No More Being Driven to Distraction!

Hello Bloggers! Today is a sad day in the short 10-month history of Our Rants & Raves, for I have finally become so jaded within the blogosphere that I am resorting to what they call "Comment Moderation." This means that I will no longer put up with most of the negative comments, distractions and distortions I've tolerated in the past. I will now filter comments before publishing them

Why? I did a casual study over the weekend visiting a few "conservative" blogs, where I attempted to join in their discussions. Despite their rudeness, I found myself trying to be polite and respectful in an effort to make a serious impact. No matter how many insults were thrown my way, I didn't bite back. I refused to curse, name-call, or appear rude in any way. I considered myself a guest, and therefore acted like one. I decided that's how I want this blog to work.

I created OR&R to be a positive, friendly political blog. To get back to that idea, we need to filter a few abusive right-wingers. It's time to take back this blog, even if it does cost some visitors.

To hell with the rude people! I now know that we regulars are a progressive blog community, commenting on each other's blogs about all our political passions. It's a great exchange of ideas and energy, and there's no place for people seeking to create conflict. There's too much to talk about without being dragged into absurd battles defending against outrageous, intentionally false comments.

The right-wingers always seem to resort to extreme conflict. Unfiltered, they treat our blogs like some kind of right-wing toilet. Well, NO MORE! I'm tired of their crap!

They may think they're entertaining, but we know they're a waste of time. We don't blog because of them, but to exchange ideas and to enlighten ourselves about our society and our nation. I've already wasted way too much time on disruptive "ditto-heads." It seems you were right Infidel and Nancy. I should have done it earlier.

So, enough talking past each other. I give up! They are now a nuisance to be filtered. We will no longer allow distractions, distortions, lies, talking points, rudeness, crudeness or disrespect. To that end, I've created the following rules to get past "Comment Moderation:"

1. Feel free to quote from sources, but it's important to always write your own work.
2. Be respectful and you will be treated with respect.
3. Debate only the topic at hand to avoid confusion.
4. Share your opinion freely using reliable sources.
5. Do not ask unrelated, irrelevant questions.
6. Avoid distracting from or distorting the issue in any way.
7. No "F" bombs please.
8. No Name calling and or personal abuse.
(Note: These are being permanently posted on the right-side blog margin.)

So, that's all I can think of for now. They shouldn't be difficult if you stick to a proper debate format, and etiquette. In case you need a refresher, I'll re-post these new rules under my "Complete Profile" section.

This will probably result in a much quieter blog, but that's okay with me. You see, I never really wanted a rude, scandalous blog. I prefer to look long-term.

I would like to encourage all progressive liberals, independents, and liberal Republicans to join our healthy political debates - within the rules. You right-wing "ditto-heads" are welcome too, but ONLY if you respect and follow the rules. The filter is now switched ON!

For those who agree with this approach, and who continue to read my work and comment, I say welcome and thank you! It's great to be part of such a great group of people who care enough to discuss important, vital subjects within a respectable atmosphere - sorry, blogosphere!

Monday's Political Rant/Rave - Michael

PS - Btw, for those who think I'm overreacting, I recommend reading the book pictured above - The Politics of Distraction by Katlheen Jamieson, or the documentary Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story if you prefer a video. Each documents the origins of the politics of lies, distraction and distortion. It's one thing to know about it in theory, and something completely different to experience it in person. No more!

President Obama Needs Our Help

Good Morning Bloggers - I knew it would happen, but I hoped it would take longer to coalesce. In addition to the no-no-no GOP, President Obama is beginning to face opposition from both leading and rank-and-file Democrats on critical issues such as housing, global warming, and tax haven legislation. The signs are ominous, and the American people's critical change agenda may suffer damage if we don't watch it.

As usual, the bought-and-paid-for (to varying degrees) Washington insiders are ignoring the voters and making decisions based on special interest politics. We must stand ready to help the President!

It's the usual cast of characters. While most of them are committee leaders, there are also some junior members jumping into the debate. It almost makes you wonder who's paying their salary. Eliminating corporate tax loop-holes that hurt the middle-class has been an issue since President Kennedy. President Obama is right to try and tackle it, considering the fact that he campaigned on it - openly and honestly. Unfortunately, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) called for “further study” within minutes of the president’s announcement yesterday. That is the first step in trying to KILL something in DC speak.

The same kinds of responses are coming from Senator Barbara Boxer (I intend to write to her soon), as well as Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel (D-NY) and Committee Member Joseph Crowley (D-NY). We cannot allow their special interest alliances to undermine the President's effort to restructure the tax code to help honest American business. Eliminating tax loop-holes and shutting down tax havens is crucial to improving fairness in the American tax system.

Global warming is also at risk. It has a tremendous ally in my Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA) who did a wonderful thing after he ousted Michigan Democrat John Dingell earlier this year taking over the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee. Dingell was a close ally of the auto industry who aimed to water down any global warming legislation. Unfortunately, 14-term Congressman Rich Boucher (D-VA) is fighting hard to keep the fossil fuel companies happy. He has many allies, mostly from coal producing states. President Obama's "green economy" is at risk from many Democrats - as well as ALL Republicans.

It's incredible to think just how many "enemies" President Obama faces on every issue. Housing and the economy are probably the most complicated, so let's just say that he has dark forces massing on all fronts. Change in Washington is never easy, and President Obama is trying to pull off a miracle - for our future. We need him to succeed. What many Americans fail to understand is just how BROKEN the system is today. He's trying to repair it, while making improvements. The man is undoubtedly incredible, but he may need a miracle. The odds are against him.

So, I'm asking everybody who understands this critical situation to please contact your representatives to give President Obama and his "change agenda" as much support as possible. The dark forces representing the broken status quo, supported by special interest millions, have taken over politicians on both sides of the aisle. It's important for us, the American people, to do whatever we can to support POSITIVE CHANGE.

If you agree with the President on any one of his many initiatives, then step-up and support him with an email or phone call to your Senators or Congresspeople in DC. It's the least we can do considering all that he's trying to do for us.

Tuesday's Political Rant - Michael

PS - If you decide to take action, here are a few links that may help you. Email President Obama, and/or your national elected officials. If you wish to call, simply call the White House at 202-456-1414, or the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. I also suggest you contact your local newspaper. Please let them all know how feel. President Obama needs our help.