[nabs-l] Starting a political listserve

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

I've been following this thread and choosing to remain silent, but I
think something must be addressed.

First, I believe Dave made a similar comment, but the political
"discussion" started here didn't read like a discussion or intellectual
debate in any sense of the meaning. Rather, it was politically driven
agendas- both liberal and conservative- that turned into diatribes
pitting Fox news and MSNBC against one another. No factual information
was given; no documented evidence was used to support any claims; no
real political issues and campaigns were mentioned in the posts. It was
all opinionated, emotion-driven rhetoric that created more tension and
anger than any healthy debate or discussion.

A separate listserve specific to politics would inevitably descend into
a similar situation. It would be similar to a listserve catering to all
religions, but most of us would agree this would become about who is
right and will burn in hell rather than an intellectual exchange of
ideas and concerns.

Based on how the discussion disintegrated on a student list, I'm not
sure why others think it could be something else on another list.

Second, and probably more important, it is crucial the Federation remain
politically neutral. We have multiple members with various backgrounds
and beliefs. The Federation doesn't want to ostracize anyone, especially
potential members, because they feel the Federation supports one
political side over another.

The Federation also doesn't want to ostracize politicians because of
assumptions that the organization subscribes to one group, or agenda,
over another. We solicit support from all political sides for the issues
and concerns important to the Federation. We can't appear to support one
party even though we expect individual support from all parties.

A listserve specific to politics has the potential to come across as
predominantly supporting one political party over another. Based on
recent political threads, I see this happening, placing the Federation
in a precarious situation. If such a listserve existed under the
Federation name, it would be fundamental the list remain politically
neutral, but as already mentioned, the ability to remain neutral, or at
least appear neutral, is not likely.

We also have to consider potential consequences of such a list. What if
politicians were aware of negative comments made towards their party or
causes or themselves? Consider the implications. How can we approach
politicians, expecting them to support legislation in our favor,
claiming this is what blind people want, when Federation members, or at
least Federation listserves, aren't neutral or appear to only focus on
negative back-and-forths? It's too great a risk especially  when
political online communities currently exist. If you want to discuss
politics, it doesn't have to be done specifically with blind people.
Join any of the online, or local, groups that exist.

In my option, if anyone initiates  such a listserve, it can't be
advertised as an NFB listserve. Arielle has suggested a good idea for
those interested in politics; Google it and find online communities
dedicated to politics, and this way, you can find a group that mirrors
your own political views as well.

I'm merely stating what the Federation itself states. I understand the
desire to discuss politics, and I applaud you students taking an active
interest in politics, but creating a political listserve doesn't seem to
have a point, and I fear what ramifications may stem from such a list
especially if it appears to support a singular political view.

Sincerely,
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Read my blog for Live Well Nebraska.com at
http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/
"History is not what happened; history is what was written down."
The Expected One- Kathleen McGowan

Message: 39
Date: Sun, 18 Sep 2011 17:21:34 -0600
From: Arielle Silverman <arielle71 at gmail.com>
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
	<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Off Topic Messages
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<CALAYQJAkbk8iR8GWe43YD+5=h+xCC3pJbQsO1xGSOb1LcT3hZQ at mail.gmail.com>
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Hi all,
I'm sure there are lots of mainstream political discussion listservs
out there already. Just punch "politics discussion listserv" or "young
Democrats/Republicans listserv" or some such into Google. I don't
think we need separate listservs for blind folks to discuss politics.
As for list moderation, a new NABS board was just elected in July, and
is still establishing committee assignments. I have been in discussion
with our new president, Sean Whalen, about listserv committee
structure, so I know he and his board are working on it. If you would
like to assist with list moderation, send him an email and let him
know.
For the new people: David Andrews is the list owner, and has final say
over what is and isn't allowed on-list. He has the authority to place
people on moderated status or deactivate their list subscriptions at
his discretion. However, a student moderator or listserv committee is
often appointed by the NABS board to keep things running smoothly and
help defuse problems before they get up to Dave's level.
Best,
Arielle