobangs at 5:50 AM on November 4, 2004
And yet you're here, justgary, and so are more than a few others who have definitely and proudly voted for Bush and defended him here, and I haven't read all 87,000 posts on the threads, but I don't see anyone calling for you to die or anything.
Sure, the sack dances and the in-your-face stuff makes me bristle, but the reaction among the hardcore liberal rank and file here has been muted and introspective, especially by comparison to most other places. The pragmatism, considering how hard many of us worked and cared about this campaign and how hard this loss is being taken, is pretty damned nice to see, especially only the day after the concession.
Fine, justgary, Paris, poopy, Krrlson. Uncle. Your side won, by hook or by crook. Now let the 49% of us who voted for not-your-guy lick some wounds. And try to find a place in your world for us, because we're not all moving to France or wherever.
One thing, though: Mefi is the lefty counterpart to the Footballs, my ass. You could fit all the tolerance and introspection from all the posters on that site onto the business end of a jackhammer. I know pride is a sin, but forgodssake, we're way better than that.
posted by chicobangs at 5:50 AM on November 4, 2004
BANG!
...we're way better than that.
Not really.
And try to find a place in your world for us,...
Perhaps if we had seen the same treatment and consideration prior to the election... or anytime over the last 4 years really, things might be different. For the same reason you want to be able to mourn in peace, "We" are enjoying a little payback... the same as you would and everybody else for that matter, if Kerry had won. I'm sure "kicking us while we're down" would have been no problem.
posted by Witty at 6:44 AM on November 4, 2004
...we're way better than that.
Not really.
And try to find a place in your world for us,...
Perhaps if we had seen the same treatment and consideration prior to the election... or anytime over the last 4 years really, things might be different. For the same reason you want to be able to mourn in peace, "We" are enjoying a little payback... the same as you would and everybody else for that matter, if Kerry had won. I'm sure "kicking us while we're down" would have been no problem.
posted by Witty at 6:44 AM on November 4, 2004
Alright. That's enough.
Look. I've tried to be gracious in defeat here. I'm taking this week very hard, but I was raised with the belief that good sportsmanship is as important in winning as it is in losing. Anywhere in life.
Problem is, I can't find anyone to shake my hand and say good fight. Anyone wanna put their money where their mouth is and be a little gracious in victory, like I sure as hell would?
Or is this whole country addicted to booyah and Fuck you, our 51 pwnz your 49, suck it bitch?
Great. I'll say it again. It's as hard for me to say as it would be for you to say: You, the Republicans, have won the election. Now. Please, please, put the Sharpie back in your sock and let's get on with the business of stopping this country from falling into civil war.
Please?
posted by chicobangs at 7:18 AM on November 4, 2004
Look. I've tried to be gracious in defeat here. I'm taking this week very hard, but I was raised with the belief that good sportsmanship is as important in winning as it is in losing. Anywhere in life.
Problem is, I can't find anyone to shake my hand and say good fight. Anyone wanna put their money where their mouth is and be a little gracious in victory, like I sure as hell would?
Or is this whole country addicted to booyah and Fuck you, our 51 pwnz your 49, suck it bitch?
Great. I'll say it again. It's as hard for me to say as it would be for you to say: You, the Republicans, have won the election. Now. Please, please, put the Sharpie back in your sock and let's get on with the business of stopping this country from falling into civil war.
Please?
posted by chicobangs at 7:18 AM on November 4, 2004
Chill. It's barely been one day. Things will settle down I'm sure. And it's not as bad as you're making it out to be. The rebublicans on this site are the extreme minority. I still say, had Kerry won, it would be even worse in the other direction.
posted by Witty at 8:01 AM on November 4, 2004
posted by Witty at 8:01 AM on November 4, 2004
It's an strange day indeed when Witty is the voice of reason around here.
posted by me3dia at 9:13 AM on November 4, 2004
posted by me3dia at 9:13 AM on November 4, 2004
What day is that, me3dia? Not today, surely.
posted by chicobangs at 9:38 AM on November 4, 2004
posted by chicobangs at 9:38 AM on November 4, 2004
Alright. That's enough.
Look. I've tried to be gracious in defeat here. I'm taking this week very hard, but I was raised with the belief that good sportsmanship is as important in winning as it is in losing. Anywhere in life.
Problem is, I can't find anyone to shake my hand and say good fight. Anyone wanna put their money where their mouth is and be a little gracious in victory, like I sure as hell would?
Or is this whole country addicted to booyah and Fuck you, our 51 pwnz your 49, suck it bitch?
Great. I'll say it again. It's as hard for me to say as it would be for you to say: You, the Republicans, have won the election. Now. Please, please, put the Sharpie back in your sock and let's get on with the business of stopping this country from falling into civil war.
Please?
The sound of civilization. Well identified, chicobangs - and very well said. Thanks.
posted by MiguelCardoso at 10:15 AM on November 4, 2004
Look. I've tried to be gracious in defeat here. I'm taking this week very hard, but I was raised with the belief that good sportsmanship is as important in winning as it is in losing. Anywhere in life.
Problem is, I can't find anyone to shake my hand and say good fight. Anyone wanna put their money where their mouth is and be a little gracious in victory, like I sure as hell would?
Or is this whole country addicted to booyah and Fuck you, our 51 pwnz your 49, suck it bitch?
Great. I'll say it again. It's as hard for me to say as it would be for you to say: You, the Republicans, have won the election. Now. Please, please, put the Sharpie back in your sock and let's get on with the business of stopping this country from falling into civil war.
Please?
The sound of civilization. Well identified, chicobangs - and very well said. Thanks.
posted by MiguelCardoso at 10:15 AM on November 4, 2004
Thanks, Miguel, seriously, except I was merely asking Witty if he would do me the favor of treating me like an equ--
hey, where is Witty, anyway?
posted by chicobangs at 1:19 PM on November 4, 2004
hey, where is Witty, anyway?
posted by chicobangs at 1:19 PM on November 4, 2004
the same as you would and everybody else for that matter, if Kerry had won. I'm sure "kicking us while we're down" would have been no problem.
Truer words were never spoke.
posted by languagehat at 2:35 PM on November 4, 2004
Truer words were never spoke.
posted by languagehat at 2:35 PM on November 4, 2004
I second (third, eleventh...) politics.metafilter.com.
I believe it would be a really positive thing.
Seems almost all of us like to talk politics on one level or another, and we need to and should talk politics - but it'd be real nice and purty and stuff to give politics it's own page and leave the blue for what really matters. The life we should be having outside and away from politics.
Please bring the art, music, culture, technology and society and sociology at large that made MetaFitler cool. Please bring back the funny.
posted by loquacious at 3:34 PM on November 4, 2004
I believe it would be a really positive thing.
Seems almost all of us like to talk politics on one level or another, and we need to and should talk politics - but it'd be real nice and purty and stuff to give politics it's own page and leave the blue for what really matters. The life we should be having outside and away from politics.
Please bring the art, music, culture, technology and society and sociology at large that made MetaFitler cool. Please bring back the funny.
posted by loquacious at 3:34 PM on November 4, 2004
And yet you're here, justgary, and so are more than a few others who have definitely and proudly voted for Bush and defended him here.
Fine, justgary, Paris, poopy, Krrlson. Uncle. Your side won, by hook or by crook.
See, that's the catch chicobangs, I didn't vote for bush. I didn't vote for kerry either. Neither one represented what I want in a president.
But as soon as someone on mefi shows any opinions that veer from the left a member gets thrown into the "christian, prejudice, close-minded redneck" category. (if I threw in I live in alabama all hell would break loose). It happened just today.
I'm not religious, I'm socially very liberal, conservative in other ways. Where do I fit in, and what team am I on?
The fact is I don't see this as 'teams'. I don't understand applying labels to ones self. What the hell does that mean anyway? It's a simple minded way of turning off. I'm not a label. I'm not that easy to categorize. To me, this is not sports, and I don't consider one side the winner and the other the loser.
I'm the guy who could vote for anyone, but no one's gonna get it by calling bush monkeyboy or making fun of the way he talks. It would be cool if we had actual debate here, but we don't. I believe what matt said, that we're not as different as we think we are. And I realize most members don't want to other 51 percent here, but no matter how great the links y2karl puts up everyday if the converted are the only ones to see them it doesn't make a difference.
posted by justgary at 6:53 PM on November 4, 2004
Fine, justgary, Paris, poopy, Krrlson. Uncle. Your side won, by hook or by crook.
See, that's the catch chicobangs, I didn't vote for bush. I didn't vote for kerry either. Neither one represented what I want in a president.
But as soon as someone on mefi shows any opinions that veer from the left a member gets thrown into the "christian, prejudice, close-minded redneck" category. (if I threw in I live in alabama all hell would break loose). It happened just today.
I'm not religious, I'm socially very liberal, conservative in other ways. Where do I fit in, and what team am I on?
The fact is I don't see this as 'teams'. I don't understand applying labels to ones self. What the hell does that mean anyway? It's a simple minded way of turning off. I'm not a label. I'm not that easy to categorize. To me, this is not sports, and I don't consider one side the winner and the other the loser.
I'm the guy who could vote for anyone, but no one's gonna get it by calling bush monkeyboy or making fun of the way he talks. It would be cool if we had actual debate here, but we don't. I believe what matt said, that we're not as different as we think we are. And I realize most members don't want to other 51 percent here, but no matter how great the links y2karl puts up everyday if the converted are the only ones to see them it doesn't make a difference.
posted by justgary at 6:53 PM on November 4, 2004
Okay, justgary, come on. You're not "the guy who could vote for anyone." But I get your point. You've been vocal about your hatred of the tactics and policies of the left, and you know what? That's fine.
And I'm sorry for assuming how you voted. I wasn't in the booth with you.
But just like I'm not "the guy who called bush monkeyboy," either. The point I was kind of blindly lashing out at this afternoon, though, is that (again, I speak for myself, and only myself) I really fucking hate being called "Most Mefites" or "someone on Mefi." You're tarring me and probably a few other people with a brush that belongs against someone specific, and it really comes off as you having so much contempt for the people reading your comments in the threads that you can't even be bothered separating one of them from the other.
There is no monolithic liberal left, just like there's no stereotypical conservative bloc. Regardless of how you may have voted, if you feel this election justified your worldview, that's fantastic, and I'm genuinely happy for you.
But neither one of us is a 51%er or a 49%er, and to assume that's the case is not only disingenuous, but far as I personally care, it's part of the problem, and a source of the schism, not a bridge across it.
posted by chicobangs at 7:18 PM on November 4, 2004
And I'm sorry for assuming how you voted. I wasn't in the booth with you.
But just like I'm not "the guy who called bush monkeyboy," either. The point I was kind of blindly lashing out at this afternoon, though, is that (again, I speak for myself, and only myself) I really fucking hate being called "Most Mefites" or "someone on Mefi." You're tarring me and probably a few other people with a brush that belongs against someone specific, and it really comes off as you having so much contempt for the people reading your comments in the threads that you can't even be bothered separating one of them from the other.
There is no monolithic liberal left, just like there's no stereotypical conservative bloc. Regardless of how you may have voted, if you feel this election justified your worldview, that's fantastic, and I'm genuinely happy for you.
But neither one of us is a 51%er or a 49%er, and to assume that's the case is not only disingenuous, but far as I personally care, it's part of the problem, and a source of the schism, not a bridge across it.
posted by chicobangs at 7:18 PM on November 4, 2004
Okay, justgary, come on. You're not "the guy who could vote for anyone."
I wouldn't vote for kerry, but for a liberal closer to the middle? Sure.
My point was that all we're hearing about is evangelical christians, and while that was huge block, a block probably unreachable, there are other voters that are.
I don't vote on any morality issues. Gay marriage? Fine. Right to choose? Fine. Seperation of church and state? Certainly. I'm not out of reach.
You've been vocal about your hatred of the tactics and policies of the left, and you know what? That's fine.
You're right. I do get frustrated, and I shouldn't use a broad brush. I'm sure I've said things I regret. It comes mostly from frustration however. The same links by the same posters every day. I don't want to see that from the right or the left.
But I appreciate your comments and will keep them in mind.
posted by justgary at 10:09 PM on November 4, 2004
I wouldn't vote for kerry, but for a liberal closer to the middle? Sure.
My point was that all we're hearing about is evangelical christians, and while that was huge block, a block probably unreachable, there are other voters that are.
I don't vote on any morality issues. Gay marriage? Fine. Right to choose? Fine. Seperation of church and state? Certainly. I'm not out of reach.
You've been vocal about your hatred of the tactics and policies of the left, and you know what? That's fine.
You're right. I do get frustrated, and I shouldn't use a broad brush. I'm sure I've said things I regret. It comes mostly from frustration however. The same links by the same posters every day. I don't want to see that from the right or the left.
But I appreciate your comments and will keep them in mind.
posted by justgary at 10:09 PM on November 4, 2004
I was hoping for spankings. -- orange swan
A spanking! A spanking! And then....The Oral Sex!
Evil Zoot references aside, I too vote for a politics.metafilter.
posted by dejah420 at 7:45 PM on November 5, 2004
A spanking! A spanking! And then....The Oral Sex!
Evil Zoot references aside, I too vote for a politics.metafilter.
posted by dejah420 at 7:45 PM on November 5, 2004
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posted by bob sarabia at 8:59 AM on November 3, 2004