I'm going to be a host of LGBT Group for a second

[Fearless]

And simply state this:

I believe that rational discussion of seated Democrats' stances towards LGBT rights IS fair game in the LGBT Group, including their pro-LGBT, LGBT-neutral, and anti-LGBT stances. I believe that we have both the right to laud and be constructively critical of those seated Democrats (and all politicians) regarding the advancement of our rights. I do not believe this discussion should be limited to or from specific times so long as it is constructive and pro-LGBT rights.

Period.

What do you think? The group is only as strong as its members voices.

(Disclaimer: My statement comes from me and is not necessarily indicative of the other hosts' opinions. I have not discussed my views with them at length prior to writing this statement and my words should not necessarily be indicative of their support of or opposition to my view.)

[JackBeck]

1. Could we please put an emphasis on "rational discussion" and "constructively critical"?

Because calling Obama a "bigot" could be categorized as none of the above.

It's become frustrating for me to see a very small minority of posters on DU who end up actually doing more harm than good for LGBT social justice when they post such nonsense.

[Fearless]

2. I agree

We should always be rational and constructive when we post.

[dbackjon]

7. WE are going to have to disagree

In my opinion, anyone that is not for the COMPLETE and IMMEDIATE Equality for all Americans is a Bigot. Bigotry can be subtle, or obvious. Discrimination based on "sincerely-held" religious beliefs is still a form of bigotry.

I am sorry if I offend some delicate sensiblities, but people should be labeled what they truly are.


You think I am doing more harm than good. I disagree. I beleive that those that acquise to the bigotry and discrimination are delaying equality for all.



Playing nice got us nowhere.

[dsc]

3. the fact is our posts have to follow the same rules as other fora

which means we are subject to the jury system. For the record I voted on a version of the post that didn't say Obama was a bigot but did compare his stance on marriage equality to a hypothetical stance on racial equality. But a post directly calls Obama a bigot is going to be removed no matter which forum it is in.

[Fearless]

4. Indeed. Hence "constructive criticism"

[William769]

5. I reserve the right to take this on as a case by case basis.

My first and foremost job here is keep this Group a safe haven for LGBT members (from people not sympathetic to the LGBT Community (frankly I don't care about anything else). If a post does not fall into this category then a jury will decide, our Group is just like the rest of DU (you take your chances in what you post).

[Puglover]

6. 100 percent agree!