THIS POST IS UPDATED AND REVISED FROM LAST NIGHT. APOLOGIES FOR THE CONFUSION.
Since returning from Denver, the blog has exploded. We have double the number of daily hits; double the number of new members; and double the number of trolls.
The Puma PAC blog has had 2,151,892 visits since I put it up on June 3rd. I’ve written 191 (192 with this one) posts in 88 days and readers have posted 130,163 comments. I’ve deleted a few hundred comments and banned about a dozen trolls. Not bad, in my opinion. As I’ve said before, our readers and commenters are WONDERFUL. Only a very small number of creeps have sneaked in and been able to post ugly comments.
The last three months have been quite a learning experience for me. I feel like I could write a Sociology dissertation based on what I’ve learned about people by reading what you all have written here on the threads and in the dungeon (where the trolls’ comments are held until deletion). I’ve received over 10,000 emails — personally to me at murphy@pumapac.org (not including the dozen or so additional mailboxes at pumapac) — and read (almost) every one.
I’ve always been a solitary person. I’ve spent most of my life with very few, if any, real friends. The people I’m closest to are my immediate and extended family, and for the past 16 years my children. I tend to keep my thoughts and my feelings to myself. I don’t usually find myself in situations where people are inclined to understand me. But, today I have at least ten people I can count as true friends. They know who they are. In addition to them, I also have hundreds, maybe a thousand, people whom I have come to know and understand and feel close to personally because of this blog. The insights I have gained and the connections I have developed with them are precious to me.
From sandipuma to kerri; from kendalblue to freddiebrown; from pamawao to mountainsong; from inhanyou to terrydo; from katinyourhat to neworleanspuma (please be safe); from doria to dragonfly to nycgirl to halligan; from gogandalf to wizard to goalucard to pa4hillary. Honest to god I could go on and on. From go-ohio-lady to by-the-lake- to texas-sherry to dcinvegas. From Michelle47 to MaryJo. From BettyJean in PA to Robin in DE. I am a wiser and better person as a result of knowing you and learning from you. Belinda in Utah — I think of you every day.
There has been quite a bit of confusion the last two days. It will take a few days to settle down, so I’m not afraid of the disarray, but I do believe we must address it head-on. We now face a general election with two bad choices. One for an unready democrat and the other for a republican. We know the republican will win, but this is not a cause for celebration. It is a call to Action. A call to reform our party — to reform our primary system — and to replace our leadership. As Pumas we will either vote Nothing On Top or vote McCain in protest. But our REAL work is in reforming our party. That is what Puma PAC will be focused intensely on for the next 2 and a half months.
But, until then — we need a breather. We need to regroup and settle down. I’m tired. For 88 days I’ve been writing, thinking, planning, and acting. I’ve tried to lead, direct, and guide. I’ve tried to delegate, calm, and reassure. I’ve tried to look good on tv and sound good on radio. I’ve tried to be smart and savvy and strategic. Not sure how well I’ve succeeded, but please know how sincerely I have tried.
I have asked you for money and you have given it — in small amounts and large. I am humbled by your generosity, as I’ve said many times. Because of you the Puma Movement was an International Sensation in Denver. Because of you the DNC is on the run. I get letters and cards in the mail every day from people, regular people, in California, Missouri, New York, and Ohio, who want us to succeed. They — YOU — send small and large checks to make it happen. Of the 130,000-plus comments that have been posted on our blog, less than FIVE have been blatantly racist. I am astounded by the sincerity of the hope and determination of the PEOPLE of the Puma Movement who have committed to this cause. We are DEMOCRATS — VOTERS — who have united to make change in our political system. It will take Time and Unity.
But there is one thing that has troubled me for some time. We get quite a lot of hate mail and quite a lot of hate comments. I’ve stopped answering phone calls from blocked numbers because of the number of hate calls I receive. I ignore them, delete them, and move on. But in the last week or so the number and intensity has increased tremendously.
I learned today that one of the anti-puma hate sites has posted personal and attacking references to Diane Mantovalous and me and others. They have also tried to dig into the pasts and personal lives of other Pumas. They have also attacked my mother. Listen up Pumas, if you are in any way public as a Puma be prepared to have any and every embarrassing, disparaging, and damaging fact from your life publicized and ridiculed. If you’ve had a DUI or a speeding ticket, watch out. If you’ve had a business go bankrupt or a check bounced, watch out. If you’ve been divorced or sued, watch out. If you’ve been photographed topless or drunk, watch out. If your lights have been turned off because you couldn’t pay the bill; if your children have been in trouble or you changed your voter registration or moved — WATCH OUT. They are coming for us and they will exploit every angle they possibly can.
For a long time now I’ve wanted to share with you some of the hateful comments we receive here, but I’ve hesitated. It can be discouraging and distracting. But, this is a regrouping weekend, and I think you should know. Probably a lot of our readers are inured to this stuff and don’t even consider it bad — but I do. I’ve been holding these comments in moderation for several days because I’m not sure what to do what them.
I want you to read them. There are lots of swear words and gross references. I want you to realize that most of these comments are from Democrats. Why is it, as Freddie so eloquently pointed out downstairs, that this kind of speech is acceptable? Why is that?
WARNING: The content of this post contains MANY expletives; MANY sexual references; and MANY instances of what I call “hate speech” (even if the laws of the USA do not characterize sexist speech as hate speech, I sure as hell DO (I’m with you FreddieBrown))
Wow. She’s mad at Obama because he won the popular primary vote, so now Murphy will throw her support behind the GOP.
I respect being mad about the primary. I do not respect being a liar for Fox News. Murphy is now an Ann Coulter. She makes her living off hate and racism and is actively promoting division within the Democratic Party.
Thanks Murphy. Go volunteer for military service if you’re so eager to promote the GOP.
From , 2008/08/30 at 2:57 PM
PUMA places politics over policy, just like Nader did in ‘04. People like Murphy can spew her ugly bitterness in places like FOXNEWS.
You won’t be a spoiler Murphy. Murphy is all about ripping the DNC without offering any solutions:
So let’s get this woman’s positions in the clear now:
Is she pro choice?
From , 2008/08/30 at 11:26 AM
ok, So I am going to say this, because someone has to. You PUMAs voted for a vagina, not for a movement. You say that you will vote for McCain when he voted against equal work for equal pay, when he stands against everything that Hillary represents. I am a Hillary supporter, I campaigned, told my friends, had stickers in my car and everything. But you gotta put country ahead of feelings. The country is in very bad shape, if you vote against senator Obama, you will be ensuring another 4 years at least of the same. We have a chance this november to fix it. Maybe Hillary won’t be president, but she will be a champion in the Senate. She opened doors for women to run, but don’t vote just for any woman, vote for the right woman. This Palin selection should be an insult to you. They are saying that you are not thinking, that you can replace Hillary Clinton with anyone. You were with Hillary, why? because she is a woman, or because of her message? Think it through, that’s all I can ask
From , 2008/08/30 at 8:36 AM
This P.U.M.A movement is quite humorous…a rather large group of embittered, bigoted women who have come together to avenge Hillary’s self-inflicted defeat. I am so happy - elated - over the fact that the Democratic Convention was a smashing success! And I was highly pleased with the scant coverage that PUMA received. PUMA has earned a just reputation as an increasingly irrelevant and highly intolerant clan. Or perhaps “Klan” might be the correct term to describe your…dubious assemblage.
If you PUMA’s think the Palin VP pick is a viable choice as an alternative to Obama, then you really are a bunch of dumb, self-absorbed ignoramuses. I was a huge Hillary supporter, and still wish she won the nomination. But she didn’t, and so to enact policies that are most similar to Hillary’s, and to honor her specific request of her supporters, I am happily voting for Obama. Palin is simply completely wrong on every issue. If you are voting for her simply because she has a vagina, then…Wow. Darragh….you do not have “millions” of supporters.
From , 2008/08/29 at 9:43 PM
The funny part is that Darragh Murphy has fooled all of you she is a Republican. Paid for and bought. How can you support a woman such as Hilary who stood for equal rights, is a staunch pro choice advocate and support John McCain who has already made it clear that he will put pro life judges on the bench and voted AGAINST the violence against women bill or a woman who claims to be a feminist but was a former beauty pageant runner up and pro lifer. Hilary would be ashamed of all of you PUMA idiots. By the way Darragh Murphy is a racist pig.
From The New Democratic Party, 2008/08/29 at 6:06 PM
Attention McCainiacs!
We will prevail! I promise you that are efforts are not in vain! In time, our cunt licker will triumph! If you doubt me, look to past victories. We have conquered the cunts before and we will conquer the cunts again! There is no cunt who can stand in our way! Even McCain’s cunt is by our side! Our efforts to transform the Democratic Party will NOT go unnoticed! We shall overcome, and the real voice of democracy will be felt in November, when McCunt’s platform reigns over these United States!
From Silly, Silly, Silly, 2008/08/29 at 5:47 AM
Yes we can? You facists.
From Nothing On Top, 2008/08/29 at 12:47 AM
LET’S QUELL ALL DISSENT ON OUR WEBSITE. YEAH THAT’S THE AMERICAN WAY. YOU FASCISTS.
From Silly, Silly, Silly, 2008/08/28 at 10:19 PM
PUMAs peep-up. Get out of line now and you will be out of OUR party now.
From Countdown to Denver - 24 hours and counting!, 2008/08/28 at 9:03 AM
BUT REALLY. You guys are some Losers!!! lol you are the kids who sat alone at lunch in high school!!! HAAAHAA! “PUMAS” What a gay name!
Oh yeah, werent you guys supposed to “Take the fight to the floor of the convention”? I thought there was supposed to be anarchy. Seems to me that all you guys are doing is helping my president. Way to lower expectations people. Thanks for the help.
You guys even suck at losing!!!! lol!!
From Peace, and a Plan, 2008/08/28 at 3:10 AM
lol…you guys are funny! lol you give new meaning to the term sore Losers. I emphasize the word Losers. you guys are gonna be shitting all over yourselves when Barack is elected. I’m gonna make sure I come back to this site in November just for a good laugh. ROFL!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Losing sucks doesn’t it?!!! HAHAHA!
From Peace, and a Plan, 2008/08/28 at 3:07 AM
Where the hell were you PUMAS the last 8 years while Bush raped and plundered this country and its citizens? Where were you bozos while Bush murdered sons and daughters in Iraq, Innocent women and children of Iraq. It took you this long to find out that there is no true democracy in this country, that both parties are comprised of major shareholders and that corporate interests rule us all? You should have fought against this truth for the last 8 years instead of now going against the party that at least will give SOME consideration to the poor and middle class who are in desperate need. We all own our votes but its not about me or you. Its about the country as a whole. You PUMAS are a joke and when McCain is elected maybe then when your children can’t read past a 5th Grade level and you can no longer afford health care and finally when your sons and daughters are drafted, maybe then you’ll get your heads out of your asses. Your points are pointless and you are no different than those crazy fundamentalist christians denouncing abortion on the sides of America’s freeways. If you can’t deal with reality then move to Canada. Don’t ruin it for those of us who can.
From Thank you Hillary Clinton - We’ll take it from here., 2008/08/28 at 2:14 AM
McCain is a warmonger and a crook. He is also very dumb. 894 out of a class of 899. Crashed four planes BEFORE he was shot down. Had melanoma four times. Cheated on his disabled wife with his drug-sniffing mistress, Cindy — a beer heiress. Nice selection.
From Thank you Hillary Clinton - We’ll take it from here., 2008/08/27 at 7:52 PM
What a bunch of crybabies. That’s it. Vote for McCain and ignore everything Hillary stands for. It’s consistent with the hate being spewed on this website.
From Keep Running, 2008/08/27 at 3:44 PM
I am convinced most of you are Republicans trying to divide the democratic party. I know this for sure. Fox? McCain? Yea you’re Republicans. This PUMA thing is definately a set up. Another swift boat Republican tactic. Good Luck cus all you’re doing is making democrats even stronger
From MSNBO!, 2008/08/27 at 12:40 PM
Do you guys wish Barack Obama would get killed so Hillary can become president? I hope you know if he loses his supporters will not vote for hillary neither when she runs again. It will be a process that will go on forever. She’s over it so we should all get over it too and move on. Hillary will still look after us and she will make sure Obama pushes all the policies she wants for us…isn’t that what this is about? Policies. She can still get all that done. You know she’s a fighter. Let’s get behind him because McCain’s camp is trying to make us look bad..as if we’re tools or something and we’re going to just jump on his side. Vote Obama or just stay home. Let’s not give it to McCain
From Delegates Mad as Hell: Scramble for Floor Vote, 2008/08/27 at 11:54 AM
Universal healthcare, equal pay for women, withdraw the troops from Iraq, explore energy alternatives, fund and improve No Child Left Behind, create jobs at home.
These are the issues that Hillary Clinton cares so much about. These are the issues that John McCain could care less about.
A vote for John McCain is a slap in the face of Hillary Clinton. Now is the time to show who you really are — a disappointed Hillary backer or a Republican shill. Stand up and be counted, girls.
From Keep Running, 2008/08/27 at 11:12 AM
I have been reading these blogs on and off since this site began and i must say people like you are the reason your country is in serious trouble. Hillary and Barack have pretty much the same platform with the same ideas, yet you people like everything else in your lives turn this into a game. Reading your posts is like reading a blog for American Idol. I haven’t read one post that talks about the actual issues of America, except for….”I don’t care that John McCain is pro life…I can’t have kids anymore anyways”. You really think that you people are doing anything constructive? you know what would help. if instead you put the keyboard away….got up and helped out someone in need. donate money to help someone. Giving money to hillary what a joke! This blog sounds like a 6 year old sand box. You all should really be ashamed of yourselfs.
From Keep Running, 2008/08/27 at 9:43 AM
I think this is a wonderful site for all of you rethuglicans to try to bring down Obama. It shows your true colors and hatred for all things American. To be sure, I’ve never been as disgusted with the GOP as I am when I read the Obama bashing on this site. If you people were actually Democrats, there would be no way you would allow the likes of Mcbush to get his liver-spotted hands on this nation. Should that happen, kiss the Supreme Court goodbye, with it, say goodbye to fair business practices, any kind of regulations on businesses, checks and balances on the presidency, a woman’s right to choose, to get birth control and to be cared for after a rape. Say goodbye to even more ecological laws, more oil, less alternative energy, a weaker middle class and a smaller elite class, religion’s further stranglehold on government, and a weakening of our position in the world as a result of a consistent saber-rattling out of the Oval Office. If Mcbush gets the presidency, those are just a small amount of the fun you will have visited on the USA.
If you are REALLy Democrats, what I just wrote should scare the helloutta you. If you are are what I think you all are, a bunch of repugs, then what I wrote should make you pretty happy. After all, to be a rethuglican, you must be a traitor to this nation. No honest American could EVER support the GOP, not after the last 8 years.
I’ve said my piece, I’m sure I’ll be banned from the site after this. After all, rethuglicans hate people who talk back, who speak up.
From Delegates Mad as Hell: Scramble for Floor Vote, 2008/08/27 at 9:27 AM
Are you all fucking brain dead?
From Keep Running, 2008/08/27 at 1:45 AM
loser cunts!!! lol!!!
From Delegates Mad as Hell: Scramble for Floor Vote, 2008/08/26 at 11:34 PM
Give Kennedy some respect, Bill will get Obama a Blowjob soon enough
From MSNBO!, 2008/08/26 at 12:43 AM
PUMA!
The home of the Bitter and the Brave.
From 3:00 MDT Update from Denver!, 2008/08/24 at 8:28 PM
http://skreened.com/runningmates/ob-08-obama-biden-to-stanch-the-flow-t-shirt
the blood of 18 million voters.
From Live Bloggin, 2008/08/24 at 8:18 PM
Have you all thought about stagging an O.B. tampon (teepee) party? How can two misoginists from the North with any state in the South? Clinton/Richardson for Women and Hispanics to Unite!
From Live Bloggin, 2008/08/24 at 4:58 PM
