The Wingnut Index

by: denniscmcgrath

Sat Jul 26, 2008 at 11:03:58 PM EDT

There's a piece of brilliance on dKos' front page right now:

http://www.dailykos.com/storyo...

It's a compendium of wingnutty memes which can be scored to determine if a given post is, shall we say, coming from under the bridge ...

I do fear we're going to be inundated by rabid right wingers during the run-up to November - think of them as kinda like the pushy variety of evangelical. Their neocon faith requires them to importune passing strangers and berate them if they fail to acknowledge whatever shibboleth is proffered.  These believers don't get any points for posting Republican talking points on Republican blogs - that's just preaching to the choir. So they're coming here to proselytize, with predictable results.

We have more than enough to dispute over - I mean, to discuss rationally and respectfully - among ourselves. I don't think we need anyone lobbing right wing bricks through our metaphorical windows in hopes that we'll somehow 'see the light' as a consequence. I don't even think they're expecting that. I think it's just desperation that their guy is likely to lose and the recognition that Bush Jr. has poisoned the punchbowl like no one since Nixon. So they're coming here to stamp their little feet and whine to the heavens. WAAAAMMbulance, indeed ...

My suggestion then is that we exercise a little less caution than we usually do in deploying the 0-rated comment bomb and in alerting the editors to possible breaches of the peace by posters. Pretty much, we know who we are - and we should continue to practice mindful mediation in engaging one another in debate. But first-timers spouting nonsense need to be shown the door - quickly and without gratifying their adolescent urge to see the progressives fall all over themselves trying to be reasonable. They mistake courtesy for ineffectuality. Let's not let them use our empathy as a wedge. It's easy enough to click a user name and see how long they've been members - right now, I'm not feeling warm and fuzzy towards trolls, and the berry dude is just the tip of the iceberg. I count at least four this week - and there will be more, you betcha.

Any thoughts?