There is a particular poster that I have learned to avoid. But honestly there are several that completely disregard counter argumentation and then simply repost their phrase of the day again.

once I saw his post.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=5767160

The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, as the saying goes.

Besides, if we ignore all the bait, we'd all be posting in about 4 groups. Which might not be such a bad idea, now that I typed it.

I would simply look at them, realize what the argument is and then create a thread that posits the answer to their argument as a pro-bernie post. If they are going to troll it up then make them do it on our terms!

If we get trolled the primary point of the thread goes to the top of the greatest list. They can troll our way to winning.


And if they are too disruptive we can start identifying them and flag them if they are abusive.

I've never been able to figure it out: when you win on the internet, what, exactly, do you win?

ETA: For those who don't know, the quote in my subject line is from the film War Games.

You made me laugh, professor merrily!

By the way, I agree. I get so tired of playing games when I am in search of meaningful connections. Maybe I'm burned out from too much of everything!

have been going through my mind as well lately. ☺

I think this is a good idea, to counter with the answer in our own thread.

I don't have a single problem looking at their criticism but I have a ton of problems trying to defend against those who will not listen, don't care to learn and continue to poke no matter what.

All sides have posters like that but the priviledged, superior manner taken by those not for Senator Sanders grinds me. I have to stay out of it.

I can think it all through without being wrasseled to the ground and held there.

Last edited Tue Jun 23, 2015, 07:18 PM - Edit history (1)

Winning an argument on the Internet is like trying to impress your cat.

We really need a bird smiley. And not one with feathers.

Done wonders for my blood pressure.

No matter where you go on the internet, you'll find a lot of garbage to wade through. If you're on a site that has a function that will cut down on it, you should take advantage. Make the most of your time and make it as pleasant as possible.

I also suggest use of the ignore list.
I have a few in mine.

And that is why Mr sanders is going to take this nomination further than HRC ever dreamed.

I'll speak my mind and the truth as I see it.

I'll try to engage anyone in a rational debate, even if (or especially because) I disagree with them.

If they post questions that are easily defeated, then it's easy to do so on the spot (though often not worthwhile responding to obvious foolishness).

Bottom line is, I believe the key for the 99% to regain control of OUR government is to work together for our common cause. This includes Republican voters who've been duped into voting against their own interests and are quite often impervious to rational debate. I hold no illusions about more than occasional success in persuading such people, but venue and attitude are very important. I personally know (and like) a lot of people who might vote Republican but are not very knowledgeable about politics or how the plutocracy is usurping our democracy. When you talk to someone like a friend and treat them like a human being, they are much more receptive to having an open minded discussion.

If liberals/progressives can't have reasonable discussions on this board, we have little chance of getting more voters on our side -- voters who are our natural allies in terms of our common interests.

I would rather not see absurd trolling on the "greatest list."

We should let it sink. Most of the obvious bs is being posted by a dozen people that we can never convince of anything. We are better off just posting honest threads on the issues.

If someone trolls, it reflects badly on them.

I've said this before in GD when these flamewars and pile-ons happen; there are people here supporting the status quo candidates and hot-button issues that aren't aren't debating or arguing in good faith. It's the reality of the situation. I know of at least 2 who have told me flat-out that they really aren't much interested in politics, the Democratic Party, or the issues they argue or debate so much as they either hate the people they are arguing against, no matter the issue or candidate. It isn't too hard to figure out if you've been here ant length of time; the same group of people seem to always be together attacking others no matter the subject, issue, or candidate.

Not all of them, but yes, a good chunk. And they hate Bernie simply because there are some people who support him that they hate. That's it. That's the reality of the situation. And they will pile on simply because of that. It's a game to them.

It doesn't matter that Bernie supporters outnumber them 5 to 1 here; they know their candidate has the backing of the administrators of the board and therefore their backing, too.

It doesn't mean that you or anyone should stop posting in support of Bernie; it means that it's going to be an uphill struggle to get the message out in GD simply because of those facts. They will smear anyway they can knowing this; the best thing that you or anyone can do is by having Bernie's positions and the facts on your side, and not letting them bait you into hides.

The Bernie Group is is great for issues, info, and getting the word out, but I mostly use reddit for talking and debating Bernie's record out. It's a much more level playing field than this board and GD.

A bit of advice I'd like to recommend is not to make this fight about personalities, either you against another DUer or you against Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama (almost anybody else on the corporate wing of the party is fair game, as long as the criticism is narrowed to a specific act or statement).

Say anything you want about the trade deals. The twenty year history of free trade deals should be enough to put anyone who supports the present deals under discussion on the defensive. There is no reason to get personal. The facts speak for themselves. Anybody who tries to argue that NAFTA created jobs should be avoided unless you can cite some specific studies to the contrary (they shouldn't be hard to find, but find them first). Another weakness in arguments in favor of the current deals is that we can't say what's in them because the text has not been released, yet they talk about what's in them all the time. If we don't know what in them because the text hasn't been released, then neither do they. Of course, parts of the texts have been released by Wikileaks. Is that an unreliable source? What makes the White House a more reliable source? The White House has an interest in spinning the agreements positively, and Wikileaks doesn't have the time to forge as many documents as they would have us think.

The short form the this is argue from the facts. The facts are our friends more than they are theirs.

from a super HRC supporter telling me not to feel sad about
that new poll yesterday. Of course, it was a bait, and I
deleted it right away. I expect more of these efforts.

By the way as a tech idiot I have to ask: How do you put
someone on ignore?

silhouette of head and shoulders with a red X in the lower right. Press it. Enjoy Ignore.

There are several candidates I can use it for.

I got one of those messages today. It was weird and childish. Actually it was pathetic but harmless.

I've come here a lot in the past. It's a great place to find articles and news about progressive issues and concerns. When Bernie announced (I've been a long time admirer ever since I learned about him from Thom Hartmann- The Air America days), I found myself spending a great deal of time here waiting for the next Bernie announcement/ interview/ speech. I just love that he's running for pres. It's like a fantasy come true for me.

It's inconceivable me that a Dem/ Lib/ Progressive wouldn't support someone like Bernie- Let alone spread lies about him. That's why I decided to join. I wanted to comment on the bs not the B. (ernie). S. (anders)

I hate the way they trash him and lie about him. I've only been a member here for a few days and I'm already sick to my stomach at the cheap accusations and insincere concerns that Hiallary supporters spout.

I guess you're right. It's best to ignore them. His message is strong and universal enough to appeal to everyone. We should just have faith in the strength of his message (our message) and have faith in the people who hear it. It's the right message. A message for the 21st century.

Let's let Hillary and her supporters remain stuck in the 20th century where People believe in empty promises, token mentions and let them think that those tacky, sticky sweet, unfunny campaign jokes are hilarious.

They can trade their futures for a few warm fuzzy moments with Hillary and we can reach for a better future by supporting Bernie. They can join us eventually after they shed their denial.

and welcome to the Bernie Sanders group.