Do Politics and Twitter Mix?
As crude oil shot up almost $10/bbl in one day, the anger of what that's going to do at the pump as consumers gas up their vehicles this summer spilled over to the mini-blogging service Twitter yesterday. My friend Greta Perry and I have an understanding about talking politics - we just don't, that way we don't piss each other off. Naturally, the Princess of Positive wasn't very happy with me because I fired back when some other folks took positions with which I disagree.
I make no apologies for that. In fact, I actually owe my liberal friends and colleagues an apology for ducking these situations in social networking environments in the past.
Not going to happen anymore.
If conservatives and/or Republicans don't want to discuss politics on Twitter, fine. I much prefer talking about food, drink, and streetcars in social settings anyway. Still, I'm not going to accept off-color jokes about liberals and Democrats. The outright lies of the Bush administration are a well-documented fact. The notion that Democrats are unpatriotic and do not support the military are also well-documented myths. If someone in a social networking situation tries to perpetuate those lies or myths, I'm going to challenge them.
Another position I will no longer tolerate is the "Well, I don't know about that" defense used by some who claim to be conservatives. They're quick with the quip, joke, or offensive remark, but when called out on that remark, they feign ignorance. "Well, I don't follow politics closely," they'll say. I'm then supposed to let the remark pass. Any attempt at a rejoinder is then regarded as rude.
Bullshit. If you don't want to hear my side of the story, don't crack the joke or make the comment in the first place. It's like an old-fashioned duel. if you took your shot first, you had to stand on your mark and let the other guy fire. If you didn't, the observers of the duel would shoot you. I'm done with the feign-innocence defense. If you can't run with the big dogs, keep your puppy ass on the porch.
Now back to your regularly scheduled tweeting. Let's talk about lunch!
I make no apologies for that. In fact, I actually owe my liberal friends and colleagues an apology for ducking these situations in social networking environments in the past.
Not going to happen anymore.
If conservatives and/or Republicans don't want to discuss politics on Twitter, fine. I much prefer talking about food, drink, and streetcars in social settings anyway. Still, I'm not going to accept off-color jokes about liberals and Democrats. The outright lies of the Bush administration are a well-documented fact. The notion that Democrats are unpatriotic and do not support the military are also well-documented myths. If someone in a social networking situation tries to perpetuate those lies or myths, I'm going to challenge them.
Another position I will no longer tolerate is the "Well, I don't know about that" defense used by some who claim to be conservatives. They're quick with the quip, joke, or offensive remark, but when called out on that remark, they feign ignorance. "Well, I don't follow politics closely," they'll say. I'm then supposed to let the remark pass. Any attempt at a rejoinder is then regarded as rude.
Bullshit. If you don't want to hear my side of the story, don't crack the joke or make the comment in the first place. It's like an old-fashioned duel. if you took your shot first, you had to stand on your mark and let the other guy fire. If you didn't, the observers of the duel would shoot you. I'm done with the feign-innocence defense. If you can't run with the big dogs, keep your puppy ass on the porch.
Now back to your regularly scheduled tweeting. Let's talk about lunch!
Last time I checked - I had not discussed politics at all on Twitter. Kind of like the expression, "There is a time and a place for everything." Twitter to me was a social escape from politics, which I choose or don't choose to debate with on blogs (a great format for politics).
When you said, "The Princess of Positive wasn't very happy with me because I fired back when some other folks took positions with which I disagree" you were completely wrong!
I could care less whether you agree or disagrre with anyone or if I agree or disagree with anyone about politics. Puh-leeze! Not my style!
My whole point about bringing up not wanting politics with Twitter is because I DON'T WANT IT THERE - plain and simple! I like knowing about where someone is going and what they are doing and I even may want to know about the post they wrote.
Once a community becomes tainted with hate and disdain for other's opinions instead of where you are going to dinner- the community as we know it, will be destroyed.
Do whatever you want, but remember, the community will change - most likely for the worst!
I LIKE PEOPLE!!! ALL KINDS - ALL BELIEFS _ ALL POLITICAL VIEWS!!! I welcome diversity- I would think you know that about me by now!
I admit starting the kerfuffle yesterday, and it was indeed due to a rage brought on by the spike in oil prices and the Dow going down the crapper.
My blog is apolitical, maybe I should start a political one (maybe dust off that nolamonkey.com domain I'm sitting on). Until then, Twitter offers opportunities at times to vent. Sorry if anyone who follows me got bent out of shape.
Unfortunately, given the information that's just now coming out, I'm going to add to your premise about the lies and myths and say that I did not, and still do not, appreciate the utter savagery with which I and others were attacked when questioning the premise for the invasion at the time it was being planned.
Time has proven us 100% correct, and don't be surprised if you start hearing about it more frequently. It was the wrong thing for us, as a country, to do then; it is equally as wrong to maintain it now. It diminishes our great country to pursue policies that contradict all of the principals and ideals that made us a great country to begin with.
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I hope you didn't take my link to Dana Carvey's routine about Obama and Hillary as digging on Dems. It was an innocent comedy routine about their speaking styles which I found pretty accurate and funny. No political views, just personalities. Sorry If I offended. . .
P.S. Still waiting on the BHO top ten post!
:-P