Afternoon Open - A Tribute to Olive Oyl

The Pub is going to open at 5:00PM PST/8:00PM EST today. We'd like to take this opportunity to address a thing or two and offer up a topic.

The first thing: We've had a couple of questions about our policy and where the line is. They're very good questions, as we realize the line isn't always clear. Maybe some explanation of the spirit of the policy will help:

We really are seeking to move forward. Staying in the past, well...it's like looking too much into your rear-view mirror when you're driving. Just not a great idea. Or getting stuck in a muddy rut. It feels pretty good to get moving again. (Please note: we're not comparing anyplace or anyone to a muddy rut - we're talking about getting stuck in place, and being paralyzed there.)

That's what we want to do. Get moving again.

And here's the thing - out of thousands of posts, we've had to remove very few - we mean very few. We aren't counting, but it's probably been fewer than twenty. And of those, most have been very benign and well-meaning...but the reason we're removing even some benign comments is that we believe they could lead others to respond, and before long, that's what people are talking about.

So the bottom line is that we're seeking to keep everyone looking toward the road ahead while they're here - and if you say something that's benign on a topic we may be avoiding, it may very well be removed - but it's honestly not personal, and we ask that you please not take it that way. It's just for the purpose of moving the community forward and building our own identity. And please know this: we are tremendously grateful to this community for helping to make it a positive, friendly, and forward-looking place to visit. We're having a great time, and we hope you are too.

NOW. We have a job for you. Inspired by a post in the last thread, we'd like to challenge everyone to offer their own analysis or observations of a favorite cartoon character through the prism of the political. To help you frame yours, we give you this excellent example written by Ms. Doppleganglander:

C2, Olive Oyl promotes unrealistic body images for women. She's not very empowered in her relationships with men, either.

The men aren't much better. Bluto needs anger management classes. And why is Popeye always eating canned spinach? He needs to set a better example by eating fresh organic, locally grown spinach. He should also stop relying on violence so much and use conflict resolution skills to reach a peaceful resolution with Bluto. But what do you expect from a career military man?

So take your shot, if you want to. If you'd rather hang and talk about something else, that's cool too. But we liked this. Thanks doppleganglander!