Daily Kos: Temporary Banning of the Tin Foil Hat Crowd

The conspiracy tin foil hat crowd have reared their ugly heads over at the Daily Kos.

Today I did something I’ve never done before (not even during the Fraudster mess), and wish I’d never had to do.

I made a mass banning of people perpetuating a series of bizarre, off-the-wall, unsupported and frankly embarassing conspiracy theories.

I have a high tolerance level for material I deem appropriate for this site, but one thing I REFUSE to allow is bullshit conspiracy theories. You know the ones — Bush and Blair conspired to bomb London in order to take the heat off their respective political problems. I can’t imagine what fucking world these people live in, but it sure ain’t the Reality Based Community.

So I banned these people, and those that have been recommending diaries like it. And I will continue to do so until the purge is complete, and make no mistake — this is a purge.

This is a reality-based community. Those who wish to live outside it should find a new home. This isn’t it.

Reality based community – UMMMMM HUMMMMMMM NOT.

But, wait Kos has second thoughts because who wants to lose readership.

Update: I’ve been reinstating some of the banned accounts as they email me. Some people wondered why there wasn’t any warning. There have been warnings from others — repeated pleadings for people to ground themselves in reality.

It’s telling that I have NEVER done something like this before. Because this has been an extreme situation. This isn’t about disagreeing with what people are saying. If that was the case, everyone would’ve been banned by now. The myth of the “echo chamber” is just that. A myth.

But as for warnings, well, this has been my warning. I wanted it clear that I was serious, and I think that has come through. I am reinstating those who ask to be reinstated. But the message has been sent.

What message has been sent?

Oh, yes, that you Lefties believe in censorship. Either allow comments or don’t. If they are not personal, trollish or profane what is the harm of discussion?

Michelle Malkin seems to agree with Kos but goes a step further.

We’ll see. But good on Kos for finally drawing a line and publicly castigating the crackpots. For now.

Wouldn’t it be something if the Democrat Party took a hint and tried draining its own fever swamps, too?

Not a chance, Michelle. Conspiracy theories are all these tin foil folks have.

The Jawa Report has an excellent take: Latest from Howie

Outside The Beltway : Daily Kos Purge of the Crazieshas this piece

Kevin Aylward at Wizbang has another take.