Both the title of this diary and the excerpts that follow are taken from Mr. Zuniga's book: Taking On the System. Both are used here to point out the discrepancies that exist between some of the ideals set forth in the book and the reality of posting on the website when what you have to say is unpopular with some members and they take it upon themselves to hide your comments, without benefit of redress. This is done with the full compliance of the 'moderators'. Just look at all of the questions in the 'help' section from people that have been repeatedly Hred and don't know why, that have not been responded to. Mine included. I am a fairly new poster with 203 comments, out of those I have received 2 negative responses. One from someone who threatened me (and was not Hred) and someone whose affiliation I asked about. Yet I was repeatedly Hred for the comments I made about Snowden and people gaming the VA system. Those are just the ones I know about. More below the fold.
“Everyone who signs up to post at Daily Kos has the opportunity to challenge opinions, find new facts,provide new evidence and analyze the 'conventional wisdom' of every other poster, including mine.” pp.208
High minded talk that just ain't so. In his book Mr. Zuniga talks about the gatekeeper era being over. Stealth hiding of others comments amounts to censorship and goes unchecked constantly. The gatekeepers here are unmonitored in their zealotry to shut people up that disagree with their viewpoint.
“No matter the stakes, those whose interests are being challenged will hold on to their privileges with all the strength they can muster. Notions of chivalry, gentlemanly combat, and fair turnabout cannot or should not come into play-unless you want to lose. The victors don't just get the spoils, they get to write the histories.”
Pp 175
Indeed, was there ever a time when this site lived up to the ideals expressed in the first excerpt? And what of my question about being Hred repeatedly? Even though there was at least one lurker in the 'help' section, my question was never answered. Was that lurker there to monitor anyone expressing sympathy out of all the folks who had given me support in threads I commented on? Management ain't talking.
“There are of course times when you may be asked to respond to legitimate concerns or questions, and in that case it's better to respond quickly and honestly.”
Pp167
Another unfulfilled ideal, expressed but left by the wayside. I will now point to an post, for which the author for obvious reasons and in the face of much opposition, was not Hred.
“Every death should be on the front page. Let the people see what war is like. This isn't an Xbox game. There are real repercussions to Bush's folly. That said, I feel nothing over the death of mercenaries. They aren't in Iraq because of orders, or because they are there trying to help the peolple make Iraq a better place. They are there to wage war for profit. Screw them.”
pp155
Ever since the draft ended there is no difference between the US military and those “mercenaries”. Both are sanctioned by the feds, both swear the same oath. So he basically threw his “brothers and sisters in arms” under the same bus. So his comment wasn't hidden and neither were his detractors.
As a matter of fact a legislative body spoke on his behalf:
..”We don't agree with Kos's mercenary death comments but we respect and support his right to express himself, just as we respect and support Mr. Friedman's right to disagree.”.... Minnesota House Democratic caucus.
pp.159
Anyway just wanted to share my thoughts about what used to be a pleasant experience. I really do wonder if it will see the light of day. I will leave you all with a line from the back cover of the book.
THE ERA OF THE GATEKEEPER IS OVER.
Back cover.
Not so you'd notice here.