I just spent 3 hours on the Protest Warrior forum site.

[iconoclastic cat]

I was a bit worried. From what I read on their site's intro pages, their use of violent imagery and military lingo seemed to imply that they were eager to either provoke or initiate violence. In addition, some of their "featured" members documented some fairly hyped-up, emotional encounters at their schools and places of employ. I did not find, however, anything that implied that actual physical violence, vandalism, or destruction of property had occurred.

After a quick tour of the site, I went over to their discussion forums. Here are a few observations:

1. A great number of the PWers believe that liberals in general are anywhere from deluded to insane. They also believe that DUers are dangerously insane, prone to violence, and defensive of "islamofascists" and dictatorial regimes.

2. I noticed what appeared to be a barely suppressed vein of bigotry among some of posters, but other PWers often confronted such speech.

3. Several liberals are allowed to "troll" the forums unimpeded, for the most part; I did not witness anyone being banned. DU is frequently slammed for being prone to hardline censorship, often with ample evidence from various DU posts. The general notion is that DU bans more people that it allows into its discussions.

4. While many members appear to be fascinated with firearms, this fascination is more juvenile than militaristic. Many PWers are heavily influenced by pop culture, including anime, action films, and video games; the interest in firearms appears more based in fantasy.

5. I did not witness any mention of planned violence. While their tactics are aggressive, they are no more so than ELF or PETA.

To be honest, I would be more afraid of violence from other sources, including less public groups. While I find PWers general ideas and ideals to be questionable, they do not appear to be nearly as radical as Freepers and members of Lucienne.

[Selwynn]

1. While I haven't spent the three hours on the site you have, my take is...

that their rhetoric is not actually aimed at physical violence. Did it strike you as though the forum was made up of very young people? Like majority teen agers and college students? That's part of the reason I have less actual fear of the site. I tend to agree with you that some of the things I've read at free republic and seen actual free republic members do scare me a lot more.

I'd like to make one comment in defense of DU's staunch stance on banning disruptors. I know it makes DU and easy site for criticism - calling its fascists or saying we're cowards for not allowing "debate." But I just need to say that the policy of banning disrupter is the number one reason I call this site home. I feel we should have a place where we can rest and have a little bit a safety. I spent all my life on the defense against conservatives who hate me everywhere I turn. We need a place to call our own where we can rest and not have to put up with that kind of stuff. If DU was ever to change that I would be so disappointed. The last thing I want is to have yet another "yahoo boards" of fighting between furious freepers and furious leftys. :)

[iconoclastic cat]

2. I agree: DU is a haven.

However, I have seen several instances on these boards where reasoned dissent is squashed.

I recommend that you check out their forums; I really want to start a discussion on the whole PW phenomenon.

[Selwynn]

3. True - on one (place) is perfect, plus tensions are so brutally high

Everyone is so wound up right now before the elections that people are just about ready to explode. It means that sometimes the innocent get crapped on.

All we can do is keep trying to do our best... :)

[iconoclastic cat]

4. Since I have you here, let me ask this:

Here is my hypothesis: The most likely instigator of violence at the RNC is someone who hangs out at the periphery of these groups. I imagine that there are those who feel totally disenfranchised and victimized, and latch onto these groups to feel some measure of community. However, this type of person never really feels accepted, and to gain acceptance commits an act of violence. If you have the opportunity to watch the behavior of gangbangers, you see this sort of thing happen fairly often.

[Selwynn]

5. Sounds reasonably accurate to me! At least of one type...

..there may be more. :)