Off-topic thread about local military family in need

[Anonymous]

Jeff, I'm wondering what you think about that thread and if it should be removed. I've been on DCUM a long time but the hostile responses to this family's situation turns my stomach. I realize that doesn't necessarily mean it should be removed, but it's possible that a friend or family member of the woman who passed away could come across the thread.

[Anonymous]

"turn", not "turns", in case grammar police are out!

[jsteele]

I am very disappointed in some of the responses in that thread. I can only assume that the holiday season is having a negative effect on some posters. One would expect that a forum consisting primarily of mothers would be capable of much more compassion then is demonstrated in that thread. Also, for all of those who have been theorizing that increased negativity on DCUM is a result of people from outside the region posting here, the negative posts were all from this area (though not from DC itself, thankfully).

With all that said, I am not in favor of removing the thread. I prefer that our kinder-hearted users take advantage of that thread to show another side of DCUM. Hopefully, they can flood that thread with positive posts.

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:I am very disappointed in some of the responses in that thread. I can only assume that the holiday season is having a negative effect on some posters. One would expect that a forum consisting primarily of mothers would be capable of much more compassion then is demonstrated in that thread. Also, for all of those who have been theorizing that increased negativity on DCUM is a result of people from outside the region posting here, the negative posts were all from this area (though not from DC itself, thankfully).

With all that said, I am not in favor of removing the thread. I prefer that our kinder-hearted users take advantage of that thread to show another side of DCUM. Hopefully, they can flood that thread with positive posts.

I was completely shocked when reading that thread last night. I read it to my husband who grew up in a military family and he was very disheartened to hear the reactions of folks. He had hoped it was that DCUM had gotten some "national" play and that these weren't people from the area. I'm sad to see they are, but glad that they aren't from DC (my own person DC rocks bias!)

Like you, I'm hoping holiday stress with the economy is really hitting people hard and they will reconsider when they wake up on 12/26.

[jsteele]

Okay, after receiving considerable feedback that the thread should be removed (including a request from the OP), I have removed it.

[Anonymous]

I was one of the last posters. I have put the USO in contact with the family via the points of contact on the Facebook page.

Also, just for clarification- they requested that anyone that had a recipe belonging to the mother to return them to the point of contact so that a book could be passed down to her children. They weren't expecting the children to start doing the cooking and care!

Best to all that cared enough to support this family.