This diary by Delaware Dem has made me think for a bit. I read the whole thing, all the comments. Just this morning I re-read it, and all the comments. After a bit more thought and 2 Coronas with lime, I've made up my mind.
I'm ashamed of dailykos right now.
Utterly shamed, to the point of near disgust.
Apparently, there is a set time point when all dissent is to be stifled. When no questions can be asked, no criticisms uttered. Apparently, there comes a time when ratings abuse is to be lauded and supported. And make no mistake, folks. Delaware Dem IS advocating ratings abuse.
He has vowed to not consider the source or context of a comment. He has promised that any comment--ANY COMMENT--that questions a candidate's electability or whether a Democratic strategy is faulty will be immediately troll-rated. Regardless as to who it comes from. Despite the validity of the point.
And what's even more disappointing to me is that so many people think that's OK.
People are making arguments like "Hey, we're trying to win elections, here!"
Well, shit. If I or someone else thinks a Democratic candidate's strategy sucks and has a different view, we should be free to post it without fear of being TR-ed via ratings abuse. If I think Webb's new commercial sucked, then I'm going to say as much in a diary about the commercial. I'll be including constructive criticism--"Webb, try this next time"--but now, apparently, I'll be TRed for that.
This isn't a freedom of speech issue, either. Anyone who knows me here knows that I've always ALWAYS argued that this is Markos' site, and therefore Markos' rules apply. I've always held that view and spoke that view. I'm aware that the purpose of the site is to get Democratic candidates elected.
How can you expect us to do that if we all fall in line and cease arguments? How can we effectively devise strategies if we're not allowed to give out constructive criticism?
Not all criticism is "concern troll" criticism. I do believe that sort of trolling exists, but this blanket "TR all concern-ish comments and diaries" is really a bunch of bullshit.
I will not cease my criticisms of the Democratic party. I won't blindly support everything they say or do for the sake of the party. I will continue to hold them accountable for their views and statements and actions. You can bet your ass that I will continue to donate to candidates I like, will continue to tell my family and friends about them, argue with family and friends about them and work on getting them to vote Democratic.
But shut my fucking pie hole? No dissent, no criticism, no concerns about candidates or their methods?
Not a fucking chance.