Courtesy on the Internet

[I was reminded of this post from two years ago by a Facebook friend who is dealing with the insensitivity of “friends” on that social media outlet. What I wrote at that time is still relevant. From May 8, 2014….] 

The subject of courtesy on the internet has been an issue with me since I first began blogging in 2006. It was different in those days because nasty attacks came from Democrats — vile comments left on conservative blog posts and liberals writing over-the-top posts about Republican candidates.

Fast forward to today when there’s a civil war raging within the Republican Party especially in Virginia. It has given rise to a new crop of internet abusers spewing vitriolic sewage on Facebook and blogs. They have used Facebook to complain endlessly over lost contests and perceived injustices, making nasty personal comments about Republicans who are in public office, running for leadership positions, and those who support them.

What is Jim Gilmore up to?

Jim Gilmore, Pete Snyder

By Lynn R. Mitchell

First I saw the photo on Shari Simmans-Bolouri’s Facebook page Monday night of former Governor Jim Gilmore and Pete Snyder, with her comment, “You never know who you will run into at district taco in Alexandria!”

Then there was the Washington Post article by Jenna Portnoy that began, “Former Virginia governor James S. Gilmore III is starting to act like a candidate again,” and speculated about him running for President (see Gilmore raises national profile, won’t rule out presidential bid) .

Maybe that’s why the Governor left a comment on my Facebook page saying that we needed to talk. Looks as if he and Pete are covering that base.

Photo by Shari Simmans-Bolouri

The propaganda war of words against Jeb Bush – updated

Governor Jeb Bush

By Lynn R. Mitchell

It is all becoming clear: some right-of-center people who are determined to undermine Governor Jeb Bush as a serious contender for the GOP presidential nomination have taken to rewriting history and labeling a strong conservative leader as something he’s not. A tea party member said to me on Facebook that Jeb Bush is a “fascist and crony socialist.” That is so ridiculous as to be laughable.

Controversial Loudoun County Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio wrote in the same thread, “Give me a break. Jeb Bush makes vomit smell nice by comparison” (see screen shot below).

Churchville’s Chester 5K race in October

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 25, for the Chester 5K to be held in Churchville, Virginia. A farm-themed harvest race to celebrate fall, it provides an opportunity to enjoy western Augusta County and all that autumn has to offer. Like the Little Bo Peep Racing Facebook page to learn more.

Politics: Friends, allies, and betrayals

By Lynn R. Mitchell

While reading the news wrap-ups this morning about Governor Bob McDonnell’s trial that is underway in Richmond, something he said struck a nerve with me. He noted that he had thought Jonnie Williams, who received blanket immunity from federal prosecutors and turned on the McDonnells, was a true friend.

I wrote on my Facebook status:

All of us have at least one “Jonnie Williams” in our lives — those people we trusted as friends who turned on us, plunging a knife deeply in our backs. They will live with the knowledge of that betrayal the rest of their lives. If you are lucky to have one true friend in politics, you are indeed lucky. They are rare.

In politics we have allies. They are with us until they aren’t. They aren’t our friends and will plunge a knife in our backs in a heartbeat to better their position, side with those in power at the time, or to climb on our backs to reach a higher rung on the ladder.

A true friend is a gift from God. Our job is to recognize them.

Dear RNC, could you be kinder and gentler with $$ requests?

By Lynn R. Mitchell

I’ve got to admit that the subject line of the email from RNC that landed in my email box this morning was a bit shocking.  “Lynn, did you abandon the RNC?” it read.

Actually, I got no further than that. I found it a bit in-your-face and not the usual mild request. But perhaps that was its purpose — to get your attention — when you normally pass over the multiple emails that come asking for money, volunteers, support, whatever.

Click. I deleted it and moved on.

This afternoon I noticed on Facebook that several Young Republicans were discussing that email, and they weren’t any too happy with the tone. Even Justin Higgins at JH Politics had written a post on it so I went to my trash file and retrieved the offensive email and, this time, opened it.

Really, Facebook?

By Lynn R. Mitchell

A mom takes a photo of her pre-school daughter in a kind of remake of the famous Coppertone suntan lotion ad, and it’s banned by Facebook. A teenage big game hunter posts photos of her animal conquests in Africa and it’s banned from Facebook.

However, a photo of a bride and her bridesmaids with dresses hiked up to show their bare behinds is apparently considered just fine. Just sayin’.

Fox News Graphic

Brat campaign manager scrubs FB page election night

By Lynn R. Mitchell

In a curious side note and coming on the heels of an upset win in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, why would winner Dave Brat’s campaign manager scrub his Facebook page?

Repoter Garance Franke-Ruta at Yahoo News wrote:

Courtesy on the internet

By Lynn R. Mitchell

The subject of courtesy on the internet has been an issue with me since I first began blogging in 2006. It was different in those days because nasty attacks came from Democrats — vile comments left on conservative blog posts and liberals writing over-the-top posts about Republican candidates.

Fast forward to today when there’s a civil war raging within the Republican Party especially in Virginia. It has given rise to a new crop of internet abusers spewing vitriolic sewage on Facebook and blogs. They have used Facebook to complain endlessly over lost contests and perceived injustices, making nasty personal comments about Republicans who are in public office, running for leadership positions, and those who support them.