Now that I’m finally settled in D.C., I’d like to talk about what’s going on around here, which actually started after the primaries last year. Big changes, good changes, with more to come. There has been a change in the community, too, and that’s not over either.
First, I made a risky decision to focus on foreign policy, one of my passions, in addition to the usual fare of political analysis, my main gig. It was a jolt for some, especially after the primary season, because the wonky side of foreign policy isn’t as easily digested as the sport of campaign politics. But it’s a choice I made taking me further down a road I’ve been traveling through serious study for a very long time, long before I made it a central focus of my writing around here, though I do mix it up. This will continue and broaden, which won’t be for everyone, but it’s following my bliss, so there you have it.
Secondly, the community has shifted from last year in a dramatic way. We all know why, but considering Clinton is Secretary of State, it’s all good in my opinion. The newcomers are terrific, as was the big community we had going last year, as are the people who have been following me for over a decade.
However, some are struggling and want to rekindle the community of last year, bemoaning the tight group that finds consensus here in the comments at times. It’s intimidating for people who aren’t part of the die hard Obama chorus, which has naturally broadened since Barack Obama became president. So let me make something clear. This is a site for all opinions and political stripes, though I don’t have any patience for commenters who claim Dick Cheney is a hero, because it doesn’t foster serious debate, but is meant to bait people. That said, dissenters are welcome. In fact, I encourage you. We need more of it around here.
The one thing that is really odd is the lack of courage to engage the cliques that rise up inside the comment section, which cause it to be a bit insular. I’m getting emails about how hard it is to comment because of it. Buck up. Take a deep breath and engage. Disagree. Debate. Have a rhetorical rumble. Name calling is just that, so jump in and fight back. I can’t do this for you.
I’ve been writing on the web since 1996, so I’ve been through a lot of site incarnations. This move is a big one and it’s quite an adventure. I value everyone who stops by here every day, believe me. I learn from your debate when you choose to mix it up. I’d like to see more of it.
Also, I hope to bring the podcast back soon, though it will be different too. One thing it isn’t is the blog. Radio is entertainment; that is if you want to stay or get back on the air, though in this economy that is the biggest long shot of all. I don’t care, because I love doing radio, so I’ll do it however I can. But it’s a whole different thing than the blog, except for when I’m interviewing people on foreign policy, which I did a lot when my show was streamed live. No date, but we’ll get it going in the not too distant future.
So, to sum it up, yes, the blog has changed. It’s not for everyone, but I’m writing about what I find important. The rest will take care of itself.
Moving on… I’ll be out for a while today, so enjoy your Friday. And thanks for making this one of your stops. It means the world to me. My work is not a whim. It’s not just this blog or radio. It’s a passion I’ve had for many years to study, learn and then change my little part of the universe while exploring ideas that matter. Sharing it with those who are interested, one reader, one listener at a time.
Oh, and Happy Nowruz! President Obama has a message (available with Persian caption) for the Iranians. I second it. But I did get a chuckle imagining George W. Bush trying to do something like it, though the very effort will drive the wingnuts mad. Expect another crying fit from Glenn Beck.
Taylor this is just GREAT. Thanks for this place – it isn’t for the weak of heart if you really are not simply a follower. I do miss some of the people who were here when I first came – some I don’t. Most all of the people who post here regularly now are great. Thanks for this place. It’s generally the only place I visit and the only blog at which I comment. I decided it was a waste of my time to visit nitwit sites and read nitwit/lunatic postings. I hate when people repost them here. It’s like ruining a good conversation with idiotic drivel.
BTW, I LOVE Obama’s message to Iran. He is really showing that this is the REAL USA again….and getting better.
This is change I can believe in.
Thanks for the post Taylor. I love coming here and do wish some of the old people come back.
People shouldn’t take internet arguments personally.
This seems timely:
http://tinyurl.com/dhoq46
Thanks for what you do, Taylor. I visit the site almost everyday, first thing. I don’t mean to bring this up all the time, but you got me through the day after John Kerry conceded. There were a few of us then regulars on that day and we all felt like it was the end of the world and you got us, or me at least, to go on. So, I don’t jump in as often as I used to but I am still a regular. Taylor for the first female President!
It sure is refreshing to have a President who can reach out to Iran and try to speak with respect, but also stand his ground on whats important to the US. This helps me a bit with the middle east policy that has been coming out of the white house the last few weeks.
justlen
That was so you!
Totally with you on that angels81. How’s the Red Head?
OK last one:
http://tinyurl.com/cfd7oj
djjl, The little Red Head is still the best part of me and doing very well, thank you for asking.
It needs to be the last one justlen ;-/
You are back sliding!
I am sure Rush will be on his soap box screaming that Obama has sold America down the drain to the Islamic terrorists. The wingnuts will be calling Obama a Muslim again and foaming at the mouth. I’ll get the popcorn, you bring the drinks.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/19/aig.spitzer/index.html
The story
Outrage over bailed-out insurance giant American International Group’s million-dollar bonuses may grab headlines, but its payouts on complicated financial instruments deserve closer examination, ex-New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer said Thursday.
In his first television interview since being forced from office in a prostitution scandal, Spitzer told CNN’s “Fareed Zakaria GPS” that the insurer was at the “center of the web” of transactions that have forced a massive bailout of the U.S. financial system.
AIG is now being kept afloat by U.S. taxpayers, and Spitzer said its woes stem from financial practices he first investigated as New York’s attorney general.
“Back then I said to people, ‘AIG is the center of the web.’ The financial tentacles of this company stretched to every major investment bank,” he said. Watch Spitzer say AIG has larger problems
I have to tell you, that this whole bailout mess makes my head hurt. I can’t seem to get a clear picture on any of this and it seems no one else can either. I supported the bailout to begin with, because I thought the whole thing would come crashing down if we didn’t, now I’m not so sure. It seems like we are doing what the government always does when they have a problem they don’t know what to do with, they just throw money at it. I am coming to the view that we let these pigs fall and then pickup whats left and fix that. I can’t see it making much difference either way, except we won’t be giving our tax money to line fat cat pockets.
It’s not like someone is going to reach though your computer screen and smack you upside the head, is it ?
Now, THAT will be technology I can Believe in … lol
I have a few comments that are back on topic.
Taylor, I look forward to reading your foreign policy blogs – I admit it is an area where my knowledge is lacking – so bring it on!
Suggestions to improve the quality of debate:
I think the thing I miss the most about the old days here was the shear volume of different posters. There probably were cliques back then too but you didn’t notice them because there were so many other posters. So how do you get more posters – I’m sure you have them lurking but they have to feel comfortable enough to post.
There are certain trigger words that cause instant drama and interrupts the flow of exchange – I’m sure there might be more than these, but for a start …puma, kitty, unhinged and messiah. I think these words need to be banned – they add nothing to the debate. I know old habits die hard – but die they must. Different voices and different words are needed – it’s just getting too predictable around here.
Also, do people really expect posters to sit at their computers for hours at a time? I can’t do that – but often feel like people think I’m a drive by. With an increase in different posters, it wouldn’t be so noticeable.
Different voices are needed – it’s just getting too predictable around here
Some days it’s like this:
http://tinyurl.com/c5rfm9
justlen says:
20 March 2009 at 11:51 am
That one’s pretty good! LOL
I posted last night, a couple of threads down, that everybody needs to chill out, and try not to take things personally. We won, remember?
djjl, I saw that snippet of the interview with Spitzer. I’m anxious to see the whole thing on Sunday.
Taylor, I appreciate you thread today. Basically we all get along just fine. And yes, there are different views here. But that’s a good thing. Even though we may all think we are right, what other people say about the subject causes me, at least, to take pause and consider that I JUST might be wrong.
nancy, I don’t think you can ban words. Freedom of speech remember? At least as long as it doesn’t become offensive.
I come here every day because I enjoy it. Also have my 7 eagle nests that I watch.
I’m hooked on Bald Eagles as some of you know.
And Taylor, I love your foreign policy posts because I know very little in that area and it’s good to read and learn on that subject.
Just catching up on the news. I guess we can add two Navy Captains to the unemployed list.
Betsy says:
20 March 2009 at 12:16 pm
Well, Taylor can do anything she’d like – because it’s her blog. I’m just making a suggestion to help improve the quality of discussion. My memory is a bit rusty but wasn’t Hussein banned from here during the summer?
You guys have got to watch this short clip, its pretty funny/sad to watch all the MSM doom and gloom spliced into a short segment
Obama Never Had A “Honeymoon”: Media Matters (VIDEO)
http://tinyurl.com/c72gnu
Nancy50
Yes there have been certain things banned from here from time to time as long as I’ve been coming. Perhaps, instead of banning we could encourage folks to use a little self control. I know, the puma, kitty, taunts infuriate me – and I’m not Puma and never have been. It’s the same behavior that the Republicans have used for almost 20 years to stifle political conversation.
I think it would help increase the posters on this site as well as elevate the policy discourse.
djjl says:
20 March 2009 at 12:47 pm
Unhinged is the word that gets to me. It took me a while to get over the primarys –every time I’d make some progress I’d hear someone speak of unhinged women who can’t get over Hillary and I’d get po’d all over again.
On this board – these words are being used as a crutch – can’t think of a legit argument – throw in one of those words. I think both sides are guilty too – that’s why I added messiah to the list.
nancy50
I complete agree with your comments. As GeoT noted yesterday, I even questioned what was going on in Taylor’s mind sometimes.
Taylor, as one who goes ‘way back’
— we don’t always agree – but I still appreciate all your efforts. Simply put – You GO, girl !
Hey all.
I’ve shifted my focus away from internet journalism and back towards my music, and its turned out to be a very good move. I still visit the site almost every day, but only comment if I feel like I really have something to add.
I had almost no writing experience as an adult in early 2008 when I decided to write regularly in support of Hillary when things started looking bleak for her prospects. I felt like there was a place for my voice in this struggle so I dived right in with everything I had. Getting such a great response at Mydd, getting featured regularly on the official HillaryHub, then taking over on weekends at TaylorMarsh and making it all the way to Denver was an incredible series of events and I continue to look back in amazement that any of it happened at all.
Do I miss that old community? Sure, in many ways. I miss Grey most of all. But I don’t miss the hatred – yes, hatred – that existed between the SOME of the regulars and SOME of the dissenters on a daily basis. That may have been fun for some, but not for me. So long live the new TM.com…and hopefully the community will grow into something better than ever with time.
Also, I can’t wait for the return of the podcasts and Taylor’s eventual radio domination.
Scott I love your music. Everyone should go on Facebook and have a chance to listen to it.
Heya Scott! Good to hear from you. Thrilled the music is working out. …and thanks so very much for the push on the podcasts. Radio domination, hmmmm… we’ll work on that. By the way, Scott, Mark says hello.
nancy50 says:
20 March 2009 at 12:23 pm
I banned Obama’s middle name because of the way it was being used and the pie fights that then ensued taking the conversation into the crapper via his name. I don’t regret it at all. As Scott says, the vitriol was over the top, competing with the good stuff. Back then the comment section cost me serious cash because we had to babysit it. The hate mail was non stop. BUT THAT WAS THEN…
As for “unhinged fringe,” it is apt for some, though few around here fit the phrase, which has nothing to do with gender. I have the right to name it because these individuals landed in my inbox with regularity. They were fringe elements and their rhetoric was unhinged. The phrase was apt.
Thanks to everyone who chimed in, including in emails.
Thanks pm!
Scott
I think we likely miss the same people. I especially miss Grey and FNelson (and a few others who’s name I can’t recall right now).
“It’s not like someone is going to reach though your computer screen and smack you upside the head, is it ?”
If only….
vintagejulie
Oh, that is just too, too good.
I love your website – I’ll check it out more.
heh-heh… Nice avatar, vintagejulie.
Taylor,
I don’t think “unhinged” was in reference to your usage of the word. I certainly recall a lot of posters who did frame the word “unhinged” with a specific gender.
Taylor
Have you read this post?
nancy50 says:
20 March 2009 at 11:50 am
You commented on my later post.
nancy50
Just shows you’ve really got to follow these threads closely to get what is really meant. That’s why those trigger words are so disruptive. They act as “trolls.”
To me, “unhinged” doesn’t mean disappointed Hilary supporters. “Unhinged” means those so consumed by rage and hate they rail on about things like birth certificates, Whitey tapes, secret Muslims and the New World Order.
djjl says:
20 March 2009 at 2:24 pm
I agree. I think when you want to avoid the main issue, you get to cherry pick. At least Betsy now knows there is a precedent for banned words.
GTG do the carpool later Djjl.
“heh-heh… Nice avatar, vintagejulie.”
I KNOW!
I’m freaking adorable!
~snerk~
I did that so I could show all my friends my “new” vintage glasses.
I am in love with them…bakelite with little aurora borealis rhinestones along the temple sides. pristine.
I love them.
So.
Much.
Were the terms used only in the situations you suggest, there would be no issue.
vintagejulie
You are absolutely adorable!
vintagejulie says:
20 March 2009 at 2:32 pm
Finally, a constructive use for “meow!”
Sorry, nancy50 I just meant that some things are acceptable and some aren’t. Puma, kitty, and troller are used quite a bit. It’s normally for people that come in for one post to do nothing but attack and then leave. A perfect example is nomobama who was banned because of his/her language. He then cam in here as amabomon hoping no one would figure it out. I did and haven’t seen him/her since. But those type of people we absolutely do not need in here. Good debate and discussions are what’s so great about this site.
I don’t understand what nancy50 meant by this statement. “At least Betsy now knows there is a precedent for banned words.”
I have always known there was a precedent for banned words. Oh well, enough on this stuff.
Now I’m mad at Obama. He’s speaking at the Naval Academy graduation and not the AF Academy. That sucks. Especially since this is the 50th class.
vintagejulie, I love your avatar.
Nate Silver at 538 asks some interesting questions about the bonus tax bill and whether it is a good idea.
http://tinyurl.com/dmmdrp
Betsy says:
20 March 2009 at 2:45 pm
nancy, I don’t think you can ban words. Freedom of speech remember? At least as long as it doesn’t become offensive.
Betsy says:
20 March 2009 at 2:48 pm
Now I’m mad at Obama.
Maybe Obama understands that Aviators are more important than mere pilots.
/runs
new thread, which is basically an open Friday thread…
Nancy50
Well, I want to be certain that you know I agree with your original points. As I said in one of the follow up posts, banning shouldn’t be necessarily the answer to encouraging more people participating in constructive conversation. Perhaps we could all use a bit of self control. Why that has offended or put off some – I don’t have a clue.
All I can say is that they just don’t get it and really don’t care too. In my experience most are men. I think you would have had to be in the workplace and competed for jobs and job advancement to really understand why some of those taunts rile some.
We all need to watch this. Particularly those who were so offended about the supposed PC Police causing the “Special Olympics” ruckus.
You might note that President Obama contacted Tim Shriver of Special Olympics to apologize before the show was even aired. The President thought that the comment was wrong.
I normally can’t stand Andrea Mitchell, but she was basically fair. I thought Shriver’s response was very supportive of the President while explaining why “it” mattered.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/29794388#29794388
Sorry forgot to paste the link.
Looking forward to your podcasts. I loved the ones you used to do.
I’ve enjoyed reading the blogs, Taylor. I haven’t posted much since November 15 because that day I fell –HARD. When all the shouting was over (3 weeks later during my 2nd visit to the Orthopedics Clinic) it was discovered that in addition to the ‘sprained ankle’ and broken hand, I had actually fractured the ankle, both shoulders my left wrist and one of the lower arm bones in my left arm — by that time everything BUT the hand was on it’s way to recovery. NAS Lemoore is missing a civilian ER physician though .
I’m better but the hand will need surgery as the bone healed crooked (no one set it). I should have been more proactive but after 2.5 hrs there all I wanted was some pain meds and to go HOME.
So now you know I’ve been reading but couldn’t type much.
SusanElizabeth1949 says:
20 March 2009 at 10:07 pm
____
You’ve been through allot, hang in there. I went through 8 surgeries in 4 years so I can relate.
Writing about foreign policy can be challenging as heck to truly educate people, since so much of it is complex and riddled with various personalities.
Good luck.
As for the “community,” I have noticed a kind of “run off anyone who doesn’t agree with us,” spirit.
I never mind ignoring personal attacks, since I’m a firm believer that one’s post reflects the character of the poster, not the one being insulted. Learning to not pay too much heed to insulters is part of the fun, for me. It’s challenging. I used to actually get my feelings hurt. THAT wasn’t fun. I changed, since I could easily accept that ad hominem attacks are the way of the world these days.
Well, Taylor, if I can hire a personal assistant to remember the humungus monstrosity of a password I was just allocated, I might just take ya up on your offer to “mix it up”.
I see that some of your regular commenters are debating the value of a well composed insult. Personally, I rather enjoy the excitement of a heated contest of ad hominem. I have found that the imagination and wit required to fabricate a particularly biting insult can tell you quite alot about the intelligence of a commenter, up to including what side of their brain controls their reactions, perceptions, and arguments. And, I must confess, it is rather refreshing to be able to comment on someone’s blatant assholishness online without experiencing the violent reaction that such observations invariably illicit in face to face confrontations. I suppose some might deem that stance as somewhat cowardly. But as someone who has practiced an offline form of debate that closely parallels their online form of debate, I can assure you that I am no stranger to the actual physical ramifications of calling a spade a spade, and enjoy the online opportunity to voice my abrasive and insulting opinion without suffering the real life ritual of dressing my wounds.
BTW, enjoyed your brief comment at TWN.
Are you a lurker there?
Id like to see you comment more, seeing as how you are apparently (?) traveling in the same circles Steve is. If there is any dichotomy between your and Steve’s separate takes on the scumwads you both have chosen to rub elbows with, it would be interesting to hear the conflicting opinions. If not, then that too would be enlightening. You both seem to have rather pleasant personalities, so it is completely inexplicable to me why you both have decided to make a life out of swimming in a cesspool next to maggots and snakes. But hey, to each their own, eh?
Does this mean I am allowed to comment on the blog again?