Perhaps I wasn't clear that my objection was a lack of warning. Perhaps I simply don't understand our new community standards.

I was surprised this went 0-6 to leave it up.

The thread which is currently on the front page in all its peniliscious glory: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10179263

[div class='excerpt']The results:

At Sun Jan 29, 2012, 11:02 AM you sent an alert on the following post:



REASON FOR ALERT:

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate. (See <a href="http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=aboutus#communitystandards" target="_blank">Community Standards</a>.)

YOUR COMMENTS:

The molded penis being licked without warning is a bit over the top. This is on the front page as well. I like Bill, but this is not apropos here.

JURY RESULTS

A randomly-selected Jury of DU members completed their review of this alert at Sun Jan 29, 2012, 11:26 AM, and voted 0-6 to LEAVE IT ALONE.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: This is an adult discussion forum. This photo was in the news and is topical. Porn and depiction of the sex act would be prohibited but this is an unusual cake that a prominent political comedian commented on. I think this should be left alone. DU needs standards but not at the risk of turning DU into a totally censored forum.
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: I see nothing in this post that requires hiding. -MineralMan
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: Bill didn't say anything insulting about MRC. Ms. Cyrus allowed herself to be photographed with the cake, highly likely with full knowledge of what can be done with photographs in today's social media software environment.

DU is an adult environment; if there are non-adults here, they should be monitored and supervised by those who CHOOSE to allow that and responsibly take part in what these minors are doing. That is NOT our/DU's responsibility.

Appropriate adult interaction with any minor who happened to encounter the picture of Ms. Cyrus with her penis cake (here or ELSEWHERE) *CAN* apply that experience as a learning opportunity to the benefit of the minor. That picture is probably everywhere, so kids WILL see it anyway. Pretending that this sort of thing does not happen is NOT good for anyone, especially young people.
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: I don't agree with the alert and feel that the post should stay un-edited.
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: This is a attempt to censor someone ourside DU and to try to censor language on DU. NO NO NO.

She started a thread that I think actually does need more attention. Because it is a great summary of a positive impact some of the organization in the executive branch is having. It was the first I've heard this aspect reported and was pleasantly surprised.

If you agree with me you know what to do to it. So go do, that voodoo, that you do, so well.

It doesn't embed but this Ted talk video is 20 minutes well spent. In fact, I will be spending another 40 minutes with it at some point because it is so informationally dense.

For those who hate blind links, it is a discussion by Paddy Ashdown about the alignments of global power. It contains many observations, some obvious and many not so obvious, at least to me. It is impossible for me to do it justice in a few paragraphs.

It also provides some framework within which the global frustrations with the elite can be viewed.

I would love to hear your opinions about this talk and possibly some ideas of how we can move into the new era more safely.