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Political Insider

It’s time to play nice

12:49 pm November 11, 2009, by jgalloway

Ladies and gentlemen of the Political Insider community, we have a choice to make.
I understand the Atlanta mayoral race has stirred passions and touched on some highly sensitive topics. But the language used and accusations made in some of the commentary has gotten out of hand.

So we’ve got two choices: We can use a modicum of self-control and personal responsibility, or we can shift back to monitored commenting – which will slow the conversation down considerably. And will make me work much harder than I like.

I’m not asking for much, and I realize that a large part of political speech lives in hyperbole.

But the rules are simple. Lay off the vulgarities. Racial, sexual and religious epithets are out of bounds. This space is not to be used for accusations of criminal or felonious conduct that have no basis in public record. You do not use your anonymity to peddle innuendo or engage in conversation that would make your child or your mother blush.

There. I’ve said my piece. Let’s hear from you. But nicely.

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14 comments Add your comment

Teela

November 11th, 2009
12:52 pm

Agreed, Jim. Politics brings out the worst in all of us.

We should try to be civil.

Please monitor comments

November 11th, 2009
1:18 pm

After the Mayoral race, we will still have to coexist in this City. Please monitor the comments in an effort to not further fuel emotions.

Thanks

Jeff

November 11th, 2009
1:35 pm

People will say thing on-line that they would never in a million years say o someones face!

It's 2009

November 11th, 2009
2:25 pm

Sorry, I hear you, but the InterWebs has brought out the lowest common determinator…

findog

November 11th, 2009
2:30 pm

Tact [noun]
Pronunciation: \’takt\
A keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense
Or
Telling someone to go to heck and having them look forward to the trip

BPJ

November 11th, 2009
2:53 pm

Glad to see this!

Drooly

November 11th, 2009
3:00 pm

%!!%^$#$#@@@!!!*& %&*($#@@!!!

Thanks.

The Snark

November 11th, 2009
3:40 pm

Bully for you, Jim. That needed to be said. The other AJC columnists need to follow your lead.

I applaud the AJC for trying to make cyberspace a place for the exchange of idea and the discussion of matters of public interest, but the majority ofThere is precious little “discussion,” just the lobbing of grenades back and forth. I would describe the opinions as ill-informed, but often they are not even opinions — just hatred.

Bill White

November 11th, 2009
3:58 pm

I agree with you, Jim. You always keep me up to date and what my aunt has to deal with in Brasstown. Love, Bill http://twitter.com/billorviswhite

Jones, Will

November 11th, 2009
10:00 pm

What is the big deal. Does it really matter which one is elected? They are both democrat hacks and will hasten ATL’s transformation into the “Detroit of the South.”

Birdie

November 11th, 2009
10:56 pm

Why doesn’t the AJC have a comments posting policy like a number of other newspapers that have gone online? Thanks for the post. Too many comments on this blog and around this site really make me embarrassed about this town.

Chris Mathews is covered in his own spittle

November 11th, 2009
11:33 pm

‘Bout time, Jumbo G! The vulagirty and racism in this all Democrat race has been an embarassment to the entire state. A

Southernbreeze

November 12th, 2009
5:28 am

I agree. But people are passionate about this city and everyone has a right to their own opinion. Sure people should be civil. If there is criminal behavior or support of criminal behavior on the part of any politician which is supported by public record and fact, it should be stated…I’m sure the voters would like to know this prior to voting.

I haven’t heard of any of this type of behavior relating to either candidate. They both are good candidates. It will be a hard decision. Good luck to both.

Southernbreeze

November 12th, 2009
5:43 am

Hope you weren’t “reprimanded” for any of your columns regarding the mayoral race, Jim. So many people enjoy your columns and your candor…hope the “powers that be” didn’t threaten your job for your welcomed forthrightness.

It’s sad when columnists are stiffled and have to “backtrack” or recant because they ticked off certain people. Don’t be bullied….so people are masters at it. You have one of the best columns on the AJC because you aren’t afraid to state the facts and take risks.