Date: Mon, 04 May 2009 16:32:23 -0400
From: CrYpTiK
Subject: A few responses to the previous Chatlist
A few responses to the previous Chatlist, bottom-posted for chronological happy times. All offensive and caustic, of course. 😉
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Date: Sun, 3 May 2009 07:41:48 EDT
From: Kathie Russell
Subject: AnyLyst crap
I’m not too sure you are right in this, Gene, since at least two posters on this chatlist digest have admitted being influenced by the hoax posting.
I’d contend that if people are intellectually irresponsible enough to be influenced by such a “hoax posting” into changing their opinions solely on the merits of that one individual blurb, perhaps they shouldn’t vote in the first place. Critical thinking, it seems, is severely lacking in America today, and I for one am grateful that the Anna Lyst post revealed to many on the Chatlist just how easily their thoughts can be swayed when they choose to take everything spoken by everyone as gospel. Secondarily, it also helped to spark discussion on the use of government powers to force one group’s chosen morality onto others, yet another topic which is sorely in need of more public discourse. One even said she would like a drink but after reading the bogus post, she realized she didn’t want liquor by the drink here. How many others who did not post a response read it and, not understanding it was fiction, were
horrified into a casting a “no” vote? Not everyone gets cable, I have never seen the Sopranos. I knew the post was fake but I never heard of Silvio Dante. Don’t be too sure this post didn’t earn some “no” votes in this election.
Such easily swayed people are not intellectually responsible enough to be voting in the first place. Because they can, however, it is our job to educate them and help them to grow to the point that they can analyze all of the facts before settling on an opinion instead of being a mindless sock puppet come time to make an informed decision. If you choose to allow anonymous posting, fine. But if that’s the case, you should screen the posts so that blatant crap like that doesn’t get out there. Failing that, you should print a formal notice that the post was fraudulent. Otherwise, you just may be influencing the election in an extremely unfair and undemocratic way.
The fake name attached to it should have been the first hint it wasn’t a real post. “Anna Lyst” = analyst…I think that makes it fairly clear that the message is to be taken with a grain of salt. Much as how I use the moniker “CrYpTiK” to post leads the reader to perhaps view my posting in a more critical fashion, so the faux nom de plume about Tony’s Cabaret should have invoked some doubt as well. The difference between “Anna” and myself is that I take on a handle in lieu of my real name because people are extremely poor at separating a person from that person’s opinions, particularly when dealing with emotionally charged topics. I don’t feel like being on the other end of a figurative flamethrower “in real life” just because I’m willing to go against popular views. I feel that my consistent appearance on this Chatlist differentiates me from one-shot anonymous posters such as “Anna” and that I am living proof that a more open and unedited discussion on controversial topics can be enabled by the shroud of anonymity.
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Date: Sun, 3 May 2009 21:10:53 -0400
From: Hollie Smith
Subject: More Official Opposition to LBD surfaces in Chatham County
Looks like Randy Voller and Jeffrey Starkweather of Positive Revenue Options face more official opposition
Apparently several more groups have formed and filed with the Chatham Board of Election.
* Moncure Muslims Against Mixed Beverages Association
* Atheists Against Alcohol by the Drink Association
Religion-Rooted Zealotry Against Other People Doing What Said Zealots Want To Force Them Not To Do By Authority Of God Or Lack Thereof Association.
You’re right, I guess that title’s a bit lofty. Explains the more “well-meaning” names they chose, I suppose. When a drunk driver coming home from Chapel Hill runs over a car full of your children one fine evening, just remember that you folks had the chance to vote to let people social-drink closer to home, okay? Don’t cry on my shoulder when forcing your morals onto others harms your own. Thanks in advance for being so considerate. Sincerely, me. 🙂