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on 8 December 2008 (#17434002)

“One of the dangers in a White House ... you get wrapped up in groupthink." ~Barack Obama

Statement of purposeTo critique policy.

To encourage discussion, dissent and vigorous debate concerning the policies of the Obama Administration.

To foster an environment in which members disagree agreeably over the policies of the Obama Administration.

ontd_political, obama_2008 and president_obama all foster environments of appreciation and support, whereas politicsforum and talk_politics are often overridden by snark. Anti-Obama communities, like those aforementioned, serve to reinforce the mindsets of their members; this community hopes to differ in that regard. Mindsets don't often change overnight, but they do often change, albeit gradually. Leftists, centrists, and right-wingers alike are welcome.

The danger of groupthink

“One of the dangers in a White House, based on my reading of history, is that you get wrapped up in groupthink, and everybody agrees with everything, and there's no discussion and there are not dissenting views. So I'm going to be welcoming a vigorous debate inside the White House. But I understand, I will be setting policy as president. I will be responsible for the vision that this team carries out, and I expect them to implement that vision, once decisions are made. So as Harry Truman said, the buck will stop with me." ~Barack Obama (12/1/08)

RulesStrong, contrasting opinions are encouraged; disrespect is not.

A pattern of posts or comments that provoke more drama than ideas may result in banning.

The importance of respect

"The one thing that I think is important is that we’re respectful towards each other. And what is true is I believe that the only way we’re going to solve our problems in this country is if all of us come together—black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, young, old, disabled, gay, straight. That I think has got to be our agenda." ~Barack Obama (8/1/08)

Quotes

"We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it."
~Edward R. Murrow

"Here in America we are descended in blood and in spirit from revolutionists and rebels—men and women who dare to dissent from accepted doctrine. As their heirs, we may never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion."
~Dwight D. Einsenhower

"Without debate, without criticism, no administration and no country can succeed—and no republic can survive."
~John F. Kennedy

"The beginning of thought is in disagreement—not only with others but also with ourselves."
~Eric Hoffer

"I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends."
~Abraham Lincoln

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