How important is it to debunk these lies?

I did a little google search on the latest troll post and it was debunked in about 15 mins.

While I was searching I see that freepers are ecstatic in their thoughts they have a smoking gun on Obama.

Is it worth it to simply debunk it and put a stop to it or let them carry on and make a fool of themselves as they try to push it?

Some people will believe what they want no matter what the facts are

They know TEH TROOTH, dammit!

for those who want to have "indepth" discussions with idiots. It makes my perceptions more believable when I have the documented truth behind the lies. Just my thoughts...

Sometimes they do take root if they're not shot down. I want to post what I found but I don't want to go against the wishes of the board.

and some of them won't let go of the lie because it keeps the other side on the defense..always having to defend against the lie.

The useful idiots that actually believe the lie, no matter how much evidence to the contrary is presented, will not accept the truth because then it requires them to change their thinking. Changing their thinking challenges their entire being...and they are quite comfortable in their ignorance. It shields them. It protects them. It doesn't demand anything from them.

but I always try to debunk. Even if you don't sway them, they'll at least know you don't agree with them (I think these people believe everyone thinks like they do :eyes:). And I'll always debunk if it means getting off someone's e-mail distribution list. :)

BTW: You can search here as well --

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=284

I didn't know that forum existed. I will post it there. :)

upstream have suggested debunking has limited value as some people have a fixed mindset and don't want to be bothered with the facts.

In spite of this, I believe debunking beats the hell out of ignoring, because ignoring has no value.

I believe to give up and not to debunk either lands you in 1930s Germany or the 1950s McCarthy era U.S.

I have had several of 'those' letters about 'Muslim' Obama and what was supposed to be in his books (and was not), etc. I told one friend - a far-right Born-Again - that I did not want to talk Religion or Politics. But, she kept sending these terrible lies in emails to me. So, I broke down and wrote her a polite letter stating that my mother had always taught me not to gossip, especially about things that could hurt people - not a Christian thing to do - then I jumped to each topic that the junk letter stated and debunked it. Like, asking her if she actually knew the person who had sent it and if that person were her friend, etc. I guess I challanged her to prove the truths to me. Well, I haven't received one of those poison letters from her in a long time, though I doubt if it changed her. But, at least I don't have to read that crap anymore. :7 Oh yes, I also sent one of the letters to Barack's campaign and let her know that I sent it. Guess she didn't like that. amberlight38 ;-)

I think the lie should be debunked at least once so that people can refer back to it.

Otherwise, I don't mind these nutjobs wasting their last week trying to push a story that can be easily refuted.

Let them push their fake stories in their echo chambers and carry on like howler monkeys in some abandoned zoo.

Meanwhile, we'll be out walking the streets, giving people rides to the polls and making those calls. I think we will make more productive use of these last 10 days.

Not every one who reads DU, posts, nor is everyone who reads DU here to stay. They may have just come upon a thread through a google search. Leaving a lie there without thought of who may come upon it could lead to someone innocent of internet message boards thinking the lie is a fact. I debunk and present facts when I am able to do so. I hope others would do the same.

Unless it's an obvious troll bent on nothing but disruption, much like the lameness today, I will address the lies and r/w talking points and do my damnedest to shred their lies and talking points. If I had as much time on my hands as they seem to, I'd do more. :)

As it is, I rely on fellow DUers to remember the troll is not the only one reading and to post the facts for DUers, lurkers, passers by, and casual browsers to read and learn.

That's my opinion and my motive. YMMV.

:hi: