# What the fuck is going on at the New York Times?!

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038>\
**Category:** The BBQ Pit\
**Created:** [June 4, 2020, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038 "2020-06-04T12:21:49Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/21 "2020-06-04T14:36:43Z")

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> [@Linty\_Fresh](#):
>
> I know, right? Why it’s almost as if a person who wants to make a difference and get something done has to get off the Internet and go do something in the real world. Or at least publish something that will not add that precious post to the count of the fifteen gazillion he’s already made on a message board. Where the trolls always seem to win. And, let’s face it, nobody else but the people who are left on the board are even going to see the post, let alone give a shit about it.
> 
> Give the trolls their due: At least _they’re_ paying attention to you. Tom Cotton doesn’t give two shits about what **asahi** thinks about him. You hit upon it yourself when you talked about trolling where everyone can see you. You also hit upon an important little truth when you say that even on a message board (Hell, _especially_ on a message board), your arguments tend to be lost.
> 
> Call me a troll all you want. I’ll repeat that I’ve never told you a lie or said anything that I didn’t truly mean. You people sit here on this dying message board, waiting for November and Armageddon, telling each other exactly what you want to hear and dismissing anyone who doesn’t tow the party line as a troll. And you sit here and wonder why nothing seems to be going right. I’ll also repeat that as bad as you think I am, I’m nowhere _near_ as awful as the people who are gearing up to fight you in the presidential election less than six months away–and not on a goddamned message board, either.
> 
> On that note, why do you assume Tom Cotton is trolling at all? I read the column, and I don’t agree with his conflating the peaceful protestors with the rioters and looters, but I don’t think he’s trolling. He believes what he’s saying, and so do a lot of other people.
> 
> Have you guys ever considered getting off the message board and maybe starting some sort of online publishing thing where YOU can get your voices heard? Maybe doing something constructive?

I think you entirely miss the point. We ARE part of the Internet. What is said here is just a small part of what is reflected across all social media, on the left and the right.

Do we really need to add to the ambient social platform noise with another outlet? What is said here that isn’t said everywhere else? Hell, every single cite provided here is from some other news or published medium. What original content do you find lacking?

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**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/22 "2020-06-04T14:41:10Z")

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> [@Linty\_Fresh](#):
>
> Have you guys ever considered getting off the message board and maybe starting some sort of online publishing thing where YOU can get your voices heard? Maybe doing something constructive?

What makes you think that people like me, a minority in Arizona, is not doing something constructive too? (Like calling for people to vote, transporting people to vote and also talking to neighbors) [You know, things that are reducing the chances of Republican senator McSally to win in November and have Biden ahead in the polls over Trump here in a red state.](https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/501055-kelly-holds-double-digit-lead-over-mcsally-in-arizona-poll)

I think by now you would notice the big middle you left out out your incomplete argument. I can’t talk for others but discussions here do have one big reason for me: I can find good evidence and test ahead of time what pitfalls to avoid when discussion with others in the real world, of course one can make also the point that unless we are all bots the SDMB is also part of the world anyhow.

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**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/23 "2020-06-04T14:53:08Z")

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> [@Linty\_Fresh](#):
>
> I know, right? Why it’s almost as if a person who wants to make a difference and get something done has to get off the Internet and go do something in the real world. Or at least publish something that will not add that precious post to the count of the fifteen gazillion he’s already made on a message board. Where the trolls always seem to win. And, let’s face it, nobody else but the people who are left on the board are even going to see the post, let alone give a shit about it.
> 
> Give the trolls their due: At least _they’re_ paying attention to you. Tom Cotton doesn’t give two shits about what **asahi** thinks about him. You hit upon it yourself when you talked about trolling where everyone can see you. You also hit upon an important little truth when you say that even on a message board (Hell, _especially_ on a message board), your arguments tend to be lost.
> 
> Call me a troll all you want. I’ll repeat that I’ve never told you a lie or said anything that I didn’t truly mean. You people sit here on this dying message board, waiting for November and Armageddon, telling each other exactly what you want to hear and dismissing anyone who doesn’t tow the party line as a troll. And you sit here and wonder why nothing seems to be going right. I’ll also repeat that as bad as you think I am, I’m nowhere _near_ as awful as the people who are gearing up to fight you in the presidential election less than six months away–and not on a goddamned message board, either.
> 
> On that note, why do you assume Tom Cotton is trolling at all? I read the column, and I don’t agree with his conflating the peaceful protestors with the rioters and looters, but I don’t think he’s trolling. He believes what he’s saying, and so do a lot of other people.
> 
> Have you guys ever considered getting off the message board and maybe starting some sort of online publishing thing where YOU can get your voices heard? Maybe doing something constructive?

Your concern has been noted. If you need directions as to where to put your concern, I can only recommend that you use both hands.

---

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**Author:** ![Linty\_Fresh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Linty\_Fresh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linty_Fresh)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/24 "2020-06-04T15:01:36Z")

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> [@k9bfriender](#):
>
> Your concern has been noted. If you need directions as to where to put your concern, I can only recommend that you use both hands.

Oh, come on, **k9** , let’s not flatter ourselves. Your moobs aren’t _that_ big.

> [@](#):
>
> Do we really need to add to the ambient social platform noise with another outlet? What is said here that isn’t said everywhere else? Hell, every single cite provided here is from some other news or published medium. What original content do you find lacking?

Well, _I_ don’t know, dude! Wouldn’t you say you’re missing _something_, though? Is this really the best you can do? If you’re constantly being shouted down by trolls, if your fellow members are the only ones who read your posts, if the most active threads on the board are the seven or eight new ones made on the political forum or the Pit in response to Every. Single. Brainless. Tweet that our orange leader makes, don’t you think there’s something else to be done?

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**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/25 "2020-06-04T15:14:56Z")

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> [@Linty\_Fresh](#):
>
> Well, _I_ don’t know, dude! Wouldn’t you say you’re missing _something_, though? Is this really the best you can do? If you’re constantly being shouted down by trolls, if your fellow members are the only ones who read your posts, if the most active threads on the board are the seven or eight new ones made on the political forum or the Pit in response to Every. Single. Brainless. Tweet that our orange leader makes, don’t you think there’s something else to be done?

Absolutely. Vote the assclown out of a job. Write and call your congress critters to take whatever legal and legislative actions they have at their disposal. Join the protests, if you’re of a mind.

Those are some things that can be done and likely are/will be done. Beats threatening 2nd amendment remedies and showing up armed at the state house like a bunch of thug school dropouts.

What the fuck are you doing except typing, “Surely all you haters can come up with a better idea!” on a message board?

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**Author:** ![Linty\_Fresh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Linty\_Fresh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linty_Fresh)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/26 "2020-06-04T15:18:40Z")

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> [@QuickSilver](#):
>
> Absolutely. Vote the assclown out of a job. Write and call your congress critters to take whatever legal and legislative actions they have at their disposal. Join the protests, if you’re of a mind.
> 
> Those are some things that can be done and likely are/will be done. Beats threatening 2nd amendment remedies and showing up armed at the state house like a bunch of thug school dropouts.
> 
> What the fuck are you doing except typing, “Surely all you haters can come up with a better idea!” on a message board?

😕 Working. Voting. Volunteering. Proofreading political columns that are published in my school’s online paper.

Wanna know what I’m _not_ doing? Complaining. On a message board. 5,327 times a day.

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**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/27 "2020-06-04T15:22:56Z")

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> [@QuickSilver](#):
>
> Absolutely. Vote the assclown out of a job. Write and call your congress critters to take whatever legal and legislative actions they have at their disposal. Join the protests, if you’re of a mind.
> 
> Those are some things that can be done and likely are/will be done. Beats threatening 2nd amendment remedies and showing up armed at the state house like a bunch of thug school dropouts.
> 
> What the fuck are you doing except typing, “Surely all you haters can come up with a better idea!” on a message board?

I was going to say that he must think that we are like the president and that we can not walk and chew gum at the same time.

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**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/28 "2020-06-04T15:27:07Z")

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> [@Linty\_Fresh](#):
>
> 😕 Working. Voting. Volunteering. Proofreading political columns that are published in my school’s online paper.
> 
> Wanna know what I’m _not_ doing? Complaining. On a message board. 5,327 times a day.

I mean… yes you are.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/29 "2020-06-04T15:29:45Z")

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> [@Linty\_Fresh](#):
>
> 😕 Working. Voting. Volunteering.

Oh so _you’re_ the one person supporting the entire economy, democracy and society! So nice to finally meet you. Thank you for your service.

> [@Linty\_Fresh](#):
>
> Proofreading political columns that are published in my school’s online paper.

I imagine your school paper has a very wide circulation. Like what, hundreds maybe? I’m happy to add to your readership if you provide a link.

> [@Linty\_Fresh](#):
>
> Wanna know what I’m _not_ doing? Complaining. On a message board. 5,327 times a day.

Well, I can see why. You’re incredibly busy. You’ll be wanting to get back to it then…

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**Author:** ![Chingon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chingon/32/17645_2.png) [@Chingon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chingon)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/30 "2020-06-04T15:30:59Z")

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I’m sure making sure those political columns in a school’s newspaper have correct spelling are going to make a huge impact.

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**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/31 "2020-06-04T15:32:22Z")

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The willingness to post Op-eds like this are why the New York times and the Washington post are better than Fox News and the Wall Street Journal. It demonstrates that Trump is wrong, that these papers aren’t the media arm of the Democratic party spewing nothing but left wing propaganda.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Linty\_Fresh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Linty\_Fresh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linty_Fresh)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/32 "2020-06-04T15:37:05Z")

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> [@QuickSilver](#):
>
> Oh so _you’re_ the one person supporting the entire economy, democracy and society! So nice to finally meet you. Thank you for your service.

No problems, man. _Someone_ on the Webz has to do the work. Sorry about all the Republican Trump stuff, but that was the day I called in sick.

> [@](#):
>
> I imagine your school paper has a very wide circulation. Like what, hundreds maybe? I’m happy to add to your readership if you provide a link.

Sure, no problems. Just go to [www.yerafreakintool.com](http://www.yerafreakintool.com) and read all about it. And we _do_ accept cash donations.

> [@](#):
>
> Well, I can see why. You’re incredibly busy. You’ll be wanting to get back to it then…

Meh, slow day. This is more fun. I mean, _way_ more fun. Seriously, Dopers, don’t ever change. I mean, you couldn’t if you wanted to, but man, why is it always the guys who take themselves too seriously that make the rest of us crack up?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Chingon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chingon/32/17645_2.png) [@Chingon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chingon)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/33 "2020-06-04T15:41:22Z")

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> [@Buck\_Godot](#):
>
> The willingness to post Op-eds like this are why the New York times and the Washington post are better than Fox News and the Wall Street Journal. It demonstrates that Trump is wrong, that these papers aren’t the media arm of the Democratic party spewing nothing but left wing propaganda.

Oh sure I agree to an extent. There is a line that can be crossed however.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/34 "2020-06-04T15:57:11Z")

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> [@Linty\_Fresh](#):
>
> No problems, man. _Someone_ on the Webz has to do the work. Sorry about all the Republican Trump stuff, but that was the day I called in sick.

Understandable. You must have been properly sick of 8 years of that uppity black guy from Kenya in the White House.

> [@Linty\_Fresh](#):
>
> Sure, no problems. Just go to [www.yerafreakintool.com](http://www.yerafreakintool.com) and read all about it. And we _do_ accept cash donations.

I clicked on the link but all I see are pictures of your mom blowing Russian sailors for cigarettes and vodka. Not very patriotic, I must say.

> [@Linty\_Fresh](#):
>
> Meh, slow day. This is more fun. I mean, _way_ more fun. Seriously, Dopers, don’t ever change. I mean, you couldn’t if you wanted to, but man, why is it always the guys who take themselves too seriously that make the rest of us crack up?

Wait. You mean you’ve been lying and trolling this entire time? Never saw _that_ coming.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/35 "2020-06-04T16:01:04Z")

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> [@asahi](#):
>
> Jesus Mother Fucking Christ Almighty.
> 
> Posting an op-ed by Senator Shit-ass (aka Tom Cotton), which advocates using troops against Americans as they protest injustice?
> 
> [https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/03/opinion/tom-cotton-protests-military.html](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/03/opinion/tom-cotton-protests-military.html)
> 
> Posting an op-ed as the rights of fellow journalists are being trampled on as they get attacked physically for covering protesters being unlawfully assaulted?
> 
> Really?
> 
> Just un-fucking-believable.
> 
> Absolutely no subscription now.
> 
> Beyond sick of this “Both sides need to be heard” journalism.

This seems to me to be both hypocritical (of you) as well as disingenuous. I read the article you linked too, and what Cotton is saying is troops should be used against the rampant looters and those causing the carnage going on, not against ‘Americans as they protest injustice’…unless your definition of ‘Americans as they protest injustice’ is folks who loot stores and burn buildings and cars and such? Because I’ve seen reports that ACTUAL protesters in many cases are fighting to prevent these sorts of acts themselves, because, you know, such acts have nothing to do with protest, don’t help the cause, and in fact do a lot of harm.

Now, I’m not fan of Cotton OR the Republicans, and I disagree with this calling out the troops thing. But saying it’s not a valid discussion or that papers should ban it or whatever is really silly…and, honestly, a bit hypocritical. Looking at the actual article, which is far different than you are trying to portray it, it looks to me that while I disagree with his position, that it IS a valid position to advocate sending in troops to prevent the NON-peaceful looting and burning parts. Now, if he ACTUALLY was advocating that all protesters, the majority of who ARE peaceful and, IMHO totally have a valid reason to be protesting, THEN I’d agree with you that such things shouldn’t be allowed. Hell, it would be un-Constitutional to advocate it or try and do that, and I’d be protesting that myself…vehemently.

The thing about this recent bit about wanting to censor contrary opinions is that it, rightfully IMHO, comes off as highly partisan and also really hypocritical. You want SOME things to be censored because you want it, but other things you agree with you’d fight tooth and nail to prevent them from being censored. So, as with those who are wanting to censor some things but not others (recent examples would be Twitter ‘fact checking’ Trump over SOME things, but not over others…and not ‘fact checking’ other parties who spew propaganda and horseshit), it’s a slippery slope when you are deciding what should or shouldn’t be said or what opinions are or aren’t valid.

I’m sure I’ll get some big time flames for all of the above, but what the hell. I’m past caring at this point.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/36 "2020-06-04T15:59:16Z")

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> [@asahi](#):
>
> Jesus Mother Fucking Christ Almighty.
> 
> Posting an op-ed by Senator Shit-ass (aka Tom Cotton), which advocates using troops against Americans as they protest injustice?
> 
> [https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/03/opinion/tom-cotton-protests-military.html](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/03/opinion/tom-cotton-protests-military.html)
> 
> Posting an op-ed as the rights of fellow journalists are being trampled on as they get attacked physically for covering protesters being unlawfully assaulted?
> 
> Really?
> 
> Just un-fucking-believable.
> 
> Absolutely no subscription now.
> 
> Beyond sick of this “Both sides need to be heard” journalism.

This seems to me to be both hypocritical (of you) as well as disingenuous. I read the article you linked too, and what Cotton is saying is troops should be used against the rampant looters and those causing the carnage going on, not against ‘Americans as they protest injustice’…unless your definition of ‘Americans as they protest injustice’ is folks who loot stores and burn buildings and cars and such? Because I’ve seen reports that ACTUAL protesters in many cases are fighting to prevent these sorts of acts themselves, because, you know, such acts have nothing to do with protest, don’t help the cause, and in fact do a lot of harm.

Now, I’m not fan of Cotton OR the Republicans, and I disagree with this calling out the troops thing. But saying it’s not a valid discussion or that papers should ban it or whatever is really silly…and, honestly, a bit hypocritical. Looking at the actual article, which is far different than you are trying to portray it, it looks to me that while I disagree with his position, that it IS a valid position to advocate sending in troops to prevent the NON-peaceful looting and burning parts. Now, if he ACTUALLY was advocating that all protesters, the majority of who ARE peaceful and, IMHO totally have a valid reason to be protesting, THEN I’d agree with you that such things shouldn’t be allowed. Hell, it would be un-Constitutional to advocate it or try and do that, and I’d be protesting that myself…vehemently.

The thing about this recent bit about wanting to censor contrary opinions is that it, rightfully IMHO, comes off as highly partisan and also really hypocritical. You want SOME things to be censored because you want it, but other things you agree with you’d fight tooth and nail to prevent them from being censored. So, as with those who are wanting to censor some things but not others (recent examples would be Twitter ‘fact checking’ Trump over SOME things, but not over others…and not ‘fact checking’ other parties who spew propaganda and horseshit), it’s a slippery slope when you are deciding what should or shouldn’t be said or what opinions are or aren’t valid.

I’m sure I’ll get some big time flames for all of the above, but what the hell. I’m past caring at this point.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Linty\_Fresh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Linty\_Fresh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linty_Fresh)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/37 "2020-06-04T16:22:14Z")

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> [@QuickSilver](#):
>
> I clicked on the link but all I see are pictures of your mom blowing Russian sailors for cigarettes and vodka. Not very patriotic, I must say.

I resent your slanders. My mom doesn’t smoke. (And dammit, try and try as I might, I _cannot_ get her to understand the concept of “privacy settings.”)

> [@](#):
>
> Wait. You mean you’ve been lying and trolling this entire time? Never saw _that_ coming.

Heh, you call me a troll . . . _ **and yet you keep replying to me!!** _

Do you see the problem, **QuickSilver**? **asahi**? Do you see what’s holding you back? The only people worked up here are _you_.

What . . . did you think I was going to wail and cry because Grima Wormtongue took time out of his busy day of nobody giving a shit about him and said something about my mom? On the Internet? You two have to learn the difference between reacting and responding. When you get all hot and bothered at something and yell and scream and type in all caps, _that’s_ reacting.

When you stop and think and come up with some sort of plan, _that’s_ responding.

Let’s try a little experiment. Stop posting on this thread and go look at the other threads. Count the number of times you see Trump does this and Trump does that, and then count the number of posts within each thread. Don’t forget that 900-page thread about stupid shit that Trump does. This is reacting. Trump throws you some bait, and you snap on it like a trout on a hook.

Now set your search engines to “Wayback Machine” and go back 16 years to 2004. Look at the Pit. Look at Great Debates. Then tell me what you see. The same stupid shit, right? “Bush did this and Bush did that and Kerry is going to beat Bush, because how can he not,” right? And everyone is soooo passionate, and everyone is sooooo sincere, and the people who tell them that Kerry is going to lose are just right wing trolls.

That’s the thing, you two. You aren’t learning. You’re just . . . stroking out after something you read in the NYT. You’re just getting all ornery (and probably not a little sweaty) about something a poster you don’t know from Adam tells you. Do you understand why I might not believe you when you tell me about allll this volunteer work you’re doing? You don’t come across as volunteers. You come across as frustrated, impotent cogs in the machine. It’s the anger of inadequacy.

When you scream and yell and rant about Senator Cotton’s op-ed in the NYT, you have already lost the next argument. When you rant and rave against a former poster, you’ve pretty much surrendered . . . well, whatever posting in this place amounts to.

I know you’re not going to learn. People like you _never_ learn. Not from your mistakes or anyone else’s. You just keep going from one losing situation from another, not understanding why no one listens to you or why no one does what you tell them to, or why you always seem to be on the losing end.

Like I said . . . slow day at work.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/38 "2020-06-04T16:24:47Z")

</div>

> [@Linty\_Fresh](#):
>
> Well, _I_ don’t know, dude! Wouldn’t you say you’re missing _something_, though? Is this really the best you can do? If you’re constantly being shouted down by trolls, if your fellow members are the only ones who read your posts, if the most active threads on the board are the seven or eight new ones made on the political forum or the Pit in response to Every. Single. Brainless. Tweet that our orange leader makes, don’t you think there’s something else to be done?

Yeah, and I am not here with any illusion that it will save the world. I’m here to hang out with some acquaintances, have some verbal sparing with some people, and give **manson1972** a chuckle from time to time.

I’m stuck behind a desk for 60+ hours a week with only 40 hours of actual work to do. When I’m not here, I am fairly active in local politics and in the business community.

I like to have constructive debates, where I learn something, where I better understand my own positions, and hopefully also teach something and help others better understand their own.

Maybe, just maybe, I change a mind here and there, but that’s not my intent or expectation.

What do you get out of chiding others for their posts on a message board? What is your expected or intended result?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/39 "2020-06-04T16:58:13Z")

</div>

Um, ’scuse me, guys.

The Cotton op-Ed piece does not appear in the dead-tree edition of The NY Times, either yesterday or today. Did it only show up online?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\
**Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-fuck-is-going-on-at-the-new-york-times/855038/40 "2020-06-04T17:00:48Z")

</div>

> [@Ukulele\_Ike](#):
>
> Um, ’scuse me, guys.
> 
> The Cotton op-Ed piece does not appear in the dead-tree edition of The NY Times, either yesterday or today. Did it only show up online?

The still print newspapers on paper?

color me blown away!

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