"I will continue to support him. But I was going to write him a check, and I decided I would rather put that money with Democrats who will uphold the Constitution." MARKOS MOULITSAS ZUNIGA Founder of dailykos.com expressing his disappointment with Sen. Barack Obama's decision to support legislation to expand the government's domestic spying powers, a reversal from her previous position on the issue (Front page of the Austin Amercian Statesman editorial section on July 6, 2008)
We've had a lot of discussion lately about criticism of Sen. Obama for his perceived lack of proper conduct, at least "proper" in the eyes of whoever was writing the diary or story. I'm glad we have a forum to share our views and opinions openly. But, for better or worse, the lead story on this blog doesn't stop here.
I'm a relative newby to KOS. Maybe after this I'll be a former member of KOS. But, as a newby viewing the blog with "new" eyes, I've been struck by the air of importance that sometimes accompanies the writings here. The attitude that "We are KOS. We influence the nation!" I found it a little self-important and grandiose at times. But, maybe it is justified. Obviously, as the quote on the front page of the editorial section of my local paper demonstrates, KOS is watched and quoted by mainstream media.
So, what is this blog doing with that power? Is it serving the good of the country, the interests of improving our government, to have quotes which appear to attack Sen. Obama as one who does not uphold the constitution be featured in the newspapers which reach those who never read KOS? Believe me, many of the readers of the Austin American Statesman will never know anything about the position of Markos, or about KOS, other than the fact that the "founder of dailykos.com" is now expressing his "disappointment" in Sen. Obama and that Sen. Obama is "flip-flopping". They will only know that now even former supporters are unwilling to contribute to Sen. Obama.
Public figures must learn quickly that they cannot be careless in their statements or those statements will be twisted and used against them or the causes they support. This blog - and more specifically, Markos - are public figures whose words will be used against Sen. Obama, against Democrats, against any of the candidates or causes many of us support if the possibility is there.
I'm not suggesting that anyone at KOS should not be free to express their opinions. However, I do think we should be aware that statements may not stop in our online community. The influence that this blog, and its founder, have beyond the immediate members of KOS is a great strength - but also carries the potential to be misused by those outside our community.
Comments are closed on this story.