It's 9:00 CDT, but I live in the country so it is time for bed. Usually, I check in DK between 4:00 and 5:00am each morning, but I will wait until Monday, Sept 19, to do so again. Many people have given their reasons for boycotting more eloquently than I can, but I agree with the reasons in each diary I have been able to read. Basically, it is because when someone asks you to stand up against racism, that is what you should do.
I don't think for a second that Markos is being racist in his intentions. However, when 30% of those punished are African Americans and only 3% of DK members are AA's, the actions outweigh the intentions. And it is imperative for there to be some counteraction to protest the result of the action.
Yes, many of us called for more moderation, but I don't think anyone wanted moderation that is immoderate. I am sure that it was difficult to sort out the in's and out's of the meta wars, but it seems to me that some sort of flag should have been seen when so many people of color were banned or had their ratings pulled.
I was working all weekend so could not follow the entire scenario, but tonight from what I have read, I can do nothing other than participate in the boycott. I hope to see and read what everyone has to say on Monday, the 19th. I will miss you all - and I mean all - those whom I have generally agreed with and those whom I have generally disagreed with on various issues and subjects. We are all in more agreement than disagreement and I really hope that this week will show those who stay that the people who are boycotting are also valuable members of this community.
Finally, I would repeat what I have commented in several diaries. If you, like me, have DailyKos as the home page of your browser, please reset it to something else for the week.
See you soon.