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Blog: Being Taken To Task: My Response  



How Do I Love Me? Let Me Count the Ways...
THE ABOVE NEWS POST WAS ARBITRARILY REMOVED, WITH NO NOTICE OR REASON GIVEN, FROM MY LIST OF SUBMITTED STORIES. 

YOU WILL NOT FIND IT ANYWHERE ON CARE2.

Cate
StarsButterfliesGold Notes

I'm sorry I disappointed you, friend, but I'm not sorry for my take on this year's party-endorsed presidential candidates.

I have openly said from BEFORE Hillary's campaign started lagging that I did not like or trust Barack NObama, that I felt (and feel) he has hidden agendas he is not revealing, and that he is all about me-ism.

He is an intelligent man with a slick and effective  oratorical delivery who falters often when he has to speak extemporaneously because everything he does has been so highly-polished and scripted that he is lost when the speechifying turns to actual give and take instead of proclaiming from the podium.

NObama made absolute statements in debates  - I watched the debates from the start - thet he is now shining on about: softly trying to step back from or retrofitting to fit mass opinion, and finally and most simply - from the get-go, my gut told me he was untrustworthy. I trust him even less now.

NObama may have a vision for America, but it is not my vision. I disagree with both him and McCain't on the type of immigration "reform" they propose, when IMHO the major reform we need is to start enforcing our existing federal immigration laws and cuy back on guest worker visas so dear to hearts of Bill Gates and other billionaire neo-cons like him.

The fact that NObama attended a racist - yes, racist and ugly - church for 20 years, coupled with his referring to its anti-white, anti-US yet MILLIONAIRE pastor as his "mentor" capped it for me. We don't need black racists in government any more than we need white or Latino or Chinese or any other racist in government.

You did not mention, friend, that I am NOT talking up McCain't, either. He is an unmitigated phony who also sways in the wind and has no grasp of the realities of real life in the country as it is today. I lost all respect for him a long time ago when he began pandering to the right-wing fundamentalist conservative vote BEFORE the primaries began. He is an out-of-touch fool with no clear message on anything and no vision of how to help us regain what we have lost. Perhaps the reason I chose to spotlight NObama is that I am now a grievously disappointed Democrat attempting to explain my view of "our" party's presumptive heir to the throne.

I think both of our dictated party choices are very poor choices, and anyway, the next president of the United States has already been hand-picked for manipulabiity and inexperience - (do either of these candidates know a damn bit of anything political outside of sitting in Congress?) - by larger powers than our electorate. I have never been a my country OR my political party right-or-wrong person. I refuse to tow the party line to support a candidate who does not have my respect or trust. I vote my conscience, with a lot of input from both my life experience and my gut. If this bothers people - tough sh*t.

It's not just about no Hillary, although she became my default choice (I was an avid John Edwards supporter).

It's about the media ignoring John Edwards - who came up from nothing, has real-life work and business experience, who founded and for two years directed the Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity at the University of North Carolina, who  made himself a voice for the everyday person -  thus ensuring that Edwards had no chance to catch fire with the public.

It's about the anointing of NObama by people in and outside the Democratic Party - like the media - to make sure that people with a real message - Mike Gravelle, for instance - were written off as weirdos and losers when, in every primary period online poll I and most of my  friends on and off Care2 shared and took, he came out as the candidate most closely matching our views on the truth of America today as well a displaying courage and foresight on how to proceed for the future.

It was never about "the people's choice", friend, but always about those unseen hands belonging to the warmongers, the profiteers, the billionaires who choose for us -  the straw men they want us to have to vote for.

Posted: Thursday July 24, 2008, 12:43 pm
Visibility: Everyone
      

Tags: us of election politics republicans mccain presidential democrats choice lack voter candidates obama
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Just Carole (327) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 2:31 pm

That is ridiculous!

I am saddened by the lack of understanding here at Care2 at what constitutes "freedom of expression."

In the first place, this was NOT an article authored by you, personally, but merely a repost of another already in circulation.

Disgusted!

NO in NOvember!

faith a. (98) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 2:33 pm
You are right on sister regarding the facts of this matter-removed or not this story has and will continue to make an impact- Blessings

Howard Clark (305) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 2:33 pm
McCain is scary too. I am really saddened about how Hillary was knocked down. I'll probably vote for Nader. Obama's Berlin Speech was pretty good, however: http://tiny.cc/A7n8w

Scott Shaubel (826) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 2:35 pm

I have had 5 articles deleted by c2, in the last few weeks.

Tim Redfern (476) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 2:39 pm
Cate, my dear, I would NEVER insult you personally, even if we disagreed. Mrs.Redfern raised her youngest son to be a gent.
As for NObama, I spent alot of time on the fence where he's concerned: At first, I thought he was either an empty suit or the black JFK. I know firmly believe the former, and dismiss the latter.

As for John McSame, Senator Hundred-Year-War from Arizona, I don't trust him any further than I could throw a grand piano. I don't trust him mostly for the fact that he spent 7 years in the Hanoi Hilton, and it seems to have left him a mentally-unstable warmonger. What if the pressures of the presidency send him totally round the bend?
As my sweet friend Carole has said,
NO IN NOVEMBER!

Ombretta LittleShadow (405) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 2:39 pm
Here is the comment I received from the friend - someone who I thought was a friend anyway- regarding this matter:

"Cate read all your excuses for not trusting and voting for Obama ! Take a good look because all you stated are feelings and feelings aren't facts and what his former pastor said is not what he said or did .I listened to that pastors whole rant and btw I agreed with a lot of what he said and from your posts on subjects relating to our government you also agreed with him.You felt 9/11 was a false flag just like millions of Americans do.So what .As a native american I can understand his pastors black rage but does that mean Obama will turn on whites because of his pastors rage ? No more than it means he would turn on whites because of the indians rage against whites for the genocide they committed against our people .Please your arguements are not rational .They only point out what your trying to hide !
So what if Edwards or Gravel didn't get anywhere they did the same to Kucinich who I voted for .Get over it Obama is the nominee ! Unless you truly are a racist I see nothing in your arguement that is fact based and concret reason to not vote for the man against McCain !

That's my 2 beads worth.
I have to tell you that your article was not posted so apparently Care 2 also thought it was a malicious article as I did !

Good luck Cate with all that hate you want to hang onto !"

This saddens me no end - I didn't know that expressing my honest thoughts, with no insults, no advocacy of violence, no allusions to race - made me a hatemonger. Cate - Hurt and Puzzled

Just Carole (327) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 2:57 pm

What is the ultimate revenge of hate accusers?

Not by responding publicly . . . NO! (That would imply civility and respect.)

It's censorship, by someone who feels so omnipotent as to be in a position to judge others, and to have their disagreeable opinions silenced. And a management who backs them is even worse.

Now, THAT is hate!

I can still love my friends who believe differently from me -- but for me to attempt to silence them is viciousness.

Blue Bunting (754) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 2:59 pm
Cat, you are NOT alone; I've had articles removed, too and even had Care2 tell me not to put "live" links in comments on others' news articles (someone must have complained) ... and I remember commenting on your article ...

I'm saddened that you are being treated so unfairly by Care2.

Margaret B. (202) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 3:01 pm
I had understood that by noting something you were free to express your opinon and views but guess that was another myth...what is care2 all about anyway...I have always be proud to vote but this election has me stumped for a viable candidate and will probably do a write-in, this being the AMERICAN way and this included NA, of which I am one and proudly hold my head up and bow to no one but the Creator! May not make sense at the moment but am very sadden over the way care2 is policing and changing what we are all about, those of us who joined in 1999 and before...

Joan Mclaughlin (123) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 3:07 pm
I was the under the impression that this is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NOT A COMMUNIST COUNTRY.I don't trust Obamma.He doesn't speak well.I watched an interview with Charles Gibson and he didn't answer any questions.He just smiled and said what we wanted to hear.Only I didn't hear what I wanted either.The interview was a waste of time.I am not one to be prejudiced.But I think he is being pushed because he is an african american and no other reason.Well except that he is younger than McCain.You didn't write the article you just passed it along.What is next MUZZLES for all that don't agree with the powers that be?
KUDOS FOR CATE!! All she is doing is posting the news and stating how she feels.What is wrong with that?NOTHING!AFTER ALL OUR CONSTITUION BACKS YOU.

Barbcat Kay (595) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 3:10 pm
I think whole heartedly, this has to be THE most BIZZARE pre-election America has ever had to endure. I'm not so sure I'm going to vote!! If CATE runs then of course, she'll have my vote!! Otherwise...

Cal Mendelsohn (330) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 3:16 pm
Cate For President!
Censorship Sucks!

Just Carole (327) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 3:29 pm

Sorry. But I'm still mad.

Since WHEN, is it the business of Care2 to remove anything other than a violation of Code of Conduct or Terms of Service????

OR, are they finally proving that those regulations are so vague that they can be applied to just about ANYTHING said on this site (provided someone objects -- either with, or without, merit)?

Mary Neal (100) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 3:33 pm
Hey, Cate. Just dropping in to let you know I enjoyed reading your blog. Regarding the election, I read the menu and seeing no steak, I settled for chicken. Mostly, I'm just too sick of the mess I picked off the Bushes not to accept this damn chicken and hope I like it. Frankly, I don't expect to like it much more than the stuff from the Bushes, but I'm hopeful that the party-affiliation will keep things somewhat cool. Although, I must confess, the party as a whole has been somewhat disappointing in certain areas of import lately. Oh, well. Keep blogging!

Mary

honeysucklebarb Liebowitz (541) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 3:36 pm
i want to move to canada

Sunshine Ray (535) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 3:50 pm
dear Cate, it is unfortunate but care2 has been deleleting articles for a long time, many that were not even contraversal (sp?), some I reposted, and they left them, although some of the people they banned, many left, there was a very rough period here with lots of that going on. They are not stopping, so what is their agenda, it certainly isn't endorsed by free speech as long as its not hate speech. And they are showing their colours repeatedly, I don't know what colour that would be for what they are doing, I have a few suggestions but will decline. As for Nobamba, I too have had mixed feelings. The gut feeling is that he isn't the best, or even the right one, hilary sure wasn't, mccain needs not be mentioned, ombama may be the best the USA will get. There was talk along time ago that he was with the bilderberger's, it wasn't confirmed then only hilary, however, it was confirmed recently at a quick meeting with hilary as well not long past. and we are in a sorry state in canada, slim pickins, layton would be the best and from personal expereince he is severely lacking on personal level with consituitents, and rather weak, on grand scale for issues he is better. arms say no more, peace, and that was that persons opinion, she got abit personal people do when they are impassioned about things, I know all to well. love cheryl

Laetitia v. (281) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 3:53 pm
I agree, Cate would make the best president! She would never allow herself to be bought! I just had a comment about the GMC censored on AOL; I think only because it criticized a certain newspaper with powerful connections.... Freedom of Speech meanwhile was given to all sorts of hate posters and racists. I sympathize.

Sunshine Ray (535) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 3:54 pm
i will add, my heart and from my soul was with Kucinch, was he strong enough, I dont think so. Who's left Ron Paul. anyway later

Laetitia v. (281) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 3:56 pm
OICH! Sorry, I multiplied.... *hug*

Just Carole (327) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 3:56 pm

Create your own share:

http://www.care2.com/c2c/share/detail/825666

Tj H. (48) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 3:59 pm
Show me an elected person in any post that is not, once in office, "All about ME' ism" & I will move to that country & gladly VOTE ..... meanwhile I pray for a NEW AGE 'GUY FAWKES' to rid us of them all !!!

Blue Apes Revolution A Go Go (131) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 4:00 pm
I totally agree Cate, none of the main parties in the USA offer anything,remotely out of step with the elite's manufactured consensus.I don't know if it makes you feel better or worse but its the same pattern throughout the whole western world.
Obama is the new Tony B-liar,slick ,relatively young,attractive, promising all things to all people,and following the term of a deeply unpopular hard right wing government(if elected anyway)..
Another highly significant similarity is that Murdoch ,a Satanist's Satanist ,is very keen on Obama,just as all of his hate rag newspaper's here,backed Bliair's "New Labour" (ie not at all Labour).
Ultimately people will be very disappointed,with Obama,as they have felt betrayed by Bliars worship of the rich,entry into Iraq,and general level of sleeziness.
It wasn't that Bliar was worse than the conservatives,New Labour would have had to go all out,to top Thatcher/Major's psychopathy..it was more about the damage they caused.
As a progressive party moves rightwards,It affects the culture of the left,stops the necessary arguments being made and being put on the agenda,it also denies the voters any real choice.
My own opinion like yours is that we need to start again.Within our own countries we have to build links,(anti war groups,trade unionists fed up with the main parties,liberals,social democrats,greens..everyone unhappy that the vote means nothing,and the wage is worth less each year..if you have a job of course).
Create a real people's democracy movement,not beholden to vested interests,and not the tool of the tiny clique ruining your society..and ours.
There are millions who don't vote in the USA ..and I don't blame them.
Lastly here ,it seems a shame that a level of censorship exists on C2.I got banned from one thread, for saying that Hilary Clinton would just move further to the right if she got elected,and was just a slightly more liberal tool of a rotten system.
Am totally with you Cate..and anyone who says there is anything remotely racist about your post is talking bull.

Lyn Z. (248) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 4:03 pm
BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO CATE = YOU ROCK GIRL

Just Carole (327) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 4:04 pm

I am also so sick and tired of Care2 censorship that I am considering a boycott of Care2 News Network.

What is the point of providing a forum for information, and then subjectively deleting certain articles.

It's fascist and insulting!

Black T. (223) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 4:07 pm
Note to Honeysucklebarb, You would at this time find the same $h*t here in Canada, because our Govn. is so far up Bush's chocolate alley that we are scr*wed too.

Sunshine Ray (535) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 4:11 pm
as to censorship, better take a look at this, and do know that care2 deletes blogs/shares as well, often if theydon't even like the comments and no one has complained. I am doing everything I can to get my own sitaution help up and running and popping in and out abit, can't let this one go
----------------------------------

A net-neutrality activist group has uncovered plans for the demise of the free Internet by 2010 in Canada. By 2012, the group says, the trend will be global.

Bell Canada and TELUS, Canada’s two largest Internet service providers (ISPs), will begin charging per-site fees on most Internet sites, reports anonymous sources within TELUS.

“It's beyond censorship, it is killing the biggest ecosystem of free expression and freedom of speech that has ever existed,” I Power spokesperson Reese Leysen said. I Power was the first group to report on the possible changes.

Bell Canada has not returned calls or emails.

http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=6415&pst=1274707



http://www.americanfreepress.net/html/canada_net_censorship.html

http://www.infowars.com/?p=3303

http://pacificfreepress.com/content/view/2866/81/


IT'S SPREADING FAST ON INTERNET, PETITION SHOULD GET SIGS FAST, SOMEONE PLEASE, AND MAKE SURE THE TARGETS ARE RIGHT, THE COMPANIES OR BROADCASTING THAT CONTROLS THEM, NOT SURE IN THIS CASE, THATS A QUICK RESEARCH FOR SOME ONE AND THERE ARE SEVERAL LINKS TO IT ALREADY,

I can't even print out a petition let alone deliver it I need someone to help to that or for me, and will be for my sitaution first, but this is scarey, now layton did stop bell and others from text message charges, for abit, so someone needs to jump on this one asap, I too much trying to do what I trying to do under extreme circumstances. a heads up and if anyone can start a petition pls do. thx

Mary Neal (100) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 4:14 pm
Speaking of strange things . . . I wonder, Cate, did you EVER receive an e-mail from me, sent several days ago? It was entitled "Unfair Care2." My issue was that when my News Story entitled "Elvis Presley's Sad Anniversary" was posted, it was immediately listed as being posted 11 hours before! This time difference means that the story NEVER appeared on the "Newly Submitted" first page so people could notice it. It also means that the story would necessarily FAIL to make it to Care2 Front Page, because only the stories that get the most points quickly can make it to front page. My story actually had ten points within a few minutes -- even before I asked my Care2 friends to please note it, but it appeared to have taken 11 hours to get those 10 points rather than just the few minutes that it actually took, you see? When I wrote you and other Care2 friends about this, not one of you responded. So I wondered if you ever got my e-mail about the problem I was having. Below is a link to the actual story, which you read and noted. Care2 said they are looking into the problem. Thanks!

Mary

http://www.nowpublic.com/culture/elvis-presleys-sad-anniversary

10
Elvis Presley's Sad Anniversary
World (tags: ElvisPresley, MaryNeal, LarryNeal, Graceland, Memphis, AssistancetotheIncarceratedMentallyIll )

Mary
- 11 hours ago - nowpublic.com

That Elvis Presley was some'um, as my grandma used to say. I was living on Elvis Presley Boulevard on August 16, 1977, the day Elvis died. I lived about a block from Graceland, as a matter of . . .

Phyllis P. (355) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 4:17 pm
Cate, I consider you to be a very intelligent and knowledgable woman. I trust what you say as you don't speak unless you know what you are saying. I loved your blog and further more, it is not about color, it is about patriotism. When he couldn't even salute our flag, I started distrusting him. I agree wholeheartedly that he has a hidden agenda. If he gets elected, then we might all be screwed when we discover what that agenda may be. Further more, he has NO EXPERIENCE ...pay your dues, do some time in public service, then maybe you can afford the priveledge of running for president. Thanks for letting me share.

Just Carole (327) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 4:22 pm

Please remember that this is NOT about a party or candidate.

It is about news being arbitrarily removed.

It is a violation of ANOTHER basic freedom!

It has NOTHING to do with Obama or McCain. It has to do with members being led to believe that they have been provided an arena to present news from alternative sources, but then being subjected to removal of information -- without reason or notice!

Ombretta LittleShadow (405) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 4:26 pm
This blog is also my surprise at being accused of spreading HATE - and how partison politics can change your friends into tunnel-visioned harpies. I have lost 3 friends over this story. I guess differing views have no place in their pantheon of friendship. This is really just as important to ME as the censorship of Care2. If friends can't agree to disagree on an issue like this, I guess the connection was pretty weak to begin with.

Ken S. (20) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 4:29 pm
Cate, from the outside looking in...Your deep unelected government has put forward 2 main candidates...forget the politics, this is just window dressing...I think that they both will toe the line....or they would be taken out..."an accident", assassinated, or a plane crash, perhaps a mystery terminal disease.They can and do as they like...with the thinnest veneer of a plausible reason....If, somehow, an honest politician was to be elected, rest assured, his tenure would be very short...
Until they finally come out, and then it is too late, the "sheeple", will continue to ignore the signs. The courage, insight and self sacrifice for your country, by your Founding Fathers, has in the main, evaporated into lazy, self interest, "as long as it doesn't affect me", attitude.Oh yes they wear "patriotism" as a proud badge, but if the majority had the choice of being an agent for change, and having to think deeply....forget it.The ironic part is, that many of their vocal supporters will themselves become victims... unless you have a purpose, or are one of them,(not just a hanger on) you are cannon fodder...taking up space, oxygen and valuable resources...I find it so abhorrent, to think that there are those in the NWO/UN/ILLUMINATI, who have decreed that all but 1 billion people, or less, should inhabit this planet..and are planning our removal by one method or other..
We live in troubled times...what happens in the US, affects us all.If you pray to a God, do so, we need all the help we can get....because you will get no help from the dumb sheeple.

Phyllis P. (355) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 4:34 pm
You are right...it is about the article being removed. I am sorry, I got carried away because I am nervous that everyone is blinded by the Obama light!!! A story not written by yourself, should not be left to scrutiny for removal.

Just Carole (327) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 4:39 pm

I apologize for the many repeats of my comments. I only sent each once, but when checking back, I am finding them repeated.

David Buchan (108) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 4:55 pm
I cannot see, or understand, why this topic was shamefully removed...Freedom of speech is obviously not a big thing with Care2...Or, with your 'friend you thought was a friend'...
Interesting to note though, that s/he also states that "this article was not posted" ???

No matter, it should still be there...For the dismissal you have my utmost empathy...It's pathetic!...

As for the "racist Barack" one must postulate which half of him hates the other?...The church?...Perhaps like many devout Catholics, given a different set of circumstances, turn on their past...Maybe just speculation but guilty until proven innocent???

You have proven to yourself? that your heart sometimes rules your mind in that your result in the quiz (Your Jan 9 blog, 'My Two Cents & a quiz') revealed that in Hillary vs Obama your feelings defied your logic?...Again no matter...The current imbalance of logic vs sensitivity on c2 is way out of whack...Your sensitivity is to be applauded...

Regardless of NObama (or NO in NOvember. Hi Carole!) the fact is, that someone is going to be the next president and if NObody here votes then you sure as hell will have to blindly accept that whoever wins was NOt your choice!...

Please don't slip into depression at your loss of airplay...Your choice of postings is little short of inspirational (to me anyway) and I look forward to yor next entry with baited breasts!...And with cut, paste and save in mind in case the c2 scissors slash again...

All the very, chin up...D.


Gail Costic (381) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 5:14 pm
I have never known you to post anything hateful or racist, Cate and I respect you as a strong woman who is willing to stand up openly for what (and who) you believe in.

William V. SAFARIK JR. (2) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 5:42 pm
Hi Cate...sorry to see our right to expression can be changed or eliminated by a push of the button to "STOP THE PRESSES" or hit the "DELETE BUTTON"...So we find the fine line of Care2 is the true Shadow Government...Well, looks like we'll be voting for Alfred E. Newman again or maybe King George Bush will put into effect the Executive order of cancelling the Election... Hmmm ????? does that mean Bush/Cheney continues to rule????? Well anyway Cate, you will see alot of people will be with you on the same page...Bill

" NO in NOvember "

Mary Neal (100) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 5:53 pm
All I can say about these comments - and Carole's much repeated comments - is WOW! I used to wonder why Obama was SINGULARLY popular on every blogspot and w/ online groups. Maybe you answered my question. Like me, you obviously did not drink the Kool-aid, Cate.

Mary

Jennifer Shaw (19) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 5:55 pm
Actually, I really have nothing against Obama. I'll be voting for him in November. He wasn't my first choice, nor was he my second, but I still don't think he's any worse (nor much better, don't get me wrong) than the vast majority of politicians.
I state my feelings about this particular candidate only because I want to stress that I wasn't offended by the article that you posted, Cate. In fact, I noted it and enjoyed following the thread of resulting posts. I didn't agree with them all, of course. I didn't have to - that wasn't the point. The point, I think, was that everyone had the freedom and the right to express his or her views. It was a dialogue. It was a place for everyone's voice to be heard.
Or so I thought.
I can't tell you how disappointed and, yes I guess angry, I am that it was taken down. The atmosphere in the United States has been one of stifling censorship for the past very long eight years. I had believed that Care2 was above that.
I'm sorry to learn that I was wrong.

Joycey B. (511) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 5:56 pm
There is nothing wrong with any of your articles Cate, including this one. You just give your opinion like anyone else. This story should never have been removed. I look forward to your stories everyday. Keep up the good work. Thanks for always making my day. Vote NO in November.

Kactus Kat (334) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 6:15 pm
I'm shocked! Simply shocked that they removed this article! It was a wonderful place to voice an opinion on a controversial subject that affects ALL AMERICANS, and therefore, also concerns the rest of the world.

What in the heck do we have comment space under an article if it's not there to COMMENT on?

I have also had articles removed - mostly when they're against NObama. I have complained as I wasn't the author, only the poster....but again, that didn't matter to Care2. I've found they allow people to slam just about anyone else on here...but continually get VERY HUFFY when it comes to anything negative shown NObama!

As you can see, his campaign advertisements are ALL OVER this site. I guess that's saying that if you don't have something GOOD to say about him....don't say anything!

I'm here to talk about subjects that ARE controversial, AND that make people aware of these issues, talk or comment about the issues, and perhaps bring some intelligence to the subject. I'm totally disillusioned with the News Newswork - WHO'S allowed to post - and WHAT they're allowed to post.

Do we have a petition to send to Care2 about this subject? Looks like you have a lot of backers who would sign (and comment) on one!

Whether you're FOR OR AGAINST this man, the problem is that Care2 has EDITED away OUR news again.

Laurie W. (110) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 6:54 pm
Cate if you had only mentioned one canidate and stated "you" did not trust/like the person..it may have been viewed as biased and not news worthy BUT you didn't...the last stament says it best...'it's never" the people's choice". We need to get rid of our present system..every vote is counted.,,,electoral is BS, and based off who has the most power in each state,,which is not the average person. Edwards was a good canidate but..he wasn't what the big guns in the party wanted...Kucinch was the most open minded but gee didn't his ears stick out and he's small for a man, and who will see him as a strong leader...two examples of the assine way we end up getting the choices we have. I may not agree with every opinion but I will respect the right of everyone to say what they think...it's called respectful dialogue.

Maggi P. (76) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 7:13 pm
I don't know where to start about the removal of articles AND members of Care2. I was suspended for about a week a few months ago but I understood the reason being was that my comments were flagged by a group of people over and over. I also found out that they (Care2) don't necessarily read all of the posts, they go by how many flags are given. What they NEED to do is hire enough staff to REALLY review the things they are banning BEFORE they find themselves sitting in a courtroom defending their actions. TOS/COC is just a small part of it. I was told that they can remove anything they want if they deem it objectionable.....So much for free speech, eh????????

Michael C. (219) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 7:41 pm
Cate, I am sorry that your article was deleted. I knew something was amiss when I went to post and it had vanished.

The whole Obama church thing was what did it for me also. I cannot and will not support any candidate who supports racism and that church is racist. I have family, that doesn't attend church, that lives in Chicago that confirmed that fact. They learned about the truth about Obama's church from several very reliable sources.

That and that fact that he's flip flopped on several other issues.

McCain't is nothing more than a continuation of Bush Co.


Marian E. (166) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 8:07 pm
Posting a Care2 N2N is putting the article out there for public scrutiny and if worthy, will be noted. Rarely are there articles posted that should ever be considered for censorship, and when those few occur, it has been my experience that they are not noted, thus subjected to a censorship of peers. That is far more telling to a news poster than having Care2 censor.

This post was good and should not have been removed as it was a credible political post.

Thank you Cate, and please continue.

Marjorie G. (28) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 8:28 pm
I knew it was too good to be true.A place to speak your mind with no fear.I originally posted the story on the end of the net last night,it didn't make the front page,I thought it would.Maybe Murdock has bought Care2 as well as all the other media sources.There are millions of us sick of the whole election and the obvious drive for this unprepared african American(?)man.Why,I have no clue .there are many more capable african American legislators,men and women,so what makes him so special,got me.And why has no one in power even asked that question.this country is so deep in trouble,and yet they pick two of the most inept people to run it.My hubby thinks that the plan for the new world order has been put in place and is working as planned.We by accident all became to smart and are now an unforeseen problem,hence the dumbing down of our children.This question will probably get my post removed and half the people here angry,it's not what I aim to do,and before any blasts me for being racist I AM NOT.Has anyone noticed all the african American people in the TV commercials in the last few months? We could not find even one where the lead in any of the ones available on our channels was white,asian,or hispanic this last couple of days.I think it is a subliminal way to make people more comfortable,and willing to vote for him.There are some scary things going on and I fear for our country as we know it.

Ramona Gehl (133) 		Thursday July 24, 2008, 8:52 pm
I think having only a 2 party system in the US leaves you without much of a choice. Besides Democrats and republicans, you need a green party, a communist party, a labour party, and whatever other party can be endorsed by the people of the US. Then you would not be stuck with only 2 candidates to choose from.

Ombretta LittleShadow (405) 		Friday July 25, 2008, 2:50 am
I find it interesting that the story was front page news for a LOOOOONG time...a long time on Care2 that is, and had generated spirited (and unfortunately, in a small number of cases, nasty) commentary. I bet I can pinpoint 3 people who whined and that's why it was removed. But to take it down at all was wrong. Thank you for expressing your opinions here.

And Carole, SHUT THE F*CK UP...LOL...J/K.

Frankie K. (67) 		Friday July 25, 2008, 5:47 am
I am appalled that Care2 deleted your story. Agree with it, they didn't need to, but publish it, they should have. This is a democracy, isn't it? Who's playing GOD at Care2? Who's deciding what is published and what isn't? It is obviously an Obama supporter who deleted your message. Whether I agree or not with the message is NOT the issue. The issue is who the hell do they think they are to violate your freedom of speech? Disgusted too!

Stephen R Hannon (220) 		Friday July 25, 2008, 7:11 am
It appeared long enough for us to read the article, and post comments on it. Censorship is going on everywhere, especially with CBS who censored Couric's interview with John McCain.

Bella Fitzpatrick (89) 		Friday July 25, 2008, 10:30 am
What happened to The First Amendment, freedom of speech ??? the Freedom of speech is being able to speak freely without censorship.
You Go Cate!!!

Sheila K. (130) 		Friday July 25, 2008, 4:49 pm
I've been gone for a bit from here. But, I haven't had my head stuck in the sand. I agree wholeheartedly with you Cate and others like Ken S. who lives in another country, but can see through the forest though there be trees. I NEVER trusted Obama nor do I trust anyone anymore in politics. Yes, I like you, was a John Edwards supporter for the same reasons you voiced. It seems that those who stand for the truth and good are the ones who get "knocked down" and "out". I have seen this country fall to ruins in my lifetime and it's a scary thing to watch. The NWO and the Illum. seem to suceeding in turning this country and the world into 1984, Big Brother is Watching You and God Forbid, Soylent Green! I have NO faith in anyone who is in power, who has billions and those who claim they "care" but do nothing to improve the lot of the common man. Look around at the state of affairs. John Adams and the founding fathers who gave their lives and everything they had to make what they thought could be a great country are turning over in their graves. As far as Care2 is concerned, it's changed even since I started on here less than a year ago. I have taken a "back seat" on here because of many reasons. However, I support you, Cate and others who know the truth and are willing to speak up and out for it! George Carlin said alot about what he knew way back when was the truth....too many people don't listen, don't think and don't care........(sigh) My hat off to you and the others on here who continue to "fight the good fight" for what is truth and for the good of all mankind.

Pamela R. (185) 		Friday July 25, 2008, 6:39 pm
I am sorry this has happened, and I am perplexed! I do not and have not agreed with you regarding Senator Obama~ (He has been my first choice for quite a while now! GO OBAMA!!)
BUT.... I am surprised that your article was removed. It was one of THE most commented upon articles I've seen in a long time.
Keep them coming, Cate.

stephanie v. (66) 		Friday July 25, 2008, 8:09 pm
Wow. I too, am sorry that the news you POSTED not Authored was removed. I am also one of those who thought that we were (allowed) to freely speak our minds without the fear of oppression. Guess not.

Clever Pseudonym (179) 		Friday July 25, 2008, 9:01 pm
I wish I had seen it. I'm very weary of what will happen under his leadership.

Dar D. (188) 		Saturday July 26, 2008, 1:23 am
Well now..., this is nothing to be all ruffled about, lol. So sorry this has digressed, dear Cate. sheesh. We can express our opinions of NObama and the system, when it has been lying to us and continues to deceive us. I think the photo does him too much honor as a king. He wouldn't have made it past the Jack for me...heh.

Terrie Williams (292) 		Saturday July 26, 2008, 2:11 pm
Why is this (Cencorship of certain material) becomming the norm here at care2? So much for the 1st Amendment--oh yeah, I forgot for a moment, that went out with the signing of the Patriot Act--silly me.

I am writing in my vote in November anyway becauseI KNOW the real skinny on McSONGBIRD and I no longer trust NObama.

Kucinich/Paul '08 (in that order--they level eachother out but they BOTH believe in the Constitution and Bill Of Rights) It would be a balance--something always sadly lacking in the WH.

MEL ISSA (213) 		Saturday July 26, 2008, 10:42 pm
What's he doing over in Europe and the Middle East? Snakecharming for a one world government?
What gets me about Obama...is that the media already acts like he's going to be the next prez. That can't be a good thing, I am not only not going to vote on this election...I'm never going to vote again. No, I'm never going to vote again. (Sung to the tune of 'I'll Never Fall In Love Again'.) :D

NO in NOvember...
and NO forever!
Do you want to know the difference between a Democrat and a Republican? Nuthin'. Want to know what they're good for? Absolutely nuthin'!

Patrick Cardwell (24) 		Sunday July 27, 2008, 3:55 am
Atta Girl Cate!! You hold your ground!

We disagree on who, I'm a Paul supporter because of the reasons you mentioned above. You may disagree with him, but by damn he isn't going to change his views to get a vote like Johnny Boy.

However, given the choice of 4 or more years of the NeoCon rule, I will have to vote for Obama.

You are so right and many people do not realize that the candidates are picked way before any vote is cast in a primary or caucus. The smoke filled backrooms, which I have personally been in, make those decisions and unless that candidate really sticks their foot in it, that person will be elected or defeated, as in the case of Bob Dole. He was in there not for his views or agenda, but because it was his turn. That was the end of my inside involvement with the Party.

I broke with the Republicans when Bush ran, because I knew from those backrooms I spoke about and the people surrounding him what was going to happen, and sure enough, the prophecy was correct. Damn I'm smart!!

So many will ask, why vote? The answer is to take back our government instead of having such a few make the decisions. We have been called sheeple and I think perhaps that is a good term. We follow what is put out in front of us instead of using our God given talents, intelligence, and knowledge.

Sorry, didn't mean to get carried away. You give 'em hell baby!

Patrick

Sunshine Ray (535) 		Sunday July 27, 2008, 7:17 am
Obama, in his world tour, spent less than an hour in Palestine compared to 32 hours in Israel. Very few people know the facts on the ground in Palestine as well as Mustafa Barghouti. Barghouti, born in Jerusalem and a resident of Ramallah, is a member of Parliament and the leader of the Palestinian National Initiative, a democratic, reformist alternative to the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. The Real News spoke to Mustafa Barghouti in Washington about Obama's visit to Israel and Ramallah, and the facts on the ground in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

http://therealnews.com/t/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=1965

Sunshine Ray (535) 		Sunday July 27, 2008, 7:20 am
Obama Tells Israel He's Committed to Its Security -
World (tags: israel, middle-east, palsitine, gaza, israel lobby, Obama Foreign Tour, conflict, humanrights, freedoms, death, 'HUMANRIGHTS!' )

Sunshine
- 15 hours ago - boston.com

From the solemnity of a Holocaust museum to a dusty village battered by Hamas rockets, Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama on Wednesday professed "an unshakable commitment to the security" of Israel, whether the threat comes from terrorists
http://www.care2.com/news/member/956805373/827613

Spooky Cat (504) 		Sunday July 27, 2008, 3:32 pm
This says it for me....

The fact that NObama attended a racist - yes, racist and ugly - church for 20 years, coupled with his referring to its anti-white, anti-US yet MILLIONAIRE pastor as his "mentor" capped it for me. We don't need black racists in government any more than we need white or Latino or Chinese or any other racist in government.

I have been against racisim all my life. NOBama is very racist. I don't accept racisim from whites, nor will I accept it from blacks. Or any other race.

Right on Cate!

xxoo,

Spooks

Dave Kane (154) 		Sunday July 27, 2008, 7:39 pm
Facsism is alive and well and it seems to be making inroads with the owners of this website -- after all it's finally raking in some money for the them and I'm sure (regardless of all the feel good yadda yadda they have/had to say about their motives, etc.) they are more concerned with maximizing profits, not freedom of expression.

This site is not the site I joined many moons ago, but everything changes, nothing lasts, so this is no surprise a'tall. Money rules and maximizing eyeballs for the ads is the golden rule so don't expect controversy and minority views to be welcomed here at Cares2MakeMoneyandTheHellWithFreeSpeech.

But don't get stressed about it either ; ) this was to be expected and i think it's more fun to be a wrench in the cogs of all corporate machinery whenever and wherever it raises it's mutant, selfish head.

So write on Cate and don't let it get you down : ) keep smiling and keep on keeping on.

Creeping Corporatism/Fascism will be laying dead in the gutter one day . . . i just hope it doesn't take us all along with it when that happens. I'm sure it will try, but it will fail at that also : /

Peace y'all

Chris Nielsen (45) 		Sunday July 27, 2008, 9:37 pm
Now you know how it feels to be an extra party supporter. They love to shut us up when it doesn't subscribe to a preplanned script made years in advance.

Blue Bunting (754) 		Tuesday July 29, 2008, 10:36 am
Cat, like you, I lost a few friends because of partisan politics and my refusal to vote "again" for Hillary. I voted for Bill twice and for Hillary once; when she voted for Bu$h's war and then came to an O.W.L. meeting to tell us all that our children should enlist in the military for a great career, I almost spit in her eye.

It's difficult for me to ignore the fact that an intelligent, compassoinate woman like you will allow the kind of nonsensical lies and smears expressed by Phyllis, as one example ... those myths about Senator Obama were dispelled long ago; continuing this kind of "hate speech" and fear mongering won't bring people together and I suspect it's just "closet" Republicans trolling the news stories and the BLOGs.

Yvonne White (145) 		Tuesday July 29, 2008, 6:00 pm
I prefer Dennis Kucinich, but I will vote for Obama. I will NEVER vote for a RepubliCON & I will continue to bitch at my Democraps when they betray the fundamental positions of the Democratic Party. I don't think Obama is the Messiah, but he will be a Trillion Times better than any RepubliCON to help fix what 8 years of Bu$h-League Politics has wraught!

Susiebell H. (119) 		Tuesday July 29, 2008, 10:45 pm
Gee,Cate what can I say,but this total censorship! I really can not believe,well I guess yes I can believe they did it!Why?What is their addenda?What is the cause?NObama?What a laugh! To violate freedom of speech for such a small matter! I will that was quite a story,it was popular!I am afraid that they will pull something of mine that is why it is taking me so long to write a petition.(HELP)A mite bit controversial
so it stays.Well maybe soon and you are so brave and I love your humor! I am disappointed in care2,in this matter and many others!Maybe it will pop back up who knows???

Autumn Rain (46) 		Thursday July 31, 2008, 2:27 am
'I don't have a comment on who we should vote for... because personally I think we are totally screw*ed... all around! I was giggling about the poster that wrote that they, 'want to move to Canada!' LMAO!' Just remember, 'United We Stand...Divided we fall.'
'...But as relating to your deleted article, one thing I have learned in the past, while doing the often-times, dare-devil-ish task of activism...' IS: If you post something and it gets deleted, re-post it... Change a few words around, perhaps change the title, but always re-post... If they ban you, re-post using another name... (LOL)
The truth often hurts so people are going to do what they can to hide it... So keep on keeping on! If not you or me or us... than who? The truth will set us free. So dont be intimidated. Peace and Hugs!

Ombretta LittleShadow (405) 		Friday August 1, 2008, 7:43 pm
Big brave old Kactus Kat jumped all over Randy Paynter about this story being removed.
Following is the email I received from him along with my reply:

Hi Cate -

Another member brought to my attention the fact that one of your stories had been removed from C2NN. We have a policy (despite popular perception!) to never remove stories unless they are spam, porn, hateful, or misleading - so I was surprised that one of your stories would have been deliberately removed.

I did a little digging and discovered that one of our new employees did in fact remove it. Apparently the comment thread had turned into a series of personal attacks, and we were receiving a number of complaints about the comments and some were saying the image was not representative of the story, so he removed the entire story. That was a mistake - in that kind of situation we usually just remove inappropriate comments and suspend individuals involved in the fray.

So, I apologize for that mistake. Our customer support team often gets deluged with "very passionate" arguments on various sides of these kind of situations, the issues are seldom black and white, and they have to make quick decisions based on the volume of messages they need to respond to. That said, the employee now understands the preferred response to that kind of situation.

Unfortunately, there's no way for us to "un delete" the story, but if you want to repost it, you should be able to do so now.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a note.

Thank you for being such an important part of Care2!

Randy


Thanks for the explanation, Randy...even when I have specifically requested that people be polite in their responses to the opinions fo others, somehow any story on Obama degenerates into a brawl. I wouldn't repost this story on a news thread if you paid me to. I do hope that Care2 staff will pay attention more quickly to those members that start threads degenerating so these kinds of insulting comments can be x'ed off before a brouhaha erupts.
Cate

THREE CHEERS FOR KAT!

Brenda H. (139) 		Friday August 1, 2008, 8:07 pm
I WON'T FORGET THE STORY CATE--AN I HOPE C2 STUCK IT WHERE IT SHOULD BE!!! THANKS FOR STICKING TO YOUR GUNS!! WHEN DID C2 START DICTATING ON WHAT CAN & CAN NOT BE SAID ABOUT A POLITICIAN & I ABSOLUTELY AGREE WITH WHAT YOU SAID!! "I VOTE "NO" IN NOVEMBER"! (YOU GO GIRL)

Todd R. (54) 		Friday August 1, 2008, 8:11 pm
Thanks for the Blog Cate, I,ve had some tell me Care2 isn't censoring, but it's happening all over the Internet. Me I'm still looking for my 1st Amendment FREE SPEECH ZONE!!! Which I thought was in America! Hmmm wheres Our Rights going? Oh yeah we had that Bill called THE PATRIOT ACT!! Thanks to all the other concerned Care2 members.

Tim Redfern (476) 		Friday August 1, 2008, 8:13 pm
Kudos to Randy for his explanation and mea culpas!

honeysucklebarb Liebowitz (541) 		Friday August 1, 2008, 8:19 pm
don't feel bad i will be in the doghouse with you
when i get mad i don't care what i say and who to

Joy Bergstrom (281) 		Friday August 1, 2008, 8:19 pm
Freedom of expression is something nobody has any right to mess with at all. I do my share of it and yes mine has gotten deleated for I have got the flag, by a whoez!!! jerk but its ok for I will keep on doing it but I just can't take aim at no one, but then again they best not me either. As far as Nobama or whatyer name Caine heck I don't know both are Morans!!! keep on getting it Cate. But for for Butthead and Beaves they can Bite Me!!! No in November

Maria V. (44) 		Friday August 1, 2008, 8:27 pm
THANK YOU CATE! I was feeling pretty isolated. A few of my articles were removed with out warning or notice. They were either anti Obama or pro Clinton. So yes, it is political. I have never flagged any one that has gotten personal with me.

This is scary ! Never in all my American Citizen life had I experience such censorship. This censorship makes me feel as if we are posting on an Obama site, not a non political site.

Care3 needs to be honest with us ... or better train their staff. We the members make Care2 what it is, I hope they do not loose sight of that.

Once again, thank you Cate.