More Campaign Crap

People can say a lot of bad things about me, and I assure you, they do. But one thing no one can ever say is that I don't stand by what I write.

I know that what I write has consequences. I know that it means that a lot of people would like to see me dead. Or at least hospitalized for a period of time.

But I didn't start writing because I wanted to be popular at parties.

So that's why I am writing this piece. I'm pretty sick of the lengths people will go to in order to trash someone. I wouldn't mind it so much if they had the courage to stand by their words. But they don't.

Let me explain what I mean. In the election four years ago, the internet was already a big part of campaigns. David K and I were already blogging. There was always a place that would serve as the cess pool for people's desire to trash people without having to reveal who they are.

Its nothing new. People used to do that on the Strelzin Forum quite a bit, but that died down substantially. Topix was another frequent hunting ground for people to say whatever they wanted without having to stand by their words.

The Times decided to be responsible about how they managed their comment system and now people have to use their Facebook profile to comment. So you can still engage in healthy debate, only now you are forced to own what you say.

I know a former State Rep who used to use fake names when she would comment on my blog. In fact, she threatened me if I ever told anyone about that.

Ooops. Did I write that out loud?

My bad, I guess it slipped.

She would also do it on The Strelz Forum and on Topix. She would also direct minions to do it for her too.

But the tactic has evolved.

Social media is now an integral part of our lives. We use it to keep up with the news. On Sundays Facebook turns in to ESPN. We root for our favorite teams, ask people for movie recommendations, crowd source solutions for our problems and my mother uses it to keep tabs on her children and grand children.

And yes, we use it to keep up with politics and current events. Now she and her henchmen and henchwomen, have created several fake Facebook profiles to trash people and stay anonymous.

I know its juvenile and honestly it can be pretty funny when they comment on something and then jump in and agree with one another. They do it to make it look like a lot of people agree with their position too.

They can't win on the issue, so they would rather pull that kind of crap. Some think its juvenile, meaningless, and a desperate ploy at getting attention.

I think differently.

I think its...what's the word I'm looking for...oh yeah...

CUNNING!

(Not really, I think its stupid and embarrassing.)

But in case you are undecided on who to vote for based on issues, think about the conduct of the respective campaigns. People don't just judge the winner and loser based on the outcome.

People remember how you played the game.

Remember who is tolerating and rewarding this behavior. That should tell you who is desperate and feeling the heat...