I say yes, you say no, OR People are Strange

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YEAH!!! to all who've been getting good health news for themselves and their loved ones.  In the end, that's what counts.  

I'm just back from a visit to the dark zone. No sludge on me. It's kinda creepy there but actually I think it provides an interesting perspective on how the far right thinks. As someone in the middle, I have some liberal views (mostly social) and some conservative views (mostly economic) which means that there are some areas where I actually agree (at least a bit) with those folks. But when I see how they write about things and some of what they say, I realize how far I am from them - and thankfully so! - even in areas where we agree in principle.

I did find it amusing to see how some of the comments here have been interpreted there; it shows that no matter what you say here, if you've been labelled a certain way, your words will be twisted to mean something that you never meant. Well, I guess I knew that before. I'm wondering though whether some of the people there just can't read very well because in some cases that seems to be the only possible explanation. (I'll be honest and say that I do see some of the same thing here when it comes to what some of the Conservatives say - it sometimes gets twisted and interpreted to mean something way beyond what they actually said.  That's one of the reasons why I stay away from much of the political discussion here.)

Truthfully I found it to be quite educational.  Much of it was downright funny although some of what I read was sad and parts were scary. What saddens me most is that there are women who post here who I consider to be quite reasonable who unfortunately join in the discussions there and seem to accept all that is being said. I understand that they may agree with the political point of view but I'm sad that they accept without comment the slander and ugliness of much that is being said.  As for the others, I guess it's good for their self esteem that they've found each other, people of like minds. Imagine how depressing the world would be if you realized that 90%+ of other people though that you were off your rocker? 

So I wonder what they are going to say about me now?  I've shaking in my boots.  Well, no actually, I'm not.  

FYI to those who asked, I created my new avatar by putting together two separate pics.  I used the Paint program.  

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I think we all get angry and frustrated at times when we strongly disagree with what somebody else is saying or doing.  Then our inner b*tch starts demanding to get out and lets loose.  We all need to vent sometimes and it is not all bad to take it somewhere else to keep it off here.

However, if that 'somewhere else' were private and limited to like minded people it would be much better for all concerned.  Instead it seems to be dangled like bait and it can be very hard to resist the lure.  Many hurt feelings and much anger result. 

And Beesie probably just earned a dwarf name ... now can she resist going back to see what it is?

True confession because I'm not trying to be sneaky here.  I used to be Madalyn.  I got mad and concerned about what sometimes seems to be stalking and had my account and all my old posts removed to get rid of all the personal information I've shared over the years.  But I missed you guys so I had to come back and visit just a little bit.  And I had to make an account so I could see Jim's picture!

WhiteR,

I was wondering. The attitude was familiar.

We missed you! I knew you loved us. Welcome back.! 

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Bren, you're right about the concept. It seems like a control mechanism to me. I don't thing GroupThink is at work on this thread and I know that is not what any of us want. If we agree all the time and everyone thinks like me, this is going to get pretty boreing. Our differences are what makes us individuals and you guys on this thread, definitely think for yourselves. Love you all, even if I don't agree with some.

The nastiness of the other site is what happens when there is little or no moderation.  I have seen it on other sites unrelated to politics.  One rude and frightened person attracts others until the entire site becomes a sort of hell hole.  I feel sorry for those people.

Some have stopped posting on this site because they are allergic to factual information.  They don't want to give up their dark fantasies so the leave.  Some come back as trolls, but it appears we have all agreed to stop feeding the trolls, so they too have gone.

Madalyn, nice to meet you.  I read many of your posts when I was lurking here and was sorry when you left.  I'm glad to see that you are still here.

Just FYI for everyone.  I am no one from the past.  I lurked here for a really long time before registering and then lurked for quite a while after that before posting.  I believe it was lewing's post about muskrats that drew me in and I changed my user name to reflect that.  Before posting I just had my user name down as my grandkids' initials which didn't really work well as a name.

River .. I like that name .. it suits you!

Bren

Hmmmmm...groupthink....very interesting. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEsdxakaBIo    

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTXBOgPCh9w

Notself, 

Sorry, but I don't beleive they're gone, just waiting. It'll take more than one or two days to find out for sure. One can only hope. I'm going to do my best to ignore someone who pops in, takes a dump in our floor and waits for everyone to step in it. Remember if you do step in it, you have poop on your feet. When you stir in sh($, it stinks up the whold place. 

Shirley:  I just can't resist your postings because you don't make it clear to me what is the point of the links.  One was from 2009.  If we are to learn anything from them can you at least give an idea of why you are posting them today?  Is it because of what happened in Egypt?  I know we have mob arisings in the US but they aren't as huge as the one that just calmed down in Egypt.  I'm always willing to learn if more is going on in our country than we get from the Media so are you able to give some explanation for these two particular You-Tubes?  I know about SEIU and the kind of people who are said to be involved with them.  Glenn Beck makes sure we know SEIU but what is the latest I am missing?  Thanks!