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NO MORE POLITICS – I promise!
By JLP | November 5, 2008
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that I’m an emotional person. I think it was a “gift” given to me by my mother (I’m just like her). That said, I tend to do and say things without fully thinking through the consequences (which is really bad considering the fact that I do reread my posts before I post them).
It’s not my intent to make people angry but I can see how my thoughts can do just that. I’m NOT apologizing because I have always believed that this is MY blog and I should be able to write whatever I want to write.
However, my political posts add stress to my life—stress that I don’t want nor need. So, I (and Meg) will refrain from posting politically-charged posts from here on out. That’s not to say that I won’t write about financial topics like taxes that are tied to politics but I will at least try to not make them politically-charged.
Deal?
Topics: Miscellaneous | 17 Comments »
November 5th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I think it’s fine for you to write about politics, even if it’s politically charged. All I ask is that it’s well thought-out. Knee-jerk partisanship just isn’t worth reading.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Write about what you want. Who cares if people get upset you support McCain.
November 5th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
As you said it’s YOUR blog. If someone gets upset then that’s their problem. I may not agree with your political point of view but, I want to hear it if it’s informed. Anyone who doesn’t want to here another point of view is just plain stupid. But that’s just my point of view.
November 5th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
I like your blog. No one has to read it if they don’t like what is said. Keep writing what you love, for you and for those who appreciate you.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Well I think you are a fruitcake…but you know who this is and so it’s all good! Write what you want…it’s your blog! You pay for it! Everyone else posting on here is writing what they want for free!!!!!!! I like exclamation marks!!!
November 5th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Deal. Thanks JLP. I think this is for the best probably…unless you want to make a separate blog where the flaming wars can happen.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Don’t give up your passions…just make sure they don’t cloud your thoughts. As long as it’s well thought out discussion, it seems like everyone could learn from it.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
No, you’re right to swear off politics. I’ve subscribed to the blog for a long time, but the last 2 posts were so demoralizing that it made me feel like just dropping AllFinancialMatters for good.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Does that mean we can’t discuss “personal responsibility” anymore? B/C Lord knows that could be construed as being “political.”
So exactly where is this new dividing line between acceptable discussion and unacceptable discussion?
I understand the quest for less stress, but it’s going to be pretty boring from now on, JLP!
BTW, where’s Miguel these days?
November 6th, 2008 at 3:02 am
Well, on the one hand it’s your personal blog so you can mention what you like. Then again, politics isn’t “on topic” and there will be people with a very different political opinion reading the blog – and the blog also provides a space for them to air their views!
I’d say don’t let the previous response put you off from mentioning it at any point in the future. However, if your post simply consists of “this country made a mistake by voting Obama” with zero qualification as to *why* you think that, then you’re inviting a lot of assumptions about your reasons and the resulting flamewar. Especially when so much of the country (and the world!) apparently have a different opinion.
Again, that’s not to say that you opinions are wrong nor that they should not be discussed. Just that this may not be the place (why not start a political blog if you feel so strongly?), and you need to take into account that many do not share your views even though they may find your opinions on other subjects agreeable.
November 6th, 2008 at 7:45 am
I concur with Julia. Write what you want. Politics can have a direct impact on personal finances. To limit the opposing rants that can get way off topic, be specific as possible about your position.
November 6th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Whenever someone brings up politics or religion it almost always turns into a flame war. I think you are right in avoiding both of those subjects on your blog.
With that said, I think it is really sad (and quite revealing) that people will completely disregard your ideas on finances because you supported a different candidate or have a different religion.
I will keep reading your blog because it has valuable financial information.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:08 am
JLP – It is your blog and you should feel as though you can write about whatever you want. I think the issue some people have is that this is supposed to be a personal finance blog. Discussing politics will drive away those who are here for the finance, but don’t necessarily agree with your political views (I have chosen to continue to comeback because the financial posts are helpful and insightful so I can overlook some of the political discussion). That said – I don’t think your comment about the election was that inflammatory even though I completely disagree with you (especially when there have been other posts on this blog that are much more so).
For me, I do learn when there is an educated opinion and discussion and not just some off the cuff comments – whether it be in the post or comment section. It gets a little old when the only way people know how to argue is to label others as socialists/communists/other-meant-to-be-derogatory-label or attack certain populations based on one experience or no experience at all (i.e. attacking the inner city poor when you have never once lived in an inner city)
But at the end of the day – if this causes less stress for you, then maybe not such a bad move.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:35 am
It’s your blog. Write what you want, feel, and think. If people don’t like it, they’re welcome to go read another blog or comment intelligently (let’s hope). Honestly, I don’t think you and I have the same political views but I find what you have to say interesting and thought provoking. Really, that’s all I can ask.
So write away!
November 6th, 2008 at 9:43 am
It’s funny how it would work the other way around. If you wrote politically charged posts supporting redistribution of wealth, opposing “right to work”, or any other Obama plan, the other side would disagree respectfully without considering it a personal attack. But criticize Obama and people take it personal. Hmmm… I say continue to speak your mind JLP! By promising no further politics you are giving the other side what they want: quiet submission to the socialist takeover.
November 6th, 2008 at 10:21 am
And therein lies the problem – us vs. them approach rather than intelligent discussion of individuals with differing opinions. I have heard and seen things get personal on both sides.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I enjoy the finance aspects of this blog and if political discussion intersects with finance *and* there are reasons/rationales/logic embedded in said discussions, you will hold my interest
The real question is – as always – are you writing for yourself or trying to reach a target audience. if for yourself and you don’t care about the audience, write what you want. if you have a target audience and want to keep them – that’s your answer. kinda like the free market.