Just a quick alert to readers who read and participate in the comments section. I had hoped to avoid any changes to the wide-open, edit-free nature of the forum, but recent developments regarding a handful of, shall we say, “dissenters,” has made it necessary for me to make a few changes.<\/p>\n
My goal has always been to keep the comments section open to competing ideas in the interests of spirited discussion. My preference was to keep it that way. I’m afraid, however, that some have decided to abuse this approach. They chose to antagonize, insult, annoy, and in at least one instance, hint at possible violence.<\/p>\n
Perhaps most importantly, the discussions have suffered since this small handful of people began taking advantage, literally, of the comments section. Sincere readers who wanted to read and\/or participate in political dialog have had to trudge through nonsense from those who hoped to hijack discussion threads.<\/p>\n
Though I’ve been patient, I’m tired of those who want to use the comments section to lash out at me, other commenters, Democrats, liberals, and conservative bogeymen. I just don’t have the time or the money to bother. My site is, in a way, my home — and I’m doing a little spring cleaning.
\n
\nI reserve the right to delete any post and\/or block any commenter. Those who add remarks that I find abusive, antagonistic, insulting, offensive, threatening, or even just annoying, will no longer participate in the comments section.<\/p>\n
Is it censorship for me to delete or block commenters? Not at all. Bandwidth is expensive and I am under no obligation, financial or otherwise, to publish the remarks of those with whom I disagree.<\/p>\n
These “dissenters” still have free speech — they can still speak their mind, but not on my privately-financed website. Indeed, at this point I’d encourage those “dissenters” to find a different website where they can share their views — because they are no longer welcome here.<\/p>\n
On a related note, I’d like all of the other readers know how much I genuinely enjoy The Carpetbagger Report’s comments section. I’ve gotten to know many of you through your insights and I’m always impressed by the level of knowledge, wit, and wisdom many of you offer, day in and day out. You have my thanks and appreciation.<\/p>\n
And now, back to the news….<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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