Photo by Aimee GieseI'm an equal-opportunity critic: I'll happily make fun of either party. But why do the Republicans make it so easy?
The latest initiative from the GOP, launched last week by the Republican House leadership, is the website "America Speaking Out." It's got good intentions and decent technology, but one aspect that's sorely lacking is moderation. Basically, it's turned into a virtual wall of graffiti -- much of it difficult to read (especially for those of us who value grammar, spelling and punctuation) and some of it absolutely hilarious.
According to Newsweek, "While many are obviously jokes, some walk a hard-to-detect line between satire and slightly unhinged." A few examples I found that made me chuckle:
- "Stop listening to so-called "scientists" with their "facts" and "knowledge". Jesus didnt need science and neither do we."
- "Keep Big Government out of my oil spill! With prices at the pump like they are these days, the government should not be interfering with private citizens' entrepreneurial initiative to harvest their own petroleum products directly off their own beaches."
- "we should make english the official language of the US and stop spending tax dollars on translations for mexicans! if english is good enough for baby jesus, its good enough for americans."
- "I think every food product NOT endorsed by Sarah Palin should carry a warning label stating we are ingesting socialism."
- "Abolish fractions! They make my head hurt."
Despite attempts to organize ideas by category and topic, the site's a total mishmash. I don't know why they bothered creating an "Open Mic" category.
While I have to admit I spent a shameful amount of time this weekend giggling over the majority of suggestions, I realize the purpose of this site isn't entertainment. As Newsweek explained: "The idea is that citizens can speak up on these topics, vote up or down on each others' proposals, and the best thoughts will bubble to the top -- maybe even becoming part of the Republican platform come November."
Unfortunately, the creators of this site didn't think through the administration and maintenance of it. As anyone who's ever managed a successful website knows, they don't run themselves, even when content is generated by the community. In fact, a model such as "America Speaking Out" needs far more babysitting than a site with strict editorial publishing policies and procedures.
I know Republicans are categorically opposed to moderation of any sort, but in the case of "America Speaking Out" I'd advise them to rethink that stance.
Kim and Kanye's Baby Name Predictions!
Moms Love Birthday Parties, Too!
Father Knows Best - Happy Father's Day!
Are Cheaters Entitled to Privacy? - A...
Comments 13
Isn't the scary thing about this trying to figure out which of the comments are meant to me "jokes" and which are really serious?
I guess the Republicans in my part of the country are a different type, since the ones that I know are ALL FOR moderation, especially in our Federal Government! I would say their slogan could very well be "Less is More".
Are you kidding me? Have you read newsvine lately?? It is full of REAL hate for Christians and conservatives, and the speech and grammar are horrendous. So if you want play that game, Ill match you for ridiculous analysis and stupid comments anytime. Spare me.
'Marriage is a Religious Term. Remove this term from all governmental and legal documents, replace with Civil UNION. Equal protection under the Law for EVERYONE. No special rights for one group. '
Couldn't have said it better myself!
I'm impressed!!!
//The existence of this section is offensive to me. It is not the role of government to interfere with families, and thus it is beyond the purview of a political party, particularly one that values non-interventionist government, to say anything on this subject. So long as the republican party insists on talking about "promoting family values" or "strengthening the family," it will be filled with contradictions that people the world over will rightly mock. There are those of us who treasure the ideals of minimalist government, but are tired of the republican alliance with family values crazies and bible thumpers. The republican party needs to wake up to the fact that these platforms are antithetical to their core positions, not to mention dangerous. Until then, republicans should take into account that there are many of us who are profoundly alienated by this, and should spare us the rhetoric about reducing government. //
YES!!!!
Some in the Republican party are moderates. Maybe the bigwigs at the top should take notice.
@anklebitr - There really are some great ideas/statements on that site. Not only did I spend time laughing at the crazy ones, I also voted up the ones that made sense. Hopefully more people will do the same.
So, anklebiter....a moderate Republican would be one that doesnt "thump" bibles or talk about "promoting family values."???? .Family values encompasses many things, which value dont you like???? Christians dont thump bibles, thank you very much. Never really understood/appreciated that comment. Do muslims thump their sacred history???Why must non believers deride us??? I frankly dont care what you believe in, your right. But I find Christian teachings very useful in every way. If you chose not to join us because the majority of us dont agree with gay marriage, feel free to join the democrats, the majority of them dont agree with it either. FACT. in every poll. And sorry, most of the world is opposed to gay marriage. Another FACT. Check out the Muslims, they prefer to behead them.
Fine, It is not the fact that I 'like' or 'dislike' family values. Parents can raise their children the way they see fit. I think the term 'family values' is outdated. As you say 'family values' encompass many things. Have you ever seen the bumper sticker "Focus on your own damn family?" I just don't feel it is the government's or any political party's JOB to tell people who they can marry or what to do with their bodies. I'm not all the cozy with much of the democrat's platform either.
This part: It is not the role of government to interfere with families, and thus it is beyond the purview of a political party, particularly one that values non-interventionist government, to say anything on this subject. Was really, what I agreed with and I think there were some great ideas and comments on the site.
Nice bumper sticker, and yet another public profanity, how charming for children. You and others quote " family values" as a negative, we dont see it that way. Frankly conservatives didnt start using it oppose gays, the left began using it as a club to call us bigoted. What kind of sex some people chose to engage in, in the privacy of their bedroom, is the least of the Christian worries right now, (heterosexual included.) And as far a govt intrusion into families, the current culture in Washington seems to think they deserve more of my money (power), downgrades my religion, shows contempt for the rule of law(immigration), no apologies for multiple briberys for votes and offices, on and on and on. THEN our dear President calls us "teabaggers". He insults me and my intelligence, and so do those that continue to idolize this incompetent, unqualified thug. He and his Mao quoting/loving friends can focus on their damn families.
Julie- I agree. :D
I have a real hard time with the concept that "family values" are outdated! What is outdated about a mom and a dad and the kiddos doing things together? What is the alternative, and how is it better? I believe that our government is doing much behind the scenes to tear down the family, and it seems that they have been successful. The whole problem with the statement It is not the role of government to interfere with families, and thus it is beyond the purview of a political party, particularly one that values non-interventionist government, to say anything on this subject. is that the government IS interfering with the family, so the political party MUST promote the so-called outdated family values.