Sorry Team O'Malley - this just isn't about you.
I have said in many comments... probably too many comments... that really, negativity doesn't come from the supporters of a candidate, it comes from a personality type. Frankly I feel comfortable saying this, as it will surprise few of you to know that I... occasionally... struggle with negativity.
BUT - I don't believe that's who we all are.
I believe the overwhelming super-majority of supporters of BOTH candidates are really excited about this primary and this election. I believe the super-majority of BOTH candidates look forward to the day when the candidate who does not receive the nomination heartily endorses the candidate that receives it, and we restructure into the lean, mean GOP ass-kicking machine I know we are capable of becoming.
This does not mean everybody is saying "I love them both EQUALLY and I don't CARE who wins." I'm sure there are people saying that, and I do not at all question the validity of that opinion.
We have really intelligent people at this site, and there is zero relationship between their intelligence and the candidate they support... people just have their own values.
So let's chat!
...about some issues.
Also just kidding I'd love to have Team O'Malley participate I'm just suggesting that perhaps their presence here has not been the most... visible.
So does anybody want to try something with me? An experiment? Something like this:
1) Pick an issue that you feel is important. No judgment. It doesn't have to be something you would tell other people is 'the most important issue,' -- just something that's important to you
2) If you have a preferred candidate, briefly outline their positions and/or proposals on that issue and indicate why you think that's a good (or the best) solution
3) If you do not have a preferred candidate, outline the position and/or proposals that you'd like to see.
4) You may respond to the posts of others asking clarifying questions or asking for more specifics, but no debate. And I'm not discouraging debate at all BUT... If you ARE wanting to disagree with someone... just post a new comment about the candidate you are supporting and the reasons why you support their position.
That sounds pretty easy, right? But I know what you're thinking. You're thinking: "Even if people follow those rules, it's not going to stop some asshole from coming in here and starting a shitstorm." There are also some limitations:
• Other than the candidate you are supporting, do not reference (directly or otherwise) any other candidates in your comment (and don't reference any of them if you're undecided)
• Do not compare the position of your candidate to any other positions. At the end of the day, we do not believe the things we believe because of who we disagree with.
• Do not include any references to the actual primary, the polls, the election, republicans, the media, vast conspiracies... If it isn't a direct reason you agree with candidate X on issue Y... assume nobody cares. Because really, most of us don't.
Admittedly those won't physically prevent some asshole from coming in... but one asshole is merely a shit-flake, and if you don't engage them they typically don't reach shitstorm intensity.
The Bernie News Roundup and Hillary Updates are a breath of fresh air in a sea of toxic garbage when it comes to community diaries in this primary... and I am not holier than though... I have rolled around in the garbage just as many others have. But respectively, I consider those two resources excellent for simultaneously keeping people informed in a positive way.
Wouldn't it be cool to have a place where we could ALL do that? I believe that nearly all of us... or more than 80% of us anyway... are firmly committed to progress and are ready, willing and able to work with any nominee or any President to make that progress. Why should the silent majority stay silent? Let's talk about this stuff. It's also good practice for later in the primary and in the general. We'll learn more about positions and more about why people feel the way they do... and learn different ways we can talk to voters (or delegates, etc.) about those issues.
Anyway, I am prepared for this whole thing to flop and nobody to say anything, but it doesn't change my stated position on the makeup of our party and ultimately--this site. I know starting serious non-jerkface conversations about this stuff here is a tough row to hoe.
I will reply to any/all comments that stray from this formula by calling the poster of that comment a weeniehead. So can you if they break the rules (as long as that's all you say). In the event that this diary gets enough comments that it is scrollable--consider starting from the bottom. That way if you hit like ten "Weenieheads" in a row you know you can just scroll all the way up to the next main comment.
TGIF, though if today isn't your F, I hope you get to TY for I soon!