Well, we just lost Alyss N Onymous from BCTS because of things people are saying about Charlie Kirk. I think politics needs to be toned down here and people watch what the heck they say. We are not the best of people in the best of times. A little quiet, little relaxing and keeping the yapper shut about real life is what we need.
If you feel the need to say something, call up fox news and schedule an interview.
Sephrena
Comments
Just to be clear
Alyss's reaction was not based on anything anyone said here. It was apparently stuff elsewhere, but she felt upset enough to leave all TG forums.
If you're interested in discussing or posting about political subjects, please use the #politics-here sub chat on the BCTS Discord, rather than the blogs and comments here on BC.
BCTS Chat
Thanks and hugs to everyone,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
I never knew that there was a more political forum.
I don't get to spend any time here at all these days, but I am very pleased to know that you have created a space for more political discussion, Erin. I think that it is good for every one of us to remember, how easily we can be affected by subjects impinging on the core issues that move all of us here so deeply. John is quite correct; and it is a perfect time to pause to make sure we don't say anything we will always regret. I just remember all of the nice things that have been said to me over these many long years, many things said by friends who are now beyond our reach. Having an outlet where people can ask political questions and express views is a very useful thing. It's every bit as important to maintain a place where we can share those parts of ourselves that find a divided audience in the larger world around us.
And... Thank you for all you do, Erin. You guys don't get nearly enough recognition.
Sarah Lynn
I agree there is a lot of worrisome news out there
But do think twice before posting.
Once it is sent you have almost no chance to take it back.
Erin posted a suggestion worth considering.
Best wishes to all in these trying times
John in Wauwatosa
There comes a point in time…….
When one can no longer bury their head in the sand and pretend that all is right with the world. Personally, I think that we passed that point some time back. Others may choose to continue to hide and hope that the monsters will pass them by, but I cannot.
If this upsets some, then you have my apologies and I will endeavor to no longer upset anyone.
I will miss my friends here.
D. Eden
“Hier stehe ich; ich kann nicht anders. Gott helfe mir.”
Dum Vivimus, Vivamus
Please don’t leave.
Please. I really value your contributions to the site, your comments, and above all, your friendship. I am far from alone. I’ve only been here three years, and too many friends have already vanished.
This is a terrible time for the trans community, and people are coping as best they can. Often in different ways. We need to extend each other more grace than ever, for the world most assuredly will not. To bear with each other, when no-one else will.
— Emma
No one is asking you to leave
You are valued here, you are smart and thoughtful. I moved your latest post to the side so people would see my and Sephrena's posts first.
I'll bring your latest back but not on the front page.
His,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
i agree
your post are factual based and i found them important and useful but since some want us gone i bid you all a fond farewell
Please don't leave
I wish you wouldn't go. I've been reading your comments on Kern as each chapter appears, and it's like a second series of installments full of interesting content.
This alarmist blog post about authors being removed is more than a little overblown and worse than inaccurate. especially when the "authors" are only one, and "removing" is the wrong verb entirely.
The blog title more correctly would have been One author has left the site for personal reasons related to external events, which certainly doesn't pack the same punch, but it does have the advantage of fitting the facts.
My opinion is that if anyone doesn't like what you say, they don't need to read your comments and your blog posts. In my estimation, you're clear-eyed and correct in the things you say.
I hope you'll reconsider and stay and continue to post.
- iolanthe
Please stay
Yes, some things happen that are wrong and we should better be involved about them. However, this does not mean that we should not be together and talk about it.
And you are very valuable in that. You are logical, smart and open to understanding. Thus, you teach all us here to also understand one another. And this is very important now.
But bear in mind
That BC does not just exist in the US as my own efforts can attest.
We are read in many countries all around the world where conditions are, maybe, not so stark as those apparently happening in the USA.
Bear in mind that, although we others may "view with concern" the political postings here they are of less relevance to us and, in any event, that is not what BC is supposed to be here for.
I come here for the stories. I know BC is US-based and that must cause concern for Erin and the crew but in general this should be a safe place. Postings which have the potential for scaring away our readers should really be aired someplace else.
Penny
I agree awful things are happening now in the US
But the difficulty is decerning what is fact from hyperbole, half-truths and worse.
Plus, the nature of online and social media can lead to wild, out of control speculation.
It's like that old parlor game where one whispers a story to another and so on until the final person hears a tale with little relation to the original.
It was always hard to sort fact from fiction.
Thats assuming your fact/beliefs are anything like mine.
Then put that all into modern social media.
The process is much faster and more confusing.
Whatever your beliefs I wish you well.
John in Wauwatosa
That is what makes staying and talking even more important
And yes, I believe that, if done with politeness and honoring one's right on having views - even if not these views themselves - we can come to agreement. Likely not completely, but maybe enough to take most of the dangerous edge out of ourselves.
Some Old Sayings
There are many sides to a debate and many ways for those who get involved in a debate. Some get offended if everyone doesn't agree with them and understand they are right..., always. The Archangel Micheal himself telling them they were wrong wouldn't change their mind. There are those who always take the role of devil's advocate to wind up the other person. The goal to get the other person infuriated and fighting mad. Let's not forget those who encourage as they switch from one to the other hoping to keep the "fight" going for pure entertainment. Nor least we leave out those who accidentally stepped into the cow pie and have no idea how to extradite themselves with grace and honor hoping the other with withdraw so they can retreat themselves.
May I toss in "If one can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen." Sometimes in life there is an awakening life requires more than a pout and temper tantrums aren't the answers nor the solutions. For everyone who wants to slam the door behind them and kick the cat. Come on by. I have some goats who really enjoy rubdowns and petting. To leave the world totally behind, Elvis is a huge billy goat thinks he's a lap dog. I haven't got him to purring yet but working on it.
Hugs People
Barb
Don't take one's self too seriously. If I died today someone would take over my job tomorrow. I'm not indispensable.
Oklahoma born and raised cowgirl
Politics
For me I think there are few places where a trans discussion can be had with few privacy concerns.
Social media is out for me, that is a cesspool. Minority voices get drowned out there, 'truth' is optional. I've read a survey somewhere that for GOP women they tend to not care and just blythly toss out any untruths that pleases them. Plus it is a privacy nightmare.
To me an unmoderated major discussion is no longer a real discussion anymore.
'Truths' get pulled out of their hindquarters just to find things to demonize and dehumanize us like that insane 5 trans mass killer thing.
BC provides something rare where moderation (for the most part, but not always, reasonable) and is a natural community watering hole so in this time of great stress on our country, we are human and need to vent and to pass on essential information to help each other survive.
So what is the alternative really, I would like to know.
Other Reasons
Angela Rasch left as soon as the USA elected the current government, not because of anything posted here, but because of the stated intentions to persecute TG folk.
I haven't seen any nasty posts on this site. There have been comments of a political nature but they have not been vicious. I for one think your nation is in incredible trouble but I try to keep my observations factual rather than inflammatory.
I do have the benefit of living in Australia so I don't have to deal with what is happening in the US on a daily basis.