Comments on: L.A. Times Blogger Defends Approval of Comments Hoping Tony Snow Suffered

By: jdpolson

jdpolson — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:50:29 +0000

Hi all,

I’m currently researching various weight loss programs and courses.

So, if you don’t mind please answer in this topic: What’s your single most important question about weight loss?

Cheers, JD

By: Jane Riehl

Jane Riehl — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:48:38 +0000

What does it say about our society that people are more concerned that some crude language might offend someone’s “delicate” ears but think that dancing on someone’s grave is an exercise in “free speech?”

By: SteveG

SteveG — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 03:35:27 +0000

yeah

I know that sometimes I get a little bent out of shape and I do depend a bit on the group to help reset the tone.
It helps the internal filter stay clean.

That said, I accept personal responsibility… just saying I’ve needed a correction here and there and at the time it didn’t feel good, but after some reflection it’s worked out for the better

By: Dana

Dana — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:48:09 +0000

Dmac, Eric, Bradley,

Thanks so much. You know what I refer to. Its appreciated.

By: Dana

Dana — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:47:22 +0000

The anonymity avilable with the internet has provided a new forum for bullies and blustering bigmouths who envision themselves as real badasses and get ugly and vile without consequence. The web removes the line of decorum. The funny thing is most of these same people would most likely never have the guts to spew at their target when looking them dead in the eye.

If these commenters were standing before Mrs. Snow and her three children, do you believe they would spew their bile?

Wussies and wimps, emboldened only because of their anonymity.

By: DRJ

DRJ — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:46:15 +0000

Dmac,

Sorry, I sounded preachy. And FWIW I’m working my way through Steve Coll’s The Bin Ladens. It’s a fascinating book.

By: DRJ

DRJ — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:45:05 +0000

SteveG,

I agree that having a host like Patterico who will act decisively is an important part of maintaining civility. However, what typically keeps us in line is the knowledge that, if we say something rude or distasteful, we will be *figuratively* smacked by other commenters. That’s no fun, especially when they are right. IMO the road to personal responsibility doesn’t come from being censored, it comes from self-censorship.

By: Dmac

Dmac — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:40:09 +0000

Good advice, DRJ – and sometimes I do just that.

By: SteveG

SteveG — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:30:39 +0000

We have to stuff the idiots back into the basement… this site isn’t bound by the First Amendment and I think the attitude of “do what you like, you just can’t do it here” works real well. Particularly if nearly everyone gets onboard. I’d like to see conservative blogs lead the way on civilty and honorable behavior.

By: DRJ

DRJ — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:29:41 +0000

Dmac,

I know the feeling!

Seriously, though, if you don’t want to risk reading something disturbing on the internet … I suggest a good book.