10:15am Know you are in Chicago. Kathy and Judy on WGN 720am are asking for opinions on Rick Warren. Would love to here you call in. 312-591-7200
PJ
· 11 months ago
Sorry, with the economy with the way it is, there will be no bonus this year. Except for wall street. I'm sorry, you made your decision to be a blogger. You should have stayed on Capitol hill or joined Citibank. Life sucks. So.
SkippyFlipjack
· 11 months ago
You should get a shirt printed with those words, but replace "blogger" with "barista". Let me know how your coffee tastes. ;)
warbler
· 11 months ago
Would my donation help stop all the truly irrational posting about Rick Warren that we've had this past week? Might think about it later, after the inauguration, unless there is another bloodletting around that time about how much our President-elect supposedly despises gay people.
Jay
· 11 months ago
There's nothing "irrational" about our posts about Rick Warren! The man is a pile of feces, period.
sherifffruitfly
· 11 months ago
Nobody has minimized the Warren issue.
We've minimized those who *maximize* the Warren issue.
political_correctness
· 11 months ago
And that is the exact reason why gays may never have equal rights in this country. You need the votes of those you keep alienating to stop things like proposition 8 from passing all across the country. What do you do, attack and alienate those who you need support from the most.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a rabid glbt right supporter, but all of the Warren mess has gone on far too long. Give Obama a chance to be an uniter and lets not attack the man for reaching out to the other side. He will do more for glbt issues with a swipe of the pen than Bush did for 8 loooong years.
One of my best friends in the whole world is gay so remember that when you start your ruthless, child like attacks against me here.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
Thanks for being a rabid gay rights supporter. Some of my best friends are straight. So if Obama starts legitimizing bigotry against you guys, you can count on me to ignore him like any good friend would do. i hope that doesn't alienate you. i'm sure you've been very kind to us.
political_correctness
· 11 months ago
More of the hate sh$t. Thanks for easily proving my point.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
hate shit? ok. you're welcome i guess.
Al
· 11 months ago
PC, keep spewing your drivel because you can't stand that Obama has royally fucked up. The world doesn't revolve around you. Obama's actions actually affect people who are not yourself.
SkippyFlipjack
· 11 months ago
I still don't get this argument -- that Obama's being a uniter by involving a divider in a symbolic role in his inauguration. If he'd wanted to reach out to evangelicals, don't you think there are better ones he could have chosen? Do you think they're all gay-bashers, and he couldn't have found a less controversial one? He made a poor choice, period. Don't give him so much credit on the "uniting" front.
Al
· 11 months ago
political_correctness, your name suits you. "Don't say anything if it's going to piss somebody off."
Obama fascist pigs are prepared to throw anyone they can under the bus when it suits them. They are bigoted morons who only care about their own asses, and that Obama isn't called into question.
Obama should have his assed kicked across the street over Warren. Aravosis has been too kind IMO.
Professor_Farnsworth
· 11 months ago
there's a difference between anger and flipping the fuck out. what has been going on here is flipping the fuck out.
Jay
· 11 months ago
You just don't "get" it, honey.
Obama invited an avowed gay-basher to be front and center at his swearing-in ceremony. That's a major F*** you to the gay community.
If John McCain had won the election and invited a racist to speak at his inauguration, you don't think every black group would be bitching and screaming bloody murder? The NAACP would be raising hell.
Why is this different? Why is homopboia acceptable and racism isn't?
Answer that for me.
Noah'sMama
· 11 months ago
Jay,
How dare you compare racisim to homophobia; these are two ENTIRELY different issues. One is actual (with slavery, beatings and killings) and the other is perceived ... gays have the same rights (and always have had them), with the exception of marriage. Blacks, in particular, had NO rights at one point.
Again, that is what this blog and its readership has evolved into - a gay rant/whine/hetro bashing!
It wasn't enough to get Obama into office, was it?
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
ridiculous nonsense. do you know a lot of slaves? and gays have the same rights except for marriage? idiot.
the bigots are swarming in here.
Noah'sMama
· 11 months ago
Nope, no friends of slaves. So quit likening yourself to having the same treatment as one ... dumbass.
Bigot? You guys are so paranoid. Nobody gives a shit about your sexual orientation. Dummy ... remove that from the equation and just focus on politics. At least that is what this blog USED to do.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
why are you still here?
monitor
· 11 months ago
It's Christmas. I'm going to give you a bonus designed exclusively for homophobic bigots.
Bye
sitemonitor
Jay
· 11 months ago
You're right. Homophobia is worse. Nobody ever tells a black man or woman that they: are abominations in the eyes of the Lord, that they CAN and SHOULD "change" for the sake of society, that blacks shouldn't be allowed to raise children, that they are akin to pedophiles and racists.
Shall I go on?
SkippyFlipjack
· 11 months ago
Can't they just both be bad? Discrimination happens on many levels; it's a little crazy to argue about whose discrimination is worse.
SkippyFlipjack
· 11 months ago
Please write Matthew Shepard's parents and let them know that homophobia is merely perceived and involves no actual killings.
percol8r
· 11 months ago
I'm more of a victim! No, I am!
How sad.
When we start talking about establishing Affirmative Action for gay people -- or any other minority -- you'll be free to continue talk about your victimhood and lack of opportunity.
A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Isn't that what they used to say to encourage you to go to college? Sounds as though it fell on deaf ears.
Polly_Tics
· 11 months ago
Racism AND Homophobia are both about "Civil Rights", thus the two are worthy of comparison and debate.
warbler
· 11 months ago
The two sentences of this comment cancel each other out. Jay, I don't think you're the best spokesperson for your side of this issue. Too much attitude and an excess of nuance. Also, John keeps posting about this because it's a hotbutton issue and he get more unique hits when heated up commenters like you keep. eh, "flipping the fuck out." It looks good for his advertisers. I'm not saying that John is entirely cynical in his manipulation of hair-trigger commenters like you but it's seems that just about everything has been said on this and extending the spew is nonsensical.
Can donations be made to *specific* bloggers here?
Professor_Farnsworth
· 11 months ago
yea, sorry, not gonna be giving money to fund the histrionics that go on here, specifically the hatred and bigotry that easily spew from the mouths of people protesting it.
Gary SF
· 11 months ago
Professor, you don't get it. If Warren was invited to speak while we are still smarting from the passage of Proposition 8. He is being painted as a 'moderate.' While the MSM is all about Warren vs the gay community, if any of the MSM had reported that Warren said that Jews are going to hell, Obama would disinvite Warren in few seconds.
What is more troubling is that the Pope is right behind Warren with his own sucker punches, such as this lovely thing from today:
"Pope Benedict said on Monday that saving humanity from homosexual or transsexual behavior was just as important as saving the rainforest from destruction.
(The Church) should also protect man from the destruction of himself. A sort of ecology of man is needed," the pontiff said in a holiday address to the Curia, the Vatican's central administration.
"The tropical forests do deserve our protection. But man, as a creature, does not deserve any less."
The Catholic Church teaches that while homosexuality is not sinful, homosexual acts are. It opposes gay marriage and, in October, a leading Vatican official called homosexuality "a deviation, an irregularity, a wound."
Sorry Professor, it is time to fight back and fight hard. I am not going to take any more of this crap and neither should ANYONE else. Enough.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
it's not his "movement". you know, because he's not "one of them". but please don't say anything to alienate him. he has been so helpful.
Noah'sMama
· 11 months ago
WORD!
My sentiments EXACTLY!
This blog has morphed into a sounding board for a perpetual whine about gay rights and mean-spirited attacks on anybody that isn't doing something to help their movement.
And tisk, tisk, guys...aren't we all saving our $$ this year? Sheesh. You guys have some big ones asking for bonuses!
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
"their movement"? i guess that means civil rights is not your thing. or is it just gay civil rights that's not your thing? and can you maybe stop whining about A-blog? thanks.
Noah'sMama
· 11 months ago
Gay individuals can do EVERYTHING else that any other American can do, with the exception of marriage.
I cannot, in good conscience, lump gays together ... but damn, you make a compelling case of why I should.
UNGRATEFUL and IGNORANT and SELF ABSORBED -- how about just being happy to be in damned America.
Fuck off, Steve.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
bigoted and stupid.
Noah'sMama
· 11 months ago
Ah, but not too stupid to continue reading this blog or your ignorant commentary.
I am so OVER reading the words "homophobe" and "bigot" on a daily basis. My GOD.
- Peace out from a formerly loyal and avid reader
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
why are you still here? there are loads of blogs out there that don't give a sh*t about the gays.
kevinbgoode
· 11 months ago
Fine. . .how about heterosupremacist then? It certainly seems to fit your mold.
Gary SF
· 11 months ago
Hey homophobic bitch, we can't serve in the military. We cannot sue if we are fired or evicted just for being gay. If our partners are foreigners, they cannot immigrate here to live with us. Even if we have rock solid legal documents that will 'allow' us hospital visits, inheritance, etc, they are often challenged, sometimes successfully, by homophobic family members. The list is endless. If you were my neighbor, I'd call CPS because clearly, you should have never been allowed to breed. Thankfully, the 'gene pool' has a way of fixing itself - I'm pretty sure that Noah will end up shooting blanks, unless he gets killed when his Meth lab blows up or something similar.
Noah'sMama
· 11 months ago
WOW - you've elevated yourself to a whole other realm of ignorance and unkindness.
Taking jabs at my child's name really makes you the more intelligent, articulate, and mature one.
Wait until karma bites you back? Oh wait, are you running short on your aids meds this month? Fuck off.
Gary SF
· 11 months ago
I thought you said that you were leaving. Yeah, I'm gay so I must have AIDS. That's it. Thanks for continuing to make the case that you are an ignorant hateful bitch, so I don't have to. Have a great day!
Antinous
· 11 months ago
No you defamed your child's name when you brought your sorry fanny on this site and decided to moon the sane world with your bigotry. Be gone bigot, be gone.
Polly_Tics
· 11 months ago
My, aren't you the lady. Since you seem to want to denigrate instead of discuss, perhaps you have taken a wrong turn.
The Freepers are down the hall to the right! .
kevinbgoode
· 11 months ago
You obviously have your head in the Republican sand. Don't tell me what my community can and can't do in this country - I've witnessed too many horrific situations linked directly to the perpetuation of the heterosupremacist mindset.
Fuck off yourself. This heterosupremacist mindset of willful ignorance has gone on far too long in this country.
Antinous
· 11 months ago
Republican sand, is that what they are calling anal cavities these days?
Antinous
· 11 months ago
Maybe you should take your sorry butt back to the Ark, there are two cows to milk, two hippo's to feed and and elephant with diarrhea, while you're here practicing the art of bigotry.............
Al
· 11 months ago
Professor_Farnsworth, your white hood and dress and is ready at the dry cleaners.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
Happy to be able to contribute. Please keep up the vigilance on the likes of Rick Warren. Silence = Death. And please release the 10 readers who don't care about the issue but feel constrained to read and fume about the threads anyway.
SouthernYankee
· 11 months ago
My friend I would gladly give if I could. But I can't at this time. I could and would be glad to send to a choclate chip cheese cakes or the receipe. You could raise money with that baby. I raised $100.00 in 2 weeks. I thought it was pretty good.
SouthernYankee
· 11 months ago
ENOUGH ALREADY WITH THE WARREN THING. TURN THE PAGE. PLEASE
Al
· 11 months ago
No, bigot.
Kiwi Jackson
· 11 months ago
I very much appreciate this blog, John & all you do, so I'll make you a deal- will donate to your Christmas bonus fund if you'll help to pay my health care for next month (including extra meds the docs just discovered I need but aren't covered by the plan). No offense meant, just a reality check.
A Happy Holidays to all.
SkippyFlipjack
· 11 months ago
I think this comes under the "please don't donate if you can't afford it" theme of the original post.
And you know John is as frustrated as you are with drug coverage, since it's been affecting him personally. He's got a pretty big pulpit here; maybe he'll shake enough trees to make a difference. (edited to add: I don't mean to say he's not doing enough; just that hopefully his words will get to the right ears.)
SkippyFlipjack
· 11 months ago
With all due respect, the "anonymous comments monitors" aren't getting my Christmas bonus this year. A few times they've deleted salient comments by yours truly, and it was really frustrating. I imagine they're performing a thankless task and stripping the site of a ton of off-topic and profane posts that we're the better for not seeing, but they've also made some poor choices to the detriment of the site's community.
Indigo
· 11 months ago
Is a smile enough, is 1.6 B too much?
brian
· 11 months ago
I am just happy keeping my job. No bonuses this year, no bonuses next year, no raises. So far they keep matching my 401K and I have a job. There is a Santa.
Since I read Americablog everyday, a little bonus for you. Thanks John and the gang!
PhillySteak
· 11 months ago
Even though I cannot afford to donate to your blog, I still wanted to write in and thank you for all the great work your site (and other sites like yours) does. Before this past election cycle, I was barely aware of our political system, let alone the specific players and issues. But after educating myself, and visiting AmericaBlog daily, I became a political junkie, informing myself about everything going on in America and the world. And now, after the election has come and gone, I still visit everyday, hoping to gain just a little more knowledge. I feel now, more than ever, my frustrations over injustices against the gay community aren't just mine alone. There are others out there working, everyday, to give a voice to those who cannot be heard. I think how hard it is just to get my own personal thoughts heard by people who don't like me for who I am. Having an international platform like this to convey those thoughts is mind-blowing, and I would be overwhelmed. But you all do it everyday, and do it well. Thank you for all of your hard work. I'm looking forward to another year of AmericaBlog. Happy Holidays...
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
i've always liked your moniker :)
Polly_Tics
· 11 months ago
I was a bit shocked when reading that you are asking for a bonus when so many in the country are just having trouble holding on to their homes and paying their bills. Yes, you mentioned that only those who can afford to give should do so, but the idea that you are actually "asking" for a bonus is simply stunning.
As you know, I read and post on your blog regularly and have given to you in the past, but this is simply crazy when you actually ask for a bloody BONUS, especially during these troubled times!
If you need to fund raise for the blog, that's one thing...but a bonus???
SkippyFlipjack
· 11 months ago
"These troubled times"? The request is "stunning"? Come on -- they're not asking for $15 million plus a corporate jet, they just want a couple bucks. The blog is just doing what your postal carrier or garbageman do when they give you a "Thank you and happy holidays" card -- gently ask for a little holiday cheer. Nobody's getting rich on this site; I don't see how the request is such an affront.
I'm still not giving, though, because the comments censorship has been so irritating in the last couple of months. But that's just me, and it could change; get a glass of wine or two in me and I'm sure I'd feel more giving.
ps: Blog business costs are generally limited to salaries and internet access, plus the occasional travel costs (hopefully borne by the destination promoters) and perhaps advertising. Asking for a "bonus" is really no different than fundraising for the blog, since most money goes towards salaries anyway.
Polly_Tics
· 11 months ago
We differ on this request nor does it seem as if we will come to an agreement anytime soon...and that is OK. It is MY reaction and affront, not yours.
As far as the so called "censorship" goes, I disagree as this is a private blog and to post here we must play by their rules.. That's pretty simple and hardly anything like a lack of freedom of speech. If you are offended by a comment being removed, my best guess is for you to email John (sorry John) and ask him why it was removed. He is usually accommodating and will tell you the truth.
You have to remember, this is not a public place and every blog (OK, MOST blogs) have rules (TOS) to which all posters need to abide. If you're not happy with the rules of the game, then perhaps it isn't the place for you, but to write off a private blog's decisions to edit as cut and dry "censorship" or an abdication of Freedom of Speech, just isn't accurate.
PS, I know all about blog costs and such and have given to John and others freely. This wasn't my gripe, it was the timing and what I consider the "crassness" of asking for such "during this time".
So it appears we disagree on both accounts, no big deal, I'm sure there will be plenty more we can agree or disagree on in the future.
SkippyFlipjack
· 11 months ago
Don't worry, I'm aware of the difference between censorship and the 1st amendment; please don't confuse me with the ninnies who claim their right to Free Speech when told to stop talking in a movie theater. The moderators have every right to remove my comments but they sometimes do so in an arbitrary and uneven manner. I suppose it's better than when John would remove entire comments threads when they weren't to his liking; again, that's his right, but it was irritating. However, I haven't really found that the moderated discussion is much better than the old unmoderated one, IMHO.
Polly_Tics
· 11 months ago
Ahh, the old times versus the new! I know that discussion all too well and haven't really found any sound answers as to the why's, but I do miss those days and the people that used to proliferate the threads.
Sure, there were tons of trolls and such, but there were also lots of interesting folks who had fascinating things to say. So yeah, I miss some of that as well...
But to your point of "moderation". Well I know many of the moderators (even though we're not supposed to admit to that) and I like 'em. Maybe they haven't been able to make the threads as active as the "old days", but that's not really their fault as much as it's about the changing times.
(sigh) now I'm all misty...
SkippyFlipjack
· 11 months ago
It was pretty funny when John would post something and most everyone would disagree. He'd get in a series of skirmishes in the comments and eventually delete the entire thread. Frustrating at the time but really funny thinking back. Like when he used "girl" as an insult and when people claimed offense explained that it was common in the gay community and those who were offended just didn't get it. The discussion went downhill and eventually went up in a puff of smoke.. :)
Polly_Tics
· 11 months ago
I do remember that "girl" incident (Yoweeee), but I must have missed the others.
Ya know, I'm not sure how well I would fare if I had a popular blog of my own...I would like to imagine myself in a positive posture, but I would make you a bet that I would also make some super bone headed mistakes as well.
LOL, as Mom used to say, make that "SUPER boneheaded"!
JJ
· 11 months ago
Wow. Super tacky.
Dave
· 11 months ago
I was happy to donate a bit. Oh and by the way, I understood what you meant when you said "bonus". Polly Tics does not seem to get pithy comments. But I got it. And am happy that I had a few bucks to give.
Dave Viet Vet
Polly_Tics
· 11 months ago
Well good for you, but I don't see any reason why "my" comments are any less valuable than yours, my dear.
Perhaps it is time to realize that not everyone has the same sort of attitude toward inappropriate bonuses during a depression and to realize that when you "ask" for money, it immediately makes others either feel obligated, defensive or willing to give.
To me, this is not what the Holidays are about, especially given the tragic times at hand.
Dave
· 11 months ago
But your comments are stupid "my dear" that's why there not valuable.
Dave Viet Vet
Polly_Tics
· 11 months ago
My aren't you the big boy, I'll just bet you coined that one back in grammar school.
It would appear that dissenting opinions aren't something that you can process, so we will just leave it at that.
Remember, Stupid is as Stupid does...
davegun2
· 11 months ago
Gads I hate it when I spell something incorrectly. Shit.
Anyway, my point was. John was not asking for a "bonus". He was just asking that anyone who could help him support this website, it would be appreciated. He used the word bonus to be funny.
It was a normal request for support, to those that can afford it, is all.
I was happy to give. Others are obviously not obliged.
Happy holidays everyone. John, I am glad I found your site.
Dave Viet Vet
SkippyFlipjack
· 11 months ago
With all due respect, when you call out someone's comments as "stupid", you really want to avoid misspellings in that particular post.
HLT in ATL
· 11 months ago
Could only give $15 this time. Have a few lattes on me, guys!
You took thousands and thousands of dollars from us, claiming that you were going to revamp Americablog, and it still looks like the shit place it always was. Totally outdated and a mess. Stop conning people, jerk!
You have enough money, and should be kicked in the balls for even requesting such a thing during this economy!
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
lol. that sounds like a no.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 11 months ago
there's a tradition in my lab to cough up some dinero every christmas for the custodians. seems condescending in a way, but it's really just painless income redistribution. scientists tend to be liberal like that.
jurassicpork
· 11 months ago
Wish I could donate since ABlog is certainly one of the best alternative sources of news. Maybe next year, if my boss doesn't screw me out of my bonus again.
Anyway, the wrapping's done, I'm dressed in my monkey suit and I'm waiting to commute to Boston to make small talk while dinner's made with in-laws and a certain daughter's beau that I really don't like.
So I might as well take the time to wish ya'll a safe and happy holidays.
Webster
· 11 months ago
John, Joe, Chris and others: You've been good to put up with my whining about being out of work (for three years you've put up with it now) -- and frankly, if I hadn't been able to come here and feel free to put in my 2 cents worth about that or many another thing, in between sending out yet another CV and cover letter, I probably would have lost it. It's kept me involved, it's helped take my mind away from my situation--which is all too often with me--and it's helped me feel like part of a community. I can only offer my heart-felt "thanks" in return, for now. But when I find work (the Goddesses willing), I promise to contribute as much as I can. Not only for all the important work you do--but just for being there and making life a whole lot more bearable. Thanks again.
peter4n6
· 11 months ago
Pls educate me because I don't know what it takes to design/run a website/blog, but wasn't there a huge fund raising campaign recently to *create* ABlog 2.0? I donated to that but the website looks the same to me. With that said, I'll donate a couple of bucks as I usually do.
All Comments
10:15am Know you are in Chicago. Kathy and Judy on WGN 720am are asking for opinions on Rick Warren. Would love to here you call in.
312-591-7200
We've minimized those who *maximize* the Warren issue.
You need the votes of those you keep alienating to stop things like proposition 8 from passing all across the country.
What do you do, attack and alienate those who you need support from the most.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a rabid glbt right supporter, but all of the Warren mess has gone on far too long.
Give Obama a chance to be an uniter and lets not attack the man for reaching out to the other side.
He will do more for glbt issues with a swipe of the pen than Bush did for 8 loooong years.
One of my best friends in the whole world is gay so remember that when you start your ruthless, child like attacks against me here.
Thanks for easily proving my point.
Obama fascist pigs are prepared to throw anyone they can under the bus when it suits them. They are bigoted morons who only care about their own asses, and that Obama isn't called into question.
Obama should have his assed kicked across the street over Warren. Aravosis has been too kind IMO.
Obama invited an avowed gay-basher to be front and center at his swearing-in ceremony. That's a major F*** you to the gay community.
If John McCain had won the election and invited a racist to speak at his inauguration, you don't think every black group would be bitching and screaming bloody murder? The NAACP would be raising hell.
Why is this different? Why is homopboia acceptable and racism isn't?
Answer that for me.
How dare you compare racisim to homophobia; these are two ENTIRELY different issues. One is actual (with slavery, beatings and killings) and the other is perceived ... gays have the same rights (and always have had them), with the exception of marriage. Blacks, in particular, had NO rights at one point.
Again, that is what this blog and its readership has evolved into - a gay rant/whine/hetro bashing!
It wasn't enough to get Obama into office, was it?
the bigots are swarming in here.
Bigot? You guys are so paranoid. Nobody gives a shit about your sexual orientation. Dummy ... remove that from the equation and just focus on politics. At least that is what this blog USED to do.
Bye
sitemonitor
Shall I go on?
How sad.
When we start talking about establishing Affirmative Action for gay people -- or any other minority -- you'll be free to continue talk about your victimhood and lack of opportunity.
A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Isn't that what they used to say to encourage you to go to college? Sounds as though it fell on deaf ears.
Jay, I don't think you're the best spokesperson for your side of this issue. Too much attitude and an excess of nuance.
Also, John keeps posting about this because it's a hotbutton issue and he get more unique hits when heated up commenters like you keep. eh, "flipping the fuck out." It looks good for his advertisers. I'm not saying that John is entirely cynical in his manipulation of hair-trigger commenters like you but it's seems that just about everything has been said on this and extending the spew is nonsensical.
Can donations be made to *specific* bloggers here?
What is more troubling is that the Pope is right behind Warren with his own sucker punches, such as this lovely thing from today:
"Pope Benedict said on Monday that saving humanity from homosexual or transsexual behavior was just as important as saving the rainforest from destruction.
(The Church) should also protect man from the destruction of himself. A sort of ecology of man is needed," the pontiff said in a holiday address to the Curia, the Vatican's central administration.
"The tropical forests do deserve our protection. But man, as a creature, does not deserve any less."
The Catholic Church teaches that while homosexuality is not sinful, homosexual acts are. It opposes gay marriage and, in October, a leading Vatican official called homosexuality "a deviation, an irregularity, a wound."
http://uk.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idU...
Sorry Professor, it is time to fight back and fight hard. I am not going to take any more of this crap and neither should ANYONE else. Enough.
My sentiments EXACTLY!
This blog has morphed into a sounding board for a perpetual whine about gay rights and mean-spirited attacks on anybody that isn't doing something to help their movement.
And tisk, tisk, guys...aren't we all saving our $$ this year? Sheesh. You guys have some big ones asking for bonuses!
I cannot, in good conscience, lump gays together ... but damn, you make a compelling case of why I should.
UNGRATEFUL and IGNORANT and SELF ABSORBED -- how about just being happy to be in damned America.
Fuck off, Steve.
I am so OVER reading the words "homophobe" and "bigot" on a daily basis. My GOD.
- Peace out from a formerly loyal and avid reader
Taking jabs at my child's name really makes you the more intelligent, articulate, and mature one.
Wait until karma bites you back? Oh wait, are you running short on your aids meds this month? Fuck off.
The Freepers are down the hall to the right!
.
Fuck off yourself. This heterosupremacist mindset of willful ignorance has gone on far too long in this country.
A Happy Holidays to all.
And you know John is as frustrated as you are with drug coverage, since it's been affecting him personally. He's got a pretty big pulpit here; maybe he'll shake enough trees to make a difference. (edited to add: I don't mean to say he's not doing enough; just that hopefully his words will get to the right ears.)
Since I read Americablog everyday, a little bonus for you. Thanks John and the gang!
As you know, I read and post on your blog regularly and have given to you in the past, but this is simply crazy when you actually ask for a bloody BONUS, especially during these troubled times!
If you need to fund raise for the blog, that's one thing...but a bonus???
I'm still not giving, though, because the comments censorship has been so irritating in the last couple of months. But that's just me, and it could change; get a glass of wine or two in me and I'm sure I'd feel more giving.
ps: Blog business costs are generally limited to salaries and internet access, plus the occasional travel costs (hopefully borne by the destination promoters) and perhaps advertising. Asking for a "bonus" is really no different than fundraising for the blog, since most money goes towards salaries anyway.
As far as the so called "censorship" goes, I disagree as this is a private blog and to post here we must play by their rules.. That's pretty simple and hardly anything like a lack of freedom of speech. If you are offended by a comment being removed, my best guess is for you to email John (sorry John) and ask him why it was removed. He is usually accommodating and will tell you the truth.
You have to remember, this is not a public place and every blog (OK, MOST blogs) have rules (TOS) to which all posters need to abide. If you're not happy with the rules of the game, then perhaps it isn't the place for you, but to write off a private blog's decisions to edit as cut and dry "censorship" or an abdication of Freedom of Speech, just isn't accurate.
PS,
I know all about blog costs and such and have given to John and others freely. This wasn't my gripe, it was the timing and what I consider the "crassness" of asking for such "during this time".
So it appears we disagree on both accounts, no big deal, I'm sure there will be plenty more we can agree or disagree on in the future.
Sure, there were tons of trolls and such, but there were also lots of interesting folks who had fascinating things to say. So yeah, I miss some of that as well...
But to your point of "moderation". Well I know many of the moderators (even though we're not supposed to admit to that) and I like 'em. Maybe they haven't been able to make the threads as active as the "old days", but that's not really their fault as much as it's about the changing times.
(sigh) now I'm all misty...
Ya know, I'm not sure how well I would fare if I had a popular blog of my own...I would like to imagine myself in a positive posture, but I would make you a bet that I would also make some super bone headed mistakes as well.
LOL, as Mom used to say, make that "SUPER boneheaded"!
Polly Tics does not seem to get pithy comments. But I got it. And am happy that I had a few bucks to give.
Dave
Viet Vet
Perhaps it is time to realize that not everyone has the same sort of attitude toward inappropriate bonuses during a depression and to realize that when you "ask" for money, it immediately makes others either feel obligated, defensive or willing to give.
To me, this is not what the Holidays are about, especially given the tragic times at hand.
Dave
Viet Vet
It would appear that dissenting opinions aren't something that you can process, so we will just leave it at that.
Remember, Stupid is as Stupid does...
Anyway, my point was. John was not asking for a "bonus". He was just asking that anyone who could help him support this website, it would be appreciated. He used the word bonus to be funny.
It was a normal request for support, to those that can afford it, is all.
I was happy to give. Others are obviously not obliged.
Happy holidays everyone. John, I am glad I found your site.
Dave
Viet Vet
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/
You have enough money, and should be kicked in the balls for even requesting such a thing during this economy!
Anyway, the wrapping's done, I'm dressed in my monkey suit and I'm waiting to commute to Boston to make small talk while dinner's made with in-laws and a certain daughter's beau that I really don't like.
So I might as well take the time to wish ya'll a safe and happy holidays.