Just because something may be difficult to hear, doesn't mean one should be cowed into holding back from discussing it in public. Over the past eight years I developed something of a bad reputation for being a bummer at parties or social gatherings. Folks didn't want to hear me lay out the myriad ways our government (specifically the right wing) and even our society at large was failing and coming unravelled. People goofed on me calling me a wild eyed conspiracy theorist. Others were made uncomfortable by discussions I prompted on things like the war, ecology, civil liberties etc. I had numerous people get angry at me saying things like, "no one wants to hear that. Folks are here to have a good time not get lectured on <Travesty Du Jour> Mind you, I was not a pedantic, lecturing, know-it-all, boor. I just always feel like important stories should be hashed out and thoughts explored in social arenas. This is why I have loved lurking here at Dkos for a long time. Thinking and exchanging ideas on difficult topics are welcomed activities in this community and other progressive blogs. For this I am grateful. But lately, I have been noticing that this may be changing (not here yet thankfully).
This is my first diary here. But I've typically done a decent amount of commenting at Huffpo. But starting about six months ago, the moderators there have been denying my comments. I cannot figure out why. I have certainly adhered strictly to the terms of use. I have been neither profane nor threatening, hateful nor denigrating of anyone. I admit I have been angry, indignant, shocked, depressed, outraged, scared and sullen. I don't think anyone hasn't felt or expressed these feelings during the last eight years. So why have they been categorically nixing my posts?
Best i can figure is that my posts make folks uncomfortable in their earnestness? Can that really be? I read far more powerful arguments than my own in the progressive blogosphere. I think that too much truth is viewed as "over the top". But I have not seen that insidious groupthink infiltrate this forum. So I plan to being writing here when I am so compelled, instead of over at Huffpo. I will still read it for news, but Dkos is where true, progressive discourse is not just allowed to happen, but is embraced and appreciated. I love this place!
Peace!