Because I have to ask...

[c-ville rook]

For a number of years I have read, watched, let's be honest lurked a bit on DU. For various reasons, all unimportant I seldom commented keeping my counsel to myself. Generally, you are better off for my decision – trust me.

However, recently I have been allowed to start threads. So, I feel I must ask a few questions that I really feel dumb for even having to ask about the primaries as relates to the social dynamics on this site. These questions may get me banned and certainly will make some question DU's wisdom in granting me the ability to post new threads. I will not blame them.

I get that we all may want a "space" to discuss more progressive views without the intervention of right wing trolls.

However, as I understand it because of various comments posted on the boards -- and this is a surprise to me -- there are now groups within the site that will not allow Bernie people to comment re: certain Hillary threads and I will assume the same is true in the reverse, all because of the Presidential primary.

So my question is, "Are we Democrats and Progressives or are we Trump?"

Because this is embarrassing, maybe not "build a wall and have Mexico pay for it” embarrassing but it is in the ballpark. And before everyone goes, "No, it is not the same ballpark." We are the Big Tent; big ideas and as many that want to stay out of the rain can stand under it with us ,if they are willing to stand with us out of the rain. The tent is bigger than the ballpark, so yes we are in the ballpark for purposes of this discussion.

“Are we that thin skinned?”

"Are we not going to ask the tough question, even when we see the answers and know they do not favor us?"

“Are we those people?”

Someone, anyone please tell me that I am mistaken about this and that I can go back to lurking.

[daleanime]

1. Huh?

[RiverLover]

4. I feel slightly embarrassed I was able to follow this, after reading twice. I think.

I think the poster is somehow comparing our political candidate sub-forums/groups to trump's "wall" & conflating a safe protected group to go with fellow supporters and not have to argue to racist trump wanting to build a wall to keep out foreigners...


I think. Maybe. Its pretty out there though. I hope I'm wrong.

[NCTraveler]

2. Read it three times and still not sure what is being asked.

Lots of question marks all over the place.

“Are we that thin skinned?”

I have been called a conservative, narcissist, evil, racist, sexist, and more. I'm still here. Nothing thin skinned about me. I have also had an op hidden that only contained a direct quote from Sanders. I was blocked from the Sanders group for one very pro-Sanders post in said group. I didn't lobby or anything. It's their loss in my opinion.

"Are we not going to ask the tough question, even when we see the answers and know they do not favor us?"

As I said, even direct quotes from Sanders are hidden here. So I guess not.

“Are we those people?”

I'm me. No one else.

"Are we Democrats and Progressives or are we Trump?"

I have no clue how you could ever compare me or any of my Clinton supporting brothers and sister to Trump.

[Bjornsdotter]

3. Unfortunately.....

DU melts down every primary season to a group of nasty, mean spirited posters. This doesn't include everyone but enough fall into the category. They prefer not to agree that everyone is allowed to have their own opinion and that it is okay if we disagree.

Then comes the loyalty oath of who are you voting for, always a fun time. Add in the people who think that they should tell you how to vote and you've got the beginnings of chaos.

[Avalux]

5. You have 13 posts. Are you expecting to be banned?

First, you say you might post something that could get you banned now that you have this awesome power of starting threads.

Then, you say we are a big tent and should all get along famously and not act lie those people.

I am confused and not sure of your overall point, if there is one.

[c-ville rook]

6. In a world where Democrats and Progressives

will not allow other Democrats and Progressives to play "in their reindeer games".

One must go "anything is possible".

[RiverLover]

7. Well at least you aren't hiding anymore. Does it feel good to come out of the closet?

without the intervention of right wing trolls.

[uppityperson]

8. Here is the simple answer and a question back at you

GDP is the duke it out forum. DU has many other forums, some of which are safe havens which are for a specific certain group and tightly run, moderated. DU also has a specific purpose with specific rules, terms of service since there are many other places out there open to everyone.

How does having safe havens, not allowing anyone into everywhere make DU like The Nutter?

[DanTex]

9. I don't see the problem.

GDP is for people who are interested in debating primary candidates, but inevitably it gets contentious, there's name-calling, etc. The Hillary and Bernie forums are for people who prefer more civil discussions with like-minded Dems, without the mudslinging.

You can choose where to post, based on your preference. Neither is better or worse, they just serve different purposes. I don't blame people for avoiding GDP, and I also don't blame people for participating in it.

[elleng]

10. Unfortunately you are not thin-skinned, but observant.

LOTS of passion happening now, and many can't remain civil in the way they discuss, and others in the way they respond, so we get 'Groups,' some of which don't engage with others on issues/candidates they don't like.

Sorry, it's true. Human nature, maybe.

Welcome to DU.

[olddots]

11. " are we Trump ? "

all of us have some trump bullshit in us but we chose to come here to get away from it .