CC'ers have sunk to a new low this political season

jym626 · 09-01-2008, 02:46 PM

I would have dug up the thread somesone started a few weeks ago if I could have found it (help, please). Someone started a thread asking for restraint in the political threads, as they were increasingly over the top with venom, insults, and generally outrageous garbage. While I in some odd way appreciate that the political climate took such an interesting turn just as I was trying to distract myself from the climate in the Gulf of Mexico (and the Atlantic), I now find both the political and weather storms equally unpleasant.

PLEASE people, the current 5 or 6 or so political threads racing for the top spot on the CC parents cafe are beyond outrageous. While I found some of them interesting and a way to stop myself from being glued to the weather channel, I think I now find the sight of rooftops blowing away and reporters wearing goggles much more palatable. My favorite was Anderson Cooper standing on Canal Street in NOLA this morning, in obviously powerful wind and rain, yelling into his microphone that it was a total ghost town, how there wasn't a person in sight and that anyone still around was hunkered down inside. Just as he was saying that, 4 idiots crossed the street behind him and waved at the camera! So, who are the bigger fools... the bozos on Canal street in the hurricane or those of us getting sucked into these repetitious political threads??? I am fine with discussing political topics, but these past few days some of the outrageous comments have really taken the cake. Anyone willing to agree to tone it down a bit? Any votes for civility here?

ellemenope · 09-01-2008, 02:48 PM

I suspect that CC is a microcosm of what is happening out in the "real world." Agree that personal attacks need to be gone. But, seriously, there hasn't been an election this interesting, with so many off the wall sidelights since I don't know when.

mootmom · 09-01-2008, 02:53 PM

I don't know why CC has to turn into Politics Central. If I want political discussions I will go elsewhere. If I were a new parent just arriving at CC and finding the tone and content of the Parent Cafe, I'd be gone. I hope valuable new contributors aren't running away screaming.....

-Allmusic- · 09-01-2008, 02:54 PM

I can't help it. I haven't posted on a political thread in a year or even two, but I have been beyond fascinated by Mrs. Palin and her family. I am sure I will get bored of it in a day or two.

F.O.LTS · 09-01-2008, 02:55 PM

I disagree. There is major history being served at the moment. Our PC culture can hardly cope--but this is what a small revolution feels like. This is what it takes to get an African American elected to President. Palin is an unfortunate pawn in a Neocon battle.

Lighter threads are available for those who can't bear it.

momof3sons · 09-01-2008, 02:56 PM

jym626, I agree that there must be "new" parents running away in every direction. I skip the political threads (although I did answer one poll

) but it's hard to find anything else in the Parents' Cafe nowadays.

corranged · 09-01-2008, 02:57 PM

1. I think it's outrageous that there are five (or however many) threads discussion the same thing. One is enough.
2. The personal attacks, including little side comments, should stop. There is not need for them.
3. I wish, though it would never happen, that people were able to look at issues somewhat independently of political party. There are a few great, thoughtful CC posters, but many others whom I think would argue anything depending on the political party involved.
4. It wouldn't be CC if there wasn't political debate going on, and the current political news certainly is intriguing and contentious.
5. I read Anderson Cooper's book, Jym, and he seems to have a bit of an addiction to storms. (I wouldn't really recommend the book, though; I expected it to be better than it was.)

Allmusic, I also avoided CC political threads for a while, but this season has drawn me in. I'm getting fed up with a few posters and attitudes, though, so I also foresee myself getting tired of it soon.

jym626 · 09-01-2008, 02:57 PM

^^^^ Very VERY good point, mootie!

If parents want to put on their political boxing gloves, take it outside, or perhaps a subforum can be started where they can have at it, and the parents cafe can be an inviting place for new parents. Any ideas for a name for that forum?

ellemenope · 09-01-2008, 02:58 PM

^Me too, Allmusic. I don't have friends as interesting as the ones here on CC when it comes to political discussions--definitely not as diverse. (I've learned a lot about Abraham Lincoln, for example). Plus, it is easier to have political discussions over the internet, I think. I can type something out, realize that it might offend and not push the button.

oldfort · 09-01-2008, 03:03 PM

I was so good, but couldn't help myself with this Palin nomination. But no more from me. If anyone sees another political post, please kick me under the table.

jym626 · 09-01-2008, 03:05 PM

But thats the difference, ellemenope-
When you realize something you type might offend, you choose NOT to push "send". Just hoping that more will exercise the same restraint.

Northstarmom · 09-01-2008, 03:07 PM

I am loving the political threads, though could do without the personal attacks.

What I appreciate is the ability to read a variety of opinions from intelligent, informed people. This is the most exciting political race of my lifetime, and I love being able to discuss things minute by minute.

Fortunately, it's easy for people who aren't into these discussions to skip the threads that don't interest them.

ellemenope · 09-01-2008, 03:07 PM

^If I sent all the stuff I typed, I'd be BANNED!! Sometimes just typing it lets all the air out of the balloon...no need to send.

jym626 · 09-01-2008, 03:12 PM

But NSM, many of these threads ceased being "discussions" a long time ago. And when one thread quiets down, someone starts another one-- the purpose of which seems to be for little more than to find a new way to antagonize folks with opposite views. If these were reasonable, intelligent discussions, I wouldn't have started this thread.

jazzymom · 09-01-2008, 03:15 PM

I agree, northstarmom.

Beyond outrageous? Not even close to some of the comments in political threads of the past. Not nearly the level of invective hurled personally at posters themselves (as opposed to parties and candidates) that I have seen on previous political threads.

CC has Parent Cafe as an open discussion forum for topics not related to the college search. Newbies can take it or leave it. Let it be.