1) Outraged conservatives who think they’re going to bother me when they announce that they’re going to stop reading my books can forget it. I don’t worry about whether saying what I think is going to cost me money because I don’t put a dollar value on speaking the truth as I see it.
2) I will henceforth be treating some of the more belligerent conservatives in the spirit they’re treating me. Specifically, there seems to be this belief that liberals should just shut up even though they don’t like the way things are. So any conservative postings that I don’t like, I will shut up for them, thus enabling me to practice on their behalf what they preach on mine. Particularly postings that consist mainly of insults pertaining to race, color, creed and national origin.
Back to the snow.
PAD
• 
Great googly moogly, PAD Smash!
If the conservatives on the site are getting your goat, why keep posting political topics? It’d remove a significant amount of mental stress.
Probably because he feels no need to censor himself just to please those who wish to censor him….
Just a thought. *g*
One hope that any liberal postings that “consist mainly of insults pertaining to race, color, creed and national origin” will receive equal treatment but it’s your call.
Personally, I think you’re doing folks like Poe a favor when you delete their most vile postings, leaving only the ones that make them look less like the, well, let’s just say “sort of people that they are”. I say, when someone is foolish enough to het the send button after writing idiocy they should have to twist in the wind for a while, taking their well deserved lumps.
But wanting to remove the stink from the blog has its value as well.
PAD,
I am very sorry that you have to put up with the racial and religious hate remarks from these uneducated, pathetic idgits.
I enjoy your work immensely. I enjoy your commentary on here regardless of whether I agree with it or don’t agree with it.
Tammie.
“One hope that any liberal postings that “consist mainly of insults pertaining to race, color, creed and national origin” will receive equal treatment”
Yes.
PAD
You go, PAD.
Keep it up with the political topics if it pleases you. This is your blog, you can write whatever the hëll you want in it, and if people can’t comment intelligently without blowing up like cheap balloons, well, who gives a šhìŧ about them anyway?
Peter, perhaps you should follow John Scalzi’s MO. Scalzi not-so-politely reminded readers of The Whatever that it’s his blog, and if you don’t like it, go screw yourself.
I think you should employ that policy here.
See, I like coming here because of political discussions. I don’t join in much because others more eloquently put my thoughts into words, but I enjoy reading the posts.
But there’s a right way and a wrong way to engage in a discussion. In the other thread, I noticed a lot of generalizations about, for example, liberals. “Liberals and Lefties are a bunch of whiny cry babies who lost and now want to spend their time moaning and wailing about what a terrible place the country is in. Grow up.”
Well, I’m a liberal. I’m not way left on the political spectrum, but I’m pretty liberal. At the same time, I’m someone who respects people who disagree with me when they express their opinions intelligently. For example, from my time at this blog, I’ve often found myself disagreeing with Bill Mulligan. Yet he expresses himself very honestly, very sincerely, and very respectfully, and while I may not agree with him on many issues, I respect the man. As for the liberal contingent on this site, I often haven’t spoken up because someone like Tim Lynch does such a great job at making the arguments I would make.
I’ve been visiting this site since it’s been live, and I’ve seen a lot of really great, really respectful people, who disagree and debate and discuss. Unfortunately, I’ve also seen those who make it their mission to belittle, to insinuate, to insult, to be rude, crass, and inflammatory.
I’m rather liberal. I don’t go to Chuck Dixon’s board, who seems rather conservative to me, and rant about what Chuck posts. I don’t organize boycotts or threaten to stop reading Chuck’s work. I respect him.
In political debates, I’ve never had an experience where the person who feels differently than I do scratched their head and said, “You know what? You’re right. I’m such a fool.” People who engage in political debates have strong opinions, and just as my stubborn mind won’t be swayed easily, neither will I be successful in changing someone else’s mind. It’s fun to debate, but seriously, it’s an exercise in futility.
Respect, people. A wise woman once said, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to me.” Hands Across America, We Are the World, and all that. 😉
I love it!
I f fox news can censor our left views, why cant we censor the wrongs, I mean, rights, view?
WAY TO GO PETER!!!!!!
Michael,
You and grimjack both have nice things to say about me and I thank you. the screamers get the most attention but it’s the rational decent folks of ALL political persuasions that actually get things done (and are, in general, worth being around).
I really love this blog. I like the mix of people, I like the unpredictability, it’s given me a number of laugh out loud moments. I disagree with many of PAD’s politics but he’s one of my favorite comics writers–right up there with Alan Moore and Neil Gaimen and he comes across as a very good father and husband, which to me is vastly more important than whether or not he agrees with who I vote for.
Some of the less mature postings may be due to, well, immaturity. The blogosphere may end up serving the purpose that Junior High Lunchroom was supposed to do–show you by bitter example the right and wrong way to communicate with your fellow human beings. Unfortunately the easy anonymity of the web allows folks to lob grenades and not have to pay any penalty.
I just hope they don’t get to the point that PAD ditches the whole thing.
Probably because he feels no need to censor himself just to please those who wish to censor him….
Just a thought. *g*
That’s all well and good, and props to PAD for speaking his mind on his own website as he’s entitled too. But the simplest way to not feed the trolls is to not give them any bait in the first place. Though I can’t see PAD actually going for that, considering how he likes talking about it and Bush’s policies obviously get on his nerves so he’s using his blog as a sounding board to vent his frustration. Problem is anyone can read this site, so he’s obviously going to take some flack about whatever he’s posting.
I’m less into this whole political debate hanky-panky cuz I’m Canadian. American politics are interesting to watch from the outside, but I can do Jack and Shìŧ about it. Its fascinating to see both sides so passionate about it and all. I always find it kind of amazing when Bush supporters are putting across well reasoned and eloquent support for the administration’s policies – policies which seem to just piss everyone else on the entire globe off but I’ll be gøddámņëd if Bush supporters can’t throw me for a loop once in awhile because they can at times come off as an educated and thought-out bunch. Which its crazy to see since the policies of the administration just seem so very VERY wrong to me and a hellova lot of other people on the planet. I figure anyone who can write up a 3000+ word diatribe on “How Bush Is Making The World Safe” would also have the brains to sit back and look rationally at the damage these same policies are causing people around the world.
Anyway, since 99.9% of the sites that I go to are American sites so I keep seeing debates spring up *all* over the place. And, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that its kind of annoying when I go to a site like “Ain’t It Cool News” to read about the Fantastic Four movie and the talkbacks degenerate into a “Bush suxs! Bush roxs!” flame war.
I’m not sure exactly what the point of that whole above post was (I had a bit to get off my chest) but, in sum, can’t we all just get along?
And, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that its kind of annoying when I go to a site like “Ain’t It Cool News” to read about the Fantastic Four movie and the talkbacks degenerate into a “Bush suxs! Bush roxs!” flame war.
Or, to use another example: AICN posting about the Tenacious D movie. I love the D. The D friggin rock. I’m excited to talk about The D.
Problem is Jack Black supported Kerry and made some passing remarks about the Bush administration in his interview. So what do I get when I read the talkbacks about seeing “The D”? Pages and pages of pro-Bush & Anti-Bush flame wars. Its REALLY frustrating once in awhile.
I think PAD knows what I’m talking about – in spirit at least – check out a recent Newsarama post about Madrox #5. It spawned 2 pages of content and all that content was just a friggin flamewar. PAD himself commented on how disappointing the Internet can be sometimes. This is kind of how I feel when I see political flamewars popping up all over the place on the Internet when, gøddámņìŧ, I want to read about Ultimate Spider-Man or somethin.
Like someone else said, at the end of the day this is PAD’s blog, so his house, his rules. No different than the old WEF, no different than the John Byrne board, or anyone’s board. Just because the public is allowed to comment doesn’t mean that the owner can’t have a little say in what goes under his roof.
On a slightly different note, as a big ol’ Lefty Liberal I have to say the political discussions do get old, if only because I get an inbox full of the same stuff from my big ol’ Lefty Liberal friends everyday. Much of which contains material that is completely unfair to those that hold conservative views. Which is part of what I think helped kill the election for us, despite the Red/Blue debate. Republican bile didn’t poison Bill Clinton, so I doubt Democrat bile will have any more effect on GW Bush, except maybe make him stronger.
Yeah, I have as much dislike of the current administration in the White House as any Lefty Lib, but I have to say that some things, like the Freedom Clock, don’t really say or do too much for the cause of brining people over.
However, PAD is absolutely mild in his political rhetoric compared to most, and it is his house, so good on him for saying he’ll keep a bit of order.
Jim
Peter said Outraged conservatives who think they’re going to bother me when they announce that they’re going to stop reading my books can forget it. I don’t worry about whether saying what I think is going to cost me money because I don’t put a dollar value on speaking the truth as I see it.
I never said I would stop reading your books, thus costing you money in the long run. But hey, thanks for the great idea. It would be the only Marvel comic I don’t read except for anything written by Chuckie boy.
Something to think about. Thanks Pad. :0)
That’s the problem with a lot of extreme conservatives and extreme liberals. Instead of presenting their views in a well-thought-out, intelligently written argument, they feel the need to attack other people’s beliefs. There ought to be an asterisk onto that whole “freedom of speech” thing that reads “Remember, you can say whatever you want, but you’re going to earn more respect for saying it if you’re not an áššhølë about it.”
Why is it that so many people think that attacking other people is a valid way of defending their way of thinking? People, think. No one is going to listen to reason if the first thing you do is insult them.
Common sense. Respect for others. Hey, let’s spread those ideals instead of this deliberately vague “freedom” as the American Way.
Qapla! PAD!
It still amazes me that these folks continually
bemoan the supposed liberal slant to, well, pretty much everything.
Anytime someone criticisizes the Bush administration and it’s cronies they are accused of having some liberal agenda.
First, the media isn’t controlled by liberals,
it’s controlled by huge corporations like Gannett, Time Warner, Disney, Clear Channel, Fox etc. Not liberals. We’re stuck in a disastrous war that these folks have helped Bush peddle to the public.
Next, movies, TV shows, books, music, art of all
kinds have one thing in common. They are all made by creative people. The Right has a long track record of embracing censorship, and suppressing free thought. To them, to be different is to be evil. Check out how they speak about say, gays or feminists. Should it be any surprise that creative people (like PAD)
don’t care to have Jerry Falwell and James Dobson looking over their shoulder?
You know I dont believe some people.If you cant express your opinions or disagreements with someone elses opinion’s in a civil manner it just shows how weak you are as a person.
I personally dont agree with Jim from Iowa on just about everything but
1.I dont recall him being insulting anyone’s religion,race or creed.
2.I pretty much dont read his posts because i know i how much i dont agree with his opinions and choose not to anger myself.
3.I very rarely if ever have responded to his posts but if i did would not insult him.
The Poe and Dee’s of the world dont seem to get that part of the reason “liberals” and “conservatives ” dont seem to be able to sit down and discuss things is because of the petty
namecalling that just breeds more animosity between people with differing opinions.
PAD has every right to delete posts that are nothing more than insult laden,hateful rants
Good job sir
I’m less into this whole political debate hanky-panky cuz I’m Canadian. American politics are interesting to watch from the outside, but I can do Jack and Shìŧ about it. Its fascinating to see both sides so passionate about it and all.
Trust me, you’re better off watching from the outside. There are days where I feel like I’m trapped in an insane asylum with 270 million of the dumbest people on the face of the Earth.
But then I remember that this, too, shall pass. Like a kidney stone, but it’ll pass.
1.I dont recall him being insulting anyone’s religion,race or creed
Should read” being insulting to”
Sorry for the typo
I’m with the self-proclaimed Tallest Fan Ever. It’s eerily fascinating to follow American politics, and given the administration’s policies there’s certainly good reason for foreigners to take an interest.
Mostly though, seeing the way some of the people here and elsewhere treat each other over the issues is just downright depressing.
Do what you gotta do, PAD. This is your corner of the Interweb, and you can do as you see fit.
PAD – I’ve been conservative Republican all my life, mostly thanks to parents involved in local Essex County, NJ, politics & business, who demanded a high level of conversation and reasoning at the dinner table. Personally, while I don’t agree with many of the views you present, I very much respect the well-thought-out and logical way you present them. (I also would not want to get into an argument with you about them, because I’m afraid that I’d lose.)
Please don’t stick all of us conservatives in the same bunch as the ones flaming your viewpoint. Most of us are normal folks that buy everything you write because we appreciate it.
The problem with suggesting PAD avoid politics is, it doesn’t help. I’ve seen almost everything he’s posted in the past year get overwhelmed by political flameage.
His comics? “Yeah, no wonder Banner’s such a wimp – he’s a pinko liberal!”
His Star Trek books? “If Calhoun wasn’t such a whiny lefty, he’d take over the Federation!”
(And let’s not even touch the Arthur novels…)
His family? Well, we went there once, and had to shroud a couple of people as a result.
No, I agree with PAD. Write what you want to, sir, and dámņ the torpedoes! (Or, one of my favorite Car Wars bumper stickers – “Ðámņ the pedestrians! Ramming speed!”)
If the conservatives on the site are getting your goat, why keep posting political topics?
That’s what the conservatives would like, wouldn’t they?
You don’t like their policies, but you’ll suck it up and accept their crap, instead of speaking out about it like a good American.
“If the conservatives on the site are getting your goat, why keep posting political topics?”
I don’t think it’s the Conservatives who are getting PAD’s goat so much as it is the idiots on the board that annoy him.
There are a lot of conservative posters who are articulate and polite. Unfortunately, they’re the ones who says something succinctly and then don’t post again.
It’s the idiots who post again and again trying to get a rise out of people by insulting and misunderstanding…
That’s what the conservatives would like, wouldn’t they?
The authoritarian ones, at least. And seems to me that there’s a strong authoritarian streak in the current Republican party.
When I was growing up “liberal” was another word for wishy washy, now it seems to mean Anti Christ . This is another reason why I dislike all humans untill they prove themselves to be a least reasonable. Oh by the way seem to be some sensable people here at least.
His Star Trek books? “If Calhoun wasn’t such a whiny lefty, he’d take over the Federation!”
Not to go off on a rant here or try to hijack the thread, but t’heck with it, this has been bugging me for awhile-
I’ve been re-reading all the NF novels for the past few months (up to “Gods Above” now on my way to “After the Fall”) and I find it kind of weird that Calhoun is such a take charge, gøddámņ what everyone else or your society says I’m friggin right dictator-ish Captain. Does that attitude seem kind of familiar to anyone? To be blunt, he strikes me as kinda Bush-ish. And he’s the hero of the books! I can’t wrap my head around it. Sure, NF started before the Bush administration, but Calhoun has a kind of authoritarian attitude that’s definitely a few steps above most Captains in Trek.
Yeah, Calhoun is inevitably proven right in the end , the society of Danteri or whatever are just totalitarian evil jerks with designs on galactic domination, but I still can’t quite understand why PAD writes Calhoun the way he is when you can squint and see Mac as a Bush-y type of figure.
Course, PAD did mention that the biggest inspiration for Calhoun was Kirk in a startrek dot com chat, so maybe I’m thinking about this too much. . .
If the conservatives on the site are getting your goat
In other news, is this a proper saying or is it “getting goaded” or something. What the hëll kind of metaphor is that anyway? “getting your goat”. What the hëll are they doing to my goat anyway?
I’d like to offically take this opportunity to apologize for using that phrase. Thank you.
I consider myself about as liberal they come, but that doesn’t mean I can’t understand where those that disagree with me come from. (except those people who want to keep privleges away from Gays that everyone else has. THAT I’ll never grasp.)
Frankly, I appreciate people with opposing views that can articulate their feelings without insults or posturing. Granted, any debate is ultimately an exercise in futility, but differing opinions are going to happen, and change is slow, regardless.
…I think that last sentence rambled jes’ a bit, yes…
The biggest problem here seems to be a lack of acceptance. Some people simply aren’t brought up in an environment that encourages people to make educated choices about their opinions. I’ve seen man families raise a single stance on many issues, and telling their children that the opposite is a pack of foolishness and lies. It’s simply not healthy. Only by presenting all sides of an issue can anyone make an intelligent stance of their own. Without any balance, things quickly resort to petty name calling and the very poor bahavior PAD is talking about.
PAD, might I suggest advocating the explanation of both sides of any debate to future generations? It might help future generations to not be like Dee.
…Or Bush. (ducks)
I say it is your site PAD, handle it however you like. It is unfortunate you feel there is a need to censor some people, but I feel it is unfortunate for them, not for you. Simple human kindness should dictate what they say.
On the other hand, you and I easily disagree quite a bit politically. I am economically conservative/socially liberal. But, your viewpoint still has no bearing on whether I enjoy your products or not only because I don’t see your political viewpoint in your products compared to a Michael Moore creation. Heck, even knowing your views, you were still the only creator I have ever snail mailed a fan letter to, and that was just a couple of years ago.
So stay at it, and thanks for all you do.
PAD,
Frankly Peter, you’re much better off with liberal rather than conservative readers. More liberals read! More liberals have gone to universities! Many conservatives actually complain that college professors don’t share their views! They hate it that informed people don’t agree with them!
…and the brighter conservatives (who likely are not ditto-heads) don’t mind reading people with different viewpoints. They probably get their news from other sources than FOX. So, I douubt that they would stop reading your stuff.
I don’t think you have anything to lose.
Should it be any surprise that creative people (like PAD)don’t care to have Jerry Falwell and James Dobson looking over their shoulder?>>
Would they rather have Tipper Gore or Joe Lieberman looking over their shoulder?
That was said with tongue mildly in cheek, but it’s always good to point out that we’re not exactly in an either/or proposition, and that the idea that we are is part of the problem with politics in this country.
Not that I’m rushing out to vote Nader or anything 😉
Jim
Could you people do me a favor and, if you’re not going to use the dictionary definitions of the words, please lay off entirely using the terms “liberal” and “conservative?” ‘Cause I gotta tell ya, taking the largest surplus in US history and turning it into the largest deficit in just three years by cutting taxes on the rich and paying for two simultaneous wars, is anything but “conservative.” And I wouldn’t call leaving Social Security alone the most “liberal” of ideas, either.
Just one question off topic. When the heck is Cowboy Pete gonna make a comeback? I know most of your regular shows have been on an unbelievably long hiatus but I miss the comments I love your insites on non-political topics. I need a fix. Help me out Dude.
Okay two questions. What did ya think of the Pats/Steelers game? Or don’t you watch football…
I’m Tom Clancy fan. I think his politics are šhìŧ. Do I stop reading his work? No.
Why should an author’s politics affect my enjoyment of their work (except of course for political writers).
Everyone has a right to their opinion. It’s like TV, if you don’t like what’s on, change the f***ing channel. You don’t like Peter’s politics, grow up!
“Frankly Peter, you’re much better off with liberal rather than conservative readers. More liberals read! More liberals have gone to universities!”
Highly debatable.
According to at least one Pew Research poll, college graduates are 38% Republican and 27% Democrat (in fairness, Democrats have an advantage with those who have done post grad studies — 33% to 31%)
I believe that Republican also won among those with just high school education while Democrats won the high school dropouts.
A few points about all this– the definition of “liberal” and “conservative” is so subjective as to make most generalizations meaningless. Yeah, we all use the terms but they mean more or less what we want them to mean.
But even given all that, assuming that Pew poll is any better than a thousand other polls which may show vastly different results…so what? Many great ideas were once unpopular among the educated elite and many bad ideas have be expounded by the same. One’s convictions should not require validation from academia.
(of course, if the whole world thinks you’re an idiot there is a pretty good possibility that, in fact, you are one. But it’s not necessarily a done deal)
Although I consider myself conservative on domestic issues and liberal on social issues, I applaud anyone who provides an avenue for their unbiased thoughts, even though there will be those who disagree. You have that right, that freedom, as it were…
Posting political thoughts and opinions is not only enlightening, it can be a learning experience, and those who have closed their minds completely have ceased learning and growing as human beings.
To quote Roy Scheider from 2010:
“Just because our governments are acting like áššëš doesn’t mean we have to.”
Bill,
(of course, if the whole world thinks you’re an idiot there is a pretty good possibility that, in fact, you are one.)
And what does the world think of Bush? Outside of half the US of A.
…GO PATS!!!…
😀
I love good intelligent, respectful debate. That’s what our country was founded on! Whether you are on the right or left or stuck right in the middle, it is important to share your ideas, get informed about what the other side believes, and then THINK about things. I’m a conservative. Heck, I even went to the Inauguration this week. (not a coronation) and I brought along Woad to Wuin to read in the evenings!
Intelligence is not limited to either side. Great points are given on both. However, what we seem to be losing, (and I think what is ticking Peter off) is the venom that spews forth whenever ideas that we don’t agree with are given.
Are these “bad” conservatives afraid that they might be “converted?”
Let’s tone down the rehetoric, get more than 3 talking points about every issue, and remember that we are all sharing this planet and we need to find some type of common ground.
I agree, Jack. I also enjoy good, intelligent, respectful debate.
My question:
When the hëll are we going to see any of that on THIS blog??
Novafan wrote:
“I never said I would stop reading your books, thus costing you money in the long run. But hey, thanks for the great idea. It would be the only Marvel comic I don’t read except for anything written by Chuckie boy.
Something to think about. Thanks Pad. :0)”
Clearly, you’re a man of truly discriminating taste.
It’s your blog. Your pages. You have a right to say what the f**k you want. If they don’t like it they can kiss your butt. You’re an American, you were born here, you have the freedom of speech just like everybody else. I continue to read and enjoy your work, your blog and opinions.
LR.
Rob Staeger wrote…
Clearly, you’re a man of truly discriminating taste.
I think what amuses me the most is that Novafan apparently lacks the three brain cells required to come up with the concept of a boycott.
Michael Cravens posted: A wise woman once said, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to me.”.
For the sake of historical accuracy, it’s worth pointing out that the song was written and originally recorded by a man, the great Otis Redding — though Redding was the first to admit that Aretha took the song and made it all her own.
I’ve been re-reading all the NF novels for the past few months … and I find it kind of weird that Calhoun is such a take charge, gøddámņ what everyone else or your society says I’m friggin right dictator-ish Captain. Does that attitude seem kind of familiar to anyone? To be blunt, he strikes me as kinda Bush-ish. And he’s the hero of the books! I can’t wrap my head around it. Sure, NF started before the Bush administration, but Calhoun has a kind of authoritarian attitude that’s definitely a few steps above most Captains in Trek.
I just finished “Stone and Anvil” and “After the Fall” and I had a similar question. So I will go ahead and ask it:
PAD, you are the creator of Calhoun, so you are the one who knows your character. My question is this: Assuming for the moment that Iraq was as conservatives portray it (human rights violations, intelligence that says Saddam has and is working towards getting more WMD’s, etc.), would Calhoun have taken us into Iraq? (I am fine with a simple “yes” or “no”. And saying yes does not mean you are agreeing with Bush, since I know you do NOT believe things were as conservatives portrayed them to be.)
Iowa Jim (aka Jim in Iowa)
Maybe it’s my 21 year old naivete, but I still can’t fathom why someone would refuse to read something just because they disagree with the author on a political level IF the work has nothing to do with said political opinions. I may not agree with every opinion you’ve expressed (being more conservative than you), but that’s never stopped me from enjoying anything you’ve written. Maybe when I grow up, I’ll understand more. 🙂 @_@…
As for your second point, good. I grow tired of seeing conservatives complain when liberals are making intelligent comments about the current situation in an attempt at discussion (as opposed to those “Bush suxor$ posts” which are just insulting to thought in general). It’s become too heavy all over the rest of the ‘net and I’m glad it’s not to be like that every where.
It’s nice to see some of the venom spewing finally set aside, even if it is just for one thread.
chuckfiala: More liberals read! More liberals have gone to universities! Many conservatives actually complain that college professors don’t share their views! They hate it that informed people don’t agree with them!
Luigi Novi: That
Hmmmmmm, I might be a conservative and get annoyed that you apparently think you are behind enemy lines (welcome to the party, how did I stand it in Clinton’s AmeriKGBa? I took it like a grown-up). But give up your books and comics? They give me too much joy for that. And I like you as a person, PAD, you are gracious to fans and are a big sweetheart to us fanboy/girls…