All in Good Fun

News Type: Opinion — Sun Aug 31, 2008 8:49 PM EDT

politics, obama, palin, conservative, liberal

All right, I've had a good time with the Palin baby scandal, I'll admit.

But, for me, the time has come to put this sort of thing aside. Henceforth, until after the election, I won't be buying into the baiting from the Right nor those (often incredibly funny) seeds or posts from the Left. Why? Look, I realize some, perhaps most, don't care, everyone's here to make their point, right? I'm all for a good debate but when it comes to personal attacks, attacks that deflect from issues, and attacks that involve folks (like the candidates kids or family members) I have to draw the line.

There's been much discussion on the 'vine about mudslinging and crappy rumormongering. There's been rationalizing on both sides as to who started it and who did what, when. There's common agreement that most of us are sick of it. As incredibly funny as some if it can be (and curbing my appetite for stupid humor will be a challenge), I know I am.

So what about the rest of my 'viner friends, Right and Left; what if we start here? Who cares what inanity the rest of the country is arguing about, we're all here to "get smarter" (most of us anyway) correct? So why don't we start together? Let's not take the bait when it's offered. Let's not post stupid crap. Let's work from a higher standard. The majority of the country gets their opinions between beer ads, for god's sake, but there's some of us on here that want to discuss real issues, not everyone, but a good many. And Right or Left the intent is sincere. So why not approach it in that spirit?

Can we do this? Does anybody have ideas for ground rules?

11 Votes
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Public Discussion (20)

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9.4

{"commentId":2674153,"authorDomain":"transfer"}

Ire

Let me just say I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to this stuff.

{"commentId":2674153,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"transfer"}

5 votes

#1 - Sun Aug 31, 2008 8:51 PM EDT

{"commentId":2675064,"authorDomain":"jimdent"}

Jim Dent

Your hearts in the right place John, but I think you're pissin' in the wind here. Hell, you can't throw a cat without hittin' a Palin seed or article. The level of intelligent conversation here has taken a nose dive... and it's gettin' worse. All we can do right now is ignore the bull@!$%# and comment on the more intelligent stuff. It won't help, but at least we won't be a part of it...

{"commentId":2675064,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"jimdent"}

7 votes

#1.1 - Sun Aug 31, 2008 10:26 PM EDT

{"commentId":2675224,"authorDomain":"transfer"}

Ire

Good input Jim, Thanks.

I kind of figured that but, you know, "the good fight" and all.

Those Palin articles are so damn funny, though...

Oh, well, I'll just fight the temptation and try to stick to more cogent topics.

{"commentId":2675224,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"transfer"}

4 votes

#1.2 - Sun Aug 31, 2008 10:41 PM EDT

{"commentId":2684376,"authorDomain":"logdump"}

logdump

What can you do but ask. That one article about the baby being her was so obvious it wasn't funny I looked at the picture ascertained that it was a fake then read she was out of school for 8 months with mono. I had read on two Alaskan blogs her kids are home schooled so I went into the article and posted my finding and said this is a fake check it out and listed my conclusions. came back three hours later there were ove 100 posts none about it being fake. LOL

I only correct or make an occasional joke about a post so I am with you.

{"commentId":2684376,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"logdump"}

2 votes

#1.3 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 5:47 PM EDT

{"commentId":2684493,"authorDomain":"transfer"}

Ire

Hi logdump,

Thanks. I have been reading your posts and voting on them. Sometimes the subject or argument is so absurd that the only thing one can do is make fun.

{"commentId":2684493,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"transfer"}

2 votes

#1.4 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 5:56 PM EDT

{"commentId":2697731,"authorDomain":"QACoach"}

QACoach

Hell, you can't throw a cat without hittin' a Palin seed or article.

You're right, Jim. In fact, I stopped "Tracking" any article with "Palin" in the subject line. I have theory that there is basically a wave of spam about her anyway. The intent of the spam...in my theory...is a McCampaign tactic to divert attention away from dear John in the hopes that no one will remember that he has no viable positions on policy other than Bush III.

{"commentId":2697731,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"QACoach"}

6 votes

#1.5 - Tue Sep 2, 2008 1:32 PM EDT

{"commentId":2713658,"authorDomain":"youthinasia"}

youth in asia

Any article with Palin in the title I immediately stop tracking as well. Really there is no need for comment, res ipsa loquitur.

What really gets me though online or anywhere in the media are insults involving politician's family members, especially kids. For broadcast media, this sort of lowbrow crap should illicit immediate sanctions and angry calls. It should immediately disqualify any pundit from getting a return visit (though it appears Ann Coulter has finally been shunned for her over-the-top hateful rhetoric "Come on. I was joking. Can't you liberals take a joke?" Nice try Ann.) I remember pill popping comedian Rush Limbaugh making disparaging cracks about 13 year-old Chelsea Clinton and thinking the guy simply has no decency whatsoever. He has proved this to be true numerous times since (Michael J. Fox etc.). Yet he is very popular with a segment of the knuckle-dragging right precisely because he does this sort of crap. Again, it speaks for itself and ultimately does more damage to the people who spew this verbal vomitous, but really, who supports that below-the-belt nonsense?

Decency and civility in discourse exist (or did once) for good reason. Many Americans have apparently forgotten this.

{"commentId":2713658,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"youthinasia"}

7 votes

#1.6 - Wed Sep 3, 2008 3:42 AM EDT

{"commentId":2676300,"authorDomain":"lele"}

Leah M

Ire - strangely enough, or not strangely at all, I came to this same conclusion independently about the same time as you. Cheers!

The articles are pretty damn funny, you're right about that too!

{"commentId":2676300,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"lele"}

5 votes

#2 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 12:31 AM EDT

{"commentId":2679508,"authorDomain":"transfer"}

Ire

Thanks Leah M,

I think a lot of people are reaching this conclusion but it sure is tough staying out of the fray. Some of the seeds/posts are like a traiwreck, one wants to just drive by without looking but can't help looking.

{"commentId":2679508,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"transfer"}

4 votes

#2.1 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 11:51 AM EDT

{"commentId":2683612,"authorDomain":"lele"}

Leah M

Well, we can start by making people aware of stuff like this :-D

{"commentId":2683612,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"lele"}

4 votes

#2.2 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 4:46 PM EDT

{"commentId":2684286,"authorDomain":"transfer"}

Ire

Exactly! That is a real issue. Her 527 work which was described as "political boot camp for Alaskan women" sound mroe like a boot camp for skirting laws....

{"commentId":2684286,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"transfer"}

3 votes

#2.3 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 5:39 PM EDT

{"commentId":2685531,"authorDomain":"lele"}

Leah M

It's kind of ironic how all this nonsense makes Obama/Biden look tame in comparison. A safer choice.

I don't think that was McCain's intent.

{"commentId":2685531,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"lele"}

4 votes

#2.4 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 7:29 PM EDT

{"commentId":2676911,"authorDomain":"ThreeCents"}

ThreeCents

I haven't really commented on Palin; some on McCain for the motivations behind the choice though. I don't feel bad about those comments from me. However, in review of my comments from the last month or so I feel that they haven't been too productive or respectful enough on political posts in general. I don't have any great ideas about ground rules. But today, I thought I needed to take a break from political fighting and tone down my commentary. Besides, as I have commented a few times before, I don't think we are really changing too many peoples minds here so one or two less flame wars or jabs that I get involved with each week cost me some time I could be participating something more fun. I'm trying...

{"commentId":2676911,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"ThreeCents"}

5 votes

#3 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 1:47 AM EDT

{"commentId":2679519,"authorDomain":"transfer"}

Ire

Thanks ThreeCents,

In this regard, I know just how you feel.

{"commentId":2679519,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"transfer"}

4 votes

#3.1 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 11:53 AM EDT

{"commentId":2737083,"authorDomain":"ThreeCents"}

ThreeCents

Darn, this is difficult. I told myself I'd restrain myself from stoking flame wars and childish jabs. It has been so hard these last 2 days to not go ballistic. I need a 12-step program or something...

{"commentId":2737083,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"ThreeCents"}

4 votes

#3.2 - Wed Sep 3, 2008 7:35 PM EDT

{"commentId":2750009,"authorDomain":"transfer"}

Ire

ThreeCents,

I fell off the wagon, too.

Palin is cunning, baffling and powerful. I should just admit that I have no control when it comes to Palin...

{"commentId":2750009,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"transfer"}

2 votes

#3.3 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 10:01 AM EDT

{"commentId":2764350,"authorDomain":"ThreeCents"}

ThreeCents

Your honesty is appealing. It will be an interesting next couple of months. How is that for a bland post?

{"commentId":2764350,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"ThreeCents"}

3 votes

#3.4 - Thu Sep 4, 2008 9:56 PM EDT

{"commentId":2787654,"authorDomain":"ThreeCents"}

ThreeCents

Game over, I'm out. I've succumbed. I wish I was a better person; I am outta here. I can't pas up a laugh or two. McCain and Palin together are such an easy mark. Oh hell, ever third rate pirhana's can't ignore the call...

{"commentId":2787654,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"ThreeCents"}

2 votes

#3.5 - Fri Sep 5, 2008 7:47 PM EDT

{"commentId":2787844,"authorDomain":"transfer"}

Ire

I hear you, ThreeCents, blood in the water and all that!

Have fun at the fest and I'll likely see you there!

{"commentId":2787844,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"transfer"}

2 votes

#3.6 - Fri Sep 5, 2008 7:59 PM EDT

{"commentId":2712765,"authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}

Pamela Drew

For my tastes nothing beats a great money and corruption scheme, crimes in High Office, toxins in the food, those sorts of things. But %$#@ keeps flying at me, so I reserve the right to slip in the occasional gutter and give some back, as a spontaneously generated response to toxic overdosing! :~)

{"commentId":2712765,"threadId":"345098","contentId":"1810389","authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}

5 votes

#4 - Wed Sep 3, 2008 1:42 AM EDT

{"canLink":false,"threadId":"345098","isPrivate":false}

IRE

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