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Sunday, November 11, 2012

Election Truth or Fail?


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.”

Regardless of what you might believe about Barack Obama, he is our Elected President. If we are unhappy about the Electoral College then let’s start a writing campaign to our representatives in Washington D.C. and to the President of the United States (POTUS). If we believe, in sincerity—not sour grapes, that Voter Fraud has occurred, then again I encourage WRITING to the Powers That Be to make changes. That is the beauty of our nation. That is the Glory of being a part of these United States! We have the FREEDOM to say and DO those things! 

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.

2 comments:

  1. 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.
    Was 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 :)

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  2. Well played.

    It 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.

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