# Why does this board lean Democrat? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [April 24, 2013, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626 "2013-04-24T23:00:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 23
**Author:** ![Slypork](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9fc29f/32.png) [@Slypork](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slypork)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/441 "2013-05-03T14:59:47Z")
> [@Airbeck](#): > > I don’t think mandated niceness is a good idea. I think the board will end as we know it under such a scenario. > > Which ‘jerkish’ comments in this thread violate actual board rules? If they don’t violate any actual board rules, then what your really advocating is mandated niceness. > > Maybe ‘liberal’ posters are better at being snarky and sarcastic without actually violating the board rules. Maybe ‘conservative’ posters simply cross the actual line more often. I see jerkishness from both sides regularly tbh. Dancing right alongside the line without crossing it may be jerkish indeed, but do we really need to legislate that everyone be nice to each other? Do we really need the mods to constantly interject like Mommy telling us to play nice together? What is this a children’s show on PBS? I’ve been having discussions on the internet for as long as I can remember basically and this board is pretty damn civil compared to most places to discuss politics online. Just because you feel that you’ve been insulted doesn’t mean that someone has actually insulted you. People should be able to stand up for themselves for crying out loud without running to the refs and crying about someone being mean and hurting their feelings. If you want to discuss controversial political topics online, you should not be surprised if the tenor of the discussions isn’t 100% polite at all times. Its just never going to be like that on the internet, no matter what board you’re on. Its the nature of the beast. I’m not questioning the mods in this thread or judging their decisions. This is merely my observation of a perceived antagonism and dismissiveness towards the conservative members. My _very_ rough search for titles resulted in a list that _appeared_ to be against one group or the other. I will admit that I did not read the threads in question and so it was an interpretation based on words or phrases that had a certain flavor (“fiction” made me think of “lies” and was not obviously the case, “target” connoted an attack, not necessarily just focusing on something). I don’t condone running to the mods unless things are really out of line. We are all grown-ups and should be able to stand up for ourselves and what we believe. The “pile-ons” that have been mentioned do occur but can be dealt with. As for being impolite, I understand it is, indeed the “nature of the beast”. However, people saying that Republicans are stupid and should be spit on is pathetic and should not be tolerated, not just by the mods but by the other members. Public shaming and admonishment but other members could help to reign it in. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/442 "2013-05-03T15:11:46Z")
> [@Slypork](#): > > I’m not questioning the mods in this thread or judging their decisions. … That was directed at me. I _am_ questioning them. And indeed there were posts in this thread that insulted conservatives as a group and that were clearly IMHO jerkish here. Where does the line “don’t be a jerk” get crossed? I don’t know. I don’t have a strong opinion about whether the line is drawn too tight or not tight enough and most of the time just ignore the jerks of all stripes (and again, my personal experience is that more often the jerky ignored posts are not from liberal posters - with a few high volume exceptions - but from conservative posters). I feel no obligation to enforce the social standards. But my just left of center soul does believe that if an error in the range of freedom of expression is made it should be made in the direction of protecting the speech of the minority POV. I feel the need to _especially_ diligent in that regard when the POV is one that I disagree with. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/443 "2013-05-03T15:39:39Z")
> [@Slypork](#): > > … people saying that Republicans are stupid and should be spit on is pathetic and should not be tolerated … > [@Slithy\_Tove](#): > > Lean Democrat? Fuck them, I just think the Republicans are bullies and liars and I’d like to spit in their eye. Note the language. “I _think_ (that) …”. Oh, sorry, you missed that part? All you saw was the part that you found insulting, the fact that it was expressed as an opinion rather than a declaration of fact means absolutely nothing? And where does “I’d like to” become “we all should”? To me, this looks incredibly thin-skinned, like you are reaching for the tiniest insult to hold up like some kind of trophy-scar. ---
**Author:** ![Airbeck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/airbeck/32/6574_2.png) [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/444 "2013-05-03T15:39:43Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > But my just left of center soul does believe that if an error in the range of freedom of expression is made it should be made in the direction of protecting the speech of the minority POV. Who isn’t being allowed to speak? Who’s speech is is being denied? Freedom of speech does not include the freedom from criticism. ---
**Author:** ![Airbeck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/airbeck/32/6574_2.png) [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/445 "2013-05-03T15:45:22Z")
> [@For You](#): > > Note the language. “I _think_ (that) …”. Oh, sorry, you missed that part? All you saw was the part that you found insulting, the fact that it was expressed as an opinion rather than a declaration of fact means absolutely nothing? > > And where does “I’d like to” become “we all should”? To me, this looks incredibly thin-skinned, like you are reaching for the tiniest insult to hold up like some kind of trophy-scar. Yep. Like I said, feeling like you’ve been insulted is not the same as someone actually insulting you. I can’t believe we’re seriously debating feelings getting hurt on the internet. Everyone can express whatever opinions they like in a free exchange of ideas such as this one, but you do not get special immunity from criticism. I honestly think that some people are arguing that they should be able to say whatever they want, but they should not be subject to criticism for the ideas and/or opinions they espouse. Where does that notion come from? ---
**Author:** ![Slypork](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9fc29f/32.png) [@Slypork](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slypork)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/446 "2013-05-03T15:46:22Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > That was directed at me. I _am_ questioning them. And indeed there were posts in this thread that insulted conservatives as a group and that were clearly IMHO jerkish here. Where does the line “don’t be a jerk” get crossed? I don’t know. I don’t have a strong opinion about whether the line is drawn too tight or not tight enough and most of the time just ignore the jerks of all stripes (and again, my personal experience is that more often the jerky ignored posts are not from liberal posters - with a few high volume exceptions - but from conservative posters). I feel no obligation to enforce the social standards. But my just left of center soul does believe that if an error in the range of freedom of expression is made it should be made in the direction of protecting the speech of the minority POV. I feel the need to _especially_ diligent in that regard when the POV is one that I disagree with. Thank you. I will be the first to admit that I don’t always conduct myself with tact and decorum but I try my best to be polite or at least not rude in my posts. If a poster is going out of his way to be offensive he will be shouted down and eventually drummed out. If however they are just adamant in opinions that are in the minority for this board (against anthropogenic climate change, not supporting the Affordable Care Act, proposing limitations on abortions, etc.) there is no reason why they should be dismissed out of hand as a Republican tool, racist, sexist moron and immediately treated with the utmost scorn and bile. Talk to them, listen to what they say, try to understand why they have their opinions and if they can back them up with facts, then reply in kind with your side. I am not saying the you have to accept what they are saying. But maybe, just maybe, you can reach a dialog. Who knows? They might make you think harder about what you were so sure that you “knew” and cause you to take a second look. That kind of thinking is what causes a lot of people to leave religion and become atheists or at least agnostics. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/447 "2013-05-03T16:06:35Z")
> [@Airbeck](#): > > Who isn’t being allowed to speak? Who’s speech is is being denied? A moderation comment was made to cut it out for one poster’s jerky post. Perhaps reasonably so. I’m no mod. But other posts in this thread have been jerky as well and not earned a mod telling them to stop it. One of those posts was the very one that the moderated post was responding to, which characterized the conservative position as “whiny bullshit.” I have been arguing the other side and still believe that the conservatives’ perception of discrimination and of being picked on is their confirmation bias more than anything else but this occurring in this thread does, perhaps marginally, help their case and makes me a bit more receptive to the possibility that their perception of moderator bias (not intentional, just by natural biased filters to find that which we agree with to be less offensive than that which we disagree with) may have some merit after all. ---
**Author:** ![Airbeck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/airbeck/32/6574_2.png) [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/448 "2013-05-03T16:14:55Z")
That was his opinion about Conservatives. The post getting a warning actually directly insulted all liberal posters. Don’t you see the difference? I think vs. you are. Very different. Do you want to quash opinions in addition to direct insults to other posters? That’s the threat to free speech right there. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/449 "2013-05-03T16:15:16Z")
This has certainly been a revelation to me. I was pretty used to thinking of conservatives as presenting an image of hard-headed realism, critical of progressives as being all touchy-feely and ill-equipped to apply the stern analysis that conservatives are so good at. Turns out, beneath that hard exterior is a soft and gooey core of delicate sensibilities and vulnerable feelings. Who gnu? ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/450 "2013-05-03T16:22:13Z")
> [@For You](#): > > Note the language. “I _think_ (that) …”. Oh, sorry, you missed that part? All you saw was the part that you found insulting, the fact that it was expressed as an opinion rather than a declaration of fact means absolutely nothing? > > And where does “I’d like to” become “we all should”? To me, this looks incredibly thin-skinned, like you are reaching for the tiniest insult to hold up like some kind of trophy-scar. If anyone is still looking for a reason to answer the OP’s question, it’s because silly shit from the left doesn’t get nitpicked at anywhere near the level as does _anything_ from the right, silly or not. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Slypork](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9fc29f/32.png) [@Slypork](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slypork)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/451 "2013-05-03T16:26:07Z")
> [@For You](#): > > Note the language. “I _think_ (that) …”. Oh, sorry, you missed that part? All you saw was the part that you found insulting, the fact that it was expressed as an opinion rather than a declaration of fact means absolutely nothing? > > And where does “I’d like to” become “we all should”? To me, this looks incredibly thin-skinned, like you are reaching for the tiniest insult to hold up like some kind of trophy-scar. > [@Airbeck](#): > > Yep. Like I said, feeling like you’ve been insulted is not the same as someone actually insulting you. > > I can’t believe we’re seriously debating feelings getting hurt on the internet. > > Everyone can express whatever opinions they like in a free exchange of ideas such as this one, but you do not get special immunity from criticism. I honestly think that some people are arguing that they should be able to say whatever they want, but they should not be subject to criticism for the ideas and/or opinions they espouse. Where does that notion come from? Say what you will, state your opinions. Insult people as much as you want. I quite frankly couldn’t give a rodent’s rectum what people think of me. But someone saying “…I just think the Republicans are bullies and liars and I’d like to spit in their eye,” should not be considered acceptable behavior any more that someone posting that Democrats are wimpy, delusional idiots and they’d like to give them all atomic wedgies. Confront the person. Substitute the word Republican or conservative with black or homosexual. Is that better? Obviously not. Don’t lump me in with every other conservative. As for my political party, I’d like to be libertarian but there is no viable, realistic option so that makes me a RINO but don’t ever lump me in as a whole. I hate what the GOP has become but I am more bothered by what the Democrats propose. ---
**Author:** ![Airbeck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/airbeck/32/6574_2.png) [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/452 "2013-05-03T16:36:11Z")
I think we should all just be grown ups and realize that sometimes in life you have to deal with jerks. It costs nothing to ignore them and they exist everywhere you go and they exist on all sides. Constantly whining and working the refs to get more favorable treatment for yourself or your ‘side’ is pathetic IMO. Mommy isn’t here to scold the meanies anymore ever since you got past elementary school, and the mods are not Mommy stand ins, nor should they be. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/453 "2013-05-03T17:24:43Z")
And that is a fair argument for a light mod touch. The counterargument that a heavier hand allows for real discussion to occur and avoids pissing contests is also cogent. But neither is material to the issue that whatever the level of moderation it must be fairly applied and the risk of tyranny of the majority avoided when possible in the interest of hearing all ideas, especially those least popular. Again, it is MHO that the reason this board has so many of an intellectual bent, and thus a relative over-representation of liberals, is because unlike many other boards there is _enough_ moderation that those discussions can be had and all voices heard even if disagreed with. We will of course always disagree about where that sweet spot is, and our individual biased perceptions will always color our interpretation of what is fair moderation, but in this case I, someone left of center (if only just), am perceiving a bias (unintentional I am sure) in what got called out. And fairness requires noting that. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/454 "2013-05-03T17:31:31Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > If anyone is still looking for a reason to answer the OP’s question, it’s because silly shit from the left doesn’t get nitpicked at anywhere near the level as does _anything_ from the right, silly or not. > > Regards, > Shodan Your posts have certainly convinced _me_ that most of the cheap shots and drive-bys have come from the left. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/455 "2013-05-03T17:33:06Z")
Like I told you twice, you should read a thread before you comment on it. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/456 "2013-05-03T17:37:31Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > Like I told you twice, you should read a thread before you comment on it. > > Regards, > Shodan The (lack of)content of your post doesn’t change no matter how often I read it. ---
**Author:** ![esmeralda2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ccd318/32.png) [@esmeralda2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/esmeralda2)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/457 "2013-05-03T17:39:53Z")
> [@Amateur\_Barbarian](#): > > In all seriousness, no pitting intended, there seems to be a direct correlation between free, open and intelligent discussion and political leaning. I have never found a board where the discussion was sincere, intelligent and accommodating that had obvious right-leaning participants. The boards on which a rightward leaning is evident seem more concerned with protecting certain ideas against all challenges than discussing them. Which fits my overall perception: conservatives have been in a highly defensive/protective mode for the last two decades. I whole heartedly agree with this. Conservatives are less comfortable with and less attracted to a forum where free, open and intelligent discussion is the norm. They are too rigid, less open to hearing or listening to disagreement. The being ‘concerned with protecting certain ideas against all challenge’ rather than ‘discussing them,’ is a good description. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/458 "2013-05-03T17:43:12Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > The (lack of)content of your post doesn’t change no matter how often I read it. Well, the problem doesn’t lie with me. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/459 "2013-05-03T17:43:16Z")
> [@esmeralda2](#): > > I whole heartedly agree with this. Conservatives are less comfortable with and less attracted to a forum where free, open and intelligent discussion is the norm. They are too rigid, less open to hearing or listening to disagreement. The being ‘concerned with protecting certain ideas against all challenge’ rather than ‘discussing them,’ is a good description. I’m sure conservative posters will pop up any minute now with examples of conservative boards where liberals are treated the way they wish to be treated here. ---
**Author:** ![esmeralda2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ccd318/32.png) [@esmeralda2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/esmeralda2)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626/460 "2013-05-03T17:56:26Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I’m sure conservative posters will pop up any minute now with examples of conservative boards where liberals are treated the way they wish to be treated here. I’m sure, to some extent, I am reacting to a board I’ve been posting on that is mainly conservative, and many who are extremely conservative, far right wing. They are what I am describing and what I agreed with. Please keep in mind I was agreeing with another poster. These ideas did not originate with me. I always find it annoying when I agree with someone else, then I get skewed for making the point, though someone else made it before me and no one attacks that poster. I am just agreeing with what someone else already posted. I am pretty much, from that board, tired of being beaten up and attacked. Please go after the person I quoted. I just agreed with someone else. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626.md?page=22) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-this-board-lean-democrat/656626.md?page=24)