Every president we have had so far has had some outrageous flaw. Only in dictatorships do they base the value of their society on the holyness of their rulers. (I’m thinking pharoes in Egypt).

You raise a good point, in that Iraq will be a mess for a long time. I agree. But it will be a mess they can fix, if they choose to. I remember that I use to hate doing yard work when I was growing up. My parents would yell and scream and make me go out and work on it. So I broke the mower. Then they got it fixed and yelled some more. Now I have my own yard. I still hate yard work, but I am much more mature in the way that I hate it. :)

I’m no angel myself (believe me). I’ve been guilty in the past of some of what I’m criticizing others for now.

Joking around and funny quips aren’t the problem, nasty name calling and personal attacks that take the discussion off-topic are. I’m trying to eliminate my own personal bad habits of the past, and keep them there, in the past.
It’s not easy, but it’s better for the web site and it’s better for the majority of the readers.

I for one have had enough of the nastiness and negativity of the past seven years. I look forward to much of that being reversed once the current President and his gang are gone.

I come to Think Progress for the excellent topics, not to read a thread dominated by people just trolling for an argument.
There are plenty of people who post great comments that I enjoy reading, but they’re getting lost amid the noise of these disruptive conversations.

At least at some other sites I’m able to ‘roll up’ the unwanted comments so that I don’t have to look at them. I don’t know if Wordpress has that function, but if it does it would be one way to alleviate some of the irritation of this problem. This also makes the pages easier to scroll through, especially with some of the extra long posts.

Something needs to be done. I can’t speak for anyone but myself but I’m visiting TP less and less. It’s nice when I get to read a thread sans trollers, and I know that others notice it because they usually comment on the fact that it’s nice and peaceful. Can we work towards that being the norm and not the exception, please?

Thank you all.

IS anything going to be done about these idiots who do nothing to further the actual debate and always take the discussion off-topic?

Damn it they’re just here to bait those who can’t resist the urge, and end up starting arguments that drag the whole thread down to their level.

I support free speech up to a point. If someone has a valid point to make and can do it while maintaining civility great, but that’s not what’s happening here. I’m sure I speak for some of the regular readers who have had just about all we can take.

And that goes for both sides. If you can’t stay on topic, don’t bother posting. Those who want to read thoughtful civilized comments will appreciate it. Thank you.

I just wanted to add that I support the President and I support the war in Iraq because I believe in Democracy for everyone.

The President knows where north and west is.

We are suppose to be different than the sheeple Republicans who follow without question the leader of the moment.

Comment by texaslady — October 30, 2007 @ 9:01 pm

Sorry for the assumption or misunderstanding. I thought you were a little harsh when you attacked that person keeping the trolls at bay and you thought you were entitled to express your opinion. And you are. But we are all entitled to our opinions that’s why we’re here. I prefer the warnings to the trolls.

” like a riddle trapped in an enigma trapped in a vest” Lisa Simpson

or with a little flag pin upon the lapel?

JUST MORE bu$hit!

Just show the world how much of a terrorist you are, georgie. You don’t need no excuse to attack. You be the decider, remember?

“When Fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in a flag, carrying a cross.” Sinclair Lewis

Not everyone you think is a troll is, tonight yes two idiots probably not out of diapers yet. Last night there was some interesting comments. I do not need someone screaming “watch out for the trolls ” every third post. Good grief we are all adults and can think for ourselves.

We are suppose to be different than the sheeple Republicans who follow without question the leader of the moment.

Shayne = illegal immigrant gravy guzzler.

What is this? And is this when I am supposed to hold down the shift/? keys along with the space bar for page upon page?

What an astonishing and childish thing to do.

……..the majority of folks on welfare are WHITE.

I never flip anyone off but I see the point and am outta here

Comment by Newsflash — October 30, 2007 @ 7:29 pm

many dropouts aren’t minrities. And illegal immigrants, by the way, pay their way much better than citizens, as they pay all kinds of taxes, yet get few services in return. You haven’t any factual bases for the crap you’ve been spewing all night long. You re uneducated, ignorant, and ideological in the extreme. You really are embarrasing yourself and your side more with every ignorant screed you post.

It’s a good laugh; please keep it up, as you make more enemies for your party and philosophy.

Comment by Newsflash — October 30, 2007 @ 7:39

Not too many physicists would be around if it wasn’t for higher learning numbnutz. You know physicists, the guys who actually invented the bomb. You’re about as dim as a candle aren’t you.

It makes the other drivers want to take another route the next time, and that’s bad for TP.

Like now, I’m off to TPM. Drive safely!