Politics on MP, Paying for MP and If MP Went Away- What Do I Think?

Updated on September 20, 2012
A.H. asks from Omaha, NE
12 answers

I have liked the posts about politics on here to be honest. I like seeing a "real" cross-section of how actual voters are feeling and who they are 'rooting for'so to speak. I have had similar discussions on Facebook, but for those that have answered are primarily from my state of Nebraska which is a blood red state-even though Obama DID manage to snag one electoral vote in 2008. Highly doubtful that happens this time around though.
I have learned a lot from you ladies about where to find accurate information on the candidates and reputable websites and news sources in which I can trust aren't spinning the soundbites. So even though MP isn't a political site, I am glad I can come here to ask my questions, voice my opinions and learn something too. That's powerful and the purpose of this site, no matter the topic. If it affects parents and their families, it's welcome here.
I wouldn't pay to come to this site, but I would miss it if it went away. About ten years ago, AOL had something called Journals. It was a community that reminded me a lot like this one. After awhile, we got to know each other and enjoyed discussing important issues, funny things, and supporting each other. I remember we rallied around one lady that was diagnosed with cancer and wrote about her journey. She lost her battle after a year. Another journaler died suddenly and again we all came together to offer condolences and memorials to the families of this woman and man. Even though the relationships were virtual, the feelings were the same as if we were F2F friendships. Not long after that AOL phased our "journal land" out. Many people transferred their journal/blog over to blogger, but it wasn't the same and we all lost touch. I can't even find my journal over there now, its been so long since I have written. I often wonder where everyone has ended up. I think it would feel the same if MP disappeared one day.

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So What Happened?

!MP is not going away and is not considering charging to be on this site, to my knowledge. It was just some thoughts someone threw out there yesterday during the computer glitch and I chose to give my opinions on it. No worries.
@Dawn, I think that is a great idea to have a section for politics. I would hate to see this category banned altogether, but if it makes people happier to not see it on the main screen, then that's ok too. Although I don't see why people just don't skip it. I don't have time to click on everything that is posted here. I don't see how others could do it either.
@Hazel W THANKS, I figured I better put some form of a question in the subject line so when the computer glitch is fixed my post would remain.
@Jo At first I couldn't figure out what was going on here until I tried to answer a post. We will communicate one way or another. You ladies need to be careful chatting away while at work though.

Featured Answers

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K.B.

answers from San Francisco on

I agree, i enjoy the political stuff too, learning what others think and seeing a slice of life from all areas of the country. I like to visit outside my bubble and see what others believe, I learn a lot and it broadens my horizons. I also agree with Hazel that often the tone of the political ones, the negative generalizations and the CAPS of DUH and condescension about the TRUTH put me off, sometimes even anger me, but I tend to get a kick out of all of it. It's fascinating really.

That said, I don't think I'd pay for Mamapedia. I do love coming here daily, but not enough that I'd want to set aside money for it every month. So, here's hoping it stays free!

9 moms found this helpful

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H.W.

answers from Portland on

First, I love love love how you turned a statement into a question to yourself. That's so clever... :)

I agree that the political discussions are rather interesting. I really find them enlightening, even when I might disagree, because I like to know why people think what they think. The only thing that would make it better is if people were more aware of how off-putting generalizations are. "All of you (liberals/conservatives) are...." actually detract from the meat of many arguments. We can all learn something from each other.

If MP went away, I'd probably get more done... but I also might not share the silly stuff as much, like my son making 'fangs' out of carrot sticks like he is now. :)= I have a few favorite posters too, which I think about, and really do like the 'community of voices' we have here.

10 moms found this helpful

T.N.

answers from Albany on

Mostly I just love everybody. But then I guess everybody knows that, huh?

:)

9 moms found this helpful

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

I believe politics is appropriate on this site...our decisions and such directly affect our daily lives...how much debt we will saddle our children and grandchildren with...so much more..

What I don't like? Is that people can't handle the facts when presented...I used factcheck.org the other day and one person sent me a PM telling me I was a liar, facilitating myths and lies and factcheck.org NEVER said that...but alas..they did...

Would I pay for the site? Probably...it would cut back on the trolls and I think by paying gives me more of a say in what happens.

I am VERY thankful for many of the people I have met on here...there are some really great people here!!!

7 moms found this helpful
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☆.A.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I strongly believe that parents need to be informed about politics.
The political decisions of a country make a difference in all of the lives in it--ours, our spouses, our parents, and our kids.

I asked a question here once whether moms (and dads) thought politics on this site was a relevant topic to them, and, overwhelmingly, the answer was YES!

I love political discussions. Not talking points. Not regurgitation.
Actual facts that have been given some thought.
That's tough to find.
But when it happens, I enjoy it.

But, no, I would not pay to use MP.

Don't underestimate Obama supporters.
His supporters do so because they KNOW what he stands for, BELIEVE in his vision and are PROUD of his accomplishments thus far (in spite of a contrary Congress).
His supporters are solid and loyal.

I really wish the Republican party would have had a viable candidate.
Mitt's supporters are denying him now...as more of the video clips are made public. (Did you see the O. where he says he "inherited nothing" yet?)

I don't think Mitt even recognizes Mitt anymore.
Mitt is a moderate who has had to masquerade as a conservative to have ANY chance in this race.

ETA: every tax is a type of "redistribution" and that's been true since the first tax was implemented.

7 moms found this helpful

J.W.

answers from St. Louis on

What I found funny today is I think most of us were in offices. Kind of sad in a funny way.

6 moms found this helpful

L.U.

answers from Seattle on

Wait a minute...what did I miss??? Who is talking about making mamapedia something you have to pay for???
I like the political stuff. We are parents, our votes and voices are going to count and make this country what it is FOR OUR CHILDREN....which is what I thought this site was about. Moms (and dads) who want the best for our kids.
I would be SO SAD if this site became something we had to pay for. Our budget is tight and setting aside some money so I can chit chat with other moms is probably not something I would do. GASP...would I have to go make real friends?
L.

5 moms found this helpful

R.H.

answers from Houston on

I always say skip the topics that don't interest you.Its not college where we have to read books that are not of our particular liking.

I like the political discussions. Its easier to discuss these with you all than in real life.

I am black and my friends are Obama proud no matter what. I feel that they are accepting of whatever he says but if the very same statements and support for illegals came from Romney, they would be up in arms.

MP police need to be fired, in my opinion. We are adults. Handle your own problems without the policing!

And, pleasae don't give any ideas to MP about charging us!!!

5 moms found this helpful
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D..

answers from Charlotte on

I certainly wouldn't want MP to go away, but I have to say that I do NOT like the political discussions. I feel like they cause too much divisiveness on this site and I wish they were in a separate place away from the main menu so that if people wanted to go over to it, they could.

That's sad about the ladies in your vitual group who died. There is a lady here on MP who had a "growth" on her privates, and the doctor opened it up, didn't recognize the makeup of it, and sewed it up again. He sent her to another doctor, and that doctor confirmed that it was a type of cancer. Evidently it was a bad cancer, too. I wrote her a while later, asking her how she was doing, but got no reply. I really am afraid, after reading about that particular cancer, that she has passed away. It's a sobering thought, A..

Anyway, I really hate the political threads being here.

Dawn

4 moms found this helpful
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S.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

I might pay for MP if I had to because I am so addicted to it! But only if it was 10 or 20 bucks for the year or something.
I'm cool with the political discussions. I usually don't engage myself because I get enough in real life... a couple of my sisters, a BIL and my grandma are incredibly vocal about their political views. Like, they are obsessed during election season!

Jo I think a lot of us are on mamapedia at work because it keeps us connected to our mommy hood, and somehow keeps family on the forefront of our minds all day. Not that it wouldn't be on my mind anyway, but if I'm reading helpful advice and good parental insight all day I'm actually helping my family while I'm at work.!

4 moms found this helpful
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G.H.

answers from Chicago on

Politics are so important, as it affects each and every person. Especially when we as a country have a 16 trillion dollar debt that will hurt every single person for generations.

Conservatives want to help the needy and all children BUT there is a line that must be drawn to those that CHOOSE not to help themselves and those that truly need it. In fact statistics prove that Conservatives give far more in donations and volunteering than Democrats. But we are always labeled as the less caring.

Democrats want to have power over everyone. They think the Government is a business. Problem is the Government doesn't *make* any money, they take it from us and give it to others. And this is what Pres Obama said:

" because I actually believe in some redistribution, at least at a certain level to make sure that everybody's got a shot." This isn't the first or last time he will say this either.

There are so many people that are afraid to say they lean to the Right. Conservatives get slammed, called names and are bullied (Black Panthers). I'm afraid to put any Romney/Ryan signs on my lawn or my car, because I know my property WILL get vandalized. I've been out campaigning for some Conservatives in my area and there stuff keeps being destroyed or goes missing. But the Democrats things are just fine.

Don't let anyone fool you, the Conservatives are excited. Look what happened in Wisconsin with the Scott Walker recall. No one would admit they were with him, it looked like the Democrats were going to win. BUT he actually won even BIGGER than the first time he was elected. That just goes to show you that Conservatives are gaining momentum. Not only that but Mitt is doing pretty good with his polling considering the media is totally in favor of Obama.

No I wouldn't pay to come on Mamapedia, but I sure do love coming on here.

Best wishes

3 moms found this helpful
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C.D.

answers from Atlanta on

I haven't heard about this. I feel like I have some real friends here as strange as that may sound. And I like using this. I find a lot of interesting people and usually they are well meaning and sincere. But if I had to pay I'd have to stop. I can't afford such. It'd make me do the things I "should" be doing though. I get on here far too much. It's a little addictive. I enjoy the people here and I would miss it.

Is there talk of paying?

As for the political stuff, well I'm not a fan, but it comes with the territory. It's part of life.

2 moms found this helpful
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