Earlier today, Howard authored a post entitled, "The Batavian is an open forum" that discussed, in my view anyway, the current state of The Batavian and the evolution of The Batavian. It was an interesting take by Howard, but I think he missed the mark in a few areas.
I have been a fan of this blog since its inception. It is because of The Batavian that the Daily News (who had long been without a website) decided to join the rest of the newspaper world in introducing a website to the fold. The Batavian also proved to be key during the 2008 elections - a perfect year for a blog such as this one to start and get off the ground running.
But I do take issue with a few things Howard said in his post. In discussing the political leanings of readers and contributors here at The Batavian, Howard said the following:
There was a time when Republicans thought The Batavian was hostile to their positions. Many of the original members of the site were active in local Democratic politics, and I think Philip Anselmo leaned a bit to the liberal side.
While I espoused a localist-libertarian position, I was (and am) non-partisan.
In this environment, Republicans didn't see many of their ideas being put forward and thought their viewpoints would be unwelcome.
Now, I'm hearing the Democrats are thinking of The Batavian, especially since Philip left, is hostile to their party and positions. Nothing could be further from the truth. Naturally, I'm going to be critical of big government programs being pushed by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand or more taxes and spending from David Paterson, but that's because as a libertarian, I think those are bad policies. It has nothing to do with party affiliation. I'm critical of Republicans when they espouse more government solutions to problems.
I don't know how accurate it is to say that Republicans "thought The Batavian was hostile to their positions." Let's be real: The Republicans weren't reading. There were a few Republican contributors, including Genesee County Legislator Jerome Grasso, but the Republicans weren't represented here. It is one thing to claim hostility. It's another thing to be not active. The Republicans weren't active. The Democrats took advantage of having a new medium and did what we do best: We used it. We didn't see it as something foreign.
The Republicans weren't posting any of their ideas. And to say that their viewpoints would be unwelcome is a joke. If they aren't posting and aren't trying to post, how can we make such a statement and claim it as fact?
I'm not sure where Howard gets his facts about Democrats labeling this blog as "hostile to their party and positions." That word "hostile" is getting tossed around rather liberally (no pun intended) and I'm not sure where the perception of hostility is derived. I think the belief is that Howard has tried a little too hard to try and erase and previous views that this blog was friendly to Democrats. He might not agree with that view, but that is something I have noticed over the last several months and I know I'm not the only one who shares that view. Does that mean we believe that this blog is anti-Democrats as a result? No.
It is no secret that Democrats/progressives have had great success in online organizing and with the blogosphere. The Republicans/conservatives haven't had the same success. If that is what they consider "hostile", then maybe they need to be more proactive than reactive. I recall Grasso mentioning this same point. He called on his Republican friends to contribute. Apparently, instead of showing up, they chose to stew about it and allege "hostility."
Unless a blog has a certain identity (progressive, conservative, libertarian, socialist, etc.), then there really isn't a need to worry about who is utilizing the blog more than others. If there are more conservatives utilizing a blog like The Batavian, all the power to them. The Batavian isn't targeting one ideology over another. So there is no reason to try so hard to balance things out, nor is it necessary to try and debunk any claims by one party or another about one side being favored over another.
Robert, I also read "The
Robert, I also read "The Batavian Is An Open Forum" yesterday. It's a good thing I did since attempting to go back to it today garnered an "Access Denied". This was surprising since Howard specifically said that he decided to keep the thread up.
You wrote, "Unless a blog has a certain identity (progressive, conservative, libertarian, socialist, etc.), then there really isn't a need to worry about who is utilizing the blog more than others. If there are more conservatives utilizing a blog like The Batavian, all the power to them. The Batavian isn't targeting one ideology over another. So there is no reason to try so hard to balance things out, nor is it necessary to try and debunk any claims by one party or another about one side being favored over another."
In "The Batavian Is An Open Forum", Howard mentioned receiving an email enumerating the number of Democrats who post to this site. Some he knew, others came as a surprise. There are many posts, from those on that list, that are not political. Many of the posts just comment about every day living with no political agenda at all. That is what makes the site worth coming to each day. We, regardless of political leanings, can share our thoughts and experiences. I have sent links to this site to many people, who no longer live in the area, because it is a great tool to keep in touch with our hometown.
Bea, I was first introduced
Bea, I was first introduced to this site by someone who frequents it. My intentions were to blogg my opinions, and read others as well. I dont want to say I'm addicted to it, but my husband and kids say I am. While never intending to insult others, at times I find myself getting really serious, about some of the posts. My motives have absolutely nothing to do with politics, as I dont vote. While I wish the Batavian wasnt so political all the time, I blogg anyway. Maybe I dont always know what I'm talking about, but I do enjoy getting a rise out of some, whom I think are full of it. I think Howard has a great site, and it continues to grow. There are lots of people on here that I know and some I dont. Thats what makes it fun. It just goes to show , how many different walks of life there are in Batavia. Continued Success Howard!! You really have something here. and Howard if at any time you want to delete my account, feel free, I wont mind, as I am a Batavian Addict LOL ;)
Posted by Karen Miconi on
Posted by Karen Miconi on August 31, 2009 - 9:40am
While never intending to insult others, at times I find myself getting really serious, about some of the posts. My motives have absolutely nothing to do with politics, as I dont vote.
You don't vote?
No, Bea, for the shear fact
No, Bea, for the shear fact that I dont want to feel guilty if I vote for the wrong person. I have never voted in all these years. I sit back and watch what happenes. Besides my little vote wont help.....Its more fun to sit back and watch all the debates.
Karen, I am surprised you
Karen, I am surprised you don't vote. The 19th amendment was ratified so you could. It would add much credibility to your statements if you were a player and not a spectator, particularly in matters of Batavia city politics. If all had the same attitude, where would we be? Of course, you also have the right not to, but an active voter is the incumbents worst fear, and we have far too many politicians nationwide that need the boot! (dems and GOP alike)
I know what you are saying
I know what you are saying Bud, and thank you for showing up. I am just a spectator in all the goings on, but I like it that way. I always look at the big picture. I think being a Dem, or Republican, only gets in the way of the real issues at hand. I dont think my vote will have any pull on Capital Hill or Batavia Hill anyway. I'm sorry if my comments offend any of you. I think there are alot of gray areas in the way Batavia is run. Whether it be favoratizm, frivalious spending, pork projects, and the secrecy that some of our city leaders display. I am just concerned for our city. What would you do different, if you were me Bud. I respect your opinion, and many others on this site.
Karen - I can't believe that
Karen - I can't believe that you of all people have such a defeatist attitude. That's the same thing I heard from my 19 year old until recently. On Saturday she yelled at a friend of hers for saying it so I guess she really does listen to me:) Are you registered to vote? If not, we need to work on that. I'll be dropping by with a voter registration form:)
There you are Beth!! Good to
There you are Beth!! Good to see you blogging again. Do you really think my vote will really matter?? I dont.
Every vote counts Karen. I'm
Every vote counts Karen. I'm stopping by your house! Seriously though - are you registered? I know I was registered for years before I actually voted. Now you couldn't keep me away from the polls. People worked too hard to give me the right to vote.
By not voting you are taking
By not voting you are taking away your right that millions have fought and died for. By not voting you have given up your ability to say legitimately say that someone is making bad decisions while in office. You are giving up your ability to criticize politicians. While voting is a choice here in the US, you have lost my respect for you when it comes to political decisions. (In countries where it is illegal not to vote, there is generally more satisfaction with their government, such as Belgium)
You chose to not make a choice, and now whatever happens you have no right to criticize. All because you don't go out once a year and make some choices.
Karen, What can you do? You
Karen,
What can you do? You should make a bee-line to the Board of Election's office and register to vote.
I agree with Bud, "It would add much credibility to your statements if you were a player and not a spectator, particularly in matters of Batavia city politics."
Those who came before us worked too hard and suffered too much to take the right to vote lightly. http://www.lkwdpl.org/wihohio/anth-sus.htm
Karen, when I go in to vote
Karen, when I go in to vote for each and every election -- whether I'm voting for a local town councilman or the President of the United States -- I give thanks for living in a country where I have this right. And believe me your vote does count. I have seen local elections where 2 votes separate the winner and loser.
You don't have to register as a Dem or a Republican -- you can register as a blank, Working Families Party, Green or an Independence. If you want a registration card I know that Beth or Bea would get one to you or I would personally drive one to you and hand deliver it to Board of Elections.
Bea and I will be knocking on
Bea and I will be knocking on your door tonight!
Thanks Girls! I respect what
Thanks Girls! I respect what you are all trying to convey to me. Maybe you have swayed me. Chelsea, while I understand what you are saying, the fact that I dont vote, doesnt make me less of an American. I did not know that I could vote and not have to vote rep. or dem. either. That is part of the reason, I havent voted in the past. I guess I would be an Independant?
Even if you are registered
Even if you are registered with a party, you can vote anyway you please. I'm sure that some GOP voted for Obama, given the candidate that the republicans nominated. Glad I sparked a little interest here. Voting is a privilege, and should not be taken lightly. Fill out that card Beth gets you, and vote! :)
I am registered Republican,
I am registered Republican, but I generally vote the conservative line.
But if you are going to vote for liberals don't bother. Please.