So I got into my first “Facebook fight” of this election
year The DAY AFTER the election. Yeah. I did. Lame. I did not mean to engage,
but I made a comment knowing it would cause a bit of a raucous, but what I did
not know was that I would be totally alone in my views. I have gotten “into it”
before over some of my “pet” issues (*cough* immigration *cough*) which led to
my posting an academic paper I did about it to clarify my stance. In that crowd
I was called a Liberal. (You can stop laughing now.) In this crowd I got
called, among other things, a “bigot” as well as ignorant and “hiding behind my
religion.” Ano sa huh? (aka WTF in Okinawa-speak).
Those things don’t sit so well with me. I admit it. So today
I am going to attempt some “netiquette” training for those that enjoy engaging
the enemy in online, social media discussions. Or even if you are talking with
friends or forwarding an email; Please Pay Attention!
I don’t like reading lies. I have issues with lies. While I
am not perfect, nor do I claim to be 100% truthful 100% of the time –because honestly
I will not tell you that you look fat in those pants, I won’t—but when it comes
to repeating slander, I have major issues. Let me introduce to you a couple of
websites I have been using for years to clarify whether something is true or
not:
Snopes.com—if you are not familiar with this site, then get
familiar. If you feel the need to forward something, anything, please check
here first. Some lies I have caught?
Lies by Barack Obama—including the fact that he is Muslim
(he isn’t—not that it really matters)
Factcheck.org is an excellent source for verifying facts as
well as email chain letters, revealing truths, etc. This list is pretty
inclusive for lies told about Obama. Also, if only voters had checked this page
before and after ever debate and particularly before going to the polls on
Tuesday. Just to be sure they were voting for the right person for the right
reason. Just saying. As I said, I hate lies. Lies on both sides seriously annoy
me. Tell the truth. And if you can’t tell the truth at least don’t forward a
lie. That’s all I ask.
I have to admit that I was annoyed a bit on Tuesday evening
when news stations were calling the winner before polls even closed (I live in
California) and I said, “It’s not over until someone gives a concession speech!”
so I waited. When it finally happened and Romney “technically” threw in the
towel, I was satisfied. You can brag, cry, moan, gloat all you want once that
is done. But STFU until then. You annoy me. I would have expected the same from
Obama if that had been the case.
And now, the cry of “Voter Fraud” annoys me. Unless Romney
is going to file a lawsuit and, as I put it, “pull an Al Gore,” it’s over. I do
think any fraudulent activity needs to be investigated but be careful, again,
of perpetuating lies. Please don’t do that. I don’t care if you’re happy or
disgusted over the outcome. DO NOT PERPETUATE A LIE. Fact check. Snopes.
Consider the source, etc. etc. etc. I don’t even know why that has to be said!
But that’s me.
I would like to refer to Mitt Romney’s seriously GRACIOUS concession speech for a moment.
“This is a time of great challenges for America, and I pray that the president will be successful in guiding our nation.”
“The nation, as you know, is at a critical point. At a time like this, we can’t risk partisan bickering and political posturing. Our leaders have to reach across the aisle to do the people’s work.”
“…the nation chose another leader. And so Ann and I join with you to earnestly pray for him and for this great nation.”
What I encourage you NOT to do is talk smack about our POTUS. If you are going to talk negatively, then at least make sure your comments are based on TRUTH and not on Your Opinion. Also, you are entitled to your opinion but make sure you are making that claim! Be wary of anything that is extreme on the one side or the other because chances are good it is NOT entirely true. Please use Snopes.com and Factcheck.org before saying crap. Please? It really makes me crazy and just causes contention when there need be none.
I do the same thing, check it out before forwarding. It drives me crazy when people get worked up over something that isn't true. What is worse is that drowns out what is true and we no longer have verified facts in which to base our opinions.
ReplyDeleteWas is also interesting is that sometimes even snopes and fact checks is wrong. There have been times when they have had to take something back or change it. Soooo, before you gloat think about how you do it. Be respectful and remember that saying anything negative (which is not the same as disagreeing) can come back to bite you. On the flip side I also get tired of people telling me to stop talking about it. I hardly post anything and I don't like name calling but seriously, express your views in a respectful and courteous way. It would be sad if the only thing people are allowed to talk about is what they had for lunch.
You know what is interesting? From you first paragraph and what people called you I have no idea where you stand on immigration. You are a liberal, a bigot, and hide behind your religion? How does that all work together?
Alright, disorganized rant is over :)
Well played.
ReplyDeleteIt drove me nuts when they were calling the race over... before the polls closed. I makes me mad when people name call about opinions. I could not wait for the election to be over because every day there were contradictory postings for and against each candidate that couldn't possibly have all been true.
My religion doesn't make me a conservative or liberal. It doesn't make me a Democratic or a Republican. My religion makes me better.
And for the record I have been against the Electoral College since before I turned 18. Some antiques do not increase in value as the years pass.