Can't we all just get along?

[Idealism]

No names mentioned, no posts cited-- can we keep the discourse around here civil and level-headed, please?

I understand that my friends in the GLBT community are outraged at Prop 8 and the Warren decision, and rightfully so. At the same time, none among the DU community should allow our emotions to get the better of our judgment, especially at a time of such national crisis. I am not advocating pushing civil rights to the back of the line by any means, and I am almost certain Prop 8 will be overturned by the California State Supreme Court, but we must allow our decency and clear-thinking to prevail.

When Prop 8 was passed, I was extremely upset, and took to the DU boards looking for blood. Now, I am not gay, don't have any family members who are gay, nor know any friends that are, but my rage wasn't about gay prosecution- it was about unconstitutional tyranny of the majority that was allowed to transpire. As I recall, I made some very stupid statements in my maddened state, and by the good graces of fellow DU'ers, was set aright in one of my arguments. One of those cases was a question on polygamy, asking if I supported their rights. I said at the time that I did not, because if the GLBT community had their rights stripped, so should everyone. Eye for an eye, I believe was something mentioned often.

Obviously, not the best way to make friends, but like I said: in anger I said things I don't mean and tried to make enemies out of friends. I see the same thing continuing now on DU and it truly breaks my heart. So I ask of all of you, whatever your feelings on the topic, to understand each others views and not lower ourselves to the least common denominator of name-calling apologists and woeful children.

[4 t 4]

1. I second that n/t

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Three things I would suggest:

1. Use the Alert button when you find a poster violating DU rules. And don't answer that poster. Be patient--the mods will do the work.

2. If something said really bothers you, private message a DU pal. Talk it over with him or her. It will make you feel better and make you realize you are not alone.

3.--and often the hardest--avoid threads that you know will bother you. There have been times here at DU when I have gotten into it with others and found my anger mounting. Anger can be addictive--and it is not a good addiction, because it can increase blood pressure and do other not so nice things to your body. I have had to tear myself away and make myself go to my favorite DU groups pages--hobby pages, such as photography, can be uplifting and fun--and they help you calm down.

[Idealism]

3. Thanks for your post

Good ideas :)

[leftofthedial]

4. It is not just the GLBT community.

I'm straight and pissed.

There is room in the Obama's tent for everyone but the progressives--supply-side economists, Iraq invasion and occupation hawks, Iran hawks, bigots, fundie preachers, pro-mining and oil company Interior Secretaries, corporate agriculture... But if you are left of center, even by a whisker, you are scoffed at by the Obama camp.

[Catshrink]

5. Remember: the hide icon is your friend.

[el_bryanto]

6. People are very passionate about this issue

And the GLBT community have pretty good reason to be upset right now. I think maybe we could be a bit more understanding of that, even if we disagree with them on the exact tactics to take.

Bryant

[Idealism]

8. Exactly what I'm saying

Respectful for others opinions. No matter what anyone believes- they have a right to believe in it.

[Hydra]

7. Much as it's painful to watch

We are having a conversation that is long overdue:

"When will it be "ok" for Gays to be equal?"

I can't BELIEVE how many people are arguing "Separate but Equal," "Tolerance for Oppression" or "Not Now."- I thought people remembered that sort of thing from the Civil Rights movement.

[tomreedtoon]

9. NO! Never get along!

And especially remember the way Democrats treat their own Presidents...



Pretty soon a similar picture with Obama in it will be on every Democrat's wall.