I had promised one of the kids that I would take him to see the big weekend blockbuster "Transformers2: Revenge of the Fallen".
Did I like it? Oh yeah!
Explosions, Megan Fox, giant robots, Megan Fox, funny script, Megan Fox, amazing special effects, and of course this new actress who I barely noticed named Megan Fox.
It was good fun.
Before and after this movie I kept running back to check the comments on the blog and hitting the publish button. I have to admit I did not read through them very carefully, and though there seemed to be a focus developing around a certain moderator for a certain Palin supporting website, they did not appear to be all that inflammatory.
I went shopping, had a little dinner, tried to call my kid a few times, and then settled down to relax for the remainder of the evening. THAT is when I started to get e-mails and phone calls asking me to check my comments because things had become ugly.
So I sat down and read the comments from start to finish and realized that there was information posted that revealed some personal details about this moderator that are not already public knowledge.
The purpose of this blog is to reveal the truth and hold our politicians and leaders accountable, NOT private citizens. Now admittedly there is some grey area here as SOME people have taken it upon themselves to speak out publicly in support of Sarah Palin and coordinate vicious attacks against ANYBODY who dares hold her accountable. But just because they engage is such scurrilous tactics does not mean we should lower ourselves to follow suit.
However in my opinion the comments went over the line and I deleted them. I also deleted other comments which were not terribly revelatory, but which did not make much sense on their own because they referenced comments that I had removed.
That was the first time I have EVER cleaned up the comments section like that. And I did not like it.
Here is how I view the conversations that take place on this blog.
It is like I have invited a bunch of friends over for dinner. I serve the meal, we have a drink or two, and then conversations start amongst the guests. They usually start off about how good the dinner was, or what a nice home I have, and so on.
But then the conversations take on a life of their own. They can be about new information that is introduced and shared with the group, criticisms of the host, other parties they have attended, and just about any topic that occurs to them. And all of that kind of talk is welcome.
Now if somebody picks a fight with another party guest I perk up and walk over to monitor the conflict. If it stays fairly civil and nobody starts getting vicious or making threats then I will let it play out. But if the attacks become ugly and it looks like a fight is about to break out, then I put a stop to it. After all it is MY party and I don't want the other guests to feel uncomfortable or unwelcome. However usually I favor just letting the conversation take place, because most of the time they do work themselves out. And believe it or not, some people come here JUST to start an argument, and that also serves a purpose. It makes us better debaters and forces us to research our point of view, and the opposing point of view, more thoroughly.
So from this point forward I will read my un-moderated comments more carefully so that the conversation remains civil enough that, even if we do not always agree, we can feel free to express our opinions without being attacked personally. Does that seem fair?
Okay now that brings me to Sunday.
Wow! Sunday was an absolutely gorgeous day outside!
I spent almost the entire day working in my garden, washing my filthy car, and biking all over Anchorage. I kept stopping during my bike trip and marveling at the beauty of the sky and how I could suddenly be deep within nature while only a few miles from my home.
I kept my bike in its highest gear so as not to leave my companion too far behind and my legs got that great pump that makes the muscles swell and bulge which made it kind of hard to get my sweat pants off after the ride. (I guess I should have worn shorts.) So not only did I see a lot of gorgeous scenery, but I also got a pretty good leg work out. That qualifies as a twofer!
I love Alaska! And my only regret is that all of you cannot come up on days like yesterday and see why so many people believe this is the most beautiful place on earth.
Anyhow that was my weekend. I only hope yours was at least half as enjoyable as mine.
Namaste my friends, Namaste.
I can understand why you deleted those comments, and I think you made the right decision. But I also have to admit I'm glad I stopped by the blog and read the comments before they were deleted! I've noticed some definite coordination going on between the site in question and Megamouth, so I have to admit that I've developed a certain amount of curiosity about this individual. The information supported some of my theories. I won't say more because I don't want to get deleted!
ReplyDeleteIt's so ironic--the Palinists constantly attack the ethics and morals of the Alaskan bloggers, and yet you guys really do try to run a class act.
Not really, Gryphen, I've been trying to get over a nasty cold (aren't they all?), so I didn't have it in me to get nasty about anything else (too tired) but boy have I really felt like it sometimes and isn't it a good thing that we have the "preview" button and I'm waiting until all these movies come out on DVD because I like lounging on my own couch and not in a theater with all those other people coughing and sneezing and talking and forgetting to turn off their cell phones...and....and...
ReplyDeleteOh, isn't this the open thread?
Just kidding. Namaste yourself, and it's a good thing you were alert, and alerted.
And namaste to you, Gryphen.
ReplyDeleteWow, I am sorry I missed all the excitement. Sarah Palin certainly seems to bring out the worst in so many people. You would think she would feel badly about that, but...
ReplyDeleteYOU ARE A TEASE,but remember the story of the boy who cried WOLF.
ReplyDeleteBased on the headline and length of post, I made a big bag of popcorn only to discover that you went to the movies!
It's your blog, but we are you audience. We are past being teased - please.
Livvy
Glad you had a wonderful weekend. I haven't seen the new movie yet. I suspect my son will buy me the DVD when available.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I am very glad you cleaned the slate.
Gryphen, I checked out Frank's comment from palingates, about the US Supreme Court case, Greer v. Spock, and it seems Palin did violate that decision. The comment went on to say such decision upheld "banned partisan political speeches or rallies on military bases. Palin also caused every soldier to violate a military directive that bars service members from attending partisan political speeches either in uniform, on duty, or at any military base/facility."
I haven't seen anything in the MSM about this.
Maybe ol' GINO really should be renamed as "The Violator" since she goes forth violating all rules and regulations for her own political gain.
Whilst I fully agree with the notion that no personal details about other bloggers should be posted in public for the reason of "outing" them, I wonder whether there isn't some hypocrisy going on again with regard to the latest C4P "outrage" about these comments left here about R.A. Mansour.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I haven't seen those comments, so I don't know what exactly was posted there, and neither do I care. If it was confidential private information, then there could never be a justification for it.
In respect to information which can easily be found on search engines, however, I would like to point out that R.A. Mansour
a) is not anonymous
b) was an invited guest during the last weeks on a considerable number of radio shows, for example: Eddie Burke (several times), Dan Fagan, Tammy Bruce, Gordon Liddy and therefore deliberately exposed herself to the public, and those interviews were plastered all over the C4P website with "great fanfare" - in doing so, I think that she has put herself "out there"
c) has no hesitation to attack other bloggers personally and "go after them", for example "Celtic Diva" Linda Kellen Biegel, of who C4P posted lots of pictures recently for no apparent reason, and were encouraging there readers to look into her personal tax matters in order to find some "dirt".
In the comments on C4P, the appearance of Celtic Diva, who is handicapped, has been mocked on a regular basis. I am sure that you all have seen that.
Therefore, in conclusion, I don't think that it's a "crime" to post publicly available information about R.A. Mansour, as she projects herself to the media on a regular basis, and for the other reasons mentioned above.
However, I can understand why Gryphen chose to delete these comments, as this information probably did not contribute to the political discussion.
Damn, I missed the good part. But I understand what you're saying Gryphen and I reluctantly agree with you. Good post and I enjoyed it a lot until you got to the part about your lovely bulging leg muscles.
ReplyDeleteI'll try to be good in your house from now on.
I found the info about her background interesting and useful. It adds color and depth to an otherwise black and white picture. The specific info about where she lives, not so much. I worry about the wingnuts (left and right) that would stalk someone.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I find I miss the fact that there is little Palin gossip today, I think she may be hardpressed to get in the news again anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteSo though I enjoy trashing her, I will enjoy knowing she has gotten NO press, even more.
Anonymous @ 8:54...I would like to know how CD was mocked by C4P. I have never visited C4P; I see enough venom around the web. I certainly don't want to abuse myself, nor do I really care what the followers say. I can't change them; they can't change me. But I am interested in the subject you mentioned as it relates to being handicapped as your comment indicates. Or, am I totally reading it the wrong way? My ears perk up when the uniqueness of a person is described.
ReplyDeleteAnon@8:54 - Count me +1.
ReplyDeleteWell, if you're bored, Anonymous @ 9:58 AM (evil grin), go over to a conservative site called Le*gal In*sur*rec*tion, a blog run by a guy who identifies himself as an Associate Clinical Professor of Law @ Cornell Law School, Ithaca, NY.
ReplyDelete(I wonder if he went to the Founder's Day parade, and what HIS estimate of the crowd size was? /snark)
Since the Wonkette topic was only posted there yesterday (Sunday), it'd be timely for more of *us* to show up there and debate with some of his regulars. :)
Anon@8:12 and 8:54 among other things the remarks I found the most childish and abusive where about weight, heart-condition and dying soon, and being a terrible mom. Those kind of remarks come from desperate people. All this because The Grand Celtic Diva (as I like to think of her) is taking Sarah up on her claims to running an open and transparent (redundant) government. Well, to be honest, Sarah never did say that it would be cheap. Now, I think we have given that site way too much air time. They don't deserve any more of our attention. It is sucking the brain cells out of us. Let's focus on Sarah and Malicious Stapletongue.
ReplyDelete@anon 10:12
ReplyDeleteShould you have the stomach for it, you could take a look at the site in question. I won't even reference them by name, so as to not contribute to their traffic.
They have been horrific to Celtic Diva. I notice they never go after AKM or Shannyn on their blogs, and I often wonder it they are perhaps in some way more afraid of them. I'm not sure...but in any event, CD has been brutalized by them. I was on the site today...( last time I will ever look) and now they are calling to have people notify Disabilities that Diva gets donations on her blog. Silly people...she is entitled to collect for certain things...and she is clear about what she is raising money for. Her ducks are lined up...she knows what she is doing.
I believe she also has been receiving emails. Nasty ones. Sometimes she has printed one or two so that her readers could see what they are like....disgusting is all I can say.
I love that Grypen removed the posts he was referencing. I love it...in spite of the fact that if you have even a differing viewpoint, be prepared to be called vile names...then have your post removed from the "Echo Chamber"
Its really more sad than anything else. They are the sorriest group of folk I have ever come across on the internet, and we all know how many crazies are out there.
Laurie
wow i missed a good fight.
ReplyDeleteahhhh....that explains where my Mary comment went. You do what you gotta do, Gryphen, we got your back. I love the afterparty as much as the main event anyway.....
ReplyDeleteGryphen, I feel you did what needed to be done.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had an enjoyable weekend! :)
~trish
Gryphen missed all the fun, but glad you removed manSour's personal info, WE are NOT CYBERSTALKER's like them! I have seen them say about posters they don't like, "we will find out everything about you even what kind of underwear you wear" UGh! Scary!! They have gotten worse everytime GINO "wins" a ethics complaint! Hope she slams into the iceberg soon!
ReplyDeleteGryphen...? When's the next par-tee? ;-)
{{Namaste}}
Gryph ~
ReplyDeleteThe high road is always the best road, and I am not surprised in the least that you steer your blog that way!
Anon who is curious about CD abuse by C4P: She is mocked and name called on a regular basis, derided, trolled, flamed, email stalked and of course they are going to try to create a scandal or something with her disability payments, taxes, whatever they can find - which of course is bound to backfire on them...C4P cultivates a real gang mentality and belong more to Berlin in '32 than to the here and now.
I'm sorry I missed the background profile on RAM - don't care about the address, but I'm always fascinated and interested in how cults form and what kind of personalities are vulnerable to them. Could anyone who remembers it email me at nailinpalinnow@gmail.com?
As another disabled person, it disgusts me that they would try to reprt CDiva. I admire her fir being passionate about her beliefs and DOING something constructive. Many disabled people don't do that.
ReplyDeleteAlso only cruel distubed and heartless people would do such a thing! Even if they don't like her, it's morally wrong of them. Are they SO stupid that they dint know disabled people can work? I think with federal disability you can make up to $750 a month.
Also if their idol Palin has not done anything improper, why do they care if she looks at the emails. C4p must be afraid or they wouldn't care.
What hypocrites they are . Rambling on and on about special needs Trig, and then talkink in detail about the looks of someone disabled.
I have no respect fir them. Clearly the are either lost losers or stupid losers.
BTW, it isn't true that C4P leaves other liberal bloggers alone at all...Here is a post by RAM attacking Shannyn M. for writing about Palin's innappropriate miniskirt at the fallen dead memorial - I found this in just a quick look on the front page there are definitly many more attacks on Shannyn at that site, I just can't stay round there long cause of the heinous stench...
ReplyDeleteOkay, it appears that C4P site does not allow you to copy and paste anymore...so here's a link, but you don't really have to go there, trust me, she's derisive, snide and smarmy on attack at Shannyn...like a Mean Girl in a 'roid rage...
Okay, now I find I can't even cut and past a link...tried a couple of things and doesn't work. "Shannyn Moore Cheapens Ceremony To Honor Fallen Troops" is the article. Don't bother.
So now C4P can't be cut and pasted? RAM must have been creeping around hated lib sites and saw that we want to preserve her hateful following's comments for the public to view. Well RAN is obviously more worried about liberal bloggers quoting from the site than any conservative sources using the site for info! Not surprised at all.
@Helen...I do realize that RAM goes after them on her blog. So do her minions. The only one that posts on others blogs (other than CD) is the one called juju. For some reason they seem afraid to venture to AKM or Shannyn's site. I am glad of that, but at the same time it sickens me, that they have centred Diva out like this.
ReplyDeleteDiva gets support from all of us, but I would like to see us support her in greater numbers regularly.
Diva was centered out because it was our understanding that she is the OFFICIAL BLOGGER OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY FOR THE STATE OF AK. To us that meant and still does that the Dems. of AK. as well as the National Dems. approve of using a special needs child to help raise money in a vile, joking way. Many comments on various liberal blogs indicates something like this: "Boy we made our quote because of that Trig pic." etc.
ReplyDelete@juju...I am not going to further explain to you about satire...and political cartoons. You know perfectly well that it was making fun of Eddie Burke...but you go ahead and keep those blinders on. You also come here and say what you want when you want...but on the echo chamber blog...look at the number of people who have their posts removed. Practice what you preach.
ReplyDeleteDiva has done nothing different than any other progressive blogger. You labeled her the Democratic blogger without even fact checking. Its not hard to get the correct information. All of the posters at the other site have said horrible things about Diva. People who don't measure up to her in any way shape or form.
Have a lovely evening.
Gryphen, I enjoy your blog and really appreciate your perspective. While at a multi plex theatre in Chicago, every preview was about the distruction of plant Earth. Especially 2012(the movie)..
ReplyDeleteTwo Thumbs Up for Transformers II, it was AwEsome!
JuJu's post on here is just another example of how the C4P'ers don't bother with accurate information, nor to they care to verify information, instead they prefer to just pick a target and go after them.
ReplyDeleteRAM is just a nasty girl who has become star-struck and now is a hanger-on in the desperate hopes that it will bring her attention.
C4Per member VO must have complained about the RAM information (I missed it just saw the comments after everything was deleted), but he is nothing more than just another liar. He claims they don't allow personal comments and will once in a blue moon make a comment on the site saying "hey guys we don't do that here", yet the comments are allowed to stay, and more soon follow with no further action. He is a joke and to complain about what might be said on another site is totally HYPOCRITICAL, when you consider the way C4P deliberately goes after Celtic Diva.
One of their members has called Diva...more than once...in the middle of the night even. It is pure harassment of the personal kind and they don't have a problem with that. They have no problem going after Diva because she chooses to hold HER elected official accountable.
Gryphen I am glad you hold yourself to a higher standard than these creeps do.