I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the idea that Obama is not responsible for the behavior of the screaming misogynists who support him. I mean, who can control internet creeps anyways, right?

Except that there is a bigger problem. You are responsible for the kind of environment you create. That is why I am diligent about screening out misogynist and MRA comments. I did allow a comment through on the trans kids post that was obviously transphobic (play acting?) to refute it. It’s a delicate choice sometimes between allowing for discussion and giving room to refute arguments, and just letting the asshole take over. Judging from the numbers of repeat comments from misogynists who are banned and sent to permanent comment moderation, I have been pretty good at choosing correctly so far.

Obama may not be personally trolling blogs that don’t support him. But he has created an environment where stifling the opposition and harassing women are seen as appropriate tools for political gain.