A Comment on the Atmosphere of FR

For the past several months, fate has conspired to keep me away from the computer. I haven't posted nearly as much on FR as I used to. With the holidays, though, I've had an opportunity to catch up a bit.

What I found on my return is a bit disconcerting. While there's always been an element here that refuses to reason and does little more than insult Democrats and RINOs, it seems that this mentality has taken over a large portion of our membership. I've encountered more shrill, radical nonsense in the past couple of days than I had in the months before my absence.

Certainly it's acceptable to gloat a bit after our enormous gains on November 2, but I do believe it's about time to get back to normal business.

Referring to Democrats as “Rats” or some variant thereof may be somewhat amusing, but seeing the reference in nearly every other post really gets annoying at times. Pet names for Democrats and RINOs may be funny the first time, but quickly get old. It's one thing to respect someone, and it's certainly acceptable to not do so for one reason or another, but it's never alright to be downright incivil.

Just the other day, I was in an argument here with some other members who were supporting Yanukovych over Yushchenko because Yush had pledged to remove Ukraine's 1600-some-odd-strong force from Iraq and was *gasp* more liberal than Yanukovych. Seriously, that's absurd. I'd be happy to debate with you here, but anyone can tell you Yushchenko as president will be much better for the Ukrainian people, our interests in Iraq be damned.

But I'm getting away from the subject at hand. These are just a few examples of the devolution of discourse here. While everyone is certainly allowed to have their own opinions, there is a certain level of civility that should be maintained, regardless of the context.

This is the sort of stuff you find at DU, not here. I recognize there's plenty of good, civil users here, and I'm thankful for that. To those guilty, though, it would be nice if you could tone it down a bit.

I love being here. Things like the Undead Thread, Daily Dose, and crushkerry's Lib Pundit tournament, along with the usual daily banter of normal news, makes FR like no other political site on the web. Let's keep it that way. Thanks for your time, and have a lovely day.

I found this tidbit from Nat'l Enquirer intersting regarding some on-set problems at "The OC":

Adam Brody has become such an arrogant jerk on the set of "The O.C." that producers have told him to get his act together -- or else, say sources.

Set insiders say execs have even discussed killing off his character Seth Cohen at the end of the season to get rid of 24-year-old Adam . . . and his attitude.

"As Adam's popularity on the show has grown, his drama queen-like temper tantrums have grown in frequency and intensity," one insider revealed.

"He plays a lovable dork on the series and is a crucial member of the cast, but it's gotten to the point where he feels he IS the show.

CRITICISMS

"He ignores set personnel and criticizes everything from how his character is depicted in the writing to his wardrobe.

"Adam will abruptly stop a scene and snap at another actor if he thinks they're stepping on his lines, unless it's someone prominent on the show like veteran Peter Gallagher.

"And there was one time that Adam cynically joked to Peter when he felt his older co-star was coming in too soon with his dialogue, saying, "Give us YOUNG guys a chance, Peter. You're stepping on my toes."

"Everyone was stunned -- including Peter. But before anyone could say anything Adam stomped off the set like a little kid.

"On the flip side, if Adam steps on another actor's lines, he says ??On-set rants land him in hot water he was just 'in the moment' or 'adding to the scene' and scolds his counterpart for taking themselves too seriously.

"And it's obvious that Adam is very jealous of Benjamin McKenzie, who plays the other male lead on the series, Ryan Atwood.

COLD SHOULDER

"Adam says he's the biggest draw on the show so he doesn't understand why McKenzie gets the better story lines.

"To show his displeasure, Adam gives Ben the cold shoulder."

He also wants his character to have a more dramatic edge and not always be comic relief, another source disclosed.

"Adam once suggested a story line where he becomes addicted to drugs, explaining to the higher-ups that they weren't allowing him to display his true acting talents.

"It caused some of the producers to joke that maybe they should just kill off his character and end Adam's ego-inflated flights of fancy and on-set rants -- but some of the producers weren't really joking!"

The insider added: "Producers patiently explained to Adam he should be grateful he has the opportunity of being on a hit show like 'The O.C.,' that something like this doesn't come along every day and if he doesn't get his act together he'll be sorry.

"They stressed that it is an ensemble show -- and no one is irreplaceable!"

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