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Back Together - Weekend Edition - May 16 -18

By Nancy M. - May 16th, 2008 at 10:36 am EDT

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Is anybody up for brainstorming about how we can reclaim the blogs from some of the recent hatefulness and negativity?

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Ugliness on the main blogs | Report to Admin

By Nancy M. May 16th 2008 at 10:43 am EDT

Are any of you guys members of TCP's (Tim Prudell) group on positive dialogue? There are about 125 people, many of whom have given up on the main blogs because of the tone these days.

I am really wondering if we could all make a concerted effort over the next week or so to try to turn things around. We could report the ugliness, post direct responses on the blog to people who make remarks we feel are not appropriate to Barack Obama's blog. We could all commit to trying to shift the balance from divisiveness to something more positive.

Good idea? Bad idea?

Re: Ugliness on the main blogs | Report to Admin

By Theresa "Offering an olive branch to Clinton and McCain supporters" from NY May 16th 2008 at 12:30 pm EDT

Hi Nancy! I finally made it to your blog. Thank you for the invites!

Sorry I've missed the dialogs from the past two primaries. But I'm here now!

I agree 100%. While I understand why people are leaving the main blog, I don't believe it's constructive. If we stay on the main blog and communicate positively, I do believe others will follow. I think it's critical for two reasons:

1) The main blog has been getting press attention

2) Supporters of Clinton and McCain go there for their information (hence my screen name)

3) That blog represents Barack and his campaign

I do feel it's our duty to spread some love and positivity over there. I also do remember the days (sniff, sniff) when I was a worried newcomer and it was people like you, Mary, Maeve, Barath, Erin, Laura and GM, that helped to set the tone and calm me down!

Just my two cents.

Re: Ugliness on the main blogs | Report to Admin

By Theresa "Offering an olive branch to Clinton and McCain supporters" from NY May 16th 2008 at 12:31 pm EDT

Make that THREE reasons! ;-)

Re: Ugliness on the main blogs | Report to Admin

By SFT May 16th 2008 at 3:18 pm EDT

Oh, I so agree. It has really been a worry to watch it change. I have hardly been involved for three weeks or so. It requires so much thinking to make sense to folks who are just "carrying on" as my mother used to say. There definitely needs to be a large enough group to move the conversation forward with a positive focus. Discussion is productive, and we can help show how focused attention on a problem can bring helpful and useful solutions.

Keep HOPE shining.

Re: Ugliness on the main blogs | Report to Admin

By Nancy M. May 16th 2008 at 7:25 pm EDT

I have tried for weeks, individually, as have many others. I don't believe our efforts have been very successful, which is why many of us are not on there much anymore.

But I believe that a whole bunch of people making a concerted effort within a short timeframe *could* actually have an impact. That's why I'm trying to see if there are people who are interested in making that effort over the period, say, of a week...

Re: Ugliness on the main blogs | Report to Admin

By Rick Beaule' May 16th 2008 at 7:43 pm EDT

I think it will take longer, Nancy. I think that there will be challengers or people who get mad throughout the process. I just think that it will take awhile before people realize that we are serious and not just trying a new "blogging fad", if you will.

Rick
Mustard seeds for everyone!!!

Re: Ugliness on the main blogs | Report to Admin

By Joy IA May 16th 2008 at 12:31 pm EDT

It seems that immediately after the WV primary, when all those offensive comments began to appear, people began complaining about "censorship." I saw one last night who changed their name and it now includes "CENSORED" in it--I clicked on their page and they wrote about being warned.

I have no problem reporting where I see fit and calling out those who start or perpetuate offensive posts. I'll have to look up Tim because I don't think I'm in the group. Whatever can be done to change the tone of the blog away from the rude and hostile comments, I am happy to help when possible.

Re: Ugliness on the main blogs | Report to Admin

By IA for Obama ☮ May 16th 2008 at 10:34 pm EDT

I just saw a post on the main blog that speaks to the feeling of censorship that's been cropping up more and more. I know of few who have actually had their account terminated. I believe air force mike has. I have not reported his posts myself (at least I don't think I have), but I have noticed him swear a lot and say some offensive things from time to time; I also know him to post some excellent things as well. But when his account was terminated, he had already been repeatedly warned, and HQ had multiple complaints about him over a fairly long period of time.

I have had one of my posts deleted, not because it was offensive in general, but because I think one person got in a huff and clicked report repeatedly. This has happened to others as well; I have seen several posts that were not offensive in the slightest get deleted, and I have seen some horrible things stay. But obviously terminating accounts take it a step farther. Recently wineaux had his deleted and I have to say that I was surprised. Yes, he's made some off-color remarks from time to time, but none were extreme, and all together I don't think it merited his account getting terminated. But then it's not my blog and I don't read every post, so what do I know. I trust HQ's judgment, but there is a growing perception of censorship, as Joy notes.

So the crux of the issue, IMO, is that we see some hateful horrible things on the blog, or even ridiculously arrogant and elitist posts, as if Fox is writing them, but apparently they are genuinely coming from Obama supporters who do not see what's wrong with them, or temporary bursts of anger as bloggers vent from time to time, things that reflect very poorly on Barack and his supporters; yet we also have concerns about free speech, about inclusivity, about respecting diversity. Frankly, I don't see the problem with posts getting deleted from time to time, even if they don't actually deserve to be IMO--because it's not just up to my opinion. But I do see a problem with valued bloggers having their accounts terminated.

Anyway, on to the post from the main blog. I think as we consider trying to keep the blog positive we should address these concerns as well.

Re: Ugliness on the main blogs | Report to Admin

By IA for Obama ☮ May 16th 2008 at 10:36 pm EDT

From a post on the main blog:

please, what is this about reporting to Administration!!??

My goodness, what is going on in here with all the reporting!

I am becoming alarmed every night with those who are ever so wanting to and admitting that they are reporting each other---to whom and about what exactly. Are we in a 1984 conundrum? Michelle B spoke of that last night as well that she regularly reports.

I think we may be getting a bit brown shirt about what our opinions should be in here and what this site is all about and dictate to each what it is!

We are the most diverse group that has ever come in contact with each in our history sharing from all experiences of life which mold our opinons and WE Will Be Facing each other together to commit to getting our nation back on track together including our differences of opinion. Let us not dictate or worse tattle tale...

That is just too spooky for me and I had to say something.

Opinions Please....!

Re: Ugliness on the main blogs | Report to Admin

By Nancy M. May 17th 2008 at 12:25 am EDT

A few people on the blog commented that wineaux's comment - the one that got his account deleted - had been really offensive. I didn't see it. I really wonder how many of these people are not actually Obama supporters, and they are just getting more sophisticated at figuring out how to disrupt things.

Re: Ugliness on the main blogs | Report to Admin

By IA for Obama ☮ May 17th 2008 at 12:58 am EDT

I saw wineaux's comment and thought it was offensive. He prefaced it by saying he had lived near there or something, and how saddened he was by the racism that still so clearly exists there, then a few sentences lashing out at WV as a whole, in a way that was insulting and elitist. Offensive enough to be deleted, yes (although certainly not nearly as offensive as others I've seen), but not offensive enough to warrant the termination of his account, IMO.

I believe I was one of 2 people on the replies to Rad 1 who commented that we had seen it and it was offensive. The other person was from WV. Wineaux has an off-color sense of humor, so many times his remarks verge on tasteless, and maybe that's why they terminated his account after this latest comment, but I still find it surprising. At any rate, though, I am sure he's a supporter, as I am sure Walt is (has his account been terminated? haven't seen him around since "Hillhater" went off about censorship the other day), and that air force Mike is (who also had his account terminated, but created a new account).

Re: Ugliness on the main blogs | Report to Admin

By Nancy M. May 17th 2008 at 1:32 pm EDT

Hmmm. I thought Walt was one of the worst, lately, but maybe I am remembering that wrong. i noticed that air force mike is back, with a slightly different name. I posted on the main blog this morning and had tons of people say they don't see blog posts that are hateful, so I must be here trying to cause trouble. I give up!

Re: Ugliness on the main blogs | Report to Admin

By IA for Obama ☮ May 17th 2008 at 10:08 pm EDT

I agree about Walt being way out of line on several occasions. Really and truly offensive, though no doubt he thinks it funny. But I still am reasonably sure that he's a supporter. I'm not saying he shouldn't have had his account terminated, but I am surprised that it happened to wineaux and air force Mike, even though they too cross boundaries from time to time. I respect that it's not my decision, though, and I don't read all the posts or the complaints about them. I'm not second-guessing why HQ terminates the accounts they do, I'm just trying to gain perspective on why some folks claim censorship. I don't agree with that assessment, but as we try to keep the blogs positive, I think it helps to take that extra twist into consideration.

I'm sorry you've gotten grief for trying to keep it positive. That's another thing I'm seeing way too much of. Last night Tiffany made a heartfelt plea that we try to keep it positive, so Tracy in CT declared her to be a troll! An extreme example and no doubt a misunderstanding, but it represents yet another problematic twist.

Please don't give up--we're all grateful for the great work you do!

I have not understood | Report to Admin

By Nancy M. May 16th 2008 at 10:59 am EDT

I have not understood why so many women seem to think HIllary has been badly treated in this race because she is female. In fact, I think Barack has had a much harder time because he is black.

Here is an interesting article that at least helps me at least begin to understand the opposing perspective, at least a little.
Link

I don't believe that the attacks and comments shown in the article above have influenced even one vote for or against HIllary - I think those sorts of things are playing to the people who are already firmly in the negative camp.

But at least I can better understand why some feel Hillary has been picked on. What I don't understand is why those people blame Barack for it. He has been nothing but gracious to her, even when I have felt she hasn't deserved it when she has behaved badly toward Barack.

If people blame Barack for what his supporters say and do, then I really believe it's especially important for us to try to counteract the negativity on the blogs.

Just thinking out loud...

Re: I have not understood | Report to Admin

By SFT May 16th 2008 at 3:26 pm EDT

I to had not understood until by younger sister who is just 60 who also votes in IL said that she had voted for HRC. She will happily vote for Barack in the General but felt this would be her only opportunity to vote for a woman. Now I am nearly 70 and I believe there will definitely be a woman to vote for before I die. I really never thought of her/their perspective before this. Somehow, it must have to do with fighting for your own value or believing in your own value. I have always known there will be a woman POTUS, AA POTUS, Latino POTUS, and Muslim POTUS. The days of WASP POTUS will be few in the future.

Keep HOPE shining.

Re: I have not understood | Report to Admin

By SFT May 16th 2008 at 3:27 pm EDT

sorry--by=my

Request from Eugene, OR (updated) | Report to Admin

By Nancy M. May 16th 2008 at 12:37 pm EDT

I posted a request a few days ago for Nancy Webber, who volunteered her heart out in Texas and is now back in Eugene Oregon running the Eugene Obama headquarters. Nancy clarified her request in this email message to me.

I hope you will check our her request - so many of us have travelled to volunteer that we surely have some of what she is asking for. Here's her email: webbfeet76@gmail.com

Hi Nancy-
Thanks for responding! What I'm hoping for is a quick note and a photo of Obama volunteers in other states. I have a map on the wall with some photos and my volunteers come in, see what other folks have done and they talk about finishing the work that all of you have started. We are in a good position to guarantee that Barack has a majority of the elected delegates next Tuesday. We're very excited, but trying to keep our eyes on the work that still needs to be done.

Yes we can,
Nancy Webber

Harry Hopkins & James Baker | Report to Admin

By SFT May 16th 2008 at 3:12 pm EDT

David Brooks is a conservative columnist who respects Senator Obama (most of the time). This is a terrific article Link and for someone as old as I am, nearly 70, the final line is just special. If you have a chance--read: "No Ordinary Time" which is the history of WWII told from Franklin and Eleanor's perspective by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Reading it will also give a look forward to the style of Presidency to expect with Senator Obama. However, Barack Obama's emergence from ordinary people and not wealth will also include the practicality of Harry Truman. All of this is sooo exciting for an old woman.

Keep HOPE shining.

SD forum | Report to Admin

By Joy IA May 16th 2008 at 6:03 pm EDT

If you've got a few minutes to post on behalf of Barack! :-) Carol Migden is a CA state senator and SD.

Link

----

My question for this forum is this: "Should a superdelegate cast his or her ballot for the candidate who wins the most pledged delegates nationally through primaries and caucuses or for the candidate they think would make the best President?"

Re: SD forum | Report to Admin

By Nancy M. May 16th 2008 at 11:54 pm EDT

I think they are saying on the main blog that this person is not a SD and her site is a fraud. I posted a comment to the site earlier, and I have no idea if what they are saying is true.

Re: SD forum | Report to Admin

By Joy IA May 17th 2008 at 12:14 am EDT

This is from "About Carole":

The 3rd Senate District, which Carole represents, comprises the eastern half of San Francisco, all of Marin County and portions of Sonoma County, including Petaluma, Cotati and Rohnert Park.

I think people are suspicious because of that actor/comedian who tried to play a SD... Carole seems credible, though.

Main blog :-( | Report to Admin

By Joy IA May 16th 2008 at 10:30 pm EDT

Wow... Go to the Asian Heritage Street Fair thread and Control-F "No to Colin Powell." What is wrong with people?? Why is the blog degenerating into bullying and talking about kick each other's asses???

Appalling to say the least.

Re: Main blog :-( | Report to Admin

By Nancy M. May 17th 2008 at 12:08 am EDT

Yikes. That thread went from bad to worse. I reported the guy who said Ty is killing innocent people. The whole thread was started by someone with no profile. The whole thing is completely out of hand.

Re: Main blog :-( | Report to Admin

By Nancy M. May 17th 2008 at 12:21 am EDT

I cannot figure out why HQ isn't doing anything about the hostility on the blogs. Maybe they are waiting for us to self-correct?

Hi Everyone | Report to Admin

By Sharon May 16th 2008 at 10:57 pm EDT

I'm glad to find you all here. I really agree with everyone who is concerned about the tone of the current main blog. I will be happy to participate in any effort to help refocus our supporters to engage in more positive discussion.

The tone in the morning seems to be better than the tone in the evening. I've seen some of your efforts to encourage more positive exchanges. I've tried to do the same. Aunt Becky, our matriarch, is also trying.

Re: Hi Everyone | Report to Admin

By Nancy M. May 17th 2008 at 12:09 am EDT

Hi Sharon! So nice to see you here.

Even after the blogs got crazy, Friday nights used to be the quiet night when the blog seemed most normal. Not tonight! I think they had the same problem last week.

I am sitting here just shaking my head.

Half-a-million! | Report to Admin

By Foreigner May 17th 2008 at 12:04 am EDT

From Marc Ambinder

"... 500,000 African Americans In Georgia
16 May 2008 12:03 pm

Did you know that a half a million African Americans in Georgia are eligible to vote but haven't registered? The Obama campaign knows this. And they plan to register these voters by November, campaign folks say.

The New York Times reports today on how his campaign has already increased turnout in the South among African Americans. As astounding as some of the numbers cited by the Times are, what the Obama campaign plans for the summer and fall are incredible, as in, barely credible, until you arrive at the conclusion that they've met most of their incredible goals (1.5 million donors) before...."

Link

Re: Half-a-million! | Report to Admin

By Nancy M. May 17th 2008 at 12:11 am EDT

Hey Sundar!

Interesting article. I wish I could find the great article I read a week or two ago on a similar subject.

Heading for bed... | Report to Admin

By Nancy M. May 17th 2008 at 12:48 am EDT

I am heading for bed, disgusted and discouraged by all the hatefulness on the main blogs. Thankfully, tomorrow is another day! I would be wondering if we had a full moon tonight if it wasn't so dark in my back yard.

Sorry for the dark post; it's just so sad seeing that wonderful place get so ugly.

Re: Heading for bed... | Report to Admin

By Joy IA May 17th 2008 at 1:02 am EDT

We'll all stand together and get through this, Nancy!

I'm off to bed too--partly because of the craziness on the main blog but also because I need some rest as I am taking a group of middle school girls to Worlds of Fun in KC.... yikes! ;-)

Good morning pick-me-up!!! | Report to Admin

By Rick Beaule' May 17th 2008 at 10:35 am EDT

Good morning, everyone!!!

I've seen all of the recent comments on the main blog and here. I thought I would give a positively-oriented perspective on how I see things:

In looking at all of the comments I see two basic emotions surfacing: Fear is one, and anger is the other. These are the most basic and powerful of all human emotions.

Fear is what triggers our fight-or-flight instinct. Those who have chosen to run are not even posting or surfing the blogs anymore. Those posting on the blog out of fear are the ones who are fighting and post the panic-stricken, "They are doing this and such!! We NEED to do something about this NOW!!", or words to that effect. Fearful posters are difficult to reason with because their awareness levels are smaller, sometimes to the point that they cannot see any point but their own. Patience & gentleness are keys to dealing with these people. If their fears are assuaged, they will become more amenable to reason.

Anger drives many of the rest of the negative posters. They are angry, and there could be any particular reason for their anger. Many of these reason could be entirely justifiable. And, for whatever reason, they have chosen to vent their anger out here on the Obama blogs. This causes concern for regular bloggers fearing the impression on new visitors to the blog.

People who are angry are also difficult if not impossible to reason with. The keys to dealing with these people are to make sure that the facts are clear for all to see, and to simply outlast their anger.

Having the correct factual information is available will take care of most people who might question the campaign's viability otherwise. And to those whom it doesn't; well I frankly think they were probably not destined to support Obama anyway. Many people who post out of anger are also impatient. They will leave quickly if they do not get the response that they want, or will degenerate into such insults that it will become swiftly apparent to anyone that they are too angry to be logical.

Trolls seek to heighten feelings of anger & fear. We deal with them the same way we deal with angry posters.

Remember, folks: Keep it simple, keep it factual, and keep it consistent. Be the change you want to happen.

Rick
Mustard seeds for everyone!!!

Re: Good morning pick-me-up!!! | Report to Admin

By SFT May 17th 2008 at 8:30 pm EDT

Thanks for your wise words. Barack was talking this afternoon at the townhall in Oregon about how he would bring legislators together, and he said what we all know that folks need to feel heard. It's great to have this sanctuary to come to and then be prepared to stay on the main blog to help folks gain the information that they need to help their calming. :)

Keep HOPE shining.

Tuesday May 20th Back at the Beginning | Report to Admin

By SFT May 17th 2008 at 8:33 pm EDT

Have you wonderful IA folks seen this?

Barack and Michelle Obama in Des Moines, Iowa
Join Barack and Michelle Obama at a rally in Des Moines on Tuesday, May 20th.

Rally with Barack and Michelle Obama
E. 6th Street and E. Locust Street
Des Moines, IA

Tuesday, May 20th, 2008
Doors Open: 7:30 p.m.

Public Entrance at E. 6th Street and Grand Avenue.

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Now, of course, I wish I was in IL and could run right over (only 5 hrs instead of 9) to check out this amazing event. How coool!

Keep HOPE shining.
Sandy

Re: Tuesday May 20th Back at the Beginning | Report to Admin

By Foreigner May 17th 2008 at 9:11 pm EDT

Yes, I did see it!! ... and I thought to myself 'what a stroke of genius'... 'this is where it all started; this is where that great Jefferson-Jackson Dinner speech was delivered; this is where so many 'white" voters catapulted him to No 1 (... and Edwards to No 2); this is where Michelle said 'if we don't win Iowa, it's OVER".... Great decision to rally there on the 20th as the Oregon-Kentucky results start coming in!

Re: Tuesday May 20th Back at the Beginning | Report to Admin

By Joy IA May 18th 2008 at 7:07 pm EDT

Both Maeve and I will be there with bells and whistles on--not to mention some Obama swag too I'm sure! ;-)

January 3rd seems like both forever ago and just yesterday...

I'm guessing we won't get 75K here in Des Moines...good grief, did you see that Portland photo??? 75,000??? OMG!!

Re: Tuesday May 20th Back at the Beginning | Report to Admin

By Nancy M. May 18th 2008 at 8:58 pm EDT

When I saw the picture of the crowd in Portland, I said "holy shit-ski"!

Re: Tuesday May 20th Back at the Beginning | Report to Admin

By IA for Obama ☮ May 18th 2008 at 10:27 pm EDT

you bet we will, baby! I signed up to volunteer as well--did you?

Re: Tuesday May 20th Back at the Beginning | Report to Admin

By Joy IA May 18th 2008 at 11:55 pm EDT

Maeve, I signed up to volunteer too! Have you heard back from anyone? I haven't yet...

I'm thinking we might load up our bikes, park somewhere, and ride to the rally. I can't quite pinpoint the set up of where this is taking place. Any ideas? Isn't E. 6th/E. Locust the location of the campaign HQ so are they shutting down all of the East Village?

Re: Tuesday May 20th Back at the Beginning | Report to Admin

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ May 18th 2008 at 10:49 pm EDT

I am signed up to go to Des Moines with some friends. But after seeing that picture, I dont think i will be going.

Re: Tuesday May 20th Back at the Beginning | Report to Admin

By Nancy M. May 19th 2008 at 9:43 am EDT

Really, Laura? Just too many people?

A good book | Report to Admin

By Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ May 18th 2008 at 10:55 pm EDT

I have a good book to recommend to my good friends here. It is called "The Faith Club" a friend gave it to me to read. What a wonderful read. It is non fiction. A story about 3 women that come together after 9-11 one Christian, one Muslim and one Jew to write a book for their children about their faiths and how they need to work together to feel safe again. It tells of their journey together in each womans own words and how they almost did not get the job done because of misunderstandings and hurt feelings and how they became freinds in a deeper way then they ever thought possible. I have learned more about being Muslim and Jewish then I ever knew. Did you know that the Muslims pray for all the faiths? This I found interesting!

Re: A good book | Report to Admin

By Nancy M. May 19th 2008 at 9:44 am EDT

Thanks for the recommendation, Laura. Sounds like my kind of book. Learn while reading about people. That's how I prefer to get my history, too. By reading about real people in historical settings.

New thread up | Report to Admin

By Nancy M. May 19th 2008 at 9:42 am EDT

New thread for today:
Link

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