Hillarysworld

Hillarysmygirl16 · Administrator

What Were the Positives and Negatives About Hillarysvillage.

freespirit · Moderator

HMG16, thanks for inviting input. I agree that it's best to be inclusive of palin supporters and of Republicans. I will admit that it was difficult for me to accept, at first, because I am staunchly pro-choice , and for years, I saw reproductive rights, along with LGBT rights as the two primary differences in the parties. Obviously, they were not the only two, or even always to two most important, but they were and are huge, for me. When I finally, and with much reluctance, decided to support McCain, it was because regardless of reproductive-rights, or any other issue, if basic freedoms have been eroded; if democracy can be overthrown by a party and groups such as ACORN and MSM, as it was in the case of the 2008 primary, NOTHING ELSE REALLY MATTERS. Without the right to free and fair elections, the citizens of this country really have no rights. If the people can't actually elect their president, rather than have him pre-selected, any other rights they may believe they have are merely illusions of rights.

Having thought through it, and having seen the importance of working to help defeat Obama and the party that oppressed the rights of long-term, loyal Dems, particularly women, I made a conscious choice to set-aside my differences with the conservatives, and vote McCain.

In so doing, I didn't give up any of my core beliefs, and we all found a way to have a peaceful bi-partisan exchange - as we fought against the Dems.

My primary interests are:

1.Supporting Hillary, and continuing to fight the forces that stole the nomination from her - including the corrupt Dem leaders, MSM, and anyone else who participated.

2. Fighting for equal rights for women , and against the misogyny, gender bias, violence, and disrespect to which we continue to be subjected - even in the 21st century.

3. Fighting corrupt political practices in general - and specifically, those perpetrated by the Democratic party, the MSM, and the Obama administration.

I would hope that the Republicans and Palin supporters who want to join a forum of this type would be pro-women's rights (if not reproductive, then right to fair and equal treatment in other aras). Likewise, I would hope they would want to fight corruption in their own and any other political party, being willing, as we did, to denounce their own party leaders and members who engage in corrupt practices. I would hope they can see past the lies perpetrated by MSM about Hillary, and recognize her for the principled, capable, compassionate leader she is, and they they would support and uplift her.

The Hillary-Palin connection still sticks with many of us because of the gross mal-treatment both received in the 2008 election year. Many of us supported both women. I think anyone who can do so would be appropriate forum members. If, however, in a race between Hill and Sarah, members would support Sarah, I would have to reconsider.

Just my opinion. Having offered it, I'll say that if there's one thing I've learned this past year and a half, it's that if you can't compromise, you are pretty much alone - on your own. It's hard to have much power when you can't join forces with others. And, doing so almost always requires compromise.

Thanks for this forum. You and Optix will make a great team. I think it's safe to say, it would be hard to find two brighter, more capable, women.

It's clear that the gender bias in the political and other arenas must be stopped. To do so, it will take a massive push by as many pro-women people as we can get.

Hillarysmygirl16 · Administrator

freespirit wrote:

HMG16, thanks for inviting input. I agree that it's best to be inclusive of palin supporters and of Republicans. I will admit that it was difficult for me to accept, at first, because I am staunchly pro-choice , and for years, I saw reproductive rights, along with LGBT rights as the two primary differences in the parties. Obviously, they were not the only two, or even always to two most important, but they were and are huge, for me. When I finally, and with much reluctance, decided to support McCain, it was because regardless of reproductive-rights, or any other issue, if basic freedoms have been eroded; if democracy can be overthrown by a party and groups such as ACORN and MSM, as it was in the case of the 2008 primary, NOTHING ELSE REALLY MATTERS. Without the right to free and fair elections, the citizens of this country really have no rights. If the people can't actually elect their president, rather than have him pre-selected, any other rights they may believe they have are merely illusions of rights.

Having thought through it, and having seen the importance of working to help defeat Obama and the party that oppressed the rights of long-term, loyal Dems, particularly women, I made a conscious choice to set-aside my differences with the conservatives, and vote McCain.

In so doing, I didn't give up any of my core beliefs, and we all found a way to have a peaceful bi-partisan exchange - as we fought against the Dems.

My primary interests are:

1.Supporting Hillary, and continuing to fight the forces that stole the nomination from her - including the corrupt Dem leaders, MSM, and anyone else who participated.

2. Fighting for equal rights for women , and against the misogyny, gender bias, violence, and disrespect to which we continue to be subjected - even in the 21st century.

3. Fighting corrupt political practices in general - and specifically, those perpetrated by the Democratic party, the MSM, and the Obama administration.

I would hope that the Republicans and Palin supporters who want to join a forum of this type would be pro-women's rights (if not reproductive, then right to fair and equal treatment in other aras). Likewise, I would hope they would want to fight corruption in their own and any other political party, being willing, as we did, to denounce their own party leaders and members who engage in corrupt practices. I would hope they can see past the lies perpetrated by MSM about Hillary, and recognize her for the principled, capable, compassionate leader she is, and they they would support and uplift her.

The Hillary-Palin connection still sticks with many of us because of the gross mal-treatment both received in the 2008 election year. Many of us supported both women. I think anyone who can do so would be appropriate forum members. If, however, in a race between Hill and Sarah, members would support Sarah, I would have to reconsider.

Just my opinion. Having offered it, I'll say that if there's one thing I've learned this past year and a half, it's that if you can't compromise, you are pretty much alone - on your own. It's hard to have much power when you can't join forces with others. And, doing so almost always requires compromise.

Thanks for this forum. You and Optix will make a great team. I think it's safe to say, it would be hard to find two brighter, more capable, women.

It's clear that the gender bias in the political and other arenas must be stopped. To do so, it will take a massive push by as many pro-women people as we can get.

I want this board to be about us not about me. We have been together most of us for well over a year. We have worked the phones together desperately and cried together when Hillary lost. Whatever happens we have to stay together.

Optixmom · Super Moderator

What I absolutely loved about the village was the respectful tone. I cannot get past how women and Hillary were treated during the primaries as well as I cannot get past how Sarah was treated during the GE and after. Many of my Dem friends who supported O keep asking me if I am "over it" yet. My answer is, "I will never be over it." This is not about poor sportsmanship, this is about the trampling of the rights of Americans and a non-bias election. Caucuses have to go. There is no place in a Democratic society for caucuses. Any place where you can be forced to vote in front of opponents is not a free choice. There is a reason we get to vote on election day behind a curtain or privacy wall. We have the right to our privacy and to vote the way we believe is best for us and for our fellow Americans.

Regarding abortion, McCain and his wife said they make exceptions on their pro-life stance in the instance of rape and incest. So, in reality, they were pro-choice. I am pro-choice, but I have chosen life. I will forever vote to keep abortion safe and legal, but have a very hard time wrapping my mind around people using abortion as a form of selective birth control. Science has come so far to be able to tell us if our child is a boy or girl; in the future who knows what science will be able to tell us about an unborn fetus. Picking or choosing to carry a baby to term based on their sex, or eye color is just something I cannot understand. For many of us, it was not easy to conceive. We spent years trying and had many miscarriages. When you finally find out that after years of trying, you are finally carrying a viable child, you don't care if it is a boy or a girl, you don't care if it has 13 toes, you are just joyful that finally you will be able to have a baby. At least that is how it was for me and still is for me. I view pregnancy as a gift, not a curse or a punishment. That is my stance. I am perfectly happy to debate, but don't attack my position because you haven't walked in my shoes. I will work hard not to judge you and respect your position.

freespirit · Moderator

Optix, I, too, was drawn to the respectful discourse at HV, and would not elect to participate in another forum unless that same standard applied. I fully understand the personal situation to which you refer, and feel just as you described. The thing I respected about Palin's statement regarding abortion was her willingness to accept the law of the land, with regard to reproductive rights, while maintaining her own personal views as just that. I recounted my own inner struggle with the decision to support McCain (whose website contained promise to strike down Roe v. Wade) to make the point that I realized that inclusion and respect are necessary, particularly, if women hope to garner the strength to prevail in the fight for equal rights. As noted in your post - CHOICE - is the key - regardless of what that choice may be.

I hope you didn't interpret my remarks as proposing exclusion of Pubs, even those who are pro-life. My intent was to explain why I support including Palin supporters and Republicans.

Optixmom · Super Moderator

freespirit wrote:

Optix, I, too, was drawn to the respectful discourse at HV, and would not elect to participate in another forum unless that same standard applied. I fully understand the personal situation to which you refer, and feel just as you described. The thing I respected about Palin's statement regarding abortion was her willingness to accept the law of the land, with regard to reproductive rights, while maintaining her own personal views as just that. I recounted my own inner struggle with the decision to support McCain (whose website contained promise to strike down Roe v. Wade) to make the point that I realized that inclusion and respect are necessary, particularly, if women hope to garner the strength to prevail in the fight for equal rights. As noted in your post - CHOICE - is the key - regardless of what that choice may be.

I hope you didn't interpret my remarks as proposing exclusion of Pubs, even those who are pro-life. My intent was to explain why I support including Palin supporters and Republicans.

Not at all. No worries. smile

JustTheFacts · Super Moderator

I liked that we were about women first. Amazingly, we drew a lot of men as well.

I also liked that media bias and political corruption were a focus.

I also liked that there were a lot of Independents like me on there and that people from all parties were welcome.

I think there are times when Sarah Palin is going to be dominating the news cycle, and that the Hillary supporters need to recognize that, and if they see a lot of Sarah Palin stuff, realize that its not because anyone has forgotten about Hillary, but that there's a lot of Sarah news right then. I also think that the Village was good about defending Sarah Palin no matter what the politics, Hillary herself would never attack another women politician like some women have attacked Sarah, so I always thought the Sarah articles at the Village were fine.

There has to be at least one other place on the internet besides Team Sarah, where Sarah Palin is treated with respect - because ultimately, its about respect for women in politics. If we want more women in office, then we have to defend the ones who run when they are attacked unfairly. That's not to say that women in politics should not be criticized - but it should be for their voting record, political beliefs and anything else related to their job. Leave their personal lives out of it.

mslas4hillary · Moderator

We were goal oriented. We didn't need to sit there and argue about our beliefs we strived to accomplish goals and issues we believed in.

Great members who helped eachother out.

I like that we were pro women and helped out other sister sites who shared common goals and interests.

We engaged a wide variety of topics and engaged many different civil discussions.

Liked that we continued to do what we did in the primaries - fight corrupt politicians, media, corrupt DNC and help reform the political process. We took issues head on and raised awarness and thought about many things that are ignored by the media.

Also like the fact that we were pro Hillary and we recognized that the reason we were all there was because of her. I am not interested in being at other forums and arguing my views with obots I am interested in continuing the conversation that Hillary had us starting and getting her elected in 2012.

I really felt at home and comfortable there. It's sad to see it not up and running and I'm still hoping they return.

-- Edited by mslas4hillary on Saturday 1st of August 2009 12:54:00 AM

thebword · Super Moderator

For me the biggest positive of Hillary's Village was the VILLAGERS!!!:)

My only negative is that it was hacked and now shut down indefinitely.:(

Sanders · Diamond

Thank you for inviting me.

HV offered a home for RESPECTFUL and SERIOUS discourse among serious thinking minds. That was the distinguishing hallmark feature of that site. Flippant remarks were uncommon. Thoughtless littering posters did not thrive, and were "coached" by fellow participants to elevate their discussion. You could just about never post without giving some serious thought to the post - it was never a place to shoot breeze; it was a place akin to our "living room."

On the political spectrum, the dialog often covered both left and right leaning perspectives, without thoughtless discarding/rejection of the others' perspective. As a moderate, I enjoyed this dialog immensely.

There was also a serious sense of purpose. For women's causes, for greater equality, against sexism, against media bias. And we took great comfort and courage from our leader, Hillary in these causes, as she remained resolute in promoting women's causes around the world.

Again, thanks for this board. I hope it continues to grow in the line of respectful dialog and sense of purpose that HV Admins, Mods and Members have imbibed in each other in the dialogs on topics as visible to the world on the Forum - because afterall, that's what the boards are for. Thanks.

-- Edited by Sanders on Sunday 26th of July 2009 05:05:45 AM

Hillarysmygirl16 · Administrator

Sanders wrote:

Thank you for inviting me.

HV offered a home for RESPECTFUL and SERIOUS discourse among serious thinking minds. That was the distinguishing hallmark feature of that site. Flippant remarks were uncommon. Thoughtless littering posters did not thrive, and were "coached" by fellow participants to elevate their discussion. You could just about never post without giving some serious thought to the post - it was never a place to shoot breeze; it was a place akin to our "living room."

On the political spectrum, the dialog often covered both left and right leaning perspectives, without thoughtless discarding/rejection of the others' perspective. As a moderate, I enjoyed this dialog immensely.

There was also a serious sense of purpose. For women's causes, for greater equality, against sexism, against media bias. And we took great comfort and courage from our leader, Hillary in these causes, as she remained resolute in promoting women's causes around the world.

Again, thanks for this board. I hope it continues to grow in the line of respectful dialog and sense of purpose that HV Admins, Mods and Members have imbibed in each other in the dialogs on topics as visible to the world on the Forum - because afterall, that's what the boards are for. Thanks.

-- Edited by Sanders on Sunday 26th of July 2009 05:05:45 AM

That is our hope that it will grow by being the same as the Village. I want the same type of forum. Its was and hopefully will be again the friendliest place on the internet.

foxyladi14 · Platinum

thebword wrote:

For me the biggest positive of Hillary's Village was the VILLAGERS!!!:)

My only negative is that it was hacked and now shut down indefinitely.:(

stamp

shadow · Platinum

foxyladi14 wrote:

thebword wrote:

For me the biggest positive of Hillary's Village was the VILLAGERS!!!:)

My only negative is that it was hacked and now shut down indefinitely.:(

stamp

I stamp that too.

I loved the Village because people were respectful. it was family for me.

I really really loved that it was "obama free zone".

Hillarysmygirl16 · Administrator

shadow wrote:

foxyladi14 wrote:

thebword wrote:

For me the biggest positive of Hillary's Village was the VILLAGERS!!!:)

My only negative is that it was hacked and now shut down indefinitely.:(

stamp

I stamp that too.

I loved the Village because people were respectful. it was family for me.

I really really loved that it was "obama free zone".

This is an Obama free zone as well I certainly don't want to agrue with bots all day.

SwanSpirit · gold

Many have already expressed some of the great things the Village represented ... and I agree.. the respect and inclusiveness were truly wonderful , the lack of ego; and no one trying to change someones mind about anything but simply sharing points of view were truly refreshing in this age of blogs where egos can sometimes interfere with objectivity . I thought the VILLAGE was truly an online

representation of Hillarys idea that is does indeed take a VILLAGE .
On a strictly structural note, I think fewer different forums help to focus "traffic" on main areas . I loved main street and the last structure changes that had taken place right before the hacking .
I am so glad you are back and am grateful the people here are tenacious and perservering , like Hillary !

Building 4112 · Moderator

Ye old villagers were very special. We didn't always agree, but we busy BUILDING roads that led me to believe we were in harmony, and brought about acceptance and understanding of all areas of our lives, and the world around us.

Keep the doors open, as we have an enourmous workload ahead of us to stop sexism, and help each other grow in our village.

Let me give you just one example, when I decided to take action, and work with young girls in High school, in a short period of time I was given much needed information to present to them, and how to gain their trust, and how to communicate with the administration and the parents. In the end I had a better approach than if I had not consulted with the villagers.

My negatives, were posting in haste, and needing to do a bit more research, and also I might add that because of the media, and mixed messages, I was constantly evaluating "my trust"
in various situations and politicans.

In Hillary I trust!

-- Edited by Building 4112 on Sunday 26th of July 2009 10:21:20 PM

-- Edited by Building 4112 on Sunday 26th of July 2009 10:21:53 PM

-- Edited by Building 4112 on Sunday 26th of July 2009 10:22:36 PM

B positive · gold

I loved that the focus remained on Hillary while simultaneously covering issues of media bias, media sexism and international women's rights. I loved that I could get ALL of my news updates there, as well.

I loved the fact that so many of us have been together since Feb 08 and Nov 08... I miss all of my HV pals but am happy to reconnect here....

BEST GET FIRED UP, HILLARY'S WORLD, 'CUZ 2010 CAMPAIGNS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER...and, once again, WE PUMAS will make the difference in so many of these elections: GOVERNOR, SENATOR, MAYOR, US REP... etc, etc.... and this time ACORN can't be CHEATING EVERYWHERE.

Alex · Diamond

Stampity-stamp-stamp! smile

foxyladi14 · Platinum

Alex wrote:

Stampity-stamp-stamp!

AMEN!!!! AMEN!! AMEN!!!

Sanders · Diamond

B positive wrote:

I loved that the focus remained on Hillary while simultaneously covering issues of media bias, media sexism and international women's rights. I loved that I could get ALL of my news updates there, as well.

I loved the fact that so many of us have been together since Feb 08 and Nov 08... I miss all of my HV pals but am happy to reconnect here....

BEST GET FIRED UP, HILLARY'S WORLD, 'CUZ 2010 CAMPAIGNS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER...and, once again, WE PUMAS will make the difference in so many of these elections: GOVERNOR, SENATOR, MAYOR, US REP... etc, etc.... and this time ACORN can't be CHEATING EVERYWHERE.

I love the environment of mutual respect that was fostered among members. It engendered a quality of dialog that was rich in substance with great transparency on goal.

I view it as a place that supports qualified women as well as experienced and qualified men who are pro-equality in rising to higher offices.

e.g., I am able to both criticize and support Sarah Palin at the same time with clarity on what I do and do not support. And I could do this with the strongest of SP supporters just as well. This I truly appreciated.

A great quality I see in our HV members is longer-term thinking. There is both a recognition that Hillary is bound to her duties in the current administration; so we give her and her actions respectable space while we still recognize her individual accomplishments and individual leadership in her role.. without necessarily implying anything negatively impactful to her relationship with her boss or the larger DNP base. Hillary's goals are important to us. At the same time, we are able to keep a focus FOR Hillary that is larger than what she has or may have been able to articulate for herself. We are Hillary's family.

We embrace the importance of national and world events as they unfold, yet return to our base topics quickly. Our perspective remains relatively constant. Greater Equality. Human Rights. Anti-Sexism, Greater representation of women in House and Senate, and focus on current policy items on the table.

Above all, I love the richness of contribution - the dialog of thinking minds - people who are willing to speak up on tough topics in ways putting country first, humanity first, women first and soul first... with equality around the world as a focus, recognizing that the global dynamics do "come home to roost" us sooner or later. Neda did not just happen in Iran; Neda happened in each of our homes... A version of Neda happened in Georgia.. Concepts such as honor killing, spousal abuse, sexism in the society, sexism in the media, right of a child to a happy home of one or more loving parent - these are considered important social issues of the day by the members here.

As a result, I am able to shed some of the shackles in which I grew and embrace a larger world. My life has been richer for the company of the many good people in HV.

-- Edited by Sanders on Tuesday 28th of July 2009 07:37:49 PM

Hillarysmygirl16 · Administrator

One thing I liked was the diversity that was on that board. It drew people from all walks of life. Hillary brought all of us together and the Murray started the ball running. FT and SSOA picked up the batton and now we are all together because of a team effort.
We had people of all different races, and social economic classes all spending time together in polite conversation. We were different then anything else on the web. Yeah we didn't allow the Obama supporters but you cannot get anything done with the Obots causing trouble and besides they have everywhere else on the web. This forum is for people who do not have a voice that is everyone here. Hillary supporters are insulted and Republicans are insulted. People don't like nasty all the time which is one reason the village had the numbers it had.

Calico · Moderator

In my opinion, there was many positives about HV. I always found it amazing that so many from diverse backgrounds and experiences were able to come together and bond as one cohesive group. We were able to discuss issues logically and coherently. Yes, sometimes we disagreed, but it was in a respectful manner for each others opinions. A great dialog was formed that allowed us to grow and learn from each other.

Each day, I looked forward to visiting the forum. It was a place to gather knowledge of current events, support each other, enjoy "fun" threads, and to support common goals that we chose to be interested in pursuing.

JamieKuuipo · gold

In reading all the posts in this thread I am reminded of what the village was to all of us. I will add that you don't know what you have until it is taken away.

I did not realize how much I would miss the village (the people) until it was gone the people we prayed for the people we encouraged the people we lit candles for.
Suddenly no other forum would do, until the people were found.

The advise and the encouragement the energy, the enthusiasm there is no way we could ever duplicate the village without the people of the village.

As I read the names of posters here and there comments I say to myself Thank God he or she is here, to every single poster. I am so happy that we found each other.

jdona · Platinum

The village was hacked? How is that possible? Isn't it against the law? Are they coming back? God, I hate not knowing anything! My husband was sick and we were taking care of him, and I am so out of the loop!

Carolyn_Rodham · gold

Heck, the Village was about the only place to get any news about Hillary! Hope that continues to be the case here. Like: did anyone hear that Hillary is now out of debt, in fact $3 million in the black. Hmmm....wonder what that money will go towards? ;)

Hillarysmygirl16 · Administrator

Carolyn_Rodham wrote:

Heck, the Village was about the only place to get any news about Hillary! Hope that continues to be the case here. Like: did anyone hear that Hillary is now out of debt, in fact $3 million in the black. Hmmm....wonder what that money will go towards? ;)

Yes we will continue to put on as much Hillary as possible. She has her own forum and of course she can be posted here on main.
This forum is very much Pro Hillary

foxyladi14 · Platinum

Carolyn_Rodham wrote:

Heck, the Village was about the only place to get any news about Hillary! Hope that continues to be the case here. Like: did anyone hear that Hillary is now out of debt, in fact $3 million in the black. Hmmm....wonder what that money will go towards? ;)

we gotta have our daily Hillary fix..

Amy Dugan · Platinum

as a swing voter and new democrat of the DLC the village made me feel like i fit in with them

i got a lot of comments about my Bill Clinton posts and blog. HV probably has a lot of blue dogs and reagan dems who voted for Bill Clinton

villager4ever · Platinum

I visited Hillary Village Forum regularly in addition to be the administrator of hillaryvillagers website. I always considered it to be our sister site who shared a common thread of longing to see Hillary ascend on the steps of 1600 PA Avenue. Names were familiar, message comforting and supportive. The HV Forum was filled with compassionate, knowledgeable people, great articles, comments and a phenomenal collection of images and videos. It was the only place I went to to post as an inspiring reminder of Hillary's historical campaign.

The HV site may have been 'destroyed' but the spirit remains, and that is what everyone must cherish, to hold on to and rebuild from the beautiful memories of the past. I had the distinct privilege of conversing with so many of you (via email) on the day the gate was locked. I share your frustrations. But we just move on, the others will find you, the others have gone away. But here we are, picking up the pieces of a village that will be even stronger. Keep up the good work, have faith and KEEP GOING!

Justmy02 · silver

Who hacked HV, and why? As an earlier poster asked, is that not against the law?

I hope this forum is just the same as HV, includes all points of view, and particularly promotes fair treatment for women everywhere!