Local Politics: June 2008 Archives
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!
