I wanted to say a few words about the issue of free speech on DU. This has been in the back of my mind for days, and I feel I have to say it, or burst from frustration. Certain events on DU over the past few days have caused many DUers to evaluate not only their own behavior, but the behavior of other DUers. To what extent do we have the right to criticize a public figure, express differing opinions, or disagree with one another?
First things first. Free speech. It's is a bit of a double-edged sword, yet it is important to the nature of our country. Vital, I daresay. Free speech allows every American to have a voice, and to freely express their ideas. The downside of this is that people like the KKK or Fred Phelps also gain a voice...however, we need to take the good with the bad, and stripping Phelps or Falwell or Robertson of the right to express their (loathsome) ideas hurts every American. Hate speech is disgusting, and it should be fought at every opportunity, but it is not restricted. The way to fight is not with laws and restrictions, but with truth. It is our greatest weapon against hate, because laws don't change minds, but education and truth can.
Why did I bring all of that up? Well, for one, hate speech is one thing that is not tolerated at DU...with good reason. However, the rules of DU DO allow for open expressions of ideas as long as they are not discriminatory in any way. Therefore, every DU'er has the right to express their opinion within the rules.
That means that yes, there will be people with opinions that are different from yours. There will be people that will argue with you, perhaps even be rude and disrespectful to you (bad form), because you disagree with them. Even on DU, we are not of 'one mind'...we are all individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We will have our arguments, and that is okay, because that's what political discourse is all about. It would be boring if this were an echo chamber where all we heard was our own opinion spewed back at us time after time.
This brings me to the issue of criticism of public figures. According to the rules of DU, we are allowed to criticize public figures, both political and apolitical, within the bounds of civility and decency, of course. Some are unable to do that, and those individuals are dealt with. However, it is the right of every DU'er to express criticism for public figures, whether liberal or conservative. Not ONE person is above criticism. There is no ONE person that is perfect and sacred and universally loved. Even if someone is a hero to you, and you think that person should be a hero to everyone, there will be someone out there (maybe MANY people) who disagree with you. And they may let you know.
What I am sick of is this. I am sick of people shrieking that we aren't 'allowed' to criticize certain people. Criticism is not the same thing as hate, rage, jealousy, bitterness, etc. It is simply what it is: criticism.
This includes holding people accountable for their actions, pointing out flaws, and disagreeing with stuff that public figures do. It is normal, it is acceptable, and it is WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF DU RULES.
If someone on DU criticizes someone that you like, feel free to disagree with them. Feel free to tell them why you think they are wrong. Feel free to tell them your opinion. That is our right. However, it is not my right, or your right, or anyone's right, to tell others what they should think, who they can criticize and what topics are 'taboo.' There are rules, mods, and admins here to deal with disruptors and haters.
As for the rest of us...hey, we've got hide thread and ignore. If you can't stand someone's opinions so much, use thos e resources. We have a right at DU to have differing opinions and to criticize when we find fault. When we start trying to restrict that...we hurt the spirit of DU...and do the work of Bush and Rove for them by driving deeper wedges between us. Anyway, I just wanted y'all to consider that. Feel free to disagree with me. That's the beauty of DU. Hope everyone is having a decent evening, honestly.